120 Gallon Saltwater Tank Questions

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
jshep105 said:
Does anyone know where to find the T5 HO lighting for the cheapest? What I have found seems really expensive and wil
Take up most of my budget...

Also is this a good protein skimmer for a 120 gallon tank? http://www.amazon.com/Coralife-Super-Skimmer-Needle-Wheel/dp/B000BJM9BI

Thanks again


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cichlid_king said:
Try ebay for a cheap new light. Sometimes you can get lucky and find a sweet deal.

Coralife makes a good skimmer for people on a budget but if money isnt an option I would reccomend a Reef Octopus. They are a little more expensive but they are much better.

http://www.reefoctopus.com.au/v2/pub/index.cfm
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I would get the Coralife skimmer and use the money saved over buying a Reef Octopus to purchase lights from some place other than Ebay considering that the reliability of most of the lights being sold on there is pretty terrible; some of the issues range from poor overall quality to miniscule lifespan to catching on fire. FishNeedIt.com makes some nice light fixtures for pretty good prices, so they're worth checking out.
 
Wiggles92 said:
I would get the Coralife skimmer and use the money saved over buying a Reef Octopus to purchase lights from some place other than Ebay considering that the reliability of most of the lights being sold on there is pretty terrible; some of the issues range from poor overall quality to miniscule lifespan to catching on fire. FishNeedIt.com makes some nice light fixtures for pretty good prices, so they're worth checking out.
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Ok thanks. And one last question, where can I buy live rock online for a decent price? Thanks


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jshep105 said:
Ok thanks. And one last question, where can I buy live rock online for a decent price? Thanks


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I bought my dry rock from Reef Cleaners; the rock is very porous and light, is very clean (might be a little dusty), and looks & stacks great. They have free shipping if you order enough (which you will) and tend to include a little extra in order to be sure that they don't short you; in my case, I ended up with a few extra pounds of rock.

As for the actual live rock for seeding, just get a pound or two from a local LFS.
 
hit up craigslist for your live rock. depending on where you live (big city), someone will be parting out a reef tank. you can get premium for 2.5$ a lb. :D
 
And also what should I go with for the bulbs? All blue actinic, all white, 1 white 3 blue actinic, 2 white 2 blue actinic, 3 white 1 blue actinic, 2 white 2 pink, or 3 white 1 pink? And for the color temp for the white bulbs, 6700K, 10000K, or 14000K? Sorry I do not know much about lighting. Thanks once again I really appreciate it.


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jshep105 said:
And also what should I go with for the bulbs? All blue actinic, all white, 1 white 3 blue actinic, 2 white 2 blue actinic, 3 white 1 blue actinic, 2 white 2 pink, or 3 white 1 pink? And for the color temp for the white bulbs, 6700K, 10000K, or 14000K? Sorry I do not know much about lighting. Thanks once again I really appreciate it.


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You'll want to get 2x 14000K White & 2x Actinic.
 
Wiggles92 said:
I would get the Coralife skimmer and use the money saved over buying a Reef Octopus to purchase lights from some place other than Ebay considering that the reliability of most of the lights being sold on there is pretty terrible; some of the issues range from poor overall quality to miniscule lifespan to catching on fire. FishNeedIt.com makes some nice light fixtures for pretty good prices, so they're worth checking out.
Click to expand...

In my defense I know a couple people that have gotten lights off of eaby and had no problems. I didnt mean go for the cheapo's. There are name brand lights on ebay too. but you do make a good point about the cheapo lights. They are a hazard.
 
So I have figured out what I want to get for equipment and prices for the most part. I have decided to go FOWLR and skip the corals until a later date when I have more money to spend. I do have a few more questions: Should I go with a Sump or Refugium? I dont know much about either. Money is a factor as I am on a budget. Any links/info is greatly appreciated. Tell me what you think.

Tank

Price: Unknowm
Description: 120 Gallons
Where to buy: Petco or Petsmart?
Link: N/A

Lighting

Price 149.99
Description: T5-HO Light 4Ft/4 Bulbs Fixture (2 white, 2 blue actinic) Color temp for the white bulbs: 14000K
Where to buy: fishneedit.com
Link: http://www.fishneedit.com/4ft4bulbs-with-l44.html

Protein Skimmer

Price: $179.95
Description: Coralife Super Skimmer Needle Wheel - up to 220 gal. - 6 in. x 8 in. x 25.5 in.
Where to buy: amazon.com
Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000BJM9BI/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Dry Rock

Price: $210 for 100 lbs.
Description: (2) Florida Reef Rock (50lbs - Free Shipping)
Where to buy: reefcleaners.org
Link: http://reefcleaners.org/index.php?p...ategory_id=15&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=34

Heater

Price: $31.99
Description: 250W Aqueon Pro Heater
Where to buy: amazon.com
Link: http://amzn.com/B003GKN12A

Powerheads

Price: $45.87
Description: Hydor Koralia Evolution 1400
Where to buy: amazon.com
Link: http://amzn.com/B0036S1ETY

Substrate

Price: not sure but around $100 for 80 lbs.
Description: Live sand
Where to buy: Petco or Petsmart?

RO/DI Filter

Price: $135.00
Description: Ocean Wave Five Safe 75 GPD RO/DI
Where to buy: thefilterguys.biz
Link: http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm

Filtration

This is where I need help. Should I go with a Sump or Refugium? Money is a factor as I am on a budget. Any links/info is greatly appreciated.



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