150 gallon reef, many questions, please help

S

speedingredline

New member
Let me starting by saying I have signed up for premium membership so I can search, but until that activates I can't so I'm gonna ask questions that have been asked a million times before. Sorry.

The wife and I are gonna start a 150 gallon reef. We are going to transform one of the walls in our dinning room into a showcase. The tank isn't going to be built into the wall but rather incorporated with the wall with cabinets and shelves. which is all gonna be built by me, my wife, and father-in-law.

The aquarium is a 150 AGA reef ready.

I have read a couple books but, I'm starting to think that they aren't very good, since I have all these questions.

But its been several years since I've had saltwater. So let the questions begin.

Live Rock

-- What are the differences between the various kinds of rock? I was thinking about going with marshall Island live rock. I read breifly that marshall island rock was better for the growth of bateria and so on. I'm gonna cure in the tank since its new. What is the recommendation for rock weight wise. Is it so many pounds per gallon

Live Sand

-- No questions, at the moment. If all goes well gonna get some live southdown from a local reefer. And then gonna get some garf grunge. Does the sand have to be flat across the tank, or can I make some low and high spots.

Protien Skimmer

-- What are the better protien skimmers? Since I can't search yet, I have no clue.

Sumps

-- Basically the same questions as the skimmer.

Lighting

-- This is my biggest concern. I now its gonna be one of my largest investments for the reef set up. I know obviously that lighting is crucial. Is an all-in-one solution available? What manufacturers are better? If possible I want to get it right the first time.

calcium reactor

-- Is it really necessary?

kalkwasser

-- What is it? and Do I need it?

Chemical Additives?

-- Yes, No? If yes, what?

Well I guess thats it for now. just waiting for my membership to become active, so I can search.
 
I only have a 45 so not too sure on a few of the items but from my understanding...

Live rock - go for shapes oppose to coloration. All liverock has bacteria and will have coraline algae growth. You want something that will look good.

Live Sand - either you can go SSB (shallow) or DSB (deep). The deeper the better (for filtration purposes). You can have high and low points, looks more natural. Be sure to go with Live sand oppose to crushed coral (a little isn't bad, but not all).

Protein Skimmers - You want something that can handle your size tank. The main page of reef central has a review section. Research your best options.

Sumps - Again something for that size tank (maybe a little bigger). The point of a sump is to (1) house the protein skimmer, filtration, and heating/cooling elements to keep them out of the display tank.

Lighting - Id recommend anywhere from 5-10 watts per gallon. Go with metal halides with VHO (very high output - Power Compacts or T5) supliments.

Calcium reactor - not necessary but is useful in maintaining a proper calcium level.

Chemical additives - i use um to ensure good growth and chemical levels (calcium, alkalinity, iodine, trace elements)


Do more reasearch on protein skimmers, calcium (and alkalinity), and other perameters
 
<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Before you buy I would read read read. You don't say how long you have been looking at the Reef Central Website so I can only assume a short time.

With that being said here are some links at the end of this message that will help.
150 gallon is a big tank to start with and I would be prepared to spend several thousand dollars.

Live rock is basically a choice of how you want your tank to look. Generally it is 1 to 1/1/2 pounds per gallon of water. There are many different types. You can do a google search to get all kinds of information, or go to the vendors forum on this website.

Dead sand will become live sand once you get your rock in. This is somewhat of a misnomer and you can save some money here.

A good protein skimmer is one of the big investments for your tank. Euro-Reef is a good skimmer, ASM is another and then there are Bubble Kings, the Cadillac that themselves can run several thousand dollars. This is one of the most important things for a successful tank. A reef tank is critical to have good clear, clean water. A very good skimmer will help you with this. I would not skimp on this. You will also want to add an RO/DI water purification system. Tap water for your tank will be big trouble.

With a tank that size I think the biggest sump size you can get will be best. You can grow macro algea in it, hide your heaters, etc etc. You can also put your skimmer in this area.

Lighting depends on the type of corals etc you plan on keeping. I would get the best lighting you can afford. If you are gong to keep SPS you will need lots a light. I would visit the vendors that support this web site to research and get information.
This is another critical investment. Buy the best you can afford.

Calcium reactor can be good to automate keeping the calcium levels up. Kalkwasser is another to maintain calcium and alkalinity. I would spend a bunch of time in the chemistry forum. If you are going to keep corals you will need to dose this items at minimum. You will also need an ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite test to monitor the cycle and health of your tank.

Chemical additives you will have to supplement with regular partial water changes and chemical additives. To begin with you will probably only need to do partial water changes. But after you get some coralline algae and other critters in the tank you will need to supplement these things. The chemistry forum has a bunch of good information.

Let me caution you, please take your time and don't move quickly. I hope this helps a little bit. I have added some useful links to the bottom of this page.

Oh one other thing, you need to have a qt tank. If you don't and just add fish and inverts to your system, especially after you have a higher bio load and then introduce something like ICH or something worse you could wipe out your tank.

I wouldn't even think of an anemone for at least a year after your tank has been set up. With tank this size and if you have lighting to support SPS coral it may require the use of a chiller to keep the water the correct temprature.

Please read voraciously.

Regards,

Pat

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/sp/feature/index.php

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=239848

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=550860

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-09/rhf/index.php

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/nov2002/chem.htm

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ This is another good web site.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

And lots more
 
Live Rock: The density of various rocks is different. So look into which type is heavier/lighter and factor that in your cost estimates/decisions. Some swear by rock "cooking". Make sure to read about that if you are interested.

