Just got started again any info would be great!!!

[maxfischer]

hello, This is my 2nd go at things, the first time i had a 45g tall tank i found used at a great price, it came with evrything wet/dry, lights.The tank was great the only thing it didnt have is a girlfriend that would take her time when i was away fora week. She killed all my fish! Sold the tank and dumped the girl. That was 2000 for Christmass my New and improved girlfriend told me to go out and buy a Saltwater setup and she would pay. In Our local want-ad i found a 70 gallon half cylinder used with a wet/dry, lifegaurd, stand, and a cheep light for $300. I want to set up a reef tank this time and i have all the time in the world. This is what i biought for the tank 150watt MH with Two 65 watt True Actinic 03 Blue, 5- Stage Reverse Osmosis System, turbo twist uv by corallife, 200 gallon protein skimmer, a hagen master test kit, and a copy of The Reef Aquarium Volume 1 by J. Charles Delbeek and Julian Sprung. with the $300 for the tank i have spent $1250(i love ebay) I guess what i'm trying to say is this is what i want to have. I cool reef tank. one i can look at for hours. Some fish but lots of corals and the cool stuff. I know it will be some time till its all done. is there anything else i am missing for a reef tank?? At this point i know i'm looking at another $1000 on corals, fish and live rock. any tips??

[ReefNeck]

You didn't mention Live Sand. I would definately go that route for a Reef tank. Also, Consider a Refugium. While not a MUST have it is highly desireable and will be a great place for pods to grow in case you keep pod eating fish. Also with Macro Algae and Mangroves etc it will help keep your nitrates down and fight against bad algae blooms. If you don't go with a Refugium and stick to the Wet/Dry consider removing the Bioballs and replace them with Live Rock Rubble. You are definately on the right track with RO/DI.

[maxfischer]

let me get this straight a refugium is a tank with the same water runing in and out of it as the main tank? And i put alge in it.hmm and the live sand is a must, i get that much. i will have to read up on the refugium. Thanks

[ReefNeck]

#let me get this straight a refugium is a tank with the same water runing in and out of it as the main tank? And i put alge in it.hmm and the live sand is a must, i get that much. i will have to read up on the refugium. Thanks

Just search this site or google for Refugium. You will find a wealth of info. It basically replaces your Sump (Wet/Dry) with a different type of sump with seperate chambers for the return pump, Skimmer & an area for growin the Macro Algae and other things to help with Nitrate removal. Also contains Live Sand and Live Rock Rubble in the appropriate compartments.

[peregrinus]

the refug would in most cases take the place of your wet/dry yes you use algae for the filtration.

[maxfischer]

should i have both? what about the ones that hang on the tank? are they too small? how many gallons should it be, my tank is 70??

[graphixx]

the bigger the better, it will increase the total volume of water and make for a healthier more stable tank.

[ReefNeck]

I agree with Greg here, The bigger the better. If you can afford it I would get the Sump style Refugium as it will give you more water volume and more room to work. A H.O.T. type is usually for smaller tanks and starting out.

[jerryc]

With just a little work you can make one out of a cheap fish tank
i used a 20 long on my 55 and I'm working on setting up a 75 I'm using a 29 on it
all you need is to get a glass shop to cut the dividers for you

[maxfischer]

i picked up a refugium on ebay its 24" x 12"x 14" (17.42g), it says rated for up to 150 gallons system and 400-500gph recommended water flow, i also picked up a Coral life 12" 2x18 watt light for the refugium. is that ok for the lighting? The live sand that i need can i get the at a pet store or should i buy the stuff on ebay for $26 for two full cups, whatever that means, he has great feedback on the stuff. thanks for all the help as soon as mu books show up i can read more and not have to bug you all with my questions

[ReefNeck]

That light should be fine for your refugium! As for Live sand, You can get it at the LFS but get the real sand from a tank if possible and not the bagged stuff they call live sand.

Never dealt with eBay for sand but $26 for 2 cups seems high to me.
Good luck with it.

[dakar]

Check for reefers that are local you you, most will gladly give up a cup or two of livesand to help you jumpstart your sandbed (even some of the better LFS's).

[maxfischer]

cant wait just got some stuff from ups today my turbo twist uv and my vol one reef aquarium by sprung, can wait thanks for all the help