newbie with questions????

[ReefDreamin']

I have been researching and growing more and more obsessive with starting myself a reef tank. I have yet to buy any equipment, although I have done quite a bit of research. I am considering buying a 75 gal. tank with a Fluval 404 filter, (2) ViaAqua power heads. And eventually a protein skimmer at some point. My first question: Is the above set-up ok for a basic beginner reef tank? My second question is how much lighting do I need? I am leaning toward a florescent set-up do to the money issue. How many Watts per gal. do you all recommend? I was think about 4-5 watts per gal. would be sufficient but am not sure if I am way off base.
Thanks in advance!!
ReefDreamin' all the time, help me I can't stop.

 

[DonW]

First what I have figured out is the quote unquote biginners reef set up is just not the way to go. It will either get you so frustrated you quit the hobby, or get you so additcted you end up wasting money. If money is a issue there is tons of used stuff here that you could pick up local. As far as lighting goes You really need to have a good idea about what you want to keep. I would'nt build a reef around the lights, build around the inhabitants you'll be much happier and have more money in your pocket.

Do you have a idea of what you would like to keep? Do you have any tanks in particular that catch your eye? You can go to the galleries and see other tanks. Maybe post a link and most everyone here can help you get it set up right the first time and save you a ton of money and grief.

Don

 

[ReefDreamin']

Well thank you so much DonW for the quick reply. I am very intersted in a pair of clowns and a bubble tip anemone. And as far as what else is in the reef system I was just going to build it slowly around the anenome and the clowns. If that gives you an idea of what I am interested in. As far as any particular tank I don't have any one in mind i have been looking at glass but am not sure. thank you again.
ReefDreamin'

 

[ReefDreamin']

here is an example( it is home reef sorcerer pic) I would love to have in my house. Of couse only with some hard work and lots of time.
Here is the link: http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos...8cfe6033b92f7e64f34c9024e&sort=1&cat=2&page=1.

 

[reiple]

Is the Fluval 404 a canister filter? If it is you might want to reconsider. A deep sand bed (DSB) when well made is still a good filtration option. Another is the addition of a sump. Saves you from a lot of headaches. Get a pre-drilled or have the tank drilled and an overflow installed.

IMO:a general setup for a reef tank of 75 gallons:A 10-15 gallon sump min, a dsb of 4-6" depth, around 110 lbs of LR, an excellent skimmer (in-sump) and good lighting (PC or MH). Have fun!

 

[ReefDreamin']

I was thinking that I would add a sump at a later time. so it would be better just to start off with a sump? Also can I put the sump in the cabinet under the tank?? I appreciate your input reiple. thank you.

 

[Katchupoy]

Im with Don. Also If you can start small. If you insist of using fluval, make it so as long as you use it for carbon and for flow.

What is your budget?

We cannot help you with light if we dont know your corals.

Beginners reeftank is very wide in terms of definition. Can you specify the corals you want to keep. Is it Softy? LPS? SPS? or MIXED?

What is your plan for the next two years? Is it two years or one year or six months?
It all depends. Because you might end up buying equipment twice.

Do it once, do it right. And slowly, with a lot of patience.

 

[john]

For a little more than the cost of the fluval 404 you can get a used sump and pump then you can start out with a good in sump skimmer several real good ones are for sale on the used equipment forums

 

[DonW]

here is an example( it is home reef sorcerer pic) I would love to have in my house. Of couse only with some hard work and lots of time.
Here is the link: http://www.reeffrontiers.com/photos...8cfe6033b92f7e64f34c9024e&sort=1&cat=2&page=1.

This makes things alot easier for folks to help. It seems you are leaning toward sps lps and clams (COLOR). So lighting becomes a large issue. I personally would not start with anything smaller than a 60G. With those critters you really should go Metal Halide (MH). You should be able to find a good used dual 250w MH set-up for the same or less than a new VHO floresent. There are alot of people quiting and upgrading constantly so that makes lighting easy to find.
As far as the tank goes if you like glass, look into a drilled tank. Drilled tanks will save you alot of plumbing and the expense of an external overflow.
The sump is also easy 20g glass tanks can be had very cheap or used, people around here are always ugrading. With the proper plumbing design you can get away with a bare tank without baffells or bulkheads.
Skimmers are also easy, you dont need to spend a fortune on a ER or whatever, there are plenty of guys here that make great skimmers or can help you make one.
Pumps are another one that can be had since youll want alot flow, I think in fact there are a few great used return pumps posted right now.

