Hello everyone. I have been on this forum for a little while. I have not been as active as I would like, due to a break in my internet connectivity, and time constraints, but I'm back now!
I know this is the best place to find the REAL pro's, and EXPERT opinions.
Anyways, I currently have a 65Gal setup. Running since August 2006. Nothing crazy, but it works OK.
My current setup consists of:
65 Gal glass tank & steel stand. (No hood)
Flourescent lighting (not Power compact)
2 skimmer filters.
1 Fluval 404 canister filter.
Undergravel filter with 2 powerheads (1 on each side of the tank)
Battery Backup system, 5 days worth of power.
~40Lbs of live rock.
Mostly damsels. 10 blue leg hermet crabs, couple of bumblebee snails, a sand starfish, and other little stuff.
Pic here:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Picture169.jpg
I recently came across an AMAZING deal, and couldn't pass it up. $200 cash, here's what I got:
Pics of everything below...
90Gal Glass tank, VERY minor scratches along inside bottom (where gravel is).
Tank is drilled, and has 2 pipes coming out of back of the tank, one with ball valve..
Wooden stand with matching hood.
25Gal glass Refugium tank below.
Wet Dry filter, with bio balls and media.
Protein Skimmer.
Large UV Sterilizer AQUA Brand, 15 Watts.
Mag drive pump with an external check valve.. (I think 450Gph).
Large powerhead.
~75 Lbs of Live rock. (dry)
PICS:
Tank:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/042.jpg http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/048.jpg http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/047.jpg
Filter:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/043.jpg http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/044.jpg
UV Sterilizer:
http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/045.jpg http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o...Delete/046.jpg
So... I will be moving soon (20 days or so), and would love to use this NEW setup in our new place. But.. I am a relatively inexperienced reefkeeper, and need help with all of this. I will be transferring all the crushed coral and live rock into the new tank, minus the undergravel filter. What I need to know is what the best way to set up the rest of the system is. You know what I have... listed above. I can use any of the existing parts, and any of the newly purchased parts as well. I would like to have the most maintenance free system I can (don't we all), and am unsure of the best way to plumb everything, and which filters to use, and which not to. I do not know the PROPER way to setup the refuge filter, so I will need direction there. I will be purchasing a NEW Power compact 48" lighting fixture, but need to know which to buy as well. I don't plan on keeping an
extensive array of corals, but would like the tank to have as much visual appeal as I can afford.
So I'm up for opinions / suggestions. I'll let you guys help me get this all ready to go and setup. If you have any questions, feel free to ask them. I will do my best to check this forum at LEAST once a day. My email address is
mytintguy@aol.com. I can be reached there quickly. Thanks in advance for all the help everyone!
Matt