1st saltwater tank. - Page 2

Diana A · 07/03/2016, 11:12 AM

Also the coralife skimmer 220 is too large for a 75 gallon

fenrizwolf · 07/03/2016, 05:21 PM

Jeez this skimmer, ok so can I get like a list of a few choices that are hob, QUIET, and cost around 200ish? Not sure what you guys want me to spend, but above 250 is pushing it. I super appreciate all the comments and experiences, so thank you.

lg2725 · 07/03/2016, 05:41 PM

From someone who is pretty much starting from scratch this all seems so daunting. My advice is take your time. I have been researching, purchasing items and building things for the last 6 months. I finally plan on adding tap water next week just to get a feel for how my Profilux operates the lights, pump, powerheads, etc... After stalking (lol) this sight for a long time the 1 thing that EVERYONE can agree on is that this takes time to get a properly established tank. I'm hoping to finally get RODI water in and start to cycle by mid July and possibly get a fish in sometime in September. Even with all my research the chemistry side scares the living crap outta me. Good luck and enjoy the ride!!

fenrizwolf · 07/03/2016, 06:34 PM

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...&child=CV20197

I like the price here, reef octopus classic 100

fishchef · 07/03/2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenrizwolf

I must say I am beyond amazed at the astronomical costs associated with a marine tank. It's starting to stress me out. I appreciate all the help and comments.
So i have heater, tank, powerheads filters, my next steps are to get aragonite sand, salt, skimmer, and a hydrometer. I think I need about 80 lbs of sand.
Next phase would be live rock, led lights, fish.

Not a Hobby for one on a budget. The expenses seem to never end. I had Frontosas for many years and there's no comparison with overall cost of care. If you stay with FOWLR it won't be too bad. Adding any corals will be the deciding factor. We had a mixed reef for years and eventually had a temperature related crash. Just got out.

jraker · 07/04/2016, 07:35 AM

By the way, for sand, Doctor foster and smith has sand for cheaper than Amazon. I got 80 pounds for under $70

Pigpen17 · 07/04/2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishchef

Not a Hobby for one on a budget. The expenses seem to never end. I had Frontosas for many years and there's no comparison with overall cost of care. If you stay with FOWLR it won't be too bad. Adding any corals will be the deciding factor. We had a mixed reef for years and eventually had a temperature related crash. Just got out.

I don't know. You can do it on a budget. You just can't start off with all the best stuff. I started this tank with a Seaclone skimmer, $175.00 Marineland LED, and Aqueon powerheads. That got water in my tank. Of course I've replaced all of these, but over a period of two years.

fenrizwolf · 07/04/2016, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenrizwolf

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...&child=CV20197

I like the price here, reef octopus classic 100

How bout this skimmer tho?
The reviews look really good.

Pigpen17 · 07/04/2016, 09:39 AM

Sorry. I haven't used that one. It's strange that the size you posted is the only Reef Octopus with the pump in the tank. I wonder why that is.

Diana A · 07/04/2016, 11:00 AM

can you do this one http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...n-skimmer.html

fenrizwolf · 07/04/2016, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diana aliprandi

can you do this one http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...n-skimmer.html

Yes

fenrizwolf · 07/05/2016, 07:46 AM

Ok so reef octopus classic 90 it is.

Sand and refractometer ordered, skimmer will be ordered. Returning seaclone to chewy.com, returns are free with shipping paid fyi. Going to buy salt from lfs, and get live rock from the 1 hour away fish store. Last thing to get will be some led lighting. Do I need that saltwater test kit or get that down the line if I run into issues?

fishchef · 07/05/2016, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigpen17

I don't know. You can do it on a budget. You just can't start off with all the best stuff. I started this tank with a Seaclone skimmer, $175.00 Marineland LED, and Aqueon powerheads. That got water in my tank. Of course I've replaced all of these, but over a period of two years.

One of the many warnings. Don't go cheap.

fenrizwolf · 07/05/2016, 10:21 AM

So we called chewy.com to iniate return and they told us to keep it and they'd credit our card. Lol.

Still buying reef octopus tho.

Pigpen17 · 07/05/2016, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fenrizwolf

So we called chewy.com to iniate return and they told us to keep it and they'd credit our card. Lol.

Still buying reef octopus tho.

Haha! Even they don't want one.

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishchef

One of the many warnings. Don't go cheap.

Oh course. If you can. But you can start a tank without going crazy. I always thought of it as the sooner you can get water in your tank the better, and the longer it runs, even if empty, the better.

fenrizwolf · 07/05/2016, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigpen17

Haha! Even they don't want one.

Oh course. If you can. But you can start a tank without going crazy. I always thought of it as the sooner you can get water in your tank the better, and the longer it runs, even if empty, the better.

