View Full Version : new 100 gal. tank
Steve Turner
07-02-2006, 6:38 PM
I will be purchasing a 100 gal rectangular Clear-or-Life acrylic tank soon. I probably will use live rock, and introduce a couple of non invertebrate fish as soon as the water [R/O & Inst.Ocean salt] stabilizes. I am researching what kind of filter[s] to install. I'm pretty sure that I will start with a skimmer [air], and am thinking of either/or both, a UGF [with a power head], and wet/dry filter. What types of these do you recommend, and do I really need all of these types of filters together, thanks.
supgourami
07-02-2006, 7:03 PM
I just have a question for you. Do you know how much the 100 gallon tank costs?
kyle12
07-02-2006, 8:19 PM
it depends on where you go to get it
Steve Turner
07-04-2006, 8:32 AM
My question was about filters, not finances. If cost were an issue, I would have asked. Supgo... money may be an issue for you, but not for me. Please stay within the topic parameters.
dolfans1
07-04-2006, 9:18 AM
UGF are generally more trouble than they are worth, and are not needed if you have a sufficient quantity of LR, a protein skimmer, and a good clean-up crew (snails, hermits, shrimp). In fact, you won't even need a wet dry; a simple Berlin-style sump (no bio-balls or other media) should be sufficient.
My 120 g tank has the following for filtration: 80 lb live rock + 60 lb base rock (which is live by now), 20 lb live sand mixed w/ 60 lbs aragonite sand, Berlin-style pump w/ 2 filter bags (no media), Euro-reef protein skimmer.
Both the UGF and wet-dry filters can create a buildup of nitrates, which in turn will fuel algae growth. The UGF, particular, must be periodically removed and cleaned or it will clog - not an easy task.
Once you've added the live rock to your tank, you need to wait for it to cure, and for the tank to cycle; depending on the quality of the LR, this can take from a week to several weeks. Your first additions should be clean-up crew; mainly snails and hermits. Wait for the tank to equilibrate with them before adding anything else. I would encourage you to read up as much as possible on marine aquariums; Paletta's "The New Marine Aquarium" is an excellent starting point and a quick read.
supgourami
07-04-2006, 3:06 PM
I was just asking because I was curious. It would be nice if you could just like hepl me out and let me know.
fishcatch22
07-13-2006, 6:03 PM
my mom is trying to get one. the one she found cost, like, $500. this is alaska, mind you, so everything is more expensive. could be cheaper where you are, I don't know.
magafish18
07-13-2006, 6:07 PM
no count on it.
SteveTurner, some people are just curious because like you they are new to the hobby, I don't believe that her comment was questioning your ability but merely a question. You need to do much more reading on setting up a marine aquarium before you start.....I agree with the suggestion to read "The New Marine Aquarium" by Michael Paletta, other include The Concientious Marine Aquariust and a good web site to start is http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ also read all the stickies at the beginning of these forums and what listen to what those that have gone before have to say......their words of wisdom are invaluable