Looking for some helpful advice

[Godbert]

Hi there,
I am contemplating setting up a 125 gallon saltwater tank. I have had a freshwater tank for about 1 year and I am looking for more of a challenging/entertaining tank.... if anyone could suggest equipment for a 55-125 gallon tank as well as places to buy such equipment and what fish/plants to start with....

Thanks,
Dan

[coral reefer]

Hello Dan! Welcome to 3reef first of all!
Believe it or not, a saltwater set-up once established is easier to care for than freshwater!!!!!!!IMO.
The main thing to do initially, is to determine what you want to keep in your tank(fish only, with inverts or a full blown reef). Based on that you can then go to the next step...if you are going with a reef tank what kinds and types of coral do you want to have? From this you will have a better idea as far as lighting which is very critical!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are just going with fish and inverts, then it isn't as much of a concern!
A protein skimmer is also very important to have and the bigger the better. Personally, I would go with a step up from the size of the skimmer that is appropriate for your size tank. The size of the tank and the skimmers don't take into consideration the bioload of your tank, that is why bigger is better-the same goes for your tank> get the biggest tank you can afford and house in your home. It will help as far as changes in water parameters etc.
The best thing you could do is read and research, husbandry, water parameter requirements, combatability of live stock and things like that!

[Godbert]

Thank you very much i am thinking a full reef set up do you know any places where i can get good priced equipment/fish/coral/plants?

[Matt Rogers]

Check out our sponsors.
http://www.3reef.com/aquarium-page-Sponsors.html

What kind of budget do you have?

[coral reefer]

As far as good equipment is concerned, I have had good luck by checking different websites as their are always sales on different things. As Matt mentioned, our sponsors are a good starting place!!!! Premium Aquatics is running a sale right now as they are moving. Salty Critter has sales frquently on lighting etc. That is where I bought my metal halide pendant lighting for my 125 gallon reef tank!!!!

[Godbert]

My budget is limited considering i am 16 but i do hold a job and i do have sufficient funds i am looking for quality but fairly priced equipment would you reccommend internal or external pumps? also what is required by the way of wavemakers/plumbing?

[coral reefer]

I would research both types(pros and cons) and make that decision that is the best for you.
Their are many alternatives as well depending on the water movement... powerheads, wavemakers, timers for powerheads, water directors such as SCWD and Hydor flo-rotators.
Are you going with a sump? With that you will have to have a overflow as well as pvc piping to set it up to pumps etc. if your tank is predrilled which is the best IMO!
Their is alot of info, so to make things easier and help you to be successful, I would research these types of things to better appy yourself. You will thank me for it later, trust me.
Good luck!

[Godbert]

Do i need a sump? do i need wavemakers and such? what am i going to need to set up this tank?

[jtReef]

You may use a sump or waver maker if you wish. All that would come down to what you are trying to keep. Reef / FOWR plus the types of coras, inverts, and fish will all impact the equipment you need.

Let us know what you want to have as the end result and we can assist more.

[Godbert]

This is what I want,
Snowflake eel
Green Mandarin Dragonet
Volitan Lionfish
Several Blue Tangs
Kauderns Cardinal
Court Jester Goby
Cave Transparent goby
Sailfin Blenny
Long tentacle plate coral
Condy Anenome
Candy cane coral
Brain coral
and a debelius reef lobster
Thank you for all your help