About to start my First Tank

[bo0sted2g]

Originally Posted by Gilfish1

Back to the lighting issue. You see bo0sted2g, your already talking about corals and you haven't even filled your tank. I think you should re-think what direction you really want to go. This will guide you to the right equipment.

Im not trying to jump the gun on this, this is my first tank and I know that there is a lot that I will learn in building such a project.. however i am simply saying that down the road I would like to add corals to the tank. I dont plan on putting them in right away but why not plan ahead when starting from scratch. Since I dont have all the components to run a tank yet, I might as well get the equipment that will cover the long term goal of the tank.

[Angel*Fish]

And don't worry you CAN use a hang on the back overflow with a u tube. You just have to watch it more. Lots of successful reefers here used one in their first setup.

Yes, I used one in my first setup and in my wildest dreams I can't imagine ever considering it again. Back when they were more common I seem to remember there being quite a few HOB overflow problem threads.

[bo0sted2g]

Since I have not started assembling anything yet I am Not opposed to converting this tank to Reef-Ready. This is a learn as you go Project for me and I would like to do things right the first time around, and save some frustration later on.

Is there any way to tell the difference between regular glass and tempered glass? I know you cant drill through Tempered. I am getting the tank used so i may or may not be able to figure out which company makes the tank.

Lol I dont want to find out the hard way and end up sweeping my tank off the floor after it shatters

[IridescentLily]

Originally Posted by Angel*Fish

Yes, I used one in my first setup and in my wildest dreams I can't imagine ever considering it again. Back when they were more common I seem to remember there being quite a few HOB overflow problem threads.

Yep. They can be tricky, and ive read about some disasters even.
One of the Tank of the Month reefers (April 2010) uses a u tube overflow. He's had it on his tank for 4 years. U-tube is not how I would go either.
But it is an option that works for hundreds of reefers here.

[firebirdude]

Originally Posted by bo0sted2g

I dont plan on putting them in right away but why not plan ahead when starting from scratch. Since I dont have all the components to run a tank yet, I might as well get the equipment that will cover the long term goal of the tank.

Because the bulbs are expensive. You're going to be burning through hundreds of dollars in bulbs to do the exact same thing a $50 fluorescent light can do. And you're putting miles on a fixture that you're really not even using to it's potential.

It's like saying "I need a new car. I think I'm going to buy a top fuel drag car now because I'm going to get into drag racing in a couple years"

[abezr]

Hey, lots of good advice going back and forth - just be careful because everyone has strong opinions in this hobby - For myself, i have a 6 ft 190 gal and I use 3 LED modules, each ran me about 160$, Ive got the glitter effect, ive got about 30 different corals growing great for 4 months with the led- even sps. My electricity bill is 85% less than it was before. If you have the money, you can buy a canister filters, at the beginning we all make bad calls so have a filter with carbon or ferric oxide can help tons at the beginning.

good luck buddy - abe

[bo0sted2g]

Are there any diagrams I can follow for making an In-tank overflow after i get the tank drilled?

[RocketSurgeon]

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/s...ow-system.aspx

[Angel*Fish]

Originally Posted by firebirdude

Because the bulbs are expensive. You're going to be burning through hundreds of dollars in bulbs to do the exact same thing a $50 fluorescent light can do. And you're putting miles on a fixture that you're really not even using to it's potential.

It's like saying "I need a new car. I think I'm going to buy a top fuel drag car now because I'm going to get into drag racing in a couple years"

I wouldn't call it the exact same thing. The look is dramatically different.

With halides, the fixture could be installed and he could probably get someone's used bulbs for free.

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by Angel*Fish

I wouldn't call it the exact same thing. The look is dramatically different.

With halides, the fixture could be installed and he could probably get someone's used bulbs for free.

T5's can be done the same way. Utilize preowned bulbs till corals arrive.

[firebirdude]

The color spectrum and brightness of a new bulbs versus one at it's End Of Usable Life is night and day. I certainly wouldn't call a fixture full of EOUL bulbs "dramatically different." In addition, the color shift may fuel algae growth. Florescents are available in colors too btw.

