Reccomendations For New Set-up

[ssgibbons]

Good Afternoon All.
I am in the process of setting up my new tank. its a 300 gallon acrylic. i have the tank/stand/hood/sump (100 Gallon). But I have to buy everything else.. looking to have a tank to house clams..coral.... I would like to get some opinions on brands and what to by.

Lighting (PC,VHO,MH Brand)
Protein Skimmer (ETS, Euro-Reef Model)
Pumps (External)
Calcium Reactor (Brand Model)
RO/DI Unit (Brand Name/Stages)

Thanks In Advance For Any Advice
Scott

 

[Anonymous]

Hi GunNut! Welcome to the world of Reef Aquaria!

I'm sure most here will be eager to help you get off on the right footing for your new ecosystem.
Can you give us some specifics re: the actual dimensions of the display tank and sump? This is probably the best place to get started when considering lighting possibilities.

After working with ETSS fractionators the past several months, I will say I like them and recommend them. Beckett-injected skimmers are also great for high load/high turnover. I know of at least one member on this board, Andy ("myreef") who builds them custom for hobbyists if you don't want to purchase from a retailer.

Concerning external pumps, I can say enough good things about Iwaki Walchem's. The sizes to consider will vary on how much turnover you'll want to achieve through the system. However, if you want real indestructible realibility in an external pump (and don't mind noise), check out March Pumps.

A calcium reactor is something else that several fellow hobbyists build to cater to hobbyists. By them for them, if you will. I can't say anything about brands, because I've never worked with a brand name reactor.

Re: RO/DI, I'd take search around reefs.org UBB archives and past threads for info that relates the stages and functions to what you're looking for, ie, what each one does.

I hope this is of some help,
Chris

 

[ssgibbons]

galleon Thanks!!

The tank in 96L x 24W x 30H X 1" acrylic
The sump is 48L x 24W x 24H

I have kept several reefs before, but none larger then a 120... so this tank is in a totally differant class

Thanks again for you help chris

 

[Anonymous]

Allrighty GunNut,
thanks for the specs. With a 30" depth, I say go for 400 watt Mogul/Metal Halides (either Ushio or Iwasaki for substantial PAR and irradiance), or 250 watt Ushio HQI's (great PAR) as your main lighting. With either, you'll need 4 fixtures (one bulb per 2 feet). I'd add supplemental actinic/white PC's or VHO's as you feel are aesthetically necessary (the blue is totally up to you).

With Mogul 400 watt Metal Halides, Hamilton Technologies makes the best fixtures I have ever worked with. They have a variety of rigs to accomodate however many supplemental bulbs you'll feel are warranted. Also, their ReefSun fixtures are worth a look too. They are compact and pretty handsome (only halides/HQI, no supplemental fluorescents), and I've been working with them for years in growout/propagation situations.
Their website:
http://www.hamiltontechnology.com/

If you want to do it cheaper, I'd give the reefs.org board & archives a good search for recommended retrofit kits and retailers.

You're sump size looks ideally substantial, and should easily be able to fit a good size in sump skimmer, if you decide to go with an in sump model.

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote

I have kept several reefs before, but none larger then a 120... so this tank is in a totally differant class

ah, but at least you're familiar with the addictive beauty and education properties of the hobby that make it so special!

Best,
Chris

[ March 29, 2002: Message edited by: galleon ]</p>

 

[ssgibbons]

Thanks Again Chris!!

 

[Anonymous]

Anytime! Have fun with your project!

 

[ssgibbons]

galleon is this what you woud reccomend?
Thanks Again
Scott

From http://hamiltontechnology.com

4 QTY
2' RETRO 1 MH 2 EURO COMPACT FL 55W - GERMAN
400W 20K**
1783.60

 

[Anonymous]

That looks cool (I wouldn't personally use a 20,000 K bulb on such a deep system, due to lack of penetration, irradiance and PAR)

Also check out the 4 foot retro kits:
http://hamiltontechnology.com/shop/index.cgi?task=show&cat=4FT+Retro+Metal+Halide+with+Compact+Fluorescents

...or retro kits PFO (through other online retailers)

 

[ssgibbons]

Which buld would you reccomend and why??

Thanks Again,
Scott

 

[ssgibbons]

I just looked at the 4' models, its more economical, but i like the ideas of having 4 smaller comparments. as opposed to two larger ones.

 

[seasailor]

Hey GunNut, Seems no one hasasked you what you are looking to keep in this giant system! What's up with that!

Depending on your preferences, what you want to keep determines how you want to care for it/them.

Let us know!

Cheers, Charles

 

[ssgibbons]

Well to be honest seasailor, I am not 100% completely sure. I am trying to get the equipment all purchased. I love Brain Coral and Clams. For lack of better words, I am trying to use the worst case scenario. (what animals arethe hardest to keep, and what equipment would I need for them) Am I going about this the wrong way? If so please let me know.. Thanks

Scott