just bought a tank- need advice

[sarahandkevin]

ok for under the tank... here is one persons suggestion - what do you guys think- and am i missing details as far as name brands etc.

lighting still on hold -- due to figouring out the canopy.
(can I afford a custome canopy??? waiting for prices- if so Id go for MH,
I go for the stock canopy i'd get the T5s)

Sump????

Skimmer- what about an internal sump skimmer?
needle wheel G3-4? or a Euro Reef or ASM skimmer....???

and?????

 

[DEEPWATER]

what you should have in you sump area


1 ..skimmer ...g3 or g4 recirulating <this can be done by the compnay when ordered

2 ..phosban reactor ,,used to rid of phosphates ..(use phonban media )
you will need a maxi jet 900 or 600

3 ..carbon ,,this can be use with a mesh bag or placed in a reactor ,such as a phosban reactor..you will need a maxi jet 900

4 ...marco algea ..this is up to you ,some have it some dont .I use cheatomorpha* in my sump ,--if you do use algea ,youll need a refuge light ,can be purchased at HD

5 ,this is up to you ,,,i also use a reefkeeper2 ,,this controls my pumps ,lights ,chiller ,fans ,montiors my PH and it can do much more if you buy the ad ons

this is what i have under my tank ,,,some ppl have a calcuim reactor ..

 

[cali_reef]

You will need to consider how to keep the tank cool if you decide to go with MH. I suggest a H&S skimmer or the new ATI, spend a few hundred more now, its better than buying multiple skimmers in the next few months. Ask fritz how many skimmers did he buy and the total money spend before he found something that worked really well:lol2:.

 

[techreef]

Welcome Sarah & Kevin,

It's a broken record, but *&$%-it, it's true: Spend the $ on quality equipment the first time around; don't go cheap and then have to replace it later with the better device. I would advise you to buy the largest skimmer that you can afford, and make it a quality brand in the Deltec-type range of products. Buying a skimmer that is rated for a tank larger than your tank size will 1) guarantee that the skimmer's rating is not padded and can actually support your tank, and 2) will let you support a higher density of animals in your tank, as the larger skimmers will keep the water cleaner.

Personally, since you're pre-planning all of this out, I think you should toss everything into a sump/refugium down in your stand. That includes your skimmer, heaters, return pump, and the other misc. stuff like CA reactors and Phosphate-whatevers. (can you tell that I'm a newbie and haven't gotten to those yet??) And also consider (I know, I know, information overload!) building a closed loop for your tank. That will eliminate powerheads in your tank, which further cleans up the display tank and eliminates the "my X got stuck on my powerhead and died" situation.

MR is truly an awesome source of honest information and advice. Enjoy the planning of your system. It's actually one of the most fun parts of the hobby, but def has it's periods of frustration and dispair. Welcome!

-Stephen

 

[fritz]

I've purchased 4 skimmers in the last 6 months. SPEND THE MONEY the first time!!! Going the cheap route or trying to save a few bucks will cost you 3X more! Just do it right the first time.

That applies to everything in this hobby, by the way. I've also gone through 4 lighting systems in the last year, 3 sumps, 4 return pumps. Don't lie to yourself about what you want to keep or what you can make do with.
If you're going to do it, do it right the first time. By spending the extra money you're actually saving yourself a fortune in the long run.

As for carbon and phosban reactors I daisey chain mine together so that the output of one flows into the input of the other, in that way you can use one pump to power both. I use a MJ 900 throttled back and put the carbon reactor first. Carbon can handle more flow than a phosban reactor so by the time the flow gets to the phosban reactor it is slightly less.

 

[ezee]

Fritz,

I've purchased 4 skimmers in the last 6 months.

Ouch.

Sorry, back to topic.

E

 

[sarahandkevin]

ok so... about to push the button.
2 choices-

one- 120g is a used fully stocked tank, good price, good stuff, dont know about set up.
other one- 90g is a used set up (no stock) good price, good stuff. setting up included.

what do you guys think?
I like the idea of fully stocked, everything works together, etc.

one person worried that since I am a newbie ill kill things because I dont know anything and will just be following instructions (which I am not afraid of) and the other concern is that the move will be stressful. We dont know anyone who could baby sit the live stock untill the tank is settled and my have losses in the move.... so.... thoughts?

