Getting back into the game-going reef

r1racer · 02/26/2013, 07:34 PM

Although I have neglected my tank, I have had a somewhat healthy reef ready, FO tank for the last 7 years. I still have the first fish I ever bought

. However, my power went out for a few days and my generator just happen to go out with it so the few fish I had were wiped out (except my damsel). I am ready to start over and go all the way with a reef tank this time around.

I have a 125 gallon tank (6x18x24). Plenty of live rock with that purple algae/bacteria crap all over it and 3 MH lights. I am ditching them for something maint free and not as hot. Thinking LEDS with T5 supps???
My setup is in the wall with plenty of room around the tank (no hood). My budget is 2k max for equipment.

Questions/Concerns:

1) What lighting? Budget is no more than 1500 and the cheaper the better but then again I would like to have the ability to control the lighting.
2) I have about a 5 inch sand bed with crushed coral mixed in (mostly at the top) What is the best way to go about removing it without having to cycle or disturbing it to the point it kills the last survivor?
3) Also I have an overflow box and would like to get rid of it or have it setup so the siphone is never lost. How to?
I have a 55 gallong sump with about 3 inches of bio balls...should i remove the rest now?
4) What skimmer/pump combo would you recommend and reactors...etc?
5) I have never had any coraline algae for some reason, how do i get that started?
6) I have ro water nest to the tank but would like to manage it somehow so that it puts the evaporated water back in every day.
7) I would like switch all of my plumbing to pvc pipes instead of tubing and don't know where to start with the sizes, valves fittings...etc.
8) Battery back up solutions to run the heaters and power head?

Basically I want the tank to manage itself for the most part without too much maint outside of water changes and testing the water.

02/26/2013, 07:34 PM	#1
r1racer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: MD Posts: 418	Getting back into the game-going reef Although I have neglected my tank, I have had a somewhat healthy reef ready, FO tank for the last 7 years. I still have the first fish I ever bought . However, my power went out for a few days and my generator just happen to go out with it so the few fish I had were wiped out (except my damsel). I am ready to start over and go all the way with a reef tank this time around. I have a 125 gallon tank (6x18x24). Plenty of live rock with that purple algae/bacteria crap all over it and 3 MH lights. I am ditching them for something maint free and not as hot. Thinking LEDS with T5 supps??? My setup is in the wall with plenty of room around the tank (no hood). My budget is 2k max for equipment. Questions/Concerns: 1) What lighting? Budget is no more than 1500 and the cheaper the better but then again I would like to have the ability to control the lighting. 2) I have about a 5 inch sand bed with crushed coral mixed in (mostly at the top) What is the best way to go about removing it without having to cycle or disturbing it to the point it kills the last survivor? 3) Also I have an overflow box and would like to get rid of it or have it setup so the siphone is never lost. How to? I have a 55 gallong sump with about 3 inches of bio balls...should i remove the rest now? 4) What skimmer/pump combo would you recommend and reactors...etc? 5) I have never had any coraline algae for some reason, how do i get that started? 6) I have ro water nest to the tank but would like to manage it somehow so that it puts the evaporated water back in every day. 7) I would like switch all of my plumbing to pvc pipes instead of tubing and don't know where to start with the sizes, valves fittings...etc. 8) Battery back up solutions to run the heaters and power head? Basically I want the tank to manage itself for the most part without too much maint outside of water changes and testing the water.