WOW!!! I'm amazed at the flow of information in here! It's going to be fun getting involved in a hobby where there are so many interested / informed people to talk to...
OK...I am getting close to pulling the trigger on my system...first, I'll give you an overview and let me know if I'm doing something obviously stupid:
- Tank: 5'X24"X24" (150 gal)
- Pump: 1600 gal/hour capacity
- Sump and refugium (20 gal)
- Protein Skimmer (can't remember the brand - doing this by memory... but bloody expensive...just like everything else!)
- 2 power heads
- RO filter
- 3X5' VHO bulbs
- 2 Metal Halides (not sure of the wattage but open to suggestions)
- Heater (inexpensive relative to all the other parts of the system...is that typical?)
I think that's about it...various plumbing and sundries...
OK...now some of the questions:
- The tank is large enough to drill both corners...is that necessary or is one enough? Why?
- Live rock...I read the threads in other discussions and don't think I'm repeating anything...most of the rock I've seen for sale has very little growth occurring. However, the tanks I've seen in the stores have all been beautiful. Plus, here in Canada (Toronto) there doesn't seem to be a lot of options as far as suppliers. How can you tell "good" rock from "bad" rock...or is there such a thing? What is the basis for selecting rock?
- I understand the need to cycle the tank and will error on the side of conservatism when adding livestock. However, when I get to that point, what is the recommended "order" for adding fish, corals, clams, etc.? I ultimately want this tank to be a pretty diverse environment...
Any other thoughts you might have would be appreciated. I want to do this right the first time...
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you all might have...
Mark
:dance: --- This is me at the Stones concert yesterday...
OK...I am getting close to pulling the trigger on my system...first, I'll give you an overview and let me know if I'm doing something obviously stupid:
- Tank: 5'X24"X24" (150 gal)
- Pump: 1600 gal/hour capacity
- Sump and refugium (20 gal)
- Protein Skimmer (can't remember the brand - doing this by memory... but bloody expensive...just like everything else!)
- 2 power heads
- RO filter
- 3X5' VHO bulbs
- 2 Metal Halides (not sure of the wattage but open to suggestions)
- Heater (inexpensive relative to all the other parts of the system...is that typical?)
I think that's about it...various plumbing and sundries...
OK...now some of the questions:
- The tank is large enough to drill both corners...is that necessary or is one enough? Why?
- Live rock...I read the threads in other discussions and don't think I'm repeating anything...most of the rock I've seen for sale has very little growth occurring. However, the tanks I've seen in the stores have all been beautiful. Plus, here in Canada (Toronto) there doesn't seem to be a lot of options as far as suppliers. How can you tell "good" rock from "bad" rock...or is there such a thing? What is the basis for selecting rock?
- I understand the need to cycle the tank and will error on the side of conservatism when adding livestock. However, when I get to that point, what is the recommended "order" for adding fish, corals, clams, etc.? I ultimately want this tank to be a pretty diverse environment...
Any other thoughts you might have would be appreciated. I want to do this right the first time...
Thanks in advance for any thoughts you all might have...
Mark
:dance: --- This is me at the Stones concert yesterday...