Saying hello & starting to gather informtion

[DKT]

Hi all. I have been lurking for awhile and just registered last night. Have had and loved tanks all the while growing up ~ we always had several in our home. Got on my own but lived in a place where water quality was too poor (had 3 wells drilled trying to improve water quality). Moved into town and 6 years later after Mom and Dad getting on me to get back into it I finaly did. Guy at work had a 30 gallon complete that he was putting in the dumpster here and that was "my sign". Freshwater, last part of the cycle and its doing great.

My living room is large ~ FWT is located on the left of my fireplace and along that wall I have an equal space that I know I want to fill with a reef tank. My Dad was really into saltwater when we were growing up, but he is out of the loop with the pracitices of today so I am researching on the net to get a proper start.

Now for visual appear and balance in the room a 30 would look best, but I do have the ability to go larger. More water takes a bit of the burden off, so my tank (not purchased yet) will be 55-100g. I will be purchasing used equipment to save some bucks.

I am not in a rush to do this. Quite content to take the time necessary to plan and start from scratch so the end result is stable and beautiful. I don't even have specific livestock in mind. I do know I would like some easy corals and hardier easy fish ~ just starting out until I learn what needs to be learned and can advance to trickier things if I decide to.

Is someone able to point me in the direction of equipment I should be keeping an eye out for in my local paper / ebay / craiglist / this forum if anyone is located near Pittsburgh?

In setting up a 100g reef (100 g seems to be the largest common used available in my area) can someone give me a list of needed items to begin so that I can start collecting what is needed as I begin to learn about this.

Any help with this is appreciated. Also debating getting this started in an unoccupied room that would allow me thee space to tinker, plan and find out what works without having it in the living room. That would allow me an open area and the serenity (have an 18 year old, a 15 year old, a 2 year old al the time ~ half the neighborhood on a part time basis).

I do have a local fish store that has an abundance of reef tanks. They are the only one in the area other than a petsmart who employs teens. The problem with the LFS is the lady that runs it and the employees are not personable and rather tight lipped, so I don't really feel comfortable turning to them to help get me started.

So hello to all and thanks in advance for any suggestions that you are able to offer.

 

[theJ]

Welcome to RF!

Check the for sale forums here for good deals on skimmers, pumps, lights, all the basics you would need. Local stores (or craigslist) are probably a better idea for live rock that way you don't have to mess with shipping and you can buy 'cured' rock.

What kind of tank do you plan on setting up, lps, sps, fish only etc? This will determine what equipment you will be buying

 

[Scooterman]

Welcome!
Take your time before buying, Lurk here longer & ask questions, well do our best to help you but I strongly suggest taking your time & reading. In living rooms are nice idea but have limiting & issues relating to the location. One, sound of water, pumps etc. Two, electrical power, you already have a typical entertainment center with lots of equipment, you need to make sure you have a dedicated circuit or a circuit with little on it as maybe a few room lights. Third, water, you will spill, splash water, you will need to haul water to it & away from it as you do changes, can your floor handle this? That is why I now recommend putting them in rooms with easier access to dumping water in & out, power available outlaws. This is a few things to consider your location, I know because I did it with three tanks in the living room, loved the location only when I wasn't in the tank doing things. LOL
I would find a tank with overflows, so you can easily add a sump to hold more water, equipment like heaters, pumps, skimmer.
I would consider Lighting, fluorescents as in T5's, maybe Metal halides for more light demanding corals or clams. I would invest in a real quality skimmer, I would not skimp on it with corals in your tank. You will need at least a 100 or 150 pounds of live rock, maybe some base rock. Last you need flow, pumps for the sump return, refugium if you do one, & importantly internal flow as in a closed loop, power heard or ways to move high rates of water.
After you get your tank, one that size, first thing I'd do is order you a real RO/DI unit, you will need lots of water for the tank, fill it, & doing changes so that would be an important thing to get, also starting out, you need your three basic test kits maybe 4, Nitrate/Nitrite & ammonia, maybe PH. Usually the Nitrate & Nitrite are tested together.

Ok, now that I shocked you with details, welcome again

 

[DKT]

I would like a reef tank with easy peasy (easier) corals and some beginner hardier fish until I learn a bit about what I am doing and get a decent set up that I am happy with and will allow us to grow and learn.

Everyone family and neighborhood kids are so excited about the freshwater tank and I think they will enjoy a reef tank as well. I just need to make sure we have a solid start.

I am thinking 100 gallon tank, in a free room and the easiet reef set up/ (novice corals, live rock/ hardy easier to maintain livestock) that we can begin with to learn, that allows us to expand should the desire be there.

I know nothing ~ other than what I am reading about ~ as far as it relates to the equipment I should be keeping an eye out for: ligting, skimmers and the like. I am a complete novice and this will be my first reef tank. So I am taking it very, slow and trying to learn what I can.

Thanks for the welcome and I will apologize now for the questions that I will have. I just want to make sure I understand the process.

 

[Scooterman]

Ask all you want here, we like helping because it might save a fish or coral!

