|
|
Have a question?
It's Free!
|
|
| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
09-04-2008, 10:03 PM
|
#1
|
|
Plankton
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Opelika/Auburn, Alabama
Posts: 32
|
New 125 Reef build
Hello all new to the site thought I would say Hi. I apoligize in advance for the long post! As the title of my thread I have a 125 reef project that is on going. Nay it is not set up yet, but in the works. I have about 15yrs exp with fresh and about 1 with marine. Needless to say my 1 yr did not pan out very well, killed about everything I put in the tank. Decided to stay with fresh for awhile, now I am going to try marine again. Or rather the wife wants me to try. So here is the plan, My freshwater 125 is going marine! I have protein skimmer, a Quietone 4000HH, a diy 55 gal sump/refuge, CPR siphon. Working on lights and a few odds and ends. Reading every book I can get my hands on about marine fish and reefs. Well I need some ideas on lighting, wife wants MH for the shimmering effects (LFS has MH over the show tank and wife fell in love with it.) Plan on 3 250watt 10K, but is this enough or too much. Was thinking about 175 on each end and a 250 in the center. Just don't know which way to go. Tank will have a 3 to 4" sand bed, but what sand to use. Base rock with show peices on top. Refuge/sump 2" sand bed w/ rock rubble and chaeto. Need light recommendation for sump. NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET!!!! Any advise recommendationsor input will be appreciated!!
|
|
|
|
Registered Members don't see these ads. Register now it's free!
|
|
|
|
|
09-04-2008, 10:58 PM
|
#2
|
|
Big Fishy
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 613
|
Quote:
|
Reading every book I can get my hands on
|
That's the best start in my opinion. This forum is very helpful as people here don't bicker like they do on others, just help. I think you are headed in the right direction and I would definitely use MH.
|
|
|
|
|
09-04-2008, 11:59 PM
|
#3
|
|
Plankton
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: California
Posts: 20
|
For tank lighting, it depends on the dimensions and what you plan on keeping in the tank. For the refug, power compacts should suffice for the lighting. But I don't recommend sand as I have heard of stories of sand getting into and damaging the return pump. just my 2cents
|
|
|
|
|
09-05-2008, 07:30 AM
|
#4
|
|
spaceman spiff
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,627
Reviews: 72
|
If it's a standard 125 that's 6 feet long, I think the 3x250W setup will be fine. You'll be happy you have it, and you should have too much light. Welcome to TRT!!
|
|
|
|
|
09-05-2008, 12:00 PM
|
#5
|
|
I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,098
|
 Welcome to TRT! I also think 3 250 would be fine!
__________________
|
|
|
|
09-07-2008, 03:46 AM
|
#6
|
|
Plankton
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Opelika/Auburn, Alabama
Posts: 32
|
Sorry guys for being so late answering, but you know how it is, sometimes other things come up and have to get them done. Thanks for the input on the lighting, really helps me. By the way the first inital steps to getting the tank setup is in progress. I wll be placing it in a wall seperating a bathroom and living rm. My wife came up with the idea. the bathrm is no longer will be our new fish rm. Yea guys I had 2 bathrms. Now everything will be contained in this new fishrm. Have to check undersupports, cut and seal the wall to prevent moisture damage, mold and mildew. Checking undersupport because in rough figures it gonna weigh almost 3/4 of a ton, that's a chunk of weight. My wife is getting the chance to remodel the living rm, yep she is taking advantage of the setup to get something else she has been after me to do. Anyway guys I am very excited on what I am undertaking and welcome all comments, advise, and input on how to accomplish my goal. Can you advise on a protein skimmer? Have one, but am not satisfied with it.(looks cheap, because it is cheap). Recommendations welcome. Thinking about a recirculating skimmer, opinions very welcome. Anyway thanks again!
|
|
|
|
|
09-07-2008, 08:21 AM
|
#7
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: hawthorne
Posts: 150
|
I just did my lighitng on a 125 and i bought a canopy for it and i built in two 6' VHO's for atinics and three 250watt MH's one for each braket on the tank. I also but like three fans in the canopy for keeping it cool and it seems to be working great so far. If you want pictures or help if you decide to do anyhting just ask =D
|
|
|
|
|
09-07-2008, 08:22 AM
|
#8
|
|
Little Fishy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: hawthorne
Posts: 150
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ancient Mariner
Sorry guys for being so late answering, but you know how it is, sometimes other things come up and have to get them done. Thanks for the input on the lighting, really helps me. By the way the first inital steps to getting the tank setup is in progress. I wll be placing it in a wall seperating a bathroom and living rm. My wife came up with the idea. the bathrm is no longer will be our new fish rm. Yea guys I had 2 bathrms. Now everything will be contained in this new fishrm. Have to check undersupports, cut and seal the wall to prevent moisture damage, mold and mildew. Checking undersupport because in rough figures it gonna weigh almost 3/4 of a ton, that's a chunk of weight. My wife is getting the chance to remodel the living rm, yep she is taking advantage of the setup to get something else she has been after me to do. Anyway guys I am very excited on what I am undertaking and welcome all comments, advise, and input on how to accomplish my goal. Can you advise on a protein skimmer? Have one, but am not satisfied with it.(looks cheap, because it is cheap). Recommendations welcome. Thinking about a recirculating skimmer, opinions very welcome. Anyway thanks again!
|
Whats your budget on the skimmer the price range on them is pretty big
|
|
|
|
|
