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Newbie advice

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by sblomgren, Sep 27, 2010.

  1. Sep 27, 2010 #1
    sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    So I have a 180 dual overflow in my library, I have my sump successfully plumbed and running in the basement.  What I am looking for is advice from people.  What should I be running in my sump, and what are the essentials to a succesful reef? i.e. do I need reactors, refugiums, auto-dosing, etc...  I am looking for the middle of the road.  I am not afraid to spend some money but I also am not looking for the "dream system" right now.  My hope is to do LPS/SPS.  I am in no hurry and would like to do this right the first time.  Thanks for your help.  You are all awesome.
     
  2. Sep 27, 2010 #2
    phishcrazee Riverside

    phishcrazee Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,682
    Riverside
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    Clean, pure water, good flow, probably a couple 400watt metal halides, decent skimmer (to keep water clean). How automated you want it is up to you. I would suggest at least a simple controller (ACJr) and an auto-topoff to replenish evaporated water. I use lime water and vinegar in my top-off water to keep calcium and pH in check. Plenty of live rock. I use chaeto and small pieces of live rock in my sump to aid in the biological filter, and is a very common set-up.
     
  3. Sep 27, 2010 #3
    FishBrain New London

    FishBrain Expert Reefkeeper

    3,963
    New London
    Ratings:
    +399 / 6 / -0
    I would run two reactors one for carbon and one with WM Ecobak bio pellits I have been useing them for about 2 1/2 months now and they are awesome! I no longer have to run GFO And my po4 is 0.00 on a hanna checker and my no3 is also 0. A oversized efficient skimmer is a must for the pellits tobe effective. My phosphate is so low that my cheato hasen't grown at all in over 6 weeks.
     
  4. Sep 27, 2010 #4
    sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

    424
    Ratings:
    +2 / 0 / -0
    Thanks for the advice. Can someone enlighten me on exactly what the reactors do. Prices and maybe where to look. Also a reccomendation for an auto top off would be awesome. I have a huge room that my sump is plumbed to so I can do almost anything I want. I just dont want to rush and make stupid dcisions. Thansk,
     
  5. Sep 27, 2010 #5
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Get your reactors at bulk reef supply. Reactors are used normally for Carbon and GFO (Granular ferric Oxide). The carbon is to polish the water and remove pollutants and the GFO is to remove PO4. I am not familiar with Bills Pellets but you cant argue with his results.
    If you are going to get an APEX you had better stop over one day and I will show auto top-off and auto-water changes.
     
  6. Sep 27, 2010 #6
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
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    I want to see that too!!!  I've been meaning to get this set up on my system, but have not had a chance yet.  If you have all the code and everything written, it would make things much faster and easier.. :)
    --AJ
     
  7. Sep 27, 2010 #7
    jtesdall

    jtesdall Expert Reefkeeper

    3,189
    Ratings:
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    Sure I have a bunch of code but that is the easy part. All of my stuff is DIY as far as top off and water changes. You are are welcome anytime too of course AJ. ;0)
     
  8. Sep 27, 2010 #8
    AJ

    AJ Inactive User

    5,011
    Ratings:
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    I have float valves and parts...just no code. We'll have to sit down and talk about this soon...

    --AJ
     

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