What is your opinion on this setup

[mr. green]

This would be my first, but I am not ready to buy yet. I have a ton of reading and research to do before I dive into this. I want to make sure I am ready to go and have all the knowledge I can get before putting out the money. What is your opinion of this system. I guess I like it more for the aquarium, stand, filters, and pumps. I think I may upgrade the lighting for future ventures. Again, I realize I may not use some of the chemicals, but I do plan on using RO water either from the store or another source if I can work it out. Thanks for you help.
65 Gal Saltwater Set with overflow
512302 65 Gal AGA Tank w/ Built-in Overflow, Black,
1 overflow 205.99
653006 Aqualight 36" 96 watt Compact Fluorescent 109.99
653089 4 Mounting Legs For Aqualight 7.99
529051 AGA Glass Cover 36x18 30.99
300721 Rena Filtsar XP2 Canister Filter
Other options: Emperor 400 Bio Filter 135.99
110586 Power Head Model 30 (for internal water flow) 175gph 24.99
110575 Quick Filter Attach Powerhead 7.99
Sump below tank:
519005 Megaflow #2 Filter- fits under tank 245.99
302515 Supreme Mag-drive 500 gph pump- operates Megaflow #2 filter. 82.99
1056 PVC plumbing and parts for Megaflow 3- includes valves, shut-offs, check-valve, installed by Elmers. 75.00
529251 AGA Overflow Accessory Kit Used inside of tank drain, includes sponge pre-filter 48.99
326404 Acura Submersible 250Watt 14" 24.99
237201 Digital Thermometer 2.79
310004 Dechlor Chlorine Neutralizer 4oz. 3.79
223008 Aquarium Net 8" 3.39
801400 (2) Instant Ocean 50 gal. 2 for 27.98
900930 30lb. Aragonite Substrate, fine grain 20.99
633000 ESU Super Skimmer sits in sump 114.99
600877 Deep Six Hydrometer measures salt level 10.99
805300 Sea Buffer pH buffer 8oz 6.59
313401 Saltwater Master Kit #401M Test Kit
measures pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate 23.99
008752 New Marine Aquarium, book by Paletta 16.99
* Free Livestock Rebate Certificate $25.00 free
* In-store filter installation free
* One year equipment warranty included
* Parts & Service Available at store
* Guaranteed Area's Lowest Prices
Home Installation optional
553136 AGA Pine Cabinet Stand, Oak 148.99
Total Price Kit with Pine Cabinet Stand 1388.37

 

[mebanesox7]

If ur planning on getting any corals than u have to get a lot sronger light...96 watt is way too small for a 65 gallon...u need a halide for a 65 gallon...i don't really know much about halides but i know they're strong...u should read about halides while ur studying...

 

[mebanesox7]

To start out ur tank u'll prolly want to have a calcium test kit...possibly a copper...maybe a ph adjuster...maybe a carbonate and general hardness test kit...phosphate test kit....refractometer/hydrometer...alkalinity test kit....maybe an aquarium light timer to set ur photosynthesis period...
Refractometers are more expensive but i would recommend them because they are a heck of alot more accurate than hydrometers...keep ur salinity around 1.022-1.023...keep ur photoperiod between 11-12 hours if u are thinking about corals...

 

[threed240]

Is this 65gal 48" long? If so I would at least get a 48" pc setup. You can also get a set of T5 High Output Florecents fairly cheap. Coralife makes several good setups for this tank. And add another powerhead. I am running 4 maxijet 1200's in a 55gal. Other than that, all sounds good!

 

[mr. green]

How about the cost!!!!
You think I am getting taken for a ride or are they in line with the current market.
Thanks again for all your help. I have a ton of notes already and I ain't gonna quit.

 

[keith burn]

This would be my first, but I am not ready to buy yet. I have a ton of reading and research to do before I dive into this. I want to make sure I am ready to go and have all the knowledge I can get before putting out the money. What is your opinion of this system. I guess I like it more for the aquarium, stand, filters, and pumps. I think I may upgrade the lighting for future ventures. Again, I realize I may not use some of the chemicals, but I do plan on using RO water either from the store or another source if I can work it out. Thanks for you help.
512302 65 Gal AGA Tank w/ Built-in Overflow, Black,
1 overflow 205.99 --- ok
Aqualight 36" 96 watt Compact Fluorescent 109.99 --- reg m/h ,96w will work in fish only but not well for reef.
Rena Filtsar XP2 Canister Filter--- do not like in s/w and will not need with sump.
Emperor 400 Bio Filter will not need with sump
Power Heads ---- rec 10x the gal of tank if 65gal 650 mim (imo 1 900-gph)with sump pump.
Quick Filter Attach Powerhead ---???
Sump below tank:
519005 Megaflow #2 Filter- fits under tank 245.99
302515 Supreme Mag-drive 500 gph pump- operates Megaflow #2 filter. 82.99
1056 PVC plumbing and parts for Megaflow 3- includes valves, shut-offs, check-valve, installed by Elmers. 75.00
529251 AGA Overflow Accessory Kit Used inside of tank drain, includes sponge pre-filter 48.99
326404 Acura Submersible 250Watt 14" 24.99--- ok rec 300w imo
237201 Digital Thermometer 2.79 ok but only 2.79????
310004 Dechlor Chlorine Neutralizer 4oz. 3.79--- will not need with ro/di water
223008 Aquarium Net 8" 3.39--ok
801400 (2) Instant Ocean 50 gal. 2 for 27.98----ok
900930 30lb. Aragonite Substrate, fine grain 20.99---ok
633000 ESU Super Skimmer sits in sump 114.99---imp get bigger one bigger is better
600877 Deep Six Hydrometer measures salt level 10.99 --imo get a refractometer
805300 Sea Buffer pH buffer 8oz 6.59--ok
313401 Saltwater Master Kit #401M Test Kit
measures pH, ammonia, nitrite and nitrate 23.99--ok dip strips good as well
all are jmo

 

[mr. green]

all are jmo
Ok, Excuse the Newbie who is not too savy when it comes to these things. What does JMO stand for?

 

[petjunkie]

jmo-just my opinion. Are these prices from your local fish store or online because the prices seem a little high. For example the Emperor 400 filter you have listed for $135, I bought mine new for $40 when I had one. I would price online and do your ordering wherever cheapest.
Equipment: You won't want a full glass cover because it will not allow gas exchange and your tank may overheat also. Canister filters aren't really made for saltwater, better filtration would be between 70-100 pounds of live rock, 70 pounds of live sand, a really good skimmer, and a sump/refuge below tank. I agree with the refractometer instead of hydometer, you can buy one for $50. I would read thru the equipment forum and get some ideas of good equipment and ideas for a refugium. It's great that you are planning ahead but you'll save a lot of money by using the search feature on this forum for all the equipment questions you have. Good luck.

 

[mr. green]

Are these prices from your local fish store or online because the prices seem a little high
These are from a LFS.
My shopping around has proved some diffrent results as far as price. I think I may purchase the tank and stand from them, but go elsewhere for the pumps, skimmer, etc.
Thanks Again.