How does my setup-to-be sound? Lots of questions
- Thread starter reef3r
- Start date
reeffreak2007
New member
The reef ready are pre-drilled with built in overflows....makes setting up a sump much easier.I recommend that you get the accessory kit(stand pipes,bulkhead fitting)otherwise you're get the ''gurgling'' sound of a waterfall.I don't know what the price difference is between a 65/75gal. and a 65/75gal. reef ready but on my 210 it was about 250 dollars more for the reef ready(accessory kit included).If I had to guest,I would say $100-150 more for a reef ready 65/75gal.
Good luck
Good luck
Fraggle Rock2
New member
PC and CF are the same thing. There are just different bases, such as the screw in or the plug-in types. At least, I think they are ;P.
There are some posts/tank of the month articles (in Reefkeeping Online) that used PC to keep all types of corals, including SPS. So, it can be done. It is important to remember that you can place corals that need more light high up in your tank.
However, it isn't ideal but you didn't mention SPS so I don't think it really matters. Maybe take a peak at some T5HO lights, I don't think the price is that much different and they have good light output. That way, if you get the SPS bug you can forge ahead without worrying.
I suggest looking at MuchoReefs TOTM tank:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/totm/index.php
Still one of my favorites. Although, I believe he has moved toward LPS now (probably Acans, I dunno).
With LPS and softies you don't need mega flow (i.e., 50X+ turnover). I would check out the Hydor Korallia's, they are inexpensive and produce good flow and are lower wattage than say Maxijets of similar throughput. A couple of 2's would be good IMO.
Not sure about a timer for your powerheads. Maybe some type of wavemaker? Personally, I think I would wait on that since it's something that you can add later and isn't a necessity.
Your other questions I think were already answered.
The UV sterlizer will likely improve the clarity of your water a bit. I don't think it's a necessity though.
You may also want to upgrade to a 75 GPD RO unit. Probably not much of a jump in price. There are some RO/DI sponsers on this site you should look into.
Cheers.
There are some posts/tank of the month articles (in Reefkeeping Online) that used PC to keep all types of corals, including SPS. So, it can be done. It is important to remember that you can place corals that need more light high up in your tank.
However, it isn't ideal but you didn't mention SPS so I don't think it really matters. Maybe take a peak at some T5HO lights, I don't think the price is that much different and they have good light output. That way, if you get the SPS bug you can forge ahead without worrying.
I suggest looking at MuchoReefs TOTM tank:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-08/totm/index.php
Still one of my favorites. Although, I believe he has moved toward LPS now (probably Acans, I dunno).
With LPS and softies you don't need mega flow (i.e., 50X+ turnover). I would check out the Hydor Korallia's, they are inexpensive and produce good flow and are lower wattage than say Maxijets of similar throughput. A couple of 2's would be good IMO.
Not sure about a timer for your powerheads. Maybe some type of wavemaker? Personally, I think I would wait on that since it's something that you can add later and isn't a necessity.
Your other questions I think were already answered.
The UV sterlizer will likely improve the clarity of your water a bit. I don't think it's a necessity though.
You may also want to upgrade to a 75 GPD RO unit. Probably not much of a jump in price. There are some RO/DI sponsers on this site you should look into.
Cheers.
currentking
New member
i think its impossible to plan a reef, everythig is different and fits differently, go one step at a time
reef3r
New member
Thanks for the link, it seems like thats pretty close to what I'm going for. Lots of zoos and mushrooms and they have the same lighting, I think.
About the powerheads, just wondering, is there any reason I should get the ones you suggested over the SEIOs? IT's just cost, from what I can tell, and I have no problem with the cost of the SEIOs.
About the wave maker, that's probably what I'm going to do.
Thanks for the input on the UV sterilizer.
And why do I need a 75gpd, shouldn't 50 be enough?
currentking, I think I"m beginning to realize that.
About the powerheads, just wondering, is there any reason I should get the ones you suggested over the SEIOs? IT's just cost, from what I can tell, and I have no problem with the cost of the SEIOs.
About the wave maker, that's probably what I'm going to do.
Thanks for the input on the UV sterilizer.
And why do I need a 75gpd, shouldn't 50 be enough?
currentking, I think I"m beginning to realize that.
Fraggle Rock2
New member
I don't think there is anything wrong with SEIOs. They are very popular. I never used them but it seems that many have started to switch over to Tunze etc. I suggest comparing flow versus Watts used (more Watts = more heat in your tank) as well as the physical size of the units. Appearance can be imporant too since you will have to look at them every day.
Also, if you want to use a wavemaker then you should definitely keep that in mind when getting any type of powerheads. Some don't work well, or at all, with them. I would research the wavemaker first and go from there.
I think a 50GPD RO unit is fine, but making RO water is very slow. So, a small upgrade is worth it IMO. I recall something about the 75 GPD units being more efficient than the 100GPD, but I don't have a reference. Maybe the 50GPD is more efficient than the 75GPD, who knows. With my unit (75GPD) it takes about 3 hours to fill a 5G bucket.
I also think it's very wise to plan ahead. However, you can't plan for everything. Starting with livestock is the best route IMO. From there, you can decide on methodology and then equipment.
Also, if you want to use a wavemaker then you should definitely keep that in mind when getting any type of powerheads. Some don't work well, or at all, with them. I would research the wavemaker first and go from there.
I think a 50GPD RO unit is fine, but making RO water is very slow. So, a small upgrade is worth it IMO. I recall something about the 75 GPD units being more efficient than the 100GPD, but I don't have a reference. Maybe the 50GPD is more efficient than the 75GPD, who knows. With my unit (75GPD) it takes about 3 hours to fill a 5G bucket.
I also think it's very wise to plan ahead. However, you can't plan for everything. Starting with livestock is the best route IMO. From there, you can decide on methodology and then equipment.
![[17]shawn[17]](https://reefcentral-data.xenforo.cloud/avatars/m/126/126091.jpg?1649697472){kind=avatar}
[17]shawn[17]
New member
ok just some advise from me i started when i was 14 and im now 16
om my 20 gal
i started off with NO florecent lighting 20$
then i wanted to keep some softies
40$ for more NO lighting
then my clowns really looked like they wanted a anomone and if i upgraded i could keep that kool coral
150$ and i had 65w pc
then i wanted my tank to look like the totm with the acro and montis
and there i want about to spend $250 for a MH when i found a greatthing called the Used Equipment & Drygoods Selling page on RC and got a sweet 150w hqi MH for 100$
2 lessons learned buy used stuff and get top of the line first or you will just be kicking yourself later
be sure to go with a drilled tank, you can probabuly buy one and take it to a glass shop and get them to drill it, then just get some acrylic and make a over flow box
i would go with the clowns and maybe a yellow tang as far as stocking gose and maybe after your tank is mature a mandarin or a couple gobies
om my 20 gal
i started off with NO florecent lighting 20$
then i wanted to keep some softies
40$ for more NO lighting
then my clowns really looked like they wanted a anomone and if i upgraded i could keep that kool coral
150$ and i had 65w pc
then i wanted my tank to look like the totm with the acro and montis
and there i want about to spend $250 for a MH when i found a greatthing called the Used Equipment & Drygoods Selling page on RC and got a sweet 150w hqi MH for 100$
2 lessons learned buy used stuff and get top of the line first or you will just be kicking yourself later
be sure to go with a drilled tank, you can probabuly buy one and take it to a glass shop and get them to drill it, then just get some acrylic and make a over flow box
i would go with the clowns and maybe a yellow tang as far as stocking gose and maybe after your tank is mature a mandarin or a couple gobies
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