Filter

swabearf16

swabearf16

Member
1. Are filters used with reef tanks? Can't seem to get a definite answer. Trickle, LR/LS only, etc.? Maybe it's just personal preference, huh? The LFS is pushing a wet/dry, BioBall setup.
Sorry to ask, but I can't find $%^& with the site's search engine.
2. Why would I want a UV sterilizer? Won't that kill Pods? I thought they were desirable critters to have.
3. Is this LFS a piece o' sh#t that's just trying to make a sale?
 
rykna

rykna

Active Member
Don't be pushed into a purchase....I have been had severals times by stores and paid the price for it- literally.
1.) Are filters used with reef tanks? Can't seem to get a definite answer. Trickle, LR/LS only, etc.? Maybe it's just personal preference, huh? The LFS is pushing a wet/dry, BioBall setup.
~This is a matter of personal preference....and also dependes on what you intend to house in your tank. More delicate corals more advanced filtrations systems.....if you are only housing fish then not much more is needed than a power filter like aquaclear.
It's mostly trial and error and with that comes experience and personal preferences. The sytem I use for my tank I would not recommend for a beginner.
2. Why would I want a UV sterilizer? Won't that kill Pods? I thought they were desirable critters to have.
They are! Pods are an important part of the tank. But as i said earlier, if you are housing delicate coral any slight variation of the water can cause disater. So by investing in a UV you can save yourself 100's of dollars by preventing coral death.
3. Is this LFS a piece o' sh#t that's just trying to make a sale?
Most likely. yes. :mad: Any store that follows up with a sales pitch for the newest keen bean absoulutely must have gaget for you tank is full of.....well-you know.
So what size is your tank, what plans do you have?? what currently in it????
 
swabearf16

swabearf16

Member
I haven't started the tank yet. It's a 150 gal. that's going to be built into my wall once the house is complete. The house is being built now. It's a reef-ready tank. I'm just getting myself educated right now so, any help is appreciated. You can only pick up so much from books. Even the books I have give different opinions. I would like to have a few fish, but mostly corals and anemones. I'd like to hear your suggestions for all equipment, i.e. skimmers, filters, lights, etc. My aquarium dude said he'd have to use VHO lighting because of the heat. I'm currently researching T5 lighting. Note: the aquarium will be wall mounted, viewable from both sides. Cabinets overhead and underneath. I believe the lighting will be housed in the upper cabinets. I had a 4-plex outlet, drain, water supply with RO/DI installed...all hidden in the bottom cabinets. Thanks for your time!
What do you think about the following items that the 'aquarium dude' wants to install:
Precision Marine Bullet 2 Skimmer
Mag 900
Gen X 40
Pro Clear 200 Sump
 
rykna

rykna

Active Member
I haven't started the tank yet. It's a 150 gal. that's going to be built into my wall once the house is complete. The house is being built now. It's a reef-ready tank. I'm just getting myself educated right now so, any help is appreciated. You can only pick up so much from books. Even the books I have give different opinions. I would like to have a few fish, but mostly corals and anemones. I'd like to hear your suggestions for all equipment, i.e. skimmers, filters, lights, etc. My aquarium dude said he'd have to use VHO lighting because of the heat.
BIG mistake....that is what ventalation is for...small fans and such.....like the one in a bath ceiling. and don't let heat decide the lighting...that is what chillers are for.....
I'm currently researching T5 lighting. Note: the aquarium will be wall mounted, viewable from both sides. Cabinets overhead and underneath. I believe the lighting will be housed in the upper cabinets. I had a 4-plex outlet, drain, water supply with RO/DI installed...all hidden in the bottom cabinets. Thanks for your time! This all sounds awesome...except for the T5
What do you think about the following items that the 'aquarium dude' wants to install:
Well for starters.....
on the VHO......if you are going for anemones and corals. MH metal halides all the way, IMHO......and as long as you are doing all the trouble of installing into the new house and all, install a chiller!!!!! do NOT skimp on the lighting. The host algae in the corals and anemones is vital to their survival. Whithout proper lighting everything will starve to death. In the future you will probably ending ripping out the VHO and installing something bigger.
Precision Marine Bullet 2 Skimmer.......I have never been a very big fan of skimmers. Although I go more along the route of a natural reef system, allowing a little more algae and such. If you do plan to house more picky coral like sps that get gummed up by to much nutrients in the tank then yes.
Again I don't care for them and I have used them, got rig of them and I house gorgonians just fine in my 90 gallon.
Mag 900 not familiar with these 2, probably cause I haven't had a tank over 90
Gen X 40
Pro Clear 200 Sump~ this sounds good
I would definately ask Beth or Bangguy and see what they think.
 
swabearf16

swabearf16

Member
Thanks for your help. How do I ask Beth/Bangguy? An 8-bulb T5 is not enough? (a lot cheaper!) What size chiller?
 
rykna

rykna

Active Member
If you are going to have corals other than soft I would not use just VHO. Seems like lots of people are going the T5 way now. I also have been looking at the new LED stuff and looks good but $$$$$$. I have a 150 now and run 3 250 MH with 4 48" T5 for atinic. I just got my MRC MR-2. I run it with the Genx 40 pump and it kicks butt. For a return I use the Mag900. Flow in the tank is 2 tunze 6100. Hope that gives you some ideas.
Here's some ideas from other people on line here!!!!!
 
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