Allow myself to introduce....

[wonderballz]

Myself. I am Ritchie Cunningham and this is my wife, Oprah...

Anyways, My name is Paolo and I am getting back into the hobby after a 6 year hiatus. I had a 10G nano with LR, 2 emerald crabs, 2 pep shrimp, and a serpent star. Had to give it up because i was rarely home to take the time for the tank.

Well, 6 years later, I am starting to get all the supplies together. In order to keep cost as low as possible, I am gonna go the "used route," and buy most of the gear from forum members. I figure it lets me meet people who are much more knowledgeable than I, and it supports the forum.

So here's what I have now.

40G Breeder RR
10G Sump with 3 chambers and all plumbing associated
stand and hood (although I am gonna build my own stand using some of the plans off the internet, and just strip the hood and add some decorative molding to it)


I still have quite a way to go before I have this tank up and running.
On my list is:

RODI system
Vortech MP20 x 1
Mag7 Return pump
Lights
Skimmer

I figure between the return pump and the MP20, I can get enough flow for the tank.

I am not sure with direction to with lights though. I would like to keep my bioload low, but if I remember correctly, once I start to add stuff, the hunger begins. Maybe a few corals, and cleaning crew, few fish. Maybe a hearty anemone.

Still got some reading to do, but i figure I would need to do MH.
Would a 175W pendant suffice? Maybe another fixture with actinics?

In terms of the skimmer, I am just looking to go used/inexpensive. Any brands that I should keep my eye out for?

Looks like I will be posting more often as I start to amass my gear.

 

[James983]

I don't think 1 pendant will spread the light enough. I would go the T5 route. There are always quality used skimmers for sale. A used AquaC with a mag3 should be in the $100-$150 area. They are always available.

 

[wonderballz]

Thanks James.
I meant to say T5. I was checking out the few AquaC's for sale in the FS/FT area. They look like strong possibilities.

BTW. When i bought the tank, it came with sand, but i am not going to set the tank up until i have all my gear set up. The sand is in a bucket. Will I be able to use the sand, or should I be worried that it will be sitting too long?

 

[duke62]

i would get a bigger sump.if you have a stand a 30 gallon would fit .i have a 50 breeder,same dimensions just a higher tank.10 gallon u will be limited to what you can put down there.plus it will give you more water volume.i also have t5s on my tank and am vry happy with them.i have a clam and had some sps till cyano took over.had nice growth for awhile.dont go cheap on a skimmer either.i think its 1 of the most important piece of equipment u will have.and take your time

 

[wonderballz]

Yah, i am thinking of building a 20G sump instead. Trying to find a free'ish 20G long to make one. I wanna go big with a skimmer, but just can't justify it at the moment, so I will have to make due in the meantime.

I am prob gonna build my stand in the next few weeks, but I am still in the process of pricing out materials. Once I have all my measurements, then i can figure out what size the sump will be.

 

[James983]

BTW. When i bought the tank, it came with sand, but i am not going to set the tank up until i have all my gear set up. The sand is in a bucket. Will I be able to use the sand, or should I be worried that it will be sitting too long?[/QUOTE]
I guess if you wash the sand you could reuse it. Let it dry out good and it should be fine.

 

[wonderballz]

Thanks again James. I'll make sure to do that in one of my rubbermaid tubs

 

[kevo220]

bigyankfan has a nice 36" t5 light for sale.

 

[wonderballz]

I saw his. I just picked up an MP40 from Pete (PDNYC), so I will make the light one of the later expenditures...

 

[James983]

Your gonna have to throttle that MP40 down. I had one in my 6ft 150 and it made a nice little wave on reef crest mode.