Looking for advice on this aquarium quote/setup

deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
naw all fun .frustrating is when after the new tank is running and you get the new tank algea bloom.
patience is key .
ask around and find a woodworker somebody probably knows someone.
my cabinet was around $500 no top though i went with a big light system.
i know its a crummy pic but it is more or less a fowlr i only have 5 corals in it.
blue background 3 250 watt mh bulbs.
you will be up to $10,000 by the time your done with the fish ,skimmer ,sand,ect.
i dont like the wet/dry set ups either.
a simple sump/fuge works better.
if you go with the plastic in the tank then you can have a bunch of lr in the fuge for filtration.
but you can see if you like my fowlr or not.
if you want i could try to geta better pic of the tank to see the fish with the lr.
 
oceansidefish

oceansidefish

Active Member
I think that getting the tank and the facoral piece from Tenecor are fine...Just not the rest of it. Personally since the tank is not going to have corals you would be more than happy with say a 6 light T5 fixture that is 60inches
 
crimzy

crimzy

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix
http:///forum/post/3020128
i guess I'm now starting over from scratch... very frusterating...
I did a quick search for a system that I'd set up if it were mine and here is what I found if you customize the system by parts.
A 180 gallon (72" x 24" x 24") acrylic tank from glass cages is $990 (plus you'd want an overflow or two installed for a few bucks extra) - the unstained oak stand is $400-$500 and canopy is $220.00
For a filter, you would want a nice size refugium with a place for an internal skimmer and the return pump. I saw one rated for a 300 gallon tank with some of the plumbing and the return pump for $373.91. Personally I would build the fuge myself out of another tank, but this one is done for you. From the same retailer was an AquaC EV-240 skimmer for $399.00 and Coralife T5-dual bulb fixtures for about $119.00.
Finally, from this site you could do 160 lbs of live sand for $400, (which may not even be necessary), and 100 lbs of premium live rock for $400, (with $40 in store credit coming to you).
All told, you would still need to get a couple odds and ends (powerheads for current, some plumbing parts, coral skeleton, livestock)... but this gets you a brand new, really nice system for around $3,100.00. Look around, you can find a good deals on good systems.
 
oceansidefish

oceansidefish

Active Member
Originally Posted by crimzy
http:///forum/post/3020197
I did a quick search for a system that I'd set up if it were mine and here is what I found if you customize the system by parts.
A 180 gallon (72" x 24" x 24") acrylic tank from glass cages is $990 (plus you'd want an overflow or two installed for a few bucks extra) - the unstained oak stand is $400-$500 and canopy is $220.00
For a filter, you would want a nice size refugium with a place for an internal skimmer and the return pump. I saw one rated for a 300 gallon tank with some of the plumbing and the return pump for $373.91. Personally I would build the fuge myself out of another tank, but this one is done for you. From the same retailer was an AquaC EV-240 skimmer for $399.00 and Coralife T5-dual bulb fixtures for about $119.00.
Finally, from this site you could do 160 lbs of live sand for $400, (which may not even be necessary), and 100 lbs of premium live rock for $400, (with $40 in store credit coming to you).
All told, you would still need to get a couple odds and ends (powerheads for current, some plumbing parts, coral skeleton, livestock)... but this gets you a brand new, really nice system for around $3,100.00. Look around, you can find a good deals on good systems.
Nice setup Crimzy... I would cut the rock since he likes the pre-cast reef look which I personally think is cool for a FO tank. I would also cut all the live sand to dry sand with 1 bag of live which would save you more dough (and he could get cheaper here at a LFS) I would also switch the AquaC to an ATB or WM research skimmer (more dough though).
If you wanted you could also sub out the acrylic for glass if you prefered...Thats more personal preferance than anything though. I know of a glass builder here in so cal that has made some AMAZING tanks with starphire glass and such, really more reef set-ups though
 
A

aquatix

Guest
Thanks Crimzy! How visible would the return pumps and powerhead be? One thing I liked about the fake coral was that everything was going to be hidden...
And if I'm going with LR now, I might as well get some coral in there to make it look nice. I just need to make sure it's compatible with an emperor angel.
I've also called an aquarium company close to where I live and asked them to send me a quote, based off what I was looking for.
Thanks again, guys.
 