 

[Deanos]

It depends on why you're entering the hobby. If you just want a conversation piece, buy the stocked 120, set it up and eventually...you'll have what you want...living furniture

However, if you really want to enjoy the hobby, buy the 90 and stock it from scratch. There's no experience like watching the FS/FT forum and claiming 'dibs' on frags...going to a fellow reefer's home to pick them up...rushing home to give your new frag a safety dip and placing it in its special spot in your cycled aquarium :sigh: Then doing it again the next day... WASH...RINSE...REPEAT!!

 

[joseney21]

It depends on why you're entering the hobby. If you just want a conversation piece, buy the stocked 120, set it up and eventually...you'll have what you want...living furniture

However, if you really want to enjoy the hobby, buy the 90 and stock it from scratch. There's no experience like watching the FS/FT forum and claiming 'dibs' on frags...going to a fellow reefer's home to pick them up...rushing home to give your new frag a safety dip and placing it in its special spot in your cycled aquarium :sigh: Then doing it again the next day... WASH...RINSE...REPEAT!!

WOW DEAN!!!! You couldn't have said it any better.


p.s. if you do it the 90g way, you'll either find that you have one of the most neccessary and important traits for a beginner in this hobby or you'll learn it ......

PATIENCE

 

[cali_reef]

You should get the 120g and not buy the live stock or sell the live stock before you take the tank home. I can hold limited items in my system if you can't sell everything or like to keep some of the stuff. Be careful with some of the equipment that comes with a used setup, some may not be what you need and you will end up spending more getting new equipment. I like to start with bare tanks and slowly get all the best pieces I can afford or find used, it may take a bit longer to get water in the tank but you will be much happier with the end result.

For a longterm hobby, you should start by getting the book from J Sprung and Delbeek titled "The Reef Aquarium, Volume three", best book I have read that covers all the equipment you'll need and husbandry practices.

 

[Wes]

i agree w/ the starting from scratch idea...I have this crazy theory that when I am completely stocked and grown out to the max, I will want something bigger.

To me, the most exciting part of the hobby is finding a little piece of that coral you have been looking for, and watching it grow and develop. I am already planning out my next "BIG" setup in my head...Which probably won't happen for a few years.

 

[sarahandkevin]

You guys make it sound like "plug and play" is a bad word.

You guys are not thinking with self interest in mind at all! What kind of neighbor would you like me to be? - some one that comes over empty handed looking for free scraps to mooch---or the kind of one that has full tank and comes over with some tasty goodies to trade?!!!

I am not concerned with the concept of starting from scratch. I would rather have creatures to enjoy as I switch out and shape the tank into the way I want it to look. IN one year- weather it is from scratch or someone elses hammy-down tank, the tank will end up looking like the tank I create. To me, it seems like a hammy-down would be more cost effective.

the reason I am questioning the choice is: do you guys have grave concerns that a newbie will crash and kill a mature, fully stocked tank.

I dont mind a challenge. I am a get 'your hands dirty' kind of a person. And learn best that way. But I also wish to be responcible for the lives under my care.

 

[masterswimmer]

Sarah, I can see your point. I also see Dean's point. I have to agree with him though.

There are other reasons to avoid 'plug and play' for a newbie to the hobby. Not only will you learn patience, as Jose stated, but during that 'waiting' period of patience, you'll learn so much more about the hobby. I've only been in the hobby close to four years and I can honestly say I still learn something new every day.

Buying someone elses equipment MIGHT be ok. However, most (not all) people like to create their system with the knowledge and experience they acquire over time. The skimmer and powerheads and lights and heaters were fine for the original owner of the tank you're considering. However, you might find during your fact gathering that some of that equipment just won't be right for you.

If you're apprehensive about starting from scratch because all the equipment necessary to build the system is intimidating, then those fears can be put to rest also, because you have a support group in MR that rivals all others. We are here to help, as you've seen with the tanks you've visited and people you've already met. Those guys are great, and multiply that times 10 and you'll just scratch the surface of the resources available to you.

