[OlGeezer]

This message may be OT and if so I do apologize. My question re established marine aquarists located in the RI area. Have had freshwater aquariums yrs ago but not marine consequently before I spend a lot of cash I'd like to discuss my options. Looking forward to hearing from a fellow Rhode Islander.

Thx, OlGeezer

[Reefland]

Hi OlGeezer,


I am not from RI but would certainly be glad to help out. What kind of salt tank are you interested in? Do you want a reef or just some nice fish? This is the single most important starting point.

[OlGeezer]

Hello Scott,
Thx much for responding. I plan on a reef tank, inverts, w/limited fish. Re the tank size knowing how folks in time will graduate to larger tanks I thought I'd start out with a 90g but now contemplating a 125g. Am I biting off too much early on mainly because of all around expenses w/the bigger tank? (I'm retired) Also lack of experience? I've been doing a lot of research reading, not only on the internet but books as well not to mention LPS personnel. I'm fairly set on what I want to do however, choosing the best (not $) working equipment for size tank is not easy because of differing opinions and only a few reviews readily available consequently I'd hoped to speak w/local aquarists to see setups and discuss pros/cons of equipment. Wish List: 90 or 125 tank (AGA), home built stand (experienced in cabinet making), protein skimmer (AquaC EV180) in sump, external pump (Iwaki) refugium, RO/DI (Kent Maxxima), substrate w/live sand, 'live' rock (note parentheses), metal halides/fl combo (Coralife), pwrhds (at least 2), and much more... How am I doing so far, Scott? Anyone else reading these posts feel free to jump in with your experiences and equip't reviews. Know that I'm not a youngster with yrs ahead of me so I'd like to hedge my bet for success early on by continued research and remaining patient.
BTW, my wife is keen on the idea of having an aquarium so I'm over a major hurdle! (g)
Bill the OlGeezer

[Reefland]

Hi Bill,

Looks like you've already made some needed decisions and are on your way on your equipment list, which looks pretty good with a few exceptions. You might look around at a more robust lighting system like a Sunlight Supply or PFO. Instead of powerheads, look into something more powerful like the SEIO's or Tunze Streams.

Liverock is rock that is full of bacteria and othe rmicrofauna which helps in the conversion of ammonia to nitrite and nitrite to nitrate. The rock material itself is not alive, only what is growing in/on and living in/on the material.

[OlGeezer]

Hello Scott,

Thx for the suggestions re lighting systems and SEIO's/Tunze Streams in place of pwrhds. I will look into them for sure. I'm assuming you have used or are using them at present? Also, do you think a 125g AGA is too large for someone like myself just starting off in Marine? I understand that more water volume means better system stability this being the main reason for going w/larger tank vs a 55 or 75.

With liverock handling/shipping, etc wouldn't most of life have perished by the time it reaches LPS? Despite this condition would there be enough residual bacteria/macroalgae to ensure biological filtration during cycling period and beyond?

Setup and plumbing properly is a big question for me. Do protein skimmers come thru with plumb'g instruction. Have worked quite a bit plumbing w/pvc and copper tubing over the yrs so that wouldn't be a problem.

Would you suggest grounding the aquarium somehow? If so, would you share how it's accomplished. I will be running 2 separate circuits, 20amp #12 ga romex w/gnd to the setup area, is this gnd sufficient or some other setup to drain any static buildup?

It's not easy being green.

Bill

[Reefland]

Originally Posted by OlGeezer

Hello Scott,

Hello Bill,

Thx for the suggestions re lighting systems and SEIO's/Tunze Streams in place of pwrhds. I will look into them for sure. I'm assuming you have used or are using them at present? Also, do you think a 125g AGA is too large for someone like myself just starting off in Marine? I understand that more water volume means better system stability this being the main reason for going w/larger tank vs a 55 or 75.

The budget is the main driver for the size. If you can get afford the setup and upkeep of a 125 then it would be better in my opinion. I wouldn't go anything lower than a 75gal.

With liverock handling/shipping, etc wouldn't most of life have perished by the time it reaches LPS? Despite this condition would there be enough residual bacteria/macroalgae to ensure biological filtration during cycling period and beyond?

Your correct, there is a certian amount of dieoff that occurs and this is why rock should be cured before placed with any other delicate marine life. Most people will get their rock and let it sit in the tank with water for several weeks while the cycle occurs and this takes care of any die-off that would occur during shipping.

Setup and plumbing properly is a big question for me. Do protein skimmers come thru with plumb'g instruction. Have worked quite a bit plumbing w/pvc and copper tubing over the yrs so that wouldn't be a problem.

These are pretty simple once you have the items. Make sure the tank is a reef ready tank (drilled with an overflow or 2). The rest of the equipment you get will come with instructions. Only use PVC or clear flexible tubing for your plumbing, never use copper!

Would you suggest grounding the aquarium somehow? If so, would you share how it's accomplished. I will be running 2 separate circuits, 20amp #12 ga romex w/gnd to the setup area, is this gnd sufficient or some other setup to drain any static buildup?

Very simple, purchase a grounding probe from any aquarium store.

[OlGeezer]

Thanks again Scott for answering my questions. I'm sure I'll have a number of add'l ?'s in the near future.
Take care,
Bill

[Reefland]

That is what we are here for.

[fish outa wata]

Sorry no one has talked yet from rhody. Presently I am in St.Louis but will be back in Newport probably within 6 months. Scott has answered everything pretty much. When I finish moving then I myself will upgrade to either a 120 or 150 depending on the home. Places like Glasscages.com - Home / News can create your tank on whatever dimensions you desire. They go to a show in boston occasionally. Oh, I have a seio and it is awesome. I definitely second buying a reef-ready tank, dealing with hob overflows can be a pain. Good luck.
There is a guy in woonsocket that is on the buy/trade forum, might want to talk to him for some local advice. I already talked with him about where there is a quality lfs.

[OlGeezer]

Hello Fish Outa Wata

Thx for responding w/equip't info and a local contact. As re tank size I've decided on 90g AGA reef-ready as it'll keep me within the 48" range keeping accessories affordable vs a 125 and 72". Rather than spend on a larger tank, light fix., etc. I'll put my $$ toward quality pro skim, ext. sump pump, Seio pwrhds, RO/DI, refugium, MH's...
Do stay in touch.

Bill, the OlGeezer

[fish outa wata]

That's what I was thinking with the 120. It still is 48" and it is wide which makes aquascaping easier. dual mh's awwwwe I can't wait.