Cali Kid Corals

Planning for a new full-size aquarium (Ultum R120 or R150?) and full automation

timmeh

timmeh

Supporting Member
BARcard
Hey all,

We are finally ready to pull the trigger on setting up a new, bigger tank. We've spent the last year getting our little 15 gallon nano healthy, stable, and, learning more about the life of reef keeping. Now, with this upcoming transition, I'm looking for a bit of advice!

For starters, we're planning to get a 48 or 60" tank (still deciding what we think will look best in the spot it will live.. and, if the bigger version dramatically complicates our lives when it comes to the water mixing station that'll live on the other side of the wall from the tank (in the garage). For coral, we like softies and LPS the most... and I'm not sure we'll ever really plan to have any SPS. As for fish, we actually prefer small fish... so, we'll have some, but likely keep the fish bioload fairly small.

Anyway, after all of my sniffing around, the Ultum tank line looks like a pretty great option for a few reasons:
  • The internal drains looks super clean and doesn't take up the entire back of the tank (unlike the Innovative Marine tanks which waste the entire back wall).
  • All the plumbing is precut, so I don't need to figure all that out myself
  • The sump looks incredibly smart, and is very space optimized. And I can swap out those crappy socks for a big-ass filter roller no problem.
  • The stands are aluminum, and not ugly at all.
  • I like the idea of the bevel-cut glass so that a scraper won't damage the silicone, and increase the risk of a tank failure. Plus the bevels mean more silicon-to-glass surface area, so even stronger.
With that said, I'd love to hear what quality-of-life things folks would add to their dream tanks (to make them as hands-off as possible, and stable if you had to be away from home for 2-4 weeks).

For example, I absolutely plan on fully automating water changes. It seems like the Dos pump is a common option, but when I look around online, it also looks like there are many other multi-pump systems and controllers. I am curious if anyone has a strong feeling of what the best automation platform is - even if it's pricey - that has the best chance of really making life simple and keeping things healthy.

When it comes to testing, I will admit I'm no sold on the Trident auto-testers... the reviews seem to indicate that they are incredibly unreliable. I'd love a viable option here, but I'm not sure one exists. As it stands, we have the Hannah Marine Master test system, and it's pretty simple (although still hands-on).

As for dosing, I'd also love to do all of this as automatically as possible, with a minimal number of things that can break down. For example, when I look into calcium reactors... it seems those are largely to avoid the cost of buying chemicals. I don't mind the cost of chemicals if it keeps things simple and reliable.

In any case, since I'm new to the bigger-tank game, if anyone here has any thoughts on, "Oh if I were starting from scratch, this is what I would do" or "Good god don't do that", I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. I'm hoping to get a big set of orders placed for equipment in the next month or so, so that we can really get this tank in place and starting to cycle before fall starts.
 
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@divewsharks has one of their tanks and he's in san jose as well. Maybe he could give you legitimate user based feed back on their set ups or let you check out his tank one day.

From seeing his tank in person it's amazing from a visual stand point. Even the edges on the tank had me in awe. It kinda felt like looking at a peice of art. Only my thoughts as far as appearance here so don't take this as a endorsment of any kind. I have no idea about these tanks functionality etc.

As far as controllers and dosing automation.

There are several options out there though I would be lying if I didn't say for most that it's really a choice be Neptune or hydros.

Hanna or salifert test kits are probably something I would still recommend even with auto testers like tridents or the maven when it eventually comes it.

I'm personally a hydros fan. It’s pretty easy to use and set up. Also lots of options. For the apex from watching viseos it seens a bit more complex to set it up at least to my amatuer eyes. People that have been having apexs/ tridents for years might find it just as easy to sort through.

As far as automatic testing hydros has the maven suppose to be coming out at some point but no actual date for it has been released. Many are looking foward to it myself included.


I can't speak much on the size difference between the two tanks your considering. Though I would personally get the larger one. Gives more fish options and space for corals. From doing a google search on the tanks you mentioned there doesn't seem to be a crazy size difference between the two. I would go with the 120 gallon over the 90gallon myself for reasons stated above.

