n00b Setup help

juice454 · 07/18/2006, 02:02 PM

New to the hobby, and committed to starting a marine aquarium. Recently purchased a 46 gallon (bowed front) tank. From the reading and research I have gathered, cured live rock is the way to go in terms of filtration. My question is, will the live rock coupled with a good protein skimmer(recommendations appreciated) be enough in terms of filtration and oxygenation? Or will I need an external pump as well?

In terms of using cured live rock, is purchasing online a good route to go, or should this be something purchased at the local shop? I'd like to atleast look the online route, unless transportation being timely is a show stopper.

Anyone got any tips on shaping the rock into caves and such? I've read using pvc pipes can be used, but in terms of handling, adhering, and placing the rocks I have not been able to find much info.

WaterKeeper · 07/18/2006, 02:09 PM

Hi Juice

To Reef Central

Read this--The New Tank Thread. I think it will answer a ton of your questions. Even for an IT guy

sir_dudeguy · 07/18/2006, 02:19 PM

yes i'd say rock and skimmer is all the filtration you need, depending on how much rock and how good a skimmer you get...but you'll need powerheads for circulation too tho.

juice454 · 07/18/2006, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sir_dudeguy
yes i'd say rock and skimmer is all the filtration you need, depending on how much rock and how good a skimmer you get...but you'll need powerheads for circulation too tho.

Euro-Reef seems to be the protein skimmer of choice, but which model would work best for a 46 gallon?

07/18/2006, 02:02 PM	#1
juice454 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 62	n00b Setup help New to the hobby, and committed to starting a marine aquarium. Recently purchased a 46 gallon (bowed front) tank. From the reading and research I have gathered, cured live rock is the way to go in terms of filtration. My question is, will the live rock coupled with a good protein skimmer(recommendations appreciated) be enough in terms of filtration and oxygenation? Or will I need an external pump as well? In terms of using cured live rock, is purchasing online a good route to go, or should this be something purchased at the local shop? I'd like to atleast look the online route, unless transportation being timely is a show stopper. Anyone got any tips on shaping the rock into caves and such? I've read using pvc pipes can be used, but in terms of handling, adhering, and placing the rocks I have not been able to find much info.

07/18/2006, 02:09 PM	#2
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Hi Juice *To Reef Central* Read this--The New Tank Thread. I think it will answer a ton of your questions. Even for an IT guy __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

07/18/2006, 02:19 PM	#3
sir_dudeguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 10,841	yes i'd say rock and skimmer is all the filtration you need, depending on how much rock and how good a skimmer you get...but you'll need powerheads for circulation too tho. __________________ TAKE...LUCK!!!