Some questions on upgrading

[mar-y-sol]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of upgrading my tank, I'm running out of space and a 29 gallon is not that great. I dont really know how big I want to go yet, I'm kinda working on a budget and I want to keep some of my old set up. Here is some of the ideas that I have please let me know what you think, any suggestions greatly appreaciated. I'm thinking of a tank that is no longer than 48 inches in lenght, so either 55, 75, 90, or 120. The only reason for this is that I already have a 175 MH and would buy another for the tank, I dont really want 3 or them because it would run the electric bill too high, same goes for higher voltage. I would use my 29 gal as a refugium. I am trying to get everything really slow since the upgrade wouldnt be for 6 months or so and I'm trying to spread the cost. A question about wet/dry would necessarily bigger be better, say if I find one for a 200 gal cheap would it be better than one rated for 100. Also, I need some suggestions on a good calcium reactor and how I should run it, should i run it alone, as a back up for a kalk drip, or something else. Also I need suggestions on a good protein skimmer. Thanks for the help.

 

[Abengochea]

I dont recommend wet/dry for reef tanks. a regular glass tank in your stand would work just as fine. Bioballs trap ditrius and will cause nitrate problems. Between the live rock and a good skimmer, you should have enough filtration

 

[mar-y-sol]

What protein skimmer and calcium reactor would you recommend?

 

[Abengochea]

I can only recommend based on what Ive used. That being, I used to have a sealife systems skimmer that was given to me. It worked ok, but seemed a little weak, so after doing some research it was between the MRC beckett style skimmer and the reef octopus needlewheel. The reef octopus is pretty new but its based on the same priniciple as the other guys like euroreef and asm. Only that u can get a bigger chamber on the reef octopus than the other guys and a lot cheaper. I also found a lot of good info on modifying the octopus skimmer to make it work even better. It works great out of the box, but I like to tinker. So... it was the octopus or the MRC. I liked the MRC in upgrading ability and the fact it can take out a bunch of gunk, but I dont like the idea of having to run a big pressure rated pump for it. The big pump means more $$ on electricity and since the tank is in my bedroom, it means a loud fan motor running all night when Im getting some sleep. So I went and got the reef octopus and have been very happy with it.

 

[Abengochea]

As for the calcium reator, I really dont know since Ive never used one. Im actually in the process of building a Kalk reactor since I dont have sps coral and dont think I have that much of a demand for calcium

 

[NanoKat]

I think Eco Reef Aquarium in Pompano carries those Octopus skimmers. I've been eyeing them and am thinking about one for a future sump/refugium setup.

 

[ReefWreak]

Skimmer and CA reactors are really dependent upon what size tank you finally decide on getting. Once you decide that, then the rest of the equipment can be decided upon. I can tell you from personal experience that the LifeReef skimmers are amazing, require no adjusting once it's running, and pull out great, gross skimmate. All of this stock out of the box. With the octos and an ASM and such, you'll need to mod them for good performance. Also you should specify a price range for equipment too.

 

[mar-y-sol]

I actually have a question, do you think that a 175 MH would be enough for a tank that is 24 inches deep. I mean to keep clams and lps on the sand, also to keep sps at the top. My price range is a little bit flexible since I am trying to spread out the purchases over a couple of months. I figured around 300 for a good skimmer, can I get a good skimmer for this price? and a little more for a calcium reactor. Would I need a calcium reactor if i dont keep sps, would a kalk reactor be ok for calms and lps? thanks. sorry for all the questions but my current tank I have kept with really old technology hob filter, in tank refugium, and weekly water changes. I really appreciate all the help, thanks again.