Aquarist's stimulus package pending

[charlotte515]

I am close to injecting funds into this industry and need some guidence on the best equipment. I appreciate the feedback I have received from a previous post where most of these selections were made. In summary I am space restricted to 36” length and the stand must fit our family room existing décor which is teak.
I would appreciate any feedback on the following selections. The system needs to be relatively quite, will be SW with coral, not sure on the livestock yet, but I want a system that will not require major upgrades as I progress. (lighting and filtration)
Tank:
New 65 gal AGA pre-drilled with AGA's MegaFlow overflow
36X18X24 for $150. Purchased off craigslist, so this is done.
Stand:
Bellow is the best stand I can find that meets the furniture grade I am looking for seems $$$ ($500) but that is ok for it to fit our room. Any better sources or suggestions?
ES Rectangular Stand
Filtration:
22 gallon acrylic sump with built in ETSS sump buddy skimmer, return pump included for $450. Again seems $$$ but if I do not have to upgrade again
that’s ok. For me to be satisfied I want the water to be balanced and crystal clear. I will invest the time to do the routine maintenance but want the results to be stellar.
Protean 400 Refugium
Combo by AE Tech

Lighting:
Lighting, not really sure about this, I can add MH later if required, but for now T5’s should be sufficient. Cannot be suspended from the ceiling, this is a great room with 18' ceilings. Tot cost is $290 for the one bellow.
36 Inch 4x39 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture w/ 4 Lunar LEDs
Lamps Included:
•(2) 36" T5 HO 39W 420/460 Lamps
•(2) 36" T5 HO 39W 700+ Lamps
•(4) 1W Lunar LED`s
Misc:
Test kit I’m not not sure about any suggestions? Other misc items including live stock I can source locally at a highend shop to establish a relationship with.
Finally local highend shop has LR for $7.99# should I bite the bullet and go with them or are there better options?
Again any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[naclh2o nut]

1
"Lighting:
Lighting, not really sure about this, I can add MH later if required, but for now T5’s should be sufficient. Cannot be suspended from the ceiling, this is a great room with 18' ceilings. Tot cost is $290 for the one bellow."
I would go with the M/H now. I just went down that road, Friday the third set of lights. Went t-5, PC, now M/H and will never have anything else. DW is looking at M/H for her fresh water tank. It holds guppies and neons. She just likes the light so much. I went with Current USA SunDial HQI Pendant 1x150W 10K HQI / 2x32W Dual SunPaq Actinics. They have them at the same place you are now looking.
Not sure about sump, just wonder about the parts if and when something breaks. I would probably go with just a sump then add a skimmer and return pump. Get what you want not what comes with it.

On the L/R go for it.
Welcome to the hobby, just remember this phrase. ---"but I want a system that will not require major upgrades as I progress. (lighting and filtration)"--
If you do this hobby right then I will be the first to say "Sorry That Won't Happen". It may be years or sooner but you will want to upgrade even if you have to sell the lazy boy to make room. Mark my words and enjoy.

 

[beth]

Sounds like you are really off to the right start with your startup plans. Patience is key, and doing research. Forums such as this one also give you access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. If you don't have a good reference book already, let me recommend, "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". An excelled first book with an encyclopedia of information.
Selifert is one of your better test kit products.
There are different types of live rock, so you need to decide what kind you want, and even ask your LFS what kind they are selling.
There is live rock from the Florida Keys, Caribbean, Tonga, Fiji; these are the most common and each have different characteristics and different species of life on it. You may want to consider the types of animals you plan to keep, for instance if you are going for a Caribbean reef set up, then you may want the rock from that area (though this isn't necessary).
You can likely get the live rock cheaper online, for instance, at this site, 50lbs of Fiji LR will cost $219, including shipping, and a $20 store credit. At your LFS the 50lbs of live rock will cost you $399 (however, you will have the advantage of being able see and pick out your rocks, and little die-off since you can bring it right home).
I'd do some research and look at what is available online compared to what you can get locally.
Also, just to let you know, I had to delete the links you posted in your topic. Saltwaterfish.com does not want links to other stores posted. Products posted on manufacturer's websites are ok, but not other stores or other forums, etc. You can also just name the product and post pictures.
Welcome to the hobby! Its a great way to spend your time (and your money).

