what else do I need if I go reef?

**glarior** · 04-06-2009, 06:05 AM

I am just contemplating if I would be interested in going to a reef aquarium in my 75g hex. My current setup is a 75g hex with 60lbs of LR in it and a 20g sump. I know the light would have to be upgraded and might pose a problem since the tank is a hex. I would have build a top for it with multiple 24" light fixtures to get the wpg part right for what I would keep. What else would I need to do for a reef aquarium with some fish?

Oh, I also have a 125g skimmer on the way....

**Cameron** · 04-06-2009, 06:32 AM

umm refractometer, good test kits for calcium, alkalinity, etc.. i think thats about it from what i can think of.

**labnjab** · 04-06-2009, 11:19 AM

First thing is you really should bump your live rock up to 75 or more lbs unless you plan on keeping it very lightly stocked.

It all depends on what kind of reef you want to keep. This may get confusing. If you want a sps dominant tank, I would go Halides and get a calcium reactor, but if you want a mixed reef you can get away with t-5's and just a dosing schedule vs Ca reactor, but IMO I think with the odd dimensions of your tank, halides are going to be the best and cheapest way to go. Its going to be hard to find a powerful enough 24 inch t-5 fixture for that tank if you want all sps but on the other hand, If you want all softies, then a small pc or t-5 fixture will suffice and halides may be too much.

Flow is going to be another factor, most sps need higher flow, while most lps and softies like, and need lower flow.

In all cases you want to keep you calcium between 400 and 460 ppm (pick a number and keep it consistent), keep you alk consistent (shoot for a number and keep it consistent), and keep you phosphate and nitrate 0.

Also, if you don't have one, a sump/refugium would help a lot if you are planning on a reef. Not a necessity, but will give you a place to hide your skimmer, and any other equipment, and a place to house macro algae to help keep excess nutrients down.

we have a mixed reef (about 50/50 softies and lps with a few sps) along with a BTA and t-5's are more then enough light. We have a daily dosing schedule that keeps the calcium levels up and all seems happy

I hope this helps and doesn't scare you off. Reefs aren't terribly difficult to keep, but there are a few more steps involved then just a FOWLR

**rageybug** · 04-06-2009, 02:10 PM

Originally Posted by glarior

What else would I need to do for a reef aquarium with some fish?

A good place to start would be a stocking list. Try to plan out a few of the fish and/or corals you like the most and would like to get. This list will make many decisions for you. If you want a simple fish list like chromis, clowns (who doesn't want clowns right??", gobies etc. you would need to set up different than if you wanted angels, lionfish etc.

The coral list will decide the lighting and flow requirements.

The key to a successful reef is planning ahead and sticking to the plan.

**glarior** · 04-06-2009, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by rageybug

A good place to start would be a stocking list. If you want a simple fish list like chromis, clowns (who doesn't want clowns right??", gobies etc. you would need to set up different than if you wanted angels, lionfish etc.

I am looking at those fish. I am thinking soft corals because they are cheaper and require less lighting.

Originally Posted by Trigun10343

umm refractometer, good test kits for calcium, alkalinity, etc.. i think thats about it from what i can think of.

Thats no problem, I was thinking of getting one soon.

Originally Posted by labnjab

First thing is you really should bump your live rock up to 75 or more lbs unless you plan on keeping it very lightly stocked.

Also, if you don't have one, a sump/refugium would help a lot if you are planning on a reef.

I hope this helps and doesn't scare you off. Reefs aren't terribly difficult to keep, but there are a few more steps involved then just a FOWLR

I am working on bumping the LR up some more but have to wait till the LFS has some more. I Do have a sump but no refugium at this time. Yes this information helps and so far has no scared me away from a reef. I Think a reef will look good just need to check into it more.

I will post back with more questions later tonight if I get a chance to do some research.

**glarior** · 04-06-2009, 08:54 PM

Ok, find a new question for the light requirements.

I will have to build a custom top since it is a hex tank. From the two parallel sides I have 28". In order to allow the lights to fit in the hood they would be 24" (common size) but what should I be looking at for fixtures with enough wattage for 75g? When I try google all I am getting is the entire light and enclosure with max of 96-108w. I would think I would have to buy multiple ones and fit into there which is no biggy if I go this route.

Oh, I was looking towards PC or T5. If something else is a cheaper route please let me know. I am all about spending less on my money pit hobby

but I do like it

**rageybug** · 04-07-2009, 01:22 AM

Check out E-Bay for your lights...

http://cgi.ebay.com/Coralife-power-c...1%7C240%3A1318

http://cgi.ebay.com/24-T5-HO-Aquariu...1%7C240%3A1318

**glarior** · 04-07-2009, 02:51 AM

What kind of wattage should I be looking at total? I have seen back and forth on the subject. I would probally put leathers, mushrooms, and polyp. Stuff like this..... Here

Thanks for the ebay links!

**cocoa_pleco** · 04-07-2009, 02:52 AM

for a hex a 250w halide would be best

**AABatteries** · 04-07-2009, 02:52 AM

I wouldn't get either of those. The first one you could barely get away with any softies. And I've heard of the second melting down and/or catching fire. I would go with a 30" 4 or 6 bulb t5 fixture.