New Member; New Tank Setup…Need your opinions!

Sistom

Sistom

New member
Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m new to the hobby, but completely prepared to undertake the challenges of maintaining a successful reef aquarium. I have read several books, spent countless hours of research online and Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m now in the process of purchasing my equipment. Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve already purchased a 46 gallon bowfront, stand, and 40 pounds of black pacific live sand (Might get another 20 pounds). Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m still researching the remaining items and would like everyoneââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s opinion on my selection. I will be purchasing the majority of my equipment from Doctorââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s Foster and Smith (online).

Here is the list:

Main Tank Equipment:
Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures Dual 36ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚: $168 (made by Current; 192watts)
Fluval 305 (Multi-Stage 05 Series): $150
Prizm Skimmers Prizm Deluxe: $75
Live Rock (undecided on where to purchase, but Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m planning to buy 50 pounds)
2X AquaClear Powerhead Model 50: $35 x 2 = $70
2X Rotating Deflector attachments: $9.29 x 2 = $19
2X Stealth Heater 150W: $14 x 2 = $28
Coralife Power Center Dual: $45 (3 daylight/2 actinic/1 nighttime)
Aquarium Systems Synthetic Sea Salt Reef Crystals 160 gallon mix: $30

Quarantine Tub/Salt Mixing Equipment:
2X Heavy Duty Rubbermaid Tub: $14
Whisper Air pump Model 40: $12
2X Oxygen Plus Bio-Filter 11: $6
Stealth Heater 150W: $14.00
AquaClear Powerhead Model 50: $35

Test Equipment/Kits:
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Master Liquid Test Kit Saltwater: $18
Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Reef Master Test Kit Liquid Test Kit: $26
Portable Refractometer 0-100 ppt salinity and 1.000-1.070 specific gravity: $42
53.0 mS Calibration/Reference Fluid 2 fl oz: $5

I have accounted for the items I am missing from this list (chemicals/food/misc equip/etc.) but these are the primary items I would really appreciate your opinions (good or bad). I realize that Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m overdoing a few things, but I want a little room for if I choose to go with a slightly larger tank (75gallon?) in the future. Whether that happens or not, I still want a very efficient and cost effective setup. I realize that there may be better products out there but Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m looking for the best bang-for-the-buck here and donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t necessarily want to spend much more than I have listed. Donââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t get me wrong, if someone suggests a product that is $20 more than one I have listed and explains why itââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢s worth it, I will most likely take your advice. For example; I went back and forth about the Fluval and the Eheim Pro 2 for weeks! In the end, the extra 50 dollars for the Eheim wasnââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢t worth it to me (in addition to the lack of filter media at my local store and only having 2 media compartments).

Please post comments/suggestions/alternatives/ANYTHING that you think could help me get off to a great start in this hobby! I will take everything into consideration and Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m hoping to make my purchase sometime this weekend (Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve had the tank for 2 weeks now while Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢ve been researching everything else).

Thanks in advance and Iââ"šÂ¬Ã¢"žÂ¢m looking forward to hearing from all you Pros!
 
Skip this:

Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures Dual 36ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚: $168 (made by Current; 192watts)
Fluval 305 (Multi-Stage 05 Series): $150
Prizm Skimmers Prizm Deluxe: $75
2X AquaClear Powerhead Model 50: $35 x 2 = $70
2X Rotating Deflector attachments: $9.29 x 2 = $19
Coralife Power Center Dual: $45 (3 daylight/2 actinic/1 nighttime)
Aquarium Systems Synthetic Sea Salt Reef Crystals 160 gallon mix: $30

Get this

Nova Extreme HO Light Fixture - 4 x 39W 3 Lunar - 36 in. $180
Aqua C Remora Pro $200
2 x Koralia 3's $40 ea.
Reef Crystals Salt $40
Light timers $10
Good power strip with protection $10
 
+1:thumbsup: I'd also trade those test kits for Salifert or another higher end kit(maybe even a Seachem master kit, not too expensive). They are more expesive, but well worth the money. I'm on a slim budget most of the time, and I still spending the flow for them when I need new kits.
Matt
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13157496#post13157496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cabbage2003
Skip this:

Satellite Compact Fluorescent Fixtures Dual 36ââ"šÂ¬Ã‚: $168 (made by Current; 192watts)
Fluval 305 (Multi-Stage 05 Series): $150
Prizm Skimmers Prizm Deluxe: $75
2X AquaClear Powerhead Model 50: $35 x 2 = $70
2X Rotating Deflector attachments: $9.29 x 2 = $19
Coralife Power Center Dual: $45 (3 daylight/2 actinic/1 nighttime)
Aquarium Systems Synthetic Sea Salt Reef Crystals 160 gallon mix: $30

Get this

Nova Extreme HO Light Fixture - 4 x 39W 3 Lunar - 36 in. $180
Aqua C Remora Pro $200
2 x Koralia 3's $40 ea.
Reef Crystals Salt $40
Light timers $10
Good power strip with protection $10
Click to expand...