My plan is to get saltwater and a filter going very soon. Then add sand then rock and skimmer.

Taahirs · 07/05/2016, 11:44 AM

Just remember your cycle only starts once you've added rocks and sand.

MiataRacer · 07/05/2016, 12:12 PM

fenrizwolf, I felt the same way about not trusting an HOB overflow. I did the same thing you did; I have an HOB skimmer. Mine is a CPR Bak-Pak 2R. I got it on ebay brand new for less than $90. You can find them from a seller called amekaaquatics; they're units that had damage to the skimmer bodies and were factory-repaired. Mine works fine; however, I will warn you that you need to adjust the valve on the front of the Rio powerhead that's included in order to actually have the skimmer produce skimmate. I learned this the hard way, as mine didn't produce any skimmate for the first few weeks and my nitrates built up. You'll also want to look into getting the Pre-skimmer for the Bak-Pak, as it reduces the protein slick on the surface of the tank. For sand, I used the CaribSea Arag-alive live sand, and I have no complaints about it.

EDIT: Just noticed you already chose a skimmer. Yes, you do need the saltwater test kits; if you have any API kits for freshwater tanks, most of those work for saltwater too. You can get the full set of saltwater test kits for $25 - $30 and they work fine for me.

fenrizwolf · 07/05/2016, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiataRacer

fenrizwolf, I felt the same way about not trusting an HOB overflow. I did the same thing you did; I have an HOB skimmer. Mine is a CPR Bak-Pak 2R. I got it on ebay brand new for less than $90. You can find them from a seller called amekaaquatics; they're units that had damage to the skimmer bodies and were factory-repaired. Mine works fine; however, I will warn you that you need to adjust the valve on the front of the Rio powerhead that's included in order to actually have the skimmer produce skimmate. I learned this the hard way, as mine didn't produce any skimmate for the first few weeks and my nitrates built up. You'll also want to look into getting the Pre-skimmer for the Bak-Pak, as it reduces the protein slick on the surface of the tank. For sand, I used the CaribSea Arag-alive live sand, and I have no complaints about it.

EDIT: Just noticed you already chose a skimmer. Yes, you do need the saltwater test kits; if you have any API kits for freshwater tanks, most of those work for saltwater too. You can get the full set of saltwater test kits for $25 - $30 and they work fine for me.

Those skimmers are only rated to 60 gallons.

fenrizwolf · 07/05/2016, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Taahirs

Just remember your cycle only starts once you've added rocks and sand.

Gotcha!

fenrizwolf · 07/17/2016, 06:59 PM

Ok equipment list update.
Arriving tomorrow is my live sand. Might go get the live rock depending on how early it comes.

I've had saltwater running with a canister filter and fluval heater for 2 weeks. I have the reef octopus classic 90 on the tank but not running. I have a refractometer. I just ordered a Current USA orbit marine led light, and a jecod cp40 crossflow pump. Getting closer to fish, but still so far.

fenrizwolf · 07/18/2016, 02:24 PM

The guy at the lfs told me to not even waste my money on the live rock. He said just cycle with the dead shrimp method with all my lace rock in. Very refreshing to have someone try to save you money. I have the sand in the tank and 2 powerheads with filter floss clearing turbidity.

Harbara · 07/18/2016, 10:34 PM

I would go without mechanical filtration before I would use a canister filter on a saltwater system. When you use any type of mechanical filtration on a saltwater tank the filter media needs to be cleaned every 3 or 4 days or it will lead to higher nitrates. Canister filters are so time consuming to change media with that I would just use live rock and water changes rather than hasle the canister.

fenrizwolf · 07/19/2016, 04:26 AM

Yes Harbara thanks. That was mentioned earlier, and I talked about it with the lfs guy. With out running a sump, I will go to a hob filter if I find I need mechanical filtration. For now while I get this tank started and cycled I will be using the canister.

finewayne · 07/19/2016, 05:29 AM

I think any type of mechanical filtration can go with those condition

07/03/2016, 05:21 PM	#27
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	Jeez this skimmer, ok so can I get like a list of a few choices that are hob, QUIET, and cost around 200ish? Not sure what you guys want me to spend, but above 250 is pushing it. I super appreciate all the comments and experiences, so thank you. Last edited by fenrizwolf; 07/03/2016 at 05:27 PM.

