New here and making a change.

[Fraken]

I have had my 45 gallon fish and LR tank for a couple of years now. Finally decided to upgrade to a larger tank and bought a 180 6x2x2 from Andy yesterday. I want to set up my first reef and am looking for suggestions on filtration, water flow and what is my first step.

I have to buff out a few scratches, but I think I can handle that part. I do need to build a stand and would like to hear any suggestions, plans or pics on what anyone has done at home.

Gavin

 

[seattle989]

WELCOME there are alot of DIY plans on the member show forum. i dont remember if that tank came with a overflow?

AS for waterflow it all depends on what u want to keep. SPS like high flow and excellent filtration. lps like high to medium flow ect ect. softies aint picky

BEst filtration would be the best skimmer you can afford
people like octopus, SWC/MSX, or if u got the money ask mat125 he'll make it custom and sick looking. like omg.... its on the show forum as well.


FIRST STEP what things you want to keep? ask alot of questions? how much are you willing to spend? and GOOD LUCK patients is your buddy .

im sure a lot of others with chime in as well.

 

[Fraken]

Thank you for the quick reply. As far as how much I want to spend, well, we will see. I have been in this long enough to know there is always "Just one more" item to buy. I do plan on turning a 55 acrylic into a sump / refugium with a couple of return pumps. I think that and the stand will keep me busy for a couple of weeks. Now I just need to find a good home for my Tomato Clown, Bubble anemone, large peppermint shrimp, original damsel from setup a couple of years ago and a goby. Will take some time to cycle the new setup and don't want to murder the few fish I have left. Maybe I will try and get some store credit somewhere.

 

[Fraken]

First thought

Ok, even at work I am running thru my to do list on my tank. I believe my first decision, beyond location and the stand, needs to be my closed loop. How many intakes, how and where to drill on the tank, what pump, how much is the pump, is it a good idea to look for a used pump, how do I run the pipes, you name it and I want your ideas, please help!!!

 

[Fraken]

Figured it out

Ok, there are WAY more posts on here that answered my question than I thought there would be. Shows that I should have searched before asking!

 

[seattle989]

yep that search option on top is quite amazing