[starfishlover]

Just added another 40 lbs of sand (looks much better)that gives me 100 lbs sand. We got our lights,LFS didnt have the protien skimmer we wanted so we bought the lights instead we'll get skimmer next week. Light are
2 36 in 96 watts duel white and duel antic also purchase led moon lights (very cool)

[Mattfish]

We've got a 125g also - nothing in it yet - our first foray into fish.... Some questions:

• What sump did you get? We've got an AGA tank and considering the MegaSump - Model 4. Not because of brand, but due to availability, etc.
• Is the 100 lbs of sand enough? We've been hearing 1 pound per gallon....
• Which pump and is the 1800 gph enough, too much or just right?
• Is the 120 lbs of rock enough? Did you buy it cured or uncured and from where? Are you happy with the look?
• What kind of powerheads? Are they enough (total #), strong enough (size), etc?
• Why 2 36" light fixtures instead of 1 72"? What kind, do you like it?

I'm trying to spec what we'll get and looking for all kinds of info, so you're experience helps a lot! I've been getting good advice from a number of folks on this forum (very helpful), and planning to order the stuff next week, so terminal research mode....

Thanks!

[starfishlover]

Matt,
We dont have a skimmer yet but will get GS3 notnsure of brand. We had 60 lbs of sand and decidr we really needed more. The 120 lbs of rock is a good amount but we want to add a few pieces of tonga branch. We have excellent water movement with what we have the power heads are 1200's and the sump is 1800gph. Plenty of movement should keep all livestock happy. Make sure you buy a 300 watt heater we were sold a 200 and had to buy a 300. I have some pics in % day updatr thread and will post some more here when I finisk uploading to photobucket. I have dial up takes forever.Good Luck.

[starfishlover]

Lights were what was recomended the look awesome. We should be able to keep like 90 95% of corals

[Mattfish]

We're just getting ready to buy all the "stuff" next week and get started the following weekend. Haven't decided on a skimmer yet either, but gotten good advice from several people here. We're set for live rock from our local lfs - and a good deal too - $4 - $4.25/lb. Plenty of rock and sand is expected!

We're plannin on an 1800 gph pump and 4 or so powerheads - probably the Hydor Koralia's - probably the 850 gph model.... I get the point about water flow, so maybe need to up these to the 1200 gph....

It looks like we'll get two heaters - probably 250w or so, but I'm more concerned about needing a chiller with MH lights....

[jimw369]

Hey Mattfish Family! Sounds like you are really getting into this . Fantastic! If you dont mind me asking, what are you planning on putting in your tank? Just fish, soft corals, hard corals? Might be able to help you out a little more if you tell us.

[Mattfish]

Sorry for the gap in time - email issues....

We're planning on a full reef environment with maybe more than fish than normal. Probably about 120 pounds or a little less of LR, and after cycling and growing in slowly, a to-be-planned mix of fish, shrimp and related, clams, inverts and soft and hard corals. (I'm still learning about terminology, what works with what, etc)

I figure if I keep reading/learning, asking for lots of advice here and our lfs, and taking it slowly, we can grow a nice environment with lots of color and motion, along with plenty of variety of life forms.

With equipment choices, I'm trying not to impose limits, but that keeps adding to the cost - lighting for example. It's not so much needing the Rolls Royce in each category, as maybe a tendency to over-research and plan. To be honest, other than knowing I'd like to make this interesting, I've been so wrapped in planning equipment choices, that I haven't gotten too far into specific fish and other livestock choices. Everything seems interesting to me.

And although it may sound a little trite, so far, my wife wants color and motion, providing it includes Nemo and Dory. Marriage being what it is, that dictates our first few choices until we do some additional planning.

[jimw369]

Yes. I understand about being married, happily for 24 years.

Along with the cost for my tank was a new chair and ottoman, art (Pictures of sea shells and stuff) Rug, throw blanket for the chair, stereo (I guess fish like music), and assorted other stuff to really make the "fish room" a nice place.

Yes, I know all about marriage.

[Mattfish]

That was VERY funny. And lest either of us get flamed in this thread, I'll bet there's an equivalent story from one of the ladies who's signatures I've seen here from their husbands who are less active than the wives in all of this.

