First time saltwater tank

[Gill Roy]

I have had freshwater tanks all my life and was always intimidated by saltwater and never tried it.
Now I am ready to take the plunge and give it a go.

I have a 120 gal tank I found on Craigslist, however it is not drilled. Came with 2 Emperor 400's but I would like to have a sump/refugium system. So I need some tips or advice because I don't know if the bottom is tempered glass or not.
Maybe someone knows how to tell?
I would like to make this tank a FOWLR setup at first then after a year or so start to add some inverts and such.
I also need some direction on where to find the bulkheads and all. How to build a sump/refugium and what size is needed for this tank. Also what kind of pumps and plumbing.
Water params and test kits...
Lighting.....
Water circulation issues....
Compatibility amongst the fishes
ect; ect....

I really need to know all there is to know so I can make this a successful venture.

Thanks,

[saix88]

I suggest you read some books first. You're about to make a huge investment without much knowledge relying to much on other people.

[JaredCBell]

i think instead of people doing the usual: "Do research, read books, you newb" responses maybe someone can point this guy in the right direction? We all know its a huge investment that takes knowledge and time but many of us dont even know where to begin our research. And many sources (books and internet) give conflicting advice. The reason we come to FORUMS is because its live, its personal, and its the general publics opinion on how THEY setup and maintain their tanks. Think of it as a "new" way for people to do research.

Kind of tired of people saying: "Do research. If you are asking these questions then you arent ready for saltwater".

[Fishguy2727]

Research is always the most important step.

You can use a hong-on overflow box. They are not as ideal as drilling, but it is a great alternative. Older tanks do not drill as well. Even if the bottom is tempered you can drill the back, which is better anyways.

Get the biggest sump that will fit. This is usually just the biggest tank that will fit in the stand.

You are right on the border of needing a metal halide or a HO T5 lighting system. This will depend on what corals you want but most likely the HO T5 will be all you need.

Definitely get a refractometer and skip the hydrometer. The refractometers are much mroe accurate for salinity.

The most popular test kits are API brand (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc). Instant Ocean Test kits are really good too.

Unless the budget is forcing you to wait to make it a reef you can go in that direction right away.

Some LFSs carry bulkheads, otherwise there are lots of online sources. A regular hardware store can provide all the other plumbing parts in most cases.

Start with The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saltwater Aquariums (just like I did). Then there are many other books that can help out beyond that.

[JaredCBell]

Research is always the most important step.

You can use a hong-on overflow box. They are not as ideal as drilling, but it is a great alternative. Older tanks do not drill as well. Even if the bottom is tempered you can drill the back, which is better anyways.

Get the biggest sump that will fit. This is usually just the biggest tank that will fit in the stand.

You are right on the border of needing a metal halide or a HO T5 lighting system. This will depend on what corals you want but most likely the HO T5 will be all you need.

Definitely get a refractometer and skip the hydrometer. The refractometers are much mroe accurate for salinity.

The most popular test kits are API brand (Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc). Instant Ocean Test kits are really good too.

Unless the budget is forcing you to wait to make it a reef you can go in that direction right away.

Some LFSs carry bulkheads, otherwise there are lots of online sources. A regular hardware store can provide all the other plumbing parts in most cases.

Start with The Complete Idiot's Guide to Saltwater Aquariums (just like I did). Then there are many other books that can help out beyond that.

see... now thats what I am talking about

[saix88]

i think instead of people doing the usual: "Do research, read books, you newb" responses maybe someone can point this guy in the right direction? We all know its a huge investment that takes knowledge and time but many of us dont even know where to begin our research. And many sources (books and internet) give conflicting advice. The reason we come to FORUMS is because its live, its personal, and its the general publics opinion on how THEY setup and maintain their tanks. Think of it as a "new" way for people to do research.

Kind of tired of people saying: "Do research. If you are asking these questions then you arent ready for saltwater".

