Newbie that needs advice on equipment

dori girl

dori girl

New Member
Hi Everyone!
Im about to embark on my first marine system ever and I'm so excited! I'm starting with a 120 gal tank. I'd like to start my cycling with LS and LR. Im interested in getting a RO/DI unit. What is the best one, and how many gallon per day should I look for according to my tank size. Im also lookin into Protein Skimmers. Any suggestions on the best one? I think I like the SeaClone 150. (I hope Im allowed to ask these questions. If not I apologize.) I'm also going to set up a sump type filtration unit with an overflow box, 30 gal tank, and powerhead (along with my skimmer). I'm lookin to set up a reef system eventually. I'm also looking into a light fixture with two flourescent and two blue actinic lights to start.
Does this all sound good? Any suggestions welcome!!
:joy: Dori Girl
 
birdy

birdy

Active Member
looks like you have done some research before starting your tank, that is great, and that is a fanstastic size tank to start with. Since you do plan to go reef eventually then you want to do everything with that in mind. You will want to set it up as a FOWLR eventually to be a reef. You want a 2-3" sandbed (or 4-6" if you want a DSB), get oolitic or sugar sized sand. Then you will want between 1.5 and 2lbs of LR per gallon of tank. To save some money you will probably want to buy some baserock and some LR. If you haven't bought your tank already I highly highly recommend you get one drilled with overflow boxes (usually one on each side in a 120). Then you will want to set up a sump and I recommend a refugium (especially for a reef) In the sump you will house a couple of heaters, a protien skimmer (euro reefs come highly recommended) sea clones are not generally recommended, and a return pump. The refugium will house plants and some LR and LS.
As far as an RO/DI unit, just get one the puts out at least 65gallons a day, and has at least 4stages (micron, carbon, RO, DI). They are all pretty much the same.
 
dori girl

dori girl

New Member
I know this sounds silly but im a little unsure (scared) about setting up a refugium. I want to, but im unsure how to do it correctly. Also, why do I want a RO/DI that puts out 65 gal. per day? It sounds like alot. Also, should I set up the refugium immediately or should I wait till my tank cycles? And what is the deal with 02, 03 etc. actinic? What does that mean and which one should I have?
Any more suggestions welcome!
:joy:
 
dori girl

dori girl

New Member
Oh My God! I just priced the Euro Reef! I need something a little more affordable but that works well. Please Help!
 
birdy

birdy

Active Member
A refugium is very simple to build, do some searches on refugium and it will give you a better idea on how to build one.
As far as lighting, until you go reef then you can get by with regular NO bulbs, get half 10k daylight and half 03 actinic (gives the tank the blue look)
 
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