Bottom line, do what you feel comfortable with, but try to see the bigger picture. There are many ways to do things right in this hobby. Nobody will flame you for your decision. We'll all be here to help whenever you need us.

Russ

 

[sarahandkevin]

Thanks for everyones imput.

I like Marks tank. We think it is a great way to go. We are going to get it. Mark offered to help move it and set up next weekend 9th or 10th.

Any addtional help moving would be quite welcomed.

 

[tosiek]

SnK,

Go with what you two feel is right and what your happy with. Happy reefkeepers mean happy healthy livestock. Hopefully everything goes right on the move and you won't lose much to stress and stuff.

The only reason people are anti-plug and play is that you miss alot of the basics in doing so, especially as a first time reefer. And you might not learn everything about the tank or the coral untill you have a problem and it forces you to learn everything about it, or you do an upgrade or have to buy somethign to replace a broken part. Setting up the tank assures you know as close to 100% about the setup and parts and coral and such before its too late and that your happy with everything you put into it.

I got myself a complete 24g nano and all i had to do was put in water and LR/LS and cycle. I have the tank for almost 5 months now and am upgrading to a slightly bigger tank, doing it all myself this time, and i learned 5x as much in two weeks of planning and setting up this new tank,as i learned in the 5 months i had the tank running and i'll be learning even more for the next 2-3 weeks as i assemble and get the tank running.

 

[sarahandkevin]

We are moving the tank on sunday Dec 10 from Yonkers to Astoria. We have One guy who is a professional tank mover, the owner of the tank and Kevin.

Looking for:
One mover to carry one corner of tank. Needs own transportation.

borrow: 2 garbage cans and 2 air devices (to make water in advance of the move).

 

[techreef]

Hey S&K,

Is Mark's tank the 120 or the 90G? Just curious. I agree with Dean, et al. that it's better to do more from scratch, but you two have already made your decision, so that doesn't matter.

I get nervous using some second-hand equipment because I don't know how it was maintained or how old it is. Things like rubber components and tubing, for example, with pumps. Frankly, some aquarium equipment is barely adequate brand new (hello heaters!). But I'm sure you're also getting all this stuff for a nice price, so that's part of the equation too.

I too think it's better to learn stuff beforehand, not because a problem arises. (My plumbing's leaking, my lighting generates too much electrical "noise" and trips the GFCI, I have cirolanids, what's that red/purple carpet algae? and yes, these are just some of the issues I experienced.) Keep reading and asking Q's here on MR! I think most of us get just as geeked helping others get their setups up and running as we do with our own tanks.

 

[prattreef]

Sarah,

I have several battery power air pumps you can borrow to keep things aerated while in buckets. RD

 

[sarahandkevin]

Thank you all for taking the time to give us advice. We really appriecate your efforts in helping us. After serious concideration we have chosen to get the 120g with live stock. As a result of your imput we understand how serious the choice we have made is. We will be taking extra precautions to ensure that the move goes smoothly.

We have hired a professional tank mover and also is skilled at plumming and electrical work. He has a good resume. He is going to review the tank set up and make any replacements or upgrades it may need.

The present owner is also being very generous with us and is going to help with the breakdown, move, and set up. He is dedicated to educating us on the history of the tank and giving us all the success tips he has experience in his particular set up.

We thank you all for your openness and kindness by offering to give us constructive information as we drive into the world of reef keeping.

Randy thank you so much for offering your pumps to help make this next step a successful one.

 

[sarahandkevin]

Our Aqua-safe filter just arrived. I doesnt look like deepwaters... humm.... did we get the wrong one?... Deep mentioned something about a pressure pump to add on it... hummm... any ideas on what to do with it?... must need some plummer magic tools to hook it into the sink pipes. (our fresh water filter is far more simple)

here it is:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=005&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=150065129326&rd=1&rd=1

Second question.
I see sales for cleaner packages- all creatures for your tank to clean up. Which often includes snails. I didn think much of it at the time. Until we took a tank tour of someones house and we saw a huge grave yard of snails- some alive and some had been eaten by a crab. um..... in FW tanks snails are a bad word. it is a massive infestation that torments you. I suppose that is not the case in a reef tank. or that there are different kinds of snails... but sheesh that snail grave yard looked terrible! whats the story on snails?