Newbie

[Gazza]

Hi there,
I am just starting to get into saltwater aquariums after having freshwater tanks for some time. I have just received a beautiful tank 4ft x 2.5ft x 2.5ft. I have built a three section sump tank from my old freshwater aquarium. I am trying to gain as much information to make this a success as I can before starting to fill the tank and get live rock etc. I live in a seaside town in Australia so hope to collect my own salt water from the sea. I really would welcome any advise as to what I will need eg. size of pumps, amount and type (I had no idea there was more than one?) of rock, books tom read etc. We have a beautiful beach close by with arguably the whitest sand in the world and thought I would get some but some guys say crushed coral is better? As I said any help would be appreciated.
Gary

 

[jerryaycock]

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[mwbeach]

 

[Shep]

Welcome to R2R! I prefer sand over crushed coral personally but I think they both have pros and cons

 

[kschweer]

Welcome to R2R! I saw you said you will be making your sump from your old freshwarer tank. Did you ever treat that tank with medication such as copper? If so I would consider using another tank. Some medications such as copper can leech into the silicone and be released back into the water. Best of luck with everything. Be sure to start a build thread in the "member tank" forum. We love seeing new tanks.

 

[Reefing Madness]

 

[kireek]

*Welcome to Reef2Reef!* I like A PocketExpert Guide books.There is Marine Invertebrates,by Ronald L.Shimek.And Marine Fishes,by Michael Scott.These volumes are great for creating a wish list and looking up critters before purchasing.I wouldn't recommend using sand from the beach though.There are methods of sterilizing sand but it would be a awful lot of work.

 

[Gazza]

Gear

Thanks for the feedback, any info on best equipment would be helpful for what I believe is my 180 gallon tank?

 

[Gazza]

I respect your opinion but why would I have to sterilize the sand?

 

[Gazza]

I have not treated the sump tank, other than to check for leaks. Why would I have to treat it?

 

[NanaReefer]

I have not treated the sump tank, other than to check for leaks. Why would I have to treat it?

He's asking if you ever used Copper containing medications in your old tank. If so, you'll not want to be using it for a sump. Most corals and inverts do not tolerate Copper at all. It can/will kill them.
Copper is very very hard to remove.

 

[Gazza]

Thanks, I understand now.

 

[Crow]

Welcome to reef2reef the friendliest reef forum out there!

I'd avoid the crushed coral. Sand is a much better option.

 

[kireek]

I respect your opinion but why would I have to sterilize the sand?

I personally would just want to make sure the sand was very clean before using it in a aquarium.You may be able to get away with rinsing it very well,here is a link for you to check out:https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/new-saltwater-reef-aquariums-post-here/165200-sand-question.html

 

[rayn]

Welcome to R2R! Remember that patience and cleanliness go a long way in salt water. Rush through a small area just to get it going and save a few bucks, could cost you a heartache later.

 

[Gazza]

Amen to that Rayn, I have been burnt before trying to rush I was not looking to save bucks it is just that Hyams beach is in a pristine protected sanctuary and the sand is soooo fine and white. After some of the comments about fine sand stirring up I may not go that option. Thanks for your help