New Guy need help with 75 gallon ;)

[Gtot]

hi guys...ofcourse..im new to the reef set-up..just want to know if i have everything already and if i need any more things to get before i start my 75 gallon tank

75 gallon tank from All-glass w/ built in overflow with 2 predrilled holes
stand and canopy from All-Glass Modern Series
wet/dry filter for 125 with skimmer
2 Cap 2200 pump/powerhead
Two 10,000K Daylight and Two True Actinic 03 Blue 96watt Compact Fluorescent Lamps
Three 3/4 watt Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED Lamps
External compact Fluorescent ballasts with three On/Off Switches
Three 12 foot lamp cords and three 6 foot power cords for separate timers
Mounting brackets
3 cooling fans
Sleek black aluminum housing (48"L x 13"W x 3.5"H)
Highly-polished reflector
Acrylic lens cover
Marine Test kit by Red Sea
1 300watt heater
A Instant Ocean Hydrometer
2 glass Thermometer
a 45 gallon Plastic Trash Can for Water reservoir
a 30 gallon rubbermaid container for Water reservoir
160 lbs of Argonite Mix Sand


i have not bought the salt yet..but by the look of things.i will be getting Instant Ocean Salt Mix
I did get a Dechlorinator my Kordon cause im planning to use Tap with a starting PH of 8.6 straight out of the tap.

do i need anything else before i start?

thanks again!

 

[ChrisRD]

You didn't mention live rock - I'm assuming you're adding that once you're up and running, right? If not, you should plan on it. Also, if you are going to add live rock (highly recommended) you don't need the wet/dry. You can still use it as a sump to house your skimmer and equipment, but you won't need the plastic bio media, and in-fact, IME/IMO you're better off without it (the live rock/sand will handle bio filtration).

Another thing - make sure you have very good circulation. IME it's one of the keys to maintaining good water quality and stable parameters.

I would recommend against using tap water. You just don't know what's in it - chlorine is the least of your problems. I'd highly recommend making the investment into some kind of water purification unit like an RO or RO/DI. You may also be able to buy purified water locally, but even if you go that route, I'd still buy a handheld TDS meter so you can check the purity of the water before you use it. IMO a pure water source is another big key to success in the hobby. Even a cheap DI unit will work fine if used correctly - just may not be cost effective long term.

What books do you own? If you don't have any, that's the best investment you can make right now is a couple of good starter books (check the link in my sig).

 

[ChrisRD]

BTW, your setup sounds good so far and

 

[down&dirty]

Sounds good, I would however suggest jumping on ebay and buying an RO filter unit. I didn't and my friend did. Needless to say, I hear about it every time I have to go buy water. I started with tap and quickly saw a difference in the quality of life for the inhabitants. Now I pay $0.49 a gallon and I am using about 10 gallons a week. Would have been better off with the RO filter from the start at $200 with extra filters. Also make sure that you get your hands on some small syringes (dosing) and a turkey baster (blowing off your rocks). Also lots of airhose, and hose clamps for random dripping and other needs. Other than that, I am jealous. I would love to start a new tank, and from the looks of it I might get the chance. OH YEAH ONE LAST THING. BOOKS BOOKS BOOKS.

 

[Gtot]

i got the book by Paleta

and yes i am starting with 50lbs of cured live rock to start with..

im definitely thinking about getting an RO unit...i will be setting up the tank this saturday and will do wet run with frsh water to check my equipment .

im not rushing..i just want to make sure i got the right stuff

is there anyway at all that i can do without the RO unit? like aerate the water for 24 hours with dechlor?

 

[insearch]

I personally get my fresh water from the coin-op machine in front of my grocery store. Glacier Water, it is RO DI and UV sterilized. 25 to 30 cents a gallon. 22.50 is a small price to pay for high quallity water. And if you find a good location they will have there filters changed regularly. Read the machine.

 

[ChrisRD]

is there anyway at all that i can do without the RO unit? like aerate the water for 24 hours with dechlor?

Aeration will have no effect on stuff like phosphates, silicates, nitrates, heavy metals, etc. Having that stuff in your source water will cause problems down the road.

IMO you really need a source of pure water, whether you buy it locally, or make it yourself with some type of filtration unit (ie. RO, RO/DI, DI, etc.).

 

[Anonymous]

Another reccomendation for an RO unit. The stuff it removes cannot be removed with dechlorinator.

Many algae problems are the result of not filtering the water properly and too many nutrients end up in the tank. There are some people who are lucky and live in an area where the water out of the tap is very good and they can use it, but that is very uncommon.

Plus, it makes for very tasty water, I keep a 2 gallon dispenser of it in my fridge now. 8)

 

[drywallguy29]

I know, I know this is totally nit picky but you may want to consider two heaters verses one just in case the one heater bombs on you, speaking from experience. :wink: