Setting up new tank

[Cruzanreef]

Ok guys, I moved from Maryland to GA. Sold off my 125g and everything did not want to move with it. I have a basement now and considering a 280+. I would like to keep some LPS - SPS and some softies but just a nice tank. What would I need in order to do this. Let me have it I will be buying slowly as my basement is not yet finished so I have time to research and buy what I need for when I am ready.

GIMMMEEEE

 

[bleedingthought]

Fellow GA members must stick together. So, :welcome:

Real quick, though, what do you mean as far as what you would need? A 280+ sounds like a nice little (not little at all) project! Look into a large sump, a well lit fuge, and a large/effective skimmer. Obviously, you'd still need the rest of the necessary equipment and all.

By the way, you interested in joining a local club? Let me know if you are.

Later.

 

[Cruzanreef]

Well bleedingthought, if I do SPS dont I need at least 400 watt Metal Halides, Calcium reactors, Good protein skimmers. I know I need a good size sump and fuge, I know someone getting rid of a 135 that I may take off his hands that should give me enough water volume.

Sure I will be interested in joining the local group. Dont know anyone here so that would be ok.

 

[bleedingthought]

Well, you don't need 400 watt MH, necessarily. It depends on how deep the tank is and how you plan to aquascape with your corals. Calcium reactors are nice and probably would make things a lot easier, but they're not necessary either (you could dose and drip kalk ). A 135 would be nice as long as it's wide, in my opinion.

Come join our club at: http://atlanta-smas.org/phpBB2/index.php where there's a lot of nice folks and good knowledge and it's nice to be able to hang out with fellow hobbyists, you know? And it's free!

How long have you been in Canton? You been to Imagine Ocean, yet?

 

[Cruzanreef]

I have been in canton for about 4 months. The 135 would be the sump and fuge. My family and I just relocated from Maryland. Toooooo expensive up there.

 

[bleedingthought]

Yeah, I hear you! I have friends that came from Maryland, Chicago, New York, and others because of how expensive it was getting.

A 280+ display and the 135 for the sump should be a great project! 8) I would go with a mixture of either 250W or 400W (probably better) MH and T5s because I've seen and heard about great results that way. Use the T5s for several different kelvin ranges including actinic supplementation. If you go to this link: http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=78592 there is a pretty good list of skimmers and what users here think of them and what size tank they are running it on. You can always build your own reactors yourself, if you're handy. Are you planning on a closed loop or powerheads?

I just saw that you joined our forum. Post your plans for this tank there so you can get some more idea/suggestions. Our meeting are always the last Saturday of the month so that means the 24th this month at 10:30AM (always). It'll probably be on the other side of town (up I-85) but it's worth it.