Live sand: Some swear by bare bottom and some deep sand beds---bring a lunch and a thick skin when you research this topic.

I would say every other question you have would require you to decide what livestock you will be keeping.

This website needs a good section on Reef Terms!
 
I'm not rushing this project. Its gonna take a few weeks just to get the wall done. I'll do more research once my membership kicks in and can actually search. I'm not new to saltwater. I worked in a fish store for about 5yrs, through high school basically. I've had more pets and critters than I care to think about. But I'm rusty, I had a predator tank lions and anglers. I also had a seahorse aquarium. I realize the expense involved with a tank that size. Thats why I'm asking whats good these days. I've been out of the loop for 2 long. thanks for info thus far and the links. It gives me a starting point. I already have the RO/DI unit on order. But I also need to get the skimmer and sump so I can plan the wall unit around it.

thanks again
 
In regards to the sand. As I said if its still available when I get the tank in and ready, I am gonna the local reefers live southdown sand, and make some more natural highs and lows in the sand.

Since somebody mentioned live stock. Here is what we would like. sps, soft corals, maybe lps, clams.
shrimp, crabs, stars

fish,possibly: (1) potters angel,(1) flame angel,(1) coral beauty,(2) marroon and/or percula clowns,(2) royal gramas, (1) blue tang, (1) other tang, (2) mandarins, (?) gobies,(2) bicolor psuedocromis, (2) wrasses, damsels.
 
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Angels are not considered reef-safe. It is somewhat hit or miss on whether you'd get ones that aren't going to mess with the corals/clams. Getting one out of a full 150 would be a pain though.

Damsels are also a fish most stay clear of as they are very aggressive/territorial.
 
Stars are hard to keep and mostly starve to death. I would rethink that. Damsels are aggressive, some more that others, SPS will take intense lighting, I would probably add a chiller to your list of equipment especially if it is in an enclosed space.

Regards,

Pat
 
I personally don't want the damsels or stars, but the wife wants them. In order to get what I want, I at least have to make an attempt of putting in what she wants. Good to know about the stars though. I didn't know they are that hard to keep. I have already counted on the lighting, and will add a chiller if needed. I plan on sufficient ventilation for the lighting. I am going to procede with caution in regards to the angels. I'm hoping to get them small enough, and "train" eat what I want them to, as opposed to what they want to. keep the info coming.
 
Find out what she likes about them and find a suitable replacement. Is it the color of the damsels, that they are active swimmers, what? Also, for replacement of a star, narrow it down to serpent stars which are more "reef-safe". I like the harlequin and red sea serpents myself.
 
not sure if it is color or shape of the damsels. good tips on the stars, will cross that bridge when I get that far. Right now I'm still working on the hardware I want to use for this setup.
 
OK couple thoughts on lighting...

First decision is fixture or retro. Is it a 6' 150 or the 4'? I would join the crowd in advising MH and actinic supplements but specific numbers would require deminsions on the tank i.e 3 250wmh on a 6' and maybe 2 400mh on the 4'.
 
We have a 150 ourselves....it's almost a year old. The best advise I can give you is.............Open the wallet and let it flow!!!! LOL

PS, as to making highs and lows etc with your sand....nice idea, but your invertes will arrange it the way THEY want it as soon as you get your hands out of the tank. :)
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6537964#post6537964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zukihara
OK couple thoughts on lighting...

First decision is fixture or retro. Is it a 6' 150 or the 4'? I would join the crowd in advising MH and actinic supplements but specific numbers would require deminsions on the tank i.e 3 250wmh on a 6' and maybe 2 400mh on the 4'.
Click to expand...

The tank is a aga 150, 72Dx18Wx29H. I'm gonna make my own wall system. I plan on having suffiecent room above the tank for most types of lighting.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6538930#post6538930 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lossman
We have a 150 ourselves....it's almost a year old. The best advise I can give you is.............Open the wallet and let it flow!!!! LOL

PS, as to making highs and lows etc with your sand....nice idea, but your invertes will arrange it the way THEY want it as soon as you get your hands out of the tank. :)
Click to expand...

I have a nice piece of change set aside just for the tank, lights, sump, and skimmer setup itself. The rest I will handle as it comes along. Well at least the sand will look good until the tank get life in it.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6540718#post6540718 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by speedingredline
I have a nice piece of change set aside just for the tank, lights, sump, and skimmer setup itself. The rest I will handle as it comes along. Well at least the sand will look good until the tank get life in it.
Click to expand...

One thing to consider. If your tank is like ours, the 6 foot long one, you will need to consider the depth of the tank when you are adding your rocks. Make sure your canopy opens enough to get half your body in there for placement of the rocks. Our base rocks were very large and weighed between 20 - 40 lbs each. In order to place those in the tank we cut strips off an old sheet and used those to lower the rocks in place. Our arms were not long enough or strong enough on their own without this help.

Another thing to consider. If you plan to get a pistol shrimp or think one might come as a hitchiker on your lr, or if you plan to get a fish that digs in the sand, you want to place your rocks on the glass or one just a very thin layer of sand then put the rest of the sand in after placement of your base rocks. It would be heartbreaking to have a something digging under the rocks, undermine your placement to the point where the rocks come tumbling down with disasterous results!!! :eek2:

Best of luck,

Sally
 
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