Good luck, and I look foward to following your upgrade journey.

I think some one else may also have one of there tanks but I can't think of who right now. Maybe use the bar search option with tank names and see who pops up.
 
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timmeh said:
Hey all,

We are finally ready to pull the trigger on setting up a new, bigger tank. We've spent the last year getting our little 15 gallon nano healthy, stable, and, learning more about the life of reef keeping. Now, with this upcoming transition, I'm looking for a bit of advice!

For starters, we're planning to get a 48 or 60" tank (still deciding what we think will look best in the spot it will live.. and, if the bigger version dramatically complicates our lives when it comes to the water mixing station that'll live on the other side of the wall from the tank (in the garage). For coral, we like softies and LPS the most... and I'm not sure we'll ever really plan to have any SPS. As for fish, we actually prefer small fish... so, we'll have some, but likely keep the fish bioload fairly small.

Anyway, after all of my sniffing around, the Ultum tank line looks like a pretty great option for a few reasons:
  • The internal drains looks super clean and doesn't take up the entire back of the tank (unlike the Innovative Marine tanks which waste the entire back wall).
  • All the plumbing is precut, so I don't need to figure all that out myself
  • The sump looks incredibly smart, and is very space optimized. And I can swap out those crappy socks for a big-ass filter roller no problem.
  • The stands are aluminum, and not ugly at all.
  • I like the idea of the bevel-cut glass so that a scraper won't damage the silicone, and increase the risk of a tank failure. Plus the bevels mean more silicon-to-glass surface area, so even stronger.
With that said, I'd love to hear what quality-of-life things folks would add to their dream tanks (to make them as hands-off as possible, and stable if you had to be away from home for 2-4 weeks). Computer helps and stability comes with maturity and dosing

For example, I absolutely plan on fully automating water changes. It seems like the Dos pump is a common option, but when I look around online, it also looks like there are many other multi-pump systems and controllers. I am curious if anyone has a strong feeling of what the best automation platform is - even if it's pricey - that has the best chance of really making life simple and keeping things healthy. I have a customer that uses the DOS for his auto water change. No problems.

When it comes to testing, I will admit I'm no sold on the Neptune auto-testers... the reviews seem to indicate that they are incredibly unreliable. I'd love a viable option here, but I'm not convinced one exists. As it stands, we have the Hannah Marine Master test system, and it's pretty simple (although still hands-on). I use the KH Carer. I too dont trust the tridents. to me all the auto testers are just ballpark and a reference number to go by. Hannah and salifert I trust more for accurate results

As for dosing, I'd also love to do all of this as automatically as possible, with a minimal number of things that can break down. For example, when I look into calcium reactors... it seems those are largely to avoid the cost of buying chemicals. I don't mind the cost of chemicals if it keeps things simple and reliable. If your not going to keep SPS dont bother with the expense of a calcium reactor. 2 part for cal and alk on a doser will be enough.

In any case, since I'm new to the bigger-tank game, if anyone here has any thoughts on, "Oh if I were starting from scratch, this is what I would do" or "Good god don't do that", I would LOVE to hear your thoughts. I'm hoping to get a big set of orders placed for equipment in the next month or so, so that we can really get this tank in place and starting to cycle before fall starts. My best advise is to set up your reef so its easy to maintain. if things are difficult to get to or change out you will tend to procrastinate on those things until it needs immediate attention. Go 1 size bigger on your skimmer if you can.
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See red text in reply.
 
(MichaelB)
Oh that's amazing there is another person locally with one of their tanks! I'd love to hear his thoughts, and if there is anything I should consider when placing an order. And yeah, I am leeeeaning towards the 150, although my wife says, "Hmm isn't the 4' one big enough?". But... but is it?

Also I'm happy to hear that you like Hydros vs Apex. I don't mind the complexity of setting up the system and programming, but, I do want it to be absolutely reliable. I'll have to look more at the Hydros platform once I have an idea of all the various pieces of automation that need to be in this tank.

