My First Tank Build, Long Read

[AlphaRider]

Hello everyone, my name is Jordan and I've decided that I want a reef tank! I've always been fascinated by the ocean and after watching planet earth I've decided to build my very own reef tank. Enough with the introduction, I must state that I am a COMPLETE NEWBIE to saltwater fish tanks and I've read the newbie threads/sections here and also at centralreefs.com and 3reef.com. That being said I still feel that these newbie threads failed to answer all my questions thus I created this thread.

Before beginning, feel free to answer my questions by posting links to other threads if you don't wish to type a direct repsonce to help. Note that I have searched other threads but I feel best asking others directly about my build and situation rather than comparing and matching to others.


OK! So, I went to LFS and told him I wanted a saltwater reef tank. We talked and decided a 75 gallon reef ready tank set-up would be best for me. After reading more online I see that this is justified because larger tanks are easier for beginners and I'm apparently less likely to screw up and kill everything.

After thinking it through I put in an order for a tank, stand, and light fixture.


TANK:


Deep Blue Professional - Reef Ready Aquariums

Model 75 Reef Ready Aquarium

Reef Ready Models include compact corner overflow pre-filter, pre-drilled drain & return holes, complete plumbing kits, and
patented Floodgate technology. All Reef Ready Models have upgrade bottom panels which are drilled and then tempered for
extra strength & safety. Features: Universally sized injection molded frames, industrial strength black seal, thickest distortion
free glass in industry, diamond polish edges, and tempered glass technology (select models). Ideal for both freshwater &
marine aquaria. Size - 48x18x20.


STAND:


Deep Blue Professional - DB Series Two Fits 48x18"
(Edge75, 75R,90R,110H)Features: Multi-door access, rear ports for electrical and filtration routing, satin finished door
handles, pre-drilled for reef ready models, quality construction with moisture resistant finish, and metal locking cam
assembly.


LIGHTING:


Deep Blue Professional - SolarXtreme T5HO

48" SolarXtreme T5HO Quad Lamp SystemFeatures:

XTREME CONTROL - Integrated digital timer allows users to program individual channels for full cycled use. Large led control display is
easy to read, program & activate lamp channels

XTREME DESIGN - Crafted from pure aluminum for xtreme thermal conductivity & heat dissipation. An ultra efficient blower draws cool
air through system expelling heat via special cooling vents on each end. Added cooling keeps system operating temps minimal & prevents
heat transfer down into aquaria. Sleek & low profile design with special black electro-coat finish to protect surface against contaminates
ensuring easy cleanup.

XTREME FLEXIBILITY - *ADJUSTABLE MOUNTING LEGS (included) - Offers secure installation over an aquarium while retaining use &
access of glass canopies.

*ADJUSTABLE SUSPENSION KIT (included) - Ceiling & canopy installation through the use of suspending tabs. Completely adjustable tabs
also fold down when not in use concealing them from view.

XTREME PROTECTION - Internal protection circuitry monitors electrical system status disabling unit in the event of a fault. Features
include self-check on startup, lamp fault detection, thermal load & open circuit protection.

XTREME POWER - At the heart of the system is an industrial grade electronic ballast offering high efficiency & cool running operation.
High quality capacitors & VRMs maintain optimal & stable power across each lamp channel ensuring safe reliable operation.

XTREME ILLUMINATION - Strategically positioned moonlight leds specially tuned & integrated directly into reflector simulating natural
night illumination for full day/night cycle. The reflector adopts a high polished light amplifying parabolic design increasing lumen output,
depth penetration, & coverage.

XTREME ACCESS - Compression fit glass lens assembly protects internal compartment against moisture & debris while preventing
operating heat from traveling down into aquaria. Hinged glass lens allows easy access for quick lamp changes. Features tempered glass
for strength & safety.

Package Contains: SolarXtreme Light System, (2) 10KK Daylight Lamps, (2) Actinic-03 Lamps, Mounting Legs, Suspension Kit, GFCI
Grounded Cord & User Guide.

System Specs: 4x54W System, 120V / 60Hz, (8) Moonlight LEDS






Now begins some questions about my equipment. I will ask questions about my "cycle" which I've honestly read to death about already but still would like to know more.


First of all, my LFS said that even though this is a reef ready tank I can purchase a plug from Home Depot and block off the tank so that I will not have to start with a sump tank. He thought this would be a good idea because it would give me the option to buy a sump later and initially save me money in-case this turns out to not be my "thing". I wholeheartedly agreed, does this sound like a good idea?

Second question. I asked my LFS about RO/DI units and his response on the matter was that 99/100 LFS's would recommend it but if I'm trying to stay on a budget I can bring in my home tap water and he will test it to see if its usable. Should I just fork over the $150 and get the unit? I plan on keeping corals and that is my priority over fish. From what I've read, good water is KEY. That said it may sound like I answered my own question but I would like some support....lol..don't judge

Third question. Since I will not be starting with a sump, my LFS recommended a Powerhead/Sponge/Protein Skimmer combination that I honestly know little about although I do trust him. Will this be sufficient for say a couple/months or possibly a year at keeping my tank healthy and "coral friendly" until I decide if I want to commit to a sump?

