Setting up 75 gallon reef tank, Need Advice!!!

raw04f · 03/13/2007, 06:40 PM

Ok so im changing a 75 gallon freshwater tank to a reef tank. First things first I'm a college student with limited resources so i cant go all out. With that being said i have been able to streach my dollar and by a 250 watt electronic ballast, with HQI fixtures for about $320 total. I have also recently purchased a berlin red sea protein skimmer and the upgrade kit for about $110. (thank God for ebay) Finally I have two hang on the back filters that I used for freshwater and Im going to convert them to saltwater in the near future, I know this is not the best method of filtratiton but its the best i have so far. After viewing all of the information I have provided I would like to know if there are any tips that you guys have for me, any pitfalls i should look for and change anything within my set up. Please let me know what you all think, all of your advice is greatly appreciated.

mg426 · 03/13/2007, 06:59 PM

The HOB filters are OK to run carbon in. If you use any Media keep it clean/Changed at leat once a week.

MJH736 · 03/13/2007, 07:04 PM

I have a 75 gallon reef as well. I've learned the most underestimated aspect of keeping a reef is proper circulation. Make sure you invest in some quality powerheads.

erics3000 · 03/13/2007, 09:41 PM

You will probally want to also get a sump. You dont have to go all out you can use something like a rubbermaid container with a decent pump. It really helped my tank. It got rid of all the crap on the top of the tank. Then you can dose it there instead of scaring the fish. I would just poor my calcium, in right by s power heead and let it blow through the tank. But the sump was a great solution. Search the forums and you will learn alot. Good Luck

03/13/2007, 06:40 PM	#1
raw04f Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 100	Setting up 75 gallon reef tank, Need Advice!!! Ok so im changing a 75 gallon freshwater tank to a reef tank. First things first I'm a college student with limited resources so i cant go all out. With that being said i have been able to streach my dollar and by a 250 watt electronic ballast, with HQI fixtures for about $320 total. I have also recently purchased a berlin red sea protein skimmer and the upgrade kit for about $110. (thank God for ebay) Finally I have two hang on the back filters that I used for freshwater and Im going to convert them to saltwater in the near future, I know this is not the best method of filtratiton but its the best i have so far. After viewing all of the information I have provided I would like to know if there are any tips that you guys have for me, any pitfalls i should look for and change anything within my set up. Please let me know what you all think, all of your advice is greatly appreciated.

03/13/2007, 06:59 PM	#2
mg426 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: maryland Posts: 6,923	The HOB filters are OK to run carbon in. If you use any Media keep it clean/Changed at leat once a week. __________________ I found a way to make a small fortune running a reef tank. Start with a large fortune. Unofficial President of the SEACLONE haters club Current Tank Info: 125 mixed reef 110 lbs LR, 1x250watt XM 20K MH 2x175watt XM 20K MH on Magetics 2X96 watt actinic PC, 220 watt VHO actinic, 30 gallon refugium, closed loop system powered by Sequence Dart MSX 200 skimmer 38 gallon sump, Oceansmotions squirt

03/13/2007, 07:04 PM	#3
MJH736 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 13	I have a 75 gallon reef as well. I've learned the most underestimated aspect of keeping a reef is proper circulation. Make sure you invest in some quality powerheads.

03/13/2007, 09:41 PM	#4
erics3000 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Palm Bay FL Posts: 2,957	You will probally want to also get a sump. You dont have to go all out you can use something like a rubbermaid container with a decent pump. It really helped my tank. It got rid of all the crap on the top of the tank. Then you can dose it there instead of scaring the fish. I would just poor my calcium, in right by s power heead and let it blow through the tank. But the sump was a great solution. Search the forums and you will learn alot. Good Luck