Classroom Tank Set-up Help

Hello everyone. I am a high school biology teacher. I am setting up a reef tank next fall for my classroom. It will be a year long project that I am piecing together now. I have an AIO JBJ65 as the tank and two Ocean Revive t247 LED lights. I am looking for advice in regard to protein skimmer, ATO system, return pumps for flow and heater. Also interested in getting advice on any other "bells and whistles" equipment that will allow for a greater chance of success. Looking for good quality options and possible used equipment availability here as well. I have done smaller scale reef tanks in the past at my home, but never in my classroom. Thanks in advance for your help.

Hey, welcome to SDreefs. Seems like you’re on the right track with that setup. I used to run those ocean revive lights and they can grow everything up to medium difficulty sps.

I’d look into some kind of media tray upgrades since it’s an all in one system. Usually pretty helpful to add some additional bio filtration or something like carbon without hassle. Also, I just prefer changing filter floss rather than cleaning out filter socks for mechanical filtration.

One of my favorite reef tank YouTube channels is CJ’s Aquariums and he’s actually doing a build series on the JBJ 65. I’d definitely recommend checking it out!


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Planing to astart during vacation or as class starts to teach them...???

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Thanks for the response TYDY. I actually bought the JBJ65 because I saw it on CJ’s channel. I got in contact with him and he gave me some pretty good direction. I will be taking your advice on the additional bio filtration, maybe pond matrix? Struggling with the return pump purchase. I know flow is important, but man those Gyres and MP10 get pretty expensive. Ideas?

Sushiboy I am looking to purchase all the necessary equipment in the summer, but not start the actual build until the students get into class in late August.

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Originally Posted by Johnnymont9

Sushiboy I am looking to purchase all the necessary equipment in the summer, but not start the actual build until the students get into class in late August.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnnymont9

Thanks for the response TYDY. I actually bought the JBJ65 because I saw it on CJ’s channel. I got in contact with him and he gave me some pretty good direction. I will be taking your advice on the additional bio filtration, maybe pond matrix? Struggling with the return pump purchase. I know flow is important, but man those Gyres and MP10 get pretty expensive. Ideas?

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Marine depot has financial options when you buy $200 or more... thats how i got my lighting and also some gyres... i pay arround 70 a month...

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Hit me up when the tank is up and I will donate frags


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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Johnnymont9

Thanks for the response TYDY. I actually bought the JBJ65 because I saw it on CJ’s channel. I got in contact with him and he gave me some pretty good direction. I will be taking your advice on the additional bio filtration, maybe pond matrix? Struggling with the return pump purchase. I know flow is important, but man those Gyres and MP10 get pretty expensive. Ideas?

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The Jebao wavemakers are great on a budget. The latest series I think is the OW, but the old ones are good too. I saw some cheap RW series on here recently.

I like Eheim's return pumps - cool, quiet, simple, price is good.

Same with heater - eheim is as good as I've found for the money. I like to pair that with an STC-1000 temperature controller (~$15) and a fan or three for cooling/heating management.

A lot of interesting ATO options out there, I always like the tunze 3155.

I run tanks that are pretty heavy with macroalgae, so I haven't found it necessary to have a skimmer. Softies and LPS do fine in my tank, but I doubt I'd have much success if I threw SPS in. The SCA 301 skimmer pops up used often and for a good price around here.

I'd also be happy to donate a macro pack if you decide you'd like some.

ecompton I really appreciate it. I will surely take you up on that offer.

acbaldwin thanks for the information. I could possibly go with the more expensive (Gyre 330) return pump for flow if it will make a difference. Whats your take on that? I was really looking at the Tunze 3155 ATO. Was looking possibly at a Cad Light Skimmer that will fit the tank (saw it on CJ's Aquariums). Thanks for the donation offer.