Ok so the long wait is over. All the family vacation is over and I am at the point to start setting up the tank. I have been doing research and learning as much as time has allowed and now its time to start getting this tank ready for water. First things first, I have posted on here awhile back and got great help so Im super excited to get going. My tank is almost in its final place, I have my roe system hooked up and have most of the stuff ready to do the final hookup. Is there a good way to make sure I am getting it all working in any specific order? I was thinking about starting at the ato and filling that, then having it fill the sump. Once that is setup and working I would then fill my mixing tank and get water ready for the tank and begin the filling. I have been given a 180 gal with just about everything one could think of, so I dont really get the option of starting small and figuring it out as I go. I have everything to get a full reef tank going, including a Neptune system. Im still learning and will need some guidance. Thanks
Its time to setup my first saltwater tank.
- Thread starter buggynutt
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Salt Creep
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Not really sure what you are asking... where to put the water? Sure, see if the ATO works by dripping a little bit into the sump, but to fill the display and the sump just dump water into the display until it pours over to the sump and fills that.
buggynutt
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I was really planing on starting and growing into this. I was given about 14k worth the equipment as he could no longer deal with the tank due to health issues. he tried to sell it with no luck so I received with the promise he could come over and check it out and see what I have done. It may sound as Im bragging about this but in reality it kinda scares the crap out of me and is very overwhelming. I guess getting a dream setup handed to you is not always the best way but Im not in a rush so thats always a good thing. I figure I can set it up as simple as possible and incorporate the rest of the equipment as I learn. I will get some pics as soon as I get it into its final resting place.
Salt Creep
Active Member
Well you have a lot of time during the cycling process to figure everything out. Definitely take your time. Depending on what rock you use the first 6 months to a year is going to be purging the rock of nutrients and battling algae anyway so again... plenty of time to learn the equipment
buggynutt
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So I should get it up and going with the bare necessities and while its cycling learn how everything else fits into the system? I guess that makes more scene than just trying to get it all figured out and then start it. What would be the best way to figure out what substrate and rock to use. Im shooting for a reef tank with some fish, I know some people have one or the other or both and it seems like everyone has a different way to setup for different things. thanks for the help.
Salt Creep
Active Member
What kind of coral? For the best chance of success you should choose what type of reef you want. Mixed reefs do work, but it isn't really natural to keep coral with different requirements together. I have tried many different types of sand and special grade is my favorite. I always use dry rock to avoid unwanted hitchhikers.
buggynutt
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Im not sure yet what exactly we are wanting. Im thinking my kids really want some clown fish and my wife wants a puffer but nothing it set in stone as a must have. I would really like something with lots of color and really enjoy fish that move around and do stuff rather than just float. I really think I want a live sand bed but Im so new to saltwater that Im not positive on anything yet. I guess I really just need to find a good beginner setup as for as coral and fish and learn. thanks
