Tank setup dilemma

[lyz77]

Have a big headache on which reliable tank maker to approach! Got a no. of recommendation but can't really decide since it's a big investment and I'm still pretty new to this!

Read a few link/ post but still not very sure and pretty confuse abt the type of setup and types of equipment!

[jem]

hi there..if you are totally new to this hobby..i may say setting up a nano tank would be suitable for begineers..tank size ranging 1-2feet should be ok...if you are more confidence,you can try a 3ft setup..most reefers tend to upgrade their tank after they are more confident enough with their nanos...

[ervine]

hi there..if you are totally new to this hobby..i may say setting up a nano tank would be suitable for begineers..tank size ranging 1-2feet should be ok...if you are more confidence,you can try a 3ft setup..most reefers tend to upgrade their tank after they are more confident enough with their nanos...

sorry bro but i disagree...

nanos are not very suitable for beginners because the margin of error is very small.. any slight errors you make with the water chemistry and bye bye... larger tanks are more forgiving..

if you ask me... work out a budget and get the biggest tank you can afford (and put in your home).. in that way you'll not waste money upgrading and upgrading...

Just plan ahead, at least let us know how much you willing to spend and how big a space you can afford in your house.. not to mention what you intend to keep

[jem]

Oooo..lol..din noe that..but i tot it was easier to keep...*lessoned learned*...i have 2 two feet set up in my bedroom now..haha..now planning to upgrade one into LPS/SPS BB tank..haha..the other for FOWLR...yupps..planning ahead is helpful..make sure u note down all the prices of your equipment before buying..if not u will end up like me..haha..one fish tank no light..one fish tank got light..haha

[diabolus]

hi there..if you are totally new to this hobby..i may say setting up a nano tank would be suitable for begineers..tank size ranging 1-2feet should be ok...if you are more confidence,you can try a 3ft setup..most reefers tend to upgrade their tank after they are more confident enough with their nanos...

another case of the blind leading the blind.

[acidjazz]

another case of the blind leading the blind.

bro. . give chance. . know got many old birds here. .

p.s. jem. . u're still new, maybe can read up more?

[subxero]

Lets not quarrel and start helping lyz77

I think some of the points to note before engaging tank maker.

1)size and thickness of tank

2)size of sump

3)cabinet colour

4)skimmer

[patrick123]

I agree. Get at least a 4-5 ft tank will be ideal. Upgrading later will end up wasting a lot of money in the long run.

[daimy068]

Hi,

Definitely agree with what the rest of the bros are saying. Generally, the bigger the tank, the wider the margin for errror. Still, that doesn't mean you can neglect your tank maintenance chores.

Try to get the biggest tank you can afford together with the equipment. Try not to hurry and get kan-chiong and end up buying a smaller set-up and then later decide you wanna upgrade.

All the best for your new set-up!

Cheers!

[ervine]

Lets not quarrel and start helping lyz77

I think some of the points to note before engaging tank maker.

1)size and thickness of tank

2)size of sump

3)cabinet colour

4)skimmer

1) Really up to you the size but thickness should be 10mm upwards.. do not get 6mm.. my 2.5ft using 12mm I think...

2) Sump also likewise up to you... if you ask me.. bigger is better...

3) this one SERIOUSLY up to you... my gf would choose pink.. how about you?

4) This depends on what you want to keep in your tank.. FOWLR? Tangs? SPS? etc etc... the more difficult and crowded, the better the skimmer

[lyz77]

I have a 1ft nano tank and basic setup is still fine. The problem comes when it comes to the type of piping, sump, layout and etc.....

I intend to have a 3(L)x3(W)x2.5(H)ft 12mm thick tank. I can decide whether to have the overflow by the side or centre of the tank. Furthermore, I'm not sure whether to have a wavemaker for this tank size.

As for the sump design, I have no idea on the layout too and the type of pump to use. I understand that it is recommended to have 2 inlet and outlet piping but not very sure how it works. If one inlet is stuck, then won't it overflow when the two outlet is working and it will be unbalance or vise versa! I hope u all can understand what I mean.

Is the lighting very difficult to change? The problem with my tank setup is there is only abt 1ft of clearance between my tank and the ceiling. Therefore, I have a big concern if it will cause obstruction for future maintenance.

[yiling]

if u plan to have a 3 x 3 ...then i dun see any problem with lighting obstruction..

just get any DIY gurus from our lighting sponsers to help u with it lo...

[lyz77]

if u plan to have a 3 x 3 ...then i dun see any problem with lighting obstruction..

just get any DIY gurus from our lighting sponsers to help u with it lo...

1ft clearance, is it enough for servicing and maintenance of tanks? I suppose I need 2x250W MH. As for the fluroscent, wht type of combination shd I go for?

As for the sump, will it be too small I I go for 2.5(L)x2(W)ft? I which to have a refrigum and the rest of the empty space will be use for the external pump, skimmer and etc....

[daimy068]

1ft clearance, is it enough for servicing and maintenance of tanks? I suppose I need 2x250W MH. As for the fluroscent, wht type of combination shd I go for?

As for the sump, will it be too small I I go for 2.5(L)x2(W)ft? I which to have a refrigum and the rest of the empty space will be use for the external pump, skimmer and etc....

Hi,

Do you mean 1ft clearance between the tank and the lights for servicing and maintenance of the tank? If so, definitely not enough coz you'll need to be able to ensure that your whole arm (right up to your shoulder) can fit into that gap while your fingertips can reach the bottom of the tank, without getting burnt by the MH.

Even better if you can fit your whole head+shoulders into that gap for proper servicing and maintenance.

Otherwise, you can consider a removable lighting hood or a lighting rack that can be removed or slid out of the way.

Hope the info helps!

Cheers!

[yiling]

yeap, daimy068 is correct...

by using a removable one is much easier to do husbandry.

run a search through the members specs and see some of their DIY designs

[lyz77]

Hi,

Do you mean 1ft clearance between the tank and the lights for servicing and maintenance of the tank? If so, definitely not enough coz you'll need to be able to ensure that your whole arm (right up to your shoulder) can fit into that gap while your fingertips can reach the bottom of the tank, without getting burnt by the MH.

Even better if you can fit your whole head+shoulders into that gap for proper servicing and maintenance.

Otherwise, you can consider a removable lighting hood or a lighting rack that can be removed or slid out of the way.

Hope the info helps!

Cheers!

So far I only manage to locate some link for the sliding lighting hood which for my case, not applicable. In terms of removable lighting, how will it be which is oso convenience?