Okay, I'm hooked -- now what?

[Geno]

My wife and I agreed -- I need a hobby! Many years ago I enjoyed this hobby -- but things have changed, so basically I'm starting over.

I've purchased a 125g (72x18x22) tank, stand and top -- nothing eles at this point. I'm reading everything I can (many of the posts here). As I read, I get confused (at times) on which way to go. I have decided to start first with FOWLR.

Just imagine what a new person (me) is faced with when starting:

• What substrate to pick (expensive live sand or Tropical play sand)

• How thick should the sand bed be?
  

• Do I use a traditional wet/dry set up or look at the new Eheim 2229 wet/dry?

• Where do I put the skimmer -- before the wet/dry or after (one article mentioned that it should be first to be most effective since a pre-filter would remove some the material the skimmer should handle)!

• What are the best powerheads to buy -- and how many?

• What kind of lighting should I buy -- not just for now but will also offer some flexibility?

• Is one-pound of LR per gallon really necessary? Gosh that's a lot of money!

• How does one prepare for water changes, i.e. RO/DI systems appear to waste alot of water -- and frankly here in Atlanta we don't have any water to waste -- we're in a very serious drough and my conscience just wouldn't let me pour water down the drain. Could I just get by with DI?

I wasted so much money the first time I did this years ago -- I would really like to be smarter this time. I'm more than willing to do my homework -- but I really could use any guidance and recommendations.

I'm so excited about this that I'm obsessed (it seems).

I look forward to learning and sharing (once I'm qualified)!

-gene

[120gallons]

I answered below your questions.

My wife and I agreed -- I need a hobby! Many years ago I enjoyed this hobby -- but things have changed, so basically I'm starting over.

I've purchased a 125g (72x18x22) tank, stand and top -- nothing eles at this point. I'm reading everything I can (many of the posts here). As I read, I get confused (at times) on which way to go. I have decided to start first with FOWLR.

Just imagine what a new person (me) is faced with when starting:

• What substrate to pick (expensive live sand or Tropical play sand)

For a FOWLR I'd go with a real thin layer making it easy to clean. Don't need live.

• How thick should the sand bed be?

See above.

• Do I use a traditional wet/dry set up or look at the new Eheim 2229 wet/dry?

For FOWLR, depending on how much LR and how stocked you may just need a protein skimmer and simple sump or refugium.

• Where do I put the skimmer -- before the wet/dry or after (one article mentioned that it should be first to be most effective since a pre-filter would remove some the material the skimmer should handle)!

I like in sump skimmers.

• What are the best powerheads to buy -- and how many?

Ecotech, Tunze and Hydor are my picks priced high to low.

• What kind of lighting should I buy -- not just for now but will also offer some flexibility?

Fish only, just get normal flourescent.

• Is one-pound of LR per gallon really necessary? Gosh that's a lot of money!

Depends on which rock and what other filtration you are going to use.

• How does one prepare for water changes, i.e. RO/DI systems appear to waste alot of water -- and frankly here in Atlanta we don't have any water to waste -- we're in a very serious drough and my conscience just wouldn't let me pour water down the drain. Could I just get by with DI?

You could use a KATI/ANI system...no waste water.



I wasted so much money the first time I did this years ago -- I would really like to be smarter this time. I'm more than willing to do my homework -- but I really could use any guidance and recommendations.

I'm so excited about this that I'm obsessed (it seems).

I look forward to learning and sharing (once I'm qualified)!

-gene

[Geno]

Thank you very much for taking the time to address each of my issues. That was perfect -- I like the specificity!

-gene

[rjs5134]

Gene, substrate type should be aragonite based sand. Some have used play sand and it worked for them, but aragonite is the typical reccommendation. Avoid crushed coral.

Ask away, you'll get alot of great info here.

Good luck

[Geno]

I've been thinking ...

If LR and live sand are a means of filtration and so is a quality skimmer -- could I just invest in a really good skimmer (like an AquaC brand -- I think their high quality) and perhaps save a few dollars; i.e. 125 pounds of live sand plus 125 pounds of LR (minimum) will certainly be more money that a great skimmer -- correct?

I'm not really trying to be cheap -- I will spend the money needed to do this right -- but I see no need to waste money.

How does the above approach sound?

thanks,
-gene

[Samper]

The live sand and LR is a form of biological filtration but IMO most systems require a skimmer. I don't run anything without one.

