FW for the Kids! Build

Discussion in 'Freshwater Aquariums' started by AHP, Jun 27, 2013.

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  1. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    So this is my first post on this website and I will be slow building a FW community setup for my son and daughter that are 2.5 and 10 months. I have a background in FW and SW over 20 years ago, so it might take me bit to get back into the swing and get caught up on everything new.

    I have a 75Gal tank that a purchased from someone on CL and I will be building a custom stand for it in our kitchen breakfast nook.
    Other than that, that’s all I have moving on the build.
    Some equipment I have my eye on:
    - Filter: Eheim 2217, w/ quick disconnect

    - Lights: I am currently looking at buildmyled.com and going to see if that can fit my needs for this FW build. I know I want LED but still open as to what brand.

    - Sand: I was thinking white Pool sand with a larger grain but smaller than pebbles.

    - Aquas: I haven't really looked into this, would love live plants and maybe some holey rock or some type of rock stacked.
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2013
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  3. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I'll let the lighting experts chime in on this. If you are a good DIYer many people recommend reefbreeders LED units. Again, wait on the LED experts to chime in here. Do you want something that you can eventually have a reef or are you going to be staying fish only if you switch to SW?
     
  4. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    I would love to do a SW tank right now but I want ease myself back into the hobby.

    My overall goal would be rimless SW tank that has a lot of sway corals, w/ tangs, clowns and other select fish but that is a couple of years down to line.
     
  5. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    67 views and no recommendations on lights?
     
  6. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    I'm sorry it's just me again. If you really just want to keep it freshwater for 2 years, I would suggest that you just use standard fluorescent lighting. At this juncture, I don't think there would be a need to spend a lot of money on buying LED's.
     
  7. DSC reef

    DSC reef Giant Squid

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    Fluval just came out with a very inexpensive line of led light fixtures. There sold at petco and they make a 48" long fixture. The one you should get will specify freshwater. They make reef led's but I agree with OFK, it would be a waste of money right now. I've seen those lights personally on a tank as my girlfriend is a manager at petco, they look amazing.
     
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  9. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    After doing alot of research I think you are right, hold off on LED's until I do a SW setup.

    So that being said I found someone on CL with a brand new (AquaticLife T5 HO 4-Lamp Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LEDs)
    AquaticLife T5 HO 4-Lamp Light Fixtures w/ Lunar LEDs

    It has 4 bulbs but I am not sure if 4 bulbs will be enough for a 75g.
    What do you think?
     
  10. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

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    is the person asking a really reduced price? Again, you really don't need LED's for what you want to do at this time. SS's recommendation sounds perfect for your needs.

    I'm getting a hint that you may want to just skip the freshwater "slow break in return" and just start SW. I think that's what you really want to do.....:)

    IMO salt with fish only is no more difficult than keeping a freshwater setup. It's a little more expensive because of the price of fish and salt but that's really it. If you really want just fish, again SW or FW lighting need is minimal.
     
  11. AHP

    AHP Astrea Snail

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    Ha! Secretly Yes I want SW again and ASAP but I am ok with FW for now. I need to see what works and doesn't. I also have to work my wife back into this. ;)

    As for the person selling the T5 HO's they initially tried to sell them for $300. So I don't think their is a problem with them I am just not sure about 4 bulbs rather than 6 for a FW. I am thinking that 4 bulbs are sufficient.
    Also how hard it is to acquire good T5 HO bulbs for a planted/community tank?
     
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2013
  12. DevinH

    DevinH Montipora Capricornis

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    Drill your tank. That's my first suggestion.