Help for a new reefer!

[tangz]

I think everything was pretty much covered except the depth of the sand bed. I would go deeper, at least 4-5", especiallt in a tank that deep.

Lights depend on what corals or clams you are going to keep. MH and VHO actinic is prbably the way to go IMO. Use a factor of >100 watts per square foot as a starting point for planning purposes for SPS.

Look at a fairly small flow through your sump and fuge and do the majority of the tank flow going through your closed loop.

For a tank that size with SPS you need to look at something like a calcium reactor for supplements.

Scratch iodine from the list.

On the sand bed, I didn't factor in the size of the tank. Origionally I was looking at a 250 gallon tank and everything I read says "I wish I had a bigger tank". So when I upgraded size, I forgot the sand. Thanks

Nice point on the flow through the refuge/skimmer. What flow do you recommend through these vs. the closed loop. I have read that you want the tank to process through 1.5 - 2 times an hour. Iws this still a good rule for the refuge/skimmer with the closed loop?

Thanks for the confirmation on the calcium reactor. What brand / size flow should I be looking at?

Even if I want to have some pistol shrimp with my gobies I do not need iodine? Do the salt mix and other stuff have enough iodine for them? I know iodine can be trouble if too much is input.

Thanks GaryP for the input.

[tangz]

but don't get stuck on anything. You will need to change some things mid-stream, and even after you think you are done.

Also I will reinforce the idea of seeing other systems, that really helped when I was planning mine. Not just for good ideas, but also for the "Oh, so that's how that works ... think I will reconsider".

I am trying to remain flexible on most stuff, but I really am stuck on a skimmer/refuge system with lots of life in the tank.

Does this mean you are on the tank tour this fall when I come down there for the tour? Hoping...

[tangz]

I'd consider getting a few more books; Shimek "The Coral Reef Aquarium" and the Calfo books come to mind. I'm with Gary on the calcium reactor instead of endless supplements, and you'll want to think about your entire plumbing circuit before starting, as it will affect your tank selection and drilling, stand construction, etc. For a tank of this size, you almost need a work room behind the tank for all the equipment. Some sort of reliable auto top-off is practically a must for a system this size, as is figuring out some way to deal with the moisture you'll be releasing into your house; at least 5 gallons/day, and realistically as much as 10.

...while it's nice to think about livestock this early one, plan on having your tank up and running for a while with just sand and rock, preferably a few months while the rock matures and you can build up a good population of sand bed animals. Then, you really have to plan you livestock as an eco-system and make sure you don't get animals that are not compatible. This is not as easy as it sounds.

I was looking up the books on google as I read your quote.

I have a large closet on an adjoining wall to the tank with the access from the hallway. I planned to put all the equipment here and vent it to the attic.

On an outo top off, can I use a RO/DI straight into the refuge for top off, or do I need to have a holding tank/mix area first?

I am going to be a good boy when dealing with livestock. I want the system up, running and stable before I even think about getting livestock. The only reason I listed the animals was for someone with experience to look at the list and see if I missed some compatibility issue with my choices. I also think I left the numbers low so a sI figure out what I am doing I can add more goodies.

[brewercm]

There's also another club closer to you that may have some info and systems you can take a look at www.razorbackreef.com.

I've never really checked out their site a lot but scanned through it a little. Sounds like you are well on your way and in the right direction.

[falcondob]

I have a nice little corner in the family room. The tank will fit with the back right corner in the corner of the room. The wall to the right is a closet that has access from the hallway. I plan to put all my stuff in here to kkeep down on the noise and heat factor. Now to convinve the wife I need one of her junk closets.

That sounds great! I did not have that luxury. There was really no wall that had unused space. It will be easy to convince your wife if you take her to a place where there is a big tank and the pumps and stuff are NOT in a separate room. Having said that, I would like to add to the chorus of people that say you should look at other people's tanks (especially big ones.) I wish I had done that. Man, I wish I had done that! If I had planned my plumbing better I could have saved lots of time and money. There are a billion options.

If you are going to get a glasscages' tank, please talk to me first about things to do and not do with them.

Oh yeah, forgot to add this in. Remember, the tank alone will weigh over 900 pounds. Add stand, hood, equipment, salt, and water (at about 8 lbs per gallon) and I think you see where that is going.

Not sure how your house is set up, but remember the weight. These big tanks do not do well on carpet, hope you have tile or the like. Not to mention the floods, and, oh yes, it will happen.

I do need to get with Dan Parks about a refugium. I have been talking with Jeremy @ Redmondreef. His design is the best I have seen to date. He is working with me to design a larg enough refuge for my system. Sadly he is no longer in business as redmondreef.com, but still does consulting work. So I do need to get in touch with Dan.

Don't know Jeremy. However, Dan can build you just about anything you want. Like I said before, he does SUPERLATIVE work and is a GREAT guy! Heck, his own sump(s) and refugium are bigger than 99% of the tanks in SA. Same goes for ~pete~, great guy, great work.

I have resisted adding up the equipment costs as I look for what I want.

Don't resist it, unless you have unlimited funds. Even if you do have unlimited funds, you need to list the stuff you need, find the best prices, compare products, and prioritize them. It is a great way to organize.

I kept a spreadsheet of everything I spent. It is a SCARY :unsure document for sure, but I know what I paid for everything, from whom I bought it, and when I bought it. This has come in handy many, many times. It helped me get the things I NEEDED, before the things I WANTED. I can share a list of things I bought if you would like it.

Thanks for the advice.

Your welcome. I will share my experiences and limited knowledge with you anytime. I have done some good things, made some really stupid mistakes, and made some ignorant mistakes. You can PM me if you want to keep the discussion private.

For me, this is what MAAST is all about, a community for comradarie, information, and assistance. I think you have already seen a sample of the pool of info and expertise that is present here.

When I needed help moving my 300 gal, tank, and stand, over a dozen people offered help and they actually SHOWED UP! Be sure to get the legendary "MAAST Cart", it was a real back saver.

Setting up a new, big tank is kind of like a new baby. Somedays it is the most fun you ever had, somedays you are so mad you want to cry, and somedays you just cry then laugh. There have even been days when I threatened to put it outside and plant petunias in it. However, in the end, the fun far out weighs the bad.

Take care, post pics, and have a great time,
John "still going to Lowe's" Wilkes

[falcondob]

Be sure to get the legendary "MAAST Cart", it was a real back saver.

Opps, just saw the Texarkana. Hey, maybe you can be the "Keeper Of The Cart" for your area. Ask Steve (NaCL_H20) how he built it.

John