Just got my tank!

[Fmellish]

Just got a tank, first reef tank, can't wait to dive into the hobby.

http://members.cox.net/jgunder/aquarium/

[Fmellish]

Do I need a 4 stage RO/DI system? Or is a 2 stage enough? Or even a 3 stage?

The last stage being DI.

The 4 stage systems are expensive.

What is the current opinion on this?

I would imagine that you reach a point of diminishing returns after 3 stages?

[fareforce]

Get at least a 4 stage.

[Fmellish]

I've seen 4 stage systems on Ebay for $99

and then 2 stage systems at marinedepot for $299?

So is marine depot that much of a rip off, or are the ebay ones just that low in quality?

[Fmellish]

I suppose I need help picking.
From

http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...ex.asp?CartId=

Which company do I choose, and which model?

Thanks

[FrankB1]

www.airwaterice.com

good reasonable RO/DI units

[FrankB1]

Check out the Compact ReefKeeper unit, its a 5 stage for $139.

[reefer2005]

Cool looking tank, I like the center overflow.

[jay24k]

Don't waste your money on the expensive ones. The ones off ebay are just as good and much cheaper. Get one with the storage tank also.

[justgeorge]

I have the 5 stage residential from www.roultratec.com and it has been great!

[justgeorge]

Forgot to mention that it came with a 2 gallon storage tank but I don't even use it, 2 gallons is nothing! I have 4 6 gallon water jugs (look in the camping dept at Wal-Mart) that I keep filled for top off water.

[Fmellish]

Fantasic, thank you everyone.

I suppose I should have called this thread, "Hey I'm new to this and I'm going to have tons of stupid questions throughtout the coming year as I establish my tank"

Thanks

[Fmellish]

Originally posted by reefer2005
Cool looking tank, I like the center overflow.

It is neat, but poses some design challenges. Because I can't have any visible wires or tubes, all plumbing and wiring has to be done through that overflow box, and it's not the biggest in the world.

[Fmellish]

I really wish the search function were operational, then I wouldn't have to ask all of these questions.

2 more questions right now:
1) Is a cheap refractometer better than an expensive swing arm hydrometer? When I look at refractometers I see them range from $40 - $100. If I get a $40 refractometer will I regret it later?

2) I need a heater, i'll just have it in my sump, what is a good choice?

[55Reef]

The $40.00 Refractometer will work just fine. Much better than a swing arm hydrometer.

Take a look at the Ebo-Jager heaters.

[Fmellish]

Thank you very much 55Reef

[Fmellish]

The chart at http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_...er.asp?CartId= claims I will need 500 Watts of heating for my tank size.

is this chart accurate? The biggest Jager heater is only 250 Watts. So would I need to buy 2?

Or are they being overly conservative?

My house is normally kinda hot inside anyway.

Your thoughts?

[ste6168]

i have two 200w heaters in my 75g, but the only reason i got two 200w instead of two 150w's is becuase i am probably going to upgrade. go with two, or even three.

[Fmellish]

Next question, LIGHTING.

My dimensions are 48" left to right and 24" top to bottom and 24" front to back. Looking down on the tank there are 2 areas with an overflow in the middle.
See http://members.cox.net/jgunder/aquar...272005_004.jpg

I think I'm going to go with T5's due to their lower heat output because whatever I buy, has to rest on top of the tank. I have 2 inches of clearance not the 8-12 that hallide requires.

Is this a good choice?

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewIt...roduct=CU01123
It's only 14 inches wide so if I place it in the middle, would the front and back sides of my tank be dark and only the center really bright??

Thanks

[DiverD rufus]

I"ve got a RO/DI filter from AIRWATERICE for years and it works great and they have good prices on replcement filters and are very helpful if you need it.

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

fmellish, tiight tank.

[Fmellish]

Originally posted by ChAoTiCrEeFeR4U
fmellish, tiight tank.

Thank you. I am very happy with it. But it is a fixer-upper.

[mmoore0803]

sweet avatar......get that bulkhead out yet?

[mmoore0803]

Originally posted by Fmellish
I really wish the search function were operational, then I wouldn't have to ask all of these questions.

2 more questions right now:
1) Is a cheap refractometer better than an expensive swing arm hydrometer? When I look at refractometers I see them range from $40 - $100. If I get a $40 refractometer will I regret it later?

2) I need a heater, i'll just have it in my sump, what is a good choice?

pay the membership fee.....search works great for me

[Fmellish]

Originally posted by mmoore0803
sweet avatar......get that bulkhead out yet?

How do I get it out? Do I just take a hacksaw to the pipes and cut them all out?

And how do I install the new bulkhead? Do I need to screw from both sides? If so, I'm screwed because I can't fit my hand down to the bottom of the overflow box.