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10/03/2013, 03:37 PM | #1 |
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Saltwater Noob looking for advice on where to begin
Hello Reef Central. About 2 weeks ago my fiance presented me with a 55 gallon aquarium for my birthday. (I had been eying it up now for some time and she knows me well lol) That night while debating whether to go salt or fresh water, I found Reef Central as all of my knowledge is based off of >20 gallon fresh water tanks. Ive been lurking and reading the stickies in this subforum since that night and have finally decided that I will indeed try my hand at a saltwater aquarium. As I said previously, Ive had smaller 20 gallon and less freshwater tanks off and on for the last 23 years, so I do have some experience. (if limited towards a SW application) Im going to list off what I currently have at my disposal for this project
55 gallon tank 20 gallon tall tank w/hood, light, heater, hob filter (set up for freshwater, currently offline) 10 gallon tank w/hood, light, heater, hob filter (set up for freshwater, currently offline) I am thinking of re-purposing the 20 gallon tank into a QT as per the recommendation of most everyone here and applying the 10 gallon tank as a sump and or refugium. If at all possible, I would also like to put my heater in there as well. With that being said, is there a kit to convert my 10 gallon? will I have to cut any holes in my tanks? I dont have that capability and would like to avoid this if possible. How would I plumb this setup? As you can see, I have no clue how to set this up. What kind of pump should I be looking for use in a sump? What about canister filters? worth it to start out or is it just another source of noise and heat? what kind and how many power heads should I be looking at? And Lastly, what are recommended brands for this equipment? As a novice, I realize that I wont have hard to care for corals until I have a firm understanding of how a SW tank works and my system has had a good long period of water parameter stability (9-12 months?) But I would like to have the ability to do add them once I have met the experience and stability levels. Also take note that I would like to have fish as well. I think this would be called a reef tank? I do know that I would like to get LED lighting as the lower electricity bill and easier maintenance appeals to me. What would you guys recommend that is a good bang for buck fixture for my tank? (48" x 12" x 22" 55 gallon) Any recommendations on a stand that I can place my 55g on and keep the 10g below it? Im guestimating that this setup is going to weigh in at around 600 pounds (correct me if im wrong lol) In closing, Im not looking for the best of the best equipment, just the best bang for buck that will allow me to learn and provide ample head room to expand my aquarium as resources and experience allow. FYI, I want to get to the point skill wise and setup wise where I can have one of these guys in my tank Thank you all for reading my wall of text and helping an excited SW noob with a 55g and a dream! |
10/03/2013, 06:06 PM | #2 |
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Holy smokes, I didnt realize that LED lighting was going to run $500+ (was looking at the hydra 52) Any suggestions on T5 lighting? (I will still entertain LED lighting though for future reference )
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10/04/2013, 09:46 AM | #3 |
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bump from work I promise I don't bite lol
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10/04/2013, 10:26 AM | #4 | |
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Quote:
Okay, let's do this one step at a time. Let's try to get your equipment list together first. You have a 55 gallon for a DT, and a spare 20 gallon and a spare 10 gallon tank, heaters, HOB filters, and hood lights from the 20 and 10 gallon. To get started, ideally you'll need a skimmer, return pump, better lights, powerheads, live or dead rock, marine substrate (unless you want to go barebottom). You'll need testing equipment, such as a swing arm hydrometer or better yet a refractometer for salinity, and a marine test kit for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate. At this early stage, if you want to go reef, you should seriously consider getting an RODI unit. In an effort to save money, some people have gone with "conditioning" tap water or getting LFS water, or using RO water from groceries or gas stations, but some ended up with problems. You may want an ATO, a reactor or two, dosers, etc., but those can come later. You still with me? If you are, I can help you go to phase two: putting what you have to use, and recommendations on equipment. Let me know what you think! HTH!!!
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Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam |
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10/04/2013, 11:01 AM | #5 |
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Palting gave you great advice. Something that is REALLY helping me in game planning is this video series on youtube made by BulkReefSupply on actually creating your setup: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFDFAB0066A083F12 Seriously, watch all 10 videos. If you're worried about drilling an aquarium, here is there video on that (they also mention the hang on back alternative and problems associated therewith): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87yJbAW32hQ Their Youtube channel is amazing; some of these videos I've watched 2 or 3 times already just while in the planning process.
