New to SW/75 gal start w/sump

[Murdocmason]

Hey all,
So I've been in the hobby of aquarium keeping since I was about 7 yrs old with my first carnival won gold fish. Since then I have grown to LOVE everything about Tank Keeping especially SW, though I have never had the cohones to try it =) so here I go.

The tank is a "I believe" Aqueon 75gal rectangular non reef ready glass aquarium My sump is going to be a 40 gal Breeder. I'm going to do the regular baffle system in it to reduce bubbles and house the skimmer and reactor returns and what not.

I'm currently in the process of building myself a custom stand to house the sump and other equipment I may need in the future. I'm planning on having it plumbed with hardline including ball valves,manifolds,gate valves and unions where I need them so I can upgrade down the line.

The substrate is going to be sand I would like it to be a DSB but after reading a bit it may be a little to touchy for my liking but it would be nice to have so I can accomodate sifters and what not for my CUC.

Lighting is currently a 4x54w T5 HO, I havent purchased the bulbs yet this is why I'm posting so I may be able to grasp a bit o knowledge from the old reefers and new that have experimented with their setups. I know that is not going to be enough for any SPS corals so I figured on having LPS types,

I'm brand new to the SW side of things so I'm starting off small so a bit of advice in that category would be nice. Well that's all I can think of at this moment again I appreaciate any advice NEWBIE here and it says to post before you do anything drastic so here I am posting before I do anything drastic =) thank you all. Also I have a budget of around 2k so please help me to choose wisely

P.S This is the purchase list so far please critique

Purchase List @ Premium Aquatics.com

Live Rock = Reef saver rock from premium aquatics 80 lbs

Sand/Aragonite = Seachem Pearl Beach Substrate 100 lbs

Power heads = Hydor Korallia 1150 Reef Controller Kit (2 pumps + Smart Wave

Heater = Neo-Therm 200 w

Protein Skimmer = ?

Salt Mix = Seachem Reef Salt Box - Makes 200g of Salt Water

Return Pump = RLSS Wave-line DC 6000

Tests = Hanna test kits

Hydrometer = Sybon HD Refractometer - FG100sa

Light bulbs = T5 Giesemann series no idea on sequence of types yet

Acclimator = Reef Gently AccliMate XL Acclimator/Transporter Tank

Plumbing = the usual for Glass-Holes.com's 1500 GPH OFB Hardline of course

Dosing = ? Reactors? Need more info here.

Ideas and reviews please =)

Reef keeper status Noob
Murdoc

 

[Murdocmason]

bump?

 

[Murdocmason]

Come on folks just some honest opinions

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Looks like you have things pretty thought out and that you have done your research. For a protein skimmer, I would look into the Reef Octopus skimmers. As far as dosing and reactors, I would monitor the system and test parameters. In the beginning, you won't need to dose. This is something that you may want to look into as the demands of your system changes.

Have you thought about an auto top off?

 

[shovelrider]

If you build it, they will come...

 

[Murdocmason]

Sweet !! finally some input ty peoples for stoppin in I'm thinking about going with a CAD lights TIA 1150 2nd gen conic for the skimmer any reviews on that would be helpful. CAD lights also has an ATO float system but I'm not to sure on the craftsmanship since I have seen no reviews as of yet but if anyone has ran any of CAD lights stuff please advise me I love that they are American made trying to stay within my country if I can but obviously not for everything. Thank you again Ill look into the octopus skimmers and see if there is a big difference.
Sincerely
RKS Noob "reef keeper status"
Murdoc

 

[Murdocmason]

If you build it, they will come...

Lol indeed

 

[Murdocmason]

Well tomorrow is the big purchase day gonna buy some of the stuff off my purchase list hopefully I can get some more opinions before I buy, happy reefing

 

[Qube]

Just looking over your list, have you thought about starting with dry rock rather than live rock? I only ask because I've had issues the few times I've started with live rock, typically hydroids and aptasia. Ever since then, I've gone with dry rock with no issues other than a quick cyano bloom that occurs about 1-2 months into the process, but it usually disappears after about a month or so. Also, if you do go with live rock, check Craigslist. There's always people on there that are either getting out of the hobby or local guys who culture live rock. Usually ends up being half the price of what you will pay online.

Looking forward to the build as I too have a 75g mixed reef. They're really the perfect size tank IMO.

 

[Murdocmason]

Yea I'm going to go with dry, live is a pita. Also I wish more people around my area had reefs I've looked on cl locally and I got no good deals anywhere close I'll try again though.

 

[TRex91]

Have you checked out bulk reef supply? Awesome stuff and lots of you tube videos.. Love that place

 

[Murdocmason]

Yea I've watched quite a few of their videos trying to gain a general concept of owning a SW tank. My mind was definately blown when I first started looking through reef tanks but I think I have a good chance since I'm taking my time and researching as much as I can before the tank goes up. and feel free to critique the list I'll throw up a new list tomorrow since I have made a few changes in the purchase plan. Thanks again you guys and gal for your time and info =)

 

[TRex91]

Awesome,, for me research is huge,,, i didn't know anything about calcium or strong lighting until i really looked... Now i feel like i know everything (not really,, always more to learn) and i love doing the research.. You tube is my best friend.. Lol.. I'm trying to get my 12g nano started but just can't afford a light.. Hopefully soon.. Good luck with build and i well be taging along..

 

[Murdocmason]

So I have decided on the RLSS-DC6000 it has 1585 GPH @ 13.12 Ft Head that's 20x turnover and having a 40 gal Breeder for my sump that should be plenty of flow for future reactors, I'll be grabbing the one off Premium Aquatics website also. I'll be ordering it tonight.