setting up a 125 gal

I'm ready to start buying itema for my tank, What i need to know what is the best sand for the tank, and what to use in my 40 gal sump. and do you have any other suggestions that i can use for the setup.! more question, i made a full top of tank cover, should i leave the opening cover off the tank for better air flow. thanks everyone for your help

 

I just setup a 150. It's cycling now. I have a 50 gallon sump. For skimmer I have a precision marine rl400. Mag 18 return pump. Dual overflows. I used 1" flex braided tubing for the return and I used 1 1/4" for the drain. I have a closed top canopy with 2 250w lumatex ballasts with lumatex reflectors and 20k radiums. My tank has stayed right around 80 with the lights on and my AC in my house at 75. I am found to add a couple black vents in the canopy with a fan and I'll have a small clip on fan running over the sump. That should lower my temp a couple degrees

 

your sand choices vary depending on what you plan to stock as far as grain size. crushed coral (cc) is general discouraged, stick with basic argonite sand. When it comes rock time remember the general rule of thumb is at least 1 to 1 1/2 lbs of rock per tank gallon. protein skimmers its also general recommend of course ot get one equal to the gallons of the tank but bigger is always better.

equipment wise spend the money and get a refractometer its more accurate and a very worthy investment. for test kits, skip the strips dont even look at them or waste your money. API is kind of the hobby minimum standard but salifert are generally more recommended.

what is your general goal for the tank? fowlr, reef, mixed? that will drive your lighting choices.

 

You should keep a fan for exhaust in your canopy to help your system keep its temp low.

Same goes for your sump. I suggest you keep an exhaust in your stand.

If you want to keep SPS corals, I suggest you keep your substrate big so that it won't move around the tank so much when you get the powerful wavemakers that your sps needs.

 

i want to make a reef tank,i want live corals with just a couple of fish. i have 2 fans built into the canopy, they are heat controlled, the warmer it gets under the canopy the faster the fans run. they are 4 inch fans. The lighting is a new 72 inch t5 with 2 mt built in with a row of blue led lights for moon light that comes on after main lights are turned off.

What size is the sand that i need? the sites that i have looked at mentioned sand in mm, but what size do i need? i dont want it blowing all over the tank

 

I would say from my experience stay away from sugar sand in the DT. Sugar is great for a DSB in your refugium or sump if the flow isn't too high. Get something that averages 1 to 2 mm I would say.

 

can you check out this site for sand and let me kmow whats best for DT and what best for sump thanks






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Bio-Activ Live Aragonite
Reef Sand Natural White #1
Premium Live® Aragonite Reef Sand
Collected in its natural environment and packaged in its natural state (U.S. Patent #'s: 6,376,299 & 6,939,708)

Just place in tank, add saltwater (for best results use NutriSeawater®) then add fish, no waiting required.

Instant ammonia cycling

Perfect for most applications (except Undergravel filters)

Sandsifter safe

Digger friendly

Deep sand bed

Item #: 20731
UPC: 029904204207315
Grain size: 0.1-0.5mm
Packaged: 4 - 10 lb (4.54 kg) Bgs/cs.
Net Weight: 40 lbs 18.14 kg Per cs. Item #: 10731
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Grain size: 0.1-0.5mm
Packaged: 2-20 lb (9.07 kg) Bgs/cs.
Net Weight: 40 lbs 18.14 kg Per cs.
U.S. Patent #'s: 6,376,229 & 6,939,708


















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Bio-Activ Live Aragonite
Reef Substrate
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
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UPC: 029904107219
Grain size: 1.0-2.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 16 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 32 lbs
U.S. Patent #'s: 6,376,229 & 6,939,708



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Hawaiian Puka Shell #5
Premium Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10221
UPC: 029904102214
Grain size: 2.5-3.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 15 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 30 lbs
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Hawaiian Puka Shell #10
Premium Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10231
UPC: 029904102313
Grain size: 3.5-5mm
Packaged: 2 - 15 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 30 lbs


