Finally Getting A Tank - Please Help

[lennon]

HI all

I am finally doing it. Tomorrow I go for my 58 gallon glass tank, cabinet and stand. :cheer:
I need help deciding on equiptment now. I know I can save alot by purchasing online instead of lfs. So I ask for your help in steering me in the right direction.
I am looking to do a reef tank but with things that do not need high intensity lighting.
I do not want to do the MH lights at all. Too many things with the heat factor and mercury vapors etc. So at all costs..I will avoid them. If it means giving up certain species..then I will.
I will get a sump but also want to have enough room for an automatic top off system and reservoir for the ro/di water. I want to keep everything inside the cabinet. Nothing exposed due to kids. So with that said, what size sump/refugium can I get away with?
I am getting a QT tank too. Hopefully that will avoid problems in the future.
Please help with suggestions on the misc. test kits, additives (heard purple up was good)
I need brand names so that I can search for them.
Money is not an issue right now..so I would rather get the best of the best as far as filters etc. I was told that I do not need wet/dry or filtration if I am doing LR and LS...but if you disagree, please let me know. My husband is not doing any of this with me...he is way too busy. So it lies all on me...

lol
Hopefully I do the right things and I can share my progress with all of you. I have to tell you..this place is AMAZING and I am so lucky I found all of you amateurs and experts. I look forward to getting hooked!

Anabell
p.s. I did read "the conscientious aquarist" twice..and I am well aware of many things..but still need direction as to amounts to get of LR, LS ets..I think I trust you all much more than the LFS.
Thanks again!!!!

 

[snipe]

I would start off with looking at Salifert Test kits they cost more at around $20 a kit but are suppose to be the best of the best. I use Hagen Master kit $50 for 10 kits. As for filtration I would add something to go with it I would have at LEAST a skimmer. If the stand is tall enough buy an insump skimmer and place it down there (euroreef is a good brand but costly) I think AquaC makes a insump as well. Depending on what type of stand it is if its a stand that is completely open a 20 or possibly a 29 gallon sump would work if its divided something like a 10gallon bow front would work.
If I missed anything reply back as it will forward me an email.

 

[lennon]

Originally Posted by Snipe
I would start off with looking at Salifert Test kits they cost more at around $20 a kit but are suppose to be the best of the best. I use Hagen Master kit $50 for 10 kits. As for filtration I would add something to go with it I would have at LEAST a skimmer. If the stand is tall enough buy an insump skimmer and place it down there (euroreef is a good brand but costly) I think AquaC makes a insump as well. Depending on what type of stand it is if its a stand that is completely open a 20 or possibly a 29 gallon sump would work if its divided something like a 10gallon bow front would work.
If I missed anything reply back as it will forward me an email.

Thanks for helping. When you say $50 for 10 kits..how long does that last?
The stand and canopy is oceanic. 36 1/2" long, not too deep and reef ready pre-drilled.
So as far as lighting..what do you think is good?
Many recommended a separate sump and refugium. they said to put the heater and skimmer in the sump and then the refugium in a rubbermaid container. I am not sure
how this would be done...but they said it was inexpensive. I am not handy so I may just
go with already made items.
I heard there are skimmers that are self cleaning?? are you aware of what they are talking about?
And I will add a top off system..so I need to leave room in the cabinet to fit the reservoir for the water.
Thanks for the advise!! It is truly appreciated! :cheer:

 

[snipe]

Thanks for helping. When you say $50 for 10 kits..how long does that last?
Somwhere in the range of 100 to 120 tests per kit.
The stand and canopy is oceanic. 36 1/2" long, not too deep and reef ready pre-drilled.
So as far as lighting..what do you think is good?
Depends on what you plan to have reply back with that and I can give a better awnser.
Many recommended a separate sump and refugium. they said to put the heater and skimmer in the sump and then the refugium in a rubbermaid container. I am not sure
how this would be done...but they said it was inexpensive. I am not handy so I may just
go with already made items.
I would do the same as you can buy a sump/fuge combo and run them bolth in the same thing. The fuge is basicly for a DSB,Live Rock and MacroAlgaes of sorts to export nitrates and such and the rock and sand get read of amonia and nitrites.
I heard there are skimmers that are self cleaning?? are you aware of what they are talking about?
And I will add a top off system..so I need to leave room in the cabinet to fit the reservoir for the water.
All that is is a skimmer with a hole cut in the collection cup and a airline hose glued into the hole and run into a empty bottle of some sort. When the skimmer gets so full it just drains into the bottle makeing it so you dont have to empty the cup as often.
And no the stand is it divided or just open?