Setting up tank from scratch (newbie)

[scarecrowman]

I have been reading this site and the boards for a few days now. I am going to be setting up a saltwater tank (125 gallons) and need to start buying things soon. I was wondering what everyone recommended as far as filters, heaters, skimmers (needed?), lighting and so on? I do not expect to have any live coral, all fish and maybe a few inverts I think. I was also thinking of using sand over crushed coral for the bottom. Any info is appreciated, I am trying to read as much as possible but have a lot more to learn.

 

[lcc]

There is an net site that sell the top of the line filters and skimmers etc. I know we are not suppose to put out there names, but if you email me I would be glad to give you the info. cjaclc@aol.com

 

[evad1029]

Stay away from ugf's and since you wont have live rock your basic lighting will be fine for just fish. You could go with a wet/dry filter that goes under the tank with a built in skimmer and you should be happy.

 

[scarecrowman]

Thanks for the info. Although I do have another questions (umm, what is a UGF?). Since I have been reading a lot more I was thinking of going with live sand and live rock, if this was the case, what do you think I would want to get for filtration and lighting? From what I have read everyone says the sand and rocks help with the bio filtration. Thanks again for the help.

 

[jacques]

Under Gravel Filter.
LCC, UMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, I'M TELLIN'!!!

 

[mithrax]

I dunno, for someone who's taking a plunge in this hobby for the first time (as you said) a 125 gal tank is quite a huge jump. I would start with a smaller tank, say a 55 gal, and see how things go because I think you need some experience before you go big time. If you're really into this hobby, I would suggest buying equipments that you don't need to upgrade should you decide to go all the way (like lighting, skimmer, etc.) IMHO. Good luck and have fun like we all do.

 

[scarecrowman]

I am using a 125 because my friend needs to get rid of it and is giving it to me cheap. I wanted to use a 70 I had but I think it is to old. Hopefully if I go slow enough I won't screw anything up to badly.
Can anyone recommend any good books on getting started or some other resources on the net? I have been reading all I can but I am sure there is more out there.
If you need to you can email me at mordecai@home.com
Thanks for all your help everyone, you guys (and girls) rule.

 

[scarecrowman]

After doing more reading I am still unsure of where to start.
What does everyone recommend for a 125 gallon tank for equipment? I am going to do fish only with sand. I was thinking of doing live rock but I'm not sure...
I was just wondering what everyone else here would do. I am still trying to learn about all the different kinds of equipment and like I said, kind of confused. Any help is appreciated.

 

[diatom]

Scarecrowman - I'm setting up a 125 myself. If I was you I'd definatially plan on having some live rock. You won't need hundreds of pounds but it's looks nice and serves a purpose as a bio filter. A protein skimmer is a must, and finally some kind of mechanical filter maybe a canaster. Don't be intimitaded by a large tank, it will take longer to cycle I suspect but if you're patient it will be more stable and will allow you to have some more diversity then a smaller tank.
Best of luck
Brent

 

[caymanlovers]

Get Bob Fenner's "The Contientious Marine Aquarist" and Martin Moe's book "The Marine Aquarium Handbook - Beginner to Breeder" BEFORE you start buying things. I didn't have Fenner's book and wish I did things differently,like not have a UGF and not have used copper in the tank. I started the tank thinking just fish and now want to go live rock and some inverts but the copper needs to get cleaned out first.
You can find these books online.
I can't stress enough that you get some references before you start.
Good luck and welcome to the hobby!
[ May 03, 2001: Message edited by: CaymanLovers ]

 

[scarecrowman]

Cayman, thanks for the info! That's exactly what I need, some good books that will help me. I will see about picking both of them up. Thanks again!!

 

[scarecrowman]

Thanks for the info. Is there any problems with putting live and dead rock together? I wanted to use live but I am not sure if I should right away or wait until I get everything else going. Is it hard to change from one to another or to mix some live rock in?

 

[jacrmill]

i would use LR right off the bat. it will help with your cycle and its really cool anyways. there is no problem with having LR and dead rock, but just so you know your dead rock probably wont be dead for too long if you have good water and everything. your LR will seed your dead rock, it will then become LR and grow the algae and everything. good luck, and i hope i helped.

 

[scarecrowman]

Thanks for the info. How much live rock would you put in a 125 gallon tank? I know I heard some figures before like 1.5lbs per gallon and such. Is this a good estimate?