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Marine White Sand #0
Premium Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Does not affect pH. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand. Will not alter the chemistry of your aquarium water.
Item #: 10791
UPC: 029904107912
Grain size: 0.1-0.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Aragonite Sand #0
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand. Play Sand.
Item #: 10651
UPC: 029904106519
Grain size: 0.1-.75mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Aragonite Sand #1
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand. Play Sand.
Item #: 10631
UPC: 029904106311
Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Aragonite Gravel #4
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10641
UPC: 029904106410
Grain size: 1.7-2.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Samoa Pink Sand #0
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10151
UPC: 029904101514
Grain size: 0.5-1.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Samoa Pink Sand #1
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand. Play Sand.
Item #: 10161
UPC: 029904101613
Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Samoa Pink Gravel #2
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10171
UPC: 029904101712
Grain size: 1.5-2mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Samoa Pink Gravel #5
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10201
UPC: 029904102016
Grain size: 1.7-2.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Premium Atlantic Crushed Coral Sand with Aragonite #0
Benefits of Atlantic Crushed Coral:
100% from the Ocean Floor. Natural crushed coral sand. Maintains superior pH and marine chemical balance. Provides maximum surface area for biological nitrification. Scientifically graded for uniformity which provides maximum water flow and aeration. Prevents anaerobic (Dead Spots) in Bacteria bed. Completely chemical free. Pre-washed (minimum rinse required).

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Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
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Net Weight: 40 lbs Item #: 10421
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Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
Packaged: 1 - 40 lb Bag per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Premium Atlantic Crushed Coral with Aragonite #4
Benefits of Atlantic Crushed Coral:
100% from the Ocean Floor. Natural crushed coral gravel. Maintains superior pH and marine chemical balance. Provides maximum surface area for biological nitrification. Scientifically graded for uniformity which provides maximum water flow and aeration. Prevents anaerobic (Dead Spots) in Bacteria bed. Completely chemical free. Pre-washed (minimum rinse required).

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Grain size: 2-3.5mm
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Net Weight: 40 lbs Item #: 10401
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Grain size: 2-3.5mm
Packaged: 1 - 40 lb Bag per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Premium Atlantic Crushed Coral with Aragonite #8
Benefits of Atlantic Crushed Coral:
100% from the Ocean Floor. Natural crushed coral gravel. Maintains superior pH and marine chemical balance. Provides maximum surface area for biological nitrification. Scientifically graded for uniformity which provides maximum water flow and aeration. Prevents anaerobic (Dead Spots) in Bacteria bed. Completely chemical free. Pre-washed (minimum rinse required).
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UPC: 029904103615
Grain size: 3.5-5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs Item #: 10411
UPC: 029904104119
Grain size: 3.5-5mm
Packaged: 1 - 40 lb Bag per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Black Beach Sand #1
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10261
UPC: 029904102610
Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Black Beach Gravel #2
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10271
UPC: 029904102719
Grain size: 1.7-2.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Black Beach Gravel #5
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10281
UPC: 029904102818
Grain size: 2.5-3.5mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Australian Gold Sand #0
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10501
UPC: 029904105017
Grain size: 1.2-1.7mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Australian Gold Sand #5
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10135
UPC: 029904101354
Grain size: 2.5-5mm
Packaged: 2 - 15 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 30 lbs


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Taiwan Coral Gravel #5
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10071
UPC: 029904100715
Grain size: 6-8mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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Taiwan Coral Gravel #10
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10081
UPC: 029904100814
Grain size: 8-12mm
Packaged 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight - 40 lbs


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Taiwan Coral Gravel #15
Premium Aragonite Reef Substrate:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
Aragonite Benefits:
Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
Item #: 10061
UPC: 029904100616
Grain size: 10-15mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs


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Indonesian Coral Reef Sand
Premium Aragonite Reef Sand:
Ideal for reef system tank bottoms, denitrifying anaerobic beds, extremely high surface area filter media.
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Reduces Nitrates. Maintain pH. Increases Carbonate Hardness. Provide Marine Trace Elements. Pre-washed Minimum Rinse Required. 100% From The Ocean Floor. Heat Sterilized. Ideal for culturing Live sand.
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UPC: 029904103112
Grain size: 1.2-1.9mm
Packaged: 2 - 20 lb Bags per case
Net Weight: 40 lbs
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sand is probably the easiest thing thats reef involved, it just depends on what you plan to keep, an sps reef has lots of flow so either no sand or large grained to crushed coral. if you will have burrowing fish get some iner sand. but just for an average tank medium grained sand will work good. and the sump doesnt really matter but i would suggest very fine sand so its sort of mudd ish and has lots of surgace area

 

Much like drugs, just say NO to crushed coral.

It's far from the best choice because of nitrates & chemical absorbsion. Add to that depending on your livestock choices it can irritate or scratch animals especially bottom dwelling fish causing infection issues.

 

this is entirely opinion, i myself and mostly agaionst crushed coral for a reef tank but it is easily cleaned and in a high flow tank wont cloud the water such as sand