Reef "Filtration"

[Theo A]

I had a few questions about some advice and setup that my LFS is providing me with.

First off, I'm new to reefing, so forgive me if I say something dumb

His "method"

Natural Seawater and fresh live sand (collected daily). Fully cured live rock, that should have little if any die-off. Large sump, extra big (200gallon tank, use 500gallon rated) protein skimmer.
3-4 powerheads witha controller
lots of light
lots of hermits, snails, etc..
RO machine feeding a holding tank, which plumbs into the sump. Float valve controlls water level to compensate for evap.
No water changes, ever!

After 1 week, and a good testing of the water, should be able to start adding livestock in small amounts, a few corals, etc.. 1 predatory fish, if ANY. (I want a this baby lionfish he has so badly )

Anyhow, thats what I'm working with. Since I'm spending quite a bit of money, I though It wouldn't hurt to get a second, third, and tenth opinion on this "method".

I do know he has some very impressive looking reef tanks in his store, and he was happy to show me how they are all setup (same as above) Some HUGE corals, red-pulsating xenith, big clams, etc...

Anyhow, let me know what you think. Setting up a 180gal reef is no budget minded task, and I just want to make sure I do it correctly the first time.

[pjtag124]

All LFS's have their ways to address a reef system. Normally a LFS's budget is a lot larger that the normal hobbiest. I felt the best suggestion I ever got when starting was the research & collect the most amount of info before spending a lot of money.

[tdwyatt]

as posted by PJT...
All LFS's have their ways to address a reef system. Normally a LFS's budget is a lot larger that the normal hobbiest. I felt the best suggestion I ever got when starting was the research & collect the most amount of info before spending a lot of money...

ditto. Although I find that I like this approach, the "no water changes ever!!!" part disturbs me more than just a little.

Everyone has their favorite way of establishing a tank, and this is just another way, but to add creatures directly to the tank so soon (even with freshly collected live sand and cured LR) will be a potential disaster. If you're lucky, this will work, but I have found with many systems set up in this same manner that the maturity necessary for a truly successful REEF tank must be reestablished every time the sandbed is disrupted, regardless of the source. I am currently moving a tank with almost 5 years of undisturbed maturity as a history, and I expect to see many problems until the sandbed reestablishes itself in a few months. I doubt that I will be acquiring any new specimens for a while...

[nvrmore]

Hiya Theo

I agree with tdwyatt that 1 week really isn't enough time to let your tank establish itself. Patience at the beginning pays off down the road IMO. Everythying else equipment wise sounds good. Although you might consider thinking about some kinda water change schedule.

Like ya said you're puttin alot of time and finances in it so takin the time to be sure that your tanks inhabitants do well will be time well spent


Tim

[Theo A]

Thanks guys. I haven't put this plan together, I'm just checkin up on the guy that has.

I'm building the stand tomorrow, and should have the tank ready to fill by the end of next week. I'll post some pictures as it comes along.

[nvrmore]

Cool Theo we are about on the same schedule. If all goes well I am gonna be doin about the same stuff next weekend also