I guess it may come down to how long he'll be only FOWLR. If he's like every other young person building their first tank, he'll be buying coral by the end of the week. lol

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by firebirdude

The color spectrum and brightness of a new bulbs versus one at it's End Of Usable Life is night and day. I certainly wouldn't call a fixture full of EOUL bulbs "dramatically different." In addition, the color shift may fuel algae growth. Florescents are available in colors too btw.

I guess it may come down to how long he'll be only FOWLR. If he's like every other young person building their first tank, he'll be buying coral by the end of the week. lol

EOUL bulbs doesn't matter if he is only looking at fish. Using T5HO's (or MH's), when he's ready for coral, he's not buying a new fixture, strictly new bulbs.

[firebirdude]

Do whatever you want. I'm not going to debate anymore.

[Angel*Fish]

Originally Posted by firebirdude

The color spectrum and brightness of a new bulbs versus one at it's End Of Usable Life is night and day. I certainly wouldn't call a fixture full of EOUL bulbs "dramatically different." In addition, the color shift may fuel algae growth. Florescents are available in colors too btw.

I guess it may come down to how long he'll be only FOWLR. If he's like every other young person building their first tank, he'll be buying coral by the end of the week. lol

I know you're not going to debate any more, so I get the last word The difference I was referring to was not so much color but the shimmer effect.

[bo0sted2g]

I was planning on adding corals after I got everything stable and had a few fish in there for a little while. I might just go with a power compact to get me started. And then I can always upgrade later on. Unless there are any benefits that would justify going T5 from the start.

[kingpin9995]

Get a good light right from the beginning. I had this debate and now I have two lighting systems in my basement. I have a cheap starter that ran around 80 bucks. Then I went to the Nova Extreme Pro. Now I am running a 150 MH clamp on, on my 52 bowfront corner. From the beginning I knew what I liked the best , what looked the best when researching. I let the money get into the haze of what I wanted when I knew what was the option I liked best. The halide is BY far the best in my opinion. Sure the cost to run it is a higher but I cut down on the length to just around 8 hours a day. There in my opinion is no match for the natural look of metal halide. The colors are great, the clarity of the water is unmatched , and the shimmer is awesome. My corals have become better looking, and I am growing more corraline. I wish I would have just went with what I really wanted right away. You have to go check out the lights in action and then make a decision what you like the best. Go on youtube and check out the lighting systems. It's easy to see what looks the best imo, and it's hands down MH. Trust me , make YOUR personal favorite choice right off the bat or you will end up with lights lying around collecting dust....

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by Angel*Fish

I know you're not going to debate any more, so I get the last word The difference I was referring to was not so much color but the shimmer effect.

My point is he will have a useless fixture he will end up giving away, unless he chooses to add a smaller tank.

Originally Posted by bo0sted2g

I was planning on adding corals after I got everything stable and had a few fish in there for a little while. I might just go with a power compact to get me started. And then I can always upgrade later on. Unless there are any benefits that would justify going T5 from the start.

Power Compacts will be maxed out on a 55 gallon tank. T5's can easily handle the tank size of a 55 or 75 gallon tank. Generally, T5HO's can penetrate deeper than the power compacts, thus making them more versatile, in my opinion.

MH are excellent choices if you have coral. They will produce a little heat. Make sure you get a fixture that fits the narrow 55 gallon tank so that you don't have too much excess light.

[bo0sted2g]

Ughh! I'm so torn between what to do... I would like to introduce corals as soon as possible. But being as this is my first tank build and I'm learning alot as I go, I don't want to make my tank too complicated too fast. I want to make sure my water chemistry is good and that my fish are happy and healthy. The hardest part is trying to figure out how fast I will get the hang of it. If I catch on quick then corals could be an option in the near future and I would like to have a light fixture that could support their needs. On the otherhand if I underestimated my aquatic abilities and have nothing but algae and nutrient problems and other unforeseen issues then I will probably hol off on the corals for a while. I'm just trying to make the right choices now so that they don't cost me unnecessary money down the line.
And thanks to everyone here at RC everyone has been really helpfull and this seems to be a great community, unlike some of the other message boards out there

[RocketSurgeon]

Want to save money. Buy right the first time!

