HELPPPPP

[say]

HELPPPP!! Old Reefkeeper turned Newbie after Years!
After Many years out of the hobby (like 10) I want to get back into the saltwater reef tanks again. But with age and knowledge, this old hobbiest feels like a 10 year old again. I would like to get several people to give me suggestions on tank setups to keep a reef tank going again. I want to be able to keep a reef and also fish. I have a 75 gallon tank.

 

[say]

I just want setups that other people have that work together. Suggestions anyone?

 

[arkey.d]

Read This Thread It will help with all the basics.
Most people now use PlaySand/LiveSand for a substrate and LiveRock (1 -1 1/2lbs per gallon of water) for a biological filter. Add on a PowerFilter for Carbon and a Protein Skimmer and Powerheads in the tank to circulate the water and your all set.
Most also use the Cocktail Shrimp method for cycling their tank. Get a couple at the grocery store and pop them into your tank and just let them rot. That will kick your cycle off.
Welcome back to the hobby!

 

[say]

What type of PowerFilters are good? Also Protein Skimmer's?? and the Powerheads I have always used Maxi-Jet even in my non salt talks... are those the best?

 

[arkey.d]

Originally posted by say
What type of PowerFilters are good? Also Protein Skimmer's?? and the Powerheads I have always used Maxi-Jet even in my non salt talks... are those the best?
I recommened the Penquin Emperors for PowerFilters and AquaC Remora or CPR BakPak for Skimmers. Maxijet Powerheads are said to be the best.

 

[lion_crazz]

On my 75, I run a wet/dry filter with a ETSS Super Reef Devil skimmer that is rated to work for tanks up to 150 gallons. The skimmer works excellently and is reasonably priced as well. I also have 85 lbs. of live rock in my tank for my biological, a good amount of chaetomorpha macroalgae in my wet/dry-turned-fuge for nitrate absorbtion, and a thin layer of aragonite (because I just have a fish, inverts, and live rock tank - no corals). For a reef however, I would recommend a deep sand bed like already stated.
I would recommend going with a pre-drilled, reef-ready 75 so that you can just go with a wet/dry or sump. That way, you can have your skimmer, filter, and heater under your tank, instead of all of it in your tank. Also, with a pre-drilled, reef-ready tank, you can get a much better skimmer, along with a wet/dry or sump, which really is the easier and better way to go about setting up a 75 gallon reef tank.

 

[say]

I have a 150 gallon tank with a wet/dry filter now... How do I have them drilled? I want to have a coral tank this time. Any suggestions on hardy starters also??

 

[lion_crazz]

You can drill a wet/dry with a hole saw.
Good starter corals are mushrooms, polyps, leathers, and fingers.

 

[billr70]

Dont forget about the lights, I would recomend getting some very good lights also. (Very important)
Good luck.

 

[mudplayerx]

I don't recommend drilling your tank yourself unless you are a professional. Tanks use tempered glass, and there is a very good chance you will break the glass. It also voids your warranty.

 

[lion_crazz]

He was talking about drilling the wet/dry.
I drilled my wet/dry when I first set my tank up and have had no problems.

 

[say]

I would love to know what type of lighting everyone would recommend and also to see some pics of some setups that everyone has (behind the scene pics not just the tanks(the plumbing works))
I want to thank everyone for all their suggestions, this has helped me a bunch in doing my research and figuring out how I want to go. I have the tank and a wet/dry filter now but just want to see how everyone incorporates everything together to see if I would do it the same way.
Hope to hear from everyone with more suggestions.

 

[billr70]

I use light called Current PC. (Power Compaqs) There are many good light setups out there, just be sure you have at leat 6 watts per gallon or some corals wont make it. Maybe someone better quilified with lights could help you. I just know more is better then not enough, so invest in a good light setup right away.
Good luck, Billy