Information Overload

[ckeene9]

Okay I've been reading till my eyes have fallen out

I think I Understand what I need and how these systems work but I would like you guys to help overlook my game plan here.

Tank: 55g. FOWLR
Lights: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01606.html
Skimmer: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11302/product.web
Heater:http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113767
(2) 100watt or (1) 200watt, Which one?
Powerheads: have (2) 295GPH on the way, Gives me 10.72 per hour turnover rate http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113040
Along with these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...id=11363&rel=1
Salt: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113009
Live Rock: floridaliverock.com 30#
Live Sand: floridaliverock.com 30#
Test Kit: ???
Hydrometer: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113761

Need some type of base rock and was thinking some agronite sand to go with Live sand.

Live Stock: Not exactly sure of what but here are my options:

Blue/Green Chromis
Ocellaris Clownfish
Flame Hawkfish
6 line Wrasse
Yellow Watchman Goby
Bicolor Pseudochromis
Racoon or Auriga Butterflyfish
Lawnmower Blenny
Turbo Snails
Blue/Green Ricordea Mushroom
Banded Coral Shrimp
Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab

Also should I use this or get rid of it? It comes with the set-up I'm buying.
http://www.aquariumguys.com/eheimecco1.html

Also this tank I'm looking at getting is currently a freshwater. How do I go about resealing it so the meds do affect my reef? Scrape a layer of silicone off then put a new one on?

Also can I put live sand dollars into my aquarium that I collect while snorkeling?


Thanks

Christopher

P.S notice I didn't say a tang like many other newbs have in the past

[leveldrummer]

for a fish only, the stuff you picked out looks pretty good, although you could do a little better on the skimmer, not that that is a bad skimmer, its just there are much better ones for not much more money. its worth the extra 25-50 bucks for triple the skimmer. maybe this one?
http://www.marinesolutionsinc.com/ca...products_id=47

skip the live sand, get cheap dead sand, and use the extra money on more live rock. live sand is a scam imo, you dont get the life that you want. you just get a bit of bacteria, and you will have that soon enough in your cycle. just get more rock, and maybe find a local that will donate a couple handfuls of sand to seed your tank a bit better.

hydrometers are ok, but a refractometer is a much better idea, its a bit more money, but it is far more reliable. if that is out of your price range, try to find a local store that has a refractometer, that wouldnt mind letting your calibrate your hydrometer every couple months.

[ckeene9]

Will this skimmer be able to HOB since I'm not gonna have a sump until later this year or next year?

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Okay I've been reading till my eyes have fallen out

P.S notice I didn't say a tang like many other newbs have in the past

ROTFLMAO!!! At Last!! Someone who reads alot and has a very good grasp on his/her needs in advance!

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Tank: 55g. FOWLR I like a 75G as a "first" tank better.....It's just "roomier" but a 55G is fine!
Lights: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...t~CU01606.html These should do just fine at keeping your Live Rock alive! With a Retro, You have to have a Canopy to build the lights into so I assume you do.
Skimmer: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11302/product.web Not a bad skimmer, Not the best but will work fine for your needs as HOB then as in sump later. Consider an ASM in Sump later on.
Heater:http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113767
(2) 100watt or (1) 200watt, Which one? Great heaters! Always go with 2 smaller ones to serve as a safety
Powerheads: have (2) 295GPH on the way, Gives me 10.72 per hour turnover rate http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113040
Along with these: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...id=11363&rel=1 No, No! 2 X SEIO m820s will be MUCH better! Those Hydor Flos work fine and provide some good random flow but they reduce the GPH by as much as 50%. Use http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113040
Salt: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113009 I Prefer this Pro Reef salt but your choice is not a bad one. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113009
Live Rock: floridaliverock.com 30# Need at minimum 55LBS, Best with 75LBS
Live Sand: floridaliverock.com 30# Get Aragonite Sand and save some $. You live Rock will make the Aragonite Sand "Live" very quickly.
Test Kit: ??? Sakifert Kits, All the way!
Hydrometer: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113761 Ah HAH! Caught one thing you failed to read enough on..... http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...pc=1&N=0&Nty=1

