My New Marine Tank Log.

[JoeDaPro]

Well im just starting up a 128 liter marine tank in my bedroom, so i thought id start a log to share my progress.

This is day one
My new tank, a new light, flu val 303 filter and a new heater (Not on show). just the skeleton at the moment.

15/6/07:
New pump & Tank seal arrived today.

x2

 

[atmmachine816]

Looks quite fine so far

 

[Danno]

Will it be FO, FOWLR, or a reef?
RO=Fish only
FOWLR = Fish only with live rock
Reef = FOWLR with corals
Tanks in the salt world are normally classified under one of these.

What is your lighting?
You using that UGF?

Have ya tested for leaks?

 

[JoeDaPro]

FOWLR to start with, as i dont have a hood sufficient to hold lighting to grow corals ATM (will buy one as soon as i get enough).
Im using an Average Daylight Marine light, just 30 watts, im testing for leaks tomorrow (I get my sealer tube delivered tomorrows) along with my Pump and power heads hopefully.
Once ive got a better hood It'll be a FOWLR & coral.

 

[Danno]

Let 2 to 3 days for silicone to cure.

 

[atmmachine816]

Research the corals you want to determine the type of lighting you need.

So are you using the undergravel filter?

 

[kkyyllee]

i hope he isnt using it

 

[atmmachine816]

If he/she is reversing it, it's ok but it's his/her opinion, they can do what they want, but lets not judge.

 

[n3ont3tra]

UGFS were successful while they were used. Even though they're outdated now, doesn't mean they still don't work. It's just obsolete.

 

[kkyyllee]

yeah, but....you need to use crushed coral for under gravel filters, and crushed coral leads to nitrate problems and cant be used in a reef which he/she said shes going to do later

 

[n3ont3tra]

As long as he siphons it well during water changes, he should be fine.

 

[JoeDaPro]

yes i was going to use the under Gravel filter, is this a bad idea then?

 

[leecara]

do u want ay inverteabrates like shrimp snails crabs hermits?
i wouldnt use a u.g filter for a marine personnaly

 

[andywg]

yeah, but....you need to use crushed coral for under gravel filters, and crushed coral leads to nitrate problems and cant be used in a reef which he/she said shes going to do later

It only leads to nitrate problem if it isn't maintained properly.

In a reversed UGF system the water is pushed through the crushed coral helping prevent detritus settling in the substrate and rotting (which is what can lead to nitrates). As mentioned, UGF does work, just not as well as other systems.

Remember, there are more ways to set up a reef than just the Berlin method.

 

[JoeDaPro]

Yes, im going to introduce Seahorses & Starfish to the tank.

I also have a Fluval 303 External filter
and AquaC Remora w Protien Skimmer.
Ive bought 2 powerheads, one was to power the UGF, but if the UGF isnt a good idea i guess i can just create more water movement with 2 powerheads.