New 40 Gal Tank - Want to try reef tank....

[rbarr110]

OK, I have had FW systems in the past and really like salt water tanks. I am planning on going fish only for the first few months but would like to eventually ease into a reef rank.

I have been browsing through the forums trying to get an idea on what types of filter system and other items I should go with, even though I am starting with fish, I don't want to buy all new equipment if/when I want to go reef.

So I guess first off I am looking for equipment suggestions and setups. I am also hoping to find other Seattle people willing to offer suggestions on where to shop for items, and possibly even show me thier tanks so I can get a better idea of what I may be getting into.

edit - sorry forget to mention, I am very interested in finding a suitable protein skimmer for a 40 gallon tank.

Thanks so much

 

[Katchupoy]

RBARRO.... WELCOME, WELCOME, WELCOME TO REEFFRONTIERS...

I think it is better for you to start the thread by doing what do you have in mind. Then we will say if it is a sound or not.

You can also try this link...
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5896

and to read some more here....
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showpost.php?p=54238&postcount=3

Do you already have a tank? I assume that you have a 40 gallon tank....
A breeder?
What is the size?

 

[fishgills]

Good luck with you new adventure, you must read read read, here's a good link to start off with. http://www.reefcorner.com/reef keeping_101.htm

 

[rbarr110]

OK, Yes I have a brand new 40 Gal Acrylic Tank (Xmas present) 36"x15"x16" +/-

I have been reading Salt Water Aquariums For Dummies and getting the basics there, but the book does not go into alot of detail on reef setups. I plan on taking the process slow and doing it right the 1st time.

I was thinking for filter, using a canister type with a protein skimmer, do I need additional filtering? What is a good and reliable protein skimmer for 40 gallons?

I also want to use "live" sand. Any recommended types?

AS I mentioned in the first post I have been searching around and reading various things for help, but for the newb to Saltwater aquariums some of the things I am reading I don't necessarily understand exactly what it is saying. I figured real live response from a forum may help decipher my questions.

Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

drop tha canister type filter. If you do or already have, you can use it to house activated carbon. If you want to use sponge, then make sure that you clean/replace it weekly.

they dont recommend canister type because this can be a nitrate factory.

skimmer. there are tons. euroreef is a favorite. but you can use any.

Just make sure, that before you purchase, post/ask it here in your thread. then we can answer back at tell you if its ok or not.

live sand? why? this is another much debated question.

Barebottom? (no sand)
DSB? (deep sand bed)
or
an inch just to cover the bottom.

need to research on this....

hope this helps.

 

[rbarr110]

Looked at the Euroreef skimmers and the smallest one I could find is for tanks up to 75 gallons and runs $250. 75 gallons is nearly twice my tank size, is there a smaller Euroreef skimmer closer to my tank size. I have read that oversizing isn't bad, but if a smaller skimmer can do the work and save me a few bucks, I wouldn't mind. I found this skimmer, Nautilus Turbo Eductor Protein Skimmer, is it a decent skimmer? It is a more reasonable price,$160.00, but am I losing quality?
http://www.theaquariumonline.com/detail.aspx?ID=367

From what I have read, I should stay away from Seaclone skimmers. Correct?

In the Saltwater For Dumbasses book, the author (marine biologist and aquarium lover) said a canister filter was a decent idea. So in everyones opinion here a bad idea, or not just recomended? I do have a canister filter, Fluval 304, but it is un-opened and returnable. Take it back, or should I keep it and use it? It was also a gift accompnaying the tank.

Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

Hey, they do recommend to oversize your skimmer... it wont hurt.. also check that skimmers of yours if it includes pump... if it doesnt have one then it should almost be the same...

You can try these... this is one of the favorites of the smaller tanks..
http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_protein_skimmers_aquac_urchin.asp?CartId=

or try this...
Euroreef 5-3 for less than $250.00
http://mycoralbeauty.homestead.com/

or this one... refurbished ones from the manufacturer...
http://www.h2otropicals.com/

or how about the same skimmer but diff material and company... but the same pump...
http://www.globeaqua.com/index.html

 

[Katchupoy]

hmmm about the canister... thats a tough call only you can make...
maybe return it and add that money to the skimmer.

 

[WaterDogs]

I also prefer Euroreef skimmers and you almost can't over skim a tank. The general rule for sizing a skimmer is what the box saying it will do is really only half that amount. My skimmer is rated for a 400 gallon tank and I have it on a 75!

Dwaine

 

[rbarr110]

OK, I have decided to return the canister filter and go with this

Euroreef 5-3 for less than $250.00
http://mycoralbeauty.homestead.com/

They are local, I definately prefer to help a local shop out. Plus I think I work within a couple miles of them.

I am going to go no substrate for the tank. I like the sound of "easier to keep clean", especially after always trying to clean up the gravel in my old FW setup.

Thanks for the help, and I know I will be back soon for more advice on lighting and other needed filtration.

Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

Good for you in supporting locals.... Phil and Shelly will be glad... the prices are way way down and like online stores...

also try to read this one..

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=477421&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

 

[rbarr110]

Any recomendations on a sump. I have seen various setups using an old 20 gallon tank for a sump, to pre-manufactured specialty sumps.

Which route should I go? I am trying to find the link to the pre-manufactured sumps. Will edit with link when I find it.

Thanks

 

[Katchupoy]

Are you in a hurry? maybe you can buy used sump... theres a lot out there...

or you can talk to local reefers here that do acrylic... they can custom made one for you. BigT or Reeffan.

In my case.... I want cheap... so I went to a 10gallon sump with Euroreef 6-1 on it... fits too nice I think.... I prefer a bigger one... but went with it.

$10 aga 10 gallon tank...
and some acrylics for baffles.

its up to you.

 

[Katchupoy]

Also you need what you can fit under your cabinet... thats the biggest factor...
Are you going for refugiums? or just equipment...

Also, try to consider the return pump you are going to use. This will dictate the size of the sump. If its too small for the pump then you have too much flow in your sump... Everything will be too fast.... Too fast for the bubble to escape.... then it will go back to the main tank.

 

[Katchupoy]

Here is my sump...

 

[Angelscrx]

Welcome to Reef Frontiers rbarr110!!!

Sounds like you are on the right track with the skimmer. On the sump it pretty much depends on how much you want to spend. I am goung to use my 55g as a sump/Refugium for my next 150g tank like Katchupoy suggested and just have baffles cut out of acrylic or plexiglass. If you don't want to get a sump you can buy the hang on skimmer and that will save you money.

Are you planning on drilling the tank or overflows? I would definitely drill since you haven't set it up yet.

 

[Katchupoy]

Yeah, Angel is right. If you want you can do HOB skimmer.
If you go this way.... Try researching AquaC Remora... they are the favorite...

 

[rbarr110]

OK - these are the sumps i found and looked like they have potential. Not sure about their price yet, but what are your opinions? Is it overkill?

Any other local shops you can recommend Katchupoy?

Thanks so much for all the input!

http://www.oceanicsystems.com/products_aq_rrsumps.html

 

[Katchupoy]

Do you know how much they are so I can find something comparable?

BTW, those are great sumps IMO...

 

[rbarr110]

Here is one pricelist I have found so far. Trying to find more.

http://www.elmersaquarium.com/h153oceanic_sumps.htm