Is this a good setup???

[kbaz]

Hello-
I'm new to the hobby and this is what I bought to get started-(used)
120 Gal tank and stand 72" x 18" x 18" Oak stained
6 foot VHO Lighting system with one 10,000K daylight and one Actinic bulb.
Lighting system powered by Icecap Ballast.
Lighting is built to match stand.
Red Sea Berlin Turbo XL Protein Skimmer with Mag 5 pump.
Additional Mag 5 pump for water return, from sump system.
55 gal sump tank, split into 3 sections.
Large box of bio balls for sump system.
Overflow box, with hose.
All hoses and pvc piping to connect pumps and overflow box.
What do you think? What else may I need? Thanks!!!

 

[reefnut]

Wow, that's the way to start!! Everything looks good but I do not think the bio-balls will be needed. Do you plan to have live rock and live sand?? Also, what are you planning to use for water flow inside the tank??
IMO you would be better off putting in a refuge where the bio-balls where to go.

 

[fuax]

Nice purchase just an fyi 72x 18x 18 = 23328 divide by 231 = 100 gal
Only things i can see you need is sand, lr and salt.
and then you decide if you want to go fish or reef and you may need a few lil odds and ends.

 

[kbaz]

I'm planning to use LS & LR. I've been reading...and think I may use dead sand and top off with LS. What do you think? The one think I'm confused on is if I could add sand (dead & live) before adding water or after?
As far as water flow-I don't know what to use
What would you suggest?
I'm really new to this AWESOME hobby and need a A LOT of :needhelp: !!!!
Thanks for responding!!

 

[kbaz]

Originally Posted by Fuax
Nice purchase just an fyi 72x 18x 18 = 23328 divide by 231 = 100 gal
Only things i can see you need is sand, lr and salt.
and then you decide if you want to go fish or reef and you may need a few lil odds and ends.
Hey Fuax!
I'm sorry could you tell me what that equation means :notsure:
I'm new and don't know too much about the tech stuff.
Thank You.

 

[fuax]

Mixing the 2 should not be a problem but I would get some books on the hobby from either a library or store.
I will always say this research research reseach (you will be caring for living delicate creatures and the joy they will give you is what makes this hobby awesome) dont just go by what ppl tell you cause that could be opinion and not factual and work for them and may not work for you. Arm yourself with every bit of knowledge you possibly can. Their are a lot of great knowledgeable ppl on this site to get info from but always get info from every source you can then make a decision.
Good luck with the hobby I am sure you will enjoy it

 

[fuax]

Sorry you are right I should have explained it better
It is basically length times the width times the height then divide that by 231 to get the gallons
but remember that the measurements are in inches.
there i explained better sorry bout that

 

[nluchau]

Originally Posted by kbaz
Hey Fuax!
I'm sorry could you tell me what that equation means :notsure:
I'm new and don't know too much about the tech stuff.
Thank You.

That equation means you gave dimensions for a 100 gallon tank

 

[kbaz]

Thanks Faux.
I've bought a couple books and me and hubby have been reading, reading, reading!!!
I have been reading a lot on the message boards too. We plan to start slowly and monitor our progress...before investing in fish. Thought we might set up with LS, LR and clean-up crew and see how that goes first. We are not in a hurry and don't want to kill anything from our lack of knowledge & patience.

 

[fuax]

That is the best way to do it I have had fresh and salt water tanks for 20 years and I am still learning new this in this hobby everyday. its a great hooby to be in.
It keep you off the streets and out of trouble hehehhehe :yes: