new to reef questions

[hotrodder]

Hello,

This is very exciting for me because of so much information and research.
I would like to know what corals would be a good start for a 180 gal acrylic tank, ecosystem 3616 pro with ASM G3 protein skimmer refugium, 1/3 hp chiller, cal reactor, closed loop with reeflow dart and 20 hd pump, 2 scwd, 200 lbs of live rock, 200 lbs of sand give or take. skimmer, 72" aqualight pro with 3 250w mh, 4 96w actinic, 4 lunar lights.

There is almost too much information for me to make good decisions. I read everything I get my hands on. This is what I love about the hobby, the changing dynamics of the hobby. A little help would be appreciated. I still have time to alter the equipment list as well.

I know there is debate over the ecosystem, but I was never one to not take risks on new systems.

Also, I am trying to find out what is the best way to aquascape the live rock. It will already be cured.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi hotrodder, and :welcome:

From the looks of your equipment list, you should be able to keep most corals in your setup.

How deep is your 180G? Some light demanding corals (such as SPS) may need to be placed high in your tank.

As for which one would be best as a first coral, you need to tell us if you are planning to keep sofites, LPS (large polyped stonies) or SPS (small polyped stonies), and we'll give you suggestions to which ones to try first.

What kind of skimmer are you planning to buy?

Louey

 

[Anonymous]

welcome hotrodder! The best way to start out in this hobby IMhhO is to make a list of "must haves" in terms of both coral and fish. Research what species interest you and then decide compatability, i.e. between corals, between fish, etc.

Your system should be able to provide a good environment for most anything, but smart preplanning can prevent the "aw heck why did I buy that thing when it eats coral" moments.

 

[hotrodder]

My tank dimensions are as follows:

72X24X24

As for a preference of corals, I want to create a natural looking environment and not a hodge podge of different animals. All of the corals interest me, soft, hard, and some fish to complete the reef. I just wanted to know what would be a good starting point, or a "I would do this."

 

[DrHank]

A few suggestions even before you start. You will NEED a RO/DI unit. Start with 0 TDS and you will save yourself a lot of headaches. You mention skimmer but don't say which one. Your Skimmer will be your single most important piece of equipment. It will export organics which would otherwise increase bioload on your system.

A general suggestion on fish would be the more and larger you have the greater the bioload will be on your system. Also, carnivores and omnivores will increase bioload more than herbevores. The greater the bioload, the higher the nutrient content and the greater chance of developing a HA problem.

You are doing the right thing by taking your time and researching before you buy. Everyone has their own idea of the way that they want their tank aquascaped and what livestock they want to keep. You need to be aware of not only what fish go with what other fish but what livestock are reef safe.

Also note that although you should be able to keep any types of corals you like that each coral has it's own offensive and defensive capabilities and that in addition to compatability, placement may also be an issue.

I hope that everything that I've said is just a repeat of things you allready know. If not look into any questionable areas. Good luck in creating your own ideal reef!!

 

[hotrodder]

I forgot to mention that I have a 1/3 hp chiller