(Finnadict)
I hadn't seen the "KH Carer" before! Are you able to use the results of the test, in some way, to automatically effect your dosing? Or do you just have it take the readings, and then adjust the dosing on your own? Also, thanks for that advice on skipping the reactor - with all my reading, I was getting the feeling that I could probably just stick to dosing as needed. Now, if I did eventually get some small amount of SPS, does that just mean I'd need to dose more (at slightly higher expense)? Or is there something fundamentally different about a reactor that makes the tank more stable and reliable?

And yeah, you 100% hit on my primary goal - easy to maintain. If buying an oversized skimmer helps, I'll absolutely do that on day one.

Oh, and for example - I really never want to have to hand-fill an ATO. So for example, I need to figure out how to make sure that the ATO is happening automatically from the big RODI storage tank in a different room.
 
Be very cautious of how you handle the rodi reservoir to ato container. If a ato pump ever fails you wouldn't want your tank flooded with rodi water. Example a 10 gallon ato container dumped into a 120 gallon reef things would suck but chances are not everything would die. Totally different story if it's 50 gallons dumped into your tank instead of just the ato resivor.

I don't mean to imply that ato pumps fail often. They work right up until they don't. I would plan maybe a smart switch or pump from rodi storage tank so something you just have to hit on your phone to fill up the ato reservoir. Giving you control over that vesre trusting soley to equip or tech.

So twice a week my choore us filling up the various ato resivors. Verse filling up each individual tank daily. There are ways to make it take minutes with a pump and hoses, sometimes I break out the pump other times I just use buckets. (I'm filling up 5 different ato reservoirs by the way lol. 1 resivor would be crazy easy)

I further agree with finnaddict calc reactors wouldn't be needed for the tank your describing. There are seriously a crazy and endless amount kf Optional upgrades out there. Keep things simple to start. By the time your ready to upgrade something you will have been keeping the tank for a while and understand the reason for the upgrade when it comes to reactors, etc.

For dosing all for reef is mainly what I use, and esv 2 part. Either can work. Yet frankly with a brand new tank you probably wouldn't even need to dose as regular water changes would normally be sufficent until you have lots of coral where the demand is greater than whats replacsd by a water change.

Dosing options is a deep rabbit hole. You could dose 1 thing, 2/3 things are dose 20 different things based on icp test. Simple is all for reef or a simple 2 part dosing additive.

I would seriously not consider other methods until there is a legitimate need to based on corals and a maturing tank. For the first year or two simple works for more. I that time just keep researching, followingalong with other posts, and asking questions.
 
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timmeh said:
(MichaelB)
Oh that's amazing there is another person locally with one of their tanks! I'd love to hear his thoughts, and if there is anything I should consider when placing an order. And yeah, I am leeeeaning towards the 150, although my wife says, "Hmm isn't the 4' one big enough?". But... but is it?

Also I'm happy to hear that you like Hydros vs Apex. I don't mind the complexity of setting up the system and programming, but, I do want it to be absolutely reliable. I'll have to look more at the Hydros platform once I have an idea of all the various pieces of automation that need to be in this tank.

(Finnadict)
I hadn't seen the "KH Carer" before! Are you able to use the results of the test, in some way, to automatically effect your dosing? Or do you just have it take the readings, and then adjust the dosing on your own? Also, thanks for that advice on skipping the reactor - with all my reading, I was getting the feeling that I could probably just stick to dosing as needed. Now, if I did eventually get some small amount of SPS, does that just mean I'd need to dose more (at slightly higher expense)? Or is there something fundamentally different about a reactor that makes the tank more stable and reliable?

And yeah, you 100% hit on my primary goal - easy to maintain. If buying an oversized skimmer helps, I'll absolutely do that on day one.

