Setting up new marine tank

[Peihao83]

Hi all, i need some advice on tank spec and price.

I just went to some shops.. and below are what they quote me..

1) 4 x 2 x 2 tank. with sump tank, cabinet, hood, pipeline @ $1300. 4 x 2 x 2.5 @ $1500.

2) 4 x 2 x 2 tank.. with sump tank, cabinet, hood, motor (a 3100litres/hr to 3600litres/hr motor), pipeline @ $1100

3) a second hand 4 x 2 x 2. with sump tank, cabinet, hood and skimmer. used for one year. @ $600

What do u guys think? should i go for 4 x 2 x 2.5 instead?

How should the sump tank be position in the cabinet?

Pls advice.. Thanks..

[teebs]

Hi all, i need some advice on tank spec and price.

I just went to some shops.. and below are what they quote me..

1) 4 x 2 x 2 tank. with sump tank, cabinet, hood, pipeline @ $1300. 4 x 2 x 2.5 @ $1500.

2) 4 x 2 x 2 tank.. with sump tank, cabinet, hood, motor (a 3100litres/hr to 3600litres/hr motor), pipeline @ $1100

3) a second hand 4 x 2 x 2. with sump tank, cabinet, hood and skimmer. used for one year. @ $600

What do u guys think? should i go for 4 x 2 x 2.5 instead?

How should the sump tank be position in the cabinet?

Pls advice.. Thanks..

Forget about the 2.5ft height tank. You will find it very difficult to reach the bottom of the tank to clean the tank/rearrange the corals etc. If you don't believe me, use a measuring tape and measure the tip of your fingers to your shoulder.

[reefcrazy]

hi peihao,

i suggest you get a professional to help you set up the tank. as a first timer, you will have to go through a lot of pain just to get started on the hobby. at the end, you will probably spend more money lossing lots of livestock and buying either unnecessary or incorrectly sized eqpt. worse still, it will make you so demoralized that you will want to gve up the hobby.

[Peihao83]

Forget about the 2.5ft height tank. You will find it very difficult to reach the bottom of the tank to clean the tank/rearrange the corals etc. If you don't believe me, use a measuring tape and measure the tip of your fingers to your shoulder.

So i think i better get a 4 x 2 x 2 tank..

Is it worth to get a new one includes sump, cabinet, hood and motor @ $1100.

i not sure about the material for the cabinet. But it should be fine right?

Or

a second hand includes sump, cabinet and hood @ $600.. Just need to get a new motor..

But it adds up to almost a brand new as the one above..

[teebs]

So i think i better get a 4 x 2 x 2 tank..

Is it worth to get a new one includes sump, cabinet, hood and motor @ $1100.

i not sure about the material for the cabinet. But it should be fine right?

Or

a second hand includes sump, cabinet and hood @ $600.. Just need to get a new motor..

But it adds up to almost a brand new as the one above..

3) a second hand 4 x 2 x 2. with sump tank, cabinet, hood and skimmer. used for one year. @ $600

I thought your 2nd hand tank includes a skimmer??? Check with the seller what is the brand/model/specs of the skimmer he is giving you and what pump he is currently using for the skimmer.

I'm not too sure what you mean by motor??? Return pump??? What brand/model/specs are they giving you? Have you checked with them?

The output of your return pump is going to be fed to the input of your chiller so you will have to know the flow rate of your pump and also the flow rate of the chiller you are going to use.

Getting the tank/cabinet/sump is just the first step and it isn't that important. The more important thing is to get the correct equipment that will enable you to maintain your tank properly. Between a new and 2nd hand tank set, it's up to your personal preferance. There is no good or bad about either choice.

[Peihao83]

3) a second hand 4 x 2 x 2. with sump tank, cabinet, hood and skimmer. used for one year. @ $600

I thought your 2nd hand tank includes a skimmer??? Check with the seller what is the brand/model/specs of the skimmer he is giving you and what pump he is currently using for the skimmer.

I'm not too sure what you mean by motor??? Return pump??? What brand/model/specs are they giving you? Have you checked with them?

The output of your return pump is going to be fed to the input of your chiller so you will have to know the flow rate of your pump and also the flow rate of the chiller you are going to use.

Getting the tank/cabinet/sump is just the first step and it isn't that important. The more important thing is to get the correct equipment that will enable you to maintain your tank properly. Between a new and 2nd hand tank set, it's up to your personal preferance. There is no good or bad about either choice.

Hi bro, as for the skimmer.. he's giving this skimmer (REEF OCTOPUS NEEDLE WHEEL). no sure about the specs.. anything i should ask him?

as for the tank with brand new pump, the fellow said its a chinese brand.. not too sure which pump his supplier is giving.. it will be a 3100l/hr to 3600l/hr pump.

So normally what flow of pump should i choose for a 4ft? pls suggest..

[teebs]

Hi bro, as for the skimmer.. he's giving this skimmer (REEF OCTOPUS NEEDLE WHEEL). no sure about the specs.. anything i should ask him?

as for the tank with brand new pump, the fellow said its a chinese brand.. not too sure which pump his supplier is giving.. it will be a 3100l/hr to 3600l/hr pump.