[pearl_aqg]

You need the live rock and sand for biological filtration, not something you can pinch pennies on! The protein skimmer then rounds out the system as a mechanical filter, doubly important when you're filtering with live rock because it'll remove a lot of waste before it gets to the LR, easing the load and keeping everything functioning smoothly. Really for a good saltwater filter the LR and skimmer are both essential. You'll know when you see the crap your skimmer accumulates

[Geno]

Okay, I'm on-board with the LR and Skimmer. I'll have to start with about 50lbs of LR -- (can't afford 125lbs with all the other stuff I have to purchase).

I picked up my tank and stand with hood today. It's so heavy my wife can't help me get it out of the truck!!! Everyone says be sure the floor will hold the weight -- gee, how am I supposed to know if it will -- I guess I'll ask a structural engineer

My next purchases will be the wet/dry sump, lights, motor, and powerheads. For the wet/dry I'm looking at the Pro Clear Model 200.

If you folks don't mind -- I'd like to get your opinion and recommendations on each piece as I plan to make the purchase. I haven't decided on the lights or motor yet. I'm pretty sure I want an AquaC skimmer -- just don't know what model I need for a 125g tank -- your recommenations are always welcome.

later,
-gene

[Samper]

I consider a protein skimmer to be a form of natural filtration. Have you ever walked on the beach and seen the foam wash up on the sand?

[Samper]

Geno...somehow I completely missed your last post.


I can't recommend a wet dry because I have never used one. For lighting you will need to decide what you intend to keep. Since this is a FO post I assume you never plan to keep corals. In that case anything that is pleasing to the eye will work. For a reef I wouldn't go with anything less than T5 or metal halides...a combo of both would be even better. For a return pump from the sump...are you going to go external or just use an internal? With internal you deal with heat from the pumps but that can be a benefit at times. Mag makes a great pump that can be ran internal or external. I'm running a sequence on another system and really like it so far. I have never used an Aqua C but have heard some good things. I tend to go with ASM or Euro Reef. For the money ASM makes a heck of a skimmer.

[leebca]

Geno,

Before you make another purchase, please read this post all the way through: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium

It is almost impossible to totally setup a marine system just from posts on line. There are many decisions to make and that makes a wide variety of different systems. The above post will point you to literature for you to get some ideas of the type of system you want, then it provides a step-by-step setup process. If you'll take the time to read through it closely, you'll get the idea of what you'll need to obtain and do and in what order.

What this and other such online sites are great for is getting some detailed questions answered you might not find in literature, or for polling those with different systems to find out the pros and cons of each (as opposed to just following the advice of an individual).

Good luck!

[Geno]

Thank you both for your comments.

Lee: I have printed and read the setup reference you mentioned. It was excellent. I have also purchased the book by Michael Paletta "The New Marine Aquarium". It has some good overall direction as does your sticky post. What I'm trying to do now is make wise value purchases. I feel in my case the wet/dry system with a skimmer is appropriate. Now the question becomes which brand offers the better value. I think I mentioned in my original post that I embraced this hobby many years ago (over 25) and I wasted so much money buying junk the first time and having to replace it later. This time I'm more mature and patient and want to do the needed homework and make a wise purchase from the start. I have created the following steps for me to ensure that I take every precaution for sucess.

Steps for set up

• Paint back of tank
• Wash tank with warm water only
• Place stand in proper location
• Ensure outlets are easily accessible
• Place tank on stand – check to be sure it’s level
• Connect plumbing
  • Wet/Dry system
  • Skimmer
  • UV filter
• Install sand
• Install power heads inside tank
• Mix all salt water
• Pour about ½ water into tank (use bowl in bottom)
• Place LR in tank
• Pour remaining water into tank
• Check all connections
• Turn on power
• Check for any leaks

I know this looks pretty fundamental (and perhaps juvenile) -- but that's the anal side of me.

Samper: Thank you too for your post and comments on brands that you have found reliable. That's the kind of feedback that will help me narrow my search for equipment. I will be taking my time with these purchases doing the required research to ensure I make quality purchases. I'm counting on the experience and expertiese of you and others like you. When I demonstrate personal success with this hobby -- I will be more than happy to share with others what has worked for me.

Regards,
-gene