2nd time newbie lots of questions

jeri

jeri

New Member
Hello Everyone!
I have an old school 125G clarity plus tank that I set up as a fish only about 8 Yrs ago, 4yrs ago we remoldeled the dining room had to take it out so I gave it to my father-inlaw. he also set it up as a fish only for about 2 Yrs then we had an ice storm no power for over a week he lost everything

So now have it back

I planned on doing fish only again, but as I do more research (while waiting on cycling )I am leaning more toward a reef tank.
I have no experince in this & have many questions. I know I will need some new equiptment & alot of advice. I have read the new hobbyist threads (great info) but now Im feeling a bit overwhelmed.
here are some pics of what i have


need power heads but how many & size



in need of lighting suggestions


ok so can I (or Should I even) leave the dead coral add some live rock or should take it all out & just do live rock? also I want a finer substrate but im in the middle of cycling so if I change now will it effect anything? Im not in a hurry to add live stock just want to do it right.
 
saltfan

saltfan

Active Member
WOW. Looks good from here. Take out the substrate now. Reef you would need at least 1.5-2lbs per gallon of Live Rock (recommended). Power Heads= at least 14 times the turnover rate or higher. 4 koralia # 3 or #4's should do the trick on that part. Lights= Halides for reef. in the 14k range. VHO Actinics. Or, if you can afford them go LED. Some will tell you that T5 are ok with Reef, I like the water ripple that you get with Halides and LED's. But, up to you.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I would swap out the substrate now rather than later. It should have little to no effect since you're still cycling anyways.
The dead coral can stay, but live rock usually is better as it tends to be more porous. You can use dry rock and mix it with live rock, it's a cheaper route and you'll get the same end result.
As for lighting, you'll need a really good T5 fixture or halides. Personally, for that size tank, halides will be easier.
Depending on the size of your return pump will determine how many power heads you need. I'd start out with 2 Koralia 4's and go from there.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Quote:
Depending on the size of your return pump will determine how many power heads you need.
going to disagree on that statment
looking at the pic please make sure you have drip loops on your power cords
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
I just want new hobbyists to remember there is a difference between flow and movement and one is not predicated on the other
 
slice

slice

Active Member
My only comment, FWIW, is about the dead coral skeleton shown in pic #3 in the background. I had similar pieces in my tank. I liked the contrast in texture and overall look of it, but it harbored detritus terribly. I was always having to take it out and clean/brush it off and then, could not get it completely clean. I finally switched it out for a piece of regular LR. I will not ever be using it again.
 
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