Next, algae and nutrient problems, comes from cutting corners and using tap water instead of RO/DI, over feeding, lack of water changes (another expense).

Go slow and take it easy. Sure, you'll have minor problems and setbacks along with some algae, no matter which way you decide to travel.

Buy a journal/diary now and begin taking notes. Take many pictures a long the way. Look back and learn from your experiences. Then be as passionate as we are to tell others...Buy right the first time.

I don't feel power compact lighting is a viable choice here.

[RocketSurgeon]

http://home.comcast.net/~stevelarsen00/site/?/home/

[Angel*Fish]

Boosted, have you looked into getting a used fixture? Can't remember if we talked about it on this thread other than the used lights.

Originally Posted by RocketSurgeon

My point is he will have a useless fixture he will end up giving away, unless he chooses to add a smaller tank.

Huh? Lol -I thought we were on the same side of the EOUL issue.

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by Angel*Fish

Boosted, have you looked into getting a used fixture? Can't remember if we talked about it on this thread other than the used lights.Huh? Lol -I thought we were on the same side of the EOUL issue.

EOUL = YES Retro T5HO inside canopy with EOUL is an excellent option.

Power Compact = NO

I personally went with a T5HO 4 bulb over my 75. I sure would like to borrow someone's MH's. I think I would like them a lot better now that I have a few coral in my tank.



and

[Angel*Fish]

I never said anything about power compacts. Once you see that shimmering you will never go back. Pretty tank

[adamstipo]

Originally Posted by bo0sted2g

Ughh! I'm so torn between what to do... I would like to introduce corals as soon as possible. But being as this is my first tank build and I'm learning alot as I go, I don't want to make my tank too complicated too fast. I want to make sure my water chemistry is good and that my fish are happy and healthy. The hardest part is trying to figure out how fast I will get the hang of it. If I catch on quick then corals could be an option in the near future and I would like to have a light fixture that could support their needs. On the otherhand if I underestimated my aquatic abilities and have nothing but algae and nutrient problems and other unforeseen issues then I will probably hol off on the corals for a while. I'm just trying to make the right choices now so that they don't cost me unnecessary money down the line.
And thanks to everyone here at RC everyone has been really helpfull and this seems to be a great community, unlike some of the other message boards out there

I will speak from the perspective of someone who is going through exactly what you are right now. I am in the building phase of my first saltwater tank and I went back and forth on lighting for the last 2 months. It will literally drive you mad if you let it. I have a couple good friends that are saltwater hobbyist's and also have spoken to many people on a couple different forums. I have been convinced by everyone to do it right the first time, and when you sit down and think about it it makes so much more sense. I think the biggest thing us new people do is overlook the addiction factor of this hobby. What I mean is 3 months down the road after your first couple fish are all thriving we will take a trip back to the LFS and see that beutiful acro, or even better a derasa that you have to have. Then you remember when you started you said "I will just stick to FOWLR for a little while and get the $100 PC lights." Now that clam or coral is a definite no go, OOPS! I know this seems extreme but just think about the scenario for a minute. I know I did and that is why I decided to DIY a LED fixture for my tank that will support anything instead of buying twice. Like I said I am not trying to argue with anyone here, just letting you know what I decided when in your same situation.

[RocketSurgeon]

Originally Posted by firebirdude

...A used power compact ...(probably under 50 bucks)...then you can spend the money and do it right.

Originally Posted by firebirdude

... Why buy a multi-bulb T5 system...

Or spend 50 bucks on a cheap less-powerful setup. The bulbs can be had at WalMart for a few bucks. Under $100 total wasted. THEN purchase the T5 fixture when you're ready to start the reef. Brand new and ready to rock.

Originally Posted by Angel*Fish

I never said anything about power compacts. Once you see that shimmering you will never go back. Pretty tank

It was directed at Firebird's responses who dropped out of the "debate".

I too was in a similar situation about a yr ago. I used freshwater lights on a salt water system for months when I got started. I finally decided to buy T5's so I could get corals. Since I managed to keep NEMO alive over a year, I figured I could do this. I was very concerned about heat from the MH's. It is still a concern I have, since my tank is upstairs, where it is generally hotter anyway.