Greetings everyone. After 5 years of not having time/money to maintain a Saltwater Aquarium I am going to get back into the hobby. I keep a reef aquarium before and have some idears as to what I want to do this time but am looking for some ideas as to what I should do. Currently I am thinking a 180 Gallon All Glass Aquarium for the main tank. After that I am now at a loss as to what equipment I will need. I like the idea of a refugium/sump but unfortunately I have no clue as to what all the setup issues with all of this will be. If you can post ideas for me and websites taht would be helpfull it would be appreciated. Thanks.
Starting again after 5 years. Need help/advice
- Thread starter Silkster
- Start date
Oh yas and thanks for the link but that didnt tell me anything I didnt already know from previous experience. What I am really after is idears for my setup.
My last tank was kinda slapdashed together. I want to do it right this time and need some suggestions. Come on you guys. I know you know something about this stuff.
My last tank was kinda slapdashed together. I want to do it right this time and need some suggestions. Come on you guys. I know you know something about this stuff.
Welcome back to the hobby and welcome to our community. Its always good to see new people join us. We hope that we will fulfill your needs.
Is the tank drilled? If not, get it drilled before you fill out so you don't have to rely on hand on the back over flow boxes.
What is your vision for this tank? What do you want to keep in it? Knowing this will help us to kick off with some ideas for you.
Is the tank drilled? If not, get it drilled before you fill out so you don't have to rely on hand on the back over flow boxes.
What is your vision for this tank? What do you want to keep in it? Knowing this will help us to kick off with some ideas for you.
Well I am mostly interested in keeping the corals. Quite frankly I never had much luck with fish but am willing to try anything again. 
My first decision I need to make is how big I really want. MY thought is at least a 180 gall all glass aquarium. I am considering going for acrylic but never liked them much due to the ease of them scratching. The only reason why I would consider one is that you can get them in larger sizes without getting it custom. Yes the tank I get will be drilled I have done the hang over the back style of overflows and I agree they suck. I intend to have a refugium but am not sure if I want it combined with my sump or seperate. and how big everything should be in relation to the main tank. Now once again I have confused myself. LOL
My first decision I need to make is how big I really want. MY thought is at least a 180 gall all glass aquarium. I am considering going for acrylic but never liked them much due to the ease of them scratching. The only reason why I would consider one is that you can get them in larger sizes without getting it custom. Yes the tank I get will be drilled I have done the hang over the back style of overflows and I agree they suck. I intend to have a refugium but am not sure if I want it combined with my sump or seperate. and how big everything should be in relation to the main tank. Now once again I have confused myself. LOLI have a 180g with a 55g sump/refugium tucked nicely underneath. I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for...I suspect a few good (recent) books on the hobby would help you immensely in getting started. Good luck, and please continue to use this board as a resource tool...it rocks!
Chris
Chris
Silkster":s7x0at3t said:Well I am mostly interested in keeping the corals. Quite frankly I never had much luck with fish but am willing to try anything again.
Ok??............This is what I would do if I had the money....especially if I had had not much luck with fish yet. I would find a spot in my house away from sunlight and large enough for a two tier stand that would hold the 180 and my sump underneath. The placement must also allow space to hang Metal Halide Pendants from the ceiling. I would begin setting up my 180 as a Reef Tank but only keep fish well doing more research regarding the husbandry of corals. Most fish are much easier and less expensive to care for than most corals. This will give you time to check your "skills and methods" of keeping a Marine Tank. You will save yourself a lot of money,time, and frustration. You can always return or trade your fish. I highly recommend these books. Aquarium Corals:Selection,Husbandry,and Natural History by Eric Borneman.......Marine Reef Aquarium Handbook.........and Saltwater Aquariums for Dummies. Take it slow and easy. Patience and research is the key to success. I am currently doing this with a 100 gallon showtank as I write this. Have Fun!
My advise to you is to go slow.
I would plan for 3 or 4 months before purchasing anything other than some good books to start off with. Keep posting questions on the boards and you should be able to get some good advice.
So many decisions that you need to make are based on what you want to keep. Waterflow, lighting, calcium supplementation, etc. Do some extensive research and visit some tanks to see what you like. Type of corals, fish, color of lighting, etc.
See if you can join a local reef club and go on some tank tours.
Ask questions and most importantly, go slow.
FWIW, Nathan
I would plan for 3 or 4 months before purchasing anything other than some good books to start off with. Keep posting questions on the boards and you should be able to get some good advice.
So many decisions that you need to make are based on what you want to keep. Waterflow, lighting, calcium supplementation, etc. Do some extensive research and visit some tanks to see what you like. Type of corals, fish, color of lighting, etc.
See if you can join a local reef club and go on some tank tours.
Ask questions and most importantly, go slow.
FWIW, Nathan
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