[vindeezie]

Hello folks,
Im new to this hobby and i want to do it right. Being just introduced into this new hobby I want to get things right. I have been blessed with a gift (a ridiculously huge 220 gal tank) and I am just now finishing building my very own stand. I would like to get all the advise to could get. Im taking my time with this thing and i want to have beautiful coral and a few nice happy fish living in the system. What advice can you ALL bestow upon me..... like what will i need to get the environment suitable for life!

thanks a bunch

ViN

[Chef_jaeger]

look through the library it has great links there for site that list anything and everything you could want the one I have like for startup is
Melevsreef.com - Reef Tanks!

just my thought.

[BLKBRDTA]

Hey Vin, thats crazy that you came across a gift like that.. Lucky!

We will start at the very beginning since you are still fresh to this hobby. Obviously, we want to avoid most of the rookie mistakes before hand, especially with a 220g, although you will encounter complications along the way.. Inevitability..

First, we will cover your equipment list, and once the system is cycling we can start discussing the livestock list. Though do take heed, in this hobby, there aren't many ways to get around price tags. You get what you pay for. The bigger the tank, the bigger the bill. That said, let do this!

As of right now your basic cycling stock list should look something like this:

(+/-) Indicates you can increase/decrease amount if desired.

Live Sand (LS)

>300 lbs @ 4" DSB (+)

Live Rock (LR)

>330 lbs @ 1.5 lbs/g (+)

Lighting

>250w/400w Metal Halide HQI x 3 w/ 8 x 36" PC/CF/T5HO supplemental lighting (+)

Or

>18 - 20 x 36" T5HO bulbs @ 39w - 54w OD (+/-) (Depending on ballasts, bulbs, reflectors, wiring, etc.)

Bulbs/Ballasts

>I won't go into specifics on these two, every person has their own preference on brands, outputs, hue, color intensities, spectrum coverage, supplemental addition bulbs, etc. When you decide on either a MH w/ supplemental lighting or straight T5HO's, then we will discuss bulb options and name brand manufacturers.

Sump/Refugium

>90g (+) assembled sump/refugium w/ drip trays, filter media, sponges, etc.

Or

>90g (+) custom built DIY sump/refugium w/ fabricated spill walls, media zones, drain lines, etc. - If you wanted to pull the trigger on this, we can help you through that build as well.

>>60 lbs LS (+) for DSB in refugium.

>>>PC/CF/T5 lighting on refugium - TBD..
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We will start with that list for now and continue on as soon as we get confirmation. The list can go as far as your budget will allow it to. Many things still must be brought to attention like a skimmer, heaters, chiller, cooling/ventilation/humidity fans, dosing reactors, system controllers, return pumps, closed loop systems, powerheads, salt mix, so on and so forth. I literally mean the list is endless, and we haven't even got to the livestock yet.

**This list is compiled only by me and my input towards your inquiry. It should not reflect the final decisions or actions taken, but instead be a helpful reference to base off of. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and any response to the initial post should not be treated as irrelevant or understated. If incorrect, simply.. correct it! No need to start a forum fight or huge debate that will eventually stray far away from the the person asking for help.**

HTH

[map95003]

Welcome to RB and the hobby. I think Tony got you started with a good list.

Just a few things to add, if you have $$ to spare, the list might not look too bad, however like most of us getting into the hobby it takes time to build that list but don't be disappointed...I think in your starting post you said you want to take your time..."time" is key for success here.

Now before you decide on lighting, you will first want to get an idea of what type of corals you want to keep (softies, LPS, SPS, mixed)...that's going to drive the type of lights you need. In addition to the cost of the lights, you also have to remember the monthly electricity cost to run the lights, depending on where you are if you go with MH lighting you may need a chiller to keep the temp down.

I would start with the live sand and LR (for that size tank if $$ is an issue you could get some base rock (dead rock) and some live rock...in time it will all be "live".

Also, if you will be hooking up a sump, you'll need a return pump (or 2). We'll need more info to determine size of the pump....just something to think about.

Get a good skimmer, some power heads for movement and let the tank cycle for ~6 - 8 wks...before you start adding livestock....slowly.

Good luck, take it slow and do ask questions...