Any comments are welcome....

[ayef12]

Hi everybody! I've been an expert level freshwater hobbiest my whole life & I've decided to make the change & go all the way & do a professional level reef tank. So far I've gathered the following:
120G with 2 corner overflo's
36"*12" wet/dry sump to be converted to refugeum
ETSS 600 downdraft skimmer
Iwaki md5 water pump for skimmer
Old Lifeguard QuiteOne water pump for sump
2 Rio 2100 powerhead's

Wish me luck... & hope you all will help with advise....
Rgrds, -Sol

[boozeman]

there is also a fresh water forum here

[lcstorc]

Welcome to RS!
Sounds like you are getting together a good amount of stuff. Have you thought about lights yet? The right lighting is very important in reefkeeping. Also your water source is critical. Consider investing in you own ro/di unit so you don't have to constantly buy water.
Looking forward to pics as things progress.

[ayef12]

Thnx Lynn... I forgot to mention I have T5HO lighting that run the length of the aquarium... 4 80W tubes. 3 white & 1 actinic. I also have a Kent Hi-S RO/DI unit. -Sol

[Frankie]

Cool! I can show you a way to make the over flows work better since you have one in each corner. Check out this picture of what i made. http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...ank-small-.jpg

[ayef12]

Frankie, I read through your 125G thread & boy do I have a way to go to get to your level of expertise. The thing about reefs that frustrates me is that books aren't enough, you need an expert level friend/mentor that can show you the way & that hasn't happened yet for me.... I'd like to learn more about your drilled bulkheads & the closed loop that is at the rear of the tank... -Sol

[ragvette]

Looks like your on a good start Sol.

Keep us posted on the progress and feel free to ask questions.

[framerguy]

Welcome to RS!!

you need an expert level friend/mentor that can show you the way & that hasn't happened yet for me.

When you signed up here and made your first post you got about 1000 friends and a couple dozen mentors at least!

[Frankie]

Thank you for the kind comments about my experiences. I give all my learning to doing just that. Reading. Books, magazines and selected people and there tanks on forums just like this one has taught me all i know. Even people new to the hobby have taught me a thing or two. Just keep reading and asking questions. Don't be afraid to experiment. If you fail, you learn. I still have a lot to learn. You will never learn it all i believe but come to a better understanding over time. My tank is like yours btw , a 120 What do you want to know about my closed loop? You understand the principle obviously, Flow, less heat and ascetic looks. (no ugly power heads)
Most of my idea's are someone else's. though i do take full credit for my gas less refugium!

[tbittner]

Welcome to RS, ayef12!

Sounds like you've been reading the right material since you have an excellent list of equipment.

Now for the really fun part, putting it all together and filling it up!

Do you have an ro/di unit? Do you have containers to mix the saltwater in before using it? Most people recommend mixing it for 48 hours minimum before using it. What kind of salt are you going to use? Do you have plans for what you would like to keep? Different types of corals, clams, and anemones have different chemical and lighting requirements so it would be a good idea to have the livestock list kind of thought through.

[lcstorc]

Looks like you are about ready to go. Do you have a stocking list yet? That would be the next thing, but meanwhile you can get your live rock and start that tank cycling. At the same time set up your qt tank so it is ready for the first inhabitants.
You have found a great group of people with varied experience here. IMO a lot better than a single mentor who could be stuck in their ways. There is almost always someone around to assist in an emergency or even to answer the more simple questions. No question is stupid on this forum. We love to answer questions and you will get a number of responses with good suggestions.

[ayef12]

I already have the powerheads so unless you guys feel there is great gain in a closed loop I'd rather get moving & not have the hassle of getting the rear of the tank drilled. I would attempt to hide the powerheads behind rock. I plan to build a pvc manifold for the powerhead output. I was thinking that the manifold might serve a dual purpose & support + add bulk to the rock.
Also should I go for better rock than fiji premium? I get the impression that Marshal Island is better. Any opinions???
Thnx -Sol

[Frankie]

Fiji is my favorite. Its all about tast. I think since you have the stuff and are ready to set up i would forgo the drilling for now. Get the tank up and see if this is for you first. After a year you will know and have a better feeling on reef keeping.