Newbie

Hello,

I have kept and maintained freshwater cichlid tanks for the better part of the last 10 years...I recently purchased a 75 gal tank and decided to jump face first into the reef world. I have not purchased anything for it yet and need a lot of advice.

Live sand vs crushed coral vs anything else as a substrate? Is it just personal preferance or is there something necessary in one over ther rest?

Filter? I have an Aquaclear filter hangs on the back and uses a 3 step filtration....always used them in my freshies, they're pretty cheap though so not sure what i'll do with them

Lighting....I have just a standard aquarium light that comes with the hood when you buy a new setup....I'll probably be using that on my 55 cichlid tank as my hood is getting older but the question i have is i see a lot of emphasis put on lighting....some better light fixtures that won't put a big drain on my checkbook would be appreciated

skimmer....I don't have the space to set up a sump....are side mounted skimmers sufficient? Or should i come up with a way to do a sump?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me

 

Welcome to 3reef.

I would come up with a way to do a sump. Stay away from SeaClone HOB skimmers.

Lighting will depend on what creatures you would like to keep ie: soft corals vs acropora.

 

I hope all of this will answer some of your questions for you.

 

WELCOME!

Have you decided what type of tank you want to have? Fish Only, Fish with Live Rock, or a full on reef tank (with corals)?

The reason I ask is that it will be much easier to recommend equipment based on what you hope keep in the tank. i.e.- you won't need high intensity lighting if you only want to keep fish, but will need to upgrade if going reef.

Just as a few quick generic answers:

Sand vs. Crushed Coral- I believe it it mostly preference, but have heard of benefits from running a deep sand bed (my understanding is that it helps with maintaining water quality). I have a shallow sand bed in my 24g aquapod and 30g standard, but decided to go with crushed coral for my new 46g bowfront.

For lighting, I would recommend T5's if you are trying to keep things lower in cost. You should be able to keep numerous varieties of corals and they are the most cost efficient, overall. Metal Halides are expensive to purchase and draw a lot of electricity. LED's are also an option, expensive initial purchase, but very cost efficient afterward.

For the skimmer, I would think you should probably try to do a sump for a 75g. You will thank yourself in the long run.

Just one other thing to keep in mind is that this hobby can get very expensive and it might be helpful to know what type of budget you are on. My 46g has already run up to about $600 (and thats with all used equipment). I don't want to scare you away, just want to make sure you know what you are in for (due to your comment about being light on your wallet).

Despite the expense, I have found SW to be much more enjoyable than fresh and would do it again in a heart beat- I was just surprised how fast things added up when I first started.

Good Luck and let us know how everything comes along!

 

Welcome IRideR1