Hi i have taken some pictures and uploaded them as advised earlier on

I was asking what other equipment do i need besides what i have to start a tank which can hold coral flower and marine fish?
or just marine fish for the moment if i need extra lighting for coral flowers







A couple of pictures of my tank which has a sand storm at the moment

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020706.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020695.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020705.jpg



My lighting

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020699.jpg

My filter inside ball with in little bag couple slices of fowm and large pieces of synthetic cotton


http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020703.jpg

I have bags and bags of these are the things i collected back home on the shores which is totally legal with a permit so this live rock is unlimted as to how much i can fit in suitcase
These 1 here i used it in freshwater and in the stages of cleaning them letting the algae dry will these grow back in saltwater as i had no idea they we live rock just thought it would look nice in my tank?

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020688.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020692.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020709.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020708.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020690.jpg

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020687.jpg

Im going to buy a protein filter
uv filter
wave make

I have a cabinet but i have to essemble it does a external sump nesscary for this project ?
Is there anything else i need to buy this

Well I'm not familiar with that particular filter but I haven't seen anything like that in a saltwater tank before, if it has balls or filter floss in it, it will eventually become a nitrate factory and lead to bad things. If you want to keep coral you will definitely need to upgrade the lighting. I would get rid of the air pump to keep from causing major salt creep issues, as well as problems with micro bubbles. An external pump is only necessary if you plan to use a sump. This is something that is generally recommended because it allows you to keep all of the unsightly equipment out of sight. If you go this route it will also add the need for some plumbing parts as well as a container for the sump itself etc.

The best suggestion I can make for you right now, is to go out and get yourself a good book on reef tanks. I suggest Robert Fenner's "The Conscientious Marine Aquarist." It seems to me that there is way too much that you have to learn about equipment and how to properly setup a reef tank. Please don't take this in the wrong way. I knew nothing about reef tanks just a few months ago. The first two things I bought were books on how to setup and maintain reef and SW tanks in general. This is by far the smartest thing I have done in a long time. There is just too much to go over. Even after reading you will have a milliion questions, I know I still do. You will not regret it, I promise. I'm sure others will chime in and try to help you out. Congratulations, in my mind you have to come to the best place on the internet to ask for help with setting up a reef tank.

yeah what he said before everything i said :rolleyes:


BTW welcome to TR

thank you

youve ben helpful been educating myself all day if you check my post have come along way in reefing on the net.

AS for sufficent lighting can i use this as my tank has this 4 extra clips next to lighting i already have so i figured all i have to do is clip this unit in and add the T5 bulbs


T5 LIGHTING KIT MARINE TROPICAL 2 x 54 WATT CORAL on eBay, also Lighting, Fish, Pet Supplies, Home Garden (end time 16-Apr-08 19:25:39 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/T5-LIGHTING-KIT-MARINE-TROPICAL-2-x-54-WATT-CORAL_W0QQitemZ220221278846QQihZ012QQcategoryZ4631 4QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

A good book is a great start, but I would check out all of the podcasts here on the site. Over a 100 episodes jam packed with information. Definitely worth the time.

Hi i have invested alot of time in this forum and i havent had 1 clear answer i have read books and do not want to listen to the podcast as it talks about things i do not even own or know the first episode first question is about a fish spilting from the nose.I dont even know how to setup a tank so how do i know what rob is going on about .I would love to be able to have the knowledge he posses but its to complicated to listen to a podcast that is like that at the moment.Its like reading a book with chapters not in order.So i have read books buts advice from other reef fellas would be grateful.I dont need to be repeating the same questions with the same answers.Yes i probaly realise some of the question i ask is kindergarden of reefing and probalbly dumb but there is no answers to it .I have read books but its always nice to hear from someone who has done it before.I know that same someone has posted on the same subject many times before but as the many times before it would be gratefully appreciated again.


To get this forum organised.I would have a new section in the Talkingreef community about basic setup anybody journal about setting up a tank as an e.g equipment etc.So I dont have to jump in the deep end any the next curious reefer would not go roun and round in circles all day.

I don't think anyone is intentionally trying to lead you in circles, it's just that allot of the questions you are asking are so broad, that there is not one definitive answer. The bottom line is any type of tank can be used for a SW tank, if you have the right equipment. You must decide what type of tank you want then make it work from there, we will all gladly help anyway we can we just can't possibly go over every possibility for setting up a tank. If you decide to make this a SW tank you need to decide which type of tank FOWLR, mixed reef, if mixed reef then what type of coral SPS, LPS, Soft, etc. From there we can begin coming up with a list of species that you are interested in. Once we do that we can look at specific care requirements and what equipment you are going to need to purchase. Unfortunately, all of this takes allot of time, and when something is this exciting we tend to get impatient, not just you, you can find dozens of post of people needing help because they have jumped into things before they were ready. Myself for instance when I decided to put up a SW tank I ran out bought a tank, sand, salt and was ready to go. Luckily I found TR and the people here got me slowed down, I spent nearly a year planning and researching before my tank even got wet, and now that it has had water in it for nearly 6 weeks now I am just going to purchase my first livestock today.

