new to saltwater

cnote26us · 08/13/2013, 12:03 AM

We have a 100G that we want to start our first saltwater tank with. We have talked to a couple different dealers in our area and are getting different answers about filtration and lighting for this tank. The tank has no holes drilled in it for hoses. Can anybody help us in deciding what we should use for this tank? We want to put fish and coral in the tank. Thank you.

thegrun · 08/13/2013, 07:12 AM

Welcome to Reef Central! If the tank is glass and not tempred I would drill holes (it is easy if you are even slightly mechanically inclined) rather than use an over the top overflow box. I've used over the top overflows in the past without a problem, but I always had this fear of a flood in the backof my head, you'll sleep better at night with a drilled tank. If you can be a little more specific with your questions we can do a better job at answering them. You should also read the stickies at the top of this forum, they contain a wealth of great information.

Griznock · 08/13/2013, 10:18 AM

good advise grun,i would check with the lfs and see if they have a name of someone experienced in drilling tanks. over flows work but there hard to get a lid to fit tight and loosing a fish or 3 to having an open top will make you sick.drilled tanks easier to safe guard against a major spill,like grun said,you will sleep better lol.

i have found if better to stick with 1 lfs you like instead of dealing with 4 or 5,every one of them will offer you different advise,remember there in the business to sell you stuff!

scubaprashant · 08/13/2013, 12:40 PM

I'd skip asking for advice at LFS and just come straight to SK8ERS stickies & posting on this forum as you have already done. Here, you'll get pretty much unbiased advice that is tried and true, AND you get multiple people who will argue their points so you are getting a full-on understanding.

Personally, if I could start over, I'd drill my tank bean animal style. I haven't ever flooded my room or had problems, but It's just a cleaner look and you won't have to worry about U-Tubes. Also, if you ever decide to upgrade or get out of the hobby, your take will be worth more since it's already "reef ready".

Ghetto Man · 08/13/2013, 02:14 PM

If you want coral definitely go with an overflow and sump. I think forming a good relationship with your LFS and getting advice, supplemented by online advice is not a bad way to go. There are good LFS and bad ones, and knowledgeable employees and idiots. If you form a good relationship with a store and a knowledgeable employee it will be helpful in the long run.

rogerwilco357 · 08/13/2013, 03:26 PM

Well have you already invested in equipment? Maybe trying a smaller setup first to get used to the salt water hobby. You will spend alot of money on lights ,pumps and sump . And all this is cheaper on a smaller setup just incase you opt out you won't be 2-3k in and its alot easier to walk away or part out a smaller system..There is so much to learn and alot of ups and downs . Truly a challenging hobby. good luck and welcome aboard.
Roger

ghst1203reef · 08/13/2013, 03:51 PM

I'm new to this myself but from what I've seen bigger/smaller tanks both have their +/-..

from what I hear bigger tanks are easier to maintain water levels but everything cost more. Everything needs to be bigger or more of.

Now smaller tanks are just the opposite. I'm starting with a 37g and already have a good amount of money into it. Now saying that I'm already kinda wishing I would have went bigger.

Down the road I plan on putting this tank in my daughters room and getting a bigger one for the wife and I.

08/13/2013, 12:03 AM	#1
cnote26us Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Posts: 1	new to saltwater We have a 100G that we want to start our first saltwater tank with. We have talked to a couple different dealers in our area and are getting different answers about filtration and lighting for this tank. The tank has no holes drilled in it for hoses. Can anybody help us in deciding what we should use for this tank? We want to put fish and coral in the tank. Thank you.

08/13/2013, 03:26 PM	#6
rogerwilco357 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: michigan Posts: 1,391	hmm Well have you already invested in equipment? Maybe trying a smaller setup first to get used to the salt water hobby. You will spend alot of money on lights ,pumps and sump . And all this is cheaper on a smaller setup just incase you opt out you won't be 2-3k in and its alot easier to walk away or part out a smaller system..There is so much to learn and alot of ups and downs . Truly a challenging hobby. good luck and welcome aboard. Roger __________________ hook line and sinker Current Tank Info: 2x2x4 120gal,sump45 gal.RKE controller,ATI Powermodule 8x80watt,1MP20+2MP40,1 mp10,RoyalExclusive Alpha200

08/13/2013, 07:12 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Welcome to Reef Central! If the tank is glass and not tempred I would drill holes (it is easy if you are even slightly mechanically inclined) rather than use an over the top overflow box. I've used over the top overflows in the past without a problem, but I always had this fear of a flood in the backof my head, you'll sleep better at night with a drilled tank. If you can be a little more specific with your questions we can do a better job at answering them. You should also read the stickies at the top of this forum, they contain a wealth of great information.

08/13/2013, 10:18 AM	#3
Griznock Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Tulsa,Oklahoma Posts: 121	good advise grun,i would check with the lfs and see if they have a name of someone experienced in drilling tanks. over flows work but there hard to get a lid to fit tight and loosing a fish or 3 to having an open top will make you sick.drilled tanks easier to safe guard against a major spill,like grun said,you will sleep better lol. i have found if better to stick with 1 lfs you like instead of dealing with 4 or 5,every one of them will offer you different advise,remember there in the business to sell you stuff!

08/13/2013, 12:40 PM	#4
scubaprashant Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 211	I'd skip asking for advice at LFS and just come straight to SK8ERS stickies & posting on this forum as you have already done. Here, you'll get pretty much unbiased advice that is tried and true, AND you get multiple people who will argue their points so you are getting a full-on understanding. Personally, if I could start over, I'd drill my tank bean animal style. I haven't ever flooded my room or had problems, but It's just a cleaner look and you won't have to worry about U-Tubes. Also, if you ever decide to upgrade or get out of the hobby, your take will be worth more since it's already "reef ready".

08/13/2013, 02:14 PM	#5
Ghetto Man Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 52	If you want coral definitely go with an overflow and sump. I think forming a good relationship with your LFS and getting advice, supplemented by online advice is not a bad way to go. There are good LFS and bad ones, and knowledgeable employees and idiots. If you form a good relationship with a store and a knowledgeable employee it will be helpful in the long run.

08/13/2013, 03:51 PM	#7
ghst1203reef Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: El Paso TX Posts: 127	I'm new to this myself but from what I've seen bigger/smaller tanks both have their +/-.. from what I hear bigger tanks are easier to maintain water levels but everything cost more. Everything needs to be bigger or more of. Now smaller tanks are just the opposite. I'm starting with a 37g and already have a good amount of money into it. Now saying that I'm already kinda wishing I would have went bigger. Down the road I plan on putting this tank in my daughters room and getting a bigger one for the wife and I.