Thanks for the great input. I've heard a lot about the Remora Pro Skimmers but from $75 to $200? And are you saying that I don't need the Fluval filter at all? I'm a little confused there...

Also, In regards to the lighting, wouldn't the Nova only put out 156 watts of light compared to the compact fluorescents which would be 192 watts? I also thought I read that compact fluorescents last longer and are cheaper than HO bulbs? Is that truly the way to go?

Again, thanks for your suggestions! I'm already sold on the Koralia's and Timers and potentially the lighting and skimmer!

Thanks!
 
Thanks everyone else who posted comments or suggestions. All of them have been taken into consideration and I'm thankful that I took the time to ask the Pros before making my purchase! Keep them coming! I'm looking to order by Sunday!
 
dont get the fluval filter. they trap detritus and will only be detrimental to the tank with raising nitrates. if anything they are only good for running carbon or p04 remover.

as lighting is concerned the bulbs for t5ho are cheaper ($25) and they come in a wide variety of spectrum to meet your needs and the bulbs last 12-18 months compared to the 9 months from the PC's. the wattage difference is made up by the efficiency of the bulbs and unit, and can only increase with individual reflectors if you want to spend more money (look at the extreme pro).
 
Here are some suggestions:

• Does your aquarium have an overflow? If not, add a hang-on-back overflow, a sump, and an in-sump skimmer. Otherwise, you will be unable to clean the surface scum effectively.

• Purchase a skimmer with a surface skimming box if you have no sump. This will help keep your water surface clean. This is still a poor alternative because it limits your choice of skimmers and you will clutter your main aquarium with equipment (skimmer, heaters, probes, etc.) that should go into a sump.

• Do not purchase a Stealth heater because it has no LED to indicate that it is ON. I recommend two 50-watt Eheim Jager heaters. This provides safety in case one fails in either the ON or OFF position. The Jager heater can be calibrated against an analog thermometer (liquid-in-glass or liquid crystal).

• Most of your mixing pumps are not necessary. An effective skimmer will keep your aquarium oxygenated without help from the water change.

• How are you preparing your salt water? Does your tap water have chloramines?

• T5HO lamps produce 100 lumens per watt. Power compacts produce much less.
 
You have a lot to learn, and a lot more research. If you do not want to regret your purchases, wait a while. In the meantime touch base with the locals.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=80
By far they best resource on Reef Central. Seeing is believing. Ask to see some systems. Once you are face to face in front of their reef tanks, questions just start flying. You'll learn a lot very fast.
 
When I started my marine aquarium plans, I spent weeks planning and installing my salt water preparation system in my basement. I suggest researching reverse-osmosis and deionization systems (RO/DI) and holding tanks.

Second, look at overflows, surface skimming boxes, and other ways to skim the aquarium water surface. You can have the best filtration systems but if they can’t reach the surface scum, they will be useless. Normally, the filters are for use with a sump that receives water & scum draining from the aquarium's surface.

Without a sump, you will notice that the water level in your aquarium will drop from evaporation. If your skimmer has a surface skimming box, the water level may drop below the grates of the box and your skimmer may run dry and burn out. I use a water level sensor that cuts power to my skimmer and return pump should the water level drop below a certain point in my sump. You may need a similar sensor in your aquarium should you employ a surface skimmer box.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13164766#post13164766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjf
Here are some suggestions:

� Does your aquarium have an overflow? If not, add a hang-on-back overflow, a sump, and an in-sump skimmer. Otherwise, you will be unable to clean the surface scum effectively.

� Purchase a skimmer with a surface skimming box if you have no sump. This will help keep your water surface clean. This is still a poor alternative because it limits your choice of skimmers and you will clutter your main aquarium with equipment (skimmer, heaters, probes, etc.) that should go into a sump.

� Do not purchase a Stealth heater because it has no LED to indicate that it is ON. I recommend two 50-watt Eheim Jager heaters. This provides safety in case one fails in either the ON or OFF position. The Jager heater can be calibrated against an analog thermometer (liquid-in-glass or liquid crystal).

� Most of your mixing pumps are not necessary. An effective skimmer will keep your aquarium oxygenated without help from the water change.

� How are you preparing your salt water? Does your tap water have chloramines?

