100 gallon reef tank

[aseeley]

Ok , Hi folks, I am new here but this looks like a great source for reef info. I want to build a reef tank. I have purchased aoceanatlantis 100 gal tank and stand and canopy. as i find that is the cheap part. I al looking to get a fliter system but want the most bang for the buck without a second mortgage. (or my wife being Toooooo mad) I would like to incorporate a refugium system in it with MH lighting. I find a few deals such as at aquatraders for a light but i suspect that it may be too good of a deal if you know what i mean.
can anyone sort of let me know what my options are? I have had fresh water for 25 years or so, still have tanks in the garage attic that maybe couyld be used as a refugium connected to a sump/wet dry system. I plan on putting sand, and live rock in it after the basics then graduating to corals mainly with a few reef safe fish. anyone want to give me ideas , I am open...thanbks in advance.
maybe i should just go to aquatek and spend a big wad on what they tell me to buy?:confused:
btw, I am in kerrville area.

[hobogato]

you can make a sump and/or fuge out of an old tank. all you have to do is put in some baffles. either glue in some glass or acrylic baffles with silicone or use compression baffles as seen here (http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=38135&highlight=compression+baffles)

[MissT]

Come up to RCA and we can talk you through everything you'll need to get started!

[Witoski]

ive got 7 tanks all but one purchased from river city the staff are great and tell you what u need and what you dnt need i have a 110 65 42 two 14's AND a 20 and 10 hahahah and i didnt have to tale out a 2nd mortage

[erikharrison]

www.Hellolights.com (http://www.Hellolights.com)..... wait.... WELCOME TO MAAST!
There is a ton of info here and good people! Can you give us some background on your experience level?

[aseeley]

Well i have had tropicals since about 9 yrs old.
have had a tank alm,ost constantly since. my last freefall into addiction brought me up to 118 tanks...I was breeding discus and killifish at that time, along with various Tanganyikan cichlids. One of the pyhsicians I work with (I'm I cardiac cath/interventional radiology tech) has gotten me reinfected with the bug and I am well on my way it seems to being a reef owner. Hope that gives ya all a bit of background. Now I need to decide waht pieces and parts I need to purchase and or build to get this 100 gallon tank running. I must be serious, I already have a R/O unit hooked up to a 300 gallon holding tank making water out in my pump house ( I have a well and live 12 miles or so out of kerrville in the boonies.)

[apedroza]

Welcome to MAAST!!!!! Lights and a good Skimmer are a must. Ace has also been known to make a pretty nice refugium or two in the past. He is full of great ideas and is an excellent source of info.

[erikharrison]

Ace (Hobogato) is one of our many reef kings, as well as an acrylic master. If you need anything built, or just some good old fashioned advice, I am sure Ace will be more than willing to offer up some information. Oh, BTW RCA (River City Aquatics) has been known for what a great store they are. I have also heard alot of good things about Kingfish in Austin as well. You have some fantastic reefers in that area as well, and I am sure that they would be able to offer plenty of support! Ask too many questions, and most of all, be patient! :)