new 75 gallon tank

[dhignigh]

I am in the market for a 75 gallon salt tank. I would like some assistance on what to buy. I am looking for mini reef. I had a 125 gallon salt tank 15 years ago, so I understand the basics, but I am sure technology and equipment has changed alot. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[salty rick]

Most everyone on this board agree that Oceanic makes the best tank. Its a little expensive but work it. As far as other equipment, you will find many brands that people like. I run a Fluval 302 canister filter and a Seaclone 100 skimmer. Both have worked well for me.

 

[slick]

Basicly this is what you should have. Keep in mind that there are many ways to set up a reef tank. This is just my opinion. You will need enough sand for a 4-6 inch DSB (deep sand bed) Then you will need about 1# per gallon of live rock so 75# would be good. You can have more if you want. Then you will need a good skimmer. Get one rated for about double the size tank you have. Lighting, you should have VHO actinics and MH's in the range of 10k to 20k depends on what color you like. Then add a refuge this is a tank with a dsb and some rock rubble. It also has micro algae and some other critters.

 

[leopardshark]

i recommend any brand name tank that you personally like or can afford. i agree with slick on the lighting system with vho's . i would go with ice cap ballasts. i would then use the bio rocker system or the cpr system those are the wet/dry's. i would then use a seaclone skimmer on that. if you want to go high tech on your lighting then go metal halide. on your return pump to the tank get the biggest pump you can afford that fits to your size wet/dry. then do what slick says with the lr. pound per gallon and same with the sand. do about half of the sand or 1/4 of the sand live. this will help your bacteria growth to move faster.