Plan of attack for a new tank

I am a newbie who was recently given an ALL-Glass 120gallon tank with the dual corner overflows, stand, canopy and a set of PC Coral Life lights.


What I have in mind for the tank is as follows

All-Glass Mega Flow 4 Sump filer, rated for a 250 gallon tank (already purchased) Can't go wrong for $200
Aqua Medics T1000 Protein Skimmer and pump
Cora Life Turbo Twist 3x 9 watt UV Sterilizer
Poseidon PS3 850gph pump (also known as a Velocity T3) – I hear they are very quiet
1x48" Cora life light fixture. The unit has 4x65watt white lights (already have)
1x48" Cora life light fixture. The unit has 4x65watt blue lights (already Have)

Maybe 70lbs or live rock with another 30-50 more when $ becomes more available down the road

I hope to add 3 -5 small Ocellaris Clownfish to start then add a Butterfly and 2 Tangs ( a blue and a yellow) - I hear they all play nice but to add the clownfish first as the others are slightly more aggressive

I'll also start with some snails, maybe some Nassarius and Cerith for the sand bed and some Atreas, Turbos for the rock and glass, to keep things a little cleaner.

I want the following but not sure when to add them and if I need anything special like more lighting etc.

A nice Crocea clam (or 2), bubble anemone, black long spine urchins ( 1 or 2), a read sea star and/or a blue Linckia star and a couple assorted corals like: bubble coral, some different color plate corals, frogsspan and maybe a bright yellow Figi Leather.

My understanding is that the clam requires a lot of light and the corals as well. I've also heard that the starfish should be added maybe a year or so into the tank, long after it has stabilized.

If I am to do all this should I add all the rock at once? Do I get new lights, wave makers? Does anything need to be added in any particular order or location? I assume the corals need to be placed far enough apart but some require more light than the others etc.

I know it is a lot to ask to have it all at once. I realize this will take some time, and I am new, so I'll take all the time I need as I don't feel like killing any livestock and forking out more cash.

Any suggestions?

 

To 3Reef!!!​

You are rock'in dude. All looks good...let us see when you have all hooked up. Lighting is a bit low...but should work fine.

The Tao of Marine Aquaria
Tips for Our Hobby and Life

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




​

 

I was also thinking of adding a zebra moray. How do you think this will work? Too much?

 

All looks good, but speaking from experiance, I think you should be focusing on just the Morray if thats what you want.

The Zebra can get over 4ft and would end up looking too big for your 120.
My snowflake is disrupting the environment by constant digging and eating of the hermits. He doesn't bother the fish, but he is ont 12" long.

My best advise is to try and choose what you think you will want to end up with and build towards that. BTW, there is a 4' Zebra for sale on this 3Reef if your looking for a jump on the size.

If I was to build again focusing on the eel, I would add the under gravel PVC tunnel system that I found on line once. This would give them a place to go without digging.


\Good Luck

 

4 feet! I thought they only got to a max of 3.. Was hoping to have one a little smaller than that to be honest. An eel would be great if only it was a foor and a half or so. but the one's I have seen that size are not too friendly.
It was mostly a "wish item". If all works out well with the 120.. I might consider and upgrade to a 200 or so further on down the line... Then I might consider something like this then.
Thanks all.