wattsupdoc

wattsupdoc

Active Member
Don't be frustrated.
Your setup will be much better off and fully stocked for less money. Why not save some cash and still get brand new, very nice setup? I would do the 180 as suggested and do a 75 gallon for sump fuge with a top of the line skimmer. Use 125 lbs of live rock (actually 40% live and 60% base rock if you wanted) in the display, two or three small islands. Then do another 50 lb.s of live rock rubble in the fuge. This will keep a clean look in the display, yet further improve on filtration. You could just use base rock rubble in the fuge, for 100.00 ish. Then do a deep sand bed (in the fuge), I see no reason why with a 75 you would need it to be remote, as replacing the sand bed years later can easily be done just by doing a water change and removing it. I remember pricing a set up just like this out for 6000.00 fully stocked. With a premium skimmer. Which I would lean on more so.... The cone skimmers are the latest and greatest craze. ATB makes a fine one from what I've seen. You would be much better off spending the 800.00 or so for a premium skimmer than you would the junk filtration being sold with the Tenecor tank. You'll likely have some big eaters in there and will definitely need the filtration to handle it.
 
crimzy

crimzy

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix
http:///forum/post/3020232
Thanks Crimzy! How visible would the return pumps and powerhead be? One thing I liked about the fake coral was that everything was going to be hidden...
And if I'm going with LR now, I might as well get some coral in there to make it look nice. I just need to make sure it's compatible with an emperor angel.
I've also called an aquarium company close to where I live and asked them to send me a quote, based off what I was looking for.
Thanks again, guys.
Hiding the stuff is possible.... If you do a closed loop system, then you won't have any pumps, powerheads or cords in the tank. External pumps would circulate the water and the only things in the tank would be the pipes for input and return. These things would be very easy to hide by simply arranging the rocks around them. The closed loop system would mean a few more bucks to have the tank drilled and some extra plumbing parts. The return is in the sump so you would never see it.
When you say, "coral", I assume that you are talking about coral skeletons (dead), based on the fish you are looking to get. I also like the look of these.
 
oceansidefish

oceansidefish

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix
http:///forum/post/3020232
Thanks Crimzy! How visible would the return pumps and powerhead be? One thing I liked about the fake coral was that everything was going to be hidden...
And if I'm going with LR now, I might as well get some coral in there to make it look nice. I just need to make sure it's compatible with an emperor angel.
I've also called an aquarium company close to where I live and asked them to send me a quote, based off what I was looking for.
Thanks again, guys.
You can still get a setup with everything hidden....Not a problem
 
A

aquatix

Guest
I got a little confused in the whole "closed loop" talk, but I imagine if I explain it to glasscages, they could drill appropriatly.
By "coral" I meant a full blown reef tank, as much as having an emperor angel would allow, anyway.
 
A

aquatix

Guest
whatsupdoc - a 75 gallon tank, just for a sump, seems huge! Will it be able to fit through the opening on those glasscages stands?
 
crimzy

crimzy

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix http:///forum/post/3020252
I got a little confused in the whole "closed loop" talk, but I imagine if I explain it to glasscages, they could drill appropriatly.
By "coral" I meant a full blown reef tank, as much as having an emperor angel would allow, anyway.
If you want a reef, the type of filtration mentioned should be fine, although you may want stronger lighting. Also, an emperor angel may snack on some of those corals.
A closed loop is simply an alternative to having powerheads in the tank for current. There are holes drilled in the tank to accomodate pipes. One pipe will draw the water out of the tank, into an external pump, and then another pipe will shoot the water back into the tank. It eliminates the need to have powerheads and cords in the display... they are external and hidden in the stand. I have lots of pics in this thread, of mine... https://forums.saltwaterfish.com/t/319365/just-picked-up-my-450-gallon. My closed loop comes from the bottom of the tank. If I did the original design, I'd have it come from the back of the tank as it would be easier to hide.
 
oceansidefish

oceansidefish

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix
http:///forum/post/3020255
whatsupdoc - a 75 gallon tank, just for a sump, seems huge! Will it be able to fit through the opening on those glasscages stands?
65 Gal. 48 x 18 x 17 Tall - It will fit like butter...Having a nice sized sump makes water changes really easy too. Pump the water out, then pump it back in.
 
wattsupdoc

wattsupdoc

Active Member
I have two 29's on my 135.The standard 75 is 18 in wide. Your 180 stand should accommodate this nicely. I would recommend a 55 for a 125ish set up, a 75 for 180-225. It will look small under the 180. You will have a good amount of backwash. The 75 will give you lots of room for the refugium and the sump. I would do a large rubble compartment. This could be one side of the drain from tank. Then go to refugium, then return pump compartment. Mag 24 Would be my preference there. The other side would accommodate a large skimmer, you'll need it.
I would not do anything any smaller than the 75 if it were me.
My 2, 29 gallons could be bigger.
I believe you cannot have too much filtration. Well, maybe too much chemical filtration...But that's a different thing. If you don't already have one you'll need a good 100gpd Ro/Di filter. There will still be room under the stand to do a good sized ATO off the Ro/Di unit under there. I would either see about using a 20g. tall, or as large of a tote(Rubbermaid etc. As could possibly fit.
A closed loop would be definitely a good thing. Have the tank maker(whoever you decide). To drill 2, 1 1/2in holes and provide 2 bulkheads for said holes. Have these drilled in the bottom if at all possible. The back will cause you issues fitting next to the wall. The ends would look horrible. In the bottom, 1/4 of the way in each. You will cover these with rock when you aqua scape the tank. One is your drain, the other is your return line. Later we'll discuss how to connect it all. Real simple, just some PVC pipe and fittings.
 
