I need help to set up

[dobz55]

Hi All (new to this)
I have had aquariums for 20 years but always trops and Cyclids, I have decided to use my 3 foot tank as a marine tank and need help?????
apparently i need a sump filter I currently have a power head filter and a canister filter spare, can I use these and can some one please help me and tell me how and what I need to set up a sump filter

[dobz55]

also I am a little lost here not quite sure if these messages are getting through how do I check

[jsheffel]

Here's a newbe response.

Step1: Read, read and read some more. While there are many similar sites, you will find all you need to get started on this one. The first five or six pages of threads in Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment should give you a pretty good general background.

Step 2: Decide what your goal is for this first marine aquarium. FOWLR (fish only with live rock) has seemed to me to be the most reasonable (and least cost) way to get started (the cost of lighting won't break the bank and feeding is much easier).

Step 3: Decide whether you want a bare bottom or minimal sand. DSB (deep sand bed) seems desirable but unnecessarily complicated for a first tank.

Step 4: Decide whether you have the space/inclination for a sump (very desirable but not absolutely necessary for a FOWLR). If you want one, the bigger the better (up to or even bigger than your main tank). This will also help you with your step 5 decision.

Step 5: Get the best protein skimmer you can afford. If you have a sump you can choose between in sump and HOB (hang on back) models. Here is an excellent primer on protein skimmers http://www.wetwebmedia.com/proskimrart2.htm

Step 6: Find source for RO/DI (reverse osmosis/de-ionized) water.

Step 7: Set up tank, add sand and one to two lbs. of LR (live rock) per gallon, add power heads to get total water movement in your tank to at least 10X tank volume per hour and turn on your protein skimmer.

Step 8: Sit back and wait the six to eight weeks for your tank to cycle and get past your first alge/cyano outbreak (no salt water changes but, of course, maintain water level with fresh RO/DI make-up water).

Step 9: SLOWLY stock tank as desired (one fish/animal at a time with plenty of time for each to settle into the tank before the next one is added).

Step 10: Read a whole bunch more, and decide how you want to set up your next (larger) tank.

When you have specific question along the way, come back here. There's bound to be someone who can help you out. Good luck!

[Reefland]

Hi dobz55,

Read this for information on a sump:
http://www.reefland.com/rho/2006/05/overflows_sumps.php

As far as filter needs, you need good quality liverock, a good protein skimmer, and deligent husbandry. ;)

[dobz55]

thank you ,now i have set up i am struggling to get a consistant specific gravity it is dancing all over the place any ideas, have a hydrometer that sticks to the side of my tank it looks good for 5 or 10 mintes then starts to dart all over i am some what confused as to what my actuall SG is

[Reefland]

I think you posted this in another thread too but...you should look at getting a refractometer. The floating hydrometer that you have will give inconsistent readings with water motion. Even in still water, the hydrometers are not as accurate as the refractometers.

[dobz55]

thanks all and yes probably did post it not sure how to use this forum but i,ll get there

[Reefland]

No problem...glad to help out.