Angel
Full Member
Posts: 67 
|
Post by Angel on May 30, 2018 19:03:49 GMT -5
So I have a tank on the way will take 3 weeks to arrive.
I'm looking for suggestions on:
1.)heater
2.)wavemaker
3.)lighting ( thoughts on kessil?)
4.)pump
5.)skimmer
I have the emerald 39" trigger sump.
The tank will be 150gallons.
I want easy maintenance so how thick should the substrate be also what should I put in my sump like chateau? *spelling live rock. I've never played with saltwater tanks so I'm just asking for product opinions.
Also I was looking into an Apex control pad ? Would love some feedback from some saltwater owners and yes I will have corals in my tank ! All types I'm hoping 😁
|
|
|
|
Post by Carl on May 31, 2018 8:38:15 GMT -5
*There are many choices for heaters, but all you need is a basic and reliable submersible heater which the Via Aqua fits the bill, You might consider two for redundancy, such as two 200 watt models Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_heater.htmlFurther Reading: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2007/01/aquarium-heaters-preset-vs-non-preset.html* There again are many good choices for wave makers. I would consider a controlling unit with a simple propeller pump since this type of pump is best suited to on/off operation. I have used Seios for years without any issues as per propeller pumps Resources: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/WaveController.htmlwww.americanaquariumproducts.com/RioSeioPumps.html* Lighting is a subject with many capable lights, but a lot of marketing hype and misinformation. I personally feel the Kessil is a LED light that unfortunately fits this mold I just mentioned. The Kessile has a much lower PAR efficiency as per input wattage and well as less than optimal spectral quality (but is loaded with gimmicks) I would strongly suggest the AquaRay Ocean Blue, Coral Colour Plus, or Reef White 600 or 2000s Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquaRayLEDLighting.htmlFurther Reading: aquarium-digest.com/2010/06/30/led-light-review-tmc-xg-1500-maxspect-more/#kessilwww.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2012/03/pur-vs-par-in-aquarium-lighting.htmlwww.americanaquariumproducts.com/Aquarium_Lighting.html*As per pump, I need to know what you want to do, (sump, filtration, ect) *As per Skimmers, another crowded field. I prefer Venturi or Needle Wheel models such as the TMC (Venturi) or ASM (Needle Wheel) Further Reading: www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2008/01/aquarium-protein-skimmers.html*I also would strongly recommend a top notch UV Sterilizer such as the Vecton 600. In fact I would refuse a marine aquarium contract with my aquarium maintenance servicing company if the customer did not have a category B or A UV Resource: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/TMCUVSterilizer.html*As to sand, here is a quote from my Marine Aquarium Basics article Back to sand, for a reef marine aquarium I highly recommend a deep sand bed of at least 3 inches, with 4-5 inches preferred. For fish only, 2-4 inches works well in most aquariums.
This substrate should consist of #00 oolite sized coral sand (NOT Playground sand which is NOT at all the same in chemical composition!).
This sand bed will act as a “home” for de-nitrifying anaerobic bacteria to live in an oxygen free environment and aid in keeping your nitrate levels low.
3 mm crushed coral marine aquarium gravel, substrate On top of the fine sand I recommend a layer of #3 crushed coral for improved nitrification and better waste control, not to mention easier vacuuming.
This top layer will generally trap large debris and detritus and will also allow some aerobic nitrifying bacteria to grow as well, however the main purpose is for trapping debris for vastly easier vacuuming, not to mention a more aesthetically pleasing aquarium than with sand alone.
I generally only vacuum the top crushed coral layer, only occasionally pushing the vacuum bell deeper into the sand so as to not disrupt too much of the anaerobic bacteria in the sand (I often vacuum deeply in the front areas of the tank so as to remove unsightly algae (“mold”) that will grow here.
I should note that occasionally pushing the vacuum in to different areas of the sand bed (rotating areas with each cleaning) will control potential buildup of mulm or other undesirable organic decomposition as well as to prevent sulfur-reduction.I strongly urge you read this article as well as its companion article: www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Basic_Saltwater.htmlwww.americanaquariumproducts.com/Saltwatersetup.htmlCarl |
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on May 31, 2018 15:26:44 GMT -5
Jumping ship!
I would only do Kessil if you're looking to do corals. If you're going to do corals, there's even better options in my opinion. Kessil have hot spots, so real intense in the middle, then spread out, but this would be good for SPS right under the light. I have the AquaRay
Apex are nice if your going to scale up and do full reef. For fish only or basic corals, it's not needed.
Sump full of algae is a good idea. Carl has a great sump design, I have something similar.
Start SLOW... If I could do it over, I would waited maybe a year before adding coral.
|
|
sp1187
Junior Member
Posts: 33
|
Post by sp1187 on Jul 5, 2018 21:49:35 GMT -5
Late to answer.
Is your 150 6 feet long or a 150 Tall (like mine) that is 4 foot long and 30 inches deep?
If it's the Tall, I'd recommend the Aquabeam 2000 Reef White NP.
|
|
Angel
Full Member
Posts: 67
|
Post by Angel on Jul 22, 2018 10:29:08 GMT -5
Yay I got my setup in yesterday! Anyone have suggestions on substrate. I like the white and fiji pink sands but I want something that's gonna be good for a stable ph and overall tank health  |
|
|
|
Post by Carl on Jul 23, 2018 8:58:40 GMT -5
|
|
sp1187
Junior Member
Posts: 33
|
Post by sp1187 on Jul 23, 2018 10:53:47 GMT -5
The amount of flow, from returns and wave makers, should be part of your choosing size of substrate.
Too small and you could end up with sand storms.
|
|
Angel
Full Member
Posts: 67
|
Post by Angel on Jul 23, 2018 11:03:23 GMT -5
The amount of flow, from returns and wave makers, should be part of your choosing size of substrate.
Too small and you could end up with sand storms.
I got the gyre 230 and a vectra L1 I also have the apex. System   |
|
|
|
Post by devonjohnsgard on Jul 23, 2018 12:26:23 GMT -5
All fresh.... awaiting ecosystem!
Remember to go slow!
I would study the chemistry info Carl gave.
|
|
Angel
Full Member
Posts: 67
|
Post by Angel on Jul 23, 2018 12:39:20 GMT -5
For sure I don't plan on putting fish in it for a year at least but I would like to get it started on cycling and get the apex set to it play with the system a bit for sure. I also have a quarantine tank as I have heard horror stories about saltwater catastrophes lol.
I really like the fiji pink sand though 😍
|
|
