New, and it's a family affair

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 12:41 PM

Looks like I've found the right place online to learn about this hobby!

My name is Dave and not only am I interested in building a reef tank but so is my wife and 14 year old son. The son has actually been pestering me awhile about one and since the wife is onboard, this will make it pretty easy to do things right ($$$).

In all honesty, I know enough to be dangerous about building a reef tank, therefore I intend on learning as musch as possible prior to making large and expensive purchases. I intend to take things very slow to ensure things are done properly so that this venture is a success fo all of us and the sea life we intend to keep.

That being said, I'm not an "upgrader". Therefore, my intent is to start with a 180 gallon tank and purchase the best equipment that is sufficient for my tank. Yes, I'm still learning what that particular equipment is but with the help of this website and the LFS, I'm sure we'll figure that out.

Fortunately for me, there is what I believe to be a very good LFS within 10 minutes of my home. Upon my two visits there, I found that both of the people I spoke to took the time to answer our questions fully and went above and beyond in the information they provided. I also talked to a customer that came in the store while we were there and he told me he's been to the other shops in the city and he wouldn't go anywhere else. He setup a 120 as a newbie and wished he had bought a 180, hence my wanting to go 180!

I don't have the advantage of having any previous experience so a question I have for those of you who chose to read this post is, from the time you became interested in reefkeeping, how much time did you invest in educating yourself prior to buying and setting up a tank? I can easily run out and buy everything I need to start up a tank but that's not going to help me be successful. Obviously the timeframe has alot to do with how deep one would immerse himself in learning. I've been spending a few hours each night here on RC for the last several days reading alot. I printed alot of the newbie articles and I also bought two books on the recommended reading page. My wife and son are also reading the books and some of the articles I've printed out. We'll be visiting the LFS again later this week to price out a tank and the other required equipment.

So, can a newbie go 180 with the right equipment, patience, etc for their first tank? Kind of curious what everyone's thoughts are. Also interested in any newbie advice you might have.

Looking forward to spending alot of time here.

Dave

MYDRAAL · 04/29/2008, 12:50 PM

I would research the coral, fish,etc. you wanted to keep and go from there. That will help in how you want to build your tank. As far as reading goes, you'll learn something new every day,regardless of how long you've been in the hobby. This can be a great hobby, just have patience. Oh yeah, Welcome! and Good Luck!

Playa-1 · 04/29/2008, 12:51 PM

Take it slow. I suggest that you start by reading a couple of good books on the subject. There are many but I would recommend "The conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. That will give you a good base of knowledge to build upon. Then use a site like this to learn from other people and maybe bounce ideas off of people and that type of thing. That is the very first thing you should do in my humble opinion. That will save you a ton of money and frustration. You will also learn that it's not all that difficult and when the time comes you will be well prepared.

I think you found the right place and you will know when your ready. You will be ready to go in no time. A 180 will be a great size to work with and I know your family will love it. My wife is more dangerous then I am when we go to the local fish stores

Definitely get her on board with the program if you can.

seapug · 04/29/2008, 01:00 PM

Welcome.
I'll second Playa-1 on the book reading. Websites like RC can be helpful but the conflicting (and sometimes flat out BAD) information you'll read can be confusing. The Conscientous Marine Aquarist is a good book for basic, info about fish, but I'd also suggest "Natural Reef Aquariums" for good, straightforward, up to date info about filtration and basic system setups. Another book I consider a bible on setup, equipment, lighting and chemistry and "how it all works" is "The Reef Aquarium Vol. 3" (purple cover) by Delbeek and Sprung.

Apart from that it sounds like you have the right mindset to be successful, which is just as important as equipment. Good luck!

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 01:23 PM

MYDRAAL, Playa-1 and seapug,

Thank you all for responding to my post. I'll certainly be doing alot of reading and I'll check out the books that have been recommended.

My son is very excited that we are getting a tank and he's even mentioned a marine biology career. That sounds expensive for me in regards to tuition and associated cost!!!