Need some type of base rock and was thinking some agronite sand to go with Live sand. You CAN actually do 50/50 on Live/Base Rock. It will take longer to fully cycle this way but works fine and can save you a BUNDLE!
Live Stock: Not exactly sure of what but here are my options:

Blue/Green Chromis Ok
Ocellaris Clownfish Ok
Flame Hawkfish Use Caution around Shrimp
6 line Wrasse Ok
Yellow Watchman Goby Ok (Great with a Pistol Shrimp)
Bicolor Pseudochromis Can get Mean
Racoon or Auriga Butterflyfish Can get Large, Not "Reef Safe"
Lawnmower Blenny Ok
Turbo Snails Lots
Blue/Green Ricordea Mushroom Ummm, Coral.....In a Fish Only Tank?? Suddenly it becomes a Reef tank! Ricordia are more light demanding than normal Mushroom corals but can do fine up high with PC lights.
Banded Coral Shrimp I'm Not a fan. Aggressive toward other inverts.
Dwarf Blue Leg Hermit Crab Only Hermit found in ANY of my tanks are Scarlet Legs! Not Reds! Only the Scarlets do not kill your snails. They are a bit costly though.

Also should I use this or get rid of it? It comes with the set-up I'm buying.
http://www.aquariumguys.com/eheimecco1.html eBay is your friend.

Also this tank I'm looking at getting is currently a freshwater. How do I go about resealing it so the meds do affect my reef? Scrape a layer of silicone off then put a new one on? EEK, Soak the devil out of it with 50/50 vinegar & Water. No NOT unseal a tank ever! If you think it is too badly soaked with copper to use safely then buy another tank. Resealing is too risky.

Also can I put live sand dollars into my aquarium that I collect while snorkeling? Another "EEK" moment! Never, Ever, EVER put anything from the wild into your tank! Water, Sand, Rock all have pollution up to 20 miles offs h o r e and can destroy your tank! Further out livestock would be "better" but still can introduce bacteria into your tank that can wipe it out. Not worth the risk and not to even mention the legal ramifications if you take anything from the oceans. (Even Rocks)


Thanks

Christopher

P.S notice I didn't say a tang like many other newbs have in the past

Whew, Now that was alot of fun answering.

[Osiris]

Yea that was first thing that caught my eye as reefneck pointed out, that's a retro kit you picked out, hope you have a canopy to put it into and know the wiring.

[Damon]

The planets must be aligned in some rare occurrence. Did I see Keri just compliment a newbie reef keeper? I must play the lottery............

[ckeene9]

Thanks Reefneck, I was hoping you would reply. Yes I have a canopy.

I just picked up the tank tonight and the African Cichlids are pretty cool right now. I think my plan is to get all my SW gear together then change it over.

I saw your post on the refractometer but it is way out of my $ range right now.

As far as the Powerheads the ones I put up are already shipped

As far as the Auriga Butterfly should I totally stear clear or is it something I'm gonna have to watch?

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by Damon

The planets must be aligned in some rare occurrence. Did I see Keri just compliment a newbie reef keeper? I must play the lottery............

Hehehehe, If you won any money.....I get 50%

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Thanks Reefneck, I was hoping you would reply. Yes I have a canopy.

I just picked up the tank tonight and the African Cichlids are pretty cool right now. I think my plan is to get all my SW gear together then change it over.They are the most colorful FW fish there is.

I saw your post on the refractometer but it is way out of my $ range right now. Way Out? that my friend is cheap and a very important investment. too high SG can cause stress to fish & corals and too low can kill inverts and corals. Way too low can even kill fish. To keep any corals or inverts I would find a way to get this item. If all you have is fish.....It could wait a "little" while but get one.

