Equipment Questions

becky2312

becky2312

New Member
I was given an aquarium and stand this weekend and now need to purchase all the equipment to go with it so I can finally get a saltwater tank started. I've been reading and researching and I'm ready to tank the plunge and give it a try.
She said it was a 48 or 50 gallon. It's a bowfront tank, 36 inches long, but I've forgotten the height and width measurements and I'm at work. If anyone knows how many gallons it probably is, that would be great.
Anyway, she didn't have any of the lighting, filtration, etc., so now I need suggestions on what to get. I'm thinking probably T5 lighting since I at least want to have a few corals at some point. Is that what you'd suggest?
I'm planning to add lots of LR, but I'm not sure about what type of filtration/skimmer to go with. I want to just go with some type of HOB setup, I think - at least for now. Don't really have the place for a sump and sumps confuse me anyway. :) Is a good skimmer all I will need as far as filtration since I'll have the LR? Any suggestions on a particular one to get?
What about heater(s)? Should I just get one, or will I need more than that, and is there a particular brand that is better or anything I should avoid?
What else am I forgetting???? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
THANKS!
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
the tank is probably a 46 bow.
what do you mean by a few corals? would they be corals needing intense light, or just some softies like mushrooms or zoos?
i would go with a 6 lamp t-5 fixture or a mh fixture with 2 x 150 watt halides. i would go with the halides. i just like the look much better than the t-5's.
live rock and a protein skimmer are all you need for filtration, but a hang on filter might be a good thing to have as well, to run media, like carbon, and such.
as for brands, i had good luck with an aqua medic turbofloater, and a coralife super skimmer. i liked the turbofloater better though.
i've heard good things about the octopus hang on skimmer as well, but have no experience with it.
i've tried an aqua-c remora before and did not like it at all.
i'd choose a skimmer rated for a larger tank. it wouldn't hurt you to have a skimmer rated for twice your tank volume.
i like visitherm stealth heaters. they seem to hold up pretty well. i would have 2 small heaters instead of one large one. incase one fails, you have a back up.
you'll need test kits. api makes a multiple test kit to start you off, but i like salifert test kits. they are more expensive, and they don't offer a combo kit.
 
becky2312

becky2312

New Member
And I'll probably just stick with soft corals. I'll upgrade lighting later if I change my mind.
THANKS!
 
mr_x

mr_x

Active Member
ahh, yes. powerheads. koralias are a bit on the large side, and i'd only recommend them for bigger tanks. i would use 3 maxijet 1200's. you could buy the "sure flow" conversion kits if need be.
again, i like the shimmer and look of metal halides over t-5 lighting, but that's personal preference. i suggest you take a look(in person) at a few tanks, and then decide on that.
you could use a nova extreme 4 x 39 watt t-5 fixture if you wanted something to keep basic beginner corals. it doesn't have individual reflectors, which is what is preferred when utilizing t-5's, but it's enough for softies and probably some LPS.
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
Well, Mr. X has given you good advice, which doesn't surprise me at all. He knows his stuff. But...I have just one question. It sounds like it is a used tank, was it a salt tank before? If it is new, never mind my question.
 
socal57che

socal57che

Active Member
Originally Posted by becky2312
http:///forum/post/2722769
I can ask. Is there a test kit you can buy to test for copper?
Yes. $10 to $20
There are stories that if copper was dosed in the tank, the silicone will absorb it and leach it back into the water. I feel that the amount will be so minute that if you keep up on water changes you will not have an issue.
Also, to add to Mr X's excellent advice, you may want to pick up a good reference book or two to have on hand. Robert Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" is a great source of info.
 
sickboy

sickboy

Active Member
I think you should be fine, just if there was an insane amount of copper you might face problems, but they would have to be some really sick fish to need a ton of copper.
 
becky2312

becky2312

New Member
Originally Posted by socal57che
http:///forum/post/2722855
Also, to add to Mr X's excellent advice, you may want to pick up a good reference book or two to have on hand. Robert Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" is a great source of info.
Thanks! I've been reading that one and I also bought "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta.
 
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