I'll start a thread when I make some purchases so the build can be followed like everyone else is doing. You can sure learn alot that way and it looks like you get alot of advice as well.

kzickovich · 04/29/2008, 01:25 PM

Most of all don't trust everything the LFS tells you. Alot of us have spent good money on things that the LFS says that you should have and now alot of that same stuff is sitting in the basement or on the bottom of a closet. That being said I'm not saying all LFS are out to rip you off it's just that they don't know anybetter. They trust what the selling reps tell them and there the crooks.

And welome to RC

indydog1 · 04/29/2008, 01:37 PM

To Reef Central

and boy do you have more going for you than i did when i started. this site can offer you so much, but don't take what is said as gold. everyone has a differnt way of doing things,and they work fine for them yet others try the same a fail. reading is a must. perhaps locate a local reef forum in your area, get to know them and see just what they are doing. you ust find out what you do want to do. reef lps sps kind of fish. once you have that established then it is just a simple choice of equipment.

good luck and success

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 01:48 PM

Thanks for the additional replies. I agree that some businesses will sell you anything just to sell you something and keep the money flowing. It's important to use common sense as well as advice from others to determine what is really required.

I also agree that having an online community such as this is a huge advantage for beginning reefers. I've learned alot already and will continue to do so.

My wife has been going through "A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species". We purchased this guide along with the book, "The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide".

Some of the unknown's I guess we are facing is product brands and performance of the equipment. Obviously the LFS will want to sell you the Protein Skimmer they prefer or carry. So, it's issues such as that that amkes the initial purchase a tougher decision for me since I don't know anything about these products. I guess that's where I'll get alot of advice when i start my build thread, huh?

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 01:53 PM

An additional note, my wife likes things in the tank that have movement from the waterflow like some frog spawn we saw at the LFS. She likes the Blue Hippo Tang, yellow Tang and the black and white clowns. My son likes cleaner shrimp and that's all he's mentioned that he wants at the moment! So, that's the direction we're likely headed.

stuccodude · 04/29/2008, 02:23 PM

good direction, i started with a 135 and one thing ive learned from others is bigger tanks are easier. 8 out of 10 times when i read about a tank crash its less then 40 gallons. with bigger tanks is something goes wrong it takes more time to do its damage. my experince cause i jumped in head first was it was alot of work for about 4 months and now its smooth sailing and theres nothing like having a reef in your living room. its the first and last thing people look at when they enter your home. good luck.

Playa-1 · 04/29/2008, 02:24 PM

I acquired equipment that would allow me to keep anything that I wanted. I look for quiet, energy efficient, leak free, low maintenance type equipment. Once you get some of the basic information down then this site is good for getting feedback on different types of equipment and experiences with that sort of stuff.

Curve · 04/29/2008, 02:31 PM

I also agree with everyone on the reading of a few good books. You can definitely go 180 for a first tank just take your time. I wanted to do a tank that couldn't be done so I jumped in feet first with 2 large tanks. I have a 135 and a 150 and I couldn't be any happier but I learned by alot of reading on here and also a few good books.

Onte · 04/29/2008, 03:58 PM

PM sent, local reefer buddy!

Those are 2 great books to start. I agree with other posters, the 180 is daunting but definitely doable for your first tank.

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 10:32 PM

DP

KCMO Reefer · 04/29/2008, 10:32 PM

Good advice from all of the replies. Man, a post can get buried pretty quick around here! That says alot for the activity here at RC.

May buy a tank this weekend. Talked to the shop and they're putting an equipment package quote together for me based on what I've told them we wanted to do.

It would appear you san save $800-$1000 if you build your own stand and canopy! That would buy the LR for our tank! I'll be looking for some threads by people who have done just that. I'm not a master cabinet builder but I'm pretty sure I can build something quite adequate.

So, anyone wanna take a crack at spending my money for me? If you were to buy a 180 gallon tank and equipment for it, what would you buy and how would you equip it? Kinda like fantasy football but building a tank instead of a team.

Thanks agin for helping us out and all of the great advice and info.

Dave

Playa-1 · 04/29/2008, 11:01 PM

If your looking to save a lot of money you might want to consider buying a used set up that a local hobbyist is selling. You can really get some steals that way. You could potentially save Thousands of dollars. There's a limited market for turn key tanks of that size and sometimes people find themselves in positions where they need to move them fast.