 

[DKT]

My open room actually will allow me to be closest to an exit, it has 3 open walls with no heating elements - its large 15 x 20. It is the baby's second toy room so it is empty 99% of the time. It also has carpeting in it that needs replaced so spills and the like won't be bothersome. It is a room right above my electric panel in the basement so if Dad needs to do a little electrical work it will be easier. I don't even have the tank yet ~ still looking for what I think will make us the best one but while looking for that I would also like to keep an eye out for other equipment needed so if I see a good deal I can collect it. I am just tinkering at this, absolutely no urgency at all ~ trying to collect information and plan accordingly for it to work out properly.

T5 Lighting or Metal Halides, thank you I will begin keeping an eye out for them and if I find something I might run it past you guys to see if you feel I have found something decent.

Skimmer... any certain brands you have more confidence in and can someone share with me specifics so I know a decent one to keep an eye out for?

I am looking into ro/di units... found some info in another thread. If anyone can name a specific that they feel will give us a proper foundation I would appreciate it.

Do you think I should start out with a smaller setup learning the ropes or is 100g a nice starting/learning size?

I really need information, pointed in the right direction of all equipment to keep an eye out for...so any help at all is greatly appreciated and I have a lifetime so not rushing into this.

Thanks bunches

 

[lizardarm]

T5 Lighting or Metal Halides, thank you I will begin keeping an eye out for them and if I find something I might run it past you guys to see if you feel I have found something decent.

How about a combination of the two. Halides give a great lighting effect that you just can't get from flourescents. Plus, no matter what direction you take your reef in down the road, you'll never have to upgrade.

I am looking into ro/di units... found some info in another thread. If anyone can name a specific that they feel will give us a proper foundation I would appreciate it.

I know that www.thefilterguys.com has some pretty good deals and they put together good units. Try to avoid cheap RO membranes, Dow Filmtek are good quality and readily available.
75 gallons per day should be fine for a 100 gallon setup. I've read that RO/DI units that have higher GPD ratings than that tend to not be as efficient at cleaning the water. I got my six stage unit on ebay for dirt cheap and have had no problems with it.

Skimmer... any certain brands you have more confidence in and can someone share with me specifics so I know a decent one to keep an eye out for?

There are a lot of good skimmers out there. There are also a lot of crap skimmers out there. EuroReef are generally considered to be pretty good, but they're a little on the spendy side. I've got an Octopus skimmer that's been modded and am perfectly happy with the output. Beckett skimmers, when working properly skim most other types of skimmers off of the map; but they require big pumps and big maintenance to keep them working well. The needle wheel and mesh wheel varieties of skimmers work pretty well and require less interaction on your part.

Do you think I should start out with a smaller setup learning the ropes or is 100g a nice starting/learning size?

One hundred gallons is a great start. Most of us end up starting out with smaller tanks and upgrading later on when the "addiction" kicks in. This obviously ends up costing more money in the long run. That's a good size system as far as water stability goes too.
One thing to look for in the local adds is a sump. Pre-fabbed sumps can be really spendy to buy new, so if you can pick a good one up used from a local reefer it's worth the drive.

 

[Scooterman]

lizardman basically covered it well, keep asking & reading, you'll be fine!

 

[csdoyle]

I would also suggest - be sure to get a pre drilled or reef ready tank with internal overflow boxes to drain water down to your sump. Try to avoid having to deal with a hang on the back over flow box if at all possible!

Good luck and have fun!

Chris

 

[DKT]

Thanks so much everyone ~I really do appreciate all the help. Stopped tonight at LFS ~ needed some treats for FWT. Looked at their SW selection and it would honestly put a person off the road to wanting to try. They have the ability to have such gorgeous tanks and they are just unattended. A man noticed me looking at the different things and said for saltwater I need to travel a bit. About 45 minutes away we have a real nice reputable place. Equipment he said is too spendy ~ he picked up all of his stuff online piece by piece. We exchanged business cards and he said feel free to ask him any questions and if I need help, both he and his wife love sharing what they know... so it was a nice stop after all.

Learning what I can and will start to get ready & thankful for the internet ~ thanks everyone, again. Have a great weekend.

 

[burning2nd]

welcome....

good call on not talking to the LFs... they will more then likely tell you something crazy like "you dont need to cylce, just buy this"

Ill just rattle off some stuff i would need if i was starting a new tank and it was my first reef.

solid floor, level stand, tank (ither Reef rdy, or CRP overflow) another tank for sump.
some basic test kits, NH4 no2 no3 ph, Ca, Mg, thermometer (digital) return pump. Ato top off unit.
RODI unit from www.thefilterguys.biz (ocean reef II) heater.... in this case 2 or 3 smaller heaters. lighting, power heads. i would get tunzes 6060's ageain anytime.... they rock.. well worth it.

a refracometer, a bucket of salt. a ro water vat, that also should be heated and have movement... (this is all personal prefence) ~ i just say what worked for me.
a good skimmer.

a flash light to look at night.
some timers, (never 2 meny timers)
i have 3 diffrent buckets for water changes and a scoope... i can make the same water every time, with out haveing to check it... (comes with time)

you will need some foods later... maybe supplments 2
maybe liquid Ca,

of couse LR and sand if you choose.

here is a few pictures of my tank young, my ro setup and my tank now

u can see the 1/4 eurothan line going up to the left, and over to the tank.

