I want to start a tank, need some gerneral advice

T

Taraj

New member
Hi,
I would like to set up a marine tank, probably about 300-400ltr tank. Basically I dont have a clue where to start. I currently have a discus set up. I have an Aqua-one ar 980 tank, canister filter, uv, and use R/O water. Can people give me an opinion on what i need to set-up a marine tank?

Are the all in one tanks alright to use?
Do I need a canister filter?
Do I need a UV?
What other equipment do I need?
Thankyou opinions would be greatly appriciated
 
Welcome!

Welcome!

First off, Welcome to Reef Central!

61382welcome.gif


Now that you've found us, I suggest you do a lot of reading here to learn as much as you can about this hobby before makeing any decisions about equipment.

Take things slow and ask a lot of questions.

Take a look around at other peoples' set-ups and you'll get some better ideas as to what you need.
 
Thanks for the info, as I am starting off I just didn't want to get a hole heap of equipment that isn't needed.
If anyone else wants to post an opinion feel free to go ahead.

Just on tanks.
Are there any prefference on what sort of tank is better or is it just trial and error or personal prefference?
 
If you are going to do a fish only (FO) or a fish only with live rock (FOWLR) a canister filter wouldn't be so bad to start off with, but if you are looking into doing corals and such you should look into getting a protein skimmer somewhere down the road.
 
Thanks Stacy,
Could i have some more opinions on canister please?

Why or why not whould be a good start.

Obviously a skimmer sounds like a must.

And a UV is not nesseceray.

And still is a ALL IN ONE top filter tank good?
 
You can use a cannister filter, but the live rock will provide most biological filtration. I used a cannister on my 46 gallon but mostly to help with additional flow. I had a magnum 350 that all I had in it was foam. Nothing else. I changed the foam once per week to prevent a nitrate sink. I used the magnum to help keep ditrus out of the tank.

Regards,

Pat
 
To be honest I would really like to avoid getting a canister for this tank when I get it, so if there is no practical reason for getting one (only water flow) I will give it a miss.
Any more equipment that I need?
 
When starting your first saltwater tank there are quite a few things to think about.

1. You want to start out with the largest tank you can afford, and fit into whatever space you have. The larger the tank the easier it is to keep your water parameters stable.

2. Live rock combined with a good protein skimmer are really all you need for filtration (there are a lot of different types of skimmers that work well, but definitely don't run out and buy the cheapest one you can find because this is the main filtration for the system, do some research to decide which one will work best for you).

3. Lighting is generally the most expensive part of the system if you intend on keeping live corals. Again do some research here on RC, there are a few different options for lighting that will support corals (vho, power compact, metal halide, and the most recent addition T5) If you just want to keep live rock and fish, you don't need the intense lighting (you can always add it later)

4. Using a sump with a return pump to the main tank is the best way to set up a system if you have the space. You can put your protein skimmer in the sump, and a main return pump (in many cases) will give you enough flow for your system to start with. If you don't want to use a sump you need a hang-on-the-back protein skimmer and at least one good powerhead.

5. The biggest mistake I made when I started out, was that I didn't have a plan. You can find anything you need to know about this hobby right here on RC, so utilize it to the fullest. Read what others have done that works.

Good luck
 
Go slow and read a lot before you go out and start buying stuff. I also suggest you start by looking at Waterkeepers threads here for newbies.
 
One more thing, it is best to cycle your tank with liverock before adding any livestock. ONLY BAD THINGS HAPPEN FAST IN A REEF AQUARIUM, EVERYTHING ELSE TAKES TIME.
 
Make sure you buy some saltwater test kits(ph,nitrate,nitrite,ammonia etc.) and a refractometer(some of the swing arm hydrometer may be to far out of tolerance)
 
if you are a complete newb, grab yourself a good book. not only will this give you a good foundation of general info, but itll give you the ability to ask the right questions as you will be somewhat versed in the vernacular.

examples: ro, fowlr, skimmate, flow, refugium, qt, ls, cc, T5, retro, et cetera.

a few hours with a good book will give you a great head start.


good luck,


nemo g
<img src="http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/116775nmav.jpg"/>
 
Ok been doing some reading LOL.
So I need a big Tank
a good protein skimmer.(and maybe a sump)
a refractometer rather than a swing arm hydrometer.
Live rock to cycle tank.
heater etc.
And besides Ph, Gh, Kh, Ammonia, Nitrite, Nitrate. Is there any other tests needed that i havn't mentioned?

So is there anything else I forgot?
 
the other test kits depends on what you will be doing with the tank.

reef?

if so, what type? sps, lps, or soft?

the other kits are usually geared towards reefs, like calc, kalk, magnesium and the like. then there copper which is altogether another thing.

but you should be fine with the "basics", and add as necessary, depending on what you are keeping, to keep track of their needs
 
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