[jimw369]

Hey Starfish! Could you be real specific on the light you bought. (Type of light, watts and intensity) Doesnt sound like enough light for all those corals.

[jimw369]

Hey Mattfish! Yes, lighting. Can be costly, however, will it cost you more to buy a big enough light of good quality, or will it cost you more to possibly watch the animals you buy not live to their potential and possibly die?

I can only call upon my own experience during my short time with this hobby. We did not buy enough light for what we are currently putting in our tank. Heres a list of what we have and want to get. Does it sound familiar?

Brain Coral, leathers , mushrooms, Anenomes, grogonians, Some LPS corals and maybe someday an sps or 2. Cleaner crew and 1 fish.

My wife and I had to take a walk the other day and discuss how far we really wanted to go with this hobby the first issue: What about a new light or we had to back up and give some animals back to the lfs. We chose the new light that will meet our needs. I am ordering it tonight online.

To have a healthy reef tank that grows and thrives with all the above mentioned animals except the LPS it takes 5-7 watts per gal. 7 Watts per gal I would consider to be the least for SPS based on what I read. That # can vary some considering the depth of your tank. My tank is 24" deep.

[Mattfish]

I absolutely agree - from everything I've learned so far here, in books and mags, and talking to people at the lfs's, it's much better to spend the money up front, get the right equipment for the widest possible spread of what we want to do, and then patiently grow into the need.

As part of that decision, I'm going to my lfs tomorrow and we're going to order everything (finally! after so much research) and hopefully have it in time for this weekend.

We made the decision to get a Solaris light. I did the math, and it seems that if it will save money every month on electricity over an MH setup, hopefully alleviate the cost of a chiller, cause less heat in the house, therefore less a/c for the humans, and not require the cost of changing bulbs, then it's a very good deal. I guess it comes down to paying up front for all this, and saving money over the long run.

But basically, I've talked myself into it and the rest is just mental justification. Not sure yet (until tomorrow) whether it'll be the G series or the newer H series - the difference is about $700, and goes from 250W to 400W. Possibly some other bells and whistles.....

[jimw369]

WOW! Solaris! I have heard some good things about that light but it is a little pricey.
Dont want to tell you what to do but I would ask the names of a couple people that have bought that light from your lfs. Maybe ask these people if they are trying to do what you want to do with your reef tank. These lights are the latest craze and sound like the answer to everything hmmm...

Why dont you post something in the equipment section asking about that light. Some of these guys (and gals) here at RB are just plain smart and really keep abreast of this newer stuff.

If you do buy that light I am sure I am not the only reefer wanting to hear how you are doing and lots of pics!

[Mattfish]

I actually did put a post on it in the Equipment section, but so far, no takers, except that Ry77 just gave me a lot of good info in a post:

Reef Builders Forum » General Interest Forums » Equipment » Overflow .. confusled

He's got a lot of good info in there. I'm going to call PFO tomorrow to ask a few questions on the difference between G & H series (H is the newer one), and I'll post it. Assuming I go ahead with either one (and I'm likely to do at least the G series tomorrow, and get it (I hope) by this weekend, I'll put up pix and as much info as someone as inexperienced as me can figure out.

Being a computer guy (I work for IBM in sales), the programmability appeals to me, but then, being in sales, I can talk myself into anything, and I understand the point about it being "the answer to everything".

[jimw369]

I responded to the post in the equipment section so now your poll/questions will be at the top of the list again. With monday coming I am sure some of the smart people will be back from the weekend to help you/us out.

[starfishlover]

Originally Posted by jimw369

Hey Starfish! Could you be real specific on the light you bought. (Type of light, watts and intensity) Doesnt sound like enough light for all those corals.

the lights are Sun someting. We bought 2 36 in 96 watt fixtures. There is 4 white bulbs and 4 blues total. Planning on some retro fit MH in another month or so. Wallet is pretty empty right now.

25 years married 5/15
Tank was our gift to each other.

[jimw369]

I didnt know you were getting MH too. That set up with some MH should be great. Keep us posted.