If you're tired of it why don't you help? a book is a good way to get a sense of everything and then come to a forum to ask specifics and what would be best for his setup.

If it's tempered glass it will usually be labeled on the bottom.

For a sump go as big as you can/fit under your stand, I would go with a 55g.
[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Regular fluorescent lighting is fine for fish only.


Temp: 76-82*F
Salinity: 1.022-1.024
ph: 7.9-8.4
Alkalinity: 2.5-5.0ppm
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate <20ppm
phosphate <.05ppm
Calcium 400-475 mg/l

Have as much flow as possible.

I have no clue what fish you want so I couldn't tell you compatibility...

[saix88]

see... now thats what I am talking about

Funny because in his first line it says research is the most important step...and mentions books dot dot dot

[Fishguy2727]

It depends on where this person is at. If they have done research and are now moving on to forums, great. If they think that a thread on a forum is all they will need to know about a saltwater tank they need to be made aware that they have more research to do.

I have found that many people seem to have forgotten that books are still made. They don't understand why they should spend $20, $35, or $50+ for a book (or per book for a small library) when there is free info online. But there are others who underestimate the value of info directly from 'normal' people who already have first hand experience.

I think a few books are the first step, then online, then in LFSs trying to find one with good people who can be an asset to you throughout your career in saltwater.

[oldhead]

i think instead of people doing the usual: "Do research, read books, you newb" responses maybe someone can point this guy in the right direction? We all know its a huge investment that takes knowledge and time but many of us dont even know where to begin our research. And many sources (books and internet) give conflicting advice. The reason we come to FORUMS is because its live, its personal, and its the general publics opinion on how THEY setup and maintain their tanks. Think of it as a "new" way for people to do research.

Kind of tired of people saying: "Do research. If you are asking these questions then you arent ready for saltwater".

Ehem, "They" read books, internet articles, spent hours on google, hours in the LFS, researched equipment, researched live stock, sorted through the conflicting information that you speak of and read as many reputable message boards as could be found. While I do agree that the first reply in this thread was a little bland. The poster is right in telling you that you need to start researching for yourself. That's a pretty good list of questions there. Most of them could have been answered with even the most basic of literature. Also, if you're dependent upon the "new" way of doing research then I feel for you. While message boards do offer great real world input, they are also a great place for becoming mis-informed. Plenty of people are self proclaimed experts, especially on the web. Having an idea of what you're looking at will help you to read between the lines.


Fishguy2727 has pretty much covered the basics. Definitely grab that book, it will surely help you out. You can also check out:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]



For information on sump building:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

Oh and welcome to the world of the sunken bank account err I mean reefing.

[tim k]

First place I would go is the local library , some great books are available from actual experts in SW husbandry.
Aything from Eric Borenman or Robert fenners The Conscientious Marine Aquarist are a great start.

I would have the tank drilled you will be glad you did and here is a great article on making your own sump and how they work. [Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

The best advice I could give anyone is to take the time and learn as much as you can before you start anything .
I like you have had FW most of my life and was alway intimidated by SW but decided I wanted to take on the challenge and so far I am doing alright with my tank but I am constantly researching and learning more all the time.

Good luck
Tim

[Gill Roy]

Well I have actually done alot of "research" in the library and online.
I take some of this gathered info with a grain of salt (pardon the pun) as I have no idea of the source reliability or the validity of the provided info. Seems that some is also outdated.

I understand how a closed ecosystem operates and the responsibility it incurs to maintain healthy parameters.
However I had hoped my forum buddies could give me more up to date or practical knowledge on starting in this endeavor.

I have 3 smaller tanks now I have found on craigslist as deals with live stuff to eventually set up my 120gal.
I have found an experienced reef buddy at my workplace to help me more closely in my set up and start me on the right track.

This will be a very nice reef and I will post pics when it is up and going.

I am at this point taking my time and not rushing things to make it easy and very healthy.