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Finally getting started

post #1 of 133
8/31/10 at 9:12am
Thread Starter 
Hello everyone,

I've finally got settled in my new home and I'm ready to start my 1st saltwater tank. I have a 55 gal and wish to setup a fowlr tank. I would love to eventually add some soft corals. I am looking to set up a canister filter for filtration and would love some input on brands and lights and equipment that I would need. Any info is welcome. I will be placing an order in the next week or so for a ro/di unit and live rock and sand to get started. Here is a pic and I'll keep everyone updated on my progress. As you guys may see I've been a member for a few years and have been reading alot of posts over that time. I really want to do things right and don't care much fir shortcuts that may jeopardize any fish or money. Thanks again in advance for the help.

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post #2 of 133
8/31/10 at 9:24am

Well, I cant say that from my research that a canister is the best way to go.  If you already have one, great.  I would recomend a sump/refugium as it will, over time, make taking care of your tank easier.

 

As far as canister goes, most i have come across in my research is the Fluval 405 or 305 pending your needs.  Seems to be a good little unit and readily available.

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post #3 of 133
8/31/10 at 10:50am
Thread Starter 
My tank is not drilled and is fiberglass, I do have a small 10 gal but I'm still not sure how to set that up nor if it requires drilling. If you have a link to more info on setting up I would love to read more about it.
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post #4 of 133
8/31/10 at 12:58pm

I have a 55 with a fluval 305, skimmer and a HOB filter that I have chaeto in. Good luck with your tank!

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post #5 of 133
8/31/10 at 1:14pm



 

Quote:
Originally Posted by daking View Post

My tank is not drilled and is fiberglass, I do have a small 10 gal but I'm still not sure how to set that up nor if it requires drilling. If you have a link to more info on setting up I would love to read more about it.



Well, depending on how long you want to wait, you can always let me continue my threads that I have made and go from there.  However, I am sure if you search the boards here, you will find plenty of threads on how to build the sump and whatnot.

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post #6 of 133
8/31/10 at 7:18pm
Thread Starter 

Well I have decided on a light fixture and now need some help choosing a protein skimmer. Anyone have a particular brand or recommend any specific skimmers for a 55 gallon fowlr with the possibility to maintain soft corals in the future. Also do you guys recommend having the skimmer from the beginning?

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post #7 of 133
8/31/10 at 7:25pm

I personally would wait about 3-6 months for the skimmer and are you looking for a sump skimmer or HOB?

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post #8 of 133
8/31/10 at 7:30pm
Thread Starter 

I would get a hang on back skimmer. I dont have a sump and plan on getting an in tank refugium but from what i understand this is not needed right away.

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post #9 of 133
8/31/10 at 7:35pm

CPR bak pak  would work

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post #10 of 133
8/31/10 at 7:46pm
Thread Starter 

Thanks gemmy, just a question regarding the fluval canister filter. Does it require any drilling to the tank or does the tubing hang over the tank? Also what type of water do you have, is it ro or ro/di. im considering purchasing a ro/di unit.

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post #11 of 133
8/31/10 at 9:30pm

Definatly get the RO/DI unit.  theres a thread on here about what do you regret putting into your tank, the #1 answer was damsels, and suprisngly #2 was tap water.  I would have thought it was reversed.  But then again, maybe the damsel people put in RO/DI from the start.

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post #12 of 133
9/1/10 at 7:15am
Thread Starter 
I am definitely going to be getting a unit but was curious if a ro unit only would be fine or if the ro/di unit would be required?
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post #13 of 133
9/1/10 at 10:38am

RO/DI units arent that expensive from what i have seen.  I found one that was easy to install, simple to use, and at a decent price $170 + shipping.  If you would like the info, PM me as I am sure this place would frown upon posting info for competitors.

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post #14 of 133
9/1/10 at 4:40pm
Thread Starter 
I paid a visit to my lfs and they were selling live rock for 8.99 lb. Does this seem reasonable to you guys or would you recommend purchasing online? I was also talked into getting a wet/dry filter with a built in sump for my skimmer, heater and an overflow box. They were saying the same that a canister filter is not the best way to go. So with everything I'm looking at about 1,000.00-1,500.00to get up and running with the current 4x54 ho light, filter, return pump, skimmer, ro/di unit, power heads, 30-40lbs live rock, about 20lbs base rock, sand, salt mix, heater, and test kits. So this weekend I plan on purchasing most of this and will be updating you guys with pics. Is there anything I'm missing?
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post #15 of 133
9/1/10 at 4:49pm

For the live rock, I would say do some competitive shopping and check cl. I never paid attetion to how much I spent on mine. I think you are well on way. Ohhh, don't forget the refractometer. Good luck!!

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post #16 of 133
9/1/10 at 4:50pm

it's 10-11 a lb here, so that sounds ok. However, you have to cycle it nayways, so you could just get it online and save a bunch of cash.

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post #17 of 133
9/1/10 at 4:51pm

I may have a luxury of 5 LFS around me and all of them sell LR from $6.99 per all the way down to $3.99 per in bulk purchases.  Might want to see if there is another LFS near you that you might want to make the drive for.  $8.99 per is way too much and if there is nothing around you, definatly go internet.  The only downside there is that you wont be able to pick out the specific pieces of rock yourself.

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post #18 of 133
9/1/10 at 5:11pm
Thread Starter 
Ok. I thought that sounded high. But the base rock is 2.00lb, I may get a good bit of that and some live rock to seed it. Yea there are some others here but about a 20-30 min drive. I'll probably check those out. What size tank do u have and do you have any pics?
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post #19 of 133
9/1/10 at 6:10pm

I have a 5 gallon freshwater tank.  I do not own, yet(!), a saltwater tank.  Talk to me afte this weekend and I might reply that I own a 65 gallon cube.  I am doing all the research and whatnot before I buy anything.  Heh, I havent bought a thing for a tank yet, but that will change come this weekend I am sure.

 

You can get some base rock really cheap and then get some live to place ontop of it to keep costs down.  Just dont spend $8.99 a pound, thats just redonkulous.

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post #20 of 133
9/3/10 at 6:27am
Thread Starter 
On buying the live rock if I bought 1/2 base and 1/2 live would that be ok or would you guys recommend buying at a different ratio? Also has anyone had any issues with the power going out and your sump overflowing due to the return draining your tank?
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