Advice for a new reef setup

[DrAsTiC]

Hello everyone great site here,

I am currently setting up a 75 gallon reef and wanted some advice from you fellow reefers . I have the rapids pro plus filter setup,I was not sure how good it is but I figured to give it a shot.My LPS told me to take out the bio balls because they cause the nitrates to get high I am not sure if that is true.

http://www.aquariumguys.com/rapids-...?gdftrk=gdfV2226_a_7c1209_a_7c5174_a_7c245080

I need advice for a lighting system, I am not sure what kind of Led light to get or if I should go with a t5. I currently have about $500 set aside for the light and wanted to see what you guys would recommend.
Thank you for your advice in advance :fish:

 

[Jim]

What do plan on stocking? softies, lps or sps? At $500 you might be limiting your lighting. I don't know about your filtration but bio ball are nitrate factories. Where in Westchester are you?

 

[DrAsTiC]

Thanks for the reply Jim,
I plan on eventually stocking everything but for now I am going to start off with some softies and sps. I figured I would get something that would be good to start off but I was not sure if the average $500 led light would be good for what I need. Maybe stepping up to $750 not sure but I don't want to take a chance with something that will just not do the job.

As far as the bioballs go should i replace them with something else or just run the filtration without anything in it's place?

I live in North Mount Vernon.

 

[Jim]

Run the filtration without the bioballs. You can get a good T5 fixture in your price range like ATI, good LED will cost considerably more on a 4' tank. I wouldn't recommend starting with sps. Most are not beginner corals and require a little more experience. Do some research, take things slow and there are a lot of people here to help. Ask a lot of questions before making costly mistakes.

 

[DrAsTiC]

Thank you so much Jim I have been doing tons of research already and I am very glad I found this site.

 

[DrAsTiC]

I believe I am gonna go with this one what do you guys think?
http://www.aquadirect.com/store/product.php?productid=34158&cat=1796&page=1

 

[CONSTANTNE]

I have seen people use filters like those but definitely without the bio balls. I think they would run carbon, GFO, or live rock or a mix in that. Not quite sure as to which or if its possible but I remember seeing that.

Your best bet is trying to see if you can use that overflow box and drain to hook it up to a sump.

 

[Imbarrie]

I have a 75 gallon and I'm using a 6 bulb TEK Elite T5 light.
I started out worksite coral and now I'm getting into SPS. That light would be great for you and it's in your price range.

 

[DrAsTiC]

Ok I ordered the ATI 48" 6x54w T5 Powermodule Fixture with
1-ATI 48" 54w Purple Plus T5 Lamp
1-ATI 48" 54w True Actinic 03 T5 Lamp
2-ATI 24" 24w Aquablue Special 15K T5 Lamp
4-ATI 48" 54w Blue Plus T5 Lamp

Do you guys recommend a certain heater?
Do you guys use the reverse osmosis filters or do you get it premixed?

 

[poormansdream]

RO is the only way to go.

Good Luck Buddy

 

[DrAsTiC]

Thank you very much, I ordered a 5stage ro/di system from bulk reef supply.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Qnsnyc]

How do you like the Rapids Pro 3 Wet and Dry Filter System? I am thinking of starting up a 75g also. Just want to starting getting the equipment.
I already have a JBJ 28g nano

 

[DrAsTiC]

I ordered it but never used it since I got a refugium from my brother. I still have the rapids pro brand new in a box if your interested. I never took it out or used it. What are you looking to stock your tank with?

 

[jayjay]

i have an solar x treme lighting for my 72 fish blow but some of the reef or corals i really need help i dont know what im doing here

 

[jayjay]

i dont know if they corals or reefs but some look alive and some look dead anybody out thee to help me i need it like i need jesus lol