New to the Reef

Stalwart · 06-12-2006, 05:39 PM

I am new to the reef, looking for some helpful insight into setting up a new reef tank and eventually populating it. I just purchased a 55 gallon all glass tank that came with an appropriate sized heater and a Top Fin Whisper 60 filter, 2 standard 24in 2 bulb NO fixtures ( I know I will need to update these)

I am looking for some good information on the other products that I will need to set up and maintain a successful mini reef.

I plan to cure at home in-tank (since it is new)

Skimmers, Powerheads, Rock suppliers, and all the rest.

I am hoping to gain a lot of information from the long time pros among the club, and eventually provide some info to others in the future.

Glad to be a new member

Mark

Eric · 06-12-2006, 06:14 PM

Welcome!!!

You want to know what we know. You must first aska question so everyone knows where to start.

lets start with lighting what corals are you planning on keeping in the tank
-Softies being mushrooms, leathers -LPS being frogspawn,trumpets-SPS acropora, montipora that will decide what lights you need. 3-6 watts per gallon is what most people go for I believe. I always shoot for 9 watts per gallon I'm a Metal Halide VHO fan

Lighting choices T5s, powercompacts,Vhos,and Metal Halides all are good lights for a reef tank I don't like the t5s but alot of people do.

Best advice I can give is ask lots of questions read even more and buy the good equipment first time or you'll buy it twice trust me nothing cheap about a reef tank

KMP · 06-12-2006, 06:37 PM

Welcome!

I'm new also. I have some good articles bookmarked [on home computer] that I can post up later on lighting and cycling your tank. Aside from that, I have pulled alot of information from using the search feature above. When all esle fails, these guys/gals will come to your rescue. Enjoy - this has been very addicting.

Rougiem · 06-12-2006, 07:57 PM

to the Sanctuary!

Cheers!

lcstorc · 06-12-2006, 08:17 PM

Welcome to RS

pyro627 · 06-12-2006, 08:18 PM

I'm also new to this but this site has helped me a lot. Ask anything someone will get an answer. Have fun

Stalwart · 06-12-2006, 08:38 PM

Hey EEK,

I am not sure what types of inverts I am going to house. I am going to wait a while before I introduce them. I like the WattsPerGallon numbers you gave me, gives me a good starting point for light choice. I know certain species need more light than others, but would more light hurt the ones that need less. I mean other than heat is a high WPG number a problem for certain species. I would like to try and limit myself as little as possible as to the types of livestock I can use.

Mark

Stalwart · 06-12-2006, 08:41 PM

Thanks for the welcome. I have seen much good info on the site so far. But I know there is a lot more to learn. I look forward to the help. I am a super newby, not just to reefs, but to aquariums period. So, I am doing a ton of reading and looking for answers from those of you that have been there, done that, and got the T-shirt.

Mark

blue_eyes53813 · 06-12-2006, 08:56 PM

Hello mark.... welcome to RS

KMP · 06-12-2006, 09:31 PM

Here's those links:

Acroynms and Abbreviations:

Acronyms / Abbreviations

How to set up a natural reef:

http://chetday.com/nanoreef.htm

Lighting:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.php

http://www.reefcorner.com/Manual/lighting.htm

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch..._Code=Lighting

Cycling:

You can listen to someone speak to cycling - great!

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=938

billyr98 · 06-12-2006, 09:34 PM

Welcome to RS~

Eric · 06-12-2006, 09:58 PM

I would go with 5-6 watts pergallon that'll do all around

As far as a skimmer. I'd go with Aqua C Remora Pro Protein Skimmer
with Mag 3 Pump $208.00 not a bad price and the people I know that got them. swear by them.

The peowerheads maxi jet cheap and last.You might have to restart them after power outtage,when they get older or if you really wanna go all out tunzi wave maker set up super nice super exspensive to

Have you though about hang on overflow for a sump I think your gonna need more filtration than just a whisper especially when curing rock gotta get that junk out

Stalwart · 06-13-2006, 10:52 PM

Thanks for the links Kenny.

I think I am going to go MH on the lights, but first I need to build a shelf above my tank to suspend them. I was thinking 2 150watt(ers) should do the job. Just not sure what (K) bulbs to get, still not exactly sure what I am going to grow. What color bulbs give the best all around result.

Well I took the first step. I cleaned the tank and filled it full of freshwater to check the parts. Filter is doing good, and I bought one MaxJet 600 powerhead, just to help circulate things a bit. I put it in and it is pumping good.

NO LEAKS, so far so good. I will add the salt (IO) and see where I am on friday if there are no leaks.