 

[charlotte515]

Thanks for the info I just ordered "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" from Amazon. I have seen a post about base rock vs LR, I am patient can I use a mix to save $?

 

[eric b 125]

i suggest you build your own sump. for the dough that you'd spend on that thing, you'd be able to build a nice sump/fuge that fits your specific needs, with good equipment that can be serviced easily. if you buy that thing, youre stuck with the whole kit-and-kaboodle. if you build your own, you could change out parts if you want to upgrade/downgrade. JMO. welcome to the boards!

 

[charlotte515]

Back to the lighting question. I have been convinced to go with MH.
How about, 36 inch Current USA Outer Orbit 1x150W 10K HQI-MH w/ 2x96W Dual Actinic & 4 Lunar Lights? I do not really care for the $479 costs but I have to go with a tank mounted system, I cannot hang a pendant in the greatroom. Suggestions/comments?

 

[trouble93]

Originally Posted by charlotte515
http:///forum/post/2966858
Back to the lighting question. I have been convinced to go with MH.
How about, 36 inch Current USA Outer Orbit 1x150W 10K HQI-MH w/ 2x96W Dual Actinic & 4 Lunar Lights? I do not really care for the $479 costs but I have to go with a tank mounted system, I cannot hang a pendant in the greatroom. Suggestions/comments?
I didn't look so I may be wrong about this and if I am I do appologize is it not 2x150 because if not that would mean that your MH may not give out a even light cast from end to end with the housing sitting in the middle of the tank.

 

[trouble93]

Originally Posted by charlotte515
http:///forum/post/2965393
I am close to injecting funds into this industry and need some guidence on the best equipment. I appreciate the feedback I have received from a previous post where most of these selections were made. In summary I am space restricted to 36” length and the stand must fit our family room existing décor which is teak.
I would appreciate any feedback on the following selections. The system needs to be relatively quite, will be SW with coral, not sure on the livestock yet, but I want a system that will not require major upgrades as I progress. (lighting and filtration)
Tank:
New 65 gal AGA pre-drilled with AGA's MegaFlow overflow
36X18X24 for $150. Purchased off craigslist, so this is done.
Stand:
Bellow is the best stand I can find that meets the furniture grade I am looking for seems $$$ ($500) but that is ok for it to fit our room. Any better sources or suggestions?
ES Rectangular Stand
Filtration:
22 gallon acrylic sump with built in ETSS sump buddy skimmer, return pump included for $450. Again seems $$$ but if I do not have to upgrade again
that’s ok. For me to be satisfied I want the water to be balanced and crystal clear. I will invest the time to do the routine maintenance but want the results to be stellar.
Protean 400 Refugium
Combo by AE Tech

Lighting:
Lighting, not really sure about this, I can add MH later if required, but for now T5’s should be sufficient. Cannot be suspended from the ceiling, this is a great room with 18' ceilings. Tot cost is $290 for the one bellow.
36 Inch 4x39 Watt AquaticLife T5 HO Light Fixture w/ 4 Lunar LEDs
Lamps Included:
•(2) 36" T5 HO 39W 420/460 Lamps
•(2) 36" T5 HO 39W 700+ Lamps
•(4) 1W Lunar LED`s
Misc:
Test kit I’m not not sure about any suggestions? Other misc items including live stock I can source locally at a highend shop to establish a relationship with.
Finally local highend shop has LR for $7.99# should I bite the bullet and go with them or are there better options?
Again any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
I have used these pre made sumps in the past and for the money they can be more trouble then they are worth if one part goes down you loose the whole system until you get that one part fixed.

 

[pissyfish]

i love my 30 gal... but things come at you fast! i.e. diatoms!

