Reef tank 101?

[aitf311]

Is there any site or thread that tells exactly what is needed to get a reef tank started? I am having trouble compiling the loads of information around here and its giving me a brain overload. I've had my 12G Nano for almost 2 months and would like to get into the reef hobby also! Thanks for any help..

 

[mudplayerx]

http://www.reefcorner.com/reef%20keeping_101.htm
Mods- they don't sell anything at this link

 

[tizzo]

In a nutshell...
Proper lighting
proper water chemistry
Stability. Even temp fluctuations can be crucial
Oh and 1.5 to 2 lbs of LR per gallon, for the best filtration.

 

[salty cheese]

https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...threadid=80022 :happyfish

 

[snipe]

I would search for posts from 007 there some good posts I think there is 4 of them and there LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONGGGG. lol so be prepared to read.

 

[aitf311]

alright, thanks guys....i am kind of mainly looking for items i need to purchase first, so i can start saving and/or purchasing when i have some spare cash, after all, I am just a poor student!

 

[salty cheese]

Originally posted by Snipe
I would search for posts from 007 there some good posts I think there is 4 of them and there LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONGGGG. lol so be prepared to read.
See my post above

 

[aitf311]

Alright, I think I have compiled all of the information from the threads/websites you guys have listed and here it is:
Equipment
1. Tank
2. Pumps
to get to and back to the sump
3. Power Head
Maxi-Jet is a reliable brand, try to get 20x water rate
4. Heater
5. Filter
Need more info on
6. Protien Skimmer
In sump models available
7a. Sump
Smaller tank in stand to heat, clean and do other things and then send the water back to the main tank
7b. Refugium
Similar to a sump but more ecological
8. Lights
For a 55g 400w is recommended
9. Thermometer
Guts
1 Substrate - Sand
2. Live Rock
3. Clean Up Crew
4. Salt Water Salt and water
5. Corals
Are there any other things I should know about before I start pricing these things? Nothing in any of these resources said anything about a filter, are there better kinds for reefs?

 

[snipe]

Thoughs are good posts and will give lots of good info to.

 

[aitf311]

I just read that a filter isnt needed in reef tanks when you have a clean up crew and a protein skimmer? Is this true?

 

[mudplayerx]

Originally posted by aitf311
I just read that a filter isnt needed in reef tanks when you have a clean up crew and a protein skimmer? Is this true?
This is true if you follow the Berlin system. You will need to do much more research before doing away with a filter though. You will need things such as a thick sandbed (2-1/2 inches or more), 1.5 pounds or liverock per gallon, and very high water movement (25x).
You will have to learn perfect feeding habits, test the water parameters more frequently, and do frequesnt water changes.
I would like to say I use the Berlin system, but I have a sponge covering my intake to my skimmer which acts as biological/mechanical filtration.

 

[aitf311]

If its that much extra, I'd probably be better of getting a filter then.

 

[mudplayerx]

If anything, it is less equipment and work to run a Berlin reef than a regular tank. Yuo just have to buy a lot of live rock, a lot of sand, and test your water religiously.

 

[snipe]

You dont have to run a berlin system to go filterless. You can if you have alot of live rock around 1.5 to 2 lbs per gallon and a DSB then you can go filterless with just a skimmer. Though If you have a wetdry then that would be your filter and it would be out of the way.

 

[aitf311]

Ok, this is shaping up good, my equipment list covers what I would NEED to get a reef going? Is there anything else I should consider?

 

[aitf311]

bump

 

[wax32]

aquarium stand / hood (depending on lights)
Timer / electrical curcuit breaker type plugs for power heads and lights
Ground fault interupt
grounding probe
LOTS of buckets
towels
tongs
nets
turkey baster
eye dropper
plastic syringes marked in mL
unused plastic cups
test kits
scraper / magnet for cleaning glass