Going Saltwater... Start to Finish (hopefully).

**Klug23** · 08-04-2008, 03:31 AM

Ok. I decided to try saltwater. So i am going to make this thread to keep myself staight and maybe help others on setting up a saltwater tank, sump, etc.

I plan on having fish, invertebrates, LR, coral, anemones, etc.

Right now i am just collecting equipemnt.
I am planning on having a 55 gallon as the display and running the biggest sump i can possible fit under my tank. I am limited to space under there.

What I already have:

55 gallon standard all-glass
Quiet One Pumps Model 3000
Visi-Therm Stealth Heater 250W
Turboflotor 1000 Multi used
Brand new Aqua Medic OR1700 Skimmer Pump
6-stage 110 gal/day RO/DI
2x 1" bulkheads for overflow
1 3/4" Glass Holesaw

Going to be ordering soon:

Either
500w 48" Metal Halide Light 2x 250w
760w 48" Metal Halide Light 2x 250w with PC 4x 65w

Stuff I Need:

.....ha

On a serious note.
Salt mix
Refractometer
Powerheads (Hydor Koralia)
LR (etc)
Substrate (LS)
Plumbing
Sump (pry aquarium)
Calcium Reactor
...

Any bits and pieces you want to add, please do. Suggestions are always welcome.

Edit: ILuvMyGoldBarb = Calcium Reactor

**Klug23** · 08-04-2008, 03:35 AM

Right now i am trying to deciede what light to use...

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 08-04-2008, 03:35 AM

Looks like you have things pretty well planned out. What kind of corals are you planning on keeping? With that light setup you could be keeping SPS corals, it that is the case then you may want to seriously consider adding a Calcium reactor to the list.

**coachfraley** · 08-04-2008, 03:39 AM

If you can afford it, I would get a MH T5 combo unit. The PC's will just add more unwanted heat to the unit.

You have a pretty good plan so far!

**Klug23** · 08-04-2008, 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by ILuvMyGoldBarb

Looks like you have things pretty well planned out. What kind of corals are you planning on keeping? With that light setup you could be keeping SPS corals, it that is the case then you may want to seriously consider adding a Calcium reactor to the list.

I have been considering that. I just have NO clue on how to work those things.

I havent really decided the extent for the stuff i want to keep in it. But i am thinking i do want SPS corals.

**Klug23** · 08-04-2008, 03:44 AM

Originally Posted by coachfraley

If you can afford it, I would get a MH T5 combo unit. The PC's will just add more unwanted heat to the unit.

You have a pretty good plan so far!

Thanks.

True about the T5s. I will have to look into that. I am planning on using ebay lighting. $500 600+ on light just does not appeal to me.
I was going to buy the 760w unit but run just the PCs in the morning and the evening and run the MH for the mid day. Somewhat simulate a normal day.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 08-04-2008, 04:09 AM

Something else you need to consider is just how much heat those Metal Halides are going to put off and warm up your water. If you have twin 250w Halides on a 55 gal tank then there is a strong possibility you would need a chiller on that tank.

**Klug23** · 08-04-2008, 04:16 AM

Originally Posted by ILuvMyGoldBarb

Something else you need to consider is just how much heat those Metal Halides are going to put off and warm up your water. If you have twin 250w Halides on a 55 gal tank then there is a strong possibility you would need a chiller on that tank.

Dang... I was hoping i could avoid that but i might have to. Is there any alternatives, fans, or something?