This is getting a little bit frustrating because I keep reading more
and more and finding new things out about what I can and cannot get.
I'm going to give a list of equipment for a reef tank which will
consist of a some clowns and other compatible fish, anemones, and
cleaner shrimp. #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
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1.) 75 gal tank w/stand #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
2.) hood with double 36" strip light#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
3.) emperor biofilter#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
4.)thermometer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
5.) Chorine neutralizer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
6.)Aquarium Net#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
7.) Instant ocean for 75 gals.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
8.) 60 pounds aragonite substrate#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
9.) Hydrometer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
10.)protein skimmer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
11.) ph buffer#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
12.) saltwater master test kit#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
13.) Alkalinity test kit#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
14.) phosphate test kit#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
15.) Aquarium vacuum#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
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If there is any equipment listed that will not work with my reef tank
please tell me. And that is the same for equipment that I have not
listed that I will need. #ed_op#br#ed_cl#
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*****P.S.- Please make sure you answer my entire question so It will not leave me guessing.#ed_op#br#ed_cl#
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I'd ditch the bio-filters/emperor and go with a sump/return pump.The sump gives you many advantages over H.O.T biofilters.It will also provide you a place to put your heater/protein skimmer in.The test kits you most need are nitrate,alkalinity,and PH.Most LFS will test your water for other params like ammonia,nitrite,etc.. and those 2 reallly only need to be monitored while your tank is cycling.You will need enough fine aragonite sand to provide a 3"-5" layer.This is known as a deep sand bed(DSB).If a shallower (1"-2") bed(SSB) is what you want,then go with a coarser grain aragonite sand like CaribSea.The coarser grain size will allow you to use a vaccuum without sucking up all the sand.Vacuuming is not recommended for DSB.Both methods have there advantages/drawbacks but that another topic entirely.For internal circulation/powerheads,I'd use no less than 4-MaxiJet 1200's.They are about the most durable powerheads i've ever used.The chlorine neutralizer wont be needed unless you plan on using tap-water which is a bad idea IMO.Distilled water can be purchased from a grocery store or you can usually buy RO/DI filtered water from your LFS.The strip lights,I've already commented on in your other thread.To sum it up,3,5,12,14,and possibly 15 really wont be needed.I also rarely use a net(I introduce fish with my hand) but since they're cheap,it wouldn't hurt having one.
A sump is merely a vessel that holds water.It sits under the tank usually in the cabinet.Often people will use a 20 or 30 gallon fish tank and use that for a sump.Another option is a rubbermaid type plastic container that you could find at Wal-Mart.Water from the tank is directed into the sump via an external overflow box.Some tanks are drilled and have the overflows built into them.The water will then flow into the sump where it can be skimmed,heated,etc.. and then a return pump will pump it back into the tank
If you are going to go reef than I suggest saving your money and buying the following:
Better lighting, MH, T-5 or PC depending on what you are going to keep.
An RO/DI filter for your water. It will save you the headaches later from using tap.
The best skimmer you can afford.
You are also going to need Live Rock and also some Live Sand to get things going.
The sand and liverock will provide all the biological filtration you will need.The skimmer will take care of dissolved organics as well as provide some mechanical filtration.Other kinds of external filters will only lead to water quality problems.The main problem with these is that they are only able to convert ammonia to nitrite,then nitrite to nitrate.This process is known as the nitrogen cycle.Denitrification is the process that removes nitrate from the water.This only occurs in areas of the tank that have almost no oxygen.The bottom layers of a DSB and the internal pore structure of LR are the places where denitrification occurs. Take a look at this article http://www.advancedaquarist.com/index/ The link will only take you to the site,the article i'm referring you to can be found by scrolling down the left side of the screen until you get to Advanced Beginnings by Jay Warrick,click that and go to his article"Basics of Filtration for the Reef Aquarium"
Help with what I need for an aquarium.....
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