I am going to talk to the guy at the LFS about the sump before I buy a skimmer. He is moving and has a Remora he is gonna sell, along with his LR. Might be able to get a good deal and some rock. We couldnt talk price while he was at work.

NOt sure if I am going to add the sump or just go hang on. I think I have enough room under the cabinet to put a ten gallon set-up as a sump, just need to find a set-up at the yard sale this weekend. My GF got a never used 20 gallon set-up for $3 a couple weeks ago. (sweet) Filter was still in the box and it came with some decorations and gravel for her freshies.

Mark

KMP · 06-13-2006, 11:53 PM

You're welcome Mark. Not sure where you are located, however, you can find some great deals on used [and in some cases new] fish tanks on www.craigslist.com

Stalwart · 06-14-2006, 11:56 AM

Tank up and running fine with the exception of the water temp. The water was at 78 degrees this morning with only a filter and one max jet pump running. No lights no skimmer just a filter and a powerhead.

Whats up with that. My house is set at about 74 and is very comfortable. I think I might need to check out my new thermometer, maybe it is out of whack.

Mark

06-12-2006, 05:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
Stalwart Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middle River, Maryland Posts: 274 View Gallery Karma Komment	New to the Reef I am new to the reef, looking for some helpful insight into setting up a new reef tank and eventually populating it. I just purchased a 55 gallon all glass tank that came with an appropriate sized heater and a Top Fin Whisper 60 filter, 2 standard 24in 2 bulb NO fixtures ( I know I will need to update these) I am looking for some good information on the other products that I will need to set up and maintain a successful mini reef. I plan to cure at home in-tank (since it is new) Skimmers, Powerheads, Rock suppliers, and all the rest. I am hoping to gain a lot of information from the long time pros among the club, and eventually provide some info to others in the future. Glad to be a new member Mark

06-12-2006, 06:14 PM	#2 (permalink)
Eric Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 685 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Welcome!!! You want to know what we know. You must first aska question so everyone knows where to start. lets start with lighting what corals are you planning on keeping in the tank -Softies being mushrooms, leathers -LPS being frogspawn,trumpets-SPS acropora, montipora that will decide what lights you need. 3-6 watts per gallon is what most people go for I believe. I always shoot for 9 watts per gallon I'm a Metal Halide VHO fan Lighting choices T5s, powercompacts,Vhos,and Metal Halides all are good lights for a reef tank I don't like the t5s but alot of people do. Best advice I can give is ask lots of questions read even more and buy the good equipment first time or you'll buy it twice trust me nothing cheap about a reef tank __________________ I'm the Reefer formally known as EEK http://www.exoticanimalforums.com/index.php

06-12-2006, 06:37 PM	#3 (permalink)
KMP Torch coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodland, CA Posts: 585 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Welcome! I'm new also. I have some good articles bookmarked [on home computer] that I can post up later on lighting and cycling your tank. Aside from that, I have pulled alot of information from using the search feature above. When all esle fails, these guys/gals will come to your rescue. Enjoy - this has been very addicting. __________________ Kenny 24g Aquapod, 24lb Live Rock, 28lb Live Sand, (3) MJ 900s (25.5w, 460gph), Closed Loop Circulation Nanocustoms 4.36 Series Lighting (144w), (2) 36w 10000k Daylights. (2) 36w Actinics, (1) R2 Moonlights

06-12-2006, 07:57 PM	#4 (permalink)
Rougiem Ichthy Inquisitor Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Biggest Little City In The World Posts: 2,898 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the Reef to the Sanctuary! Cheers! __________________ "Apes don't read philosophy." "Yes they do Otto, they just don't understand it." Intial School Tank Set Up and Progress

06-12-2006, 08:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 20,778 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the Reef Welcome to RS __________________ Peace LYNN You can't change the past but you can change how you view it. A reef tank is like a racecar. The faster you go the harder you crash. Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Every 60 seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back. In Loving Memory Of Z 01/22/07 - 08/19/08

06-12-2006, 08:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
pyro627 Fire Coral Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 77 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef I'm also new to this but this site has helped me a lot. Ask anything someone will get an answer. Have fun

06-12-2006, 08:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Stalwart Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middle River, Maryland Posts: 274 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Hey EEK, I am not sure what types of inverts I am going to house. I am going to wait a while before I introduce them. I like the WattsPerGallon numbers you gave me, gives me a good starting point for light choice. I know certain species need more light than others, but would more light hurt the ones that need less. I mean other than heat is a high WPG number a problem for certain species. I would like to try and limit myself as little as possible as to the types of livestock I can use. Mark

