Hello All,
I am starting my first tank with no experience whatsoever. I am writing from Central America, right on the beach in the Carribean. For one reason or another I ended up with this huge (and beautiful) acrylic tank of about 200 Gallons and plan to set it up with corals and what not.
Basically, all the goods I have were put together by some guy who is supposed to know what he is doing, and all the main gear I already have so there is not much choice as to what stuff I will use to put my tank together. I am just hoping what I have is the best and that it works for my application.
I was supposed to have all this installed but could not get someone from the states to fly down and set it up for me and teach me how to run it. I asked several local guys and they are cringed when I told them the details. So looks like I am SOL and need to get this myself or it will be more wasted time to my already 2 years.
From what I have read, I am supposing I can take my boat a few miles off shore and get some water to fill my tank. I can dive and get some sand off the bottom of the ocean as well as live rock. Dump it all in the tank and let nature take its course. Later just add fish, corals and voiala! Right? Pretty much?
EQUIPMENT
This is what I was sent:
Tank: Acrylic 96†L X 18†W X 30†H
225 Galons
2 Corner overflows 6â€Âx10â€Â
Bulkheads measure 1†and 1 1/2â€Â
2 spray Nozzles
Protein Skimmer
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems
Model MPS 250
Motorized 250 Gallon
Wet/Dry Filter
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems
Model 400
UV Sterilizer
Gamma Pond
Model 1403
Turbelle Stream Flow Fan
Tunze
Model 6080
Aqua-Chill ¼ HP Chiller
Sequence Pump
Model 750
1/8 HP
2 Lamps
250 W Halide with Ballast
True Union Swing Check Valve
1-1/2 inch FPT x 1-1/2 inch FPT
Seachem Reef Salt
50 Gallon Mix Bag
9 Bags
There are a bunch of chemicals, stuff to drill holes with, power strips for wave making and lights, as well as cleaning and buffing for acrylic.
Here are a few questions I have as to the equipment that was chosen in the design of this system:
Why do I have a UV Sterilizer? Don't see many people using them or at least talking about them!
Why do I have a Wet/Dry? It comes with bio balls, I have read that they are counterproductive for reefs, do I dump them and put some liverock there instead?
As per the reef salt, I can use ocean water instead, correct? There is NO pollution where I live.
PLUMBING
I've been reading for a few weeks now trying to put the pieces together and find out what all this stuff was and how it fit together, as well as reading about the science behind all this. I understand that the biological processes that need to happen are slow so am taking my time on the biology part of my marine aquarium education, but I would like to put this puzzle together and get the process going.
The most difficult part I find so far is the plumbing. Particularly, I have problems understanding how the UV and the chiller fit into the system??? I have only one pump, does everything run off this one pump?
Some equipment is meant for PVC, while others for flex acrylic tubing (Chiller). How do you mix acrylic and PVC? How does it connect?
I have pipes and fitting that are FTP, MPT, Slip, 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1", 1 1/2" and 2", and is it all supposed to be connected to one pump? It is a huge jigsaw puzzle! Looking at other people's pictures helps but every install is unique and mine is no exception.
O.K. That is enough questions for now. I would really appreciate some help and lots of advice, suggestions, whatever. I know I am way over my head but am a quick learner. Been a noob before in other hobbies, and I am positive this one is gonna be more fun that a pain in the ***. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Thnx
Chuck
I am starting my first tank with no experience whatsoever. I am writing from Central America, right on the beach in the Carribean. For one reason or another I ended up with this huge (and beautiful) acrylic tank of about 200 Gallons and plan to set it up with corals and what not.
Basically, all the goods I have were put together by some guy who is supposed to know what he is doing, and all the main gear I already have so there is not much choice as to what stuff I will use to put my tank together. I am just hoping what I have is the best and that it works for my application.
I was supposed to have all this installed but could not get someone from the states to fly down and set it up for me and teach me how to run it. I asked several local guys and they are cringed when I told them the details. So looks like I am SOL and need to get this myself or it will be more wasted time to my already 2 years.
From what I have read, I am supposing I can take my boat a few miles off shore and get some water to fill my tank. I can dive and get some sand off the bottom of the ocean as well as live rock. Dump it all in the tank and let nature take its course. Later just add fish, corals and voiala! Right? Pretty much?
EQUIPMENT
This is what I was sent:
Tank: Acrylic 96†L X 18†W X 30†H
225 Galons
2 Corner overflows 6â€Âx10â€Â
Bulkheads measure 1†and 1 1/2â€Â
2 spray Nozzles
Protein Skimmer
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems
Model MPS 250
Motorized 250 Gallon
Wet/Dry Filter
Pro Clear Aquatic Systems
Model 400
UV Sterilizer
Gamma Pond
Model 1403
Turbelle Stream Flow Fan
Tunze
Model 6080
Aqua-Chill ¼ HP Chiller
Sequence Pump
Model 750
1/8 HP
2 Lamps
250 W Halide with Ballast
True Union Swing Check Valve
1-1/2 inch FPT x 1-1/2 inch FPT
Seachem Reef Salt
50 Gallon Mix Bag
9 Bags
There are a bunch of chemicals, stuff to drill holes with, power strips for wave making and lights, as well as cleaning and buffing for acrylic.
Here are a few questions I have as to the equipment that was chosen in the design of this system:
Why do I have a UV Sterilizer? Don't see many people using them or at least talking about them!
Why do I have a Wet/Dry? It comes with bio balls, I have read that they are counterproductive for reefs, do I dump them and put some liverock there instead?
As per the reef salt, I can use ocean water instead, correct? There is NO pollution where I live.
PLUMBING
I've been reading for a few weeks now trying to put the pieces together and find out what all this stuff was and how it fit together, as well as reading about the science behind all this. I understand that the biological processes that need to happen are slow so am taking my time on the biology part of my marine aquarium education, but I would like to put this puzzle together and get the process going.
The most difficult part I find so far is the plumbing. Particularly, I have problems understanding how the UV and the chiller fit into the system??? I have only one pump, does everything run off this one pump?
Some equipment is meant for PVC, while others for flex acrylic tubing (Chiller). How do you mix acrylic and PVC? How does it connect?
I have pipes and fitting that are FTP, MPT, Slip, 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1", 1 1/2" and 2", and is it all supposed to be connected to one pump? It is a huge jigsaw puzzle! Looking at other people's pictures helps but every install is unique and mine is no exception.
O.K. That is enough questions for now. I would really appreciate some help and lots of advice, suggestions, whatever. I know I am way over my head but am a quick learner. Been a noob before in other hobbies, and I am positive this one is gonna be more fun that a pain in the ***. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Thnx
Chuck
:eek1: :beer: :eek1: 
