Tank upgrades

[Hanali]

So I wanted to ensure I was doing the right thing for my tank. I have a 55 gal tank with a 35-45 gallon sump and refug. I want to have zoanthids, polyps, mushrooms, and clams along with anemone or 2.

So these are the items I am looking at buying.

2 x Hydro Koralia 2 pumps to hide behind my live rock and place on a Zilla Digital Power Center (Day-Night-Timer or Wave Maker). I set my live rock at a 45 degree angle to the back glass so that I have a nice viewable spot along the back of the glass. I am hoping this will cause a wave effect but also remove any dead spots for debris to collect.

RIO 3100 900gph pump. Right now I am moving 400gph in my tank, and I hear I should be moving more.

Two Little Fishies PhosBan Reactor... I am not sure what this is exactly for or what is required for it. I included a link. Do I need the media? Also does it require a pump?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_AquariumPage.aspx?PageAlias=filter_media_two_li ttle_fishies_phosban_hydrocarbon.

Last this top off switch.
http://www.reefwerks.com/index.php?pr=Undiy_Auto_Top_Off

I am running PC lights so I can not get to deep into the mess of things but how does this stuff look so far?

Here is an old pic of my tank.

[copperband]

first of all how long has your tank been set up because it is reccomended that a tank housing anemones be set up for atleast 8 months i learned this the hard way. also the power compacts will be fine for everything except the clam

[sharkboy]

as far as the phosban is concerned, it is supposed to absorb phosphates...you do need a pump but nothing too big. I use a maxijet 400...you also need some form of media i use both rowaphos and rowacarbon in two different reactors...with frequent water changes and avoiding overfeeding you might not need one of these...its a matter of preference...oh yeah you will also need some tubing to run from pump to reactor to sump

[tony]

agree with copperband. anemones are better off in well established tanks and those lights should suit you well for all except the clam

you will get tons of different answers on flow. the general consensus seems to be that you can never have too much. that being said i have just under 2000gph in my 30g tank

[copperband]

also you could get 2 number two koralias or a number 2 and a number 4 koralias or 2 number 2's and a number 4 koralia

[MissT]

also you could get 2 number two koralias or a number 2 and a number 4 koralias or 2 number 2's and a number 4 koralia

Say that three times fast...
:whew:

[copperband]

thats probably impossible

[erikharrison]

Maybe you could put some T5 retrofits in that canopy? Icecap makes a SingleLampReflector that I hear is boss. I used to use phosban, until I bought a test kit and discovered that I had no phosphates. I would spend my money on a clean up crew to help devour any excess food/waste and to keep those phosphates down. When I used phosban, I just stuck it in a filter sock, rinsed it, and put it in the "sumpterfuge". I do not know about that particular auto top off, but I will say that they are a wise investment. Make sure that your top off container never holds enough water to overflow your sump. I use a 5g bucket, and my sump can hold all of it, just in case. Also, my top off will turn off after it gets to about 5g anyway, but I trust my failsafe over theirs!

[copperband]

i wasnt sure if clams could live under t-5's but i would listen and trust Erik he knows quite a bit

[erikharrison]

i wasnt sure if clams could live under t-5's but i would listen and trust Erik he knows quite a bit

LOL, no I don't. I can answer and cover the basics!!! Thanks for the compliment though. There are MANY people here that know what I know x1,000,000,000. Clams need intense lighting, and t5s in a shallow canopy, if done right, it should be fine as long as the water is pristine.

[copperband]

well i no other people know alot but you are a knoledgable person alot of people here on maast are and your welcome for the complement

[Mr Cob]

Say that three times fast...
:whew:

LOL

[Hanali]

So the tank has not been up for over 8 months. It has but lets just say I am just now rebuilding it and trying to get it to the point I can enjoy it and place in a Zoa or two.

Not sure I got all the 2 Hydro 2's and so on... think you were making the point it did not matter which or how much.

Thanks guys... Anything else you guys think I may need while Uncle Sam is paying?

[copperband]

cleanup crews are always great to have

[erikharrison]

An awesome skimmer, metal halides, and a CA reactor... ha

[Hanali]

So I just upgraded my clean up crew and had 5-6 snails die on me and 3 hermit crabs die too. So right now I am watching my amonnia big time, and pulling out the corpses.

I have a skimmer... may not be awesome.