Bought a tank.

[snodine]

Well, I went ahead and pulled the trigger. I bought a tank that will eventually become a reef aquarium. The tank is used and about 9 years old. I got the tank (6 ft. L x 18 in wide x 24 in high ~120 gallons) and stand for a very good price. The tank has been without fish but running for about 2 years. There is an incredible amount of green and purple algae and lime deposits built up on the inside. That is my next chore - cleaning it all up. I stopped by a fish store and talked about cleaning the tank. It was suggested I basically scrape it off and use a 1/4 vinegar/water solution. That will be done in the next few days. Then it is on to buying pieces of necessary equipment. Any suggestions for where to start? I am more concerned with doing it right then doing it quickly. I have lots of time and will spend the money necessary to get it right.

Has anyone tried drilling a tank to install intake/output for a sump? I want to keep as much of the equipment out of sight as possible.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[shavo]

well i think if it is going to be a reef.... filtration, quality oversized skimmer, and lighting is where you start. I have the same tank as you and you can look through my build thread on members tank specs and shoot some questions my way if you want.
good luck

 

[mr_X]

welcome to the forum steve.
you could drill the tank, but i believe any drilling would have to be done on the back pane- i think the bottom is tempered glass.
view this thread:
http://www.reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=101128

if i was you, i'd try to copy this internal overflow idea.

also, read the threads marked *sticky* for equiptment and general "get started" info for equiptment and procedures.

again, welcome and good luck :wink:

 

[cindre2000]

Sounds like a 135...

What are you hoping to keep? The animals you plan to keep are the main determiner for the equipment.

The three big areas I always tell newcomers to figure out next are:

Light,
Flow, &
Filtration

 

[snodine]

I want to keep soft coral and a few fish. As a father of children addicted to Disney movies, I have been informed that I have to have "Nemo" in the tank and an anemone or two. As you can probably guess, I have not put together a final stocking list as of yet. Any suggestions gladly accepted.

Thanks,

Steve

 

[mr_X]

my suggestion is to research anemone thoroughly before getting one, not to mention waiting until your tank is very established.
they need alot of light and a well established, and stable tank. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

I would fill it and let it sit and check all seams for an older tank.

My .02 cents