New to Saltwater with lots of questions!

[colinbowen94]

Hey guys, im new to the saltwater scene and super excited to get this tank started. I haven't yet bought anything but just pre-planning at the moment hope to have the tank started by early next year. So this is what ive chosen to do/get so far, just looking for some insight on if I have everything chosen properly and if my setup sounds good.

Tank Size: 75G
Lighting: Odyssea 48" T5HO Quad Bulb-216W
Filter: Odyssea CFS700 with UV Sterlilizer
Sand: CaribSea Aragonite
Heater: AquaTop D2HT 300W Heater
Powerhead: Not sure on how many or what size I need
Still unsure on the necessary ratio of live and base rock

Would you add or remove anything?

Also for my stocking list (when the time comes)

1 Royal Gramma
1 Carpenters Flasher Wrasse
1 Orange Stripe Prawn Goby
1 Randalls Pistol Shrimp
1 Flame Angel
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Saddle Valentini Puffer

and im iffy but if they will be compatible I would also like to add
1 Tile Sea Star
1 Blue Tuxedo Urchin

Hope I didn't just write up the worst setup you have ever seen haha but hey its worth a shot! let me know what you think and what you would do to improve it!
Thanks,
Colin

[Sugar Magnolia]

Sounds like you're on the right track. As far as powerheads go, my suggestion would be a pair of Koralia Evo 1050's. That should provide plenty of flow. The ratio of base rock to live rock is purely a preference as to how much you are willing to spend. When I set up my 40B I used about 90% base rock to 10% live rock.

As far as your stock list goes, the only thing I see a problem with is the puffer. They are not reef safe fish and there's a chance that your pistol shrimp will make a tasty snack. The same goes for any crabs or snails in the tank.

[MHG]

Well if you were doing coral, I would say lots of gph and multiple power heads... If its fish only than one should be fine...

[colinbowen94]

Thanks! I only chose the puffer because we are looking for standout fish that isn't in the norm and I noticed the spotted valentine puffer http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/p...250&pcatid=250 stayed small. Any ideas on a centerpiece fish to really blow the doors of the tank?

[austings]

Have you considered a sump? 75 gallon tanks can easily be drilled. It would add more water volume, and stability.

[Sugar Magnolia]

With a canister filter you have to be very diligent about cleaning it out. It will trap a lot of detritus over time. Trapped detritus leads to elevated nitrates and phosphates, which can lead to nuisance algae.

Two other very important items you'll want to add to your list are an RODI unit...necessary for quality water, and a good skimmer.

[colinbowen94]

RODI to make RO water correct? and a protein skimmer?

[GooManChew]

I am a NooB too, so don't listen to me as I am only regurgitating what I have read/learned.
Maybe run 2, 150W heaters instead of 1, 300W heater. My understanding is that heaters only last 2-3 years before they break/fail. They break/fail in one of two ways: never produce heat OR stick on & always produce heat. If you only have one heater & it stops working, the tanks get cold (until you get a new one). Conversely, if it sticks on, the tank temp soars way too high.
If you run 2 smaller heaters & one stops producing heat, the other one will provide (some) heat (but it won't get as cold as no heater). If one sticks on, it's too small to (WAY) overheat your tank.
So. running 2 heaters is like running your back up heater all the time.

Sound like you are being slow & methodical in preparing setting up your system. Excellent! Good luck.

[colinbowen94]

Thanks for info. I do believe I had read that somewhere and ment to ask someone if that was a good idea! and ya im moving with some guys who are also wanting to do saltwater so we are going to be collaborating this one so I have plenty of time/