Dennis from Germantown, Maryland
size of tank:
135 Gallon Fish Only With Live
Rock
inhabitants: Clown Trigger,
Niger Trigger, Emperer Angel,
Snowflake Eel, Harlaquin Tusk,
Dogface Puffer, Green Cromis, 40
hermit crabs, Lots of snails.
system: Main tank is a 135 g
custom Oceanic with custom stand.
The tank has two build in overflows.
The First overflow is a closed loop
that leads straight into an Iwaki
WMD 40 RLXT (1200 GPH) to an ocean
clear filter and then into an Aqua
40 watt UV sterilizer then back up
to the return. The other side of the
tank dumps into a 20 gallon custom
sump. The sumps main chamber is a
refuge with rubble rock, miracle mud
and live sand from a previous tank
that I had set up. This also is full
of macro algae. A 750 Mag Drive
leads to a berlin skimmer. There is
an ocelating power head in the
refudge for circulation, and this
all leads back to the tank with a
950 mag drive.
lighting: Two 36 Inch 96 Watt
compact fluorescent for main tank.
Two 24 inch 65 watt compact
fluorescent for sump/refuge.
live rock: 150 - 200 mixed
tips: If you are setting up
your first tank do not skimp on
getting the best equipmet you can
buy. Some people have a hard time
keeping marine tanks, but if you do
the initial investment right, it
practically takes care of itself.
Also try not to take shortcuts. Let
the system adjust on its own. Do not
add any quick fixes to the tank.
Such as Chemical that fixes this or
that. The only chemicals that I
would suggest for this type of set
up are Zoe and Garlic Guard for
soaking food, and calcium
suppliments if you want to grow
corraline algae. Other tips: Reverse
osmosis water, Oceaninc Sea Salt, If
you are on a budget look for deals
in the local paper or auction sites
and then use your savings to get
great filtration.
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