Hi,
I am thinking of starting a Marine Tank after purchasing an all in one Tank/Filter/Air Pump unit at Christmas which I have Cichlids in that are doing very well and have got me hooked on this aquarist caper.
My problem is not getting any definate advice. I am prepared to spend $1,500 bucks or so on the set up, I have read a couple of books brushing up on the lingo and theory, but I am still stumped quite what to buy.
My thoughts are:
5ft tank - 70 odd gallons
Sump Filter
A little Live Rock
Metal Halides, should the budget allow if not blue actinics and some form af daylight replicating tubes.
Cabinet and Hood
Protein Skimmer - what type Venturi, CC, etc
Requisite pumps
A Power head or two
The real problem is what sort of sump filter? Different stores have different models from a large sqaure tank and a smaller refugium (is this what it's called?) on the inside with bioballs or similar in it.
Ohter option in a rectangular tank utilising a waterfall type effect with different medium in each chamber. Also, I have read that fluidised bed filter offer excellent biological filtration, yet no-one has recommended these?.
Any general info offered would be appreciated.
I am thinking of starting a Marine Tank after purchasing an all in one Tank/Filter/Air Pump unit at Christmas which I have Cichlids in that are doing very well and have got me hooked on this aquarist caper.
My problem is not getting any definate advice. I am prepared to spend $1,500 bucks or so on the set up, I have read a couple of books brushing up on the lingo and theory, but I am still stumped quite what to buy.
My thoughts are:
5ft tank - 70 odd gallons
Sump Filter
A little Live Rock
Metal Halides, should the budget allow if not blue actinics and some form af daylight replicating tubes.
Cabinet and Hood
Protein Skimmer - what type Venturi, CC, etc
Requisite pumps
A Power head or two
The real problem is what sort of sump filter? Different stores have different models from a large sqaure tank and a smaller refugium (is this what it's called?) on the inside with bioballs or similar in it.
Ohter option in a rectangular tank utilising a waterfall type effect with different medium in each chamber. Also, I have read that fluidised bed filter offer excellent biological filtration, yet no-one has recommended these?.
Any general info offered would be appreciated.