So normally what flow of pump should i choose for a 4ft? pls suggest..

Pls get the model number and/or specs from him. Reef Octopus has many models and different models require different flow rates.

You can actually get an Eheim pump that has adjustable flow rates. Price would depend on the range of flow rates required. For your 4ft tank, you should get a chiller that has at least 1/4 to 1/2HP. Anything less and you would probably find that your chiller will have to work extremely hard to cool down your water and your electricity bills will go up significantly.

A 1/4HP chiller will require ard 1000 - 2000L/hr flow rate and a 1/2HP chiller will require ard 2000 - 3000L/hr flow rate.

[Peihao83]

Pls get the model number and/or specs from him. Reef Octopus has many models and different models require different flow rates.

You can actually get an Eheim pump that has adjustable flow rates. Price would depend on the range of flow rates required. For your 4ft tank, you should get a chiller that has at least 1/4 to 1/2HP. Anything less and you would probably find that your chiller will have to work extremely hard to cool down your water and your electricity bills will go up significantly.

A 1/4HP chiller will require ard 1000 - 2000L/hr flow rate and a 1/2HP chiller will require ard 2000 - 3000L/hr flow rate.

Had just check with him.. pump rate of skimmer is 2000l/hr.. model is nw-150-6530

is it compatible for a 4 ft tank, if i use a 1/2HP chiller..

so what pump rate of motor pump should i get?

[sherman]

Hi bro, as for the skimmer.. he's giving this skimmer (REEF OCTOPUS NEEDLE WHEEL). no sure about the specs.. anything i should ask him?

as for the tank with brand new pump, the fellow said its a chinese brand.. not too sure which pump his supplier is giving.. it will be a 3100l/hr to 3600l/hr pump.

So normally what flow of pump should i choose for a 4ft? pls suggest..

Your pump must be able to have at least 10 time turnover in an hour.

So first you need to calculate your total water volume inclusive of the sump.

Then you go get the correct return pump base on the total water.

I hope that help

[teebs]

Had just check with him.. pump rate of skimmer is 2000l/hr.. model is nw-150-6530

is it compatible for a 4 ft tank, if i use a 1/2HP chiller..

so what pump rate of motor pump should i get?

The Octopus Skimmer is suitable for your tank and it comes with a pump so you do not need to get an additional pump for the skimmer.

For a 4ft tank, a 1/2HP chiller is more than sufficient.

I think Sherman has answered the question for you. For pumps, do take note of the headloss of the pump you want to get. The flow rate will decrease based on the length and height of the pipings.

[Peihao83]

Your pump must be able to have at least 10 time turnover in an hour.

So first you need to calculate your total water volume inclusive of the sump.

Then you go get the correct return pump base on the total water.

I hope that help

hi bro, thanks for yr info.. now iam thinking which tank to choose? the second hand 4 x 2 x 2 or buy a new one?

bro, how much would a pump and skimmer for a 4 ft cost?

[teebs]

hi bro, thanks for yr info.. now iam thinking which tank to choose? the second hand 4 x 2 x 2 or buy a new one?

bro, how much would a pump and skimmer for a 4 ft cost?

You could consider the Deltec AFP600 skimmer which would cost ard $600 for a new set. Pump wise, depending on which brand and specs you choose, it will cost you $300 upwards.

The most expensive component would be the chiller...

An Artica 1/2HP chiller will cost you ard $1.8K for a new set...

[sherman]

hi bro, thanks for yr info.. now iam thinking which tank to choose? the second hand 4 x 2 x 2 or buy a new one?

bro, how much would a pump and skimmer for a 4 ft cost?

If the 2nd hand set is in very good condition, go for it.It is very much cheaper

than a new set.

The cabinet must be strong(solid wood) and not rotting.

The tank main glass must have no visible scratch.

And of course no leak.

For return pump go for reputable brand like Ocean Runner or Red Dragon

A Deltec skimmer recomend by Bro Peter is a good investment

[teebs]

If the 2nd hand set is in very good condition, go for it.It is very much cheaper

than a new set.

The cabinet must be strong(solid wood) and not rotting.

The tank main glass must have no visible scratch.

And of course no leak.

For return pump go for reputable brand like Ocean Runner or Red Dragon

A Deltec skimmer recomend by Bro Peter is a good investment

I think the Red Dragon 6.5m3 pump will be over his budget...

[Peihao83]

I think the Red Dragon 6.5m3 pump will be over his budget...

how much is that red dragon pump? anyway is deltec skimmer better than reef octopus? cos the price difference a lot..

[teebs]

how much is that red dragon pump? anyway is deltec skimmer better than reef octopus? cos the price difference a lot..

The red dragon pump costs more than 1K...

Dectec skimmer is definately better than Reef Octopus. If you think Deltec is expensive, take a look at the HnS Skimmer and also the Skimz series. At the end of the day, you pay for the quality.

That's why at the beginning of this thread I did ask if you would like to consider a smaller tank instead. The thing is that for smaller tanks, you can get away with using lower quality/spec equipment which will be much cheaper.

