May I have your attention REEF GOD's!!!!

[tigger]

I have been thinking about setting up my 75g as a mixed reef tank. I would like to hear the best way to set this tank up that is the easiest to maintain water quality. Such as bb v. deep bed, what size skimmer is needed, how should the sump be set up, how much rook is needed, ect. ect. If I set this up, it is going to take me about to my limit for cash on "ALL" of my hobbies. lol. So it would sure help if I can get by on some older teck. Ok you REEF GODS...Give it to me on layman's terms!!!

 

[strange33w]

Take some time to plan out what you want to add as this will help in your decision process as to what hardware you want. Things you need to ask yourself is what fish do you plan to have and how many - the larger the bio-load the bigger the skimmer you will need. For a 75 gallon I would get a skimmer around 150 gallons per hour. This will allow for expansion or higher demand in the future. Also look at what coral type you want and the needs for them ie higher calcium requirements. Once you have a plan on what you plan on sticking you can get a good idea of your hardware needs this will also save you money in the long run; amd keep you from having to purchase items twice. As far as sand beds, go with what you like I personally like shallow sand beds just for looks. I would go with a large sump this will give you room to add a fuge with some live rock and macro algae if you want to. There is no set amount of rock for a tank I personal like minimalistic rock work in my display but I also run rock in my sump to help with the filtration. This is another one that is more personal preference. Setting up a tank is expensive but if you get the right equipment the first time it will save you money in the long run. You don’t have to have all the all the fancy equipment from the get go ie tank controllers and dosing pumps. Just plan out your tanks live stock and tailor your equipment to meet the needs and it will increase your chance of success. Good luck

 

[CJO]

If this is your first tank, I would suggest you look into getting a book that goes over the basics and do a lot of research.

A rule of thumb for the rock is 1 to 2 pounds per gallon. As strange33w, it doesn't have to all be in the display, it can be in the sump too.

Most skimmers are rated, but they are over rated. Get one rated for at least a 100 gallon tank.

Take a look at the forsale forum here. You can save yourself some good money by buying used. For what you need to buy new, take a look at the sponsors forums. They give some good deals to members.

CJ