It's time!

[easyEd]

Hello everyone,
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I’ve been researching information to decide on going reef or fowlr, and I’ve made the decision to go fowlr so I can experience the beauty of some of these amazing fish. I’ve also finally socked away what I hope will be enough of a budget to do it correctly. I have an empty 240 made by Clarity with 2 built-in overflows. No plumbing, no sump yet, no nothing else. I’ve included a picture below.

I know just about enough to get myself into trouble, so it’s time to pull the trigger. This is my first SW venture, so please forgive the neophyte questions. My current intention is to keep a mixed community of angels, tangs, butterflies and clowns, but I’d certainly like to know what everyone’s favorites are, so I can take a look at those also.

Here’s a list of what I think I need to buy, and would very much appreciate suggestions on brands, sizes, etc.:

Return pump(s)
Circulation pumps
Protein skimmer
Lights
Heaters
UV sterilizer
Equipment controller
Refractometer
Test kits
RO/DI unit
Live rock
Live sand
Salt mixing vats
Auto top-off unit
Utility buckets
Cleaning magnet
Quarantine tank setup

I’m sure I’m probably missing stuff, so please feel free to chime in. Also, I’m hoping to use a 250 gallon fiberglass tank I have in the basement for a sump, but have to get the plumbing figured out for everything.

Thank you in advance for the advice.

Ed

[theplatypus]

Welcome to TRT!

You'll need to figure out the headloss to determine the size of return pump needed. Protein skimmers MRC,Precision Marine, ASM .....
Don't like UV sterilizers.
Any old 20 gallon fishtank for quarantine.
If you're really going fowlr regular old normal output lights are fine.
You'll have plenty of buckets once you start mixing salt.
Don't waste your money on livesand it will become live with time.
Liverock, the more porous the better.
Salifert test kits
A big rubbermaid tub is great for mixing asw in

[ChrisPrusha]

Welcome to TRT, Ed!! w00000000000000000000000t!!!

I like and agree with what platy said. Sounds like you have a good plan, and that you've done some good research!!

[leveldrummer]

youve got the answers to your questions, so i just wanted to say AWESOME tank. thats a real great looking setup.

[VWD]

Nice looking tank and set up,



Welcome to TRT!!!!

[Geoff]

Welcome to TRT!!



i agree with everything also. UV sterilizers can be usefull, but not in the way you are thinking. to be used properly they need to be big and expensive. i would not get one untill you find out more about them and why they need to be so big.

you will need a monster skimmer for the tank. plan on most of your budget going to the skimmer and its pump.

G~

[tsoperator]

cool tank