Product Suggestions?

[RadicalReef]

Hello! I think that if I do ever get to setting up a saltwater tank, that I'm going to go with either a 150 or 180 All-Glass MegaFlow. I would be setting up a tank with corals and fish. I was wondering if someone could list all the equipment (besides aquarium, aquarium top, stand, and canopy) that I'd need to sucessfully (or that I'd want, to make it easier) keep a saltwater tank with corals and fish. Please also give me the brand and specific product that you think would be best for each item needed, and for my needs. Also, if you think some products are cheaper online than at LFS, than please give me a website that you reccommend do purchase the product from! I'm sorry that this might take a while to answer, and as always, all of your help is greatly, GREATLY appreciated! Have a great weekend!

RadicalReef

[copi]

I was recently recommended an excellent book: The conscientious Marine Aquarist by Robert M Fenner. I'd suggest you pick up a copy & give it a read-through -- it will give you a great introduction to keeping a saltwater aquarium and the needed equipment. Fenner gives lots of suggestions and options, leaving you free to do further research to decide in which direction you'd like to take things. Once you formulate in your mind the direction you'd like to go, you can begin to ask more specific questions. The folks here at AA are great, but I'm afraid that your question might be a bit too broad to generate many responses.

You can find great answers to a lot of your questions just by reading through these pages.

Good luck!

[lando]

Wow, the list of equipment can get pretty long. I will get things started by listing the number one thing on your list...
"The Conscientious Marine Aquarist" by Robert Fenner. A great al-around book on SW tanks and worth every penny. he rest realy depends on what you want. If you want a reef you will need to look at upgraded lighting, a good skimmer, heater, some type of filter (depends on what you decide to use), powerheads, test kits,...the list goes on.
Welcome to AquariumAdvice.com!!!

[cmor1701d]

I agree. Read that book first. Then read the Articles.

Don't forget to read up on Sumps and refugiums, which you can buy pre-made or DIY. Here's some sump/fuge links.
http://www.lifereef.com/frame.html
http://www.superskimmer.com/sump_tanks.htm
http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2003-01/gt/

Online stores? There's a ton of them...
http://captivereefs.com/captivereefs/index.asp (Darin is forum member and supporter - 6% discount to AA members)
Others:
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Shop.cfm?N=2004
http://www.thatpetplace.com/ (free shipping on large orders and price matching)
http://www.bigalsonline.com/?splash_done=1

Don't forget to budget for your lighting needs too.

[lando]

Don't forget to budget for your lighting needs too.

that is a very good point. Lighting for a reef will often times be the most exspensive part. For the size of tank you are looking at lighting could run well over $1000 alone.

[RadicalReef]

Hello! Thanks for the responses! I know that I have tons of research to do yet...and it will be atleast 3-4+ more months before I even get a tank...I will definetly get that book! After talking with somemore people at the LFS, I don't know if I want to do a tank with corals in it...that lighting is ridiculous, and personally, I'd rather look at fish. How much more for the size tanks that I listed do you think taking care of corals would be than just having fish? How much more work is involved with coral care? I think I might do a FOwLR tank afterall! I'll do more reading, and keep you updated...but like I said...it will be a looooooooong time yet! Thanks!

RadicalReef

[lando]

Actually, most corals are pretty easy to take care of when provided with the proper lighting and good water conditions. It is a good plan to start with FOWLR. You can save the startup exspense of the lighting and get that later if you decide to start a reef. One word of caution...If you eventually want a reef, try to limit your fish and invet selections to ones that are considered reef safe. It could save you some hassel in the future.

[RadicalReef]

Hello! I just wanted to hear some more estimates (just general "in the ball park" estimates) for how much it would cost to set up lighting for a 150-180 gallon tank, and how much would it cost to yearly replace the bulbs? Also, please tell me of any other costs, and any ways to lower the extremely high prices of lighting for a reef tank....I just can't decide whether I want an all fish, or fish with reef. I'm going to get the "Conscientious Marine Aquarist" book as soon as I get a chance to go to the library, and I'll do some much needed reading through that!! Thanks in advance for the help!

RadicalReef

[nickthapainter]

If you aren't in a hurry, watch the classifieds in your local paper. There are deals to be had!

[lando]

Price can really vary depending if you want a reef, the mount of LR and so on. You can expect to spend $3000+ just getting that size tank ready for reef. Bulbs may rn $200-400 a year depending. Salt, RO/DI water, electric bill, chemicals...the list goes on. Bottom line is that this hobbytakes some money.