New 75gal Reef Tank Step-By-Step Setup DIY - Page 2

motorslave · 01-13-2006, 08:46 PM

And thats the hardest part!!! Also while you build, expect problems like leaks, design changes and such. Get a few extra bulkheads and such. think of anything that can go wrong and have a plan!

Robert

PowerManJ316 · 01-13-2006, 09:29 PM

Alrighy, time to start deciding what exactly is going to go into the tank.
First, many places I have been reading are telling me that Volitan Lionfish are not reef friendly. What are your opinions on the Lionfish? I really like little critters like shrimp, crabs, conchs, and snails and I would like to keep some other inverts as well, like a clam, urchin, and/or scallops. Is this asking for trouble from a first time reef keeper?
Jeff

motorslave · 01-13-2006, 09:30 PM

A lion will anything it can get in its mouth, even bigger!

Robert

PowerManJ316 · 01-14-2006, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motorslave

A lion will anything it can get in its mouth, even bigger!

Robert

*Sigh* It appears the Lionfish is just not in the mix for this tank. Maybe I can always start another tank just to have a Lionfish at some point down the road. But have have found some others i really like...the gobies seem like a beautiful and peaceful fish. I really like the Mandarin Gobies. These seem like a very friendly fish that will not harm other tank members. Yes??

motorslave · 01-14-2006, 09:25 AM

That would be cool! A species tank for the lion! Another thing about a lion in a reef is that they are a messy eater and can realy create alot of detritus.

Robert

VWD · 01-14-2006, 09:27 AM

Welcome to TRT!!!

Everyone said everything already. I just wanted to say hello.

Geoff · 01-14-2006, 09:58 AM

if you want a reef tank with softies than a lion is a perfect candidate. they are messy, but the corals will like it. as long as you do not want any shrimp or small fish in there you will be fine. you can even do a lion in a SPS system, the drawback is you will need to make sure you skimmer is up to snuff, but it can be done easily also. it is all about prioritizing your critters. pick the thing you want the most, than adapt the tank to that. there are more options out there, just ask. you may not like the trade off, but if you get all the info first you can have more combinations in a reef tank than you think.

G~

PowerManJ316 · 01-15-2006, 02:17 PM

Its great to see so many options available...more than you could ever find out just by reading books. Since I am more interested in the corals and small crustaceans, I am going to focus the tank on those and not go with a Lionfish. I hope to have a variety of coral types, but am going to focus on "open brain" corals, clams, and other LPS corals.

I also would like to have a variety of different shrimps, crabs and other inverts like conchs, a miniature lobster, cucumber, scallop, and an urchin.

First question, many of these inverts have different types of algae in their diet. Now I know this is a good thing to have, but how can I ensure there will be enough algae to go around. I know this may sound foolish, but I dont want to starve anyone! I do plan to have a very generous amount of these algae loving critters.

PowerManJ316 · 01-18-2006, 10:41 PM

I am thinking its about time to start making some of the equipment for the tank. I am planning on building the sump first. I was going to make it a two part really, half of it will be like a 20-25 gallon refuge and the other half will be like a 20 gal sump. I was planning on having the overflow drain into both, and then the refuge drain into the sump so i can achieve a much slower flow rate through the refuge. I was planning on having a large refuge to produce lots of food for all of the small inverts in the tank. I should have something drawn up in the next couple of days.
Am I heading in the right direction with this?

PowerManJ316 · 01-20-2006, 12:54 PM

A picture of myself for all interested in putting a face to the person you're helping. This was a trip in the Summer of 05 to Kona, Hawaii.

dobejazz · 01-20-2006, 03:36 PM

Sounds like a cool plan! Hopefully this will bump it up and one of the plumbing gurus can answer your question

ChrisPrusha · 01-20-2006, 03:42 PM

Those beers look small. That's all I got.

Welcome aboard!!! w0000000000000000t!!!

PowerManJ316 · 01-20-2006, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisPrusha

Those beers look small. That's all I got.

Welcome aboard!!! w0000000000000000t!!!

Yes, those hawaiians do not drink like us wisconsinites

.

I noticed you're not too far from Milwaukee. Are there any clubs/conferences etc. near here to get a little more involved with the hobby?

TheReefer12 · 01-20-2006, 07:09 PM

Welcome aboard. The more the marrier.

I wouldn't worry about the amount of algae. You can always feed your system algae if it is not producing enough. I wish I could say that.

Keep us posted on your progress.

Brian

ChrisPrusha · 01-20-2006, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PowerManJ316

Yes, those hawaiians do not drink like us wisconsinites

.

I noticed you're not too far from Milwaukee. Are there any clubs/conferences etc. near here to get a little more involved with the hobby?

There is the Wisconsin Reef Society (http://www.wisconsinreefsociety.org/), which is headed up by none other than hankstanks, the winner of January's TOTM. Ssshh, don't say anything, but I need to join, too.

And then there is IMAC in Chicago in May. Tons of wonderful information, and great parties, too!