Newcomer baffled and discouraged

[1911_guy]

hello, i've been reading and enjoy looking at all of your DIY stands, plumbing, lighting, etc.
the problem is that i'm unsure of what i need and how to get it. if i were able to find a tank here in alaska that was pre-drilled or able to be drilled i don't know how to plumb correctly.
i've been searching for protein skimmers, pumps, poweheads, lighting and aquariums. i just don't know where to look.
i've read that there are some good SWA suppliers on the net but the boards don't allow the company's to be posted due to competition. can you please e-mail links to good aquatic suppiers?
here is my address: globenkimrug@hotmail.com
what is a good first read book about this subject WITH photos.
i would like to start a 90G with a few fish, some LR and possibly coral.
my budget, well...i'd like to stay under $2000. i found a nice MH setup by Coralife for around $500. i don't have ANYTHING yet.
i am very much into quality so i don't want to go with anything that won't work after a year. please help advise on product brands and where to get them. Is Berlin a decent brand for protein skimmers?
for those of you with 90G, what size and how many pumps and accessories do you recommend?
Thank you all who take the time to respond and help me out, after researching i get both very excited and discouraged...ALL help is very appreciated.

 

[thegrog]

Dont give up. I know it seems overwhelming now but it will all come togeather soon.
I would highly recommend a book by Bob Fenner called "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist". You can find it at most LFSs or online at any book supply store. It takes you step by step on the process of setting up a tank, choosing inhabitants, and equipment basics.
Take your time. You will not learn everything about the hobby in a week. I have been doing it for years and still learn more all the time! We all have been in your shoes at one time so I know what it is like.
For a few of your direct questions, yes Berlin is a good skimmer. So is the AquaC series.
Sounds like a good deal on a MH light. How many bulbs and watts?
For pumps you will need it least 10x turnaround (900 gph). Dividing this into multiple pumps makes nice, random currents. 1800gph in pumps would be even better.
Go with it least 100 pounds of live rock. This will be your most expensive item. You could stretch it with 60-70 pounds of LR and 30-40 pounds of dead base rock (tufa or coral skeletons) that will eventually become live.
Keep reading and you will learn!
Good luck!

 

[1911_guy]

I would highly recommend a book by Bob Fenner called "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist".
thanks, i'll be looking for that this weekend.
Sounds like a good deal on a MH light. How many bulbs and watts?
of course now i can't seem to find it but i know what site is was on. i remember it having 2 MH bulbs and 2 blue flo lights with a hood. when i find it i'll list the specs.
For pumps you will need it least 10x turnaround (900 gph). Dividing this into multiple pumps makes nice, random currents. 1800gph in pumps would be even better.
yeah, i have read 20x is best so i'll have to go with 2 pumps.
Go with it least 100 pounds of live rock. This will be your most expensive item.
i'm assuming you mean most expensive live item, not equipment? the only thing that scares me about LR is that 7 foot worm that steve weast had in his 500G. i read about that on his site.
thanks for the encouragement. i can't wait, just want to be prepared and get the right stuff the first time.

 

[1911_guy]

Okay, i finally got my feet wet today. (pun intended)
we found a great LFS here in town about 15 minutes away. excellent customer service and good prices. huge plus!
we decided on a tank and here's what we came home with:
75E All Glass Aquarium with oak stained stand and glass top
coralife deluxe double lunar aqualight-48 inch
(2) maxi-jet 900 powerheads
29 pounds oceanic sea salt
80 pounds arag-alive reef sand
hydrometer
surge protector
5 gallon bucket
Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook by Dr. Robert J. Goldstein
Barron's The Saltwater Aquarium Handbook by George Blasiola
Right now the tank is filled with water and powerheads working; 24 leak check so i haven't added the salt or sand yet.
Should i drain tank and put in sand and salt then fill back with water or is it okay to just add the sand then the salt?
We are going back to the LFS tomorrow for live rock and to possibly pick out a protein skimmer...they are currently out of sumps.
the tank is not predrilled so we are going to use an overflow.
We are SOOO excited!:joy:

 

[thegrog]