Have your considered your sump and where you will intend on putting it? I used to live out there and I know that most people have nice big fat unfinished basements. The big fat unfinished basement is a reefers dream. The size of the sump and where you will intend on keeping it will play a big role in your equipment package. Also if you definitely plan to use a Canopy or not will have a large impact on your lighting package.

KCMO Reefer · 04/30/2008, 06:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Playa-1
If your looking to save a lot of money you might want to consider buying a used set up that a local hobbyist is selling. You can really get some steals that way. You could potentially save Thousands of dollars. There's a limited market for turn key tanks of that size and sometimes people find themselves in positions where they need to move them fast.

Have your considered your sump and where you will intend on putting it? I used to live out there and I know that most people have nice big fat unfinished basements. The big fat unfinished basement is a reefers dream. The size of the sump and where you will intend on keeping it will play a big role in your equipment package. Also if you definitely plan to use a Canopy or not will have a large impact on your lighting package.

I have considered used and a LFS has a used 180 gallon tank with lights, canopy and stand for around $1100. My concern is buying a leaker.

I do have a rather large unfinished basement but no plans to finish it as we don't need the room. Since we already have 3200 sq ft of living space, I haven't been able to justify the expense of a basement finish with just the three of us. Currently, the plans are to put the tank in my study. I could do quite a fish room in the basement though. I do plan on putting the RO/DI unit down there and a QT as well.

Playa-1 · 04/30/2008, 07:45 AM

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html
Here is a link to good info on sumps. If you have not considered a sump then It is highly recommended. You will need a place to put it. An unfinished basement would do nicely for that but it could also go under the stand, in the garage, nearby closet, etc...
I personally don't like them under the stand because of the space constraints. That is a decision you will need to make.

KCMO Reefer · 04/30/2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Playa-1
http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html
Here is a link to good info on sumps. If you have not considered a sump then It is highly recommended. You will need a place to put it. An unfinished basement would do nicely for that but it could also go under the stand, in the garage, nearby closet, etc...
I personally don't like them under the stand because of the space constraints. That is a decision you will need to make.

Thanks for the link. I was certainly thinking under the stand. I have to say since you've mentioned it, I've been puting some thought into the basement for the tank but that would certainly slow things way down as I'd have to do some construction. Just giving it some thought.

So, sump in basement with PVC lines running through the floor upstairs and to the tank, huh?

Playa-1 · 04/30/2008, 09:15 AM

Definitely a consideration.
Especially if your already considering a QT and a water filter system down there anyway. You may want a nice Refugium, a larger skimmer, elbow room, extra water volume, auto top off systems. Easy power and water access. It does make for a little more plumbing but I think the payoff would be great.

Akaash · 04/30/2008, 09:40 AM

Lighting and Skimmer are the two main pieces of equipment that will make or break a tank.

What would I do?

Current makes a nice MH/T5 fixture which would enable you to keep pretty much anything. 3x 250w halide 8 T5 bulbs, and 24 LED/moonlights would be able to keep pretty much anything in there lightwise

Skimmer - ASM g4-x it's serious overkill the skimmer is rated for a 450 gallon tank but would be more forgiving with mistakes.

Sump w/ a 'fuge - small T-5 fixture doing a reverse light cycle - get rid of the bioballs and replace with live rock rubble

Some combination of Koralias...probably 4 K3s.

Spectrapure RO/DI system.

200ish lbs of live rock
3/4 - 1in crushed coral bed

Gonna need a chiller...Current Prime 1hp

Refractometer
Salifert test kits
Red Sea Coral Pro salt

So much more! I could go on for hours spending someone elses money! haha =P

KCMO Reefer · 04/30/2008, 11:32 AM

Playa-1, I'm liking your idea more and more. Need to talk to the family and see what they think. probably would up the overall investment but it will pay off in the long run I think.

Akaash- Thanks for spending my money! I'm going to look into your suggestions for sure!

Playa-1 · 04/30/2008, 02:04 PM

One of the best things is small water spills would not be a big hastle and any noise from the equipment would mostly be in the basement.

KCMO Reefer · 04/30/2008, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Playa-1
One of the best things is small water spills would not be a big hastle and any noise from the equipment would mostly be in the basement.

