Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Hi there Bob,
Having kept marine fish with moderate success almost four years ago, I have now decided to come back to this great hobby and start up a new marine setup. Having read various magazines and spoken to various dealers I am somewhat confused by all of the new products and techniques that have come to the market! As such, I was rather hoping that you could pass on some much-needed advice!
The tank that I wish to setup will have to be around 100 cm x 50 x 70 (W x D x H) (about 100 US gallons) due to space limitations. I wish to setup a reef tank not just fish only. I have a budget of around £1000 (about 1750 US dollars) for the tank setup. I have been looking at the Deltec skimmers and Eheim II professional filters. However, I don't know if I would be better opting for a sump, etc? Also do I need a calcium reactor?
Please could you advise me what a suitable setup would be for this sort of budget and size of tank. Product details would be great as well, then I know exactly what I have to bargain for with the retailers.
Many thanks in advance, and keep up the good work!
Kind regards,
Adam J Powell
England
Hi Adam,
Welcome back to the hobby. As for new techniques and products, it is somewhat difficult to keep pace even for those in the hobby, as something new seems to appear every week!
However, what you need or don't need in the way of products and equipment will hinge on what type invertebrates you wish to maintain. In other words, if the goal is mostly soft corals, a calcium reactor probably won't be needed. Yet, if the goal is fast growing light loving stony corals, such as Acropora, then excellent lighting equipment, calcium reactor and quality protein skimmer would be required.
And if at all possible, I would recommend a sump tank be added to any type system. The main tank could have an overflow to keep surface scum from forming. The sump is also a great place to house some equipment such as the skimmer, heater, and system return pump. Or, it can serve as a refugium and still house the system return pump. There are many choices possible, all of which depend upon your goals. And I should note, there are many different type reef tanks, and until you quantify your exact invertebrate goals/types, it's not going to be possible to recommend specific equipment.
Yet, where your budget is concerned, I really believe you might be best served with a less complex system where soft corals are its theme. By the time you establish the system - tank, stand, lighting, sand, live rock, pumps, skimmer and various other necessary day-to-day products, the budget is going to be quite depleted. It may also be a good idea to shop around and get an idea of equipment prices before going any further. I would rather see you postpone the system if it can't be properly set up and/or maintained. And as for the equipment brands mentioned, they are among the best on the market.
I suggest formulating a plan where everything is written down, and that should include the type corals and other inverts along with fish you would like to have in the system. Also list all the equipment and products needed to accomplish that endeavor. Then price all the items. Once that far, we can talk more if you have further questions.
Cheers,
Bob Goemans
