Tank Specifications and Equipment
Tankmaker: Coral Reef Aquarium 5 x 2.5 x 2.5
Although I have gotten a Pre-Owned arowana tank. It was apparent that the workmanship for the cabinet was good and the tank's joints and bracing were done very neatly and professionally. I had ordered a new sump from CRA and the workmanship was just as good delivery was also prompt and on time.
The original tank was reinforced by Euro Bracing with a 6 inch center bracing which I was afraid will obstruct the levels of light reaching the center of aquarium. I had decided to replace it with a 3 inch center bracing to still provide support to the center of the tank while at the same time maximising light levels. It was perhaps a safer option to choose as i had a 2.5ft deep tank and the pressure weighing on the center of the tank will be quite considerable. That too was done by CRA.
Light: ATI Sunpower 8 x 80W (Controllable)
I was using a Single End 400W MH pendant for my old 3ft tank. It certainly brought up the colours of my previous tank but it was at the expense of high electrical bills and a very hot living room. So I had decided to invest in a proven ATI fixture with controllable settings. Ordered at a competitive price from AM but it took a long time to arrive and set back the tank for a considerable period of time. I am still experimenting with the tube configuration but currently it is at 3 Blue plus, 3 Aquablue special, 1 Coral Plus and 1 Purple plus.
Return Pump: 2x Laguna Max Flo 9000l
I had chosen AC over DC pumps as most of the DC brands uses China made drivers, if not brands like Abyzz is too expensive. Bought Laguna Pumps as they were made from askoll blocks and had quite good reviews from different forum and websites. It also provided a very good flow rate compared to the power wattage it uses. 2 return pumps were purchased and plumbed using a one way check valve for redundancy. Had also Tee-ed off the return to feed my Calcium Reactor, Biopellet Reactor and Chiller.
Skimmer: Skimz SL200 Leopard Protein Skimmer
Again it uses the askoll pump block and price wise cheaper compared to European models.
Chiller: Hailea HS90-A
I set my chiller to about 28 degrees. Do not think that it will be utilised that heavily. Also, I did not have the luxury of space to use a compressor for a drop in coil. So chose a affordable model here.
Calcium Reactor: Reef Octopus
For workmanship and reliability compared to affordability. I think RO fits the bill.