I concur. I'm going to talk to the wife about this as an option. Since the tank is planned to be located in my study, noise could be a factor.

I'll post what the LFS is recommending for me this weekend and see what kind of feedback I get. of course, if we decide to do the sump, etc... in the basement, that could change a few things. I presume I'll have to go way up in pump size if I'm pushing water up from the basement to the tank? That's going to be about 13-14 feet from the basement.

Playa-1 · 04/30/2008, 04:24 PM

The cool thing is that many times the larger pumps are more energy efficient then the smaller ones.

04/29/2008, 12:41 PM	#1
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	New, and it's a family affair Looks like I've found the right place online to learn about this hobby! My name is Dave and not only am I interested in building a reef tank but so is my wife and 14 year old son. The son has actually been pestering me awhile about one and since the wife is onboard, this will make it pretty easy to do things right ($$$). In all honesty, I know enough to be dangerous about building a reef tank, therefore I intend on learning as musch as possible prior to making large and expensive purchases. I intend to take things very slow to ensure things are done properly so that this venture is a success fo all of us and the sea life we intend to keep. That being said, I'm not an "upgrader". Therefore, my intent is to start with a 180 gallon tank and purchase the best equipment that is sufficient for my tank. Yes, I'm still learning what that particular equipment is but with the help of this website and the LFS, I'm sure we'll figure that out. Fortunately for me, there is what I believe to be a very good LFS within 10 minutes of my home. Upon my two visits there, I found that both of the people I spoke to took the time to answer our questions fully and went above and beyond in the information they provided. I also talked to a customer that came in the store while we were there and he told me he's been to the other shops in the city and he wouldn't go anywhere else. He setup a 120 as a newbie and wished he had bought a 180, hence my wanting to go 180! I don't have the advantage of having any previous experience so a question I have for those of you who chose to read this post is, from the time you became interested in reefkeeping, how much time did you invest in educating yourself prior to buying and setting up a tank? I can easily run out and buy everything I need to start up a tank but that's not going to help me be successful. Obviously the timeframe has alot to do with how deep one would immerse himself in learning. I've been spending a few hours each night here on RC for the last several days reading alot. I printed alot of the newbie articles and I also bought two books on the recommended reading page. My wife and son are also reading the books and some of the articles I've printed out. We'll be visiting the LFS again later this week to price out a tank and the other required equipment. So, can a newbie go 180 with the right equipment, patience, etc for their first tank? Kind of curious what everyone's thoughts are. Also interested in any newbie advice you might have. Looking forward to spending alot of time here. Dave

04/29/2008, 01:00 PM	#4
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome. I'll second Playa-1 on the book reading. Websites like RC can be helpful but the conflicting (and sometimes flat out BAD) information you'll read can be confusing. The Conscientous Marine Aquarist is a good book for basic, info about fish, but I'd also suggest "Natural Reef Aquariums" for good, straightforward, up to date info about filtration and basic system setups. Another book I consider a bible on setup, equipment, lighting and chemistry and "how it all works" is "The Reef Aquarium Vol. 3" (purple cover) by Delbeek and Sprung. Apart from that it sounds like you have the right mindset to be successful, which is just as important as equipment. Good luck! __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

04/29/2008, 01:23 PM	#5
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	MYDRAAL, Playa-1 and seapug, Thank you all for responding to my post. I'll certainly be doing alot of reading and I'll check out the books that have been recommended. My son is very excited that we are getting a tank and he's even mentioned a marine biology career. That sounds expensive for me in regards to tuition and associated cost!!! I'll start a thread when I make some purchases so the build can be followed like everyone else is doing. You can sure learn alot that way and it looks like you get alot of advice as well. __________________ 120RR, 100g sump, Panworld 200, Vortech MP40, Maristar Fixture w/ 250W 20K Ushio, Vertex Alphacone skimmer with red Dragon pump

