New to RC... Starting 1st Tank. Needing Advice!
- Thread starter Johnny C
- Start date
Johnny C
New member
So overall it seems like the PC I wanted would be a waste of money? Or would it be okay for now until I want to start getting into more advanced corals/fish? Remember, this is my first tank and I'm trying not to spend a ton of money! Thanks again for the plentiful advice... and if anyone has AOL I/M, my s/n is CaliDreaminjC. Send me an i/m!
S Helinski
Active member
Unfortunately we're all bombarding you with tons of information at once. Probably because we're just as excited to "create" a new tank, like it were our own (but not our $$ lol).
With the lighting Issue, again, T-5's have advantages over PC bulbs. You'll also be getting more light for your money with PAR, (like I mentioned to you before) with them as opposed to PC bulbs. If you can find a great deal on a used PC fixture, go ahead and snatch it! But if you have to buy new, T-5's will probably be a better investment in the long run...
As for the substrate issue, read some articles on RC about DSB (Deep Sand Beds) vs. BB (Bare Bottom). It's a controversial subject here on Reef Central, because many people have strong opinions on the issue. Take advice from people who have had tanks with different substrates over the years. I can't really speak about numbers or percentages, but many people here agree that over time, deep sand beds accumulate crap in them, which cannot be broken down by bacteria, nor can it be removed without removing the sand itself. Sand stores lots of waste to fuel algae and crash aquariums when it's "full" of waste. (If you see a tank with a DSB, look for little grey collored layers of filth within the sand bed).
If you like the SPS small poyped stony corals a lot, going barebottom (no substrate) will be better for them, as they like cleaner water. If you like a lot of softy corals or corals that feed more than others, sand will benefit them, as they like dirtier water and the microorganisms provided by the sand. If you want something in the middle, a mixed reef, or you like the look of sand but don't want the huge problem later on, go with crushed coral. It looks great like the sand, but you can actually clean it by vacuuming it. Just like you would for freshwater gravel.
Ideally, before you purchase equipment, like the substrate, you should have an idea of what you'd like to take care of in the tank. Even look at others' aquariums and pictures. If you figure out what corals you would EVENTUALLY like to keep, you may as well get the proper equipment for them from the start...
You might not want to hear it, but the best thing you can do is start reading on many different forums on RC...
--Thanks Gary, that means a lot from you!
Steve
With the lighting Issue, again, T-5's have advantages over PC bulbs. You'll also be getting more light for your money with PAR, (like I mentioned to you before) with them as opposed to PC bulbs. If you can find a great deal on a used PC fixture, go ahead and snatch it! But if you have to buy new, T-5's will probably be a better investment in the long run...
As for the substrate issue, read some articles on RC about DSB (Deep Sand Beds) vs. BB (Bare Bottom). It's a controversial subject here on Reef Central, because many people have strong opinions on the issue. Take advice from people who have had tanks with different substrates over the years. I can't really speak about numbers or percentages, but many people here agree that over time, deep sand beds accumulate crap in them, which cannot be broken down by bacteria, nor can it be removed without removing the sand itself. Sand stores lots of waste to fuel algae and crash aquariums when it's "full" of waste. (If you see a tank with a DSB, look for little grey collored layers of filth within the sand bed).
If you like the SPS small poyped stony corals a lot, going barebottom (no substrate) will be better for them, as they like cleaner water. If you like a lot of softy corals or corals that feed more than others, sand will benefit them, as they like dirtier water and the microorganisms provided by the sand. If you want something in the middle, a mixed reef, or you like the look of sand but don't want the huge problem later on, go with crushed coral. It looks great like the sand, but you can actually clean it by vacuuming it. Just like you would for freshwater gravel.
Ideally, before you purchase equipment, like the substrate, you should have an idea of what you'd like to take care of in the tank. Even look at others' aquariums and pictures. If you figure out what corals you would EVENTUALLY like to keep, you may as well get the proper equipment for them from the start...
