All aboard.....My "new" tank!

mtaswt · 09/20/2010, 01:55 PM

OK......here's the deal. I just bought a tank 156 gallon w/ canopy--60x24x25. I will post some pictures soon!

I have read many of articles, and gone just about bald trying to find out the right ways to proceed. Just as I think I know what I'm about to buy I find another article about this and that and next thing you know I'm back to square 1! Right now I am trying to figure out what skimmers I should be looking at, what are some good lighting set-ups ,and what size sump should I be considering? (I plan on making this)........WHAT A NIGHTMARE! j/k

lol

Any suggestions....? I know there are thousands upon thousands of choices and it is all a matter of preferences, but that is where I'm confused. I am pretty much TOTALLY new to all of this and I'm just looking for some directions. As far as what I'm wanting to keep is generally up in the air as well. (I know this doesn't make matters any easier) I am going to do a mixed set-up. I want a little of this, and my wife wants a little of that. So that means just about anything might be a possibility

. So with that being said I want do get the proper equipment the first go round that can handle our desires.

What I have so far: (if any of this should be scrapped just say so! You won't hurt my feelings. This is why I'm here)
2x Little Giant Pumps Model #3-MDQX-SC (1000gph)
1x Mag 18 Pumps
75 GPD RO/DI 5 Stage "plus" System

So please give me you thoughts, opinions, or whatever else you feel like you can contribute to the next "Tank of the Month" in progress. I'm ready to do this.

Thank you--Matthew

theatrus · 09/20/2010, 02:37 PM

Sump: Plan on consuming about 2/3rds or more of your under tank space - you can't go wrong with too big of a sump. I made mine out of acrylic sheet which I had cut at a plastic shop (don't let me loose with a saw, results not pretty), which let me fill in the space under a 90G without any wasted areas. Do you have front braces on your stand - this is important in trying to squeeze in a sump. If you want a single tank with baffles approach, a 75g is a nice fit assuming you have the space.

Skimmer: Don't be afraid to buy 2x your tank capacity in "rated capacity", especially if you plan on lots of fish. I've always liked Reef Octopus, though SWC is also great.

Lighting: 6-8 bulb T5HO would be perfect. Go retrofit as you have the canopy.

mtaswt · 09/20/2010, 02:49 PM

[QUOTE=theatrus;17678508]Sump: Do you have front braces on your stand - this is important in trying to squeeze in a sump. If you want a single tank with baffles approach, a 75g is a nice fit assuming you have the space.

QUOTE]

I have doors in the sides of the canopy as well that will allow access!

NoobtoSalt · 09/20/2010, 02:58 PM

If the sky is the limit on your tank and your not sure what all your going to have in it I would suggest for lighting doing Halides with T5s. I'm running 2-250w DE halides with 2-T5's on my 75 gallon setup and it works great. With the depth that your at your going to want to do halides for sure depending on what your looking to do. If you do clams and SPS halides for sure. If not then T5's would be fine. Just get a 6-8 row unit with individual reflectors. I think all 6 foot T5's are 3ft bulbs but not sure. Good luck!

frozenreefer · 09/20/2010, 03:07 PM

i agree that you might want toget a halide setup with some t5's supplements you can have just about anything you want with those...as for skimmer 2x total water is a good start reef octopus is a good brand look in your area on craigs list your in the houston area im sure that you could find alot of stuff or the sale forums here? and go with the biggest sump you can fit under there

09/20/2010, 01:55 PM	#1
mtaswt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 428	All aboard.....My "new" tank! OK......here's the deal. I just bought a tank 156 gallon w/ canopy--60x24x25. I will post some pictures soon! I have read many of articles, and gone just about bald trying to find out the right ways to proceed. Just as I think I know what I'm about to buy I find another article about this and that and next thing you know I'm back to square 1! Right now I am trying to figure out what skimmers I should be looking at, what are some good lighting set-ups ,and what size sump should I be considering? (I plan on making this)........WHAT A NIGHTMARE! j/k lol Any suggestions....? I know there are thousands upon thousands of choices and it is all a matter of preferences, but that is where I'm confused. I am pretty much TOTALLY new to all of this and I'm just looking for some directions. As far as what I'm wanting to keep is generally up in the air as well. (I know this doesn't make matters any easier) I am going to do a mixed set-up. I want a little of this, and my wife wants a little of that. So that means just about anything might be a possibility . So with that being said I want do get the proper equipment the first go round that can handle our desires. What I have so far: (if any of this should be scrapped just say so! You won't hurt my feelings. This is why I'm here) 2x Little Giant Pumps Model #3-MDQX-SC (1000gph) 1x Mag 18 Pumps 75 GPD RO/DI 5 Stage "plus" System So please give me you thoughts, opinions, or whatever else you feel like you can contribute to the next "Tank of the Month" in progress. I'm ready to do this. Thank you--Matthew

09/20/2010, 02:37 PM	#2
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	Sump: Plan on consuming about 2/3rds or more of your under tank space - you can't go wrong with too big of a sump. I made mine out of acrylic sheet which I had cut at a plastic shop (don't let me loose with a saw, results not pretty), which let me fill in the space under a 90G without any wasted areas. Do you have front braces on your stand - this is important in trying to squeeze in a sump. If you want a single tank with baffles approach, a 75g is a nice fit assuming you have the space. Skimmer: Don't be afraid to buy 2x your tank capacity in "rated capacity", especially if you plan on lots of fish. I've always liked Reef Octopus, though SWC is also great. Lighting: 6-8 bulb T5HO would be perfect. Go retrofit as you have the canopy. __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

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09/20/2010, 02:49 PM	#3
mtaswt Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 428	[QUOTE=theatrus;17678508]Sump: Do you have front braces on your stand - this is important in trying to squeeze in a sump. If you want a single tank with baffles approach, a 75g is a nice fit assuming you have the space. QUOTE] I have doors in the sides of the canopy as well that will allow access!

09/20/2010, 02:58 PM	#4
NoobtoSalt Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Vancouver, Wa Posts: 268	If the sky is the limit on your tank and your not sure what all your going to have in it I would suggest for lighting doing Halides with T5s. I'm running 2-250w DE halides with 2-T5's on my 75 gallon setup and it works great. With the depth that your at your going to want to do halides for sure depending on what your looking to do. If you do clams and SPS halides for sure. If not then T5's would be fine. Just get a 6-8 row unit with individual reflectors. I think all 6 foot T5's are 3ft bulbs but not sure. Good luck!

09/20/2010, 03:07 PM	#5
frozenreefer Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Fargo, North Dakota Posts: 100	i agree that you might want toget a halide setup with some t5's supplements you can have just about anything you want with those...as for skimmer 2x total water is a good start reef octopus is a good brand look in your area on craigs list your in the houston area im sure that you could find alot of stuff or the sale forums here? and go with the biggest sump you can fit under there