[Phayes]

Hi, I am new to the hobby of SW aquariums, and have been doing plenty of reading and just recently bought a 75g tank S/W setup. I bought all the lighting/filtration/etc in a package, however I opted to upgrade the filtration to the Filstar XP3 Canister filtration. This is a much larger filtration unit than what was required for my tank however I figured that bigger is better? My LFS, has told me that the 30lbs of aragonite (sp?) would be sufficient for a base bed for my tank. However, after reading many of these forums, I'm tending to think I should be adding more. I questioned the owner of the LFS regarding the 1lb/gal theory, however he said it was not necessary. I intend to (once my tank has cycled) add at least 75 lbs of live rock as per what I've read on RB. But I guess my main concerns were regarding my filtration and the amount of Live sand I should be using. Also, in addition, what should I be doing regarding a skimmer? I don't have one atm, but the LFS said that I will not require one for 5-6 months. True or false? Any answers to any of these questions would greatly settle my nerves and let me sleep at night. Thanks in advance!

[Mirkle]

Hello and welcome to the boards.. im new to this hobby too so just a welcome here and ill let the pro's address your concerns.. they are pretty quick and knowledgeable, your gonna love this site

[thelastmucci]

As far as the OP is concerned, I would defanitley get at least 75 lbs of LR (live rock) now you can cut some costs if you get some "base" rock and then "seed" it with LR...as far as sand bed. Again what your doing isn't wrong per say however most people on the boards would say that you need at least a few pounds say around 40 to add to you Live Sand or LS. This would in effect give you a "DSB" deep sand bed. This is most helpful is the denitryfication process. As far as a skimmer is concerned...there are many threads on there that people say they don't get skimmers right away. But it would help in the whole cycling process (getting stuff out) and would save you the trouble of installing it later on. From what I"ve read and been told it's best to start off with a "bang" if you will and get all your hardware at once...that way you'll be able to be better prepared for when you want to get more corals or a bigger bioload. HTH.

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by Phayes

Hi, I am new to the hobby of SW aquariums, and have been doing plenty of reading and just recently bought a 75g tank S/W setup. I bought all the lighting/filtration/etc in a package, however I opted to upgrade the filtration to the Filstar XP3 Canister filtration. This is a much larger filtration unit than what was required for my tank however I figured that bigger is better? My LFS, has told me that the 30lbs of aragonite (sp?) would be sufficient for a base bed for my tank. However, after reading many of these forums, I'm tending to think I should be adding more. I questioned the owner of the LFS regarding the 1lb/gal theory, however he said it was not necessary. I intend to (once my tank has cycled) add at least 75 lbs of live rock as per what I've read on RB. But I guess my main concerns were regarding my filtration and the amount of Live sand I should be using. Also, in addition, what should I be doing regarding a skimmer? I don't have one atm, but the LFS said that I will not require one for 5-6 months. True or false? Any answers to any of these questions would greatly settle my nerves and let me sleep at night. Thanks in advance!

First lesson in saltwater is most LFS dont know what they are talking about. The depth of your sandbed is entirely up to you. I would recommend 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of live rock. LR will also cycle. The recommended setup is to add your rock first so that you have a stable base. If you put the sand in first you may have critters burrow under it and dislodge your rock. Once you have the rockscaping to your liking add the sand. Skimmers are very important. I certainly wouldnt wait 5 to 6 months to get one.
You might get some comments regarding the dislike of canister filters. I dont know anything about them but have read many uncomplimentary comments....

[Phayes]

Also, after just reading some more information on skimmers, and thinking about my current setup. I do not have a sump, as stated regarding using the canister filter, but is there any type of skimmer setup that I could get that does not hang off the side of my aquarium? I purposely went for a canister setup so that It could hide under my aquarium stand and not have to be seen. I'm not exactly sure of how a protein skimmer works, and without a sump, I'm in fear that I will have to hang the skimmer off the side of my tank . Help!

[stephaniesquires]

Originally Posted by Phayes

Also, after just reading some more information on skimmers, and thinking about my current setup. I do not have a sump, as stated regarding using the canister filter, but is there any type of skimmer setup that I could get that does not hang off the side of my aquarium? I purposely went for a canister setup so that It could hide under my aquarium stand and not have to be seen. I'm not exactly sure of how a protein skimmer works, and without a sump, I'm in fear that I will have to hang the skimmer off the side of my tank . Help!

There are hang on skimmers. Protein Skimmers A skimmer takes in water, churns it up with air and the protein skims out. Ever seen the ocean after a storm and it's got foamy stuff on top?? Same principle. Also a sump doesnt have to be complicated. I have seen one made out of a 66 gallon rubbermaid storage bin from Target or Wallyworld. just a box that will hold water.

[e_baer]

I would HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recomend a sump. In the long run you will be very happy you decided to go with one. I started my 55g with a canister filter and from day one hated it. They cause a lot of problems and are a big hassle to clean. As for LR and LS. I would go with 1.5-2lbs of LR per gallon and for sand, it all depends on how deep you want the sand bed. For a sand bed to be considered a DSB (deep sand bed) you will want at least 4" of sand. This will allow anerobic bacteria to grow and help the whole biological filtration tremendously. In my 40g breeder seagrass tank I am currently setting up I have a 5.25" DSB.



Once the DSB gets working, it will be such a benefit to my entire system.

Here are a few articles about DSB's

http://www.miniaturereef.com/Deep%20Sand%20Beds.htm

Deep Sand Beds

DeepSandBeds

Another benefit of a sump is you can make half of it a refugium which will help with nutrient management.
If you decide to get a sump/fuge you may want to look into mud in the fuge.

The Natural Mud-Filter Method

I hope all of this information helps you!

[e_baer]

Originally Posted by Phayes

Also, after just reading some more information on skimmers, and thinking about my current setup. I do not have a sump, as stated regarding using the canister filter, but is there any type of skimmer setup that I could get that does not hang off the side of my aquarium? I purposely went for a canister setup so that It could hide under my aquarium stand and not have to be seen. I'm not exactly sure of how a protein skimmer works, and without a sump, I'm in fear that I will have to hang the skimmer off the side of my tank . Help!

You would easily be able to hide a sump under your tank in the stand.


Have you thought about an RO/DI unit?

[Phayes]

I realize now that a sump would probably have been the best bet right off the start, but after spending over a grand in the past couple days, my wife would murder me if i spent anymore on a whole new filtration setup. I have an old 20g tank that is not being used for anything, but I realize that even if i were to somehow be able to incorporate it into the "sump", i would have to buy a new filtration unit for it.

[Phayes]

How does a RO/DI unit work, and what is it for? Is it not for purifying the water in some way or sort? I'm still trying to find a skimmer that I can hide under my tank, but is not necessarily part of a sump. Any ideas? Or does one even exist?

[stacef]

R/O filters, filter the water, to clean out the "bad" elements in the water, and make it safe for your fish.

Also--have you voted for Decembers Tank of the Month yet? If you do not know where it is, let anyone know they would be happy to show you...only a few more days to vote, it's VERY close! Keep everyone voting