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Posted by Timcat on July 26, 2005, 5:12 pm
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I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the
marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but...
First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice?
Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment
with a reef in mind...just in case.
I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump
wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and
durable. Any suggestions?
Can/should a canister filter be used, as well?
What about a fluidized bed?
Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred?
I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity
consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still
considered preferable?
What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe,
test kits, etc?
Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred?
Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend
to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the
quality of what I've seen locally.
I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book
recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously
aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements
and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages.
If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email
me directly at timcat@hotmail.com
Regards,
Tim
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Posted by RicSeyler on July 26, 2005, 5:48 pm
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First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS
sell you a bunch of crap :-)
Timcat wrote:
>I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through the
>marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
>Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
>
You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of
headaches!
>I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but...
>First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice?
>Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment
>with a reef in mind...just in case.
>
Once you get into it you will want corals!
>I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump
>wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and
>durable. Any suggestions?
>
Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable
though.
>Can/should a canister filter be used, as well?
>
>What about a fluidized bed?
>
NO
>Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred?
>
Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions also.
>I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity
>consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still
>considered preferable?
>
Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent.
There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife Lighting.
I've always used PFO brand lighting setups.
>What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe,
>test kits, etc?
>
Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred
i.e. Pinpoint Ph Meter)
is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also
useful for cycling)
>Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred?
>Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend
>to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with the
>quality of what I've seen locally.
>
Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep
and get a couple pounds of Live Sand
from your LFS to seed the sand bed.
>
>I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book
>recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously
>aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with requirements
>and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced stages.
>If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can email
>me directly at timcat@hotmail.com
>
Others will chime in on current reef books.
>
>Regards,
>Tim
>
>
>
>
--
Ric Seyler
Online Racing: RicSeyler
GPL Handicap 6.35
ricseyler@SPAMgulf.net
http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler
remove –SPAM- from email address
--------------------------------------
"Homer no function beer well without."
- H.J. Simpson
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Posted by Timcat on July 26, 2005, 7:26 pm
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Thank you...I'm taking it all to heart. I didn't realize the wet/dry thing
was such a no-no in the salt world...others echo your remarks (I read awhile
looking for prior posts before posting my own).
Tim
> First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS sell
> you a bunch of crap :-)
>
> Timcat wrote:
>
>>I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through
>>the marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
>>Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
>>
> You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of
> headaches!
>
>>I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but...
>>First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice?
>>Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment
>>with a reef in mind...just in case.
>>
> Once you get into it you will want corals!
>
>>I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump
>>wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and
>>durable. Any suggestions?
>>
> Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable
> though.
>
>>Can/should a canister filter be used, as well?
>>
>>What about a fluidized bed?
>>
> NO
>
>>Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred?
>>
> Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions
> also.
>
>>I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity
>>consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still
>>considered preferable?
>>
> Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent.
> There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife
> Lighting.
> I've always used PFO brand lighting setups.
>
>>What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe,
>>test kits, etc?
>>
> Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred i.e.
> Pinpoint Ph Meter)
> is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also useful
> for cycling)
>
>>Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred?
>>Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend
>>to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with
>>the quality of what I've seen locally.
>>
> Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep
> and get a couple pounds of Live Sand
> from your LFS to seed the sand bed.
>
>>
>>I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book
>>recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously
>>aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with
>>requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced
>>stages.
>>If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can
>>email me directly at timcat@hotmail.com
>>
> Others will chime in on current reef books.
>
>>
>>Regards,
>>Tim
>>
>>
>
> --
> Ric Seyler
> Online Racing: RicSeyler
> GPL Handicap 6.35
> ricseyler@SPAMgulf.net
> http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler
> remove –SPAM- from email address
> --------------------------------------
> "Homer no function beer well without."
> - H.J. Simpson
>
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Posted by Timcat on July 27, 2005, 10:54 am
Please log in for more thread options
As I'm doing my research, a few questions about live rock came up...
1) Don't any of the desirable critters that hitch a ride on the rock need to
be fed during the curing cycle (I intend to put uncured rock in the tank and
use it to help it cycle)?
2)What's the rule of thumb for determining the amount of sand and rock
needed for a tank?
3) Is there a color preference for sand that you experienced folks like best
for some reason?
4) With all the different "types" of live rock I'm seeing, can/should you
mix varieties, or stick with just one...and if just one, what's the most
desirable in the field?
Thanks Again,
Tim
> First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS sell
> you a bunch of crap :-)
>
> Timcat wrote:
>
>>I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through
>>the marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
>>Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
>>
> You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of
> headaches!
>
>>I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but...
>>First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice?
>>Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy equipment
>>with a reef in mind...just in case.
>>
> Once you get into it you will want corals!
>
>>I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump
>>wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and
>>durable. Any suggestions?
>>
> Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable
> though.
>
>>Can/should a canister filter be used, as well?
>>
>>What about a fluidized bed?
>>
> NO
>
>>Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred?
>>
> Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions
> also.
>
>>I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity
>>consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still
>>considered preferable?
>>
> Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent.
> There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife
> Lighting.
> I've always used PFO brand lighting setups.
>
>>What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe,
>>test kits, etc?
>>
> Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred i.e.