I am sorry for the long post but hopefully this will let you know where we are all coming from.

Sorry you feel this has been a waste of your time, ronnyv. In our defense, you have to take some of the blame. You posted two threads with nearly identical headings and I for one have been jumping back and forth. Everyone here has offered you good advice. The problem, as I see it right now is, you are frustrated that we are not leading you in the right direction for you to set up your reef tank. You must consider that we are at a disadvantage in that we are scattered all over the world talking to you via computers. If we lived in London any number of us would come over and walk you through setting up your aquarium. That isn't possible, of course. So you are stuck with us trying our best helping you through the forum. Your pictures were a big help but I didn't see any of the filtering system. Can you post pics of it?

Patience is one of the most important traits an aquarist MUST develope. It isn't easy having a BIG aquarium sitting around and not knowing how to set it up and with what equipment. But to avoid a disaster you must learn some basics and then get started. You will learn best by getting started and asking questions along the way. It would help if you asked one or two questions at a time and let us respond.

Anyway, I seem to be rambling on here feeling your frustration with us. Trust me we are doing our best under less than ideal circumstances.

Dick

Thank you for what you are saying make a lot of sense which is greatfully appreciated i guess im getting frustrated as i want to setup my tank asap.So therfor i been reading material for weeks now.And i just dont have time to wait for a massive tank all year but it would be excellent if i had the time and you have been quite fortunate and I admire your patience.

I just trying to make a list of the equipment i need here without a sump or reguim as i dont want to assemble the cabinet as it will block out my sunlight from my window

So far I have on my list

A protein skimmer

I have a filter but has been told its not suitable and i have read that biological fitleration is not suitable especailly in a berlin system is this correct so may buy an external filter
uv ray
and wave maker

is there anything i missing from my list or should i make a small sump.I would love to go out and buy the nesscary equipment and then wait a 2-3 months to buy livestock whilst further educating myself and ensuring i masterd the art of high quality water as i also get attached to my fishes very quickly.

DO i need to take pictures of what inside the filter There is a picture of the filter upt here.This filter has an overflow inside it and is very powerful.If you talking about filteration external or sump there is no yet and i would like the advice to apply this system to my tank

have you listened to all the Talkingreef podcasts or at least the ones related to setting up a tank?

no i gave upp after the first one i looked in many many if you can find it for me i would be grateful ilooked in 24 episdoe contents couldnt find it which 1 is it

. If you want to keep coral you will definitely need to upgrade the lighting..

Hi this guy has the same lighting system in his tank and has told me it will do just fine.Pl have a look a that thread.My neighbour says hes kids thinks its ufo at night I wonder howmany people think that will be more fun now lol



http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/lighting/5962-changing-lighting-pc-t5.html

yes but his tank is much smaller, in a ~400 gallon tank your lighting needs will get exponentially higher. T5's the type of bulb you have will definitely work you just need to add more of them. Allot more, unless you decide you only want to keep creatures who's lighting demands are lower.

Take a look at http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/member-tank-projects/649-reefbaby-s-1600-liter-reef-project.html#post8185

for someone with a tank the size of yours running t5's

I my tank is from this site i think i got my inches messed up as stated tome when i went to collect it.I measued it up and has more gallons than stated on the site pls check and see if it 400 gallons,My mtahs tell me its 81 to -147 anywhere in that range.

its this 1 TIGRIS 370 Aquarium (BSA1500)

Aquaworld Limited TIGRIS - Designer Flat Fronted Aquarium (http://www.aquaworldlimited.co.uk/acatalog/Designer_.html)

ronnyv, I'm sorry but you are totally confusing me. The link you provided goes to a flat front aquarium. Your picture clearly shows a Bow Front.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o234/rvgangstarr/P1020699.jpg

Here is a link to the Bow Fronts on that site - Aquaworld Limited COLORADO - Deep Bow Fronted Aquarium (http://www.aquaworldlimited.co.uk/acatalog/Deep_Bow_Fronted_Aquarium.html)

Do you see the difference???

