My First Tank ..!!!

[governor410]

Hey everyone, I had made a post a few weeks ago and got some great answers from people on here. Thanks to all of you. After researching and reading and more reading I have decided on a few things and wanted some feedback.

I am looking at starting a 90G AGA, FO tank. Since this will be my first tank and I am new to this hobby I felt this was the best way to start. My LFS had suggested that starting with a wet dry filtration system would be the way to go since it is easy and basic. They also told me that if things play out the way I would like, I could always add some live rock to the tank later on. Here are a few basic questions and I apologize if my terminology is off.

1. If you start with a wet/dry filtration system, in the future cant you just remove some of the bioballs and slowly add live rock to the tank?

2. When I set up my tank, could I use the wet/dry and also maybe use only 25lbs of LR?

3. I understand that the wet/dry filtration is not the preferred type for many people. But it seems like the best way for someone like me to start out. What do you think??

Any and all help would be great and I look forward to hearing from everyone.

-Governor

[killagoby]

If you are going with a FO tank then you can run a wet/dry with bio-balls. If you plan on adding corals in the future skip the wet/dry and go directly to a sump or refugium. Depending on the type of corals you want to keep will depend on the system you should run. IMO a bare bottom Berlin system for SPS's with a sump, or a refugium for LPS's or softies with a deep sand bed and algae in the refugium.

1. Bio-balls keep nitrate levels high. Not good for corals.

2. A Berlin system uses live rock and heavy skimming for keeping the tank clean. Great for SPS's.

3. Most LPS's like to be close to a lagoon or bay so the DSB and algae help. Plus you get the added benefits of pods and a seperate tank to stare all all night like I do. lol

[sabbath]

Here is a link to answer most of your questions.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...eadid=1031074:)

[governor410]

Ok then what you are saying is for starters this is an ok setup to use with the wet.dry filtration. if i choose to later on down the line, introduce corals then I will have to change my filtration system. thanx

[sabbath]

I have always had Nitrate troubles wet wet/drys personally.

[killagoby]

If you are going to add corals do it the right way the first time and save the $$$ and trouble of switching over.

[zma21]

Wet/dry filtration is notorious for nitrate build up; I wouldn't go that route.

Instead, I would use a deep sand bed, plenty of liverock, and a decent skimmer (I prefer the coralife superskimmer) for your future 90 gallon, which i think is a perfect size to start.

[governor410]

I understand that LR is the preffered way to go, but when I visited 2 of the 3 LFS they had reccomended that I use the wet/dry to start with. When I questioned them about LR they said for a beginner its a more expensive setup. I want to do this the right way. I want to set it up so that in 6mths I dont need to change over eveything. Just really confused when people on the forums say one thing, yet when your in a LFS talking with the owner, salespeople, and they say to go another way. Please help me!! LOL this stuff is nutz!

[honda2sk]

here is what you do. dont listen to lfs. thats it. they know you will buy live rock online and they make no money off that, they make money if you buy their wetdry system. get it?

now, do not buy a wet dry, buy a cheap aquarium, glue some dividers into it, put algae in one compartment with a light over it, in another compartment put some live rock rubble (they can also be in the same compartment if you want), and in another compartment put a skimmer, and in the last compartment put a return pump.

thats it

details if you want i can help but thats the general way your filtration system should be set up

[honda2sk]

everyone get the same speil, its like a right of passage to marine aquariums. some are impatient and buy all the stuff, others are smart, research online, realize the lfs is full of crap/outdated info.

[killagoby]

Originally posted by governor410
I understand that LR is the preffered way to go, but when I visited 2 of the 3 LFS they had reccomended that I use the wet/dry to start with. When I questioned them about LR they said for a beginner its a more expensive setup. I want to do this the right way. I want to set it up so that in 6mths I dont need to change over eveything. Just really confused when people on the forums say one thing, yet when your in a LFS talking with the owner, salespeople, and they say to go another way. Please help me!! LOL this stuff is nutz!

It might be more expensive in the beginning but in the long run it will pay off. They are trying to talk you in to starting a FO tank. From your previous posts it seems like you want a reef tank. Once you get it set up you will have the "itch" and want a reef tank. Do more research, esp. on Berlin and Jaubert reef systems so you don't waste money and livestock on a FO tank. Unless your local fish stores are like mine where I've been dealing w/ them for 10+ years they just want to sell you something you might not want. FO gets boring quick. Trust me, I have a 75 gallon FOWLR that I want to switch over to a SPS bare bottom reef but it is work and more $$$. I'd have to get rid of my wet/dry, lights, sand, fish... See what I'm getting at? This is why my 29 gallon is currently my reef and I wont switch my 75 gallon over until I buy my house. Keep posting about these topics: skimming, trace elements for a reef, coral/fish compatibility, lighting, water flow with powerheads and wavemakers. Start with that. Let us know how you are making out before you spend $$$ on something you really don't want in the long run.

[governor410]

Everyone, thank you all so much for your advise. I have a million and one more questions for all of you. These are some if you could give me feedback that would be great.
Thank you all once again!

1. With a 90g tank, what size sump do I make, from what I have heard I can make my own for pretty cheap. Also what do I need to make it run correctly? (pumps, pipes???)

2. I really dont have that much a passion for corals, thats why I REALLY like the idea of a FOWLR tank. I have seen different LR online price always varies.?? Is it ok to mix up different LR? also how many lbs??


3. In regards to lights... are the standard lights that come with the tank decent for a FOWLR tank?

4. I was told to get a coralife skimmer 225?? this was reccomended any feedback?

[kuoka]

Berlin system all the way IMO.

[killagoby]

Here's your answers:

1. Get one of these sumps. Or make one using other posts from people who have. (If your tank is not Reef Ready you will need an overflow box as well).

2. If you only want FOWLR you can use a good amount of base rock. I have 100 lbs. in my 75 gallon FO tank. It won't be as expensive as live rock.

3. If you went with that set up you could use normal strip bulbs to keep the cost down. Otherwise I would go for T5's because they are bright, compact, and you won't need a chiller with them.

4. As for a skimmer I would go with a Euro Reef Skimmer. I know it is rated for 180 gallons, but that is with a normal bio-load and most skimmers are rated higher than they really are. I have one rated for a 135 gallon tank on my 75 gallon.

[zma21]

The coralife skimmer will do an absolutely fantastic job for you.