04/29/2008, 01:25 PM	#6
kzickovich Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Zion Il Posts: 959	Most of all don't trust everything the LFS tells you. Alot of us have spent good money on things that the LFS says that you should have and now alot of that same stuff is sitting in the basement or on the bottom of a closet. That being said I'm not saying all LFS are out to rip you off it's just that they don't know anybetter. They trust what the selling reps tell them and there the crooks. And welome to RC __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: 90 Gal mixed reef 55 Gallon basement pump up Sump 25 Gal fuge 2 Mp40 DIY led light fixture Bubble King Mini 200 Gen2 skimmer BRS Duel reactor

04/29/2008, 01:37 PM	#7
indydog1 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: round lake, il Posts: 1,590	*To Reef Central* and boy do you have more going for you than i did when i started. this site can offer you so much, but don't take what is said as gold. everyone has a differnt way of doing things,and they work fine for them yet others try the same a fail. reading is a must. perhaps locate a local reef forum in your area, get to know them and see just what they are doing. you ust find out what you do want to do. reef lps sps kind of fish. once you have that established then it is just a simple choice of equipment. good luck and success __________________ Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself Current Tank Info: 210 gal

04/29/2008, 12:50 PM	#2
MYDRAAL Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: FWB Posts: 396	I would research the coral, fish,etc. you wanted to keep and go from there. That will help in how you want to build your tank. As far as reading goes, you'll learn something new every day,regardless of how long you've been in the hobby. This can be a great hobby, just have patience. Oh yeah, Welcome! and Good Luck!

04/29/2008, 12:51 PM	#3
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Take it slow. I suggest that you start by reading a couple of good books on the subject. There are many but I would recommend "The conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. That will give you a good base of knowledge to build upon. Then use a site like this to learn from other people and maybe bounce ideas off of people and that type of thing. That is the very first thing you should do in my humble opinion. That will save you a ton of money and frustration. You will also learn that it's not all that difficult and when the time comes you will be well prepared. I think you found the right place and you will know when your ready. You will be ready to go in no time. A 180 will be a great size to work with and I know your family will love it. My wife is more dangerous then I am when we go to the local fish stores Definitely get her on board with the program if you can.

04/29/2008, 01:48 PM	#8
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	Thanks for the additional replies. I agree that some businesses will sell you anything just to sell you something and keep the money flowing. It's important to use common sense as well as advice from others to determine what is really required. I also agree that having an online community such as this is a huge advantage for beginning reefers. I've learned alot already and will continue to do so. My wife has been going through "A PocketExpert Guide to Marine Invertebrates: 500+ Essential-to-Know Aquarium Species". We purchased this guide along with the book, "The New Marine Aquarium: Step-By-Step Setup & Stocking Guide". Some of the unknown's I guess we are facing is product brands and performance of the equipment. Obviously the LFS will want to sell you the Protein Skimmer they prefer or carry. So, it's issues such as that that amkes the initial purchase a tougher decision for me since I don't know anything about these products. I guess that's where I'll get alot of advice when i start my build thread, huh?

04/29/2008, 01:53 PM	#9
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	An additional note, my wife likes things in the tank that have movement from the waterflow like some frog spawn we saw at the LFS. She likes the Blue Hippo Tang, yellow Tang and the black and white clowns. My son likes cleaner shrimp and that's all he's mentioned that he wants at the moment! So, that's the direction we're likely headed. __________________ 120RR, 100g sump, Panworld 200, Vortech MP40, Maristar Fixture w/ 250W 20K Ushio, Vertex Alphacone skimmer with red Dragon pump

04/29/2008, 02:23 PM	#10
stuccodude Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: sanger Posts: 1,040	good direction, i started with a 135 and one thing ive learned from others is bigger tanks are easier. 8 out of 10 times when i read about a tank crash its less then 40 gallons. with bigger tanks is something goes wrong it takes more time to do its damage. my experince cause i jumped in head first was it was alot of work for about 4 months and now its smooth sailing and theres nothing like having a reef in your living room. its the first and last thing people look at when they enter your home. good luck. __________________ fear the wrath of patrick willis!!! no offense is safe. Current Tank Info: 240 all the goodies,hydra 26 led lights, chiller etc

04/29/2008, 02:24 PM	#11
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I acquired equipment that would allow me to keep anything that I wanted. I look for quiet, energy efficient, leak free, low maintenance type equipment. Once you get some of the basic information down then this site is good for getting feedback on different types of equipment and experiences with that sort of stuff.

