I earned some free stuff

[Farrierfish]

Hey all,
I have always wanted to set up a reef tank
I have 2 freshwater fish tanks with fish that have lived for over 2 years.
of course little by little the fish change but I want a reef tank

I bartered for a 55 gallon aquarium that was set up for saltwater.
I am going through all the stuff I was given in the next few days.
could anyone help point me in the right direction.
also any good books someone would recommend.
I am researching on the internet as well.

I will post up here in the next week what I have and if someone would tell me what it is or is not good for then I would greatly appreciate it.

ok after a little research I have found I have the following items

50-55 gallon tank (48 12"L X 12 1/2"W X 20" Deep)
I have two light hoods 1- 48" long 120v 40 w 1- 36" long 120v 38 w
48" bulb is cool white 40 w 36" bulb is coralife 10,000k f30 t12 BP ????
super daylight??????
I know lighting is important and I am researching this more

I have 2 side mounted t3 energizer suction style filters like I use in my freshwater tanks.

I have a marineland magnum 350 canister filter and two brand new carbon containers
I have two filtermax pre-filters
I have two protein skimmers 22v venturi type with only one pump ?
http://www.aqualifesupport.com/getDetail.php?ID=864445 (picture of it)

I have two air pumps with tubing and aeration stones (good ones with double outputs)
I have two submersible heaters 100w visotherm

I also have the following test kits:
phosphate,alkalinity,saltwater ph, salinity, (I also have ammonia, nitrate,KH, and GH
I use with my freswater kits)

 

[nmbeg]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

 

[nmbeg]

First and foremost, before going any further, read:

1. The New Marine Aquarium by Paletta
2. The Conscientious Marine Aquarium by Fenner
3. Natural Reef Aquariums by Tullock
4. Reef Notes vol 1,2,3,4 by Sprung
5. The newbie threads at the top of the forums

 

[nmbeg]

How was the tank previously set up? was it an old-fashioned fish only with mechanical filtration, FOWLR (fish-only-with-live-rock), or a reef setup?

You need to decide if you plan on going FOWLR or reef.... it depends on what you wanna keep in the tank.

Do you have pictures of your setup? Please post.

 

[Farrierfish]

After reading here for days I have come to the following conclusions.

A. I am going to use a 4-5" DSB with argonite sand, seeded with LS

B. I still know nothing about live rock

C. I think I have found a good beginner light set up (if someone would verify this I would really appreciate it) here is a link:
http://www.aquascapesofla.com/servlet/the-2/260-Watt-Compact-Flourescent/Detail

D.Do I really need a RO/DI or can I just use a RO?

E. I want to set up a sump/refugiarum but do I need it with the 350 filter and venturi skimmer setup I was given?

F. these forums are awesome thanks for all the advice and I am still reading, reading, reading, hehe

 

[nmbeg]

I am not an expert with lighting, but if you only have a total of 78 watts over a 55-gallon tank, you will need a LOT more. Others here can give you details.

Also, forget everything you knew about filtration on freshwater set-ups. With a reef, most people (not all) will tell you to forget all mechanical filtration and most chemical filtration in favor of biological filtration (live rock, live sand, refugium, CUC (clean-up-crew)) and protein skimming. I don't know the type of skimmer you have (the link didn't work), but that's an excellent start. I would ditch all the other filters.

welcome to the hobby! glad to have you here! there's a lot to learn, a lot of people to meet, and everyone here is great help. enjoy!

 

[Farrierfish]

nmbeg I have most of the above articles you mentioned as well as a few others (all you wanted to know about sumps, and 2 different threads on starting up a reef tank from start to finish)

I will put up some pictures this afternoon.
oh and I read in one of the articles about cleaning out an old tank with citric acid so i really need to do that.
Has anyone else ever heard of this or used it ?

 

[Capt_Cully]

I whole heartedly agree with nmbeg's recommendations. Especially: The New Marine Aquarium by Paletta. That book was instrumental in the set up of my first tank. I passed it on to my nephew. Wish I had it back from time to time.

BUY IT!!!! (get it used on amazon for like $9-it'll save you $$$ in the long run)

 

[Farrierfish]

I also have no idea how the old tank was setup. I was told it was saltwater with fish (since I was given no rock I am wondering what that means) sorry never met the person who owned it just a go between.

 

[nmbeg]

you can get away with RO only, but for the amount of money it costs, going whole-hog with RODI is definitely worth it. your fish and corals will thank you, and you'll save money down the road.

good idea with the DSB.

that light seems much better.... though others can give you more details.

before you buy anything, check your local reef club forum here on RC for people selling stuff and get a bargain.

you don't NEED a sump/refugium, you can get by with almost any set-up in this hobby. the only thing you can't do without is a skimmer and live rock. some people don't even have any sand at all. a sump is simply a place to manage all the equipment and increase water volume. Refugia are nice additions to harbor little beneficial creatures called 'pods and marcoalgae to sequester nutrients.

 

[nmbeg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12997500#post12997500 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Capt_Cully
I whole heartedly agree with nmbeg's recommendations.

awwwww shucks:love2: .....thanks Capt

 

[rlee81indy]

dont throw out your filter equipment, you never know when you are going to need it. If you set up a regular hang on back filter on your sump and let the bacteria build up on the filter media, that is a good tool for starting a quarantine tank. The canister filter is a highly debated item in SW. I know someone that uses one but completely cleans it twice a week. He has a lot of success with it. I wouldnt go so deep with the sand bed. 2-3 inches will be fine (and cheaper). If you are going to make a reef you will need a lot more lighting. Most will tell you to go with metal halide or t5's but with a 55 you will be fine with a power compact fixture. you can by a used one for 100 or less. Just keep in mind that you need to switch out the bulbs every 6 months or so (the are about 30 bucks each). Lastly, I have learned more from this site and my local club than any from anybook I have read on this hobby.

 

[nmbeg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12997493#post12997493 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Farrierfish
cleaning out an old tank with citric acid. Has anyone else ever heard of this or used it ?

Never heard of citrate.... heard of vinegar though. probably works the same way.

 

[nmbeg]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12997562#post12997562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rlee81indy
dont throw out your filter equipment, you never know when you are going to need it. If you set up a regular hang on back filter on your sump and let the bacteria build up on the filter media, that is a good tool for starting a quarantine tank.

agreed.

 

[Farrierfish]

not many pictures

not many pictures

they wont let me add many pictures so here is the first two
i will add more tomorrow if they let me I guess?

 

[nmbeg]

host your pictures on photobucket or flickr and link to them from your posts.

 

[Farrierfish]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28862702@N06/
like this ?

 

[Farrierfish]

 

[Macimage]

If you are planning a reef tank, you need to verify with the seller that copper medications were never used in the tank, as copper is toxic to corals.

Joyce

 

[nmbeg]

excellent start!