More Questions, Need Answers

[davefan13]

Ok, i have so many questions about starting my new thank that it's not even funny. I know that there are a million places that i can get answers, but I like to get different opinions. Keep in mind that I am only 14, and don't have a steady job. I need my equiptment to be decently priced, but not a piece of crap.

I would like the tank that i get to be a reef tank, with a variety of corals and a few fish.

Fist off, i will start with questions about converting my current, 29 gallon freshwater tank into a saltwater tank. The demensions are 30" long, by 12" deep, by about 17.5" high. I would equip it, lighting wise, with either:

1) The Dual Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 30", *154.99* http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13637&N=2004+113345
or
2) Orbit Compact Fluorescent Lunar Light Fixture, 30", *199.99* http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=15690&N=2004+113345

I would then build a custom sump out of a spare 10 gallon glass tank that I have. It would include a fuge, a place for heaters, and a skimmer, and a return section. It would be plumbed using an external overflow:

Continuous Siphon Overflow, 600 gph, *29.90* http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=78

The return pump would be an in-sump pump becuase i don't want to have to get the 10 gallon drilled. The water would need to be pumped up aproximately 4 feet. I am not sure if i would want PVC or just "hose-like" tubing. It would be either a:

Don't know yet.....open for suggestions

I will try to buy the skimmer off of ebay, and get a better price. I will get one rated high, becuase i know that ratings on things like that are often generous.

I would also like to know about wavemakers/powerheads. Can you just run a powerhead without a timer, or is it better to have them on a timer. I know that the maxijet poweheads can be bought with a wave timer, and i think that i would go with them. I just don't know how much flow i need, and if i would need like two of a smaller flow, or one of a larger flow rate.

I am not including most of the little things, and suplements and stuff like that, but if i am forgetting anything else that is major, let me know.




Now onto the plans for my 65 Gallon tank. This tank will be 48" long, 18" deep, and 17" tall. It will have one corner internal overflow, with one oulet and one return hole. The stand will be large enough to house a skimmer, and a 20 gallon long sump. It will also include a fuge, skimmer and heater section, and a return section. Lighting would be:

Nova Extreme T-5 With Lunar Lights, 48", *199.99* http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12772&N=2004+113175

I would also get a skimmer off ebay, looking for a good deal.

I have the same question about the powerheads/wavemakers.

For the return pump, i am still undecided on this tank, too. I am open for sugestions, and it would have to push up about 4 feet.

i know that this is a lot of questions and stuff, but i really would like to get some opinions from other people.


Thanks

:eek1:

 

[pammy]

You'd NEVER know you were 14 if you didn't mention that in your post. You've obviously already done a lot of research on what you need to be successful at reefkeeping. You've done more research than a lot of people 2 or 3 times your age. I won't attempt to answer your questions because I'm just setting up my first tank too....but I was impressed with your post, and wanted to pipe in. Send us pics with the progression of your tank.

Pam

 

[davefan13]

Thank you, Pam. I'd love to see some pictures of your tank, and the kind of progression you are making. We could be like reef buddies, because we are kinda in the same boat with setting up our first tanks .

 

[Sk8r]

For a 29, you need a moderate skimmer: the Aqua C Urchin would actually do pretty well for that size, but no larger tank. Try, rather than Ebay, asking around Reef Central for someone upgrading who'll sell one by mail. Urchins have no moving parts: all that ever goes on them is the 8.00 gasket that holds the cup up, so as long as it isn't cracked, it's good. Takes a maxijet 1200 to power one---you may be able to deal for skimmer and pump at one go.

Pumps---I used a mag 9.5 in my 54. Somebody may be able to advise you better on that.

LIghting: you only need MH lighting for the fussiest acropora stony corals and for crocea [blue] clams.
You'll need some ordinary Ace Hardware timers to keep them running properly. I recommend a daylight bulb and an actinic, so you can enjoy your tank into the evening: many corals glow green under actinic, so it's a whole different look.
A heater: get a good one. It's the most dangerous item and the most fragile in your tank: NEVER trust its thermostat.
An autotopoff of some sort: autotopoff.com has some inexpensive ones: saves your sanity and actually let you leave your tank for a short vacation.

Check out equipment for sale in this forum: that way you know where it's been and what it's been used for [no copper]; and you've got some means of knowing who you're dealing with [vendor experiences section].

Foster/Smith is a very good vendor. Being very young you very wisely don't say where you are, but check out your lfs and see if there's a reef club in reach: younger members are welcome, and if you can get into that network, you can get used equipment without shipping, you can swap frags, and there's somebody you can call if you've sprung a leak.

 

[pammy]

Sounds good. If you click on my "Gallery" you can see a picture of my tank, and the sump/skimmer/auto top-off controller that's in my stand. It's an Elos 53 gallon Tank (31.5" x 19" x 19"). I have everything I need to get my tank running, except for the lights. I'm working on that. Having a hard time getting the light I want. Plan on ordering the live rock in about a week, for delivery 1st week of May after I return from vacation. I have a GREAT tip for you, if you haven't found this already. It's been a huge help to me. Do you have an Ipod? Search for the podcast called "Talking Reef". There's over 100 episodes in there, and they discuss EVERYTHING you need to know about reefs...fish...corals....water parameters...lighting, substrates, skimmers, sumps, refugiums, you name it...they discuss it. They also take questions from listeners and will answer them in their podcasts. If you don't have an Ipod....you can download them and listen to them right on your computer. Let me know if you listen to any of them and what you think.

Bye
Pam

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9732914#post9732914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davefan13
Thank you, Pam. I'd love to see some pictures of your tank, and the kind of progression you are making. We could be like reef buddies, because we are kinda in the same boat with setting up our first tanks .

 

[davefan13]

Yes, i have an iPod. I have heard several recomendations about this podcast, and i will have to check it out now. By the way, Pam, your tank looks awesome!

 

[davefan13]

bump

 

[pammy]

Thanks!! You'll be glad you checked out that podcast. It's excellent.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9733020#post9733020 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by davefan13
Yes, i have an iPod. I have heard several recomendations about this podcast, and i will have to check it out now. By the way, Pam, your tank looks awesome!

 

[davefan13]

bump