As far as the Powerheads the ones I put up are already shipped Never order anything until after your questions are answered silly! Decline the package, Return them. Flow is one very important factor. While thesee are not "BAD" PH's, They do not provide a wide flow that is desired as the Seio does.

As far as the Auriga Butterfly should I totally stear clear or is it something I'm gonna have to watch? In any of "My" 5 Reef tanks.......I'd Steer Clear!!

oh darn, Another reboot required. Man I hate upgrading my computer.

[Osiris]

I gotta agree the $35-40 for a refractometer is way worth it dude, I had gone without one for quite some time, and i will never go back to a floating hydrometer again, the incredible accuracy, no need to do the temp compensation calculation after u get the reading from the floating one as the refractometer already compensates, and besides seem more sophisticated looking into a telescope like device, makes me feel smarter LOL

[ckeene9]

Would any LFS worth their salt (no pun intended) be able to check my SG until I can get that?

As far as Ph's can I just add the one you suggested on top of the two on the way?

And I have this crazy idea of adding a sump now but don't feel like making the overflow box, anybody got one for sale or know where I can get one at a reasonable price?

[MaelStrom]

I doubt that most LFS will have a refractometer. Where I work, we have a hydrometer. Just get the refractometer. If you have the money to buy a sump instead of making it, you can afford a refratometer.

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Would any LFS worth their salt (no pun intended) be able to check my SG until I can get that? Most likely not but Ask if they use a Refractometer. If so, then yes.

As far as Ph's can I just add the one you suggested on top of the two on the way? I am suggesting "2" of the SEIOS. you need one at each end. Yea, You can add them. Didn't think you wanted to spend the money on 4 if you can't afford a Refractometer for under $50.

And I have this crazy idea of adding a sump now but don't feel like making the overflow box, anybody got one for sale or know where I can get one at a reasonable price? Hmmmm, And can't affordt the Refractometer?? Although IMHO, A tank without a Refugium/Sump of some type is trouble looking for a time to happen.

[ckeene9]

Okay it looks like I really really really need this refractometer! Added to the list!

What about buying the overflow box? Or could I make one out of 1" PVC? I'm good with the all the other plumbing since my Summer job is Landscaping and we do irrigation work too!

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Okay it looks like I really really really need this refractometer! Added to the list! YES!!!

What about buying the overflow box? Or could I make one out of 1" PVC? I'm good with the all the other plumbing since my Summer job is Landscaping and we do irrigation work too! Do not attempt to DIY this. Bad news. This is one of those items that we do not short cut. Can flood your home. Check that famous auction site or local classifieds for a used overflow. They are fine. Just be sure to get the U Tube type and NOT the CPR type. The ones that use a pump (CPR Type) fail more often. The U Tubes have not failed me in 25 years. (Except when self caused)

[Damon]

Couldn't agree more. I'm lucky here as I have very good reef stores in my area who sell them and will check my water if need be. Your tank will need time to cycle anyway. There's plenty of time to save up. Not so much time after you add critters and fish and corals.

[ckeene9]

Okay cpl. more questions:

How can I tell if my tank is soaked in copper?

Is the refractometer need when I'm cycling the tank? or Just when I add livestock?

Where online can I buy an overflow box?

Getting closer, real close!

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

Okay cpl. more questions:

How can I tell if my tank is soaked in copper? Get a Copper Test Kit, Fill tank up and test the copper levels.

Is the refractometer need when I'm cycling the tank? or Just when I add livestock? Refractometer measures how much salt is in the water so you have to have some way of doing that even the first time you fill the tank.

Where online can I buy an overflow box? Almost anywhere. Like, Here: http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-OVERFLO...QQcmdZViewItem You want one like that and not what is called the "CPR" type. These have never failed me in 30 years. You don't "NEED" the dual, a single would be fine. Thats just the first one I found.

Getting closer, real close!

Now keep reading and asking!

[ckeene9]

This one should be enough flow right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-WET-DRY...QQcmdZViewItem

Can I do the copper test with my cichlids in there now?