Need Help Starting up a New System (95 wave)

[cieman]

hello everyone,

I'm starting up a new system, a 95 wave. I'm going to be using the megaflow wet/dry model 3. (id prefer to use the model 4 but dont think it would fit in cabinet.) I'm going to go reef but want to buy the right components and cant right now.

I had a 120 reef setup about 2 years ago, but my help is now in Iraq fighting in the war.

First i need to know what pump for the wet/dry.

Second how long until i will need to hook up a skimmer?

and lastly can anyone help in the plumbing? I live in the bronx (parkchester)

I have 2 little girls that love fish! and would like to get it up by xmas.

I found a great wholesaler in LI for tanks and other equipment.

thank you

 

[jhale]

hi cieman, welcome to Manhattan Reefs.

We have a few people who live in the BX and may be able to help you out.

Is the tank drilled for overflows, or will there be a box overflow?

I think a skimmer is necessary for any type of marine tank, but with the wet/dry you might get away with out it for a few months.

 

[Quang]

Woot WOot! Another Bx reefer. Welcome to MC cieman. I can't really answer any of your questions but it seems like you might be in a rush. If I would recommend getting a skimmer asap and "cook" your rocks before you put it in. Looking back, I wish I would have done that. There was a thread on here about it at one time, maybe you can search for it or jhale can locate it for you. In order to cook the rocks, I think you need a skimmer. Anyways, gl with the tank and hope some1 helps you with your other quesiton

 

[House of Laughter]

Welcome to Manhattanreefs -

I would say that a skimmer from the very beginning is a good idea - never can skim too much - especiall if you purchase your rock and not get it from fellow reefers established tanks.

There are many nrew things in reefing and you will need to consider the following:

1) How much space you have for a tank and tank size
2) if you're going reef, is it a biotope or mixed reef?
3) If mixed reef including SPS and LPS (hard and soft corals) then you'll need to consider lighting options
4) If mizxed reef, then a sump, skimmer and refugium would be good compliments to the system
5) How many fish do you plan on having?
6) If fish only, what kind of skimmer, UV sterilizer, Sump will you use.

Many of the above will define what you want to do for internal flow, flow from the sump to your tank, lights, heating requirements etc.

I think it's best to define the size of the tank (with dimensions first) then we can help you with good equipment choices as well as what else might be needed to establish a stable tank.

Hope that helps,

ANd again! Welcome to MR.com

House

 

[herman]

Hey Cieman,
Welcome to MR. Any one around here is usually willing to help. We also have a resident plumber - Deepwater. Send him a PM. He also sells corals, liverock etc.

 

[Chiefmcfuz]

Welcome to MR C!!!! Any Q's just ask these guys are great with the info and DEANOS has links to everything under the sun!!! I'm still new at all of this but I'll tell you to definately get a skimmer right away too. Get the biggest one possible that you can afford. Go slow and all will be fine. Check the For sale posts for stuff too.

Oh and most importantly thank your "help" for doing what they are doing in Iraq for me.

 

[cieman]

95 wave

Hey guys thanks for the overwhelming responses!

the dimensions of the tank are 48 x 24 x 25 the stand will be 32inches.
The tank will be rr (megaflow)

I will be trying to keep hard and soft corals.
would probably start with compacts and eventually move up to MH.
not sure in the number of fish but would need enough for the little ones to watch.

I figure i will need at least 150lbs of rock. I was told by someone to look at an
ASM -G3 skimmer.

the all glass megaflow wet/dry will allow me to connect to the megaflow rather easily. I can take out the bio balls when im ready to go with corals.
the extra room in the sump i can make into a refugium.

Still dont know what brand or type of pump i would need for the tank.

My biggest expenses will be lighting and skimmer.

I would like to get the tank up with some fish at least for xmas if possible.

thanks for the responses and am always looking for advice.

richie c

 

[inkblue]

daym! ...i want a WAVE! i think instead of a 120 i miGht just get a wave tank... :sigh1: welcome cieman!!

 

[jhale]

I would not spend the money on the power compacts, unless you can find some used.

I would just get the MH's right away, or opt for T-5 bulbs or T-12 VHO's.

Sorry I'm not sure which pump to recommend.

 

[cieman]

95 wave

the dimensions on the wet/dry are either (model 3)25.5 x 13.75 x 17 or a (model 4) 36 x 13.75 x 17. The model 4 might be overkill but someone once said it can never be to big!

Any recommendations on where to purchase some good rock?