> Pinpoint Ph Meter)
> is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also useful
> for cycling)
>
>>Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred?
>>Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group tend
>>to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed with
>>the quality of what I've seen locally.
>>
> Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep
> and get a couple pounds of Live Sand
> from your LFS to seed the sand bed.
>
>>
>>I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book
>>recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously
>>aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with
>>requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced
>>stages.
>>If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can
>>email me directly at timcat@hotmail.com
>>
> Others will chime in on current reef books.
>
>>
>>Regards,
>>Tim
>>
>>
>
> --
> Ric Seyler
> Online Racing: RicSeyler
> GPL Handicap 6.35
> ricseyler@SPAMgulf.net
> http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler
> remove –SPAM- from email address
> --------------------------------------
> "Homer no function beer well without."
> - H.J. Simpson
>
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Posted by Ray Martini on July 28, 2005, 12:38 pm
Please log in for more thread options
I would say to cure the rock even though it's a new tank. I used uncured
rock in my new tank and quite frankly it left the tank dirty looking woth
tons of unwanted rubble. When I had to tear down my reef and re-do it, the
rock was well cured and the new setup looked MUCH cleaner and much nicer.
Same thing happened to my reef buddy here in my town. He upgraded his tank
to a bigger one and was much happier using the already cured rock. It also
gave him a cleaner sleeker look and the sand bed wasn't as dirty.
YMMV
> As I'm doing my research, a few questions about live rock came up...
> 1) Don't any of the desirable critters that hitch a ride on the rock need
> to be fed during the curing cycle (I intend to put uncured rock in the
> tank and use it to help it cycle)?
> 2)What's the rule of thumb for determining the amount of sand and rock
> needed for a tank?
> 3) Is there a color preference for sand that you experienced folks like
> best for some reason?
> 4) With all the different "types" of live rock I'm seeing, can/should you
> mix varieties, or stick with just one...and if just one, what's the most
> desirable in the field?
>
> Thanks Again,
> Tim
>
>> First off you are asking the right questions before letting your LFS sell
>> you a bunch of crap :-)
>>
>> Timcat wrote:
>>
>>>I apologize for the number of questions...I'm just trying to cut through
>>>the marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
>>>Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
>>>
>> You will be ahead of most newbies then. RODI will save you a bunch of
>> headaches!
>>
>>>I realize many of the questions I have are subjective, but...
>>>First and foremost, what books are most suitable for a marine novice?
>>>Also, although I plan on a FOWLR system initially, I plan to buy
>>>equipment with a reef in mind...just in case.
>>>
>> Once you get into it you will want corals!
>>
>>>I just bought a 90 gallon Oceanic reef ready tank with an Oceanic sump
>>>wet/dry system. I need a pump for this...quiet, low electricity use, and
>>>durable. Any suggestions?
>>>
>> Don't use the Wet/Dry system for a reef tank. The sump will be valuable
>> though.
>>
>>>Can/should a canister filter be used, as well?
>>>
>>>What about a fluidized bed?
>>>
>> NO
>>
>>>Is there a skimmer that's generally recognized as being preferred?
>>>
>> Aqua C skimmers are very good but others will offer great suggestions
>> also.
>>
>>>I want to get lighting with the newer ballasts to reduce electricity
>>>consumption. Are the Coralife systems with the compact tubes still
>>>considered preferable?
>>>
>> Decide if you want Metal Halide -vs- Power Compact Fluorescent.
>> There are much better for the same money in reference to CoraLife
>> Lighting.
>> I've always used PFO brand lighting setups.
>>
>>>What other equipment do I need to plan on, such as a stray current probe,
>>>test kits, etc?
>>>
>> Calicum, Ph, Alk, Ammonia, Nitrate kits. (for Ph a meter is preferred
>> i.e. Pinpoint Ph Meter)
>> is a good selection. for running and for cycling. (nitrite is also useful
>> for cycling)
>>
>>>Is there a preferred grade (grain size) of sand that is preferred?
>>>Is there a good, reasonable source of live rock members of this group
>>>tend to use? I realize shipping cost will be high, but I'm not impressed
>>>with the quality of what I've seen locally.
>>>
>> Oothlitic (sp) sugar size grains. I like CaribSea Figi Pink. 3"-4" deep
>> and get a couple pounds of Live Sand
>> from your LFS to seed the sand bed.
>>
>>>
>>>I'm sure I have failed to ask many questions, but some good book
>>>recommendations will help immensely. I don't plan to keep notoriously
>>>aggressive fish, but I need basic books, a good fish atlas with
>>>requirements and compatibility, and probably a few for the more advanced
>>>stages.
>>>If you don't feel this thread will be of benefit to the group, you can
>>>email me directly at timcat@hotmail.com
>>>
>> Others will chime in on current reef books.
>>
>>>
>>>Regards,
>>>Tim
>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>> Ric Seyler
>> Online Racing: RicSeyler
>> GPL Handicap 6.35
>> ricseyler@SPAMgulf.net
>> http://www.pcola.gulf.net/~ricseyler
>> remove -SPAM- from email address
>> --------------------------------------
>> "Homer no function beer well without."
>> - H.J. Simpson
>>
>
>
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>marketing hype BEFORE I get started.
>Let me state up front, I DO plan to get a RO/DI unit.
>