Starting 130 Gal SW in a few months, wanting ideas :)

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jamesrm

Aquarium Advice Freak
Joined
Sep 11, 2006
Messages
235
Hey guys,
Many of you might recognize me from the Freshwater forums. I will be moving into a new house in a few months, and I have had a 130 gal long tank sitting in storage for a while that I really want to turn into a SW setup. The tank is around 6 feet long, probably 30 inches wide and 3 feet tall. Those are not exact, but I would think pretty close. I had it as an FW semi-aggressive in a previous location.

So, I understand the basics of SW, and I am sure I can find many how to guides around here, I guess my main questions would be about the stocking.

I like "pretty" fish. I am a diver, and love the colors that I get to experiance on the sea floor. I would also love to have some pretty inverts living in my tank, primarily shrimp.

If this was ..your.. tank, what would you set up? I know the length would create a lot of room for a amazing live rock setting, but I just want to know your thoughts and opinions on what to stock it with.

I would also appretiate advice on equipment for such a large tank. I would prefer to run a sump to keep as many wires out of my primary. I also understand the cost of the critters is much higher than FW, so I really want to get this right the first time :)

Thanks for everything and your advice!
 
Welcome to the SW side!

Please do not cycle your tank with live animals.
I bought these lights http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=12113&N=2004+113352 for my 125G, the 72" ones.
I will be ordering base rock http://marcorocks.com/ to save on some costs and mixing it with about 50-79 Lbs of LR.
Click on liveaquaria, on aa's home page and you can get to the drs website, etropicals and liveaquaria. Check the last two sites for some ideas, come up with a list and post what you think you might like. I find it is easier then asking a blanket question, otherwise, you will be swamped with suggestions.
What you put in your tank will depend on what you want to set up, ie; FOWLR or reef.
Some suggestions:
Don't skimp
Buy a refractometer http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=9957&N=2004+113074
test kit http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=4452&N=2004+113074
Pre mix your water for at least 24+ hours, to try to get your new water as close to your main's as possible, maintly temp/salinity/pH.
HAVE FUN!
 
One major thing is get yourself an RO/DI unit from the get-go. This will save you a TON of headaches. Other than that like Roka said it all depends on if you want a reef or a FOWLR setup. You could do a lot with a tank that size but make sure you know what you are getting yourself into before you start diving in. The base rock idea is a great one. It will save you a lot of money and you will get it to be "live" with time anyway.
 
I know I definately want to do a reef tank. I would want to stay in the peaceful range, would love to have shrimp and colorful fish. I know this was really broad, but I was looking for broad opinions :)
 
Purple tang, pair of clownfish, blennies to choose from, gobies also (yellows). firefish (with somewhat covered tank) Pistol shrimp, cleaner shrimp, fire shrimp, brittle, serpent, or linkia stars (colorful).

Anthias (need feeeding more often though). Maybe 3 blue/green chromis.

Stay away from the damsels IMO.
 
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