OK, So I got hooked..

[Hommeworks]

Now what to do. I was pulled into our neighborhood aquarium store and found myself amazed by the reef tanks. I scuba dive so I find seascapes highly cool.

1st question: Anyone able to reproduce Northern California reef model with hydro corals and bull kelp. I bet the temperature issue is tough, 58-46F. This is where I dive and its the best seascape by far.

A little about how I plan to proceed. I'd like to get a 110 gl. glass tank. Set up chiller, lights, live sand, salinity, then just play with the water. Take measurements and record and adjust. Once I get a handle on the basic water management, then I'll add live rock and begin the genesis of life.

What is the difference between drop-in and in-line chillers. Is one better than the other. I'm thinking 1/4 hp.

Should I get 1 or 2 overflows. This seems important when ordering the tank.

When I begin to layout my genesis plan on paper, how tall should I build the rock structure relative to the surface of the water. Is there a rule, if too tall, can lights burn coral at the top.

Sorry for the length of this, but I'm just getting started. Oh and one other thing, money can be saved by purchasing hardware on the web(no sales tax). Am I safe staying with the sponsors on this site.

[SteveNichols]

Don't know the answer to all your questions, but I thought I would say welcome to TRT and our madness, I mean hobby.
As far as live rock and height/lighting, it is determined by the set-up you are looking for. Some corals will be burned by the intense lighting, but starting them at the bottom and slowly moving them higher in the tank ca help acclimate them to the lighting. Being the California coast where you dive, your experience can tell you how it looks. The lighting is determined by the corasl you want to keep. Let us know what they are and we can help you determine the lighting requirements for them. As far as sponsers, I don't know all of them the site has, but most/all that sponsor sites are reputable and willing to help in selection of equipment. I would run the equipment selection by the people on the board since they don't make money off of the sale. There are somevery knowledgable folks here. Again, welcome to TRT. BTW, your post wasn't long and don't worry about that if one ever gets long, either.

[Alice]

Hi HW! You picked a good user name as temperate tanks are a challenge! While the basics are not that different, the specifics of temp, lighting, ect will be as there just isn't a large bulk of info like there is for tropical reef tanks. As you have no doubt surmised

It would be interesting to see if a PAR rating could be found for the area in which you want to get your animals. If you run big metal halide lighting, you could very well burn some animals who are used to less available lighting due to not only the latitude but also the turbidity of the water. Have you checked NOAA's website to see if there is any available data?

1 or 2 overflows? More is usually better, as long as you can find someone to do the drilling.

Chillers...no clue, don't really need one here so I'm hoping someone will respond.

Again, welcome to The Reef Tank! I'm very interested in how your project progresses

Alice

[TroyF]

One thing to consider if you are running those cool temps and using a glass tank is sweating. You'd be much better off with acrylic. Lighting won't be your most important point but a really good chiller will.

[Doug1]

IMO you want 2 overflows, water movement is good. Temp control for a cal tank will require a chiller, not sure how big. A drop in has a chilled titanium coil that drops in the sump and cools water passing by it. Seems like it might be ok for minor temp drop, but to replicate the Ca coast temps a big flow thru will prolly be required. As far as the rock work and what not, the environment you want to create is a little different than a typical tropic reef so you may have to wing it alot, Good luck, sounds interesting
I think VHO lighting would be OK for most stuff, tho Kelp may be a pain to try and keep, if you are talking the big one
Anyway WELCOME

[Alice]

Very good point on the glass sweating, Troy

[Junkzoo]

WELCOME!

[FishDaddy]

Hello Hommeworks,

Good to have you join us!
That sounds like a great project, especially with your diving experience in that area.
I have no experience with temperate reefs but this article may be of help:
http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish/reference/as11.asp
I understand that the author, David Wrobel, also has a book about Temperate Reefs, though I don't have the reference.
Good luck and keep us posted about your progress!
Dick

[fliberdygibits]

Just remember with an inline chiller, you have to shut down your filtration and take apart your water "circuit" anytime you remove your chiller for whatever reason..... with a drop in, everything just keeps running.

As far as glass sweating, I have seen articles where people made the front wall of their tank into a double pane glass with silica crystals in between (lying out of sight near the bottom). If I can find the article I will post it.

HTH

[Hommeworks]

I appreciate all of you input. I especially appreciate your warm welcomes. I think I shall enjoy this madness!

[fliberdygibits]

I forgot to say Welcome!! I relatively new to this board as well, good to have ya!

Regards

[Casie]

Welcome Hommeworks =)

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Welcome to the reef tank forum! Your attempt at this type of an aquarium will be interesting in deed!
I am curious as to having kelp survive in the tank. How fast does it grow, what kind of lighting would be required, and what plant food and fertilizer would be necessary to keep it healthy and keep its color.
Please keep us informed as to your progress! Johnny

[OodleyBoodely]

Hi, Hommework!
I think you have really piqued everyones interest with your temperate reef tank, me included! You may have to be your own expert on this one and let your experience and observations as a diver guide you. Everyone here will be happy and able to help out with most aspects of your project. Other than temps and photoperiods, I don't see there being a lot of differances between the tropical and temperate setups. Good luck, and welcome to TRT!

[Allyson]

Hi Hommework & Welcome ! I wish someone in my area had a North Cal set up....my LFS sold me some turbo snails from that area & I'm bumming on watching them die !

Best of Luck!