Congrats on taking the plunge!!! :jumping: :jumping:
Smart move with the leak check.
I would have gone with 3 or 4 powerheads to create more random current. Four less powerful pumps are better than two powerful ones IMO. You will get extra current from skimmers and sump returns though.
As for the sand & salt. Mix the salt first in the tank. Easier to do in a bare bottom tank. Remember to remove some water first to make up for displacement of the sand and rock!!! I would have the tank like 1/2 filled with mixed water on standby to top it off.
When you got the right SG, then add the sand. Turn your pumps off for this as your water will be really cloudy for a few hours.
When you add your rock, you will need to make sure it is fully cured. This is also a good time to cycle your tank and build up your denitrifying bacteria.
Don't worry about the hitchikers. The monster worms are more the exception rather than the rule. You most likely will get small bristle worms though. There is great controversy about this but I feel they are good for your tank as long as they keep their numbers in check. This is done by good maintenance and not overfeeding. If there is not enough food, they won't reproduce like crazy and get huge.
The hitchikers you want to look out for are the aptasia anemones and mantis shrimp. Aptasias are very common and a pain to get rid of so doing it early is the way to go. Mantis shrimp are pretty rare, but definately something you do not want. You will actually hear clicking in your tank if you have one. They are tough to spot as theya re nocturnal.
Also, when placing the LR, make sure none of it is touching the walls of your tank. This disrupts your water flow and makes it tough to clean the glass.
Sounds like you are well on your way to having a great system! Get some pics of the process and post them.
Any more questions, just ask!
GO ILLINI!!!!!!:cheer:

 

[1911_guy]

I would have gone with 3 or 4 powerheads to create more random current
powerheads... :nope: i am going to try and return those. i did some searching and WAY overpaid for them. $42 each. i found them online for $19. just got 3 more though, so now i'll have 3 maxi-jet 900's in the tank. the box says they only produce 230GPH though. wouldn't i need like 7 of them to get my 20%?
You will get extra current from skimmers and sump returns though.
just ordered a brelin skimmer and a tidepool overflow with sump, should be here within a few weeks. until then i'll just let my tank cycle and start placing some LR.
When you add your rock, you will need to make sure it is fully cured
the only LR i have found locally is already in a tank. should i let it dry or cure before putting it in my tank? i heard one can spray it with water that is really high in salinity and any unwanted critters will move off of it. is this okay? what is the process to cure LR anyway?
following are some pics of the initial setup.

 

[1911_guy]

here is the 75G with only about 5 gallons of water in it.

no undertank equip yet.

i got some legs for the lighting today to raise it up a little. the LED in the center was blocked by the tank frame, it has a center support...using 2 separate glass tops.

here's a geeky pic of the LED lights.

after the salt was mixed in, now i have perfect salinity...according to my $5 hydrometer.

 

[1911_guy]

TESTING...

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y11...th5gallons.jpg
how do i post a picture straight to to reply post?

 

[thegrog]

Nice looking setup!
For the LR, just bring it home from the LFS and put it straight into the tank. Don't let it dry out else you will have even more dieoff and it will take longer to cycle the tank.
As for the pic posting, I think you need a certain number of posts for a pic to go straight into your reply.

 

[1911_guy]

thanks, i'm a LITTLE upset that the shops are closed today, it's sunday AND it's Easter..but it's also my birthday...they are all closed so i guess i'll have to wait to get LR. I may wait till they get a new shipment of live rock to buy some. thanks for your support. i've had a little too much to drink so i can't send an accurate reply without correcting my spelling on every word so i'll get back to you tomorrow. have a good 4 hours of alaskan time of the weekend. -kevin

 

[ohiorn67]

HELLO!! Well you sound just like me about 5 weeks ago. Birthday thing I wanted was a new tank. Settled on a 75 gallon but did take it back and settle on the 90 instead. Set up like yours....I have the same lights too! Be careful what you paid for your light system at lfs. I loved my lfs for a couple of weeks also until I realized they were ripping me off. Remember what you paid for thos powerheads.....me too! then realized myself how much they took me for and they don't care! I took my light system back....paid 369.00 at lfs only to find them for 240 shipped online at webaquatics.com. Also....liverock MUCH MUCH cheaper online...---- auctions I hear are fantastic for this....also some good sites. I paid like 6.99-8.00 lb and could have done much much better. This has been a live and learn experience and an expensive one. I get all the new stuff online now. My heater alone I paid 38.00 at my lfs to find it online for 21.99.......ugh!! I have still not gotten over this, for I am a budget queen. I am now very careful for what I buy....just want you to be careful too and to help the next guy!!
good luck!

 

[1911_guy]

ohiorn67,
thanks for the advice. i try to price check everything too but when i bought the setup i guess i was a little impatient and just went for it. you have to remember though, i live in alaska which means shipping is crazy! they actually can get away with a little rip off here and there. most places online won't ship ground cause it's so expensive and has to go through canada. a $350 order that would have cost $14 to ship in the lower 48 cost $86 to come here. due to competition with this website i don't think you're supposed to list other suppliers on here but i would like to know where you get your stuff. you can e-mail the links if you don't mind. thanks
globenkimrug@hotmail.com

 

[thegrog]

It is very true what he said about ordering equipment online with the prices. You will have to balance the extra shipping against the money saved on supplies.
As far as LR online goes, yes it is cheaper. I personally like to look at live things and pick them out myself. At your LFS you can pick rocks that have the color and shapes that you want rather than having someone else pick them out for you. Just something to think about!