You might not want to hear it, but the best thing you can do is start reading on many different forums on RC...
--Thanks Gary, that means a lot from you!
Steve
Gary Majchrzak
Team RC
you're welcome Steve. I'm in total agreement with your post. I couldn't have said it better myself.
S Helinski
Active member
Thanks Tom!
But back on topic,
Just keep reading and looking at different discussions. Hopefully you can save some money by what you learn from others...
Steve
Johnny C
New member
Hello Again...
Thanks again for the plethora of information! I have been reading constantly all over the site and web for helpful information about getting my tank setup properly (and without losing lots of money!).
To address some of your questions...
-I have decided to use live sand as my substrate. I think it will look really nice in my tank and will benefit the fish/corals I would like to have. I'm going to buy about 40lbs., so it should fill about 1 1/2'' on the tank floor.
-As for the powerheads, I bought two K1's (400GPHx2) which for now at least will be more than enough flow. Keep in mind that I have a penguin filter which is rated at 350GPH.
-As for the lighting, I'm going to stick with the PC's for now. I found a good deal on a nice setup (Coralife 30'' 65x2 w/ LEDS) for $130 new, so with my current budget it is good and will suit me fine for now.
-As for the skimmer, you guys had a lot to say about that! Henry Colf has a quality venturi that I'm going to put on my skimmer which should definatly help with the waterflow. If not, I got both for free so nothing lost!
-Lastly, by word of mouth I found a guy in Clarence who is breaking down his tank and is willing to sell me his 50+ pounds of LR for $200. I added a pic so you guys can see, I've never seen such healthy/colorful LR before! So I'm PUMPED about it!
The only things I need to buy before I start the cycling process is a heater, refractometer, salt, and a few odds and ends.
If anyone has any advice/tips, feel free to share. Thanks again to Steve for all his help, you guys are all great!
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7686/lref4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/><a href="http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=205&i=lref4.jpg"><img src="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7686/lref4.4ced38891f.jpg" border="0"></a>
Thanks again for the plethora of information! I have been reading constantly all over the site and web for helpful information about getting my tank setup properly (and without losing lots of money!).
To address some of your questions...
-I have decided to use live sand as my substrate. I think it will look really nice in my tank and will benefit the fish/corals I would like to have. I'm going to buy about 40lbs., so it should fill about 1 1/2'' on the tank floor.
-As for the powerheads, I bought two K1's (400GPHx2) which for now at least will be more than enough flow. Keep in mind that I have a penguin filter which is rated at 350GPH.
-As for the lighting, I'm going to stick with the PC's for now. I found a good deal on a nice setup (Coralife 30'' 65x2 w/ LEDS) for $130 new, so with my current budget it is good and will suit me fine for now.
-As for the skimmer, you guys had a lot to say about that! Henry Colf has a quality venturi that I'm going to put on my skimmer which should definatly help with the waterflow. If not, I got both for free so nothing lost!
-Lastly, by word of mouth I found a guy in Clarence who is breaking down his tank and is willing to sell me his 50+ pounds of LR for $200. I added a pic so you guys can see, I've never seen such healthy/colorful LR before! So I'm PUMPED about it!
The only things I need to buy before I start the cycling process is a heater, refractometer, salt, and a few odds and ends.
If anyone has any advice/tips, feel free to share. Thanks again to Steve for all his help, you guys are all great!
<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7686/lref4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a><br/><a href="http://g.imageshack.us/g.php?h=205&i=lref4.jpg"><img src="http://img205.imageshack.us/img205/7686/lref4.4ced38891f.jpg" border="0"></a>
Johnny C
New member
Hello Again...
I just wanted to post because the guy who I'm buying my LR off of (his tank pictured above) wants to sell me his entire bioload (LR, fish, a few corals, sand/water and anemone for $300, which seems to be a good deal considering the tank is VERY healthy and established and I'm getting 45+ lbs. of LR. I'm wondering if this seems to be a good deal, and if transporting it about 30 miles in sealed buckets will create dieoff, or spikes in the tank? He doesn't want to be stuck with stuff and offered everything but I don't want to have huge spikes and everything die! I really need advice on this one, any help is greatly appriciated! As always, thanks for the replies!