Dick

:showoff:

Sorry , that one model is the bsa 1500 my model is the bsaC 500 it has a c in the model number what would that mean that the front is bowed , the figures from the previous model number IS 370 Litres . According to the model You gave to me (colarado) ,that would mean my tank is 490 liters with the same dimension.Whoa thats alot of saving i thought it was nearly 2000 litres that would have been a swimming pool.Anywayz thanks for pointing that out to me as i said before this was purchased directly in china by shipping agents and iI had to get it out of a container ,so i don think that site has that model number.

can i se tmy filter if i remove the bio balls or put it in the sump possibly next to the return pump (last chamber) TH HELP DISSOLVE THE MICROBUBBLES

I think we would like to see a better picture of the filter before answering, also would it be possible for you to get a tape measure and measure the tank yourself without relying on a website so we can settle the size issue once and for all?

will upload asap

would it be possible for you to get a tape measure and measure the tank yourself without relying on a website so we can settle the size issue once and for all?

i am guessing it is a 72 bowfront. i think the measurements ar in cm not inches.

also, i agree that what you decide you want to keep in the tank will determine the equipment that you will need. however, i HIGHLY recommend NOT SKIMPING on the skimmer, powerheads, or lights. light, flow, and low nutrients is the key to reef life, PERIOD.

hi i have measure it its 153cm x 55 x 40

yeah gonna buy the equipment

question is the powerhead connected from the return pump?

and i dont want to use andoverflow box so what the other alternative that want flood?

no power heads are a completely separate item. they create flow INSIDE the tank. the return pump is used to return water from the sump and create flow in the tank. i really like the Hydor Koralia power heads, but there are a lot to choose from.

i had to check the thread out to see if you had a drilled tank or not, it is about the only way to avoid floods. you DO NOT have one, and a tank that size is probably tempered on the bottom. there are still a ton of options here to create a "safe from flooding" tank.

1. a Utube overflow box (set up properly)

2. have the tank drilled on the BACK for a "Calfo" style overflow (also called a coast to coast)

3. regular overflow box with aqualifter pump.

4. closed system (not recommended for a beginner)

i suggest checking into number 2.

The English.....sheeesh! :tongue2:


Welcome ronny, ive just stumbled across your thread, you've heard alot of advice & i agree, if your totally fresh, yep, it can be incredable the s^%$ you have to know. were going to help ya though.


Ronny, im going to start with financials, a touchy subject as people are sometimes reserved about that sort of thing, but honestly bud it constitutes the life of this hobby.

How much can you realisticly spend in total over the next 3 months on your tank?

how much are you allocating to weekly upkeep - this is worked out via cost of items used x volume & frequency of your system. take a guesstament?



Lets start from the top, cause im not searching for your other posts cause....well im lazy!:up:

*a bow front tank about 300-400lt?

* no plumbing or holes drilled in the tank.

* you have an internal filter cartridge - consider it turfed it at this stage, takes up space in the display & designed for fresh, At least till we know its design & function anyways i wouldn't count on using it!

*you have T5 lighting, with a capability of 4 tubes. Do you know if they are normal output, high output or very high output?. This relates to the intensity.

* based on this lighting it looks to be a change of bulbs is all thats needed at this stage. i suggest keep it simple with a 50/50 split between daylight & actinic, open for discussion down the track.

Ronny, i suggest copy these points & type under each in your next posting to answer them.



Bobby, closed system, as in external sump componentry?

Ronny this next part is for the TR Guys, im going to bounce this idea, & would like some no BS input.

Im going to suggest for ronny to not drill on this tank, but keep it display only( possibility of a drilled false wall section) invest on quality internal pumps, K2/3pumps or something simular that bobby was suggesting. place new sand base, new rock, & let him possition his existing dead coral heads as it pleases him to dress the scaping. invest in an quality ATO for RO, followed up by somewhere to add a reliable skimmer that with a mod will draw surface skim to keep it stable long term & instill mentally a slightly higher than normal weekly manual changeout program. Not to mention determining where & how the water quality is achieved. This will KISS it up & will allow him to achieve the fundimentals, not to mention equiptment that can be applied latter as his knowedge base increases. Let me know!

153cm x 55 x 40 = 60 x 22 x 16" so this should be about a 91 gallon or 370L tank.

How much can you realisticly spend in total over the next 3 months on your tank?

Im going to spend £1500 about to $3000or slighly more/

weekly upkeep about $100-150

*you have T5 lighting, with a capability of 4 tubes. Do you know if they are normal output, high output or very high output?

they are high output written on tubes are fresh and sea aquaruim but i do not think it would suit a reef system


a bow front tank about 300-400lt?
this is correct but the bow takes it up to 420 l

no plumbing or holes drilled in the tank ?
no drilling but thinking of buyin a 50mm diamond coated circular drill head for diy drilling watched a couple of good videos on how to do it safley with out damaging your tank.


sorry for the post i have been reading a few books as the more educated i get on this subect i realise how stupid my questions were.

AS for the filter it has a powerhead bulit in bt will buy a seperate 1

so far my list goes like this

Sump/refguim tank spit with three sections going to buy some mangrove plants DSB of live sand and live rocks

Return pump 5000l/hour

an external fluval 404 filtert to put in the last chamber

uv sterillser

slat mix instant ocean

internal pumps, K2/3pumps (this is to replace the overflow box or to provide no need for drilling the tank ???????/)

NOTHING COMES UP ON GOOGLE FOR THIS PRODUCT

protein skimmer

ro water maker 65 gal per day

water ph test kit therometer
equipment to check salinity etc
I
S THERE ANYTHIN IM MISSING?


