Idea and plan for new tank

[vicmonahan1396]

So I'm gonna be getting a 120 gallon reef tank with

A protein skimmer

Reactor

I'm thinking maybe a canister filter or something else because I can't afford a sump(if you have any tips or recommendations I'm glad to hear)

R.O.D.I water since I can't get the unit.

Led lights hopefully the ones with moon light

Water test kits

a water heater

And some of those little underwater fan things (I forgot what they are called) to help with flow.

The tank will have live sand, some live rock to give the tank extra biological filtration, some corals and maybe an anemone.


After the cycle is done for about 6 weeks -2 months+

I will patiently and slowly week by week add the fish. The fish will be

2x Ocellaris Clownfish

3x Court Jester Goby

6x Pajama Cardinal

2x Watchmen Goby

2x Link's Goby

1x Forktail Goby

1x Orchid Dottyback

2x Apatasia Eating FlieFish

1x Lawnmower Blenny

And maybe a clean up crew of hermit crabs and snails.

I haven't decided on the species of coral if you have any suggestions please tell me. I've learned one thing from this is that patience is a virtue.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Go slow and research everything.

Good read:

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

 

[vicmonahan1396]

Go slow and research everything.

Good read:

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

I know I will go slow setting up and waiting for the tank to get cycled and introducing fish. Also I can't afford a sump but I will get a protein skimmer and reactor. It's gonna cost a lot so I'm kind of stressing

 

[Flippers4pups]

I know I will go slow setting up and waiting for the tank to get cycled and introducing fish. Also I can't afford a sump but I will get a protein skimmer and reactor. It's gonna cost a lot so I'm kind of stressing

You shouldn't stress. My current system took over a year to buy, collect and build before it got wet. Allowed me to spread out the cost. Patience in keeping a saltwater tank is key. But so is research, planning and doing things right the first time in purchasing equipment before adding water.

 

[Dystinction]

Go slow and research everything.

^^ ABSOLUTELY!

Just my .02 cents here. In my opinion, a sump is worth its' weight in gold over a canister filter. Granted, pre-made sumps can get very pricey, however, a DIY 40 gal breeder would work great on this size system, and could be done for less than the cost of the canister filter.

Just an idea/suggestion.

Taking a little time to research, as well as save some money to get the 'best' equipment for your system can save you money in the long run.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

 

[andrewkw]

You can buy a glass tank to use as a sump during petco's dollar per gallon sales. An example would be a 20 gallon long for $20. Or find a used tank cheap which depending on your area can be real easy to do.

 

[vicmonahan1396]

^^ ABSOLUTELY!

Just my .02 cents here. In my opinion, a sump is worth its' weight in gold over a canister filter. Granted, pre-made sumps can get very pricey, however, a DIY 40 gal breeder would work great on this size system, and could be done for less than the cost of the canister filter.

Just an idea/suggestion.

Taking a little time to research, as well as save some money to get the 'best' equipment for your system can save you money in the long run.

Good luck, and enjoy the journey!

Where do I buy a sump and does it come with the filter and the skimmer? Also how many reactors do I need?

 

[Flippers4pups]

Where do I buy a sump and does it come with the filter and the skimmer? Also how many reactors do I need?

The question is the tank you want reef ready? Overflows and bulkheads for a sump?

 

[vicmonahan1396]

The question is the tank you want reef ready? Overflows and bulkheads for a sump?

I can't afford a sump. I can only afford a protein skimmer and one reactor. Which already costs a lot.

 

[andrewkw]

I can't afford a sump. I can only afford a protein skimmer and one reactor. Which already costs a lot.

Delay some of your livestock and reallocated some of those funds to a cheap sump.

 

[vicmonahan1396]

Delay some of your livestock and reallocated some of those funds to a cheap sump.

Okay I'll just get a 60 gallon and upgrade in the future. Also do I need a reactor or no?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I can't afford a sump. I can only afford a protein skimmer and one reactor. Which already costs a lot.

The cost of equipment is real, but you also have to factor the costs of maintaining a system as well. Reefing can be done cheap, used equipment....etc, but everything needed to keep it going can be expensive as well.

 

[WVNed]

For a sump but a used tank and get some salvage glass. Cut it yourself and glue it in.

Hauling water for a 120 gallon tank will become a hated task rather quickly.

 

[vicmonahan1396]

For a sump but a used tank and get some salvage glass. Cut it yourself and glue it in.

Hauling water for a 120 gallon tank will become a hated task rather quickly.

How the hell do you cut glass?! And i could try a hang on back sump that could work

 

[Dystinction]

Where do I buy a sump and does it come with the filter and the skimmer? Also how many reactors do I need?

This is where your time and research comes into play. Take some time and look through other members' build threads here. Take a look at how they are doing it. Combine this information with how might be best for your system/implementation, and research equipment options.

There's a million ways to skin this cat, and that's where you'll want to get yourself as knowledgeable as possible in order to make good/informed decisions regarding your system.

Try to imagine/design your system as a whole. Draw it out. Make lists. For example, you may want to plumb for reactor hookups in your system, however, hold off on purchases until such time you deem they may actually be beneficial or required.

Similiar to @Flippers4pups stated above, I personally have been saving for 2 years, and spent a good many hours figuring what I felt would work best for my system.

There is a lot that goes into these systems, and initial startup costs can be the worst part. But again, take some time, you'll be much happier and thankful in the end.

 

[Flippers4pups]

Okay I'll just get a 60 gallon and upgrade in the future. Also do I need a reactor or no?

Look at it this way, reactor or no reactor is dependent on water testing and husbandry.

Reactors have their place and can be useful. Using GFO, GAC....to adust water pramameters and quality.

 

[WVNed]

Ah the ancient secret knowledge

A glass cutter
https://www.wikihow.com/Cut-Glass
I cut up the lid from my new 75 and glued it into an old tank I had and made my sump

 

[andrewkw]

Okay I'll just get a 60 gallon and upgrade in the future. Also do I need a reactor or no?

I'm not suggesting you cut your tank in half. I'm suggesting you delay a purchase. An example would be your planned 6 pajama cardinals. If you go by live aquarias pricing they are $15 each x 6 = $90

20 gallon long tank or used larger tank = $20
2 bulkheads = $10
pvc pipe / plumbing parts + glue / silicone $40
glass baffles cut at any glass shop $20

That is $90 right there, and you can still get those 6 fish, you just have to wait until funds allow. You are somewhat all over the map if you mention your budget people can provide better advice. You could spend $1000ish on a 120 gallon setup, or you could spend 20x that. The figures I am using above are estimates but they should be relatively accurate.

 

[vicmonahan1396]

Look at it this way, reactor or no reactor is dependent on water testing and husbandry.

Reactors have their place and can be useful. Using GFO, GAC....to adust water pramameters and quality.

So my new plan is a sump with no reactor only a skimmer and filter and Heater. I could make one myself or buy one. Lower the livestock amount. Use some dead rock as biological filtration because of the bacteria that grows on it. Cycle tank with sump and saltwater. Wait till ammonia , nitrites and nirtates are at a good level also the Ph. Then slowly add the livestock

 

[Flippers4pups]

@vicmonahan139, if all of this is a little overwhelming, then consider a AIO tank or smaller system.

The other option would be to buy a system used from someone getting out of the hobby. Could save a ton of money and make it easier to have all the things you want.