Tank Setup Advice
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=39960
Printed Date: July 25 2026 at 3:29pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Tank Setup Advice
Posted By: MRyno
Subject: Tank Setup Advice
Date Posted: April 01 2010 at 10:49pm
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Alright! So I have a 60 gallon tank that I am setting up. I have heard a couple different things on adding eggcrate. Mostly that if you have digging/burrowing creatures that a shifting rock won't shatter your bottom panel. What do you think? Also, I am thinking about picking up these lights: http://shop.aquatraders.com/Odyssea-48in-4x54W-T5-HO-Light-Fixture-Pro-Series-p/52211.htm - http://shop.aquatraders.com/ I know there are WAY better lights out there, but I just want to get started and have to track down some lighting that will work for starting up. As far as the rest of my build, To get water in the tank and everything started, I will be getting 2 koralia evolution powerheads, the light above, and a heater (not sure which yet). Is that enough to start the process? Obviously after I get the water right, I will Throw in the 1/2 LR and 1/2 LS, but from what I understand, I need to get RO water and get all the levels right. Correct me if I am wrong on the whole starting process... Also, I want to drill a couple holes in the back of the tank. Should I attempt that myself, or is there someone I should go to? Thanks a ton guys!
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Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: April 02 2010 at 2:16am
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Wow, everyone must be at the WMAS monthly meeting because nobody answered. Well, it's 9PM here and I need to get to bed so we can get up at 5 to go snorkel around hoping to see some Pocillapora spawn.
First, let me welcome you to the WMAS Message Board. This is a great place with a lot of helpful people.
Second I will refer you to an important thread of information about setting up a reef aquarium. In case you haven't already seen it: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 - http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244
Drilling the tank to install bulkheads to make an overflow system for an RDP Refugium is the best way to go but I have done many simple tanks without any sump/Refugium. It's all up to your budget and need for speed.
 I have never used nor will I ever use anything but sand on the bottom. I don't know where the idea of placing eggcrate on the bottom came from but it's not a good adea for many reasons that I don't have time to discuss right now. In all my experience with aquariums, I cannot think of any time that a rock broke the bottom of an aquarium when it was sitting in sand on the bottom.
Getting the levels right is a no brainer. Just mix up a good marine salt preferably, but not necessarily, with purified water.
There will be many more things to learn. It's really best to do a lot of study, ask a lot of questions and then do something I could not do when I first started this hobby in 1993. Use this MB and go see some people here and ask them to explain how they do it and why. You are also in luck because the Annual Reef Tour is coming up soon. It's a great way to see a lot of tanks in one Saturday.
Enjoy and feel free to post more questions or call me direct for immediate opinions.
------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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