Thinking of getting a bigger tank!!!

Allanira · 07/11/2008, 07:42 PM

Ok I am thinking about going larger on my tank. Right now I have a 55 gal with a 55 gal sump.fuge. What I am thinking about doing is a 150gal with a 55 sump/fuge. I have 2 koralia 3s and 2 koralia 4s, An ASM G-1 Protein skimmer, a Rio hyperflow 17, about 75# of LR (Not completely sure how much is in there anymore lol) 40#ls, with 20# medium grade sand on top, 2 maroon clowns, 1 green chromis, 1 coris wrasse, 5 turbo snails, 2 hermit crabs, and 2 cleaner shrimp. Lights are 65w 50/50 10000k. I need some ideas of what all I need to get for a bigger tank besides a new stand lol. Thank you in advance.

Nanook · 07/11/2008, 07:47 PM

What kind of corals and invertebrates do you plan on keeping? I see you have lots of equipment and fish, but what about the requirements of the corals?

Allanira · 07/11/2008, 07:51 PM

I havent decided on anything for certain except a rbta. Thats the only one I absolutely love. I am still researching other kinds of corals. I know I dont want to get anything that can kill my fish or anything else I put in there. All advise is great to me. I am going to keep going on the tank I have right now. Then when I get ready to start getting stuff for the next one I am going to get stuff 1 or 2 things at a time and go from there. I know I need to start looking at the corals I want. I know I want some softies and some stonies I just dont know which ones yet.

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 06:08 AM

Any advise here people? Please I need to find out what I would need to get for this. I know I am still on my first tank and it isnt finished maturing yet but I am still thinking of getting a 150gal going and moving everything over to that one.

snorvich · 07/12/2008, 07:21 AM

Well one should always work "backwards", that is, decide what you want to keep, then determine the requirements of those animals. Nanook gave excellent advice.

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 07:55 AM

I am going to have to look around and decide what carals I want then. I hope I have the courage for this lol. Just kidding just gonna give myself a headache figuring out which ones I like best.

gonzach_2006 · 07/12/2008, 08:25 AM

Sorry, but I had to remove your post. Selling/trading is a privilege reserved for those who have accumulated at least 50 meaningful posts and have been a member longer than 90 days.

Thanks

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 08:45 AM

I dont have a for sale post that I know of. Sorry if I did.

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 08:49 AM

Ok I have kind of got a general idea of what I would like to put in the tank. I know for sure an RBTA. I like these. As long as I can get some mutlicolors going lol. And here they are
Mushrooms
toadstools
brains
frogspawn
ricordia
zoanthids
gorogonia
favia (not sure if thats the right word)
micromussa
acropora
millepora
leather
montipora
pulsing xenia
and I just think this thing is cool a Crocea Clam. Does anyone else have any suggestions? I would really appreciate it.

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 09:33 AM

Any other advise? It looks like I want 1 of everything lol. Except the corals that eat other corals that is.

sassafrass · 07/12/2008, 09:59 AM

I have a 150 When I had a 55 it seemed huge now I wish I would have went bigger. If you can afford it and have the room you won't regret it, that way you are less limited on the fish you can keep and creates a higher level of interest for yourself and others by creatures coming out of hiding and more to look at.
Lee

Playa-1 · 07/12/2008, 10:42 AM

Lighting I would suggest a MH t-5 combo. Program your new controller to cut the power too the lights if the tank overheats.

Powerheads you have covered already.

You need about 100# more live rock.

Add Additional live sand to your viewing pleasure.

ReefReady 150 Gallon tank and stand (Canopy optional)

Heater sizes depends on your environment. I like the Stealth Heaters myself. I would use two small heaters as opposed to one large heater. Locate one in the display and one in the sump. Program the controller to cut the power to the heaters if the tank gets too hot.

Return pump you will need roughly 750gph to 1000gph after head loss. Use the headloss calculator on the home page of RC. Program your controller to cut power to the return pump if it detects excessive water on the floor.

Your new skimmer needs to fit in the sump and handle the tank. Maybe a Euro-Reef RS250 or similar competitive product.

Get a controller. I like Aquatronica and the ReefkeeperII looks interesting. They can run your lighting, fans, chillers, heaters, pumps, powerheads, and You name it. Along with real time monitoring of temp, ph, orp, conductivity, water levels to name a few. You can program them to run auto-top and dosing devices. You can use the controller as a failsafe device in many different ways. It can interface with your pc and can be monitored and manipulated over the internet if you wish.

A 1/3hp or 1/2hp chiller would be a good idea even if it's just tied into the controller to come on in an emergency. For example: The heat is rising in the display tank.
The heat rises to 80 and the controller cuts the power to the heaters and turns on the cooling fans.
The heat continues rising to 83 and the controller cuts the power to the MH.
The heat continues rising to 85 and the controller cuts the power to t-5 lighting and turns the chiller on.
In this scenario the chiller would hardly ever get used if you kept your house at a reasonable temp, But it would be there in an emergency.