06-12-2006, 08:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
Stalwart Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middle River, Maryland Posts: 274 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Thanks for the welcome. I have seen much good info on the site so far. But I know there is a lot more to learn. I look forward to the help. I am a super newby, not just to reefs, but to aquariums period. So, I am doing a ton of reading and looking for answers from those of you that have been there, done that, and got the T-shirt. Mark

06-12-2006, 08:56 PM	#9 (permalink)
blue_eyes53813 Hey!Its not my fault Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Lancaster, Wisconsin Posts: 6,877 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the Reef Hello mark.... welcome to RS __________________ 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

06-12-2006, 09:31 PM	#10 (permalink)
KMP Torch coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodland, CA Posts: 585 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Here's those links: Acroynms and Abbreviations: Acronyms / Abbreviations How to set up a natural reef: http://chetday.com/nanoreef.htm Lighting: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-08/dw/index.php http://www.reefcorner.com/Manual/lighting.htm http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merch..._Code=Lighting Cycling: You can listen to someone speak to cycling - great! http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/showthread.php?t=938 __________________ Kenny 24g Aquapod, 24lb Live Rock, 28lb Live Sand, (3) MJ 900s (25.5w, 460gph), Closed Loop Circulation Nanocustoms 4.36 Series Lighting (144w), (2) 36w 10000k Daylights. (2) 36w Actinics, (1) R2 Moonlights

06-12-2006, 09:34 PM	#11 (permalink)
billyr98 Reefing Addict Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 5,400 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: New to the Reef Welcome to RS~ __________________ Billyr98 -=NJRC Treasurer=- My 450g Reef Tank ~~~ Its HERE!!!

06-12-2006, 09:58 PM	#12 (permalink)
Eric Neon dottyback Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: PA Posts: 685 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef I would go with 5-6 watts pergallon that'll do all around As far as a skimmer. I'd go with Aqua C Remora Pro Protein Skimmer with Mag 3 Pump $208.00 not a bad price and the people I know that got them. swear by them. The peowerheads maxi jet cheap and last.You might have to restart them after power outtage,when they get older or if you really wanna go all out tunzi wave maker set up super nice super exspensive to Have you though about hang on overflow for a sump I think your gonna need more filtration than just a whisper especially when curing rock gotta get that junk out __________________ I'm the Reefer formally known as EEK http://www.exoticanimalforums.com/index.php

06-13-2006, 10:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
Stalwart Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middle River, Maryland Posts: 274 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Thanks for the links Kenny. I think I am going to go MH on the lights, but first I need to build a shelf above my tank to suspend them. I was thinking 2 150watt(ers) should do the job. Just not sure what (K) bulbs to get, still not exactly sure what I am going to grow. What color bulbs give the best all around result. Well I took the first step. I cleaned the tank and filled it full of freshwater to check the parts. Filter is doing good, and I bought one MaxJet 600 powerhead, just to help circulate things a bit. I put it in and it is pumping good. NO LEAKS, so far so good. I will add the salt (IO) and see where I am on friday if there are no leaks. I am going to talk to the guy at the LFS about the sump before I buy a skimmer. He is moving and has a Remora he is gonna sell, along with his LR. Might be able to get a good deal and some rock. We couldnt talk price while he was at work. NOt sure if I am going to add the sump or just go hang on. I think I have enough room under the cabinet to put a ten gallon set-up as a sump, just need to find a set-up at the yard sale this weekend. My GF got a never used 20 gallon set-up for $3 a couple weeks ago. (sweet) Filter was still in the box and it came with some decorations and gravel for her freshies. Mark

06-13-2006, 11:53 PM	#14 (permalink)
KMP Torch coral Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Woodland, CA Posts: 585 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef You're welcome Mark. Not sure where you are located, however, you can find some great deals on used [and in some cases new] fish tanks on www.craigslist.com __________________ Kenny 24g Aquapod, 24lb Live Rock, 28lb Live Sand, (3) MJ 900s (25.5w, 460gph), Closed Loop Circulation Nanocustoms 4.36 Series Lighting (144w), (2) 36w 10000k Daylights. (2) 36w Actinics, (1) R2 Moonlights

06-14-2006, 11:56 AM	#15 (permalink)
Stalwart Pistol Shrimp Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Middle River, Maryland Posts: 274 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: New to the Reef Tank up and running fine with the exception of the water temp. The water was at 78 degrees this morning with only a filter and one max jet pump running. No lights no skimmer just a filter and a powerhead. Whats up with that. My house is set at about 74 and is very comfortable. I think I might need to check out my new thermometer, maybe it is out of whack. Mark

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