Need Advice for a Reef Tank

[kevinf]

Hi guys. I'm new to the board but like what I see so far and needed some help. I've been out of the marine tank hobby for abut 10 years but would like to get back in. My wife and I are building a new house and would like to put a reef tank in the living room. All I know at this point is that I'm looking at getting a 90-110 gal. reef tank. I know technology has probably changed a lot in 10 years so I've got a lot of questions.
1. What's the diff between glass and acrylic tanks? Which is better and more scratch resistant? Whats a good brand name?
2. Exactly what equipment do I need for a reef tank? Your favorite brands would really help me price hunt. I want my fish and inverts to live, so I want good equipment. Nothing over the top price wise, just reliable stuff.
3. Our house will have a crawl space under it. Has anyone ever had a problem w/ the weight of their tank? I know the floor is spec'd to hold it but wanted to know if any of you have ever had a problem with this.
4. How much should I look at spending? I've seen between $2500-$3000. Is this too much? What about buying used tanks?
Well that's all for now. Thanks for all your help. BTW, I live in Raleigh, NC if anyone can recommend a good store. I've been to one I liked.

 

[iechy]

Let me try to help some
1> Glass is heavier and can refract light more when you get thick glass but this usually isn't a concern unless you are getting a huge tank. Acrylic is easily scratched and if you are doing a reef you will have a hard time getting coralline off the acrylic without scratching it. Go with the glass.
2. Good lights(MH's and VHO actinics);1-1.5lbs per gallon of LR;4-6"LS;powerheads for circulation;protein skimmer; heater. That is all you "need" but there ae many other things you could add.
3. Can't give any experience on this I'm right on the ground.
4. Expect to spend at least that. As always you take a chance when you buy something used but it is sometimes worth the chance if you get a good deal. Be sure that the tank has never been treated with copper if you get a used one just in case, I think it tends to hang a round.
HTH

 

[iechy]

Oh and a good book!

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by KevinF
I know technology has probably changed a lot in 10 years so I've got a lot of questions.
I've taken a huge step backwards in technology. I used to need all the $$ equipment. I've slowly discovered that very little of it is actually useful and most of it it detrimental (for Reef Tanks).
1. What's the diff between glass and acrylic tanks? Which is better and more scratch resistant? Whats a good brand name?
About 150 pounds. Acrylic is MUCH lighter. It is also clearer except for Starphire gla$$. For very large tanks I would personally prefer acrylic, but for under 250 gal I stick to glass. Glass is a LOT more scratch resistant but most scratches can be buffed out of acrylic with a good kit and a lot of elbow grease. A scratch in glass is pretty permanent. A LOT of it is just personal preference unless you want a custom shape or size. Oceanic is a good 100 gallon glass tank, I recommend a RR (Reef Ready) pre-drilled (2 overflows) tank. Hopefully someone will recommend a good Acrylic company.
2. Exactly what equipment do I need for a reef tank? Your favorite brands would really help me price hunt. I want my fish and inverts to live, so I want good equipment. Nothing over the top price wise, just reliable stuff.
My recommendation for equipment is #1 "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" and/or "Natural Reef Aquariums". Iwaki water Pump MD70RLXT, a couple EBO-Jager 250 watt heaters and a couple of AquaClear 902 powerheads. Euro-Foamer protein skimmer (although mine is home-made - DIY). And do NOT skimp on lights!!! For a recomendation you will first have to research the coral you're going to keep. In general I would recommend (4' tank): A pair of 250 watt Iwasaki MV bulbs run of an IceCap MH ballast, and four 110 watt URI SuperActinic VHO run off an IceCap 660 ballast.
3. Our house will have a crawl space under it. Has anyone ever had a problem w/ the weight of their tank? I know the floor is spec'd to hold it but wanted to know if any of you have ever had a problem with this.
I also have a crawl space under mine. For piece of mind I placed extra supports under the floor. Probably wasn't needed but I sleep better and for under $100.
4. How much should I look at spending? I've seen between $2500-$3000. Is this too much? What about buying used tanks?
For a Fish Only I would expect to spend $2500 - $3000 for a Reef I would expect $4000 - $5000.
Used tank are great if you can find them. Here it goes in spurts, I'll see a bunch of them one week and nothing for a month. IMO it's worth the wait if you can find a quality setup somewhere.
Good luck!! Once you have a plan in mind I'd suggest you ask for equipment recommendations individually. Lighting is a hot topic so use the search function to get ideas.
Welcome back to the obsession!
Guy

 

[jakob4001]

you also will want to take your time when adding your livestock...you will want to wait until your tank has cycled;
you may want to invest in a deep sand bed (DSB) w/ mixture of live sand & aragonite; however enough aragonite may be pricey; some people have had luck using quckquete product...if you can add most/all your live rock first would help to cycle your tank; usually 1-1.5 per gallon is suggested...you might want to shop around online too...that is another thing that has changed a lot in that time...there are now many online retailers for this hobby w/ some deals that are much more cost effective than your local fish store...

 

[kevinf]

Thanks for all the advice guys. The amount of info on-line is incredible. Whata source. I'll keep you posted on the tank.