Oh, and for example - I really never want to have to hand-fill an ATO. So for example, I need to figure out how to make sure that the ATO is happening automatically from the big RODI storage tank in a different room.
Click to expand...
I use the KH Carer just for KH reference, and then yes I adjust my CO2 and or Dosing pump to make changes if needed. You can use it to dose alk if you like. all the pumps are built in the unit.

If you have a few SPS, yes you will have to dose a bit more depending on their uptake. Calcium reactor if your going SPS dominant.

I use a tunze ATO and it pulls from a reservoir in the garage. I use a Tunze Turbelle high jet pump to push the water up into the ceiling, 30" over to the tank and down the wall. had to run a power cable extension from the garage to the controller under the stand as well. Hydros ATO works great too but not sure if they offer a larger pump
 
timmeh said:
  • The internal drains looks super clean and doesn't take up the entire back of the tank (unlike the Innovative Marine tanks which waste the entire back wall).
Click to expand...

Innovative Marine makes tanks both internal and external overflow options.

Look up the EXT innovative marine tanks.

www.innovative-marine.com

Shop | Innovative Marine Products

Shop Now | Innovative Marine's Official Store | Free Shipping on all orders* | NUVO aquariums and saltwater reef supplies.
www.innovative-marine.com www.innovative-marine.com

IMG_2165.jpeg
 
Take a look at this build for a few ideas and references - it’s Hydros all the way except Maven

Nabil's 81G Fiji Cube

Hi folks! Long time lurker in various reefing channels. My name is Nabil and I live in south San Jose near the top of the Alamaden area. I’ve decided to more actively engage in the community with my own build thread! I’ve been in the hobby since I was in high school (with some lengthy breaks...
www.bareefers.org
 
I have an empty IM 200ext complete with aps stand ready to go. Purchased about 1.5 year ago.

Really love the external overflow. Makes the tank look sleek .

sfbay.craigslist.org

Innovative Marine fish tank aquarium 200 gallon external overflow complete - furniture - by owner - sale - craigslist

Yes it's available. Please don't ask if it's available. It is! No scratch. Bought this new from IM February 2024. Upgraded to a bigger tank. Approximately 200 Gallons Dimensions: 70.9" x 30" x 21.7"...
sfbay.craigslist.org sfbay.craigslist.org
 
I'm biased of course, but if you want a different route, you could go with a CADE 1200 or 1500 in those dimensions. The side doors and integrated ATO have been pretty nice to work with. Only downside I've had is no Eurobrace to hold tools etc. but you can probably add one. Tariffs hit them hard this year, so they're pricier than when I got mine, but they might have another big labor day sale. Price does seem to be equivalent to the Ultum however.

If you do decide on the Ultum, hit up @robert4025 at Neptune Aquatics since I think he's a dealer. You also get a livestock discount and a free year of BAR supporting membership when you buy from him.
 
@albertlin has one and last I heard he wasn’t able to setup a ReefMat in the sump. Something to keep in mind since you mentioned going with a filter roller. Filter socks would be a dealbreaker for me
 
I do love IM - we have the 15 gal AIO from them and it’s great.

The real thing holding me back from the bigger IMs is their terrible sump system. They are super tricky to retrofit with a filter roller, and they seem to be very space inefficient within the stands. It’s frustrating because I love their brand and am happy to support them.

Also, while the EXTs seem cool, I definitely prefer the INT style. That way it can be exactly against the wall. I will also mount my lights the the wall and channel the wiring behind the drywall for an absolutely clean look.

And thank you everyone for all of your continues notes and suggestions! I’ll start puutting tougher my “build spec” with parts and ideas soon, and I’ll share back in here as it develops!

One thing I am curious about: Finnaddict mentioned bringing ATO water through the ceiling. One of the things I was actually considering doing is putting my RO and saltwater mixing tank on the side of the house outside, but that would require a roughly 40 foot run of RODI tubing through the attic (with
about 6’ of elevation gain). Has anyone here tried keeping their water source that far away from their tank? I’m just not sure if the small pumps are capable of pulling water such a long distance.
 
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