New to saltwater aquariums...few questions - Page 2

Tommy Gun · 10-30-2006, 07:32 PM

I like the bowfront look as well, but have a couple of the 55 gallon 'kit tanks' for my freshwater fishies (mostly cichlids). I do have the 90 gallon bowfront tank which is saltwater and it is nice, and big... but it is four feet long so it fits in the same locations that a 55 long would, only it is taller and just a little bit more wide from front to back because of the bow.

Since Aaron wont reply to my posts ever, I will try to get us both some info in yours, if you dont mind!?!?!?

From what I have heard, most saltwater set ups that get into the 72/75 gallon range and up are usually recommended to have a sump/refugium. Is this what you would also recommend? If so, it may be a much more expensive endevor than the 55, even without the added costs for the bigger tank and stand, correct?

Also, how much does the height of a tank affect one's ability to have a successful reef set up? For example, as a person with both tanks that you mentioned earlier, wouldnt it take less light to reach corals even at the bottom of a 55 gallon (24 inches or less under water) than it would in a 90 gallon bow which is in the range of 40 to 42 inches deep? Also, would one need to place corals according to their lighting needs higher or lower in a tank? I realize that light is light, but I have also heard a lot about how water filters light and even though it may seem just as bright at the bottom of a tank, it does not neccessarily mean that the light is as intense as it was when it hit the water or withing the upper areas of the tank. Is this true and would it be a consideration for someone who is trying to create a successful reef tank without breaking the bank?

gm333 · 10-30-2006, 07:46 PM

Quote:

From what I have heard, most saltwater set ups that get into the 72/75 gallon range and up are usually recommended to have a sump/refugium.

I would recommend a refugium for any reef tank. There are numbers of reasons why the only one I feel is most important is because of algae, live rock, more natural filtration.

Quote:

Also, how much does the height of a tank affect one's ability to have a successful reef set up? For example, as a person with both tanks that you mentioned earlier, wouldnt it take less light to reach corals even at the bottom of a 55 gallon (24 inches or less under water) than it would in a 90 gallon bow which is in the range of 40 to 42 inches deep? Also, would one need to place corals according to their lighting needs higher or lower in a tank? I realize that light is light, but I have also heard a lot about how water filters light and even though it may seem just as bright at the bottom of a tank, it does not neccessarily mean that the light is as intense as it was when it hit the water or withing the upper areas of the tank. Is this true and would it be a consideration for someone who is trying to create a successful reef tank without breaking the bank?

You will need more lighting for deeper tanks. All corals need different lighting especially lps corals(although I dont have a lot of knowledge on these as of yet) As far as breaking the bank, there are routes to go without having to spend a thousand dollars on light sets, but it is still expensive.

UnDeR_FLiP · 10-31-2006, 01:16 AM

When you guys are talking about a refugium/sump, what exactly is this? From what I've gathered it seems like it would be a seperate tank where water is filtered too, and then returned back in to your main tank? What are the advantages to this?

gm333 · 10-31-2006, 08:31 AM

Look here this will probably answer a lot better than me.

xeruf · 10-31-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UnDeR_FLiP

When you guys are talking about a refugium/sump, what exactly is this? From what I've gathered it seems like it would be a seperate tank where water is filtered too, and then returned back in to your main tank? What are the advantages to this?

one advantage is you can hide all teh filter equipment from the viewing area

ahill3780 · 10-31-2006, 05:43 PM

Sorry Tommy,

Been a little busy lately and just got promoted to Super Moderator here in the forums so I spent most of yesterday tinkering around figuring out how to control my powers so that they are used for the good of mankind.

I will be more active in the threads soon, but for now I can only pop in and out to answer the few questions I see that have not already been addressed in previous posts. You guys are getting very good with your knowledge and I feel that I can leave the basic answers, as well as some of the more advanced ones to you all. (I'm a newbie too you know, not an expert, regardless of what one might think from my posts.

)

Yes, in a smaller sized tank you will always benefit from having a sump (or refugium) because of the added volume it grants your system. More volume = more dilution, more dilution = slower buildup of pollution.

Here is a thread that I made a while back on the subject of Sumps and Refugiums (you may remember this Tommy!

) that should answer some of your questions on what they are:

Click Here

HTH,
Aaron

UnDeR_FLiP · 11-14-2006, 09:36 PM

Ok, its been awhile and I think I have what I want sorted out....

I've decided on a 45gal tank, jebo canister filter, 2 power heads, and of coarse a heater. As for the lighting, I have been searching on EBAY and I'm wondering if the following would be sufficient?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/JEBO-36-110W-Aqua...QQcmdZViewItem

Now, I do not plan on having coral at this point...just live rock and a anemone or two. Would this lighting be sufficient?

Thanks for all the help so far everyone!

Daryl

kdawg · 07-17-2007, 10:56 PM

hello. i also am new to this saltwater thing. i am wanting to start out and i have a small aquarium that i used to keep goldfish in when i was little. i have a lot of room for a bigger tank, but not much money. i have a friend who would sell me a 75 gal tank, stand, and hood, and i was wondering if it would be better to buy it for 200 dollars or to just start with the small tank. i would like to know if it is possible to start out with a smaller tank and move my stuff to a bigger when once i get some money. i also was wondering if there were any good books you would recommend for beginners like myself. thanks

-kels