*** Don't forget to make a plan for power outages.

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 10:58 AM

I was actually thinking about doing Solarpanels outside for the electricity for this that way I dont have power outtages on this tank. The hubby thinks I am using too much on the 2 tanks I have lol. Those are all great advise and I am going to have to look them up and research then. I live in the desert and even with the a/c and evap cooler going it get warm in here at times. Especially when the humidity comes up. Also on the skimmer I found the Octopus DDNW 250 recirc that I liked. I just gotta get a job before I start getting everything together for this other wise I am gonna get cut off lol. Hubby said as long as I got a job and got rid of my freshwater tank then I could go bigger on the saltwater one. So it looks like I am going to have to start finding homes for my freshwater fish. I'm gonna loose my Texas Cichlids dang it. But saltwater tanks are so cool. Also what do you think of the Aquatinics T5 lights? I also found some lights that are LED. They are Current USA PowerBrite LED 2x 1w 10000k + 2x 1w 460nm blue. Have you ever heard of them? You can plug them into each other. I really liked those cause of the look and size. You could get 2 of the mix and 2 of the whites and still ahve room for moonlights on a conopy couldnt you? Thanks for the advise again

Allanira · 07/12/2008, 12:31 PM

Any other suggestions people? I need more info. Please give me more info lol. And hubby said I could keep my Texas Cichlids yeah!!! Now I need to make up a complete list of other things I need. I found a 150? gal aquarium already and it I know its reef ready. A co worker of my husbands bought a house that had one in the wall there. He took it out and is selling it and the components that go with it. I am going to look everything over that he has and see what I can use. But more info would really really really be helpful. I know I need to get more substrate and more LR for it already. I am going to find some really nice looking cured LR so that I dont have as big a cycle as last time. Also has anyone used Cycle Biological Water Conditioner? I have seen it in several places and its suppose to help build up the beneficial bacteria. But I dont know. Sounds kinda hokey and full of bs if you know what I mean. Can anyone give me some info on it?

07/11/2008, 07:42 PM	#1
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Thinking of getting a bigger tank!!! Ok I am thinking about going larger on my tank. Right now I have a 55 gal with a 55 gal sump.fuge. What I am thinking about doing is a 150gal with a 55 sump/fuge. I have 2 koralia 3s and 2 koralia 4s, An ASM G-1 Protein skimmer, a Rio hyperflow 17, about 75# of LR (Not completely sure how much is in there anymore lol) 40#ls, with 20# medium grade sand on top, 2 maroon clowns, 1 green chromis, 1 coris wrasse, 5 turbo snails, 2 hermit crabs, and 2 cleaner shrimp. Lights are 65w 50/50 10000k. I need some ideas of what all I need to get for a bigger tank besides a new stand lol. Thank you in advance. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/11/2008, 07:47 PM	#2
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	What kind of corals and invertebrates do you plan on keeping? I see you have lots of equipment and fish, but what about the requirements of the corals? __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

07/11/2008, 07:51 PM	#3
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	I havent decided on anything for certain except a rbta. Thats the only one I absolutely love. I am still researching other kinds of corals. I know I dont want to get anything that can kill my fish or anything else I put in there. All advise is great to me. I am going to keep going on the tank I have right now. Then when I get ready to start getting stuff for the next one I am going to get stuff 1 or 2 things at a time and go from there. I know I need to start looking at the corals I want. I know I want some softies and some stonies I just dont know which ones yet. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 06:08 AM	#4
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Any advise here people? Please I need to find out what I would need to get for this. I know I am still on my first tank and it isnt finished maturing yet but I am still thinking of getting a 150gal going and moving everything over to that one. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 07:21 AM	#5
snorvich Team RC member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Outlander Posts: 40,953 Blog Entries: 46	Well one should always work "backwards", that is, decide what you want to keep, then determine the requirements of those animals. Nanook gave excellent advice. __________________ Warmest regards, ~Steve~

07/12/2008, 07:55 AM	#6
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	I am going to have to look around and decide what carals I want then. I hope I have the courage for this lol. Just kidding just gonna give myself a headache figuring out which ones I like best. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 08:25 AM	#7
gonzach_2006 Moved On Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Towaco, New Jersey Posts: 0	Sorry, but I had to remove your post. Selling/trading is a privilege reserved for those who have accumulated at least 50 meaningful posts and have been a member longer than 90 days. Thanks Last edited by BlueCorn; 07/12/2008 at 08:36 AM.

