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coffee1stlife2nd

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Hi All,, ive been lurking for some time now and reading and reading. I read till I fall asleep then wakeup and be like Oh Yea where was I...LOL.. Anyways i have a 180 that has been sitting in my living room empty for about a year just keep staring at it and thinking what am i supposed to do with that big thing...My hubby bought it for me for my B-day last year. I have always done FW tanks but have always loved SW tanks . well now im ready to start trying. the only thing i have is the tank, stand,hood, and wet/dry system that I have no idea how to set up correctly. I live on the 1st floor of a apartment and will have to get RO/DI that will connect to the sink. i have a list of stuff that i thought i should buy but the more i read the more it changes so really I have no clue, I feel like im right back at the beginning. I look at tanks and filter set ups and think OMG... there is no way i can set that up... I do know once its set up im sure i can handle it...
Ok so here goes if you had $2,000. what would you buy for it? I was thinking of buying everything I need then paying some1 to set it up.. I would like to do it myself but i would hate to mess it up. Thanks All...
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ReefBot Lab, Automated Water Tester
if $2,000. isnt enough to buy everything what is the most important things i should buy to start with? I dont need to set it up asap but really would like to get it going.. please give me a list of names,sizes of the products...Thanks Again....
 
Welcome to the hobby!

If you shop around, you SHOULD be able to get the tank off the ground with $2,000. You have a beautiful setup.

Most aquarists, from what I've noticed over the years, are self taught. You are doing the right thing by reading! The best thing to do is when you are unsure of something is to ask for help. I've been out of the hobby for a few years now & I'm even needing help again! Don't ever be afraid to ask questions; some of these guys REALLY know their stuff & are more than willing to help you out! : )
 
Nutramar Foods
I would start with a skimmer and lights. Are you wanting a reef tank or fish only with live rock?
 
Hello and Welcome to R2R a great place full of great info good luck in your new adventure


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Tidal Gardens
Wish I had a 180 sitting around..Oh to have ur problem...LOL. Welcome. Lights, RO, and filtration... Spend heavy in those departments
 
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Welcome to R2R. As Loki said I would start off with skimmer and lights. I would recommend you go with the biggest skimmer you can. Do not go cheap on this!!!!! Look into bubble magus, I tech or bubble king. As far as lights, while its true you should decide if you want to keep fish only or a reef tank
i would recommend you purchaselights that would allow you to keep a reef regardless. That way your covered.

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I agree with the other posts. Also, I would have the tank drilled for filtration. It will make your life a lot easier.
 
Deltec
Oh, if you plan on using t-5 lighting look at tek lite or if going with leds look into ai. Good luck

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Agree with having the tank drilled... There are many choices when it comes to lighting. I use Radions. Think they may be to expensive bc of their options. Ai might be a great second choice that i would probably make if i was to start from the begining again. Not saying i dont love the radions, but, i am running them at 35% power and using very little of the white color due to my corals. Ask many questions, get the ideas and suggestions from all here, and make a educated decision. Paul
 
Thanks All, I would like to set up a reef and i have been looking into skimmers,and ro/di systems. i know on FW ive always doubled my filtration does the same go for SW? if a skimmer says for up to 180 do I get that or buy something that says maybe a 240 or bigger? And I will go for LED`s. and has any 1 used Marine Products - Realistic artificial rocks created for aquarium, reptile habitats | Universal Habitats I understand the benefits of using live rock for reef but has any1 tried these i was just wondering because ive read so many post where their having problems with their rock dying off. thought maybe i could eliminate that. Thanks Again
 
Deltec
bulkreefsuply has dry rock and then you can seed it with a piece of live rock or just wait it out patience is key
 
Here are a few things I would recommend.
Get tank drilled instead of HOB overflow. I worry everyday about mine! =(
Use dry rock instead of live rock to avoid unwanted pests. I didn't and got aptasia!
Buy the best skimmer you can for your size system. (I tend to use oversized skimmers)
And as far as lighting I don't think LED is the way to go with a $2k budget. Upfront cost for LED is ALOT!
Last but not least. Patience! Test, test, test, until cycle is complete!
Oh yeah, and ask a lot of questions here, many members of R2R have been very helpful in answering my question and helping me out..
 
Nutramar Foods
Also, quarantine and acclimate fish and corals properly.
Sorry for so many posts. Cannot edit my other post..
 
To get the tank running your going to need to have it drilled and put an overflow box and bulkheads. Then you need some sand get a heavy grade reef sand so your powerheads wont stir up sand. Then get dry pukani rock from bulkreefsupply.com. its very big for its weight you wont need but maybe 100-150lbs of it. Also get a 5 stage ro/di unit from BRS as well. Get some salt. I use red sea regular formula its cheap and made from natural sea water. I wouldn't get any lights for a few months because your tank wont be coral ready for several months at least. Easiest filtration method that will make it easier to clean and maintain for you I suggest a skimmer and bio-pellets. BRS sells all of this too. Just get a skimmer rated for 180-250g and a biopellet reactor with a pump to feed it. This all should run about half or so of your budget. Make sure your skimmer will fit in sump or else you'll need a new sump as well. Also an in sump skimmer will provide a place for water incase skimmer overflows which will happen during break in and possibly other times. Take out bioballs they aren't used exept in fish only systems without live rock.
As for lights go with leds if you can afford a unit or if hubby is a diy guy its not hard to build one just tedious wirring and soldering. Or find a good used t5 setup something least 8 bulb depending on corals u want to grow. If u want sps you'll need like a 12x36"bulb unit. Hope this helps welcome to R2R. Ask plenty of questions

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Also join your local area reefclub. Someone there should b able to help plumb your system and are great sources for help info and just good peple to talk reef with.

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I would first try to find a local reef club where you live. I bet there is some very knowledgeable people there that would guide you in setting up your tank. Plus our reef club has monthly frag swaps, so you could have a source of corals that are much cheaper than ordering them online without paying shipping costs. If I were you I would go with a real good skimmer that is rated for in the 250 gallon range. Always go bigger than maximum gallon size for your tank. Also, if you go ahead and get lighting that will support corals you can still use them for fish only for the time being. It's not that difficult once you start!
 
Dinkin's Aquatic Gardens

IF YOU HAD TO TAKE A REEFING EXAM, WOULD YOU PASS?

  • Yes!

    Votes: 32 45.7%

  • Not yet, but I have one that I want to buy in mind!

    Votes: 9 12.9%

  • No.

    Votes: 26 37.1%

  • Other (please explain).

    Votes: 3 4.3%
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