My checklist to starting our 100 gallon tank

[coolxborg]

Hi All - Just joined today and very new to the hobby. Recently bought a used 100 gallon aquarium and bought the following from Dr Foster/Smith:

- RO/DI system - Pure-FLO II 50 gdp 4-stage
- Eshopps in-sump protein skimmer PSK 150
- Eshopps 2nd gen Refugium 100 (which ill need to return since the skimmer won't fit, ordered R-200)
- Eshopps overflow PF-800
- Refractometer
- Koralia Evolution pumps (2)
- Sea salt mix
- CaribSea Live Sand
- 100 lbs dry rock (from marco rocks)
- Maxi Jet pro pump/hose (for my trash bin to mix)
- API test kit
- Thermometer
- 150 W heaters (2)

Things i still need:
- return pump (which i need help with. Which do you guys recommend?)
- Live rock (thinking of getting 45lbs from live aquaria).

I will receive most of these things today. Do you see anything glaring that I've missed so I can start cycling this weekend?

Also, if you have bad experience with any of the equipment that I've bought, please let me know. I may return.

Appreciate the input/help.

 

[dymaxiun]

I may return.

You will...

Looks like you have all you need to at least start cycling.

 

[coolxborg]

Which from the list do you think i will return? Or do you mean, just in general with other equipment that i will eventually buy.

 

[pdiehm]

Hi All - Just joined today and very new to the hobby. Recently bought a used 100 gallon aquarium and bought the following from Dr Foster/Smith:

- RO/DI system - Pure-FLO II 50 gdp 4-stage
- Eshopps in-sump protein skimmer PSK 150
- Eshopps 2nd gen Refugium 100 (which ill need to return since the skimmer won't fit, ordered R-200)
- Eshopps overflow PF-800
- Refractometer
- Koralia Evolution pumps (2)
- Sea salt mix
- CaribSea Live Sand
- 100 lbs dry rock (from marco rocks)
- Maxi Jet pro pump/hose (for my trash bin to mix)
- API test kit
- Thermometer
- 150 W heaters (2)

Things i still need:
- return pump (which i need help with. Which do you guys recommend?)
- Live rock (thinking of getting 45lbs from live aquaria).

I will receive most of these things today. Do you see anything glaring that I've missed so I can start cycling this weekend?

Also, if you have bad experience with any of the equipment that I've bought, please let me know. I may return.

Appreciate the input/help.

took me 3 weeks of topping off manually before I got an ATO (Auto-Top Off). I would recommend one as early as you can get it.

 

[scooter31707]

you are well on your way to start cycling as dymaxium said. Eventually you will have to purchase a ATO(Auto Top Off) system. Also the API test is good for now, but when you can ditch it and spend your money on Red Sea or Salifert test kits, they are more accurate.

 

[igot2gats]

. Do you see anything glaring that I've missed so I can start cycling this weekend?

A tank. :jester:

In all honesty though, 2 containers: 1 to mix salt with, and another to store RODI water in.

Also, a refractometer, and a QT.

 

[pdiehm]

Craigslist for the QT.

Got my 40 gallon breeder, and 2 10 gallon tanks (that I'll use for TTM) for $25 total.

 

[LeakyZ]

aside from misc plumbing youll need you look good. Just take your time setting up plumbing and water levels. First time I went to a sump setup it drained then overflowed etc. Lots of great info in the forum on builds and diy. Good luck

 

[coolxborg]

Thanks for the input, folks.

For my return pump, Im thinking of Eheim Compact/Pump Model 2000 or Eheim Hobby 1260.

For ATO, going to order this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=28181

And for QT, i will scour Craigslist and wait for the right deal. I dont think i need in the next month or so.

 

[ucdcrew]

I think he meant you'll return to here. I'm not sure how warm your house is, but I was having trouble with a 125w and a 200w keeping my tank warm enough during winter. Mine's the same size, with a 20g sump. YMMV - I don't like to leave my propane heat on and my woodstove is temperamental sometimes.
I 2nd the ATO - mine's hooked up through my controller.

 

[pdiehm]

Thanks for the input, folks.

For my return pump, Im thinking of Eheim Compact/Pump Model 2000 or Eheim Hobby 1260.

For ATO, going to order this: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=28181

And for QT, i will scour Craigslist and wait for the right deal. I dont think i need in the next month or so.

Look at the Sicce Syncra Silent 4.0 and 5.0. My 4.0 is real quiet. Has a hum if you are close to the stand, but can't really hear it if you are 6-8' away.