Thanks for replying, you tank is amazing, all I can say is "if only". I say that because now I have my 90g in the basement and if I wanted to upgrade to anything it would be that. That's big enough for me. Add to the fact that I have oak floors through my hose, that much weight will probably put a dent in them. And I don't need that problem. Gonns be hard enough with the salt from the tank.
As for your recommedations on fish, Dori would case a fight with the wife and daughter, lol. I like the clow fish but not to into them. I was looking at your sand/aragonite, is that what you have? How old is your tank? amd what is your electric bill like, lol. What is your filtration, a sump and protien skimmer? Sorry for all the questions, just got to do this right or she'll be wanting Discus and I'm not about to go down that road.
Anyway, thanks again., I really appreciate it.
Thank you for that, they were just some suggestions on fish, it really matters what you like.
Sand, yes, and 1”-2” Carbi-Sea Live Sand (which IMM, is moist sand in a bag) not real live sand.
That tank was 3 years old when everything transferred to 180 (due to Ms. Dory) and that transfer is now another 3 years so the environment, a total of 6 years.
I live in Canada where electric power is very reasonable, so best estimates are $100 a month Canadian. But, I powering the following.
-DT has 5 LED and 2 T5 Antinic, 3 wave makers and 4 gyres.
-Sump has 2, 600 watt digital heaters connected to a WIFi INKBIRD dual probe controller, and a 3000gph return pump.
-Refuge has 1 500 watt plant grow light, 2 wave makers and a Curve 7 skimmer.
So we do use quite a lot of power.
Main biological filtration is 100 pounds of Carib-Sea Life rock (it’s not live at all but is already purpleish so looks great day 1 + sand. 50g Fuge with 2’ x 2’ of Chateo. A curve 7 s for skimming. 1 10% water change weekly.
Ask what you like, I was fresh water decades ago. Saltwater can be a challenge for some.
There are three main thinkings:
Obviously light. But light is light. You can pay $1,000 for a light of $100 for a light. What’s important is “intensity” and spectrum. So lots of 420nm, 460nm, a tiny 660nm and hair of white. If your not keeping much corals, don’t matter as much.
Stability. On my list, absolutely critical. I achieved no long term success without regular testing. Chemistry CAN change quickly especially at first so if you don’t “know” your water, that usually makes things go south at one point.
Time: The system starts to build itself as soon as wet. It will continue to improve itself forever, provided you keep the system stable and water chemistry in check. Everyone does well in that environment.
Based on the original tank (which is your size) filtration was simple.
Aqueon 110 HOB filter (swapping out sponge twice weekly) and a Cora life 160 skimmer, 25lbs of rock and 2” sand.
Good luck with your system, seek out help from members when you need. A few, but very knowledgeable members on this site, they have helped me so much.
might be easier to just set up 2 or more tanks a fish only that your wife can pick/add fish to while you add in a few that are not reef safe etc.then your tank with all the corals you want. ofcourse your doing all the maintenance etc.bonus you get to convert her to the hobby if she isnt all in yet