 

[burning2nd]

this sight is the best thing you can do for your self... you have access to some real good info...

just remember keep it slow keep your hand outta the tank, and observe.

change things slowly... i read all the time "yo i did this this this this this and this yesterday and now my blank is dieing, what do i do"

ive learn that small changed sometimes arent felt for months.

good luck im sure you will do fine... its not hard at all.. ive found reefing to be very relaxing,
i think the funnest part was setup and growth...

i cant wait to my next tank.

 

[Damsel13]

What is that big tall canister thingy on the left of your pictures?

 

[burning2nd]

thats the hole house, water softiner nothing to do with the ro.

let me get an up 2 date shot.

 

[burning2nd]

need to do some wireing.... but ive bin working so much that when im off... i dont want to do....
ill fix that cluster of wireing maybe later.

and the Di arnt dirty its the energy saver bulb that makes it look yellow.

 

[Damsel13]

Oh ok, thanks. I was confused

 

[DKT]

So helpful everyone thanks a million.

Now on this RO/DI unit. I have been told 75 gpd is fine for up to 100g tank (yet to be located ) so that is what I am looking for.
Will I need special holding units for the water that runs through the unit and if so what do I use ~ are large rubbermaid containers acceptable? It looks to me as if burning uses rubbermaid, but because I want to make sure I have a decent understanding I figure I better ask.
Do I keep this water in constant motion and filtering after it runs through this system? Some folks say yes others say not necessary. I would think it would be necessary though.
I am also thinking once I am up and running I won't be needing 75 gpd so I would filter this water as demand dictates~ am I correct in this or will I always be filtering water.
(Total Newb and I apologize for that).

Skimmer: This is the biggie... Everywhere I am reading seems to reccommend EuroReef and just as Lizardarm stated Octopus seems to be just about as popular and reccomended as the EuroReef. I obviously would like to buy used to save bucks... I also would like to buy something I don't have to modify for use. I am a 39 yo female and am handy with tools and the like, once I am comfortable. I won't be comfortable making modifications to unfamiliar equipment right off the bat. Assuming I purchase a 100g (possibly smaller, depending on whats available, possibly 120g as well) what specific model number should I be keeping an eye out for? And which brand would require no modifications?

My mom and Dad had several SWT's up and running as we were growing up. I have spoke with Dad several times about this and he is really looking forward to helping, but technology has changed so much since they ran tanks he is really out of that loop. Things were done differently in "their" days... I also had no real comprehension of the time involved in them ~ I just enjoyed their results.

Will I need special electrical modifications I guess I should ask if most need to modify as no one really knows what I have here. The room I have selected is actually located right above the breaker box in the basement so I should be cool there regardless just want to know if I need to plan for that.

Once I have secured equipment I also have confusion on the liverock and sand. How will I know what to purchase and if it is quality? I know that's a down the roader, but I do want to make sure once I have set out to get this build started I I will have the ability to secure quality starting "stuff"

Thanks again all, I realy do appreciate it. Just looking reading and learning has been so fun I can only imagine how neat it is going to be once I am past stage one and can do some hands on (hands out of tank ) stuff. Fascinating it realy is and so helpful here

 

[DKT]

Now just so I learn what I need to ask here is a tank local to me... right down the road actually, but I have no idea when I see an advert for used what I need to ask about.

Seeing something like this... a basic advert can someone let me know specifics I need to enquire about to know if the set up is appropriate for me:
_______
90 gallon salt water reef tank, 40 gallon sump refugium, 200 lbs live rock, 100 lbs live sand, 20 lbs mineral mud, 2 metal halide pendant lights, lifegaurd seahorse pump 3/4 hp motor & plumbing. barebones RO unit, UV sterilizers, lava life 2 lamp ballast & actinic bulbs, one SCWD wave maker, one diatom filter XL model, one supreme superking filter & magnum 330 filter with extra tanks & plumbing. Food, chemicals & fish all must go. No Stand.
_______

thank you in advance.

 

[burning2nd]

My ro holding tank has a heater in it.. a power head air stones and large amounts of air being pumped in to it...

the water that comes out of the rodi unit does not to be filtered, but if your going to use it , it has to be the same temp as your tank... this is a biggy

i often check the temp against anther digital one that i have... to be sure they are the same..... i do water changes very quickly...


thats a rubbermaid... every few months i run the ro tank low empty and clean it out... it gets like a slime on it... its sealed no light.


once you get your rodi stuff all figured out.. you need to get a double switch Auto top off... you will love it
i did the top offs morning and night, on my tank for a while...

i still have other tanks that need top offs but i have a little HI C containor thats RO water for thos tanks....