Third Time's the Charm

[greenmonkey51]

I've thought about a SW tank 2 times before but something always got in the way, I now have a brand new 75g that needs something in it. A new LFS has opened up and they seem to have a dedication to SW. I've already been there asking them a few questions, but I always have more question than time. I have about half of the basics down so far. My biggest question right now is filtration. I'm gonna go with a 50lb box of live rock to start with and maybe a few pounds of live sand. I need to know whether a wet/dry with a sump is neccesary or if I can use a simple HOB like an Aquaclear 500 with the live rock. Also is there a place where I can read reviews on skimmers. Or can people give a few reccomendations for a skimmer. Also what is the difference between specific gravity and salinity.

 

[bertoni]

You won't need any other filtration if you have live rock. That said, a protein skimmer can make a great safety net. I'd probably up the live rock to at least 75 lbs, based on the current guesstimates of filtering needs. For that size tank, I'd get a sump and use a Euro-Reef skimmer, although Deltec and H&S get good reviews, too.

SG compares the weight of two equal volumes of liquid, conceptually. Salinity is defined as the conductivity of the water sample under a given wave pattern. Hobbyists use the terms interchangeably to indicate the "salt" content of the water. I use a conductivity meter (the PinPoin Salinity Monitor) for my tanks.

 

[greenmonkey51]

I found carib seas look alive reef rock. It looks really nice and I can get about 80lbs for about 120$. If I went with this stuff what kind of filtration would I need. would a wet/dry be neccesary. Also how much live rock would be good to seed the stuff.

 

[bertoni]

I'd probably get 10 lbs or so to seed the live rock with animals. Bacteria will come for free, although the live rock might speed the process. I wouldn't use a wet-dry. Not needed, requires maintenance, and might increase the nitrate level.

 

[greenmonkey51]

I just thought about this and its the main hurdle. I will be moving in a year. Would it be a good idea to setup a tank now or should I wait till I'm in a more stable place.

 

[emoore]

As painful as it might be I would try to wait until you move. Moving a 75 gallon is not fun. I moved my 75 freshwater tank and it took all day. I only moved about 1 mile.

 

[greenmonkey51]

Is the anything I can do while setting the tank up to prepare for moving it later. This is gonna be a pretty simple SW tank, just a few fish and some live rock.

 

[bertoni]

Not really. Moving tanks is just a lot of work, in my experience.

 

[greenmonkey51]

Is there any difference in moving a SW tank and a FW tank. Both tanks would have a lot of rock. Also is home depot silica sand safe.

 

[ILoveLlamas]

I heard that the sandbox sand was safe, but don't quote me on that.

 

[bertoni]

Home Depot sand is fine if you want a shallow layer for looks.