I have an area 64" long where I would like to put a saltwater tank. Can someone please help me with what I would want to purchase and with an estimated price cost with an explanation of what it does? I know I need a pump, filter, skimmer, rock, salt, lights,,,etc. What size? Why? What price? How much maintenance is involved? I would like to have coral eventually along with fish. I am guessing the tank would be anywhere from 125-200 gallons. Thanks in advance for any help.
Where do I start?
- Thread starter medman
- Start date
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RLG2182
Aquarium Advice FINatic
8O 8O
Teh questions.
Could possibly write a book about all of this. Would suggest reading some books for some info on maintenance/equipment/care/cost. Everything basically depends on what you want to keep in your tank. FOWLR or Reef? Ever done SW before? Even FW before? 125-200 is definately a deep plunge, especially if you've never done anything like this before. Should probably start here... as for cost... expect it to be in the small used-car department.
~~Rob
Teh questions.
Could possibly write a book about all of this. Would suggest reading some books for some info on maintenance/equipment/care/cost. Everything basically depends on what you want to keep in your tank. FOWLR or Reef? Ever done SW before? Even FW before? 125-200 is definately a deep plunge, especially if you've never done anything like this before. Should probably start here... as for cost... expect it to be in the small used-car department.
~~Rob
RLG2182
Aquarium Advice FINatic
BTW, welcome to AA!!! 
Salttanker
Aquarium Advice Addict
I would go with the largest your wallet can handle. If you are thinking corals now, I would go ahead and plan on a reef tank. It's cheaper to do it right the first time rather than change things up down the road.
Judging by the area, You have room for a 6ft tank. A 125G is 6ft, and would fit comfortably in that spot giving you a little space left over. Do you want acrylic or glass?
125G flow estimate: 1250gph for good filtration. (4 Maxijet 1200's would work).
Skimmer - Possibly a Reef Devil for that size.
Lighting - If reef, I would do MH, but some people prefer pc because of heating.
Substrate - No CC. Use sand. It will save you headaches.
Salt - Still in debate. Latest poll shows Kent and Oceanic.
LR - Only one place - liverocks.com 8)
With a tank that size, you will fare better with a sump. So, if you are in the market for a large tank, see if you can get it pre-drilled before you take it home. You will thank me for this later.
Maintenance - Water changes once a month. I do 15%, some do 25%. It really depends on your bio load.
I know there is more information, but these tips should help you along. HTH
Mike
Judging by the area, You have room for a 6ft tank. A 125G is 6ft, and would fit comfortably in that spot giving you a little space left over. Do you want acrylic or glass?
125G flow estimate: 1250gph for good filtration. (4 Maxijet 1200's would work).
Skimmer - Possibly a Reef Devil for that size.
Lighting - If reef, I would do MH, but some people prefer pc because of heating.
Substrate - No CC. Use sand. It will save you headaches.
Salt - Still in debate. Latest poll shows Kent and Oceanic.
LR - Only one place - liverocks.com 8)
With a tank that size, you will fare better with a sump. So, if you are in the market for a large tank, see if you can get it pre-drilled before you take it home. You will thank me for this later.
Maintenance - Water changes once a month. I do 15%, some do 25%. It really depends on your bio load.
I know there is more information, but these tips should help you along. HTH
Mike
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