advice on a new set-up

[craig65]

I'm taking the plunge this month... going from a 15 gal nano to a 75 gal reef.
Let me know your thoughts on the following set up
New custom stand with extreme 18" high hood
ice cap vho ballast for (2) 110w 48" actinic blues
250w 10k metal halide
Wet/dry filter
sealife skimmer, and pump
Iwas given a 75 gal tank.
The tank is being drilled and the lights and hood and stand are being custom built to match the millwork on the kithen cabinets in a light oak finish
all for just under 1100.00
I wont have it for about two weeks... I'm still new to the hobby so I don't know how good of a set up this going to be. I was told it would "jam"
any thoughts would be appreceated

 

[lion_crazz]

Originally Posted by craig65
I'm taking the plunge this month... going from a 15 gal nano to a 75 gal reef.
Let me know your thoughts on the following set up
New custom stand with extreme 18" high hood
ice cap vho ballast for (2) 110w 48" actinic blues
250w 10k metal halide
Wet/dry filter
sealife skimmer, and pump
Iwas given a 75 gal tank.
The tank is being drilled and the lights and hood and stand are being custom built to match the millwork on the kithen cabinets in a light oak finish
all for just under 1100.00
I wont have it for about two weeks... I'm still new to the hobby so I don't know how good of a set up this going to be. I was told it would "jam"
any thoughts would be appreceated
Haha,"jam"? I am not sure if jam is a good thing, but if so, I would agree. That sounds like a very nice set-up.
I am not too sure on the skimmer, as I have no experience with that type. Maybe someone else can chime in on that one.
As long as you get a good amount of live rock (80-90 lbs.), you will have a very successful tank.
I would also recommend picking up a couple AquaClear or MaxiJet powerheads or have the tank drilled for a small closed loop flow system.

 

[craig65]

i have three maxijet 1200 and one 900.
I'm assuming that a closed loop system is an inlet and outlet drilled in the tank going to one pump just for flow?

 

[lion_crazz]

Correct, that is a closed loop. That is always an option if you do not want to look at powerheads in your tank.

 

[craig65]

what is the best to use on the bottom crushed coral or live sand ? I have crused coral in the tank now (did). but it was fish only

 

[lion_crazz]

I would just use aragonite sand. You do not neccessarily need live sand. Your live rock will seed the sand.
I would not however use crushed coral.

 

[triga22]

Sand is wayyyyyyy better. I have crushed coral right now and I regret it. I will get sand whenever I get the money. Sand is better becuase it does not hold Nitrates like crushed coral does. DONT MAKE THE MISTAKE I DID!!!!

 

[craig65]

is there a "rule of thumb" as far as how much live rock to use? Do you have to start out with all that live rock or can you use some nice base rock and a few nice pcs of live and grow you own? At 8.00 a pound thats 600 just in rock

 

[katz]

They say 1 1/2 lbs per gallon. I would look at this site for ordering rock it comes out to less than 5.00 per pound.
Katz

 

[craig65]

many many thanks
you all are very helpful

I look foward to posting pics when I can...
thanks again
craig