57 gallon reef filtration?

[jinar]

Hi, I'm new to this forum. Im getting back to the hobby after 8 months out of it. Just ordered a deep blue edge 57 gallon which gets to the store on Wednesday.

So I want to have fish and corals not sure what type of corals yet. And I'm not sure what type of illumination and filtration to use.

I'm trying to keep things on a budget, which is why I'm trying to buy used stuff. So if anyone is selling I'm in need of a 36 inches light and a wet dry filter/sump, live rocks, etc

I have tried to get in touch with ppl selling this items on the forum but can't really reach them because of the minimum number of posts restrictions.

Not sure what the difference is between a wet dry sump and Berlin style sump is... So if anyone can fill me up on that I would appreciate it.

Also recommendations on filtration and light and amount of live rock needed are welcome.

Thanks

 

[KrisDeitz]

Welcome and most people do 1 LB per gallon of rock. Its really up to you. I have over 50 lbs of rock in my 29 Bc.

 

[thesilence87]

Light: You'll hear a LOT of differing opinions, but I prefer Metal Halide lighting, it gives you great growth and colors, you'll just have to make sure not to let the water get too hot. If you have a TON of money, then people will tell you to try out some LED fixtures.

Live Rock: As Kris said, 1 lb of live rock per gallon is about average, but some people love to stuff a bunch of live rock in their tank. The downside to this is that you won't have as much open room, and it might be a bit of a task to maneuver all that rock around. On the up side though, you'll get a lot of surface area of the beneficial bacteria to live in, and you'll end up with more options for aquascaping.

 

[jinar]

Yeah I heard abou the LED lights, I like that they use less energy and won't affect my electricity bill, but they are quite pricey. I'm trying to keep in on a budget... So I don't think that will be an option for us.
Would a t5 ho 2x 39 with moonlights be enough?

 

[thesilence87]

2x 39w will probably be pretty limiting if you're looking to grow coral.

 

[jinar]

Ummm... Ok. Would 4x 39 be enough?

 

[jinar]

I sent u an email.

 

[jcampbell]

Jinar;684171 wrote: Ummm... Ok. Would 4x 39 be enough?

That would be fine! An aquaticlife or a Nova Extreme would be the ones I would recommend!

 

[enderg60]

I have a fuge/sump from my old 58g still sitting around as well as a custom halide reflector that will hold a 175/250/400w halide and 2 39w T5's

 

[jinar]

EnderG60;684263 wrote: I have a fuge/sump from my old 58g still sitting around as well as a custom halide reflector that will hold a 175/250/400w halide and 2 39w T5's

Can you send me a pm with ur email, pls

 

[rbredding]

for a 57(58) you'd be much better off with 6 T-5's .. 4 might work alright, but you couldnt grow SPS corals in it unless they're up at the top...

might be cheaper if you go online and look for someone selling a couple Icecap 660 ballasts and do your own T5 build.. (either 4&2 on the ballasts or 3&3)...

Make sure that you look over the joints on those Deep Blue tanks.. the ones that I've seen typically have anywhere between 1/8" to 1/4" difference in the top joint of the glass (which means that they're not seated properly at the bottom since all the pieces of glass are the same "height")

I've got a Marineland HOB filter that's rated for 75 gallons if you're interested.. I think it's a Penguin 350.. PM me if you're interested..

 

[jinar]

http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=3562">JCampbell</a>, thanks for the advise on the lights, i am looking them up online and comparing prices. if you know of anyone that might be selling a used one, let me know as well.

[IMG]http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=3537">Rbredding</a>, im not sure how to build my own t5, but i will look it up online as well to see if it is something we could do. and i will definitely inspect the tank once i receive it. in fact, i will call the store where i ordered from, to double check on their policy in case im not happy with the manufacturing of the product. this are hang on filters that you are telling about? if they are, that is not what i need, since the tank is RR i am in need of a sump and pumps, whether it is a berlin style reef sump or a wet dry sump. still not sure what the difference in performance is between the two. i know the run for like 150 new, but still hoping to find something used before Wednesday, since it will save me some money.
i will also need live rock if anyone is selling close to duluth, lawrenceville, johns creek area. please pm me with email address if selling, since i can't pm back or reply other threads...

 

[rbredding]

RIT should stand by the tank (since you're both in duluth, I figured thats where you got it)

correct, a RR setup could use a HOB filter, but it's not set up for that...

 

[jinar]

i am actually not familiar with this RIT store, never been to it. went to their website and cant find an address for it. but would like to know their location if is here in duluth.

 

[rbredding]

RIT... runs Atlanta Aquarium

 

[butch]

Jinar;684287 wrote: http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/member.php?u=3537">Rbredding</a>,since the tank is RR i am in need of a sump and pumps, whether it is a berlin style reef sump or a wet dry sump. still not sure what the difference in performance is between the two.[/QUOTE]

Look at the demo videos. It made it even easy for me to understand!

[IMG]http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/sumps-and-refugiums/aquarium-sumps/aqueon-modular-proflex-sump-filtration.html">http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/sumps-and-refugiums/aquarium-sumps/aqueon-modular-proflex-sump-filtration.html</a>

 

[jinar]

RIT runs THE atlanta aquarium? Where are they located?

Would this light fixture be enough for corals?

 

[jinar]

also how many pounds of live sand is recommended? would a 20 pounds bag suffice?