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Noob to Saltwater tanks, and this site.

Discussion in 'Introductions' started by PAPSCAL1973, Jul 14, 2014.

  1. PAPSCAL1973

    PAPSCAL1973 New User

    2
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    My name is Lee. Iam a noob to SW tanks,. I am in the planning and gathering stages of construction. I want a 120g to 180g tank. The problem is there is so much info and products out there I have no idea what to go with. I know I want glasss as I have kids that will scratch acrylic 9 of them to be exact. I plan on joining the club. My wife says Iam the most crack addicted tank guy and dont have or know anything yet . I just dont want to by the wrong stuff.
     
  2. abower Well-Known ReefKeeper

    466
    Ryan, Ia
    Ratings:
    +74 / 1 / -0
    Go to clownsandcorals.com. he has the Lexus of each category listed. I Went with cheaper (not the several hundred dollar) power heads and am very happy. Craig (owner of clowns and corals) suggested sicci, very nice pumps and power heads. Your a bit of a jog from Washburn tho I'm sure he'd work something out on shipping.
     
  3. PAPSCAL1973

    PAPSCAL1973 New User

    2
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    Thanks i will take a gander @ what hes got.
     
  4. welcome to girs! craig(clowns and corals.com) is a wealth of knowledge. there are tons of other hobbyists that have used many diffrent versions of equipment. theres allot that you get what you pay for and some other stuff thats a steal.

    and again welcome to girs
     
  5. abower Well-Known ReefKeeper

    466
    Ryan, Ia
    Ratings:
    +74 / 1 / -0
    I just set up a 125, spent a couple months shopping around for the best stuff without breaking the bank.

    Skimmer: Ended up with the reef octopus skimmer. Most LFS carry the eshopps. I have an eshoppes HOB that does great and has a good quality sicci pump tho octopus has a better approach to design and its outlet valving, less expensive too. Many reefers on this site have spoken highly of the reef octopus' as well.

    Main pump, went with the wet dry sicci pump great quality, heavy but pump. Cost just a little bit more than the common mag drive.

    Power heads: if you can afford them the DC powered vortecs have the most versatile ability and the only one I've seen with external motors. Its out of my price range and a new gyro setup is coming out soon so I went with the AC powered sicci. There is absolutely no noise at start up, magnet mounted, adjustable outlet flow, heavy built, 360° directional ability, smaller holes to prevent an unlikely inhabitant if on a timer (see picture). Much tougher construction than the commonly found hydor brand.

    Lights: get what you pay for, hands down. Research

    Thermostats: pay the extra cash and get one with an adjustable thermostat and light to let you know when its on. I have a couple of the eheim jager brand. Avoid Walmart, petco, and bottom brand stuff. The heater is one place 10 to 20 dollars can buy you 10 times the product

    All of this came from clowns and corals including the tank. Craig (xroads) posted a few weeks ago some very appetising prices for tanks, could check with him to see if its changed.
     
  6. blackx-runner Administrator Website Team Leadership Team

    Cedar Rapids, IA
    Ratings:
    +738 / 5 / -0
    Welcome to the world of reef tanks, and GIRS. It sounds like you're off to the right track with taking your time to research before jumping too deep with the build. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. We have some awesome members here that will be happy to help you out and help steer you on the right path with your tank.
     

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