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As My Parents Have Been Thinking About Buying A 150 Gallon Tank I Told Them That I Would Handle Everything And Not To Hire A Service So If My Parents Decide To Get This Tank What Would I Need. Would I Need A Sump?
Its Going To Be A Reef
paulsreef
11-24-2003, 09:17 PM
Most definitely. Depending on what the budget is for the whole project, you could even go so far as to put in a EcoSystem (or build one yourself if you're into that). I've been toying with the idea of upgrading my 90 to a 150 or 180. I've planned it all out on paper and with the upgraded sump, light, rock, pumps, etc etc etc... I've budgeted between $2500-$3000 (assuming I use all the stuff I can from my current setup). If you've never built a larger tank before, I would suggest planning it out on paper first so they know what's coming (and you can do it right from the get go) :)
As For Budget I Really Dont Think There Is... Well You Know There Way Of Thinking Is If Your Doing It You Should Go All Out. So I Would Definently Need A Sump?
paulsreef
11-24-2003, 10:00 PM
Once again, most definitely. If you're going to do it, do it right.
paulsreef
11-24-2003, 10:06 PM
Heck and if you've got an unlimited budget, then REALLY do it right :)
Ok, I Just Dont Know Much About Sumps. Better Go Hit The Books
sump and Refugium!! You are more then welcome to post with questions ask deftions ect here. I know i would be gald to help ya!
When It Comes To That Time I WIll Be Asking Many Questions
HAHAHAHA can't wait :lol: , hoep all is well! :D
Sandman12
11-26-2003, 09:11 PM
yeah i would go with a sump and fuge. Thats what i have/am going to have on my 135gal.
get a euro-reef skimmer(big bucks)
When buying a sump i go over 50 gallons, like if i have a 125 gal i get a sump for a 150. Thats just me. Get MH. If u dont have a budget this should be fun :) get the best of the best.
Yes please ask questions here more than glad to help.
Lol, Yes This Is Going To Be A Lot Of Fun. But What I Like Best About It is That The Tank Is Going To Be In Our Kitchen. So When We Are Eating We Can Watch It. Live Rock Is Going To Be Expensive
Sandman12
12-03-2003, 08:41 PM
thats cool being in the kitchen, now ur going to get fat wanting to eat all the time :lol: :lol:
Go to liverocks.com they r a sponser here and truly have great rock for cheap.
bmccune
12-18-2003, 03:43 PM
NB2SB,
Your parents are in trouble if this is their motto in reefkeeping:
"As For Budget I Really Dont Think There Is... Well You Know There Way Of Thinking Is If Your Doing It You Should Go All Out. So I Would Definently Need A Sump?"
In other words, I wanna see that tank when it's done!
There are people that I have met and spoken with who spend $20, $30, $40,000+ on their tanks. Granted, they know what they are doing and have accomplished a great deal in their personal financial lives. The only precaution that I would take, is to get into this without having a solid plan.
I currently have a 200G tank coming with a 60+ gallon sump in the next few weeks. The tank is starphire glass, and was engineered using a variety of computer programs. The specs were mulled over and tweaked by many people before the final design was submitted to be built. The overall cost of the tank was only about $1500, but the design is top notch, and very well planned out. I will not have to worry about automation, water spillage, etc... it took approximately 1 year of planning to get to this stage.
Granted, I've spent another $3000 (or so) on equipment, but the thing to keep in mind is that much of what you put in your tank as a newbie will die. We've all been there. I would never discourage anyone from not getting into this hobby, but you need to be sure to do your homework first.
I few interesting tips/facts:
In Germany, it is not uncommon to let a new tank cycle for 6 months up to 1 year before putting anything in it (German's are known for their AWESOME reefs).
Take whatever your construction cost of your tank is and triple it for the cost of the livestock that you will want to put into it over the course of the next 2 years or so.
It can take up to 5 years for a tank to be truly considered "stable". That's 5 years of consistent maintenance.
Just things to bear in mind. This hobby is one of intrigue, and scientific knowledge that many people do not fully understand (not yet at least). The main point to remember is to have fun. I have been fortunate to meet a lot of great people through this hobby, and I wish the same for you!
-Brian
I second Brian's comments.
It's difficult to estimate and place a cap on what one may spend, esp. if it's addictive.
Earlier this year, I helped with a 700G setup - that one cost the owner over $25k. I know of someone setting up a 1200G system right now that's costing the owner $95-grand. Likewise, I also helped someone setup a 29g FO that cost the owner $300 and he absolutely loves it.
Not everyone can go with the design and engineering efforts that Brian undertook. If you're starting fresh, go with what you can budget and consider what trade-offs you can live with/without. Some things you can take forward into an upgrade, some you can't. However, what you will absolutely need in this hobby is patience ...and that, money cannot buy.
However, getting back to your question --
Yes, you could have a sump. You could also have a wet/dry or trickle filter. You could also have a cannister, or a refugium, or an algae scrubber, or LR and a DSB with a HO skimmer or any combination of the above. It all depends on what you or your parents plan are for the tank. Will it be FO or a reef? Will you house sharks or rays? Will it have aggressive / predators or docile fish? Proper husbandry begins with knowing what you're keeping and plan on keeping.
The 700g tank, btw, uses a 200g as wet/dry. The 1200g system is using a 200g refugium, a 150g sump with an algae turf scrubber and skimmer. The 29G FO has a DSB and HO aquaclear.
Yes, A Lot To Take Into Consideration. I Am Alrady Researching.
clownman_1988
01-18-2004, 01:48 AM
yeah research is a good thing learn all you can thats what i try to do
Well Right Now We Just Purchased A 54 Gallon Corner Tank And We Are Making It Fresh Water And We Are Going To See If My Parents Are Going To Be Able To Tak Care Of It If They Are We Wil Turn It To Salt Then From There We Will Get the 150
nanoman123
02-21-2004, 02:05 PM
i have a 10g nano its not even close to being finished and i already have over 600 dollars worth of stuf in it (i dont even have a skimmer)
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