Reef Aquarium 101

[tian1974]

Hi all,

I have read so many articles lately to set-up a reef aquarium (with live rocks, live sand, soft corals, invertebrates for clean up, and peaceful fishes) and I am interested to own one. Any good suggestions, brands (price concern) where I can buy the following in SG?

a. 30 gallons fish tank

b. Filter system (I know this is gonna be good and a bit expensive).

c. Lightings (very important too)

d. Substrate

e. Misc like Heater, Thermometer, Test Kits, Protein Skimmer, Hydrometer, and Water Conditioners

Also, do I really need a hospital tank (extra cost) for my main reef aquarium?

Your advice and ideas are very much appreciated here. Thank you.

rgds,

J

[Fuzzy]

You can visit some of the more popular stores like Marine Life Hobbielist, Aquamarin to look around and get a feel for whats available in the market.

Also the 2nd hand forum here is a good source for equipment.

Do you have a budget in mind?

A sump tank is highly recommended also.

A Hospital / Quarantine tank is a very good practice, but most reefers don't do this, if you have the space and the budget you should definitely consider it.

[qwertman321]

It is best to plan on what corals and fishes u woulld like to keep first

then read up on their requirement and plan on how to keep good water parametre for the corals.

After that then u could buy ur equipment and set up a nice tank for once.

If u rush u will be like me wait till sumthing happens eg, coral die , then find out whats the cause and have hard time mending it.

This lead to my decom of my previous tank

[comycus]

Hey Justin

you should state your budget so we know what to recommend. I would suggest firstly getting a custom made tank with sump to increase your net gallonage. Many of our sponsors do custom made tanks, can check with them. You will also be able to find a wide range of equipment tt suits your budget.

A qt tank is good to have. You don't need a fanciful tank and equipment for tt, a budget if $50 should suffice.

Lastly there have been many threads on starting up new tanks and what to get. You can always do a quick search to find out more.

[tian1974]

Fuzzy & comycus: I dun have any budget in mind actually. Just a basic 30 gal fish tank with stand, good filtration system and lightings etc to have every life forms in it. Hey, check out this link and see those specs for me. Is it a good deal? or should I DIY?

http://www.aquamarin.com.sg/productsDetail...?productid=1230

91Litres: I am going to have 3 - 4.5 lbs of live rocks, soft corals like polyps and also leather corals, no xenia, some snails and crabs for the algae attack pack, pistol shrimps, brittle stars. As for fishes, i will add gobies, clownfish, mandarin, tangs, then later part dwarf angel. Mostly herbivore and peaceful ones.

So any of you have a hospital tank? how do you quarantine ur new fishes or infected fishes?

[comycus]

Bro since you don't have budget... Let me give you my idea of a 30 gallon if $ is not much of a concern. Then we can start discussing what you actually would like.

Custom made 24x24x20 3 side starphire glass rimless tank.

External centre overflow

Chengai wood cabinet (Low height)

Custom made acrylic sump

GF Pipings

Protein Skimmer: Hang on Back Deltec MCE 600

Chiller: Arctica 1/10hp

Wavemaker: Tunze Nano Wavebox 6206

Return Pump through chiller: Eheim 1260 + SCWD

Lights: MAXPECT 60W LED Lightings

Sandbed: 40lbs Caribsea oolite live sand (Grade 0) shallow sand bed

Live rocks: 70kg quality cured live rocks

I chose HOB skimmer so your sump actually has more space. Sump design will have to accomodate to this. As I said, this is just something I'm throwing out, it's not perfect, but it's just to give you an idea.

I won't suggest the RSM as it will limit your reefing experience, and doesn't give me value for my $. This is of course, just my opinion. I suggest you research on setting up the tank first, worry about qt tank later.

[tian1974]

Thanks comycus. I will go find out those prices. Sounds cool and solid for a 30 gal.

[ReDDeviLs]

Bro since you don't have budget... Let me give you my idea of a 30 gallon if $ is not much of a concern. Then we can start discussing what you actually would like.

Custom made 24x24x20 3 side starphire glass rimless tank.

External centre overflow

Chengai wood cabinet (Low height)

Custom made acrylic sump

GF Pipings

Protein Skimmer: Hang on Back Deltec MCE 600

Chiller: Arctica 1/10hp

Wavemaker: Tunze Nano Wavebox 6206

Return Pump through chiller: Eheim 1260 + SCWD

Lights: MAXPECT 60W LED Lightings

Sandbed: 40lbs Caribsea oolite live sand (Grade 0) shallow sand bed

Live rocks: 70kg quality cured live rocks

I chose HOB skimmer so your sump actually has more space. Sump design will have to accomodate to this. As I said, this is just something I'm throwing out, it's not perfect, but it's just to give you an idea.

I won't suggest the RSM as it will limit your reefing experience, and doesn't give me value for my $. This is of course, just my opinion. I suggest you research on setting up the tank first, worry about qt tank later.

sounds quite good setup, like mine.

[comycus]

Thanks comycus. I will go find out those prices. Sounds cool and solid for a 30 gal.

Lol no prob, but don't just explore this option. It will be good to learn what other options there are out there. The fun part (at least for me) is after learning more, you will start throwing better ideas. Maybe you prefer T5 lightings, or you prefer to do an IOS, or want to go bare bottom or do DSB, start a refugium. Lots of flexibility out there depending on which system you would like. At the same time, The equipment list I threw out would belong to a moderately priced system, so you can always choose to go cheaper or more expensive. Should also take into account upgradability. Many times, reefers will want to upgrade after gaining experience, and realise they have to sell off all their current equipment coz they will be underrated for a larger system. Many things to think about, not easy to mention all here. Moral of the story, if you have the time and make the effort to research more, you will definitely be rewarded in this hobby.

sounds quite good setup, like mine.

lol I love your setup la... you know already. If I can sell of my tank I cfm will do something like yours.

