I am considering buying a complete reef set up

[Cityfish]

I am considering buying a complete reef set up. I will probable see it tomorrow for the first time, and I Know nothing about reefs. So I wanted to ask you guys for any advice, good posts for newbies, and any links you think I should check out. There is a lot to learn, really fast, if I am going to do this well. I have had great success with my FW planted –Co2,EI,4.5wpg. But I have no experience with SW.

One of my first questions is about water changes. How much of the water should change at the time I move the tank? (possible this weekend) the previous owner has told me that he has not changed the water in three months….Is this a bad thing? Do saltwater tanks suffer from “old tank syndrome” the same way that FW tanks will.

In the mean time Im gunna start digging in you guys posts… try and figure out some of what ya know..

Here is the add…. Other than this, all I know is that it is just under 100 gallon acrylic tank.
I will try to add the pictures I have.

Thanks

Tony

---------POSTED ADD------------
I have a fully stocked saltwater reef tank that includes everything you need to keep it running and keep it healthy.
In the tank:

1 Anglefish
2 Clownfish
1 Damsel fish
1 Mandarin Gobie
3 different kinds of cleaner shrimp
1 crab
6 or so hermit crabs
several snails ( small and large )
lots of coral and live rock
anemone ( leather and frogs pond, not sure the names of the others )

You will also get six 5 gallon jugs of saltwater, all the water test kits, filters, nets, thermometers, barometers, magnetic tank cleaner, and all the other cleaning supplies you would need. I also have a couple of books on reef tanks and how to take care of them. It has a sump pump with a protein skimmer in the cabinet underneath. The lid contain fluorescent lights along with 2 black lights.

 

[Max]

When you move the set up put all the mobile critters into rubbermaid containers with water movement, heat etc. Make sure you put all the corals into seperate bags or containers as they will be very unhappy because of the move and a lot of them will release toxins into the water! On that note make sure that as little as possible of their water gets back into your tank.

If you want to avoid a cycle you'll give the live rock a similar treatment and put it in containers. If you decide to keep the sand keep in mind that a lot of the bacteria is going to die off because of the move. You'll want to keep your eyes open and be ready to do an emergency water change for the next week or two.

Set up your tank where you want it add the live rock,"use common sense here if it's covered in critters or a neat algae etc. don't add at this point." Then, put in your sand and place a bowl etc in on top of the sand and add water. Give the tank a little while to settle and add your fish and other mobile inverts. Place some activated carbon in your sump or filter and then add the corals. You'll want to leave the carbon in for about a week I'd change it out for fresh on the second day. Make sure that you run you filtration empty as it can cause nitrate issues and your tank being unsettled will place loads of detritus in your water.
hth and if you have more questions ask. You don't know how much l.r. comes with it do you?
Max

 

[Cityfish]

Thanks max,

Should I bag the fish seperatly? Do I need to keep the live rock and or corals completely submerged or just wet. Should I simply leave the sand in the bottom of the tank with some water and possibly some of the inverts.? Do I need to separate anemones from there rock/ hold?


It looks like quit a bit of live rock….don’t know how many #


My local marine guy recommends a plenum…. I have read mixed reviews on them and the potential for anaerobic toxins…. What’s your opinion on plenums?

Tony

 

[Cityfish]

My new reef is settled in & all are looking well. I was surprised how much I already know about SW & reefs. (been reading about them for quit a wile).
Just not feelin the love here guys so thanks anyway… I found a forum that wanted to help…

Cityfish

 

[Max]

Sorry, I missed your post.
Max