Need advice on equipment for 210g tank?

[khpddog]

I have been reading a lot about the different equipment needed for startup. I have also visited 3 different aquarium shops and received 3 different answers. My plan is to start a 210g fish and live rock tank with the anticipation of adding coral in the future. I understand some of this is left up to personal preference, but need some direction. What would be the optimal and safest way to go when deciding on what filter, protein skimmer or not, lighting, refugium vs wet/dry pump, live sand etc.... I would appreciate some advice and possibly a list of equipment if anyone has this available. If it matters, The tank will situated under my steps, installed a wall with only the front being viewed. I do have room above the tank to hang lights and below the tank for equipment.

Thank You,

Kevin

[reef_guru]

a wet/dry with a refugium is an added bonus.

[Otty]

You really need to decide now what your going to do with this tank. If you are going to keep sps's then you will need a lot of flow like a closed loop. Make sure the tank is drilled because you don't want to use a OF box on a 200+g tank. Lights will also depend on what you want to do with the tank. If you don't think about all of this now then you are going to spend money now to get it running and a lot more later to upgrade.

[khpddog]

What are sps's?

[Otty]

Small Polyp Stonies.

[omard]

RE... Need advice on equipment for 210g tank?

First of all, have a deep pocket book.

Next, do some serious research before buying anything!

Past 3Reef posts are a good place to start...

Then you might look thru some of these:

(A "must" read!)

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

© 1997 Adam H. Whitlock
Edited By Elizabeth M. Lukan 11/25/00

Knowing How to Set Up a Marine Aquarium, Adam Blundell M.S.


Your First Reef aquarium: How to Create a Miniature Coral Reef System at Home.
by J. Charles Delbeek B.Sc., B.Ed., M.Sc.


About.com - Saltwater Aquariums 101 "Getting Started" FREE Email Course

Thinking about setting up a saltwater aquarium? (melevsreef.com)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 1) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

An Introduction to the Marine Aquarium Hobby (Part 2) - Associated Content (Parrothead)

"Getting Started" - Mike Paletta

A List Of Good Beginner Fish

Fish To Be Avoided - I

Fish To Be Avoided - II

Corals

What They Are and How They Live

by J. Charles Delbeek

"They are mysterious guests from an exotic world. Unlike anything else we keep in an aquarium, they represent the essence of the coral reefs that we try to duplicate in our living rooms. Our success at this effort depends greatly on how well we understand these unusual life forms.

Unfortunately, for the average hobbyist, the increased availability of these animals is not matched by the information available concerning their biology and care. Too often, hobbyists know more about who manufactures their aquarium equipment than basic biological information, or proper identification of the animals they are striving to keep. And yet, without this information it is difficult to provide the optimum conditions that will allow them to grow and reproduce."

Answers to Everything!

Marine Aquarium Articles and FAQ's
WebMedia.com

Learn to Live With It

Adam Blundell M.S.

"...As surprising as it may seem your tank will look ugly at first. This happens to all new marine aquariums as they cycle through their initial filtration phase. Your tank may go brown, and then green, and then red, and then just look junky. It happens. Consequently the one coral you really want to keep may not live. You may struggle to raise the prize fish you originally intended to acquire. It's okay; just learn to love whatever is working for you. Remember, not only is this a hobby, but we are keeping living ecosystems. Special efforts should be put forth to enjoy and appreciate what we are keeping, whatever it may be. It takes time and patience to turn a glass box full of rock into a beautiful, thriving reef tank..."

Good luck.

Keep us posted on progress.

[khpddog]

Thanks for the info. When you say deep pocket book are you referring to the initial startup or ongoing maintenance. Also, would you suggest starting with a 150g instead.

Kevin

[Otty]

He is referring to the initial startup with the cost of the equipment. But you can always look on forums and find used equipment at half the cost.

Will this be your first aquarium, fresh or salt?

[khpddog]

My plan is to start a 210g saltwater fish and live rock tank with the anticipation of adding coral in the future. Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank You,
Kevin

[Otty]

Is this your first aqarium that you have owned?