New Reefer

[ReefNeck]

Ok, But what type of Corals is what matters. If just Soft Corals and mushrooms the 4x65W PC light will be fine. Only if you want the hard corals (SPS) and Clams and even some Anemones would you need more.

A Bubble Tip Anemone will be fine with those lights. I know I have one under 4 x 65W.

So check out the Coralife Super Skimmer 125 and let me know the type of corals you want. Also, If you have any plans for a Mandarinfish then a Refugium becomes a must have.

[sticky]

As far as Corals goes I guess what would be the differences in Anemones that you can use (any photos or links). As for the refugium I have heard of it, but do not fully understand the importance and use of it if you could help me out with that.

The decision between hard/soft corals is based on Anemones

Now I know some of these photos may be improbably, but this just shows what Anemones we like











I know there are tons of Anemones out there to choose from, and a large variety to choose from. I am trying to look for guidance, tips, help, and to learn the different abbreviations I see :mrgreen:

So far I appreciate all the great help and information I have found on this site.

[ReefNeck]

Ok, With those Anemone choices You will need more than PC (Power Compact) lights can provide.

Have a look at this page http://www.specialty-lights.com/teklightaqua.html for lighting. The more bulbs you can afford in the fixture, The better. I would go 6 Bulb but 8 is even better if you can afford it.

Here is the #1 filtration method, A little pricey but worth it. http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/htm...temMethod.html

And for information on Sumps/Refugiums Visit here http://www.melevsreef.com

Check those out then fire back any more questions you may have. )[/url]

[sticky]

Right now I am just going through the lights portion, my question is.. and this may seem odd, but is there any better looking lights out there? The reason I ask is my tank is sitting in my living room as I want it to be the first thing people see and the center piece. However I have vaulted ceilings in there, and having lights hanging down from that would look rather ?odd?



This would be a possible option, but I have no clue on how to set that up with the tanks location?

I will post again after I get through the filtration system.

Thanks for the links

[ReefNeck]

Ask and you shall receive! http://www.specialty-lights.com/tek-bracket.html

Tank mounting legs for the same lights. They don't HAVE to hang.

Or you could get a Canopy (Or build one if you are skilled) and build the lights into it to hide them.

[sticky]

Actually I could, but it would probably come out awkward, but I have a friend who does word working and have him build something or go with the mounting brackets either way the hutch I would like built would be able to hide the lights and give more storage for items.

At least with the brackets I could get the light mounted and up while the hutch was being built.

On to the next part .. filtration

[sticky]

Alright, well that raised more questions than it really answered for me??

http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/reefugium.html

That doesn't tell me too much and that picture has me confused?
Does the refugium go under my tank for plants/mud and that soft to supply nutrients to the system?

It says add to your existing filter.. so do I need to get a filtration system and add the ecosystem to that?

All I can say is wow, I am excited, but all so lost. Any help on this one?

[ReefNeck]

There is an Ecosystem that can be added on to an existing sump. There is also one that is the sump and system all in one.

The last link I posted is a site that will show you how you can build your own sump/refugium and save a lot of cash.

This is the Total Package of the Ecosystem. http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/sumps_kits.html

Look at the other link first and decide if you can do it yourself and save (or want to) or if this link fits your plan better.

The Mud is the best method but not absolutely needed. You can build a nice Refugium and be almost as good.

[sticky]

Could you kind of break down the exacts on a refugium on what it does, it's exact purpose, and any tips to build one correctly that works good?

[ReefNeck]

Could you kind of break down the exacts on a refugium on what it does, it's exact purpose, and any tips to build one correctly that works good?

Well, That is what Melevs site does. Has all that info but I digress.

A Refugium can be your sump, With a small section set aside for the "Fuge" part. In this "Fuge" you can opt for a deep sand bed or a Shallow sand bed. A DSB is generally preferred to help break down organics. You can have different types of Macro Algae in the Fuge. These are the good Algae that resemble plants and help keep nitrates down. You can also have Live Rock Rubble (Small pieces) here which is where "pods" will reproduce and grow. The pods will make their way into your tank via the water flow and provide food for many different fish including the beautiful Mandarin fish.

The Sump/Fuge also provides a place for your skimmer & heaters to keep the clutter out of the tank. You can build one to house whatever you want. As Melev shows, He has some really nice ones and it's not real hard to do.

I just made one last week for my wife's 29G tank out of a 10G tank. I built "Baffles" into it which serve as a Bubble trap to keep any micro bubbles (Like from your skimmer) from getting into the tank. Micro bubbles are bad in SW tanks. It took me less than an hour to make the simple one I made and it's working great. Used a Deep Sand Bed (DSB) and has Caulerpa & Cheato Macro Algae in it.