New to this all

[SerLunchbox]

Well, yes i am completely new to all of this, but after researching this all for some time (over 2 years) i think i am ready to head into this.

Slowly building up parts to get the reef system that i really want.

So what i have in store is a great little 50 gallon starphire main tank with a 45 gallon sump setup. Lots of little mods to various systems are in store (working with an electrician friend of mine to get the best possible deal on some MH lighting stuff).

Hoping to get everything up and running soon. I think the longest part for me is waiting for a custom made stand.

Anyways, Cheers to you all.

 

[Rock Anemone]

SerLunchbox,
[welcome]

Good to see you're doing your research, planning everything out and talking on the forum! Keep us updated and good luck!

Rock Anemone

 

[Fast Fred]

If You're going to go with MH lights, look into getting electronic ballasts. Short term, Magnetics may be cheaper, but long term power consumption and bulb degradation may end up costing you more.

 

[SerLunchbox]

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Also, thanks for the advice Fast fred. I have read to stay with electronic ballasts ... i may end up going with a Coralife Aqualight Pro for the tank.

Heck, it looks like i will go with either an MRC or ER skimmer by the looks of it all.

Lets see how large of a bill i can accumulate!

 

[SerLunchbox]

Just on a side note, i am wondering views on whether or not buying new is the best. I am not afraid of using used at all. Plus it is a little cheaper. Any thunks on this one?

 

[Fast Fred]

Glad to hear you're giving priority to a good skimmer. I have a LifeReef and I'm very pleased with it. In fact, it was used when I got it. It cost me half of the price of a new one, and was in new condition.

IMO, buying used is a good thing, provided it's not at the end of it's life cycle. I might be hesitant about buying used lighting though, or any electrical equipment for that matter, unless you know the person, or can trust that the age of the product is what they say it is. Used bulbs are nearly worthless. Used tanks and sumps are risky for a reef unless you know for sure that copper treatments were never used in the tank. If it was a FO or FOWLR, use extreme caution here. Silicone can absorb copper, and leach it back into the tank, killing your inverts and corals.
JMHO, FWIW

 

[SerLunchbox]

that is VERY good to know.

I don't want to skimp on the skimmer and would like to get double capasity for a skimmer (able to do 200 gallons for a total water volume of 100 gallons). I don't think i will be adding a compartment in the sump for a fuge. i personally don't think it will be all that necessary at least for right now as i will not need to grow any pods or anything like that)

I know that for LS it will most likely be a DSB in one end and then have different grades all over the tank. Make it look somewhat natural.

Any thunks on that new product that is bagged live sand?

 

[Fast Fred]

Me thunks on sand in general....DON'T DO IT!!!

I've become a big advocate for bare bottom tanks. When I had sand, I had uncontrolable hair algae. I got rid of the sand and the hair never came back (knock on wood).

If you insist on sand, me thunks are that sand will be live in a few weeks anyway when you have live rock in your system.

A 'fuge is a good thing, if not for pods, then at least for nutrient export through macro algae growth. It's the latest thing, and all the cool kids are doing it.

 

[SerLunchbox]

All this peer pressure ... i don't know what to do!

 

[Fast Fred]

Take up golf instead???

 

[Fast Fred]

j/k

 

[SerLunchbox]

HAHAHA I actually do golf ... it is a GREAT way to gain influence with fellow Chef's