Starting a 150 gal marine(fish only)

[nfinit1]

Hi All
I have a 150 gal that I am looking to make a fish only community tank.
Here is what I know
I need about a 55 gal to be my sump(how many gals should I pump an hour??)
I need two powerheads
Sand substrate that is 2 to 4 inches deep
Live Rock(How much to use in tank and how much do I need in the sump)
Skimmer

The tank doesnt have holes drilled in it.

ANy help is greatly appreciated

[OrionGirl]

Undrilled tanks use overflow boxes to get the water out of the tank and pumps to return it. They aren't a requirement, but make it easier to setup the skimmer and put heaters and such out of the main tank.

For live rock, the usual recomendation is 1.5-2 pounds per gallon. This will provides bacteria a place to grow, as well as shelter and comfort for the fish.

In a 150, I would go with 5-6 powerheads--2 just won't cut it, even if you go with huge ones.

[nfinit1]

Orion
5 to 6 powerheads?? wow thats a lot
What heater should I get??

[mogurnda]

If you're using a sump, you might think about using a closed loop with SeaSwirls (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=SEASWIRL1&Category_Code=Wavemaking) or a SCWD (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PA&Product_Code=SQUID-WM&Category_Code=Wavemaking) for water movement. I recently installed a SCWD, and it's great for surgy water motion.

[wayne]

Look at some other peoples tanks, and beware the 2 lb per gallon rule for live rock - lots of people seem to be successful with a 1:1 ratio especially in the larger tanks (100 + ).
Have a think about how you're going to filter this - by fish only, what are you thinking of?

[liquafaction]

I think it is all in how you set up your rock. If you stack in tight in a corner with water flow on 1 side, then yea 2 lbs per gal. if you stack it so water can get all around it, then 1 lb per gal. I would rather over do in live rock, than under.

I am by no means an expert, and Oriongirl has way more experience than me, but 5-6 power heads seams like a lot to me. I use 3 in my tank. I do not remember the rating of hand (gph), but they are the aquaclears rated for up to a 75 gallon tank. Then there is the skimmer that turns water over, and the mechanical filter. It just looks to me that a lot of things get beat to crap when you start adding to many power heads.