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JoshuaBrun

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Thank's for hitting up my topic.

So. I had originally intended to save up craploads of money and purchase a 200 gallon reef set up next year upon moving. But upon looking at the local classifieds, I saw an ad for a full 200 gallon reef set-up, complete with aquarium, stand, and canopy (obv.), heater, three rotating powerheads, thirty gallon sump, overflow, basically everything. He had already sold most of his corals and such so I got 30 pounds of liverock out of the deal, and I already have about 25 because last week I had started a nano tank, which I will simply use as a quarantine tank.
I intend to plan/built a better and bigger sump, depending on the size of the stand. Throw a refugium in there. Get rid of the bioballs, as I intend to have a deep sand bed and lots of live rock. (unless I'm told otherwise)

I intend to do some upgrades, obviously. I want better lighting, but I can take care of that much. What I'd like is some suggestions in regards to some new and/or better equipment. I clearly need a protein skimmer, preferably in sump. I'd like a nice calcium reactor as well. I'm also going to need to purchase a new RO unit, as my current one is terribly small.

So! I would appreciate some suggestions from all you talented reef keepers on the site. I'm not cheap, but something economic and of good quality would be great. I don't want to have to upgrade later on because of crappiness.

I'd really appreciate the help. Links would be great as I'm sure I'll be ordering off the internet. Any general tips would be great as well. It's a pretty big tank.

-Joshua
 

trido

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First a list of what you do have would be a good start.
Do you want to keep SPS, LPS or softies?
How deep is the tank?
I could go on forever......
 

SnowManSnow

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You didn't mention anything about a protein skimmer. IMO you don't want to try to live without one. For a tank that size I would suggest some of the new octopus recirc skimmers. They are well built, and skimm very well. Especially if y ou do a mesh wheel modification.

Euroreef is also nice, but pricey.

My dream skimmer is a Deltec, but they are VERY pricey lately.

Check out the octopus at:
www.ocotopusskimmer.com

When you DO look for a skimmer keep in mind you'll want to find one that is rated for about double your tank capacity if you are planning on keeping any sort of bio load to speak of.

Also, I'm with the previous post. You really need to know what you're going to be keeping before you start installing lights, flow.. that sort of thing. Lights will also be dictated by how deep your tank is going to be.

B
 

JoshuaBrun

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I already posted what I have. I don't have specifics in regards to brands or anything, but I intend to upgrade a lot of it.

I don't want to limit myself when it comes to what sort of corals I can keep. I was planning on going with the 72 inch US Current lighting. 250 Watt Metal Halides, fans, actinic, moonlights, the whole shebang.

I was thinking about going with a euroreef skimmer. Which model would I need then? I want to be able to keep lots of corals and fish.
 

trido

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For a skimmer, I would suggest something like this for a 200G. http://www.fishtanksdirect.com/browsepr ... RC250.html. Then you should be able to keep anything you want. Of course there are better bang for your buck deals out there.
Depending on how tall your tank is, the 250s should be fine If its closer to 30" tall go with 400 watt lights. then of course, you'll probably need a chiller.
 
A

Anonymous

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Congrats on finding a good deal.
What are the dimensions of your new tank? Also, what kind of powerheads came with the setup? One thing to consider about lighting is that most all in one units (like I have, and like you say you'd like) end up being to large to fit into the canopy that comes with the setup. This may not be the case in your situation, but you may have to make the decision to scrap the canopy and go without, build a new canopy to accomodate, OR build your own lighting setup with DIY packages to fit inside the current canopy.
In my case I scrapped the canopy and got the all in one lighting soultion which hangs over the tank now. Love it :wink:
 

JoshuaBrun

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Haha yeah, that's what I intend to get. I hope to have it by the end of May, or early June. I'm only 18, so I have to deal with crappy jobs / crappy pay, as well as saving up for university. So this is gonna be a loooong project for me. :cry:

I guess it pays off in the long run, as I have no choice but to be patient. I have most of the equipment I want picked out. It'll take a bit. Right now I'm just gonna focus on saving up for the lighting and purchasing the Live Rock. Also gonna plan out a new sump, and a refugium.

I'm picking it up in an hour or so. I'll take some pics, maybe start a build-up forum. Not that it will be that intersesting, haha. Any other tips on equipment or what to do / not to do, feel free to post.
 

JoshuaBrun

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Tanks up and running for a while now.
I have around 70 pounds of live rock.
Bought a slipper coral, a pink tip anemone, a feather duster, two damsels and two chromis.
Everyone is doing very well.
I'm really excited to see my project grow.
 

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