Good luck! |
10/04/2013, 11:04 AM | #6 |
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Sorry; missed the second question re: stands. Check out this thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1169964
It gives you tried and true plans that many on this website have followed to build their own stands (I'm going to attempt this in the next week or two). Alternatively, many of your local fish stores (LFS) will have someone from whom they can do a custom order stand if you feel like spending the money. |
10/04/2013, 03:40 PM | #7 |
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btmedic, Congratulations on taking the plunge. I applaud you for getting guidance before you actually make a ton of mistakes. This will go a long way in helping you get things off to a great start. You have been given solid advice already in this thread. I suggest that you read all the "stickied" threads at the top of each sub-forum here. Pay close attention to the one's he describe a quarantine procedure. When you settle on a fish stocking list post it in the " PLEASE check out your intended fish purchases here" thread. Steve will steer you in the right direction. Read as much as you can and then read some more.
With the right set-up it will be possible to keep a mandarin in your tank. It will be a while though. Good luck and Happy Belated Birthday!
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10/04/2013, 05:21 PM | #8 |
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Thank you all for the advice!
@ Palting: Give me one second to pick my jaw up off the floor Ok im good now lol! Also always nice to see another Ohioan! As for the equipment list, that pretty much sums it up. my 55g has absolutely nothing for it yet, so this will be a new build from the ground up. I would like to have a substrate (argonite i think is the sand i want?) does substrate in a marine tank follow the general rule of a FW tank? IE about 1lb of substrate per gallon IRC? I was looking to start out with approximately 40-50lbs of dry rock and seeding it with another 10-15lbs of live rock once i have the system complete. Ive seen something called eggshell crates mentioned in other threads here. what exactly are they? thanks for reminding me that ill need a refractometer and a marine test kit. definitely will add those to the list im compiling I definitely want a RODI unit. To me, it seems worth the initial expense over the long run, plus the lower number of potential problems, the better hehe. Im not sure on how much GPD Ill need however. You had me up until that point. I had to look up what an ATO was. I would eventually like one down the road, but while im learning i can replenish the evaporated water every day @ Terefel: Thank you so very much for those links! Im definitely going to be watching them all! Im definitely going to check out that stand building thread. It would be nice to build something for my needs rather than pay for unused features ect. @ reeferstace: Thank you! I will definitely read and re-read the stickies and thank you for the birthday wishes! |
10/04/2013, 06:07 PM | #9 |
Apsiring Alhcohlolic
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I wouldn't completely pass on the LED's yet.
Check out the DIY section of these forums. There are some very informative threads that walk you through how to build your own LED fixture. If you have the aptitude for making stuff it's really not difficult. You could probably make one for close to 1/2 the cost of a store bought unit.
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120G AGA Dual Overflow, 40G B Sump, SRO-2000int, 2 Eheim 200w Heater, Eheim 1262 Return, BRS C & GFO React., BR-1000ss Biopellet React., Tunze 5017 ATO, 2 MP-40wes, DIY 76LED (36RB,24NW,6B,6CW,4Moon) |
10/04/2013, 06:19 PM | #10 |
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Eggshell is nothing more than the fluorescent light diffuser grid. You can find them at depot or lowes.
Great advice given above. Go slow and think twice about what you want. Forgot to mention there are some pretty hand calculators on the home page, sand bed being one of them.
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Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT |
10/04/2013, 06:31 PM | #11 |
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nice! thanks guys! I'll definitely look into building an LED fixture (my fiance's brother and father are both electrical engineers :thumbup: )
whats the general consensus on sand bed depth? 2-3 inches or would that be too much? |
10/04/2013, 06:36 PM | #12 |
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That is what I generally try to keep.
