New tank set up (120g)

[DAVE G.]

I may have the one more syndrome??
I've had a 29g two months now containg:1-blue damsel,a (dottyback)-chromis,c-b angel,lg yellow chromis(damsel),3 small clowns,many mushrooms,3 hard corals,2 soft,featherdusters,plants,inverts-snails,and of couarse live rock that is about a yr old from a friend(30lb) things seem to be doing great!
My questions are based on my new tank that I'm going to pick up today.
It' a 120gal and I need help finding the best solution for lighting I want to stay away from halide because of cosmetic reasons(in the livingroom).Can you tell me about the most inexspensive best type and I'm aware lights ARE what count!Just trying to find the best for the best buck- THANKS
I also want to know about gravel how much I can use prefer alot,but is less better? Live sand over sand?????

Iwant to replace the fish in the 29g tank with seahorse>why is that a big no no or is it ??

ALL for now BIG------ THANKS

[icemark]

First, it sounds like your 29 is way way overstocked for only operating for 2 months. I would be very concerned about the ammonia and Nitrate/Nitrite levels at this stage.

Two, If you are dead set against MH lighting (which will give you the best bang for the buck) VHO would be my recommendation. The bulb replacement cost will be considerably less than PC and with a Icecap VHO ballast you can run NO bulbs if you didn't want to keep corals in the tank.

Three. You would want around 250lbs of sand for a decent DSB. I would not recommend gravel or Crushed Coral as it tends to trap debris which causes additional problems.

Four. The rule of thumb with Seahorses is the tank should be at least three to four times the height of a full grown horse. So as long as your 29 Gal is at least 20 inches you should be able to keep most horses.

[Ninong]

Hi DAVE G., welcome to Reefland!

I agree with icemark, if you are ruling out metal halides, then I would go with 4x110w URI VHO's on an IceCap 660 ballast.

You should research the Seahorse option before going that route. They require a lot of care and specialized feeding.

I would definitely avoid crushed coral for a substrate in a reef tank. I suggest about 250 lbs. of fine grain aragonite sand (e.g., Southdown sand). Yes, it would be a good idea to include at least a small amount of live sand, but you really don't have to spend a fortune and get ALL live sand. You should also consider something called a "detrivore kit" from www.ipsf.com and/or www.inlandaquatics.com to add the proper wormy critters to your sand bed--add these as soon as your new tank has cycled.

Ninong

P.S. - You can get sand, dead or alive, here: http://www.reefland.com/cgi-bin/miva...tegory_Code=DS

[David]

Dave- you are probably going to hear the "overstocked" comment more than once so I'll leave that alone. As for lighting 'icemark' is right on, the most efficient lighting for a tank that size is MH or VHO (or both). I use both in a 125 myself. For substrate I am a plenum guy myself but I understand that many people oppose plenums and favor dsb, your tank, your choice. What I really wanted to comment on is your interest in seahorses... You are right to plan on dedicating a tank to them, they do not compete well although I do have a mature female living in my reef at the moment. Seahorses are definately an "advanced" fish and can be difficult to keep unless you are very devoted. I strongly recommend that you purchase only tank raised horses and do not buy any wild caught animals. TR horses will usually eat frozen mysis shrimp, frozen plankton and live brine (which needs to be fortified). Wild caught horses can be extremely difficult to feed and all to frequently perish. A 29 would be OK for a pair of the smaller species but if you ultimately want them to breed you would need a much deeper tank as 'icemark' suggested. I just moved mine from a 30" tank to a 36" I custom ordered. Good luck with your new reef!

[johnf]

I know Dave. I gave him my original 29 g after he saw my current 65g and 72g. He is addicted as you may guess. I have advised him to 'go slow' but he is seems to be doing Ok with the tank even while ignoring me. I was shocked when he bought the new 120 RR tank in an auction at an anniversery party at our LFS.

He is reading a lot on the internet and spends hours reading this board. I advised him to get an Aqua C EV-90 skimmer (I have one for my 72g) and either a Mag Drive or Ikawi pump. He is going to order 100 lbs of LR to go with the existing 30 lbs. I gave him (was I generous or what?). I told him he just needs a 30 gallon or so tank to use as a sump. I agreed with the VHO lighting, but didn't know how much to get.

I'm sure he would appreciate any advice on different equipment, and reminders to take things slow.

Thanks

[scubadude]

Welcome to RL

I will piggyback on Ice and Ninong's comments, as well as that if your obsession for the hobby is as johnf has stated then I would definately get the MH's and just get them over with! That is one thing that most reefers NEVER regret! Even if you just go with softies and LPS as your coral decor your corals will be much more brilliant and bountiful! With a 120g I would go with a couple of 250w Iwasakis butt if you are tight on $$ then you could start out with 175's You would have to put alot of VHO's in their so Y not spend the money on MH's...if you are good at DIY then you can do each MH for about $100ea. I have 2 - 175MH plus 2 VHO actinics on my 90tank and still wish I had 250's or 400's even! And if you are real tight on the money then start off with just VHO's for now but build them into a canopy that will accomdate a couple of MH's in the future....just a thought!

[Aquariust]

"I want to stay away from halide because of cosmetic reasons(in the livingroom)."

who says MH can't look good

http://mistressreef.homestead.com

I can't believe my ears. 2 months? And all that's in the tank? You definately need the 120!

[DAVE G.]

HEY,
I greatly appreciate help for pointing me in the right direction!
I've really been worried about over stocking,but I just couldn't resist the three small Clown Sat. and then Sun I decided I had to have a larger tank.Just got lucky, when I went to the LFS I got in on the auction witnin about ten min. and got a good deal one tank which was about the price of the 54gal that I had been looking at!
I haven't worked in a couple of month's and can't seem to stay out of the LFS's and one wants me to be a part timer-is very tempting(give emlpoyees 50% off).<scary me in a LFS at 50% off> I got to get a real job also!
Live sand it is-and I have found good web sites on seahorse it will be a while I have make sure I'm ready and able to supply a healthy tank for them.In the mean time going to get the two damsels out of the 29 ASAP.
Because ofmy interest in hard corals-I did see an attractive MH canopy today and it gave me willingness to be open-minded about the MH!
Thank you so much Aquariust for the web site I'm fixing to check it out. sorry so much babbeling. I'll try to post pic soon?

[thezookeeper]

Hi there. I'll echo the advice of all the above and say that if you would like to see an example of DIY MH, you can click on my website below and get an idea. Excuse the site, it's never been updated. Too much to do! Anyway, if you have any questions over pro's and con's, I'd be happy to answer them.


Joanne