starting a new tank. need lots of help

awholelota · 11-02-2007, 10:32 AM

so the last time i had a reef tank was about ten years ago.
touring all of the lfs here in the bay area i'm noticing tons of new products, and new techniques. i see that bio balls are gone and done with and t5ho is the new way to go. so i have questions...

i have a 55gal truvu 36lx20hx18d
i want to drill holes in the back for an overflow and return as well as a closed loop system. how much flow do i need for a closed loop system? how large of a pump should i buy? how much flow do i need for my sump return? how many holes can i drill in a plexi tank? i was looking to drill 8 holes.

i don't have much money so lighting will have to be inexpensive. i know lighting is one of the most important parts of a reef system, but my total budget for equipment, and livestock has to stay under $1000. i was looking at getting 4 or 6 helios 36" t5ho lights, or an oddysea 24" 250 metal halide with pc actinics. i've heard that oddysea isn't great, but how bad could it be? is a 24" light good enough for a 36" tank? will the 4 or 6 t5s be better? it'd come out to be about the same price. i'd be keeping mostly soft coral, a few lps, and possibly a clam or two. are t5hos good enough to get these growing?

if bioballs are gone what do i need for filtration? lfs guys tell me that live rock and a good skimmer should do the job. do i need a refugium? if so what kind of lighting do i need for it? how much lr do i need to keep the bio filtration good?

i'm sure i have more questions, but it's early in the morning and i need more coffee. my name is Boots btw. my parents were hippies.

saltysupply · 11-02-2007, 10:43 AM

I would pass personally on the closed loop system...Just stick a few powerheads in there, maybe some koralias or something..you will save alot on energy using those.

As far as lighting, do you want a canopy or a fixture to hang or sit on the top of the tank?

I would concentrate on the basics first, live rock, good protein skimmer and good lighting and flow.

Dagrape · 11-02-2007, 10:51 AM

Lots of good questions.....unfortuanetly if you want a stable set-up that will support corals, your budget may have to increase.

Anyway to your questions.

For a CLS on a 55gal, depending on wether or not you use a spray bar, you are going to want at least 1200-1800gph flow.

For your sump return what you want to do is match your return pump flow to the output of your skimmer. (You will want a good skimmer) I would buy one that is rated about 2x higher than your actuall water volume.

For softies and LPS T5's will be suffiecient. If you want clams you will need at more bulbs, and individual reflectors.

You may want to do some research on substrate. this will help you make a ton of other decisions on lighting/flow/ and amount of LR.

For filrtation all you really need is LR and as stated above a good skimmer..

Hope that helps a bit, I am sure lots of other people will have a TON of other suggestions and comments aswell.

Goodluck and welcome to TRT!

awholelota · 11-02-2007, 11:04 AM

i don't have a canopy yet, but i'll be building one about 10" tall.

i would be using a spray bar under my live rock which would be supported by rock lifts made out of pvc.

i do agree that $1000 not nearly enough, but that's all i have to spare right now.

this will all start in about two weeks after i get my hardwood floors redone.. so time is ticking. i know i should take it slow, but i'd like it to at least have water and rock, but thanksgiving.

Dagrape · 11-02-2007, 11:45 AM

Sounds like you have a great plan so far. (spraybar/rock lifts ect)

With the spray bar you will want to look into pressure rated pump. I have a LG 4MDQX running my spray bar. it is rated for 1325 or something....but I don't get anywhere near that much flow from it. Do a search for spray bars and you will find lots of good info.