I bought a 180 gallon 72x24x24 glass tank. It has corner overflows with holes pre drilled for in and out in both corners. I have not bought anything else yet. Would like suggestions on several things. I have time and I have not bought anything else.
My Reef intentions: 150-200 lbs of liverock, corner stacked about 18" high and 18 to 20" toward center and a few pieces with a bridge across middle to join the live rock U shaped design. 2-4 inches of live sand, mostly soft coral but eventually I will add some hard only a few though, an anemone, 2 clams, yellow and regal tangs, mated clowns, 6 line wrasse, school of green chromis 5 or 6, eventually I will get a few more fish 2 or 3 that are compatible or helpful to system, will add a mandarin in about 6 months(wife really wants this), cleaner crew. Metal Halide lighting, 50 to 70 gallon sump with protein skimmer, RO/DI, I may setup a refugium at a later time.
I am placing this in a finished basement with a closet behind the fish tank. Plumbing will run into the closet and sump will sit on the concrete floor(hoping this will stay cool enough so I don't have to buy a chiller). Closet has electrical and a drain.
Some concerns:
My closet is under steps but pretty big, there is drywall and untreated wood exposed. I was thinking of sealing the wood with a waterproof sealer to avoid rotting. I have a dehumidifier I can put in there also.
I plan to buy metal halides 3-250w. My fish store suggested the Sunlight Supply Maristar http://www.bizrate.com/fishsupplies/oid670404361.html This will cost me $1300 about 300 more than I wanted to spend is it worth the extra cost? I also found an Outer Orbit setup with 3-150 MH, with 4x96watt actinic for $899. I have also considered buying 3 separate pendants with 250W without separate Actinic. I intend to hang the lights over the aquarium and keep it open, I feel it will be easier to maintain.
Protein Skimmer should I buy one that is rated for about 250 gallons or even bigger. What do you think of the ATI bubble master? http://saltycritter.com/protein-skimmers/ati-bubble-master.htm
Anyhow any suggestions about all or anything I have written would be helpful. This is my first REAL tank, inherited a 54 gallon reef that I have had for 3 years while I finished my basement. Now I am ready to build my dream tank. I have done a lot of reading but I still don't know much.
Are there any websites that accurately rate reef aquarium equipment without bias?
Thanks for any and all help!!
Tony
Pic #1 Below is where I will keep the sump and other unsightly equipment. Pic #2 This back up to the closet, the tank will be on this wall which is 9 feet from corner on left to the edge of the desk showing.
My Reef intentions: 150-200 lbs of liverock, corner stacked about 18" high and 18 to 20" toward center and a few pieces with a bridge across middle to join the live rock U shaped design. 2-4 inches of live sand, mostly soft coral but eventually I will add some hard only a few though, an anemone, 2 clams, yellow and regal tangs, mated clowns, 6 line wrasse, school of green chromis 5 or 6, eventually I will get a few more fish 2 or 3 that are compatible or helpful to system, will add a mandarin in about 6 months(wife really wants this), cleaner crew. Metal Halide lighting, 50 to 70 gallon sump with protein skimmer, RO/DI, I may setup a refugium at a later time.
I am placing this in a finished basement with a closet behind the fish tank. Plumbing will run into the closet and sump will sit on the concrete floor(hoping this will stay cool enough so I don't have to buy a chiller). Closet has electrical and a drain.
Some concerns:
My closet is under steps but pretty big, there is drywall and untreated wood exposed. I was thinking of sealing the wood with a waterproof sealer to avoid rotting. I have a dehumidifier I can put in there also.
I plan to buy metal halides 3-250w. My fish store suggested the Sunlight Supply Maristar http://www.bizrate.com/fishsupplies/oid670404361.html This will cost me $1300 about 300 more than I wanted to spend is it worth the extra cost? I also found an Outer Orbit setup with 3-150 MH, with 4x96watt actinic for $899. I have also considered buying 3 separate pendants with 250W without separate Actinic. I intend to hang the lights over the aquarium and keep it open, I feel it will be easier to maintain.
Protein Skimmer should I buy one that is rated for about 250 gallons or even bigger. What do you think of the ATI bubble master? http://saltycritter.com/protein-skimmers/ati-bubble-master.htm
Anyhow any suggestions about all or anything I have written would be helpful. This is my first REAL tank, inherited a 54 gallon reef that I have had for 3 years while I finished my basement. Now I am ready to build my dream tank. I have done a lot of reading but I still don't know much.
Are there any websites that accurately rate reef aquarium equipment without bias?
Thanks for any and all help!!
Tony
Pic #1 Below is where I will keep the sump and other unsightly equipment. Pic #2 This back up to the closet, the tank will be on this wall which is 9 feet from corner on left to the edge of the desk showing.