[thelastmucci]

Ok so now that I've decided on the RSM I figure I'm all set on "tank" stuff. However every time I read someone elses post or in the DIY forums people have Fuges and Sumps and Overflows. I understand that having more water is better but I really don't have space for all that. Should I scrap the idea of a tank entirely since I can't put in these "parts" or are they more for larger tanks. I really want to go ahead with this hobby but I want to do it right the first time. Money is not necessariy an object. I can always save up more if need be. Also I notice that almost all of you have QT's. Is this also a necessary add-on or if you know where the fish/inverts/coral are coming from and you have your dealer keep them for a week or so this is an acceptable practice. I know these are dumb questions and yes I have been reading and reading (my head hurts I"ve been reading so much) but some things I figure are better to ask people that are already "In the know" as it were.

Thanks
Tony

[glampka]

You don't really need to have a sump/refugium. I have a 30 & two 12 gal cubes & don't have one. They're nice to have but not a necessity to keeping a great tank. I say get the RSM if you want it. You can always mod out the back compartments to make a small refugium if you want.

A QT is a stand alone tank - bare bones. Highly recommended so you don't bring anything home that could wipe out your tank. It can be as basic as a bare tank with a sponge filter, heater, piece of pipe for the fish to hide in & cheap light. Just because the fish is fine @ the lfs doesn't mean it is disease free. Most lfs don't QT their fish.

[thelastmucci]

Thanks for your input guys. I guess I'll have to invest in a QT tank. Lord knows that down the line if I already have an established tank and then I get some weird disease (not me per say the livestock, I already have my own issues) then I would be devasted. So I guess for another $100 or so it'll be worth it.

[msbdiving]

I think the QT is worth it's weight in gold. Almost. You will definately save a lot of money and heartache by having one. In my opinion, it comes above all else in importance.

[Tonz of fun]

10g for 10 bucks. 5 dollar light at LHS, heater 15 and powerhead 15 and then your golden!!!

[jimw369]

Instead of a powerhead you might want to try a little cannister filter like a #2 fluval. Keeps the water clean and circulating well. For $30 its worth it. Just use plain filter media and not carbon in it. 1 gal water change every 3-4 days and water stays great.

[thelastmucci]

thanks for the added comments guys. Dosen't sound like all that expensive of a propostion....I would never use a fluval again though I had a bad experience with one and it kept sucking water out of the tank after the top had come off....not fun by any means.

[e_baer]

good luck with the build.

you can always start the tank out withouth a sump/fuge, then later if you decide you want one, you can get an overflow box and dome pvc pipe and your good to go.

[cappy290]

Tony I had the same thing happen to me with my fluval it sucked all the water out of the tank and dumped it into my vent that broke and leaked all over my stuff in the basement.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by thelastmucci

thanks for the added comments guys. Dosen't sound like all that expensive of a propostion....I would never use a fluval again though I had a bad experience with one and it kept sucking water out of the tank after the top had come off....not fun by any means.

The fluval 2 is a small in tank canister filter it sucks water in the bottom goes thru your media and spits it out the top. No hoses, nothing to go wrong, its all self contained.

[thelastmucci]

sounds like the one to get for me Jim...thanks.

[jimw369]

Works for me. It pumps I think about 80-90 gal per hour Good for a ten gal tank.

[Mattfish]

I'm a little late to the party on this one, but have gone through exactly what Anthony went through - reading, reading, asking, reading, decisions. After all, half or more of the enjoyment of this is the learning, the consideration of options, the decision to get into something new.

I'm in what I would now consider "zone 2" - 4 or more months, mistakes, learning, luck, mistakes, and more learning. I'm suspecting there are probably 10 or more zones, and I'm in the Zen baby stage....

We don't have a QT, and while I can already hear the comments everyone will make, we will get one, and at one had one that leaked and got returned. Part of my answer is to get to know the lfs' (we just found another really great one Thursday), and to be careful. We also avoid situations likely to bring disease - smallest possible water transfer, etc, which, of course, still guarantees nothing, except good intentions...

Like Anthony, we figure on building out to a refugium someday, but we know we're not ready for that.

So I guess my one lesson here is - you can start out, get going with the learning, and make improvements as you go. There are lots of good choices, obviously some no-no's to avoid (and the people here at RB are GREAT about helping in that regard), but you can start without a sump or fuge and step up later. Chances are, you'll want a bigger tank anyway - we're at a 125 and can already see why we want something bigger. In our case, it's important to have somewhere to sleep though, so the 125 is it until we hit the Powerball numbers....

[thelastmucci]

Mike and Co.
I am SO sorry I didn't get back to you earlier today..I was here and just didn't read the post. Happens allot once you get about 100 threads or so they all just kinda blend...plus I was reading about Vietnam and that's always fun although I do recommend the book, its called "If I die in a Combat Zone" Anywhoo thanks so much for the positive feedback...I don't want you to think I'm an unappreciateive jerk. LOL

[am3evan]

I don't know if i just missed it or what but are you getting a new tank and debating on a sump/fuge?

If so the only thing I can say is if you look at the trouble melev went through to get a decent sized sump/fuge in his cabinet (not sure which one) you will decide its probably a good idea to get it in before setting your tank up.

For those of you who haven't or don't want to read about it, He had to make supports that could accomodate him installing the sump and the removal of the center cabinet support all while hoping his tank didn't collapse and wreak havoc...