Definate: New 180+ gallon SW Help

[AMDPhenomX4]

Well. The first step toward the new tank was done on thursday. Paving the Driveway. Now were getting a shed. Then im moving my room down stairs. Because of this, I can get a Dam massive fish tank. Here are some things to note.
I already have a Little Giant 4MXQC and would like to use it as the main Sump to main tank. It does about 1100GPH at the height i will be using it for. This will be a Reef and so Suggestions on lighting will be useful. Still deciciding between T5 or MH. This cant cost too much over a Grand. More or less i need ideas on what size tank, What type of lighting , and what type of size Sump. Also what kind of PH to get, Best place to get Dry Rock. Etc.
How would i go about moving my current tanks inhabitants and prevent a cycle. Also where can i get over 100 gallons of water?

 

[WhiskeyD]

Where can i get over 100 gallons of water?

From your faucet Get some clean trashcans to store it in.

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

How do i know if my water is good enough?

 

[jcmelski]

How do i know if my water is good enough?/QUOTE]
Test it. If still in doubt about water quality get an ro/di unit when you can.

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

Good point. What should good readings be?

 

[jcmelski]

Call the water company and ask what they use to treat the water. You can get a handheld TDS meter to tell you how bad the water is but it won't tell you what's in it. I used a chlorine test kit from my pool to test my tap and it was 0. I tested my tap for phosphates also and it too was 0. I plan on picking up a ro/di unit in the future. I've read about using what hospitals use to purify water and it seems like a much cheaper alternative.

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

I use well water.

 

[CaptainAhab]

You want to build out and stock a 180+ gallon for not 'too much over a Grand'? Good luck! Anyway, I take it from your 'my tanks' section that you're currently running a canister? Are you keeping it once you add the sump? Adding live rock?

Take a water sample and get it tested. Phosphates, nitrates, hardness, ph , etc..

 

[AMDPhenomX4]

Well the lights and tank + stand for under a grand. Possibly a deal on a Sump and tank. The rest for hopefully under 500.