Help with setting-up new tank!!!

[HUNTER_0387]

Hi Everyone,

This is my very first forum and I am new to this hobby.. I've done my research online and LFS but I still need experts' ideas and feedback!


I currently have the following equipments:

1) 180 gallon wide acrylic tank with a center trapezoid overflow and 4 returns
2) 60 gallon long acrylic aquarium soon to be converted into a sump and refugium
3) 200 lbs of mixed tonga branch and fiji live rock (got them for $2/lb on CL )
4) ~150 lbs of sand
5) SRO 3000 INT protein skimmer
6) 40 gallon quarantine tank
7) canopy with 3 metal hallides and 2 72" VHOs

So here are my questions:

(1) I obviously need return pump(s).. what's the best out there? (I heard Eheim 1262 is great) and how many return pumps do I need if I want to use all 4 returns?

(2) What should I put in my refugium and how should I design my DIY sump? I'm leaning towards the return in the middle and protein section on the left side and refugium on the right side.

(3) I'm currently curing the rocks and branches, but as soon as they're ready, when can I add fish? When can I add corals?

(4) What are the best corals (softies) for beginners?

(5) Here is my projected fish community:
-Black Ocellaris clownfish
-False Ocellaris clownfish
-Purple tang
-Yellow tang
-Blue hippo tang
-Majestic angel fish
-Bluethroat trigger fish

-Maybe a small school of blue green chromis (I'll be naming them "Blue Fish Group" )

-What do you think of this list?

-What's the best order to put them in my tank? (I'm thinking putting the black and false ocellaris first at the same time after cycling.. then QT both the purple tang and yellow tang, and putting them at the same time next.. and after that, I'm lost)

-Are all fish "reef-safe"?

-Can I mix the black and false ocellaris? (since they're the same species)

-What's the best way to handle the purple tang and yellow tang?

-Since Tangs are ich-prone, what medications should I use and what's the best approach to treat them in the quarantine tank?

-Any other "reef-safe" fish I should add if it's not too overstock?

-I might buy my friend's 1/4HP chiller, will this work for a 180gallon with 60 gallon sump?


THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP AND FEEDBACK!

 

[sneaton]

the tangs should be the last fish in the tank

 

[sneaton]

whats the head pressure on the return (how many vertical feet does the pump need to push)? be careful with craigslist rock...it could have pest on it...before i knew about all the crap that can come on rock i got 100 pound off CR and ive had every pest in the book pop up

 

[HUNTER_0387]

the tangs should be the last fish in the tank

Ok, then what's the best order to put in this fish list?

 

[sneaton]

wait till the cycle is finished before you add fish(no ammonia or nitrites).....enjoy the fish for a few months(3-4) and let the tank become stable before adding corals

 

[HUNTER_0387]

whats the head pressure on the return (how many vertical feet does the pump need to push)? be careful with craigslist rock...it could have pest on it...before i knew about all the crap that can come on rock i got 100 pound off CR and ive had every pest in the book pop up

The rocks look great so far! I'll post some pictures soon..

The head pressure is about 4 feet on all returns

 

[sneaton]

put the clowns in first...but they might fight since you want different kinds....im not 100% on the order for the bluethroat and angle so ask snorvich in the "intended fish purchase thread"....he will critique your list and order for you

 

[HUNTER_0387]

wait till the cycle is finished before you add fish(no ammonia or nitrites).....enjoy the fish for a few months(3-4) and let the tank become stable before adding corals

ok, what kind of corals? I don't know much about them.. any ideas for beginners?

 

[HUNTER_0387]

put the clowns in first...but they might fight since you want different kinds....im not 100% on the order for the bluethroat and angle so ask snorvich in the "intended fish purchase thread"....he will critique your list and order for you

Ok, thanks I just saw that thread

 

[Soccernut5824]

ya need to research more..... a lot more.

 

[sneaton]

i run the 1262 on my 75(way dialed back) and its a good pump....i have a buddy that has one running with no cleanings for 10 years...it pushes about 650 gph at 4 feet so that will give you around 3.5 times turnover which is in the 3-5 times recommendation...you can bring the plumbing down to a single pump so that should be fine

 

[sneaton]

in the months your waiting for things to become stable reasearch reefing/corals and figure out which direction you want to go....i would start with some simple softies or easy lps...

 

[HUNTER_0387]

ya need to research more..... a lot more.

I know that, but this does not help me..

 

[HUNTER_0387]

in the months your waiting for things to become stable reasearch reefing/corals and figure out which direction you want to go....i would start with some simple softies or easy lps...

ok, will do, thanks..

 

[sneaton]

dont let that bother you ....:beer: you can learn as you go...thats what i did....if $$$$ is a concern though i would research alot before setting up,ive setup 3 tanks in the 1.5 years ive been in the hobby and there is always something you can do better if you were more patient with planning

 

[HUNTER_0387]

dont let that bother you ....:beer: you can learn as you go...thats what i did....if $$$$ is a concern though i would research alot before setting up,ive setup 3 tanks in the 1.5 years ive been in the hobby and there is always something you can do better if you were more patient with planning

Yeah, im trying to take things as slow as possible...