04/29/2008, 02:31 PM	#12
Curve Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Farmerville, Louisiana Posts: 652	I also agree with everyone on the reading of a few good books. You can definitely go 180 for a first tank just take your time. I wanted to do a tank that couldn't be done so I jumped in feet first with 2 large tanks. I have a 135 and a 150 and I couldn't be any happier but I learned by alot of reading on here and also a few good books. __________________ If you don't take some meds, you're going to burn out of this hobby everytime a shrimp farts. Current Tank Info: 210 aggresive, 3 gallon led build

04/29/2008, 03:58 PM	#13
Onte Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 71	PM sent, local reefer buddy! Those are 2 great books to start. I agree with other posters, the 180 is daunting but definitely doable for your first tank.

04/29/2008, 10:32 PM	#14
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	DP __________________ 120RR, 100g sump, Panworld 200, Vortech MP40, Maristar Fixture w/ 250W 20K Ushio, Vertex Alphacone skimmer with red Dragon pump

04/29/2008, 11:01 PM	#16
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	If your looking to save a lot of money you might want to consider buying a used set up that a local hobbyist is selling. You can really get some steals that way. You could potentially save Thousands of dollars. There's a limited market for turn key tanks of that size and sometimes people find themselves in positions where they need to move them fast. Have your considered your sump and where you will intend on putting it? I used to live out there and I know that most people have nice big fat unfinished basements. The big fat unfinished basement is a reefers dream. The size of the sump and where you will intend on keeping it will play a big role in your equipment package. Also if you definitely plan to use a Canopy or not will have a large impact on your lighting package. Last edited by Playa-1; 04/29/2008 at 11:41 PM.

04/30/2008, 07:45 AM	#18
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html Here is a link to good info on sumps. If you have not considered a sump then It is highly recommended. You will need a place to put it. An unfinished basement would do nicely for that but it could also go under the stand, in the garage, nearby closet, etc... I personally don't like them under the stand because of the space constraints. That is a decision you will need to make.

04/30/2008, 09:15 AM	#20
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Definitely a consideration. Especially if your already considering a QT and a water filter system down there anyway. You may want a nice Refugium, a larger skimmer, elbow room, extra water volume, auto top off systems. Easy power and water access. It does make for a little more plumbing but I think the payoff would be great.

04/30/2008, 09:40 AM	#21
Akaash Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Lancaster PA Posts: 135	Lighting and Skimmer are the two main pieces of equipment that will make or break a tank. What would I do? Current makes a nice MH/T5 fixture which would enable you to keep pretty much anything. 3x 250w halide 8 T5 bulbs, and 24 LED/moonlights would be able to keep pretty much anything in there lightwise Skimmer - ASM g4-x it's serious overkill the skimmer is rated for a 450 gallon tank but would be more forgiving with mistakes. Sump w/ a 'fuge - small T-5 fixture doing a reverse light cycle - get rid of the bioballs and replace with live rock rubble Some combination of Koralias...probably 4 K3s. Spectrapure RO/DI system. 200ish lbs of live rock 3/4 - 1in crushed coral bed Gonna need a chiller...Current Prime 1hp Refractometer Salifert test kits Red Sea Coral Pro salt So much more! I could go on for hours spending someone elses money! haha =P __________________ -Mike Current Tank Info: 3g Pico Full Mixed Reef - 90g tech light reef

04/30/2008, 11:32 AM	#22
KCMO Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 105	Playa-1, I'm liking your idea more and more. Need to talk to the family and see what they think. probably would up the overall investment but it will pay off in the long run I think. Akaash- Thanks for spending my money! I'm going to look into your suggestions for sure! __________________ 120RR, 100g sump, Panworld 200, Vortech MP40, Maristar Fixture w/ 250W 20K Ushio, Vertex Alphacone skimmer with red Dragon pump

04/30/2008, 02:04 PM	#23
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	One of the best things is small water spills would not be a big hastle and any noise from the equipment would mostly be in the basement.

04/30/2008, 04:24 PM	#25
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	The cool thing is that many times the larger pumps are more energy efficient then the smaller ones.