Starting a Reef Tank
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 13:48
I have had a fresh water tank for years and have always wanted to progress to a reef tank. I am now starting to do some reading and purchased some books one being the Idiots Guide. They mention many parts to setting up a tank system and some i know may be best way to do things however not sure they are truly needed.
I am looking to get a 90 gallon tank or a little larger along with a stand etc and would like some input as to the added value or need for some items. The items below are what they suggest or describe in the book. I know that most are needed however are some natural ways to treat the water etc. If I were to do a full blown system like this the cost would get way on up in the 2k plus. I don’t want to be cheap or end up overworking myself or end up making my tank a chemical spill to have a healthy tank however there are so many layers that I am becoming confused at what is really needed. I am looking for quality gear that will last and perform as needed. I am coming to the store to pick the brain of anyone willing to hold still this weekend however would love to hear feedback on brands etc are on the list.
Tank and Stand
Sump vs Non Sump Based
Pumps
Refugia
Skimmer
Lighting
Reverse Osmosis Deionization Units
Aquarium Controller
Temp control heat and chiller
UV Sterilizers
Calcium Reactor
Phosphate Reactor
Wed, 10/05/2011 - 22:27
#2
Jmo
If your going to do this go as big as you plan (can afford) from the start. Come up with a plan and stick to it. I would always run a sump if it's an option. I like mag pumps for returns and koralias for movement in the tank. Tunze makes good power heads too. If you got room for a fuge go for it. Skimmers now your going to hear a lot about all of them good and bad, reef octopus, asm, bubble maGus, and euro reef are all good skimmers. Now lighting is a whole new discussion, t5s, metal halides, power compacts, LEDs, and so on what do you plan on keeping? What's your budget? What kinda color do you want? So on and so on. As far as ro/ di I have a reef commander 2000 and love it great water with no waste. I also do not have any experience with controllers. I do have a uv and my thoughts are 50/50. I run a 2 chamber reactor from bulk reef supply one with phosban one with carbon also. I do not run a calcium reactor for I don't have the demand for one. Hope all this helps your going to hear a lot of ways to make things work. Everyone has their own way. If you wanted to start with a 90 gal I have a 92 gal corner already drilled and reef ready for sale.
Thu, 10/06/2011 - 06:32
#3
Come on down to the store,
Come on down to the store, we'll be happy to talk to you about the new tank.
Here is a short list of what we feel are essentials for a reef tank:
Stand
Tank
Sump
Return Pump
Protein Skimmer
Powerheads
Media Reactor
High Power Lighting (Metal Halide/T5/VHO)
Live Rock
Sand / No Sand (matter of preference really) but a successful reefer once told me that they have never seen a bare bottomed ocean!
If you take a look at the large lagoon in the middle of the store, you may notice that there aren't controllers, there isn't a sump, and dosing is not automated......and the success of it is impossible to argue. These systems don't have to be complicated to be successful, they just require the owner to understand the basic principles of aquarium chemistry and keep up with the daily maintenance. The first step there is gathering reference material, in which you have already started with your first book.
- Chris
Thu, 10/06/2011 - 21:52
#4
This is great Feedback and
This is great Feedback and you don't know how much i really appreciate the help here.
Fri, 10/07/2011 - 07:27
#5
i have always wanted to do a
i have always wanted to do a sump but it isnt necessary. it definately helps out with water quality since you are adding that much extra to whatever your main tank size is. if you want to save money you could always get a drilled tank and swithc to a sump setup later. Protein skimmer is a must for anything 55 or larger if you want good water quality also. powerheads for water movement to help keep algae away. and be patient is the biggest piece of advice i can offer. my dad loved my tank and set up one of his own. didnt wait long enough fo reverything to be established and had algae problems galore nonstop. corals arent gonna sprout 50 new heads over night so just keep water chemistry in check and everything will fall into place
Fri, 10/07/2011 - 10:53
#6
I actually Plan on around 6
I actually Plan on around 6 weeks minimum before I install anything living other than the rock unless i need something additional to keep my live rock from becoming a dead rock at the bottom of the sea.
Phase 1 Live Sand
Phase 2 Live Rock
Phase 3 Janitors
Phase 4 Coral & maybe one fish
Phase 5 Say ooooh aaaahhh that purdy 
Fri, 10/07/2011 - 12:04
#7
nice man it is really
nice man it is really exciting because sometimes if you buy liverock at a store youll get a piece of coral that just pops up out of nowhere after a while. i would suggest putting in at least one fish just to but out some bioload to feed the bacteria. you can also just throw in some fish food and whatever doesnt get eaten by clean up crew rots and produces food for the bacteria
Mon, 10/10/2011 - 06:17
#8
I decided to start with my
I decided to start with my Quarantine tank and picked it up this weekend. I think this is the best approach due to the future need for the quarantine tank and also this will give me practice on chemistry.
29 gallon with regular hang over filter system (did not put the filter in it because will be putting meds)
13 lbs of live rock
bag of live sand
Starting a tank looks so barren 
(
Mon, 10/10/2011 - 12:21
#9
Initial set up is going to be
Initial set up is going to be the most expensive part of the process if you're starting from scratch since a lot of the equipment does not come cheap. My advice is not to skimp out on your skimmer and lighting just cause you find a sub par equipment that wld " work for now". You will end up wanting to upgrade later on which ends up costing more if u just wld get the right quality equipment from the get go. That was my mistake as a rookie years ago and went through a few lightfixtures and skimmers along with wasted hundreds of dollars on the cheapo stuff I only used for a few months before realizing I was not satisfied with the results. Also look to used quality equipment as an option to save some cash. I agree with fellas above with the basic necessities. Personally I have a controller along with an ATO to help keep my piece of mind when im not home and also to make daily maintenance simple. These are not a necessity but are two of the best purchases I have made other than my lights and skimmer IMO.
Research and patience is key with this hobby, you're off to a good start with this thread. I'm sure jeff and his staff can help you quote prices and steer you in the right direction with any advice.
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 09:10
#10
Chris, it was a pleasure
Chris, it was a pleasure working with you this weekend, and I assure you that your choice to QT first will certainly make this hobby that much more enjoyable from the get go. Good luck, and we'll see you next time.
Well I'm not an expert but have had much advice given to me over the years. Me personally if I were starting fresh with a 90 gallon and had a choice between sump and no sump, I would choose a sump. It allows you to put all of your equipment in one place out of sight, allows for you to have more water, and makes water changes easier. Also, it allows you to have a refugium if you want which is beneficial to your main tank. There are many choices for pumps, I tend to like the Korallias for waterflow in the main tank. A skimmer is almost a must have and I like the Reef Octopus brand myself and it just so happens that that is what Jeff seems to keep in stock. I've never used a controller so I have no experience there. Heaters are easy just find a good one that's large enough. Some people like UV's and some people say you don't need them. Read up on them and make your own decision there. I like to use the Two Little Fishies phosban reactors myself, one with Phosban and one with carbon. Read alot and keep asking questions, I learn new things almost everyday. Keep in mind that in this hobby what one person likes other people can't stand. Bottom line is it for works for you then go with it.