Hi Brand new to any fish keeping! [Archive] - Reef Central

Spirit 1

10-11-2006, 05:53 PM

I am so new i am still reading up on this facinating hobby.

I have a Rio 400 and will start setting up soon, i have an Aquatic shop not to far away from me thar as been running a natural eco system for 10 years, i believe this is called a Birlin system.

What i am lookijng for is advice from you more experienced aquarists, i don't mind getting stuck in and getting my feet wet but i would rather take advice than make loads of mistakes.

Thanks in advance :confused:

Gillybaby

10-11-2006, 06:28 PM

Hi and welcome to Reef Corals - ask away, these guys are great ;)

Kev

10-11-2006, 06:50 PM

Hi and welcome to RC

I am sure you will get ample advice. I am hoping you have a digital camera so you can post pics of your set up as it develops.

Kev

Tangman

10-11-2006, 07:05 PM

Hi and welcome to RC, hope you enjoy your stay. Eric

Blue

10-11-2006, 07:27 PM

Hi and welcome. Ask as many questions as you can,that's what we are here for.
Kindest Regards

Spirit 1

10-11-2006, 07:53 PM

Hi Kev
Thanks to everyone for the welcome i will post some pictures now, i am still trying to find out how to access other members pictures.
Something else that i have just come across is the Plenum there are so many different opinions on set ups on what you need and what you don't so i will be asking lots of questions. Bob

Kev

10-11-2006, 07:56 PM

Ask away Bob.

Yipee. More pictures coming. Good man.:D

Kev

Spirit 1

10-11-2006, 08:26 PM

Hi Kev
Here we go which Protien Skimmer (400ltr tank) what about the Plenum, i have no holes drilled in my tank but is a sump better.
That will do for a start. i have tried to include pictures hope there on there.
Thanks Bob:confused:

Kev

10-11-2006, 09:31 PM

Bob

Thats going to look pretty good when you get going. See you have got someone else involved.:D

Do you need a sump? Very much down to choice. It has benefits:

Increases water volume - good for stability and increases livestock opportunity. Also a good place to keep all that ancillary equipment such as a skimer and so on. Means you can keep your hands out of the main tank when carrying out essential maintenance work on the system. Allows you to upgrade equipment if and when you so wish to.

Is a sump vital? Not in my opinion. I personally don't have one, but then again my tank is small compared with some on here. You do not necessarily have to have the tank drilled, there are plenty of overflow systems that will allow you to get water into a sump safely

If you choose to run sumpless, check out the Deltec hang on skimmers which are very efficient. I am a little out of date with the latest skimmers, but hopefully others here can advise you.

Good luck, and keep us all updated on your progress.

Kev

SteveS

10-11-2006, 09:32 PM

hi bob, welcome aboard, that sticker will have to go, as for the wife...she'll soon get fed up there m8!

your in an excellent position right now, the planning stage...(wish i'd joined a forum before i set up) what are you plans for the tank? fish only? corals?

what lights will you be running? are you planning a sump? if so what type of filteration in the sump? skimmer...hang on type or in tank? if your tanks not drilled a wier works well.

post away

steve

subz88

10-12-2006, 12:00 AM

Hi Bob, welcome to ReefCorals :)

IMHO I'd definitely recommend a sump, and to get your tank drilled now while there's nothing in it. They aren't vital, but they do allow you to hide all of your equipment away from the main showtank, keeping it less cluttered. It also allows you to light it on a reverse cycle to the main tank, and reduce the pH dip that occurs during the lights off period.

With a sump you've got a huge number of options for a skimmer, generally most of the Deltecs/Aquamedics are pretty good. You should also take a look in the member's tanks section and see what type of setup you find most attractive, and plan your tank accordingly.

Good luck, and ask as many questions you can think of.

Cheers,
Sub

Kev

10-12-2006, 07:33 AM

just trying to weigh up all the pro's / cons.

One thing I have read over the years is the number of sump floods - water all over the living room. This probably relates to poor sump design more than anything. Look at others designs - what works and what doesn't.

Kev

Tetley

10-12-2006, 08:02 AM

Hi & Welcome,

I started (still have) a tank - no sump - working great.

No issues with not having a sump.

However, on my new set up, I have a sump, so far so good.

IMO either way should work well.

As they say "you pay's your money, you takes your choice"

ATB

Ian

Spirit 1

10-12-2006, 07:46 PM

Hi Steve
I was seriously looking at setting up the system to run as naturally as possible, there is a local aquatic centre that has run a berlin system for 10 years, but i have read alot and the system will not support alot of fish. So back to the drawing board, so now i am looking at a reef tank 50kgs+ of grade A live rock, once the tank is up and running (with or without sump) i will add some nice corals, hermit crabs, cleaner shrimp ect then some fish i am in no rush 1 day at a time, am still reading and digesting.
What i do need to know is about the plenum!!! any advise. Bob

Kev

10-12-2006, 08:41 PM

Hi Bob

I am not a plenum person, never had one, probably never will, so cannot advise on something I have never experienced. However, do you need a plenum to suceed, I would say no.

