I need help w/ my 37 gallon :)

[ilovethebeach]

I have a 12 gallon nano now, I have had it for about 9 months. (Hubby has 125 gallon predator tank). We bought a 37 gallon cube today, we are putting it in the wall.

Now I need your opinion for everything else that I need to buy for it. I am not going for the cheapest stuff but the best for my tank. I really need help with the lighting. I have Via Aqua PC on my other tank and I do not like them. Do I need a chiller on a tank of this size? The tank came with a Penguin but I don't think I am going to use it. All of the help that you can give is much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!!~ Debby

 

[otterpop510]

what do you want to setup in your 37 gallon tank? are you aiming for fish only, FOWLR, reef and if reef for mixed, softies mainly or sps mainly? i think that would help you decide what kind of equipment you want.

i'm guessing basics would be powerheads, sump (fuge if you want), skimmer, lighting, and heater. you could also start getting into the chillers, calcium reactors, controller units, etc. also, really depends on what your budget is, when you say 'best' that could cost thousands on equipment alone.. 'best' is always relative..

 

[ilovethebeach]

I want to do a reef and fish tank set up. I will mainly do SPS corals. My xenia in my other tank keeps dying, I think I need halide lighting but do not know where to begin with that. What filter do you recommend? I am not going for the cheapest products out there but I do not have a large budget either. I guess middle of the line.

Thanks

 

[SaltyMember]

If you are planning on mostly SPS corals a single 250wt metal halide bulb would work well for lighting. Are you hanging the lights over the tank or building a canopy. Hanging would be easier from a heat management aspect but a well built canopy with good fan placement would work also.

If you aren't going with a sump a good hang on protein skimmer such as a Aqua C Remora would work. For liverock, about 1 1/2 lbs per gallon will provide your filtration. Also, you need to decide if you want a sand bed or want to go bare bottom.

For circulation you want to be in the 20x or more per hour of tank turn over for SPS. The easiest way to do this would be to use multiple powerheads in the tank.

These are just my suggestions but there are many ways to set up a tank. Maybe someone else will give you different ideas.
Good luck.

 

[vishboy]

I would say Maxi Jets for circulation. I can't comment on the Remora, but DO NOT, IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, BUY A PRIZM. I learned the hard way. They skim well for half a year, then they die on you.

Have you looked into T5 lighting? I have heard some mixed reviews about them. If you need a color guide for 250w MH bulbs
check out http://www.cnidarianreef.com/ . There is a link on the right side where he tested a lot of 250w bulbs.

I don't think that you need a chiller. If the MH is high up enough, and has a couple fans, you would be okay (probably, I can't talk because I have never had MH on my tank)

HTH
Vishy

 

[amheck]

Would love to see pics of the 37g cube, even if its not set up. I'm considering buying this very tank.

Aaron

 

[ilovethebeach]

Just put sea water and live sand in there today. It hasn't cleared up yet.

I tried to upload my photos but it keeps telling my file is too big.
Email me and I will send the pics to you.

Thanks