What protine skimmer do i need?
- Thread starter lino
- Start date
What stage are you at in your cycling of the tank?
I have not started my tank yet. I'm just in the process of buying all the equipment i need. So far I have a ehiem canister filter, and 2 x 170W metal halides with some VHO lights. Next on the list of things I need to buy is a uv sterilizer and a protein skimmer. I would like to run my skimmer in-line with my external canister filter. My marine fish store suggested these few items and 65 lbs of live rock for my 65 gallon tank should be enough to get things going for a low budget set up.
I have not started my tank yet. I'm just in the process of buying all the equipment i need. So far I have a ehiem canister filter, and 2 x 170W metal halides with some VHO lights. Next on the list of things I need to buy is a uv sterilizer and a protein skimmer. I would like to run my skimmer in-line with my external canister filter. My marine fish store suggested these few items and 65 lbs of live rock for my 65 gallon tank should be enough to get things going for a low budget set up.
I'd disagree with them on a UV Sterilizer being a needed item on a display tank as well as if it is even prudent to have on one. They are not discriminate on what they'll remove meaning it will get the good with the bad. I can certainly see running one on a QT tank set up however but again, it is not absolutely needed.
This is my own personal belief of what a newbie should consider: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=21
If you are budget concious as well I'd also check into local reef clubs. Memberships tend to be very reasonable if not very low and you'll quickly see it as money well spent once you start to buy and trade with other local reefers and enjoy discounts from local stores. You can search for clubs at the links here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=71
This is my own personal belief of what a newbie should consider: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=21
If you are budget concious as well I'd also check into local reef clubs. Memberships tend to be very reasonable if not very low and you'll quickly see it as money well spent once you start to buy and trade with other local reefers and enjoy discounts from local stores. You can search for clubs at the links here: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/blog.php?b=71
I have to say that I would not purchase the UV either for the same reasons that Grins stated. I would also suggest that you look into a sump vs. the canister filter (IMHO) offers you a lot more flexibility and additional water volume. Many people do use a canister filter, I am not against them....just over-the-top pro for a sump. The MH's are great...won't spend money more than the once for them. Just look at some of the threads about the different types of reflectors.
I would also suggest that if you are new to saltwater you temper what you hear from the LFS until you have had more time with the hobby - by that I mean make sure you don't just take their word for it, you READ, READ and RESEARCH. Saves a lot of money and headache. This forum is a great resource.
:welcome:
Lino: what do you plan to keep with MH's you could have enought light for clams, SPS and softies? Have you looked into different types of coral to see what you are shooting for as far as look and care?
And we both (Grins and I) forgot the most important thing..........WELCOME to AQUARIA CENTRAL.
I would also suggest that if you are new to saltwater you temper what you hear from the LFS until you have had more time with the hobby - by that I mean make sure you don't just take their word for it, you READ, READ and RESEARCH. Saves a lot of money and headache. This forum is a great resource.
:welcome:
Lino: what do you plan to keep with MH's you could have enought light for clams, SPS and softies? Have you looked into different types of coral to see what you are shooting for as far as look and care?
And we both (Grins and I) forgot the most important thing..........WELCOME to AQUARIA CENTRAL.
Here is one of many options for getting a protein skimmer. http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage~PageAlias~protein_skimmers__index.html WHat is great is to look at the customer reviews.
If you look into the Coralife 65, Octopus or Tunze I can help with those as I have had them. Currently have a Tunze 9015 and like it quite a bit - I changed not becuase of performance of the Octopus, the footprint of the Tunze is sooo much smaller and it really is plug and play. Lot's of options ahead for you, but also a lot of research.
Anthing any of us can help with just ask!
If you look into the Coralife 65, Octopus or Tunze I can help with those as I have had them. Currently have a Tunze 9015 and like it quite a bit - I changed not becuase of performance of the Octopus, the footprint of the Tunze is sooo much smaller and it really is plug and play. Lot's of options ahead for you, but also a lot of research.
Anthing any of us can help with just ask!
:silly: I said hi in the Welcome Forum. But yes, welcome to the marine forums and I very much agree with Almond on researching and not relying on your LFS as your main source of information. Frankly I'd not use any single source as a main source. Best thing to do is research, ask opinions then go research what sounds credible from those opinions. The more you read and eventually the more you experience yourself the more you'll start to be able to distinguish good advice from bad.
what do you plan to keep with MH's ?
I realy like the mushroom corals, and xenia pulsing thingies, bubble coral. As far as fish go i would like to have sand sifting blennies, shrimps. I don't know yet. Just mainly small piecfull fish that get along with corals
I realy like the mushroom corals, and xenia pulsing thingies, bubble coral. As far as fish go i would like to have sand sifting blennies, shrimps. I don't know yet. Just mainly small piecfull fish that get along with corals
The bubble coral is the most light demanding thing on your list and although it likes med-strong lighting and does well under my MHs, they will be OK in less intense light if placed near the top.
Is there anything else on your list that would need MHs or are you a fan of the shimmer?
Is there anything else on your list that would need MHs or are you a fan of the shimmer?
Is there anything else on your list that would need MHs or are you a fan of the shimmer?
From what I read you cant realy go wrong with metal halides. I chose 2 x 175w because i thought 6w per gallong would be sufficiant lighting for some soft corals. I just ordered them from catalina aquariums from california. It was a retrofit package with an electronic balast. Now it's time to buy my protien skimmer. I was thinking of the coralife skimmer that almond whas talking about. There is also a skimmer available through catalina that is also very cheap. What is your recomendation. I would like to run it in line with my canister filter.
From what I read you cant realy go wrong with metal halides. I chose 2 x 175w because i thought 6w per gallong would be sufficiant lighting for some soft corals. I just ordered them from catalina aquariums from california. It was a retrofit package with an electronic balast. Now it's time to buy my protien skimmer. I was thinking of the coralife skimmer that almond whas talking about. There is also a skimmer available through catalina that is also very cheap. What is your recomendation. I would like to run it in line with my canister filter.