07/04/2016, 07:35 AM	#31
jraker Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 1,421	By the way, for sand, Doctor foster and smith has sand for cheaper than Amazon. I got 80 pounds for under $70 __________________ "I glue animals to rocks" Current Tank Info: 36 gallon reef, 65 gallon Caribbean Biotope macroalgae and seagrass tank

07/04/2016, 09:39 AM	#34
Pigpen17 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Tacoma, Wa. Posts: 1,006	Sorry. I haven't used that one. It's strange that the size you posted is the only Reef Octopus with the pump in the tank. I wonder why that is. __________________ Never trust a man with a castle in his tank. 56g Column \|Aquamaxx HOB-1 Skimmer \|Reef Breeders Photon 24 LED \|850gph Koralia (X2) \| Maxspect Gyre XF130

07/05/2016, 11:44 AM	#42
Taahirs Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Posts: 376	1st saltwater tank. Just remember your cycle only starts once you've added rocks and sand. Last edited by Taahirs; 07/05/2016 at 11:44 AM. Reason: Typo

07/05/2016, 12:12 PM	#43
MiataRacer Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2016 Posts: 56	fenrizwolf, I felt the same way about not trusting an HOB overflow. I did the same thing you did; I have an HOB skimmer. Mine is a CPR Bak-Pak 2R. I got it on ebay brand new for less than $90. You can find them from a seller called amekaaquatics; they're units that had damage to the skimmer bodies and were factory-repaired. Mine works fine; however, I will warn you that you need to adjust the valve on the front of the Rio powerhead that's included in order to actually have the skimmer produce skimmate. I learned this the hard way, as mine didn't produce any skimmate for the first few weeks and my nitrates built up. You'll also want to look into getting the Pre-skimmer for the Bak-Pak, as it reduces the protein slick on the surface of the tank. For sand, I used the CaribSea Arag-alive live sand, and I have no complaints about it. EDIT: Just noticed you already chose a skimmer. Yes, you do need the saltwater test kits; if you have any API kits for freshwater tanks, most of those work for saltwater too. You can get the full set of saltwater test kits for $25 - $30 and they work fine for me. __________________ Sumpless 40B Reef

07/03/2016, 11:12 AM	#26
Diana A Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 682	Also the coralife skimmer 220 is too large for a 75 gallon

07/03/2016, 05:41 PM	#28
lg2725 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 180	From someone who is pretty much starting from scratch this all seems so daunting. My advice is take your time. I have been researching, purchasing items and building things for the last 6 months. I finally plan on adding tap water next week just to get a feel for how my Profilux operates the lights, pump, powerheads, etc... After stalking (lol) this sight for a long time the 1 thing that EVERYONE can agree on is that this takes time to get a properly established tank. I'm hoping to finally get RODI water in and start to cycle by mid July and possibly get a fish in sometime in September. Even with all my research the chemistry side scares the living crap outta me. Good luck and enjoy the ride!!

07/03/2016, 06:34 PM	#29
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...&child=CV20197 I like the price here, reef octopus classic 100

07/04/2016, 11:00 AM	#35
Diana A Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: New Jersey Posts: 682	can you do this one http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...n-skimmer.html

07/05/2016, 07:46 AM	#37
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	Ok so reef octopus classic 90 it is. Sand and refractometer ordered, skimmer will be ordered. Returning seaclone to chewy.com, returns are free with shipping paid fyi. Going to buy salt from lfs, and get live rock from the 1 hour away fish store. Last thing to get will be some led lighting. Do I need that saltwater test kit or get that down the line if I run into issues?

07/05/2016, 10:21 AM	#39
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	So we called chewy.com to iniate return and they told us to keep it and they'd credit our card. Lol. Still buying reef octopus tho.

07/17/2016, 06:59 PM	#46
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	Ok equipment list update. Arriving tomorrow is my live sand. Might go get the live rock depending on how early it comes. I've had saltwater running with a canister filter and fluval heater for 2 weeks. I have the reef octopus classic 90 on the tank but not running. I have a refractometer. I just ordered a Current USA orbit marine led light, and a jecod cp40 crossflow pump. Getting closer to fish, but still so far.

07/18/2016, 02:24 PM	#47
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	The guy at the lfs told me to not even waste my money on the live rock. He said just cycle with the dead shrimp method with all my lace rock in. Very refreshing to have someone try to save you money. I have the sand in the tank and 2 powerheads with filter floss clearing turbidity.

07/18/2016, 10:34 PM	#48
Harbara Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 4	I would go without mechanical filtration before I would use a canister filter on a saltwater system. When you use any type of mechanical filtration on a saltwater tank the filter media needs to be cleaned every 3 or 4 days or it will lead to higher nitrates. Canister filters are so time consuming to change media with that I would just use live rock and water changes rather than hasle the canister.

07/19/2016, 04:26 AM	#49
fenrizwolf Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 53	Yes Harbara thanks. That was mentioned earlier, and I talked about it with the lfs guy. With out running a sump, I will go to a hob filter if I find I need mechanical filtration. For now while I get this tank started and cycled I will be using the canister.

07/19/2016, 05:29 AM	#50
finewayne Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Posts: 42	I think any type of mechanical filtration can go with those condition