Newbie Questions

[seils@cisco.com]

I'm setting up my first marine aquarium and have a few questions. First a little info about my setup:

120G Glass Aquarium
Pro Clear Aquatic Pro 150 Wet/Dry for filtration
2 x Hydor Koralia 4 for circulation

I've got everything setup, saltwater mixed and tank filled. I am using a Mag 7 as the return pump in the Pro 150, and it seems a bit loud. Any recommendations for quieter operation?

I also have yet to purchase lighting. For this tank, I'm mostly focused on fish, probably predator/aggressive species. What type of lighting should I be looking at?

I'm open to any/all other recommendations.

Thanks,
Zach

[MissT]

pics of the setup would help out a lot, but assuming you're using the ProClear like it is out of the box, I'd remove the bioballs and extend the Drain down using a piece of PVC down below the waterline. That should help eliminate some of the sound that comes from that type of sump. I'd replace the bioballs with some pieces of liverock for more effecient filtration, but that can be done in thirds or so if need be.
As far as lighting, if you're doing a fish only (for now), I'd do a single T5 retro kit at first, and if you decide to go with coral later on, you can always add more T5's. Plus the bulbs are cheaper and last longer than power compacts.
Hope this helps
Welcome to MAAST!

[tony]

welcome to maast!

i echo misst's recommendations. that would be a nice setup

what do you do for cisco? i went to SANS with a few pix/ASA guys a couple of years ago

[seils@cisco.com]

Thanks for the reply. Any input on the pump? This Mag 7 is really too loud for my taste.

Thanks,
Zach

[apedroza]

If it s vibrating too much you can try sticking a pice of filter pad underneath it to dampen the noise.

[MissT]

mouse pads work great as well

[BA]

ya the pump shouldn't be that loud. and if you are only gonna do fish only( FO or FOWLR), especially predators or aggressive fish, there is no need for T5s, you can save a little money and just get REG flourescent bulbs from anywhere, very cheap. But i would recommend a Skimmer if you are going to do a aggressive/ predators, being that most of these fish are VERY messy eaters and try to reak havoc on ur levels, a skimmer helps big time.


what kinda fish were you thinking?

[seils@cisco.com]

The Pro 150 has a built-in protein skimmer, although I'm not sure I've got it working properly.

I'll try to post some pics of the setup later today.

Thanks,
Zach

[BA]

i've had that skimmer, just make sure ur ready to empty that thing constantly because it pulls skimmate fast

[BA]

what fish were u thinking of?