I just wanted to post because the guy who I'm buying my LR off of (his tank pictured above) wants to sell me his entire bioload (LR, fish, a few corals, sand/water and anemone for $300, which seems to be a good deal considering the tank is VERY healthy and established and I'm getting 45+ lbs. of LR. I'm wondering if this seems to be a good deal, and if transporting it about 30 miles in sealed buckets will create dieoff, or spikes in the tank? He doesn't want to be stuck with stuff and offered everything but I don't want to have huge spikes and everything die! I really need advice on this one, any help is greatly appriciated! As always, thanks for the replies!
Conesus_Kid
Premium Member
If I were just starting, I would be very reluctant to take on a anemone, especially in a 36 gallon tank.
I would not keep the hippo tang either. It looks cramped in that pic, let alone in a 36!
Maybe you could give one of the LFS in your area a call to see if they could take those two specimens for store credit.
I can't see all of the corals in the pic, but that price sounds a little steep to me. If I were buying liverock from another reefer, I wouldn't pay more than $4 per pound. (But I'm cheap!)
I would not keep the hippo tang either. It looks cramped in that pic, let alone in a 36!
Maybe you could give one of the LFS in your area a call to see if they could take those two specimens for store credit.
I can't see all of the corals in the pic, but that price sounds a little steep to me. If I were buying liverock from another reefer, I wouldn't pay more than $4 per pound. (But I'm cheap!
)I have several pieces of advice for you. First one isn't as important to success but I have to get it out there.
Power compact bulbs are very expensive and only last about 6 months. (give or take, it's an opinion thing) T5 lights with individual reflectors is the way to go. Look at a retro fit if you have a hood. Check seedsetc.com
My best advice to give you is this: Don't make this hobbie harder than it really is. People are CRAZY about quality and equipment. But until you get into delicate corals (mainly SPS) you don't need all that much and you certianly do not need that stress. Maintain simple water quality. Amonia + Nitrates = 0. Don't dose unless you have a tank full of corals. Have a good light. Buy easy corals and most of all, have fun with it.
As far as fish go do some research. Know how big or how aggressive it will get before you buy it. Make sure your fish are compatable with eachother.
Power compact bulbs are very expensive and only last about 6 months. (give or take, it's an opinion thing) T5 lights with individual reflectors is the way to go. Look at a retro fit if you have a hood. Check seedsetc.com
My best advice to give you is this: Don't make this hobbie harder than it really is. People are CRAZY about quality and equipment. But until you get into delicate corals (mainly SPS) you don't need all that much and you certianly do not need that stress. Maintain simple water quality. Amonia + Nitrates = 0. Don't dose unless you have a tank full of corals. Have a good light. Buy easy corals and most of all, have fun with it.
As far as fish go do some research. Know how big or how aggressive it will get before you buy it. Make sure your fish are compatable with eachother.
kelso1980
New member
In my own opinion, I think you'd be happier starting your own tank instead of taking over someone else's. It's more fun when you get to know each rock you put in your tank and learn from the cycle process, along with mistakes... cause you'll kill a thing or two. When you do get yourself all cycled, let me know I have a few 'starter' corals that I could throw your way like xenia, green star polyps (gsp's) and 'shrooms that you might like. Good luck and have fun!
dan10342
New member
+ 1 on the hippo tang and the anemone. if the anemone is happy, and your up to the challege id say research and GO FOR IT. but that hippo will quickly out-grow that tank, and may eventually succumb to disease. but i say "maybe". im not a tang police, so if its happy for you, just take good care of it. but if it begins to look too big, or stressed, please do whats best for the fish.
i also should have some frags for you by the time i get home. if u want them of course!...
i also should have some frags for you by the time i get home. if u want them of course!...
