Basic Answers

[pjt_racer]

I recently started a freshwater tank about 6 weeks ago. I have been to my lfs several times and am absolutley mesmorized by the saltwater set-ups. I am thinking about starting one. I have been doing some internet research but at times get more confused by all the differing opinions. I would like to have a 100-125 gal tank. Thru the research I think I am going to start out with a fish only tank. The corals and reef tanks are awesome but starting out I think I should start with fish only. My main question is what are the basic componets that I will need? I am not a cheap person but I also do not want to buy a whole lot more than I need starting out. I am assuming I will need a filtration system, heater, protein skimmer and uv sterilizer from what I have read. Does one need to have under the tank sumps and filtering sytems or can I use something similar to the biowheel 330 I have hanging on the back of my freshwater set-up.
In summary what is a simple, quality dependable set-up for a saltwater first timer to begin with while I learn and grow with the hobby? Thanks!

 

[iechy]

I have some good news for you. You won't "need" a filtration system or UV Sterilizer. You will need, or I should say should consider, live rock which would do the filter fuction if you got at least 1 pound per gallon. You should also do a DSB as it keeps your nitrates low and is generally beneficial because of the critters living in it. UV sterilizers are not always desireable because they will kill alot of the good bacteria and microorganisms along with the ones you don't want. Even though you plan to go fish only, I would recommend starting off with equipment that will support a reef because just like the fish sucked you in, the coral will do it too and you'll be ready for it without having to replace old items and duplicate costs. I think the only difference in equipment that you would need that I wouldn't reommend anyway would be strong enough lighting to support corals. One more thing, Look into doing a sump as well. You can put all your ugly equipment in there as well as doing water changes etc. It also increases your total water volume which is a good thing but with a tank that big it might not really be a concern.

 

[donkeykong]

For the most part agree Iechy. With lots of Live Rock, a good DSB, and a good protien skimmer your water will be kept clean. Many of us use some sort of filter to "polish the water", such as a Penguin or Empiror filter. UV sterilizers are something that you will get mixed opinions about. But I dont think anybody will tell you that having one is a must to start out, so it wont need to be on your startup list. If at all possibly a sump is highly recommended. It will keep your main tank free of clutter like heaters and protien skimmer. Starting fish only is a very good start, but most of us started that way and get sucked into reef systems very fast. Most systems that run fish only will be able to run reef also, the only needed change is lighting. So when starting off make sure you get lighting that you can upgrade/add on to. Will save you money in the long run

 

[pjt_racer]

If I do not start out with live rock for filtration can I use a bio-wheel filter of some kind? Also what is a good bottom substrate for a fish only setup? Crushed Coral? Probably a stupid questions but what is a DBS that you guys are recommending? Thanks.

 

[jake22]

DSB= deep sand bed. You can purchase sand from your local fish store and put it in your tank. Without the live rock i think you will need a wetdry filter. The biowheel will not cut it in a 100 gallon+ tank. I am running an aquaclear 500 in my 26 gallon with 28 pounds of live rock. I would suggest going with a sump or wetdry.
I would strongly suggest getting 1pound of live rock per gallon. It will really help with filtration and the breakdown of waste. Another plus to getting live rock is it increases how many fish you can have, what types of fish you can have, and you will get tons of hitchhikers like featherdusters, crabs, starfish, and other stuff.

 

[donkeykong]

If you go with the DSB deep sand bed you can go to your local home depot or lowes and get play sand. It is the sand they use in sand boxes for kids. One of the popular sands is Southdown, but if you live on the west coast it is hard to comeby. Just try to find sand that doesnt contain silica(for more info search play sand on this site) the reason is play sand $5 for 100lbs compared to $20 for 20lbs.

 

[pjt_racer]

Ok you are all convincing me that I need to go with live rock. I'll have to do some research on it as I know little about it. As far as the sand I had read that crushed coral was best for maintaining PH. Just wondering what that was about? I going to look at some set-ups this evening. Any other last minute advice on anything? Thanks for the help!

 

[donkeykong]

cc has been known to stablize your PH. There are ups and alot of downs to cc. you will get many people that have cc and stuck with that for years. There will be twice as many that switch after a year of vacuuming the cc. I have yet to here of anybody that switched from sand to cc. Look at a couple of pics of cc and sand tanks. the look of one might be more apealling.

 

[pjt_racer]

Alright I admitt I am way too impulsive. I purchased a Oceanic 90 gal bow front last night. From your posts I am convinced I need 3-4" of sand substrate. Is there a calculation for this (so many #'s per sq" or something). I am also conviced to go with live rock. Probably about 90#. Are there any good sites on live rock care? I know little about it. Is the live rock sold on this site good stuff? Also is there a hang on the back wet/dry filter I could get for additional filtration? Or should I have a protien skimmer instead (which I know nothing about yet)? Any recommendations? I know eventually I need a sump but right now I don't feel like doing that much work to plumb and configure? Maybe down the road unless there is a complete easy to install kit of somekind. The tank is glass so for now I'll probably have to have something that hangs on the back. Lastly how much light do I need starting out for live rock. The lfs guy was trying to sell me on a $500-600 set-up. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[aileena]

Make sure you read about cycling your tank...Take these steps
1) try to get premixed water for your tank from the store it will save a lot of time on the cycle. If you cannot do this mix it up yourself and the cycle will take from 4-6 weeks. Never use tap water use whats called Reverse Osmosis Water you can get it at the store too. Hopefully they have pre-mixed
2) Put in your DSB or your crushed coral
3) toss in a powerhead or two for cirulation
4) When you use test kits you should have 0 amonia 0 nitrite and nothing more than 20 nitrates..keep KH between 9-12
5) Add your live rock start small if you like since you can always add later. you have 90g then get 45lbs of LR thats a very good start for a Fish only tank.
6) once your levels are good put in the CURED Live ROck! cured means the rock is ready to put in the tank. If its not cured you will know since it will smell like a sewer.
7) Wait another week check levels again and if all at 0 put in fish! nitrates can be 0-15 thats ok. the lower the better.
8) LR doesn't need a lot of light and neither do the fish. Do yourself a favor and get some cheap lighting for now. Since lighting for corals later cost more than the whole set up. Just be aware that the more the watts per gallon the better. You can start to put in soft corals around 2 watts per gallon.
9) OH Ya put on your skimmer after you put in the live rock too! And put in powerheads at least 2!

 

[karlas]

definitly go with the dsb. as far as the buffering of cc if you get agraonite sand this will do the buffering also. one major problem with cc is it traps waste under the large particles and needs to be vacuumed where the sand holds more bacteria to help break down those particles. also a dsb will help lower nitrates and better for the microfauna and worms that may burrow in the sand. here are some good beginner sites take the time to read them
creating, maintaining, and understanding
reef keeping 101
lr faq
sb faq
also maby check into some books