new tank start up

mountaindew · 10-17-2006, 10:38 PM

I just purchased a 170 gal. tank and I wanted to know what should I use on the bottom.Should I go with crushed coral or live sand.I am going to have live rock in the tank.This is my first big tank and I want to make sure I get things right from the beginning.I know it comes with a bio-ball wet and dry filter,a pump and lights.Any advise on what I need to get this going would be very helpful

**The R/C Man** · 10-18-2006, 09:35 PM

Welcome to Reefland!

Well it will depend on the inhabitants you are planning to keep in the tank such as Fish Only (FO) or if you are planning to add corals.

Since you are planning to add live rock (1 1/2 - 2 lbs per gallon) that will cover the biological filtration and you can do away with bioballs. If you add a protein skimmer and a deep sad bed (3-6") you will be good to go for a FO tank and could upgrade to corals later on with additional lighting.

Sumary:
FO tank requirements:
A Good Protein Skimmer, Live Rock, and Sand Bed (my favorite method there other ways to set it up)

Reef Tank:
A good Protein skimmer, Live Rock, Deep sand Bed, Lighting, Plenty of water flow, Sump/refugium is a good idea

Oh and before I forget, use RO/DI water. Tap water can cause problems down the road.

10-17-2006, 10:38 PM	#1
mountaindew Just Moved In Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: fort myers florida Posts: 19	new tank start up I just purchased a 170 gal. tank and I wanted to know what should I use on the bottom.Should I go with crushed coral or live sand.I am going to have live rock in the tank.This is my first big tank and I want to make sure I get things right from the beginning.I know it comes with a bio-ball wet and dry filter,a pump and lights.Any advise on what I need to get this going would be very helpful

10-18-2006, 09:35 PM	#2
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 741	Welcome to Reefland! Well it will depend on the inhabitants you are planning to keep in the tank such as Fish Only (FO) or if you are planning to add corals. Since you are planning to add live rock (1 1/2 - 2 lbs per gallon) that will cover the biological filtration and you can do away with bioballs. If you add a protein skimmer and a deep sad bed (3-6") you will be good to go for a FO tank and could upgrade to corals later on with additional lighting. Sumary: FO tank requirements: A Good Protein Skimmer, Live Rock, and Sand Bed (my favorite method there other ways to set it up) Reef Tank: A good Protein skimmer, Live Rock, Deep sand Bed, Lighting, Plenty of water flow, Sump/refugium is a good idea Oh and before I forget, use RO/DI water. Tap water can cause problems down the road. __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

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