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Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT |
10/04/2013, 07:04 PM | #13 | |
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Quote:
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10/05/2013, 04:17 AM | #14 | |
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Quote:
I would suggest you also rethink about adding an ATO from the beginning. In reef tanks, everything is about stability. Continuously adding evaporated water will grow old quickly. An ATO is a relatively small investment compared to all the rest and will give you peace of mind, while keeping your salinity pinpoint at all times. It's probably one of the best investments you can make, along with a RO/DI system. |
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10/05/2013, 05:20 AM | #15 |
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+1 on the ato and the rodi sytems there next on my list that's for sure
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55 gal.dt 20gal.sump.aquaeruousa 135 protien skimmer ,hydor 725 gph return,2-hydor 600 gph , and1 tunze 6045 mechanically adjustable circulating pumps, 65 lb liverock ,2AI hydra lights ,jbj ato Sq |
10/05/2013, 06:22 AM | #16 |
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I was just in Cincinnati on a business trip and it is not like South Florida. Not as nice selection and expensive. With freshwater I did very few water changes and never tested my water. The fish still thrived, grew, and many spawned. Almost the opposite with saltwater- you cannot get lazy with a reef. I test alkalinity, calcium, magnesium, salinity, phosphates, nitrates, ammonium, and nitrates twice a week and do 10-20% water-changes weekly. Also clean skimmer and filter sock every 3-4 days and fill my rodi A TO tank every other day. If I had to do it over again- take the 55 back and get at least a 125. Use the 20 as the sump and buy a 29 off CL for your Qt. You will thank me down the road. That mandarin dragonet (pic) is one of the hardest fish to keep alive and you will need a mature tank with tons of copapods to keep him happy. Please do not buy him for at least a year. some hints - join the reef club in your area. Buy everything secondhand as there are always people getting out of the hobby. Study everything you put in your tank. Read and ask tons of questions. Definitely use livestock! Take pics to document your successes. Prepare your wife that your tank will be your second wife. Lol. Great first step finding RC.com. good luck.
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10/05/2013, 12:09 PM | #17 |
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So I watched all the videos from the previously mentioned series. Definitely getting an ATO and an Aquarium control unit. Thanks for suggesting ReefBreeders LED fixtures. Ill definitely check them out!
Thank you mpfeiffer for the maintenance schedule. Ill definitely put that into practice! As for the mandarin, having one is my ultimate goal but i am in no rush I have lots to learn before i put something like that in there. more than likely ill start off with a couple of clowns or ill post another thread asking what to start off with (granted thats a good ways out from today hehe) Im definitely going to have to find a local reef club in NE Ohio. hope they have one around here lol! Now ive seen the Aqueon Proflex model 1 sump setup. anyone have any experience with these? I also liked the HOB refugium used in those videos. would provide a safe place to grow copapods and they wouldnt have to pass through a pump to go into the tank. |
10/05/2013, 12:23 PM | #18 |
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I think most people end up creating their own sumps by buying a smaller tank for cheap at a Petco dollar per gallon sale and siliconing in their own glass baffles. Then they build the refugium into the sump; this keeps everything down below and out of sight. I'm not sure what effect a pump has on pods, though I would imagine going through one would be a rough ride.
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10/05/2013, 12:26 PM | #19 |
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You only need "good" lights if you are going to keep corals or other photosynthetic organisms. For fish only, the lights that came with your tank will be fine. I recommend not even thinking about coral for now and building this as fish only. Down the road when you feel more comfortable - like a year or so - if you want coral then you can reassess what is out there. This will save you a lot of money initially.
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125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO |
10/06/2013, 07:55 PM | #20 |
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oh yeah, Im only starting out as a FOWLR until my tank has cycled and is stable. With that being said, I only have the 55G aquarium at this time so i may as well get lighting ect that will support corals later on down the road when im more comfortable.