A

aquatix

Guest
At this point, I have a quote request for a 170 reef setup from a local company and one a few hours away. If neither of those work out, I'll be starting a new thread here and asking for help in picking out my tank and equip.
 
king_neptune

king_neptune

Active Member
Originally Posted by aquatix
http:///forum/post/3020255
whatsupdoc - a 75 gallon tank, just for a sump, seems huge! Will it be able to fit through the opening on those glasscages stands?
Look into a 55gal Brick for a sump. 75 would be cool and is totally feasible for a system your size, but if you feel too big try 55gal.
i picked up mine on craigs list for 20 bucks. Spent 40 more on glass panels and silicon. BAM!!! a $60 55gal sump. Who cares if its used, it holds water and sits under the stand.
But in your case, a brand new 55 tank should be relatively cheap. But defiantly don't go less than 55gal. sumps should never bee less than %20 of your DT volume, and I personally disagree, i think %30 is a better rule of thumb. hence why i say don't go less than 55gal sump.
 
spendingdough

spendingdough

Member
My fiancee and I both made the change from fish only tanks to reefing. We had fish only tanks for approx five years and were quite succesful at it. We ALWAYS had a very good supply of LR in our tanks and very deep sand beds. The unfortunate thing is our systems were pieced together over the years, and we ended up with some crappy equipment that is no good. We really reliad on our LFS for advice. That bad decision was made worse when we amalgamated 2 75G tanks to a 180 reef tank. We relied soley on what the LFS recommended and as a result we bought some BRAND NEW equipment that I am now replacing one month into this.
These forums have been an amaising source of information! Use them, search them and dont rely soley on this thread for info.
We also had the means to buy brand new and because we bought a "package" I believe some things were skimped on. For the kind of dough we spent I would do it alot differently and pick everything seperate according to your needs and then see if you can find some one to package it. I am very happy with our tank dont get me wrong but I have spent at least $3000 in upgrades from my original package because of things I took for granted. The people on these forums have wealth of experience and knowledge ....use it, it is free.....tough thing to find in this hobby

Just my two cents worth......or should I say ten grand worth....
 
wattsupdoc

wattsupdoc

Active Member
Originally Posted by King_Neptune
http:///forum/post/3020733
Look into a 55gal Brick for a sump. 75 would be cool and is totally feasible for a system your size, but if you feel too big try 55gal.
i picked up mine on craigs list for 20 bucks. Spent 40 more on glass panels and silicon. BAM!!! a $60 55gal sump. Who cares if its used, it holds water and sits under the stand.
But in your case, a brand new 55 tank should be relatively cheap. But defiantly don't go less than 55gal. sumps should never bee less than %20 of your DT volume, and I personally disagree, i think %30 is a better rule of thumb. hence why i say don't go less than 55gal sump.
Newbie giving advise as if experience backs it....He has a 125 with a 55 on it......
Originally Posted by SpendingDough
http:///forum/post/3020754
My fiancee and I both made the change from fish only tanks to reefing. We had fish only tanks for approx five years and were quite succesful at it. We ALWAYS had a very good supply of LR in our tanks and very deep sand beds. The unfortunate thing is our systems were pieced together over the years, and we ended up with some crappy equipment that is no good. We really reliad on our LFS for advice. That bad decision was made worse when we amalgamated 2 75G tanks to a 180 reef tank. We relied soley on what the LFS recommended and as a result we bought some BRAND NEW equipment that I am now replacing one month into this.
These forums have been an amaising source of information! Use them, search them and dont rely soley on this thread for info.
We also had the means to buy brand new and because we bought a "package" I believe some things were skimped on. For the kind of dough we spent I would do it alot differently and pick everything seperate according to your needs and then see if you can find some one to package it. I am very happy with our tank dont get me wrong but I have spent at least $3000 in upgrades from my original package because of things I took for granted. The people on these forums have wealth of experience and knowledge ....use it, it is free.....tough thing to find in this hobby

Just my two cents worth......or should I say ten grand worth....
Now this is good advice. Surely you will find yourself in this same predicament if you go with a "package deal". It is in their best interest to sell you the least for the most....I would be willing to put together a package for you and point you to each piece of equipment. Then you purchase it. Call(as I thought someone mentioned) your local reef club and see if you can arrange for 3 or 4 guys to come over and help with the set up. I believe you wont have any problem getting a volunteer or three. I can design your sump and you have someone help you assemble.
 
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