I'm still in the aquarium think mode

[reefquest]

Hi my name is Ron and I'm an aquariholic ... oh wrong site actually had my first freshwater tank - 10 gallon- sometime around late 60's.

anyways now I have a sixty gallon tank all glass, and am considering going to saltwater. I moved the freshwater fishes to smaller tanks except for the large 'plecostomus fish' and am considering taking them to the local fish store. I have read about the need for a protein skimmer and heard that a trickle filter and nitrfying canister is recommended. any thoughts on how a beginner as myself should get started? I like the soft corals anemones etc.

[sandman3467]

Welcome Ron,

To most people a skimmer and liverock is all the filtration you will need.Others have had success with trickle filters and nitrifying canisters but the trickle filter will produce nitrates, a "no-no" for keeping corals healthy.But in my opinion from my experience and listening to ReefLady in 2002 when I set out on my own tank, all you need is a good skimmer and the liverock/livesand.Nothing more nothing less for filtration.As far as lighting goes it all depends on what you'ld like to keep.

[jcoopergd]

Ditto - I use a good skimmer (remora pro w/mag5) and lots of LR - for my filtration - i also have two Hang on Back filters, with nothing but live rock pieces for additional filtration - if i run carbon or phosban, then i put them in the HOB - and occasionaly will run a sponge to clean up any large particulate....but only then for a few days....

lots of LR - and a skimmer - all you need - that may be the only great money saving thing about this hobby :-) no extra filters -

if you have the $$ and the space, a sump/refigiuiem is also useful - you can grow macroalgea that will eat additional nitrates, along with the increased water volume to dilute any thing that may build up (nitrates etc)...

j

j

[BoomerD]

Hi ron, I too am a reef-a-holic, (although currently on the wagon) the current "best wat" to set up and maintain a fish tank is with lots of porus live rock, (1.5 to 2 lbs per gallon of tank is the norm) and a good protein skimmer. Many also believe in a deep sand bed (dsb), of about 4 to 6 inches thick of nice sugar fine aragonite sand, because in that bed, de-nitrifaction can and does occur, turning nitrates into nitrogen gas, which bubbles harmlessly into the atmosphere. However, there is also a separate group who believe that the DSB will eventually become a nutrient sink, and cause tank problems down the road. Unfortunately, a shallow sand bed offers none of the benefits of the DSB, and presents some extra problems for maintenance.
Trickle filters are extremely efficient nitrifaction (biological ) filters, but become massive nitrate producing factories, which is bad for reefs. Very few people actually use the de-nitrate towers you refer to. As I remember from the 90's, they tend to be a lot of work, and can actually wipe out your tank if or when they crash.
As coop mentioned, lots of people set up a separate refugium and grow macroalgaes for nutrient export, as well as "pods" which are an excellent source of natural food for your fishes.
What do you want to house in your tank? Keep in mind, that the saltwater recommendations for stocking are much less than freshwater. You are advised to only have 1 inch of fish (measured at it's typical adult size) per 5 gallons. That means your 60 gallon should safely house about 12" of fish. Again, that's measured as adults, even though when you obtain them, they may be much smaller.
Your livestock will determine your lighting needs.
Anemones are considered to be an "advanced hobbyist" thing, in part, because your tank should mature for about 1 year before adding one. That allows the tank to go through the small cycles and phases that is a normal part of maturing. Plus, it gives the hobbyist time to learn how to properly care for his/her tank, to learn about the fish and inverts, as well as get the equipment to successfully house them. Many of us go through a never-ending upgrade process.

[Gina]

The Basics of Filtration

Here is an article on the 3 basic methods of filtration. Personally, I like LR!
Alot of the members have decided to go BB (Bare Bottom) and so far they are having good outcomes.
Anyway, hope this article helps and to our Sanctuary!

[Woodstock]

Ron Welcome to Reef Sanctuary! You'll love the marine aquarium hobby! Ditto to Boomer's post .... Live rock (1.5-2 lbs/gal), skimmer (biggest, bestest you can afford), light bioload and regular water changes. Lighting will depend on what you want to keep. I started out with 3.5 watts per gallon of Power Compact lighting but I upgraded to Metal Halides when I wanted to keep anemones. It's a very fun and rewarding hobby... I love it!