My first saltwater tank and sump

[bludlust]

Hey guys

I have kept Oscars for a while now and have decided to start up a saltwater tanks.

I have a 100 gallon long tanks and then I have another 20 - 30 gallon tank I want to use as a sump.

My idea is to put two fluval 404s (that I already have) heaters and protein skimmer in the sump tank - from what I have read this sounds like it is OK.

Below are some of the things I am looking at:

1. I am looking at a CPR CS102 overflow box with a flow rate of 1200 gph.
2. Not sure what brand/type of pump to get to compliment this overflow
3. Two heaters
4. Two Fluval 4o4s (already own)
5. Not sure what to look for in a protein skimmer
6. From what I have read I will want to purchase an R/O unit to purify my water. I have looked at a few of these but again am not sure what to look for exactely
7. The final and most stressful thing for me is the lighting - I have no idea what to get for a saltwater tank

I plan to start off with Live Rock and maybe some simple fish and invertabrates. Would I be able to add coral later if I wanted to - from what I have read it sounds like could - I would just have to upgrade the lighting possibly. I was also playing on using standard play sand which I use for all my freshwater tanks and perhaps mix in a little live sand with it.

Any help or comments you guys can provide me with would be very very appreciated.

Thanks so MUCH

 

[Andrew]

[welcome]

For the return pump, I would get a mag drive pump. For the skimmer, its mainly the more you pay the better the skimmer will be. If I was you I would get a ASM skimmer.

 

[Fast Fred]

Welcome to RC!

Sounds like you have the makins' on a nice set up.

First things first. If you have ever treated any of those tanks with copper meds, DON'T use them!

I agree with Andrew, Mag Drive pumps are nice. I own 6 of them. Look at the Mag 9.5 or Mag 12 models for your set up.

Two smaller heaters are better than one big one.

Good skimmers are expensive, but you get what you pay for. I own a LifeReef and I'm very happy with it.

RO/DI units are almost a must. Look on Ebay. I own an Aqua-Safe 6-stage and I like it a lot. Got it from Ebay.

You didn't mention it, but live rock is very important. You'll want to get about 1-2 pounds per gallon.

Good luck, go slow, and ask lots of questions on RC.

 

[bludlust]

Yeah - I am hoping to have mainly live rock and maybe a clowfish on day one. I will go with the 1-2 pounds per gallon - thanks for the time on that.

Should I put anything in my sump that would help out?

Thanks guys --- great forums !!!!

 

[Chappy]

You'll want power compacts or VHO's if you are planning on keeping inverts or corals later. 3-5 watts per gallon would be pleanty.

 

[rpeeples]

I agree with Fast Fred.....RODI is a must for a reef.....

fixyurwater <---is a lister on ebay....he will get you setup with a unit with great value.

Live Rock is another....will serve as your primary filtration over time.

I like DSBs-Deep Sand Beds 3-4 inches.

There is so much info out there...take your time, do your research and don't be afraid to fail....it's a great hobby but expensive..

Good luck!

 

[PatMayo]

this is a nice light of the MH variety.

I don't have this one. mine is similar but only 150 watt x 2 MH

http://www.aquauniverse.com/compone.../category_id,48/option,com_phpshop/Itemid,31/

Check out the lighting forum as well. Buy the best lights you can afford.

Regards,

Pat

 

[bludlust]

Hey guys ... this is all excellent information.

I have done some research and check out this light... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12109&N=2004+113345

My tank is 60" so I am thing two of the 30" lights should do it. Any benefit from the moon lights this is talking about? Also, does this come with bulbs or do I need to buy them seperate? Looks like seperate to me.

Still reseraching this morning - looking at the pump next !!!!

 

[bludlust]

Ok - looks like I found a pump that it sounds like will work here http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/product.xml?product_id=26951;category_id=2281

Would I want to put this in the sump tank ... I see it can be in the tank.

Thanks guys !!!!

 

[PatMayo]

bludlust,
I think the moonlights are more for our enjoyment than the fishes. I have never really head of a real reason that the fish need them. Even corals for that matter. If there is a real reason someone will chime in. I don't know much about this stuff. I like the moonlights simply because I like them. The ones I have now are blue. I don't like them. I like the whiter color, they are more natural.

Regards,

Pat

 

[bludlust]

OK guys - I am going to order a Mag 12 pump and a CPR CS102 overflow box. I figure I will go ahead and get them running on my tank (just fill it up with regular water for now) to see how they work and make sure I have everything I need.

What type of end cap do I need feeding the water back into the tank?
!!!!