Newbie stopping in...... with a lot of ????

A

ajanderson

At first glance I thought all you peeps where crazy for spending all this time and $$$ on your saltwater setups, but after reading all your thoughts and advice and seeing all the beautiful tanks I see why you would infest. I currently have a DAS 55gal setup with the built in H39 filter system. I've been running fresh water and it was really pretty, but thats as far as it goes. I had some really rare and costly freshwater fish but still not satisfied. After trying to sell the tank and listening to everyone tell me I need to keep it I think I will.

So here we are....... I need some thoughts and advice! :idea:
Is this filter set up ok for a possible reef tank? I really know nothing about this so all help would be great.
I'm not really sure where to start. I am moving this weekend so the tank has been emptied and cleaned.
So whats next :?:
Unfortunitly my saltwater knowledge is poor. So please be kind with your terms so I will understand them.

Thanks to all!!!!
 
Howdie back!!!! I started with freshwater too, but I couldn't help myself and wanted the beautiful salwater fish. My tank has been set-up since Oct. I am not sure what kind of internal filter you are talking about. Is your tank drilled like a reef ready tank? What type of tank are you setting up? reef, fowlr, fo???? I have a 125g fowlr(fish only with live rock). The most important thing I can tell you is GO SLOW AND ALWAYS QUARANTINE YOUR FISH. I learned this the hard way. I am now having to treat for ick no fun. It's alot harder to deal with illness in a saltwater system. Good luck

Tinia
 
I'm not real sure what the filter setup is. Everything is built into the tank. I'll try and get some pics of it. As far as what kind of setup I want...... I don't know. I would love to have something like this, but I don't know what it is or what it consist of???
 
I just wanted to say good luck and you are right we are all crazy to spend this much money but when you end up with a beautiful piece of the ocean it is well worth it. I dont know muh about your tank set up but the picture you showed looks like a much larger tank then you have. I am sure someone that knows about your tank will chime in soon. Good Luck!
 
Your tank/filter is a DAS system (Dutch Aquarium Systems).
These are generally considered OK for fish only systems. If you want to maintain everything shown in the picture you posted, you will probably need to improve upon the filtration system.
 
Ok, that shouldn't be too hard. It looks like the filter can be removed carefully. It is set in place but looks like it can be cut out with little to no harm to the tank.

So with that info, what do you recommend for filtration?
 
In order to have a tank like the one pictured, you would probably want to consider adding a sump/refugium and skimmer. You will also need to have proper lighting. Since the pic includes SPS and anemones you will probably need either T5 or MH lights.

There are lots of people here to help, so shop around and when you find something that fits your budget, post here and you'll get plenty of opinions on whether or not it would be the best item (lights, skimmer, etc.)for your situation.
 
Well I'm thinking being a beginner and all maybe I should start out alittle smaller. I have a 30gal hex with a penquin 200 filter. If I remove the bio wheel I think it is plenty strong enough to support a soft coral setup. Now this tank is tall so I will have to improve my lighting but that shouldn't be a prob.
So on that note, what advice do you have for a smaller tank with easier creatures and corals??
And will that filter work?

Thanx for all the imput!! :D
 
As a beginner, starting with softies is probably a good idea.

The Penguin filter might be OK to help provide flow to the tank and for running carbon. However, you would want to make certain to change the filter media often to prevent a buildup of organic matter that could increase the nitrate levels of your tank.

With the hex tank you might want to consider a hang on back skimmer. A sump/refugium probably wouldn't be necessary with this setup with only soft corals.

You could also maintain most softies with PC lights.

Keep in mind, if you catch this addiction, you'll want to upgrade to a larger tank eventually. With that in mind, if your budget will allow it, try to get equipment that you could possibly use for a future tank setup. Lights you purchase now for the hex could be used in the future for lighting a fuge, the hex could become a quarantine tank, etc.
Think to the future and always have patience.
 
That sounds good. I actually have a gggal i'm trying sale on here, but after all the input and if my wallet permits it, I'm probably going to keep it and build my way up to it.
So what a good but fairly cheap skimmer, to hang on the back?
 
@ajanderson wrote:
So what a good but fairly cheap skimmer said:
I don't use a HOB skimmer so I can't speak from personal experience.
However, it seems many people here use the AquaC Remora skimmers and most seem to like them a lot.
Click to expand...
 
You're close to where I grew up. I don't see too many on the boards from that area.

Most of your filtering is going to come from your live rock. Like stated earlier, the mechanical filter will be for flow more than for filtering. The general guideline is 1-2 pounds of live rock per gallon of water.

I have a CPR Backpack HOB skimmer and would not recommend it. I'm not getting the skim I really should be getting even with quite a bit of tinkering, upgrade on the pump, and a modification to add more bubbles. One day it will skim great, and the next three days barely nothing. It's very inconsistant. Many people like these skimmers, but I have not have a lot of luck with them.

Enjoy the hobby, it's nice and addicting!
 
Ok, so I will find a goof skimmer. Now do I remove the charcol filter from my unit or leave it in, or do I replace it with something else.
 
Well I talk to some more people today and have finally decided to go ahead with the 55g. I'm going to start off with the built in H39 filter system and work my way up.
First I need to get some lights. The setup in their right now is only 80w.
I'm going to go with a soft coral tank, so I need to get some info on lighting............
 
Ok.... I looked at that web site and it was like trying to read chineese. If I go with soft corals and easy fish, what lighting do I need? I can fit up to 36" long under my canopy.
 
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