I think ive decided that I will pick up a 20L or maybe a 29 gallon aquarium for my sump and put my own together. I put together a wish list of parts. could you guys give me thoughts, opinions and suggestions? Just going to use the BRS website to link. siphon overflow (going to pass at this time on drilling) http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/deluxe...overflows.html CS 90 or CS100? Pump http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-...pump-3000.html ATO http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/jbj-a-...ontroller.html powerheads http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/hydor-...evolution.html Evolution 850 x2 (figure i can use these to mix my salt water after i upgrade from them) Aquarium Control Unit http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reefke...-aquatics.html Skimmer http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/reef-o...n-skimmer.html heater(s) http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/eheim-...um-heater.html debating between a 150w or 2x 75w refractometer http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/refrac...ion-fluid.html inflow kit http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/inflow...et-by-cpr.html carbon/gfo reactor http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-gf...or-single.html RO/DI http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/brs-4-...tem-75gpd.html |
10/06/2013, 08:02 PM | #21 |
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oh and a reefbreeders photon 48
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10/06/2013, 08:05 PM | #22 |
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Hi,
First I would like to say welcome to the "addicting saltwater/reef keeping hobby". I personally am not just brand new but been in it bout a year. I have since went from 29 g, 55g,120g,and up to a 240g. I am currently building my 240 up and have a 120 running. The overflow box is a good choice I will as probably many others will say be careful cause it is very easy to over fill the sump with these as siphon don't return or the siphon doesn't start back up. But I had one on my 55 no problems at all. Good luck.My advice is go slow and read read read before purchasing items. |
12/10/2013, 11:13 PM | #23 |
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Please forgive me for dredging up my old thread, but I have started putting together my 55 gallon future reef. since i last posted here, I started a 20 gallon to get a feel for how to care for a saltwater aquarium and this thursday will be 9 weeks (currently going through the hair algae phase lol) wow i cant believe how far ive come in 9 weeks, and its all thanks to everyone who posts here and shares their experience and knowledge. thank you guys!
anyway the owner of my LFS was kind enough to give me a standard 55g wrought iron stand for free which is why this project is now finally starting lol. ive purchased a 20L for my sump. the extra 6 inches of length will give me the room i need for the equipment im planning on getting. Im going to have the tank drilled this thursday and am going to go with a herbie overflow and 1" pvc. still have to do some research on how to plumb it and i need to do a diagram for how its going to be plumbed. first and foremost, safety is key. my fiance does not want 55 gallons of salt water on the living room floor (neither do i lol) after that, i want it to be quiet. i can stand a bit of water movement, but i dont want to hear a snorting, burping drain all day. and lastly on my priority list for plumbing is ease of maintenance. I want to be able to take the plumbing apart easily for cleaning (while not spilling saltwater on the floor) New equipment list! Ive decided to go with a mag7 for return. using the head loss calculator and doing some rough estimates, i came up with about 500gph return that will be tunable with a gate valve. for in tank flow: either 2x WP-25s or 2x Koralia evolution 1150's. 2x 100w ehiem heaters reef octopus nwb110 skimmer 2x brs single reactors with MJ1200s. still trying to decide if i want to run a mixture of gfo and carbon + biopellets or just go with GFO in one and carbon in the other. suggestions? reef breeders photon 48 tunze osmolator thinking 60lbs of sand and ~80lbs of BRS reef saver rock. any suggestions from anyone? |
12/11/2013, 02:57 AM | #24 |
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That mag 7 should put off quite a bit of heat. I don't recall a lot of people needing a heater, let alone 2. Before you go and buy that nice expensive LED I would suggest a much more budget friendly T5HO. They're in between MH and LED's and they're totally proven to grown softies, LPS, and SPS. They're quite a bit cheaper than LED's as well. HTH
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12/11/2013, 06:58 AM | #25 |
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I only have a single 300 in my 55g mixed reef and it barely kicks on, my setup is a RR 55, 20l sump 3 cambers first being my fuge with sand, rock, cheato, and then an egg crate stand for my reef octo 150. Second bubble trap then 3rd is my return pump, mj900 running 2 reactors one running carbon, second running rowaphos, then a another pump running to my uv. the reason my skimmer is on a stand in the fuge is because I don't have an ato yet and skimmers don't like water level changes. For my lighting I went with a 4 bulb t5 set with timer and moonlights, for my flow I have 2 hydor 750 then two aqueon 1250s
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Craig Current Tank Info: 20l starter reef, 55g reef, in process of building a 90 reef |
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