Noob Questions :)

[MelloYellow]

I've been studying many boards and pages lately trying to learn as much as I can about maintaining an aquarium while working on finding a used setup for a reef tank. Anyone know of a really good site('s) with information? Second, would love to know some of your personal opinions on whether this would be a good setup for a reeftank and how much I should pay as I'm completely oblivious?
72 Gallon Bow Front
Eheim Professional II 2028 Canister Filter
6 X 65 watt Aquarium Light Fixture
Two CPR Bak Pak 2R+, Reef Ready Protein Skimmers
One Bak Pak Combination Pre-Skimmer and Bubble Eliminator
One Bak Pak Pre-skimmer
One Rio Model 1100 Submersible Pump/Powerhead
One ZooMed Power Sweep 214 Aquarium Powerhead/Pump
One ZooMed Power Sweep 228 Aquarium Powerhead/Pump

My books are all on the way from amazon, so soon i'm gonna be doing some SERIOUS reading up just like when in classes! (And I thought I was gonna sit around and learn nothing all summer ) Thanks in advance!

[three90s&125sump]

HI welcome to TRT.


I am very tired and I am going to make this short and sweat.

No canister filters they get clogged and make your water dirtier.

For what you would pay for 2 bak-paks I would just get one good skimmer like a turbofloter 1000 with the sedra pump. If you use a sump get an ASM g- hmmm what size is your tank?

RIO make poor pumps

Zoomed power sweeps are terrible and fail all the time unless you clean them daily.


As far as price goes you can get by on $200+ or you can spend 1000s of $$$$.

[MelloYellow]

Thanks a lot! I appreciate your reply very much so...especially at almost 3:30 in the mornin your time? yikes!!! So in your opinion i would be buying a lot of stuff that I shouldn't use for 400 bucks? Thats how much the person is asking. Unsure of the dimensions of tank though, just know its 72g and I've seen a pic.

[three90s&125sump]

Are you handy?

If the tank is not drilled I would not buy it. You can get a 90 gallon AGA RR for $250 and build a stand for $50. Buy a 20 gallon tall for $15, plumbing for $15, a good light system for $250, ASM G-3 for $200, live rock for $300, pumps for $150.

I would bet the reason the guy is selling it is because he can't get rid of algae.


We prolly should start with finding out what you plan to keep in the tank.

[MelloYellow]

I work at Home Depot in the Tool Rental area and can do most household renovations. I could probably build the stand and such but as for the rest I'd need instructions but more than likely could manage.

Where do you get all of your equipment from? Been looking at a really nice LFS in my town that quarentines and has nice live rock and everything but prices seem a little high when it comes to equip and such.

As for what, I would really love to have just this nice hodge podge conglomeration of everything. Some corals, some anenomes, some fish, snails, crabs, shrimp.... but I do know not everybody gets along and I have a LOT of research involved when it comes to picking what I want.

Oh, and the one pic I've seen of the tank...yeah, a good 1/4 of the front is covered in algae lol. And, on a side note, I just went through all the pics of your tank setup. Very impressive! They are going to be amazing when you're done with them

[clockwork]

hello I would pass on that used setup and look for one with a reef ready tank . My First tank was a 75g which had a Knop skimmer, 100lbs of rock ,6 fish , a huge leather and everything elseneed for 200 bucks .......Needless to say I no longer have the tank nor equipment . Once I learned things I started to upgrade the prior owners equipment.

IMO the best place to look for used equipment @ bargin prices is the FRAG forum on RC it is where almost all of our local Arizonians hangout. As a matter of fact there has been at least half a dozen full setups for sale recent and always equipment up for grabs.

I even have a list of stuff since I have been upgrading some of my tanks lately ( I have 7 tanks)

[three90s&125sump]

If you are handy then DIY everything you can that make sense $ wise.

Skimmer, calcium reactor, sump, overflows, CLS, Light hood, ETC...


We can definatly help you with that. The only things you really can't DIY are real corals and fish.

[three90s&125sump]

PS keep up the research its your best friend.

[MelloYellow]

Stayed up till about 5am this morning (total of about 6 hours) reading book suggested by my LFS and forum diving. Any good book suggestions??? I bought Corals: A Quick Reference Guide By: Julian Sprung and Reef Secrets: Starting Right, Selecting Fishes & Invertebrates, Advanced Biotope Techniques

Thanks for the info clockwork! I'll have to check that out

And once again, thanks three90s&125sump. I might just be interested in making a lot of my own equipment...always such a great sense of pride in building your own things. Lol, next 4 days off so i'm in for some serious reading.

[ev7046ev]

hey check out this.

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/inde...pic=54602&st=0

it is for a small aquarium but it helps extremely.

your fellow arizonian!

[Loverotties]

Welcome to TRT! MellowYellow & ev7046ev!