[quote]Im going to suggest for ronny to not drill on this tank, but keep it display only( possibility of a drilled false wall section) invest on quality internal pumps, K2/3pumps or something simular that bobby was suggesting. place new sand base, new rock, & let him possition his existing dead coral heads as it pleases him to dress the scaping. invest in an quality ATO for RO, followed up by somewhere to add a reliable skimmer that with a mod will draw surface skim to keep it stable long term & instill mentally a slightly higher than normal weekly manual changeout program. Not to mention determining where & how the water quality is achieved. This will KISS it up & will allow him to achieve the fundimentals, not to mention equiptment that can be applied latter as his knowedge base increases. Let me know! [quote]


WHAT IS THE NAME OF THIS SYSTEM AND IS THIS SYSTEM WITH A SUMP OR WITHOUT NEED TO DRILL( COAST TO COAST FOR THE BERLIN SYSTEM)

I get the impression that you want it as simple as possible.

It is possible to have a tank that is not drilled and without a sump, however it will be hard to hide away tech equipment.
One way to do it is to use the filterbox in the corner in the image earlier in the thred. Simply place it in the corner and use it as a holding place for the skimmer, it can be modified in a way so it only takes in the surface water from the tank so the skimmer will be more effective (see image).

Another way is to get a hang-on skimmer, like Deltec MCE600, its the easiest way. Simply hang on the side of the tank.

For circulation i recommend the Koralia streamers two of size 3 would be a good choice, there are many manufacturers of streamers out there so what you choose for this is not so importart, as long as they give a widespread and sufficient flow (atlest 10 times the size of the aqarium, ex 400 liter aquarium = 400x10 = 4000 liter/h).

With a tank like yours i would go with the following for a start. And see how it works.

1. RO/DI filter to get clean water for the tank from start.
2. Skimmer Deltec MCE 600
3. Good grade salt
4. About 40 kilos of LR to start with, (maybe half dead or cured and the other half high qality)

Startup:
1. Fill up the tank to 2/3 with RO/DI water.
2. Add salt to a proper mix with salinity about 1.025, and turn on atleast one stremer. (and a heater if needed it should hold about 25-28 degrees C.
3. Add the liverock after about a day when the salt is well mixed, and do some initial aquascaping.
4. Add water so its almost full (to give room for sand if you wat to have that), premixed i a large bucket of somekind (plastic).
5. Turn on the skimmer
6. Do the aquascaping til really satisfied, there is always room for redoing it later.
7. Add sand, preferably livesand, about 2-3 centimeters.
8. Let the tank cycle for atleast 4 weeks, with lights off.

The sand is added after the LR cos you will propably end up with som digging critters, and everyone knows what happens to a stone sits on top of sand that is beeing removed.
Lighting and other stuff is a issue that can be dealt with while the tank cyckles.
While the tank cycles I would think abot what kind of tank I'd want, mixed reef, FOWLR, SPS tank ...

This is how I would do, it does not mean that this is the only way.
I have seen a book called "Saltwateraquaria for dummies" or something like that, have not read it but i think it's a step by step guide how to setup a tank.

Thank you that was real help from all of you especially the last two will draw a diagram of what im going to do to better explain myself

will i need a chiller?

sounds like a plan! The english have an orsome resolve, keep the grey matter ticking brother! :up:

Bobby, closed system, as in external sump componentry?


no V, i meant a stand alone with no holes, sumps, fuges, or anything else.

Hi Ronny,

The K2/K3 pumps are HYDOR componenti per acquari (http://www.hydor.it/en/products/list/9). They could be used no matter if you have a sump or not.

a recent article of mine ...

http://www.talkingreef.com/forums/how-articles/6479-so-you-want-start-marine-aquarium.html#post77108

Thanks B. appreachate what your doing for the site bud! :up:

I havn't read it yet..lol, but thanks just the same!

Thanks B. appreachate what your doing for the site bud! :up:

I havn't read it yet..lol, but thanks just the same!

no problem V, i am glad to help where i can.

Thats not half bad actually bud, & i had read that before actually! careful, dont want to many whispers in the hallways about you being the man, then you'll have to keep that benchmark & exceed it forever, hmmmmm, when did i become a pesimist! :shout:

Thats not half bad actually bud, & i had read that before actually! careful, dont want to many whispers in the hallways about you being the man, then you'll have to keep that benchmark & exceed it forever, hmmmmm, when did i become a pesimist! :shout:

thanks man, now i am never gonna get a break !! i better start getting in shape ... :showoff: