First reef build

[ADAM ASHBY]

So I had a hobby I did enjoy but I wanted to try something new. I have a friend that has been on this for a few years and I always admired his beautiful reef. So I thought I would give it a shot.

I'm getting a tank the specifics are unknown other than it's a 50-55 gallon tank.

My goal is to sustain primarily LPS and a few fish I hope. I've read that the SPS are a little harder to maintain.

What basic equipment is need to complete the system.

I don't know what questions to ask.

 

[Pongo]

Welcome to R2R!

You've arrived at the best place for information to help you along your journey.

My 1st piece of advise is to go slow, very slow.
Read a lot, be patient and go slow.

 

[XNavyDiver]

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-supreme-guide-to-setting-up-a-saltwater-reef-aquarium.138750/

Here's a good place to start!

 

[A Toadstool Leather]

For sps it is important to have good lighting. T5's and metal halides are good for them especially the ones that need more light such as acropora. I dont keep sps but monti caps seem to be the easiest sps. Dont try them until you have a firm grasp of water chemistry.

Make sure you have all the test kits needed as keeping parameters in check is essential for the health of stony corals.

 

[Young@Heart]

Lots of this to think about, but first and foremost, be patient, research, ask questions and go slow. We at Reef2Reef are here to help. There are a number of ways you can achieve what you want, but first you have to decide what you want to do. SO my advise before you go to far is to decide what you want to do. From your previous statement, it sounds like you want what amounts to a mixed reef tank. There are many things to consider, but based on what you indicated I have a few questions:

1) Is your tank drilled for a Overflow and a sump? If it is not drilled for that are you planning to use Hang on the back filtration or Canister?

2) Have you thought about Lighting (Corals typically need either T5 Type Lights or LED's there are others as well)

3) For a Mixed Reef, you will need Live Rock

4) Are you going to use a substrate (Sand or such)?

5) Do some research and learn about Cycling a Tank

6) Consider where you want to put your tank

7) Educate your self about Protein skimmers

I know I mentioned a lot, but don't worry - you can always asks here at R2R. The point is to be patient, go slow, ask questions and have fun!

Let the addiction begin, Ha Ha

Happy Reefing!

 

[ADAM ASHBY]

Lots of this to think about, but first and foremost, be patient, research, ask questions and go slow. We at Reef2Reef are here to help. There are a number of ways you can achieve what you want, but first you have to decide what you want to do. SO my advise before you go to far is to decide what you want to do. From your previous statement, it sounds like you want what amounts to a mixed reef tank. There are many things to consider, but based on what you indicated I have a few questions:

1) Is your tank drilled for a Overflow and a sump? If it is not drilled for that are you planning to use Hang on the back filtration or Canister?

2) Have you thought about Lighting (Corals typically need either T5 Type Lights or LED's there are others as well)

3) For a Mixed Reef, you will need Live Rock

4) Are you going to use a substrate (Sand or such)?

5) Do some research and learn about Cycling a Tank

6) Consider where you want to put your tank

7) Educate your self about Protein skimmers

I know I mentioned a lot, but don't worry - you can always asks here at R2R. The point is to be patient, go slow, ask questions and have fun!

Let the addiction begin, Ha Ha

Happy Reefing!

Thanks guys!! I picked up my tank over the weekend. Does the plastic trim serve as a structural support for the tank? I was wondering because I had thought about taking the top trim off for a cleaner look(The tank was a gift).

1 no but I can have it drilled at work

2 I'm open to led or T5 whichever I score a better deal on.

3 found some at a local place but everything he had was covered with life and he said they are full of hitchhikers.

4 clean bottom preferably.

5 idk I will look it up.

6 done

7 I will look that up as well.

Thank you!!!

 

[Greybeard]

Tanks with trim generally need that trim... I wouldn't remove it! Even if you did, and got away with it, the glass edges under that trim won't be beveled or polished. Rimless tanks are available, but converting a rimmed tank to rimless is not a beginner task.... and dumping a big tank full of water in your living room will not give you a good start in this hobby.

 

[ADAM ASHBY]

Tanks with trim generally need that trim... I wouldn't remove it! Even if you did, and got away with it, the glass edges under that trim won't be beveled or polished. Rimless tanks are available, but converting a rimmed tank to rimless is not a beginner task.... and dumping a big tank full of water in your living room will not give you a good start in this hobby.

lol touché

I will leave the tank alone. Might just paint it and see if that makes me happy.

Thank you!

 

[Young@Heart]

I really like the Rimless Tanks, but Alas, Mine have rims - oh well moving on.

 

[Radman73]

Rimless tanks have their issues as well. Like keeping the inch or so between the water line and rim clean. Frustrating. Plus, it's really difficult to have a mesh cover to prevent jumpers from carpet surfing that doesn't look awful.

 

[ADAM ASHBY]

Where is the most logical location to drill my plumbing holes? Side/back panel high or low. I will have a stand and everything hidden underneath most likely. Also hole/plumbing sizes?

 

[Young@Heart]

Several issue to think about, I have never drilled a tank (or had one done). Is the glass tempered? Obviously we are talking about drilling holes for a sump. I am still building my own 180 tank - 1st sump. Typically, I see the holes drilled at the top of the tank (my tank will be different because of the custom size) - Mine are next to the overflow I will probably end up with four because it is a Peninsula tank). I would take a look at YouTube and search. Sumps and drilling tanks are a bit out of my comfort zone at the moment. I am positive there are more qualified people to respond here than I. I saw a Youtube video of one guy who seems to be an expert at this. I will see if I can find the name and post it back here. I just don't want to give you "weak advice". - my 2cents - knowing my limitations.