[tian1974]

comycus: Thanks I will go list out the equipments I want and let you take a look at those specs.

RedDevil: Can share your setup features? Was it costly? Thanks.

[tian1974]

comycus: Can help me take a look at this link? Is it a good deal with those specs? Thanks.

http://www.fishnfriends.com/3ftTank-B.htm

[raydiative]

comycus: Can help me take a look at this link? Is it a good deal with those specs? Thanks.

http://www.fishnfriends.com/3ftTank-B.htm

if you have an idea what you like, it's better if you source the individual items yourself... like a seperate tank maker and cabinet maker etc...

however, the link you've provide seems to allow you to customise your own needs..

[Vlamingi_cont]

I won't suggest the RSM as it will limit your reefing experience, and doesn't give me value for my $. This is of course, just my opinion. I suggest you research on setting up the tank first, worry about qt tank later.

Agree abt the RSM and making a custom tank is also a great idea!

[Vlamingi_cont]

comycus: Can help me take a look at this link? Is it a good deal with those specs? Thanks.

http://www.fishnfriends.com/3ftTank-B.htm

If its possible you can visit, Glaswerkz at park mall its a showroom done by AquaMarin and you can physically touch and view those tanks... Also you can get a quote of the price...

[tian1974]

Raydiative & Vlamingi: Thanks. RSM is out bcos I am going for the customization process. As I told comycus earlier its more challenging and fulfilling and will appreciate the hard works and efforts on every single cents I am going to spend

[tian1974]

Got a quote from a retailer. Need feedbacks please. Thank you.

Main feature:

1. 10mm thick grade1 glass tank 30"X18"X26" construct with Wacker Elastosil 121 silicone (Germany) $ 1,300.00

with Oyama black backing paper, internal overflow system complete with water change valve

3 years leakage warranty

2. Solid wood structural (10 years warranty) support complete with carpentry work in laminate finish.

inc abv

This includes openable hood, 2 cabinet doors , I side door and complete with

BLUM soft closing hinges and high quality laminate finish

Filtration system :

3. Sump tank with compartment preparation for complete marine filtration bio-system complete

inc abv

with PVC white holder(USA), filterfloss, AquaPharm PUR II activated carbon,

bio-ball, black sponge support for protein skimmer,splash proof cover. $ 50.00

Equipment :

4. Aquabee up3000(Germany) as return pump $ 158.00

5. Skimz Monzter SM110 high performance protein skimmer with AquaBee (Germany) pin wheel and $ 587.00

Aquabee up2000 (Germany) as feed pump

6. Skimz FM100 phosphate reactor with AquaPharm Sorb4 200g (Germany) phosphate remover $ 207.00

media powered by Eheim compact 1000(Germany) and Eheim hose (Germany)

7. T5 light set 4 x 24W complete with ATI (germany) high out put light tube $ 320.00

8. Hailea chiller 300A with Hydor L40 as feed pump (Italy) $ 598.00

9. Hydor (Italy) Korolia 3 wavemaker $ 98.00

Supplement:

10. Marine Environment salt (USA) x 3 packet $ 129.00

Livestock:

11. Cured live rock 35 kg (estimated) and scaping with AquaPharm Rockbonder (UK) $ 300.00

12. Nature Ocean Live argonite sand (USA) and Hawaiian puka shell (USA) $ 97.00

Labour and Commissioning

13. Italy ball valve, check valve, JIS standard piping.

Equipment delivery and installation, setting up, testing and commissioning $ 150.00

Total : $3,994.

Package Price : $3,500

[comycus]

bro pmed you again. Take your time to read. haha

Just something to think about... Why do you want only 18" width? If space allows, go for 24". Much more space to play around with.

[tian1974]

Thanks bro comycus, will reply you shortly But in the meantime, you mean go for 30" x 24" x 26"? how many gallons is that?

[comycus]

Thanks bro comycus, will reply you shortly But in the meantime, you mean go for 30" x 24" x 26"? how many gallons is that?

30x24x26, ~80 gallons

24x24x24, ~60 gallons

30x24x18, ~55 gallons

If you wanna go any smaller, I suggest minimally, 24x24x18 ~45 gallons.

Of course, more water will mean more $ spent in equipment, electricity, corals.

[tian1974]

I want a 55 to 60 gal of tank. Maybe 3ft x 1.8ft x 1.8ft = 30 x 21.5 x 21.5 or so.

Max 65 gal la.. 30" in length, maybe 22.5" in width and height or so.

[Fuzzy]

You might want to make a visit to Henry ( Marinelife Hobbielist - http://www.listings.com.sg/detail.asp?list...&BranchID=0 )

To take a look at the Elos setup there if you're shopping in this price range.

[Guest]

Er.. How come the map show Yishun ? Guess there is a mistake on the map lor....

[tian1974]

Some slight changes and this is what I come up and awaiting the best deal in town.

1. 3x2x2 (36x24x24) 10mm glass tank EOS with cabinet + sump

2. Eheim 1262 Eheim return pump

3. Deltec APF600 skimmer

4. DE Maxpect 160W LED

5. Vortech MP40W with controller wavemaker

6. Arctica 1/10HP chiller

Price tag unknown.

[Fuzzy]

Er.. How come the map show Yishun ? Guess there is a mistake on the map lor....

Oh weird! I only checked the address, I didn't notice the graphical map was pointing in Yishun. lol