 

[naclh2o nut]

9
Originally Posted by charlotte515
http:///forum/post/2966858
Back to the lighting question. I have been convinced to go with MH.
How about, 36 inch Current USA Outer Orbit 1x150W 10K HQI-MH w/ 2x96W Dual Actinic & 4 Lunar Lights? I do not really care for the $479 costs but I have to go with a tank mounted system, I cannot hang a pendant in the greatroom. Suggestions/comments?
The ones in my earlier post- pendants come with a tank mounting kit. IMO 2x150 with actinics would be better then a 1x150, act and lunar.

Again IMO. The cost is almost the same and twice the light. Just go back to the same website that you found your first set and look under M/H pendants. I love the light but do not believe one 150 would be enough to make the tank look right, the sides would be dark.

 

[charlotte515]

Originally Posted by NaClH2O Nut
http:///forum/post/2967291
9
The ones in my earlier post- pendants come with a tank mounting kit. IMO 2x150 with actinics would be better then a 1x150, act and lunar.

Again IMO. The cost is almost the same and twice the light. Just go back to the same website that you found your first set and look under M/H pendants. I love the light but do not believe one 150 would be enough to make the tank look right, the sides would be dark.

Ok, now I am really confused, I would need two of these? Is there a solution that would give me the one lighting system that would not have to be upgraded regardless of where I end up? I am also concerned about the power bill I am signing up for.

 

[jpkboca]

Look on craigslist in your area, or your local reef club, sometimes there are members selling nice live rock cheap. [in the $2 to $3 a lb. range].
I also agree, grab a 30 gallon or whatever tank, and build your own sump, its much better.

 

[naclh2o nut]

12
Originally Posted by charlotte515
http:///forum/post/2968192
Ok, now I am really confused, I would need two of these? Is there a solution that would give me the one lighting system that would not have to be upgraded regardless of where I end up? I am also concerned about the power bill I am signing up for.
This is my thought.

If you buy a 36" one M/H fixture then you will only be able to use that on a 36" tank (or now you have half of a kit for a 72"). With the pendents (at almost same cost) you now have two fixtures that would give you the ability to put on any size tank from 15"( use on fixture) to a 72"( would recommend another light on anything over 48", but it would work).
As far as buying two yes that is correct and recommended for the light requirements of some of the corals that are for sale.
Power bill, I am sure it will be more than the P/Cs that I had, however it should be something like a couple of 150 watt bulbs. So it should not be that bad, like leaving a room light on all day.

This is all from about a month of research, looking and three different light kits purchased.
Please get what you want and think will work best for you.

 

[fishslime]

do you have ro/di water?

 

[charlotte515]

I do plan on buying a RO upfront, still trying to figure out how to minimize the complexity of doing a weekly water change. I have been looking at the smaller capacity 10 gpd units with the thought of rigging up a float cutoff. I have a guest bathroom right around the corner and thought I could let it fill a mixing container in the tub.
Another question, If I stick with soft corals and fish would it be reasonble to expect the weekly maintenance to be a couple of hours on a Sat or Sunday
after the tank has stabalized in 6 or so months?

 

[naclh2o nut]

15
If you "expect the weekly maintenance" then it will be a drag and take less time some weeks then you will have to work harder and longer to catch up.
I just spend some time with my tank everyday. It gives me a chance to slow down and let the world move on with out me. ( It can do that, I know hard to believe but it manages

) Then as I am looking and playing with it I get some of the necessary chores out of the way. Clean the glass, top off the water, test something, move a PH, adjust some rocks, Think about what would look good in that open spot.

As far as water changes go if you want to do them on Saturday, then make RO?DI water on Wed. (at work if you have shut off valve). Thursday mix with salt and let it stand with PH mixing, then check on it Friday, Saturday siphon out DT, wipe down sump/fuge add new water and done. Thursday- 10 min. Friday 10 min. Saturday 30 min.

Then of course the daily looking and staring - hours?!

 

[kanima]

I have a ETS on my 55 and I do not like it at all. I have ADHI on my 90 that I love.. IMO I would get a ADHI sump and then get a skimmer. ETS does not have a good design to keep the water level at a constant in the first chamber. And you will be constantly adjusting the skimmer as you add top off water.. Real PIA. ADHI Design keep the skimmer chamber at a constant level reguardless It is also thicker , and stronger built.