Hope this helps
Don

 

[ReefDreamin']

thank you

well thank you all so much. I have learned more here at this site than any other that i have found of it's kind. it looks like i need to go with a 75 gal. and a sump and pump ste-up. Are arcylics easier to deal with? it also looks like i should just do alittle shopping for some good used equipment instead of wasting money on new. It sounds like you all know how to make Skimmers. I f it would be possible i would eventually like to learn form some one. I am going to some shopping and see if i can't find me a good used 75 gal. tank first and start from there. how much LR would I need for a good reef in a 75 Gal? I was thinking like 60-65 pounds would be enough? But i am probably way off base again. well you all thank you again.
ReefDreamin'

 

[NaH2O]

ReefDreamin' - Welcome to Reef Frontiers!

Great advice everyone. For sure, when it comes to lighting, it is important to know what types of inhabitants you will be keeping now and future, so you will get the proper set-up. IMO, skimmers are an essential piece of equipment. I wouldn't skimp out on one.....if you can find a good used one or have one made locally - that's outstanding, otherwise, I would research different types, so you are familiar with all the different styles of skimmers (not necessarily brand), and can make a researched purchase. For live rock, I like to have at least 1 pound per gallon, in most instances, more, but on a budget, I would shoot for 1 pound/gallon. Sumps are awesome, not only for hiding unsightly equipment, but the added water volume is a bonus. Some people use rubbermaid tubs as their sumps, so it doesn't have to be anything extravagant.

Check out the members showcase forum for tank ideas, and the great threads forum for more valuable information.

 

[john]

My opinion is plastic tanks are much easier to work with the only real drawback being they scratch much easier if your not careful but then again they can always be polished

 

[marinelife]

Live Rock, sump, Skimmer, Reef Ready Tank, and knowing what you want to keep will be important. I would get a 75 gallon Reef Ready tank with a 20-30 gallon tank for sump with some baffles installed. A small light on the sump and live rock, sand and some macro algae, skimmer and heater all in the sump. For lights I would get 2 250w MHs with maybe supplements. I would start with the tank, return pump, sump, sand, a few pounds of live rock, and lights first. Then add more rock and the skimmer later. It will cost you more to set it up this way but I have learned you need to set it up right the first time. I would stay away from ViaAqua powerheads, I have never heard anything good about them, Maxijets are good. This will save you time and money in the long run. Keep asking questions!!!

 

[ReefDreamin']

thanks

Well I trying to do this right the first time like you all have so kindly said to do. I am going to secure me a good reef-ready tank and a stand first and then build upon that. I do not want anythng small than a 55 gal. I am leaning toward around 75-90 gal. What is meant exactly by reef ready tank? I will take your advice on the power heads, I was purely going off of what my local shop told me. Once I have the tank I am going to try and aquire some LR. What do I need to store LR?(besides a tank and SW) Have possibly found some LR at a decent price.

 

[marinelife]

Reef Ready has the overflows built into the tank. You can put live rock in the tank with just a heater, saltwater, and powerhead and some light

 

[Solov]

To "store" LR besides tank and SW you'll need heater, powerhead (to move water around and keep whole tank warm) and some lighting (doesn't have to be fancy but without light many things might die on LR).

I'd wait on buying LR before you have your tank set up with plumbing and basically ready to go. I saw you're buying 5-2 skimmer, that's very good addition for curing LR once it gets into your tank.

But all in all keep in mind that rushing is a way to waste money and time which leads to frustration. Check out threads about building tanks on this site, and check out dates on 'em , it'll give you an idea about how long it should take.

HTH,
- Alex.

 

[NaH2O]

ReefDreamin' - you can for sure keep your live rock in the tank with SW, heater, and circulation. You don't need to have lighting if you don't want. When talking about lighting on a cycling tank, that is debated. I went lights off for my cycle. It is purely an individual's choice....many pros and cons for both sides. I feel pretty strongly on having a skimmer, too....it will help get all the DOCs out, and help in keeping the algae bloom to a minimum. Also, use a turkey baster or powerhead to blow off the live rock occasionally when it is in the tank. You will be amazed at how much detritus you get in the water.

Here is a thread on: Back to Basics ~Live Rock~

 

[mfinn]

ReefDreamin'
go with the biggest sump that you can get under your stand. That will give you more room for equipment and room for a refugium and more water volume.

my.02 worth