Hi Folks

[ChemGuy]

I'm new to the forum. I am a retired chemistry teacher having taught AP Chemistry for 33 years so I know a little about water chemistry. I have been raising freshwater fish for some time now and I am going to switch to salt. I have read lots and lots on the forum info threads but still have a question or two.
My LFS (took me a few reads to figure out what this was seems very knowledgeable about reef tanks. They setup tanks for local business places like hospitals / doctors offices etc.
We live in the country have our own shallow well and I was wondering if the well water is an acceptable source of water for a reef tank. What kinds of tests should I do in order to determine this?
I currently have a 90 gal tank (glass) full of African Cichlids . It will take me some time to distribute the fish to good homes or the LFS. During this time I want to get a list going of what I need , where to get it, and figure out why I need it .
My tank currently has a top on it made of glass strips where the two lights go and the rest is plastic. I'm assuming this will not work for a reef tank. So a new hood for the tank or no and why or why not? I also have 2 Aquaclear 500's for filters are these good for reef or no?
Feel free to bury me with advice / comments or whatever.

ChemGuy

[metalhead]

Hi and welcome to ReefLand!!!

Like you I kept freshwater fish for several years before making the switch to saltwater... I hope that you will find it much more rewarding as I have.

It's also good that you are familiar with water chemistry, this will help you greatly.

As for the well water... I think it will be fine as long as you use an RO/DI unit to filter with before adding it to your tank(s). It may also be worthwhile to have your water tested before you get started just to be sure.

The aqua-clears probably won't do you much good unless you just want to use them for carbon or something like that. The problem with these types of filters is that over time they become little nitrate factories, kind of like bio-balls.

As for the lighting... There are lots of different ways you can go here. You can have a fixture(s) suspended over the tank, one that sits on the tank itself, build your own canopy, etc. Suffice to say for now though that this is something you can firm out later.

[ChemGuy]

Thanks... I'm sure I'll have more questions .
Still reading everything.


ChemGuy

[kevinpo]

Hello,
Welcome to Reefland.
It would be best in the long run if you decide in advance what type of system you plan to have. It can save you lots of money, time, and frustration. Here are some types to consider:
FO: Fish only.
FOWLR: Fish only with live rock.
Low light reef with some soft corals.
Moderate light with LPS (large polyp stony) corals.
High light with SPS (small polyp stony) corals.

Regarding the use of ground water, it contains dissolved minerals which are measured with a TDS (total dissolved solids) meter. Using ground water for the initial tank fill, FO, and FOWLR setups is not usually a problem. The problems occur over time as you replace evaporated tank water or increase lighting intensity. Some minerals and nitrogen compounds can be used by algae, diatoms, and other micro organisms as a fuel source (usually in conjunction with light). Often times hobbyists start out with just fish and use ground water for 6-12 months. Then they decide they really like the hobby and are willing to shell out the money for a high light system. They put the new HO (high output) light system on the tank and in 24-48 hours they have a tank full of algae that grows faster than anything they have ever seen. This is because of the accumulated minerals in the substrate, live rock, and water column that were left behind during the evaporation process. Even with switching to water with 0 TDS it may take 6-12 months to clean out the system of excess nutrients/minerals.
Fish load, corals, and feeding also are major contributors to the buildup of nutrients. So for the above reasons you can see it can be easy to get off to a poor start without thoughtful planning and consideration.

There are many people on this board with the knowledge to answer almost any question and are willing to help so you have found a great resource.

Regards,
Kevin

[ChemGuy]

Thanks Kevin,
The info about well water was the info I was looking for. As for the type of tank I was thinking about high light with SPS. However I really don't know the pros and cons of the low/med/high light ones if any. Going to take my time and do this right the first time . (I hope

Thanks Again
ChemGuy

[kevinpo]

Hello,
The choice between types of animals in purely personal preference. Some people like just fish, others like the flowing motion of the soft corals, and some like the colored sticks

Regards,
Kevin

[ChemGuy]

I saw this Hydor Koralia 4 Powerhead
for sale online for under 36$ is this a good price?
I have seen prices for these all over the place just wondering if there are any
better prices.

Thanks

[metalhead]

I saw this Hydor Koralia 4 Powerhead
for sale online for under 36$ is this a good price?
I have seen prices for these all over the place just wondering if there are any
better prices.

Thanks

That's the best price I've seen on K4s

[Parrothead]

+1 Metal, damn, that is cheap, that's about the price for a k3

[metalhead]

+1 Metal, damn, that is cheap, that's about the price for a k3

Hmmmm, let's see.... I could either buy 1 vortec pump or 10 K4's for about the same price. I might need to think about this... NOT!!!

[Parrothead]

Metal,

I thought we discussed you thinking, and didn't we determine that it might be dangerous

Those vortecs are nice, but they are designed for people who keep a swimming pool filled with rock and sand in their living rooms, a 72 bowfront is almost to small for the K4's but at that price I would make them work

[metalhead]

Metal,

I thought we discussed you thinking, and didn't we determine that it might be dangerous

You're right - My Bad!!!

[Parrothead]

Love Ya Brother

[ChemGuy]

Is this a good deal for a skimmer??
Seems high to me but I have no experience to base it on.
AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer with Mag 3 Pump
I see this one recommended a lot.


Thanks

[Parrothead]

If that is with the pump, you should already have ordered it, I've seen it recently at 250.00++, and to make it even better they are one of our sponsors here.....

[Parrothead]

after a better look at the ad, BUY IT, you will have a hard time finding that price again, especially with free shipping. and if you are planning a sump skip go ahead and get the over-flow box, if you are not planning a sump skip the over-flow box, I have found that with my sumpless system(for the time being), daily evap. makes it impossible to use the over flow box without running the pump dry, I've tried it every which way, but doesn't work well.JMHO

[ChemGuy]

I did buy it and the R4's.
Now on to what lighting . I think I want to go with T5's
but unsure as to how many tubes I need. More research needed I guess.
I'm thinking med to hard corals at this point. I don't want to buy something I have to throw out if I change my mind later.
But enough of looking through web sites for today.

and Thanks

[Parrothead]

6 bulb T-5, manufacturer will actually depend on the width of your tank, alot of people are getting kick butt results with the nova extreme pro 6 bulb set up.

[ChemGuy]

Is it possible that these are the same lights??

DeluxeT5 Systems - D&T Aquarium Supplies- Product Info - 48 inch 6 bulb T5 fixture with LED Moonlights, from Coral Vue

Nova Extreme Pro T5 High Output Lighting Fixture - 6 x 54W - 48 in. | T5 Lighting | Lighting Systems | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com

[Parrothead]

no they are not the same systems, the coralvue only has one powercord, and three switches, you cannot set this unit up for dusk/dawn lighting, meaning your actinics come on before the daylight bulbs in the morning, and visa versa at night. Also the Nova Extreme pro has a much better rep IMO than does Coral Vue, I know of alot of experienced reefers who love the nova extreme, the 6 bulb set up from nova you linked to is the unit I will be putting on my tank here in the next couple of months.