New comer and first tank question

[Manchild]

Hello everyone,

My fiancé and I just picked up our first 5 gallon saltwater fluval on Monday and are picking up a larger tank on Wednesday. Ultimately we have put a lot of thought into it and decided to go in together as our Christmas present to each other. I have one huge question though, we still seem to be contemplating on tank size. We have plenty of room for even a large tank, we're just not sure whether or not to go the 55 gallon, 90 gallon or 150 gallon route.

Through a friend I have an opportunity to purchase a currently up and running 150 gallon, tank that is already drilled. The tank is custom and has paperwork for a lifetime warranty " came from marine warehouse in Tampa." It sits on an oak stand with matching canopy. The only thing I believe he doesn't have is a skimmer and I would need to replace the bulbs in the lighting system as they are burnt out. Any thoughts or input on this? I will try to attach photos of the tank, he is asking $500 for the entire setup.

 

[Tahoe61]

Hi and welcome.

Looks like a fantastic deal to me. I would jump on it.

 

[Manchild]

Here's my second question, I don't believe he has a protein skimmer. My biggest question is what kind would I need "brand? Model?" And what price range am I looking at for a good quality skimmer?

 

[Tahoe61]

Here's my second question, I don't believe he has a protein skimmer. My biggest question is what kind would I need "brand? Model?" And what price range am I looking at for a good quality skimmer?

Good question. See link below, look at reviews.

http://www.marinedepot.com/in-sump-protein-skimmer.html

Reef Octopus and Bubble Magnus are pretty popular brands.

The two things you do not want to skimp on are lighting and a skimmer. With that said you do not need to run out and buy the most expensive skimmer, nor do you need one immediately. Lighting and flow are going to be more important initially, and a RO/DI water source. If the water source is not optimal then you'll run into problems.

 

[Manchild]

Thanks!

The lighting, although it's not LED as I would prefer, is a PC setup. Now I know he has Bio balls connected to the sump and such, although he has a freshwater setup, will I be able to clean this with RO/DI and switch it to saltwater?

I just want to make sure I have all the appropriate pieces I need to start the transfer process from fresh to salt and replacing everything with saltwater, live sand, live rock, etc. this is step 1 for me as I know I have many cycling days ahead, I just want to make sure I know what I'm buying and what I'm going to need to buy additional just to make it a salt water tank.

 

[nanoreefer14]

$500 is a steal for that setup! Dont miss out on that

 

[nanoreefer14]

Reef Octopus makes really good skimmers. I would shoot high with the size of the skimmer. The bigger the better. Also I would look on bulkreefsupply.com and check out their rock as well. They have a great deal on Pukani rock and you get a lot for what you pay for, considering its a very porous rock. As for the transition from fresh to salt, I would say that a good quick rinse with a water hose and a vinegar/water soak for the pumps should be plenty.

 

[twilliard]

Welcome to the R2R community!
During the beginning of any tank you don't necessarily run a skimmer during cycle so that would be a great time to do some digging.
Here is some quick info!
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/skimmers-explained.227824/
With that info it may help to lead to better buying decisions to help avoid creating a skimmer graveyard (I have one LOL)

 

[Salty1962]

Go big, then you won't have to upgrade as you get into the hobby more. For that price you can afford to get you a good skimmer and have an awesome tank!

 

[Vincent100]

Go big, then you won't have to upgrade as you get into the hobby more. For that price you can afford to get you a good skimmer and have an awesome tank!

Haha what salty said about go big so you don't need to upgrade is so very true
Take it from me I'm on my 3rd upgrade and I'd still like to go bigger lol
Also on the skimmer I run a deltec and I love it , very easy to take apart and clean aswell as doing a great job of pulling gunk out of your water
Good luck and get that big tank in the pic lol

 

[Manchild]

Well got it confirmed and will be picking up the tank tomorrow. Any good tips on things to bring with me to make transport easier? He's going to take care of the water and fish that are currently in it, just more curious about removing the sand and such. Thank you everyone for all your input, very excited to start this slow moving process!

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome to R2R and congratulations on your new tank!

 

[helen ann]

Hi!!!

 

[smh254]

Well got it confirmed and will be picking up the tank tomorrow. Any good tips on things to bring with me to make transport easier? He's going to take care of the water and fish that are currently in it, just more curious about removing the sand and such. Thank you everyone for all your input, very excited to start this slow moving process!

If you can get a hold of some glass suction cups to help carry it would be a huge help. Get a little sand shovel from the dollar store to scoop the sand into a 5 gallon bucket.

 

[ourcoralreef]

Well got it confirmed and will be picking up the tank tomorrow. Any good tips on things to bring with me to make transport easier? He's going to take care of the water and fish that are currently in it, just more curious about removing the sand and such. Thank you everyone for all your input, very excited to start this slow moving process!

It is a good deal 500 for a 150 gallon with stand

I know your already picking it up i see you were talking about live sand and live rock im assuming you want to turn it into a reef

He used it for fresh water in my freshwater tanks i used medications and water conditioners those medications or water conditioners are usually not compatible with reef tanks invertebrates corals crustaceans etc
i would recommend cleaning the tank as if copper was used in it

Personally i would replace the silicone (inside part not what holds the glass together) and give it a good cleaning with hot water and vinegar

since you will have it empty you might as well start in the right direction

 

[ourcoralreef]

Oh and do not bump the bulkheads when moving it i have done that in the past and it caused the glass to crack

 

[stevo01]

Well got it confirmed and will be picking up the tank tomorrow. Any good tips on things to bring with me to make transport easier? He's going to take care of the water and fish that are currently in it, just more curious about removing the sand and such. Thank you everyone for all your input, very excited to start this slow moving process!

Youve got great feedback already! I like this big tank and a pico tank idea. Youll learn a lot from doing both styles. I think keeping a pico will make you that much better in keeping a larger tank. Be careful of cross contamination of your tanks. Use something like vinegar to sterilize nets, tongs, cups, ect.

I would ditch the bioballs and go with the biggest skimmer you can fit with some room for future add ons. Im doing all dry rock, live sand, bottled nitrifying bacteria in my new tank. Also look into the wide assortment of reactors and DIY's. Im planning on above mentioned, a carbon reactor, and calcium reactor to start.

Be patient, add slow, and QT QT QT everything. If you have space 2 QT's one for copper/meds and fish. The other for corals. And...

 

[mkutsch]

What fish and corals are you thinking about? If you're gonna go the 150 route, you can do almost anything.

 

[stevo01]

+ for Red Sea and Salifert test kits. As well as Seachem amonia badges. If you have trouble with shades of color API can be more of a challenge to read. I like the true sign. Like purple to blue in 1 drop = Salifert over API.

 

[sil40sx]

Get the biggest you can afford,. not just the tank though, you have to consider and keep in mind that the bigger the tank, the bigger/more equipment(s) and maintenance you need... lights, saltmix, water, pumps, powerheads, heater, electric bill, dosing supplements, skimmer, etc,.