[Peihao83]

The red dragon pump costs more than 1K...

Dectec skimmer is definately better than Reef Octopus. If you think Deltec is expensive, take a look at the HnS Skimmer and also the Skimz series. At the end of the day, you pay for the quality.

That's why at the beginning of this thread I did ask if you would like to consider a smaller tank instead. The thing is that for smaller tanks, you can get away with using lower quality/spec equipment which will be much cheaper.

OIC.. i got to think properly now.. maybe look out for second hands equipments lo..

[teebs]

OIC.. i got to think properly now.. maybe look out for second hands equipments lo..

Regardless of what tank size you get and whether you get new or second hand equipment, the most important thing is still to set up your aquarium correctly. Not doing things correctly from the beginning will cause you headaches and heartaches down the road.

Some reading material for you:

1) http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/startinga...rium_Basics.htm

2) http://www.fishlore.com/reeftanksetup.htm

[jackywongto]

OIC.. i got to think properly now.. maybe look out for second hands equipments lo..

LOL depending on eqpt, a 4 ft tank can cost $XXX - $XX,XXX

Work backwards lor.

Decide on the budget you want to spend on the tank (including monthly maint)

Then decide what type of livestock you would like to keep.

Next decide on the tank size. 3 ft or 4ft (which fit into your budget more)

With that, then you know what kind of eqpt you would need

Mh or T5 or PL, chiller or fan, high end skimmer or low end, CR needed? etc etc

DEpending on what you would like to keep, some of these things are good to have but not necessary.

You can upgrade the non-critical items later.

Because you are new, I would suggest you get a tank from a LFS rather than buy 2nd hand.

Make sure you get from a supplier who can support you if you have any queries.

Will have less hassel in the long run.

OR just spend $100 - $200 on a simple 2 feet tank 1st and keep a fish only tank (clowns, damsel) and learn on the way.

You can learn about tank cycling, stocking, water conditions etc. It will be fun too.

Does not need to have the largest possible and best to start with.

when you are more confident and knowledgeable later, you can invest on a 4 ft project :

[RockyBoy]

3x2x2 tank with sump would be much easier to maintain.

You need a decent skimmer as some bros have suggested such as Deltec or H&S.

Return pump, eheim 1260 or 1262.

Wavemakers, get total 10k liter/hour will do for soft corals.

Chillers, try to get decent one, such as artica or teco, 1/2hp.

T5 lightings - 6x36W mix with few types.

Good live rocks. Or budget dead rocks and mix with a good live rock as seeds.

Grade 1 or 3 sand, if you want sandbed.

Lighting for sump for algae scrubber or cheato or whatever nutrient exports.

Add some live bacteria to kick start the cycle

Wait for a month or 2 for tank to cycle and add a few hardy fishes. Then 4 mnths on, add softies.

Have fun...

[teebs]

LOL depending on eqpt, a 4 ft tank can cost $XXX - $XX,XXX

Work backwards lor.

Does not need to have the largest possible and best to start with.

when you are more confident and knowledgeable later, you can invest on a 4 ft project :

I think TS is already quite firm on getting a 4x2x2 tank and he is going for a SPS setup...

[jackywongto]

I think TS is already quite firm on getting a 4x2x2 tank and he is going for a SPS setup...

Is it? Paiseh.. I thought he is still pondering or he wanted to go with LPS and fishes.....

I shall not confuse him further then.

[Peihao83]

Is it? Paiseh.. I thought he is still pondering or he wanted to go with LPS and fishes.....

I shall not confuse him further then.

hehe.. ya lo.. most likely going for 4 x 2 x 2..

just got a quote for new tank .. 4 x 2 x 2 for $1600.. includes a eheim pump 1264, sump, cabinet, hood, pipeline.. flow rate at 4500l/hr.. recommended a not?

can the same pump use for a 4 x 2 x 2.5 tank?

[teebs]

hehe.. ya lo.. most likely going for 4 x 2 x 2..

just got a quote for new tank .. 4 x 2 x 2 for $1600.. includes a eheim pump 1264, sump, cabinet, hood, pipeline.. flow rate at 4500l/hr.. recommended a not?

can the same pump use for a 4 x 2 x 2.5 tank?

Your flow rate seems to be a bit on the low side. Go for a pump that has at least 6,000L/hr flow rate. According to my calculations your tank, 4x2x2 and sump 2.5x1.5x1.5 (?) will have total water volume of around 600L. My suggestion is to get the OR6500 or the Aquabee 6000.

For a 4x2x2.5 tank, the flow rate of your pump has to be even larger...

[comycus]

Your flow rate seems to be a bit on the low side. Go for a pump that has at least 6,000L/hr flow rate. According to my calculations your tank, 4x2x2 and sump 2.5x1.5x1.5 (?) will have total water volume of around 600L. My suggestion is to get the OR6500 or the Aquabee 6000.

For a 4x2x2.5 tank, the flow rate of your pump has to be even larger...

the pump is only for return from sump back to tank. Get a wavemaker. I would choose either Vortech or Tunze.