Advice on a Startup

[impu007]

Hi ,
I am just newbie to this hobby(so far only reading books, browsing the Internet and talking to people I know who has or had Marine Aquarium).
Since I have a lot of respect for all of you pros in this groups, I like to get all the suggestion, thoughts, advice regarding this....Thanks..
On September 7th, I am getting a 220 Gallon Custom Built Starfire Aquarium (three of my references told me to start with the biggest I can find).
Here's other things that are part of the package:
-Dual 1.5 Overflow allowing 1200 Gallons of Water to flow freely
-Built in Biological Chamber
-Aqualine Buschke 3x150w HQI 13K + 4x 55 OSRAM DULUX COMPACT (lighting)
-220 Lbs Fiji Premium Live Rock
-120 lbs Somoan Live Sand
-100 Hermits (blue legg)
-Complete pre-drilled overflow filtration system with Bio Media
-German Made Return Pump Ocean Runner 3500 1000 GPH
-All Glass Sump
-Tompsonished 8' Stand
-Plumbing, Bulk Head Fitting
That's about it. I have only saw the picture and it looks great. I just hope it looks just as good when its here at my home.
I have been looking/shopping around and this is by far the best deal I saw (2100 dollar). The person who is selling sound very knowledgable and honest.
No, I am not getting a Protein Skimmer with this, so I have to buy that (we might be able to work out a different deal).
My goal is to turn that into Reef+fish aquarium (not one by itself). I will post another message later in the Fish forum asking, which fishes are compatible with each other and with Corals (somebody just told me that 100 Hermit might be a bad idea for a Coral Aquarium as Hermits eat 'em). But at the same time, others suggest that 100 or more is better to keep it clean (for this big aquarium). Confusing.
Anyway, looking forward to your advice...and my reef aquarium ... and my future participation in this group.
Regards all..
Impu

 

[salisbury a d]

Sounds great. If It were me I would most likely buy the Berlin Turbo XL.
You should have no problem with the hermits. Blue legs are usually about the size of a finger nail and do not grow unless you give them a shell to grow into.
Good luck and Welcome to the board.
Also think about getting some snails and a starfish or two to help clean up.
And if possible wome scarlet reef hermits.
Adam

 

[fender]

Might want to double the amount of sand too (mix the live sand with some a dry "dead" type). I have about 130lbs in my 90g and it gives me about 3-4inches my tank is 48in long by 18in wide. Depending on the dimensions of your tank you might be a little thin.
If you decide to go with a DeepSandBed you may want to triple it.
Otherwise I am in utter awe
[ August 27, 2001: Message edited by: fender ]

 

[burnnspy]

Get rid of the mechanical filtration(ie bio balls, pads etc).
Trade the blue legged hermits for trocheus snails/scarlet hermits if possible.
Add 4 40lb bags of Caribsea Seaflor reef sand if possible to have at least 4" of sand.
That tank is pretty large for the supplied lighting, it will be good for moderate light corals(LPS, soft corals, polyps, Gigas and Squamosa clams).
BurnNSpy

 

[oceanblue]

...more sand...hermits are our friends...WOW! I'm green!

 

[impu007]

Thanks for your responses/Suggestion. Please, keep it coming (I will be posting more up to date information when my Aquarium Arrives from FL.
-I thought Sand and Live Rock quantity was rather small. Need to get some more...(is it ok to mix Fiji with different rock or Live Sand with Dead Sand? - I guess I know the answer to the second one from one your advice.
-Good to hear about the Hermit situation. I was wondering what would I have done if you guys said, "No, don't put 100
I will come up with a Web Page to talk about my Tank Step by Step (hopefully)
Regards All

 

[fender]

yes mixxing LR/LS from different locals is very good, a better diversity of life=better overall tank.

 

[@knight]

I would recommend 4 inches of sand, it will help keep the nitrates in check! the bottom sand does not have to be live sand.
you can hold off on the skimmer for a while, as it wont be needed for a few weeks/months.