1st timer looking for advice

[mrs. crabtree]

Getting a 72 Bowfront for Xmas. Want to do fish and inverts. After some research, it seems a protein skimmer and live rock may be enough.
Does this seem correct? Any advice, suggestions, criticims are welcomed. Sorry if this type of question is out of line. Thank you in advance.

 

[1journeyman]

Nope, your post is right in line.

Welcome to the boards!
Ask Santa to get you Fenner's "A Conscientious Marine Aquarist" for a stocking stuffer. It will explain filtration methods to ya.
You are correct though. There are a lot fo tanks (including mine) that use brisk water flow, live rock and a skimmer as the only filtration methods.
Is the tank drilled (reef ready)? If so that gives you some more options.

 

[mrs. crabtree]

The tank is not drilled. By water flow I guess you are referring to powerheads? Do having powerheads imply installing an undergravel filter? Thank you.

 

[yote]

I wouldn't use an undergravel filter at all. They cause way to many problems,like high nitrates. you can run the powerheads without the undergravel

 

[hot883]

Correct on the "NO use of underground" filters. That technology is VERY outdated for reasons listed above. Thats the only thing I do not like about the book listed too. Other than that it is a very good book.
Welcome to the boards. We are here to help and you started off correctly, asking questions.

 

[mrs. crabtree]

I ordered the book.
A few more specific questions:
Can live rock be "mixed"-the different types in the same tank?
I read somewhere about and "acceptable" sand being available at home depot type places, does that sound okay or is live sand required?
Is there "a list" somwhere that would a newb could checkoff for recommended/required equipment & supplies?
Finally, I guess I was hoping members would suggest brands for the equipment (mainly skimmer, powerheads, live rock/sand, filter-if needed). I understand there will be personal preferences, but there is probably concensus on a few models. I assume everything for sale here is quality stuff?

 

[suv]

I have heard of people using sand from home depot or some place like like, but somebody correct me if I am wrong, I think it still needs to be seeded by a cup or two of L/S.
BTW Welcome

 

[92protruck]

I have a 72 bowfront so I thought I would tell you what I have. I have an Aqua C Remora Pro skimmer which I like very well. Easy for a beginner to setup no adjustments etc. I have two MaxiJet 900 powerheads and a 300 or 350 watt heater (don't remember which). When I ran without a sump, I used an Emperor 400 filter mainly to increase water flow and provide a place to run carbon, phosphate remover and/or filter pads as needed. I now have a sump and run without the filter as the sump return pump provides the additional flow and the sump provides a place to run media as needed. The live rock is really the bio-filter if you have 1 to 1 1/2 lbs per gallon. I have about 125 lbs of LR. I used Agra-live sand and that works fine but I have heard the Live Sand sold on this sight is better. I would use playsand and top it with real live sand next time around. I have 440 watts VHO lighting as my lighting options were very limited since I was trying to fit them in the short plastic canopy that came with the tank. Hope this helps with a ideas.

 

[firerescue]

personally if the tank has not been bought yet I would get a drilled tank so you can have a sump and not any equipement in the tank itself. It would be under the tank. Just my opionion. I started with a 55g with and am extremly happy that I uprgraded to a 90 with a sump. The only thing I wish I would have done is buy a bigger tank.

 

[ice4ice]

SEIO Powerheads w/ pump (model 620 or 820) Better flow and doesn't give out too much heat in your tank plus low wattage output.
Invest in a RO/DI unit.

 

[mrs. crabtree]

Thanks for the info.

 

[mrs. crabtree]

I have narrowed choices for an overflow box to Lifereef or Amiricle. Opinions requested.
For a sump; is there (reasonably priced) premade models available?
Thank you.