� T5HO lamps produce 100 lumens per watt. Power compacts produce much less.
Click to expand...


No, My tank does not have an overflow. After reading your comments I looked into getting an overflow box, sump, and skimmer setup. Do you have any opinions on good overflow boxes/sumps/skimmers/pumps??? Here's what I found:

Eshopps Overflow Boxes: $38
Aqua C Remora Pro $200
Sump: Not sure...too many options
Pump: Dependent on sump

In regards to how I intend to prepare my salt water...I will be using tap water and chemicals to clean it. I will most likely go to a RO/DI system in the future if my tap water quality is to poor.
 
Don't get an eshopps overflow. Lifereef is a good one. I prefer to have the tank drilled and the overflow added. The cost is about the same if not cheaper to have it drilled and is a safer route.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13170251#post13170251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tkeracer619
Don't get an eshopps overflow. Lifereef is a good one. I prefer to have the tank drilled and the overflow added. The cost is about the same if not cheaper to have it drilled and is a safer route.
Click to expand...
Can we provide Sistom with more detail?

(1) Lifereef makes several overflows. Is there one you'd recommend?

(2) If you recommend drilling, from where would he order the grate and other parts?

(3) Another alternative is for Sistom to purchase a hang-on-back (HOB) skimmer with a surface skimming box. Any recommendations?
 
I also have a glass tank so drilling really isn't an option. I think my best bet is to either get an overflow box and sump, or just go with the aqua C remora pro (hang on back skimmer) with surface skimmer box...

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again everyone for your input.
 
I’ve no experience with add-on overflows or with skimmers in the main tank but here are my suggestions:

• The simplest solution may be a skimmer with a surface skimmer box. Alternatives to the Remora include these: www.aquacave.com/searchresult.aspx?CategoryID=632

• With a skimmer & surface box in the main aquarium, you will have to top off daily with dechlorinated water and remove or lower the surface box when you leave on vacation. A pump cut-off switch is needed to shut off the pump when the water drops below a certain point (http://www.reeffanatic.com/products/float-switch-and-level-control/).

• If you want an overflow, see if you can’t return your aquarium for one with a built-in overflow. The cost of an add-on overflow makes it more economical to trade-in for an aquarium with a built-in overflow. If you insist, here are add-on overflow (pre-filter box) vendors:
www.lifereef.com
www.amekaaquatics.com/search.html?productcategory_id=8
www.cpraquatic.com/products/index.html

• Drilling the back glass panel is not a bad option. I personally prefer drilling to an add-on overflow. Here are pictures of horizontal “Calfo" overflows:
http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx
http://forum.marinedepot.com/Topic26693-13-1.aspx.

• With an overflow, you will need a sump. Your sump should be a 20 gallon standard tank that is 12 inches tall. Most in-sump skimmers need a water level of about 6 to 8 inches high, so the height of your glass baffle should match. You can get a local glass shop to cut a baffle to that height and install it with aquarium silicone sealant. A submersed pump, such as an Eheim Universal 1250 or 1260, can be in the next compartment. With a razor blade and aquarium sealant, you can move the glass baffle to suit. If the tank is long enough, you can add a 2nd baffle for a refugium later.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13177311#post13177311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjf
Here's a thread where aquarists are raving about a hang-on-tank (HOT) skimmer that has a built-in surface skimmer box:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1410279
Click to expand...

Thanks for all your input!

I'm still trying to take in all the new information and figure out what I'm going to do with my setup. I'm really considering taking back the stand now that I realize there is no way its going to hold ANYTHING...I do want to keep my 46g bowfront tank though....Problem is, its tempered glass and the only way I think I could add a sump would be to have an overflow box. I keep going back and forth about whether to add a sump or not, and this new HOT skimmer does sound appealing. To many decisions and not enough time to research everything!!! lol...I just started classes again (senior in college) and my hope was to have this thing set up between my summer and fall semesters...Guess you cant rush some things...I'll take my time and continue researching.

Thanks again for all your input! You have been VERY helpful!
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13180580#post13180580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sistom
Problem is, its tempered glass and the only way I think I could add a sump would be to have an overflow box.
Click to expand...
Usually, only the bottom glass is tempered. You may want to check with the manufacturer.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13180873#post13180873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pjf
Usually, only the bottom glass is tempered. You may want to check with the manufacturer.
Click to expand...

Ahhhh, Your probably right...That would probably explain why it only says that on the bottom of the tank...I will double check though...Either way I still have to decide what I'm doing in the first place :)

Walking by a completely empty/unused tank is frustrating knowing that it will take months to really get everything up to speed...
 
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