You indicate 50kg of liverock which should be fine in the size of tank you have. Plenty of water circulation is needed to keep the water in contact with the liverock.

That would be my starting point.

Will you be keeping soft coral or SPS?

Kev

SteveS

10-12-2006, 08:47 PM

hi bob, has your head popped yet gathering info? you just think you grasp it then something throws a spanner in eh?

if you add a sump while you have the chance now, it will aid you long term as you will have a greater water volume, which would make the system more stable, also you can keep your heaters, skimmer, rowaphos etc all hidden.

what corals are you planning to keep? with regards to your lighting. also fish wish list? coral compatible?

a google search on marine tank plenums should throw some light on it for you

heres a link i found

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2002/feature.htm

a picture speaks a thousand words so here's a picture of my plenum/dsb when i first set the sump up.

http://i110.photobucket.com/albums/n93/_SteveS_/sump.jpg

hth
steve

Kev

10-12-2006, 08:50 PM

lol. My heads exploding:eek:

Steves a good reefer Bob. Worth listening to.

Kev

SteveS

10-12-2006, 08:55 PM

lol. My heads exploding:eek:

Steves a good reefer Bob. Worth listening to.

Kev

you got the cheque then m8 :D

lol
steve

Kev

10-12-2006, 09:07 PM

lol. You talk sense to me Steve:D Credit where its due. Thats it mind you, it will be 2008 before I give you another compliment.

Kev

tonyponty

10-12-2006, 10:57 PM

hi and welcome aboard you will get lots of good advce off here

Spirit 1

10-13-2006, 10:10 PM

Hi Steve and everyone else for there input, i feel like Johnny 5 (short circit) at the moment more input!
You hit the nail on the head you just think your getting your head around it and someone says something and it all changes, i was going without a sump but now i think the advantages far out weigh the work involved.
I will post some more pictures of where the tank is sighted and until this evening (13/10/06) where it was going to live and where my wife and i agreed where it would look better and be easier to service, this requires moving some units building a brick base and knocking a 5'0 X 5'0 approx hole through the wall, watch this space for the pictures.
Where's the best place to get the tank drilled? how many holes? or is it possible to do it myself? thanks again Bob

SteveS

10-13-2006, 10:26 PM

hi bob,

building works to get the tank in nice one, start a new thread with pics of you project, its educational for us all...as for drilling the tank, your probably better off doing it yourself as i dont think any lfs would drill a tank with guarentees that if they crack the tank they would replace it.

steve

Spirit 1

10-13-2006, 11:17 PM

Hi Steve
In for a penny in for Ã‚Â£500.00 where would i get the advice on where to get the drill? how to drill the holes?how many holes? location of the holes? and any other advice i would need? how hard can it be to drill a couple of holes? i suppose it depends on how much your shakin ha ha.
Thanks for your advise. Bob

Kev

10-14-2006, 07:28 AM

lol Your braver than me Bob:D

Kev

Spirit 1

10-14-2006, 08:58 PM

Hi Kev
Not that brave really i would much rather have someone experienced do it!
Any idea who i can get to drill it? Essex area.
I was going to post some more pictures on where the tank was going to live and where we have decided on siteing it now the battries are flat couldn't believe it post them soon.
Steve suggested starting a new thread with lots of pics when i start the work which is what i will do.
I need to start getting some basics together RO? Sump? Filter? Skimmer? advise much appreciated. Bob

Kev

10-14-2006, 09:09 PM

Great, look forward to the thread / pictures Bob. Its one of the best parts of a site like this - watching a new system put together and develop. Hopefully we have a member who can advise of someone local who could drill the tank. Your LFS may know someone?

Kev

Spirit 1

10-14-2006, 09:23 PM

Thanks for that Kev, any advise on the best equipment for my tank which skimmer ect. Bob

Kev

10-14-2006, 09:31 PM

I have always used Aquamedic kit. The Aquamedic turbofloaters are very good skimmers. Tangman (Eric) has one that I could almost stand in.:D If you have a look at aquamedics web site, the models are listed there. On my small tank that I have now I am using an Aquamedic biostar floater, although too small for your system, it works very efficiently on my 30+ gallon tank.

Deltec are a popular brand, and very efficient from what I hear, but I am not as familiar with these products.

My logic for choosing Aquamedic all the time is I have on 1 occasion needed to contact them. There after sales support was superb and they gave me equipment for free to resolve a problem that I experienced.

Kev

Spirit 1

10-14-2006, 09:53 PM

Hi Kev
The more you read the more confused you get, i asked about the Pelum, then i read about under gravel filters, i don't quite understand how it all fits together at the moment, i am trying to visualize this and it is very hazy does that make sense. Bob

Spirit 1

10-14-2006, 10:51 PM

Something else someone said that i should take out the built in filter housing in my Juwel tank he said it could cause problems later on comments on this please.:confused: Bob

Kev

10-15-2006, 08:19 AM

Hi Bob

Its all a matter of preference, just as with the sump. My preference would be not to bother. But, read up, take your time, and make your mind up slowly. Get it right for you.

