I started out and bought a 36x18x16.5 40 gal tank to make a reef system. i have since decided to make that my refugium and sump tank. figured if i was gonna spend the money i might as well get the tank i want slowly piece by piece with a lot of d.i.y. included. i have bought the glass and just got done with my silicone war of building my new 60x24x20 (l.w.h.) aprox 125 gal.. $150 in glass really beat the lfs prices. in process of new diy tank stand and converting old 40 gal to refugium. I have done all the reading i can stand, so i figured i would ask ppl with experience and make my set up easier without all of the guessing what would work and not. With this being my first reef tank, i am kinda lame on all subjects and i have a lot of questions for whoever will be willing to reply and help.
sump.. my water will be traveling up aprox 5 feet.. how big of a pump would i need, and how much water should i be moving, gallons per hour?
refugium.. what kind of media do i need in there? have seen everything from live rock to mud and algae.. Guessing this is kinda up to the owner by all the differences i have come across. Any suggestions on what seems to work best or better? Plan on a 3 compartment with compartment 1 water coming in over ammonia pouches, carbon pouches then foam. comp 2 being the refugium with my ??? then comp 3 sump. With that do i need a protein skimmer? If yes, how big?
lights.. getting it that MH's are the best, but they are pricey.. any other lights that i could use to get same results but cheaper price, PC's? what would cover all my bases for whatever creatures i get and promote the proper growth lighting?
live rock... do i have to buy the so called Fiji, Marshall or Tonga cured/uncured rock to get a good look to my reef? My lfs carries some good looking rock with mushrooms and good coloring starting to bloom? Roughly the same price when i include shipping. Dont think the lfs would doop me intentionally but you never know.
Think thats all for now, anything you could add or help with would be greatly appreciated!!!
sump.. my water will be traveling up aprox 5 feet.. how big of a pump would i need, and how much water should i be moving, gallons per hour?
refugium.. what kind of media do i need in there? have seen everything from live rock to mud and algae.. Guessing this is kinda up to the owner by all the differences i have come across. Any suggestions on what seems to work best or better? Plan on a 3 compartment with compartment 1 water coming in over ammonia pouches, carbon pouches then foam. comp 2 being the refugium with my ??? then comp 3 sump. With that do i need a protein skimmer? If yes, how big?
lights.. getting it that MH's are the best, but they are pricey.. any other lights that i could use to get same results but cheaper price, PC's? what would cover all my bases for whatever creatures i get and promote the proper growth lighting?
live rock... do i have to buy the so called Fiji, Marshall or Tonga cured/uncured rock to get a good look to my reef? My lfs carries some good looking rock with mushrooms and good coloring starting to bloom? Roughly the same price when i include shipping. Dont think the lfs would doop me intentionally but you never know.
Think thats all for now, anything you could add or help with would be greatly appreciated!!!