new with salt water aquariums

[systemfan15]

I'm new at the whole salt water aquarium thing and I would like to know absolutely #ed_op#span style="text-decoration: underline; font-style: italic;"#ed_cl#EVERYTHING#ed_op#/span#ed_cl#
needed for a 75 gallon tank with stand. I'm so confused on what filter
to get and about the 2 power heads i apparently need. If some1 could
give me some help and some recommendations for a beginner that would be
fantastic. #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
#ed_op#br#ed_cl#

Thank you,#ed_op#br#ed_cl#

sk#ed_op#br#ed_cl#

[peregrinus]

#ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#first off what do you want to keep? corals have different specs. lighting flow filtration. i would recomend a refugum and protine skimmer. a couple power heads would be good for water movment. i have 2 55's set up with refugums on RDP it works great for me.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl#ps. welcome.#ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[systemfan15]

I would also like to add that not only do I need to know what all i need to run the tank. But to maintain it as well.


thanks again

[systemfan15]

I'm eventually going to get corals, annenomes etc. so could you give me a list of everything i need. I'm completely clueless i mean every little detail of information of what is needed would help me. thanks

[peregrinus]

the problem with that is everyone has different setups and different ideas on how to set and maintain a tank.. i will tell you what i have and a few other can as well to give you a basic idea.
55 gal glass
2 power heads
2 VHO 100 watt lights
2 mercure vapor 175 watt
20 gal refug
600 gal per hour pump to put water back in the tank
an over flow to take the water to the refug
100+ lbs rock
2-4 in of live sand
i just add water feed every other day or so
change water 5 gal every couple of months or so.
hope that helps

[systemfan15]

Yes that does help, but i still have more questions :)...to maintain the tank do i need any of these: live rock, thermometer, cholorine neutralizer, instant ocean, aragonite substrate hydrometer, ph buffer, salt water master kit. tell me if i need them or dont need them and then tell me what each one is for if you could. Again i appreciate you helping me. I

[peregrinus]

live rock should be just whats in the tank#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#thermometer yes to make surethe tempstays stable and heater#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#cholorine neutralizer no use RO water " i use tap water works fine for me"#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#instant ocean yes if you make your own water for water changes#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#aragonite substrate yes 2-4 in in the bottom of tank and refug#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#hydrometer YES#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#ph buffer i would say nonever used it the refug help balance the PH#ed_op#BR#ed_cl#salt water master kit yes or just a few test kits. #ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#DIV#ed_cl##ed_op#/DIV#ed_cl#

[systemfan15]

What do you mean live rock should be just whats in the tank? And how do you use tap water? do u mix it in instant ocean or something?

[systemfan15]

Also, lets say that i use one of my test kits and i find the nitrate level is too high or the ammonia level or the salt water level, how do i balance this out to make it normal again?

[jerryc]

I don't thank id use tap water with out a tds meter or test to check it with
Peregrinus is lucky to live in one of the few places that have good tap water

[peregrinus]

i just use the water that comes out of the tap. for make up water and salt mix. but some areas have really bad water so its not always a good idea. if you get a read on a test thats not good you would have to find the problem and fix it. in fresh water you could add cems but you should not do that in salt water reefs.

ALSO read lots and do lots of research. .

if the salinaty is low you could add more salt water if its hi add more fresh water. if the ammoina is high something has died and you need to find it and get it out.

[systemfan15]

I appreciate you guys helping me. I really don't know that much about reef aquariums, I've only had freshwater because I've never had enough money until I got a descent job. Now, I'm not exactly on a extremely cheap budget anymore so I can finally pursue what i've wanted for a long time. I just wish I could've started this a long time ago...

[dakar]

You've come to the right place. I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say we'll happily walk down the salty trail with you :) You're off to a good start by doing some research up front.