I need help with my set up PLZ

TheBBW · 12-22-2007, 06:31 AM

hey all.
I am setting up my first SW tank. I have a 70g oceanic tech tank (36wx25tallx18front to back) and a megaflow#2 trickle filter in the stand. I probably will be getting the Outer Orbit 150 MH unit that is three ft wide for lighting. That's when I start to need a little help.
--Can I leave the bio balls in the trickle filter or do I need to replace them with Live Rock?
--I think that I will forgo a canister filter, instead putting a charcoal bag into the trickle filter. OK idea, or terribly misguided?
--Then the protein skimmer. My lfs carries coral life and euroreef skimmers. I was thinking of getting a euroreef or should I go online for an ASM or if I can find one, and octopus. I would prefer to patronize my lfs.
SO please help guide this wide eyed noob though the set up so I can get on to the cycling...

Jason25 · 12-22-2007, 08:47 AM

I can answer the bioball question, take them out before they become a nitrate factory, I use LR in my canister.

michael_cb_125 · 12-22-2007, 09:14 AM

IMO coralife skimmers are not very good. Euro reef skimmers are very good.
I really like the ASM skimmers. I dont think that you can more bang for your buck with any other skimmer. You just need to make sure the skimmer tha tyou want will fit into your sump. Jason is correct about removinf the Bio-balls, they will eventually cause Nitrate Problems. Putting LR in place of them is an idea, but LR will collect detrius, and can itself become a Trate-Factory.

It sound like you have a pretty good start. Just be sure to
I think getting rid of the Canister is a great idea. Even if you have no media in it besides Chemical, it will still collect detrius.
It sounds like you have a pretty good start. Just be sure to go slow. When you are ready to get your LR, I would highly suggest looking at online vendors, many of them have great rock, for much less than LFS.

Good luck with your reefing adventure~Michael

blue_eyes53813 · 12-22-2007, 09:40 AM

Welcome to RS .. Nothing more to add to what Michael and Jason have already said.... Take it slow and you will be fine..

deaclauderdale · 12-22-2007, 10:37 AM

Ditto blue eyes.

12-22-2007, 06:31 AM	#1 (permalink)
TheBBW Tunicate Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 1 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	I need help with my set up PLZ hey all. I am setting up my first SW tank. I have a 70g oceanic tech tank (36wx25tallx18front to back) and a megaflow#2 trickle filter in the stand. I probably will be getting the Outer Orbit 150 MH unit that is three ft wide for lighting. That's when I start to need a little help. --Can I leave the bio balls in the trickle filter or do I need to replace them with Live Rock? --I think that I will forgo a canister filter, instead putting a charcoal bag into the trickle filter. OK idea, or terribly misguided? --Then the protein skimmer. My lfs carries coral life and euroreef skimmers. I was thinking of getting a euroreef or should I go online for an ASM or if I can find one, and octopus. I would prefer to patronize my lfs. SO please help guide this wide eyed noob though the set up so I can get on to the cycling...

12-22-2007, 08:47 AM	#2 (permalink)
Jason25 Elegance coral Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lancaster,PA Posts: 1,022 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: I need help with my set up PLZ I can answer the bioball question, take them out before they become a nitrate factory, I use LR in my canister.

12-22-2007, 09:14 AM	#3 (permalink)
michael_cb_125 Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Charlotte,NC Posts: 3,564 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: I need help with my set up PLZ IMO coralife skimmers are not very good. Euro reef skimmers are very good. I really like the ASM skimmers. I dont think that you can more bang for your buck with any other skimmer. You just need to make sure the skimmer tha tyou want will fit into your sump. Jason is correct about removinf the Bio-balls, they will eventually cause Nitrate Problems. Putting LR in place of them is an idea, but LR will collect detrius, and can itself become a Trate-Factory. It sound like you have a pretty good start. Just be sure to I think getting rid of the Canister is a great idea. Even if you have no media in it besides Chemical, it will still collect detrius. It sounds like you have a pretty good start. Just be sure to go slow. When you are ready to get your LR, I would highly suggest looking at online vendors, many of them have great rock, for much less than LFS. Good luck with your reefing adventure~Michael __________________ Owner of an Elos System 70 Now I have a jealous girlfriend!!! HaHa

12-22-2007, 09:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,879 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: I need help with my set up PLZ Welcome to RS .. Nothing more to add to what Michael and Jason have already said.... Take it slow and you will be fine.. __________________ 265 Gallon Reef built into basement wall. Lighting = 6x250 watts MH, 2x96 watt PC ,and 2x140 watt VHO for a total watt of 1,972 watts . New addition on 4-14-07 of 100 gallon sump and 100 gallon refugium. I think I have lost my mind. Gotta love this hobby Vicki Life is like a pathway of untrodden snow. Be careful how you step in it for every mark will show Definition of FRIENDSHIP: All lives touch other lives to create something new and alive My tank chronicles. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...wall-reef.html

12-22-2007, 10:37 AM	#5 (permalink)
deaclauderdale Posting & Toasting! Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Lancaster,California Posts: 2,083 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: I need help with my set up PLZ Ditto blue eyes. __________________ 100 Gal w/ 55 Gal Sump, (2) 250 watt MH's, 220 watts VHO, Fish: Lawnmower Blenny, Pair Ocellaris Clowns, Royal Gramma, Yellow Watchman Goby, Rainsford Goby Coral: Neon Green Candycane, Brown Candy Cane, Purple and Blue Candycane, GSP-green, Palythoas, Montipora Digita (Green and Purple), Montipora Nodosa, Acro's, Neon Green Favia, Sun Coral, Cynaria, Zoanthids Shrimp: Skunk Cleaner Shrimp, 2 Peppermint Shrimp, Tiger Pistol Shrimp Clam: (2) Crocea, That's what I love about saltwater tanks. You get God's best!!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)