I once had a Jewel, I did take the filter out. With a good amount of live rock, and powerful circulation, I would be surprised if it caused problems though, as the filter is that small. I have a small internal cannnister filter runnining in my current system, and it polishes the water. I rinse it out each week, and its no bother.

The choice is yours.

Kev

Spirit 1

10-15-2006, 10:17 PM

Hi Kev
The fog is beginning to clear, looking forward to kocking the wall down will start new thread when i start thanks for all the advice, the filter is coming out the sump is going in, lights i am not sure what i need yet am going to start making a list of whats going in the tank be posting again soon.Bob:)

SteveS

10-15-2006, 10:59 PM

hi bob, head still intact?

i have no experiance in jewel tanks, therefore have no idea why the filter would need taking out, my only guess is it would leach back nutrients into the system, anyone else??

bob, plenums and undergravel filters are completly different, and imo undergravel filteration would be frowned upon in marines nowadays. after a conversation with chris from reefranch on friday, a dsb sat on a plenum should last longer than the silicone holding the tank together!!

kev im not with you on this one, i would go with a sump at this stage, that way skimmers, heaters, chaeto and all the other stuff can be housed here, but i understand your view as you have a stunning tank without a sump.

as for equipment bob, skimmer will probably be dependent on weather you go for the sump or not, as the deltec mce600 hang on the side of the sump are very good, and can be picked up 2nd hand for about 90quid.

as for lighting you will probably be better off with t5's over t8's though ive just gone to halides after 3years(theres a thread on here showing the difference) and again as new fittings can be found almost new for less than half the retail price.

i would recommend buying a new ro unit from ro man, even this will pay for its self within a year, if you take into account buying the water from an lfs and the time and petrol getting it.

and more thoughts on corals/fish you wish to keep so we can point you in the right direction?

steve

Spirit 1

10-16-2006, 11:16 PM

Hi all
I am being quite tempted by some 2nd hand systems out there it would be cheaper buying a complete system than setting one up from scratch.
Your opinions please. Bob :eek:

Kev

10-17-2006, 07:28 AM

Hi Steve

No worries with the disagreement, you are in the majority when it comes to the sump, and if I were in Bob's shoes, I would take the majority route. Its good to disagree, we find better solutions.

I think the leaking of nutrients is the issue for taking the internal out, although I doubt it would make much difference as its a very small amount of medium in these things.

Undergravel defintly not. An RO unit is worth its weight in gold.

And best of all, a hobby magnet to get rid of that coralline algae on the glass:D

Kev

Macca

10-17-2006, 09:42 AM

If you have a choice go for a sump IMHO. Try and plan out where you want the hole(s) to be drilled and remember to allow for the bulkhead nut. Also remember that you may need to add a weir inside the tank.

You can drill holes yourselve - Get a low torque cordless drill that will stop rotating at the slightest torque. Practise on waste glass first!!! Add water to the bit whilst drilling. TAKE YOUR TIME! These are the tips I was given and they have worked well for me. BUT PLEASE read up on a more detailed procedure and techniques. I dont want you cracking your new tank on my advice :eek:

Plenums IMHO are a bit outdated, I know this is opening a can of worms here and this is my own opinion so I know they work great for others but I personally see them as a nutrient sink (MY OPINION ONLY).

James

Lulabell55

10-17-2006, 01:41 PM

Hi, I am about to be given a matured marine set-up. I am new to marine but have kept tropical fish for a few years.
I was wondering if anyone can give me any trusty advice or tips to help me out to start off. I have a local marine fish shop helping me out with the moving of the tank and all its contents.

I wondered how the fish and invert and alike will cope with being moved, I wasn't sure if they would be likely to survive the move as I would imagine this would be streeful.
If possible could anyone let me know how they have got on with moving a mature tank and give ma any advice.
Thanks
Kerry :)

Tetley

10-17-2006, 02:21 PM

Kev

10-17-2006, 05:01 PM

HI Kerry, welcome.

Ians right, best start a new thread, altough I transfered all my stock from 1 tank to the next no problem, all in one day. Bloomin hard work though.

Kev

callum_parsons

10-18-2006, 06:06 PM

hi iam new as well good luck with the tank

moorish

11-12-2006, 02:06 PM

hi bob, welcome to the reef.i would use a sump if possible,gets rid of unsitely skimmers and many other things.it also increases your water volume and keeps a lot of noise down.some prefer a sump others dont,your choice entirely good luck.derek

callum_parsons

11-12-2006, 06:16 PM

hello spirt welcome to RC

sorry its a bit late just found the thread lol

Pinkfish

11-22-2006, 01:49 PM

Hello and greatings from planet mike .............

dove

11-23-2006, 08:19 PM

Tetley

11-24-2006, 07:08 AM

Hi another newbi hr..:) please can you or anyone else help ? iv just set up a small marine tank,25 gallon, and want to know what sort of cleaner crabs and snails do i need to get ? and do i need to feed them seaweed / cheers x:rolleyes:

Hi Dove,

PM "Macca" - he is the fountain of knowledge regarding clean up crew (Snails ect.).

Welcome on board, why not start a new thread, I am sure others would like to say hello to you.

ATB

Ian