Fourth question. Funny thing, while I was writing this post my LFS emailed me and told me that the light fixture I ordered was on backorder and that it could take a couple weeks to come in. I'm fine with this, but my question is this. When I get my tank and stand, would I be able to start a cycle with say 30#'s of live rock without my lights and just install them once they come in, or do I need to wait for the lights before I begin?





OK! Recap time. Here is my list of equipment that I will be buying after my tank/stand come in.

Tank
Stand
Lighting (ON BACKORDER)
Powerhead + Sponge
Heater/Thermometer combo
Protein Skimmer
Sea Salt & Hydrometer or Refractometer
Test Kits



Question recap:
1. Can I plug a reef ready tank and use a sump later down the road?
2. This is hard to word, I want to grow coral obviously and water quality is important. Do I have to have a RO/DI unit?
3. Do I have the sufficient equipment labeled to suffice until I get a sump down the road?
4. Do I need the lighting set-up before I begin my cycle? I believe the answer is no but I want reassurance.




LASTLY, thanks in advance for the help everyone. Online communities such as this are great for helping each other learn about such a cool hobby.


If there is any other information you need from me dont hesitate to ask!

 

[Sonny n Colleen]

From one newbie to another, welcome to RC!

As for question 1, I would get the sump. The system is designed for one. The salesman at the LFS that sold me my equipment told me there were corners I could cut but I would regret them in the long run. So I took his advise and I am waiting on purchasing/DIYing the right equipment.

Get a RO/DI. They are inexpensive. AN RO/DI is easily justified since you can use it for drinking water too.

 

[michaelr]

hey,

One important thing i saw that potentially is wrong is your lighting. Your lighting is ultra low for lps and definitely too low for sps corals. soft, however will do fine in that lighting.

1) first off is your protein skimmer in sump or hang on back. if its in sump you may need to start the sump up sooner rather than later. You dont need a sump though. in fact, i dont have a sump on my tank.

2) This is a debated topic like you lfs said. it depends on the water source. i think its a safe bet to get one rather than not.

3) yes you will be fine through cycling. in fact, many people suggest not even running a protein skimmer until later in the cycle

4) no you dont need any lighting for cycling. the bacteria do not need light to establish.

 

[sucker_fish]

ok, i will try to help as much as i can and try to keep it as simple as i can...

1. Can I plug a reef ready tank and use a sump later down the road?
yes you can do this and save some money up front (maybe). Just remenber that a sump adds more volume to your tank which in turn means it should be more stable. it also provides a place to hide equipment such as heaters and protein skimmers.

2. This is hard to word, I want to grow coral obviously and water quality is important. Do I have to have a RO/DI unit?
you won't need your own RODI you can buy RODI water at most fish stores for 25 cents a gallon. You should be using RODI water though so you can either buy your own which is recommended or use the water from the fish store and hope they change out the filters often so the water is pure. when you use your own you know if its good water or not. i would rather pay for a RODI and know i got good water than pay for water which may or may not be good.

3. Do I have the sufficient equipment labeled to suffice until I get a sump down the road?
Looks like you got most of the stuff covered, keep in mind which type of skimmer you will have. if you don't have a sump you will need a HOB(hang on back) skimmer. when you upgrade to a sump you will want to get an in sump skimmer and there goes the money you saved on the sump plus the cost of another skimmer.

4. Do I need the lighting set-up before I begin my cycle? I believe the answer is no but I want reassurance.
you should be fine starting your cycle without lights.

 

[AlphaRider]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I ordered a Sump tank and the LFS owner said he would set-it up for me which is nice. I will move on to a RO/DI unit sometime in the future.

I'm starting to become nervous that I may be starting TOO BIG...lol.

Everything I've read online suggests the biggest tank you can afford but I'm starting to realize just how big a 75 gallon tank will be with a 30 gallon Sump as well. Apparently I will have to top off over a gallon a day just from evaporation? I live in a one bedroom apartment so this worries me.

Maybe if I become too stressed out about the size I could trade tanks with someone who has a smaller one?

I'm already stressing out and I havn't even gotten the tank!




With a RO/DI system I will have to run a hose or connect to my sink faucet in my kitchen or bathroom. I've found one for around $140 that is rated for 75 gallons per day.

Does that mean that running all day it will only produce 75 gallons and that I will waste hundreds of gallons?

I pay a city water bill and I'm just wondering how much this will cost if I have to constantly keep producing this water? I don't want to have to run this unit while I'm away from the house all day. Tapping into the water lines is also not an option for me.


Kinda freaking out right now lol