07/12/2008, 08:45 AM	#8
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	I dont have a for sale post that I know of. Sorry if I did. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 08:49 AM	#9
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Ok I have kind of got a general idea of what I would like to put in the tank. I know for sure an RBTA. I like these. As long as I can get some mutlicolors going lol. And here they are Mushrooms toadstools brains frogspawn ricordia zoanthids gorogonia favia (not sure if thats the right word) micromussa acropora millepora leather montipora pulsing xenia and I just think this thing is cool a Crocea Clam. Does anyone else have any suggestions? I would really appreciate it. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 09:33 AM	#10
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Any other advise? It looks like I want 1 of everything lol. Except the corals that eat other corals that is. __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 09:59 AM	#11
sassafrass Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: capitola ca Posts: 1,729	I have a 150 When I had a 55 it seemed huge now I wish I would have went bigger. If you can afford it and have the room you won't regret it, that way you are less limited on the fish you can keep and creates a higher level of interest for yourself and others by creatures coming out of hiding and more to look at. Lee

07/12/2008, 10:42 AM	#12
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Lighting I would suggest a MH t-5 combo. Program your new controller to cut the power too the lights if the tank overheats. Powerheads you have covered already. You need about 100# more live rock. Add Additional live sand to your viewing pleasure. ReefReady 150 Gallon tank and stand (Canopy optional) Heater sizes depends on your environment. I like the Stealth Heaters myself. I would use two small heaters as opposed to one large heater. Locate one in the display and one in the sump. Program the controller to cut the power to the heaters if the tank gets too hot. Return pump you will need roughly 750gph to 1000gph after head loss. Use the headloss calculator on the home page of RC. Program your controller to cut power to the return pump if it detects excessive water on the floor. Your new skimmer needs to fit in the sump and handle the tank. Maybe a Euro-Reef RS250 or similar competitive product. Get a controller. I like Aquatronica and the ReefkeeperII looks interesting. They can run your lighting, fans, chillers, heaters, pumps, powerheads, and You name it. Along with real time monitoring of temp, ph, orp, conductivity, water levels to name a few. You can program them to run auto-top and dosing devices. You can use the controller as a failsafe device in many different ways. It can interface with your pc and can be monitored and manipulated over the internet if you wish. A 1/3hp or 1/2hp chiller would be a good idea even if it's just tied into the controller to come on in an emergency. For example: The heat is rising in the display tank. The heat rises to 80 and the controller cuts the power to the heaters and turns on the cooling fans. The heat continues rising to 83 and the controller cuts the power to the MH. The heat continues rising to 85 and the controller cuts the power to t-5 lighting and turns the chiller on. In this scenario the chiller would hardly ever get used if you kept your house at a reasonable temp, But it would be there in an emergency. *** Don't forget to make a plan for power outages. Last edited by Playa-1; 07/12/2008 at 10:49 AM.

07/12/2008, 10:58 AM	#13
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	I was actually thinking about doing Solarpanels outside for the electricity for this that way I dont have power outtages on this tank. The hubby thinks I am using too much on the 2 tanks I have lol. Those are all great advise and I am going to have to look them up and research then. I live in the desert and even with the a/c and evap cooler going it get warm in here at times. Especially when the humidity comes up. Also on the skimmer I found the Octopus DDNW 250 recirc that I liked. I just gotta get a job before I start getting everything together for this other wise I am gonna get cut off lol. Hubby said as long as I got a job and got rid of my freshwater tank then I could go bigger on the saltwater one. So it looks like I am going to have to start finding homes for my freshwater fish. I'm gonna loose my Texas Cichlids dang it. But saltwater tanks are so cool. Also what do you think of the Aquatinics T5 lights? I also found some lights that are LED. They are Current USA PowerBrite LED 2x 1w 10000k + 2x 1w 460nm blue. Have you ever heard of them? You can plug them into each other. I really liked those cause of the look and size. You could get 2 of the mix and 2 of the whites and still ahve room for moonlights on a conopy couldnt you? Thanks for the advise again __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp

07/12/2008, 12:31 PM	#14
Allanira Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: New Mexico Posts: 293	Any other suggestions people? I need more info. Please give me more info lol. And hubby said I could keep my Texas Cichlids yeah!!! Now I need to make up a complete list of other things I need. I found a 150? gal aquarium already and it I know its reef ready. A co worker of my husbands bought a house that had one in the wall there. He took it out and is selling it and the components that go with it. I am going to look everything over that he has and see what I can use. But more info would really really really be helpful. I know I need to get more substrate and more LR for it already. I am going to find some really nice looking cured LR so that I dont have as big a cycle as last time. Also has anyone used Cycle Biological Water Conditioner? I have seen it in several places and its suppose to help build up the beneficial bacteria. But I dont know. Sounds kinda hokey and full of bs if you know what I mean. Can anyone give me some info on it? __________________ "Why me?" Because I think God has a sense of humor. Current Tank Info: 55 gal fresh, and 55 gal salt with a 55 gallon sump 75 lb LR, live sand, 2 koralia 3s, 2 koralia 2s, 2 maroon clown, 1 green chromis, 1 firefish, 1 starry blenny, 2 red legged hermit crabs, 2 turbo snails, 1 cleaner shrimp