3ft Marine Tank Set up (Super Newbie)

[TFMANIAC]

I have decided that i want to set up a marine tank.

The extra 3ft tank in my home is just sitting there.. empty

It has an overflow filteration compartment on the right side that looks like this.

So i've been asking around on what I need to do first..

Have a friend who's been really helpful.

Being a Super newbie, I've read up alot though.

about the live rock, lighting, livestock etc

I just don't know where to begin.

I've kept freshwater tanks for 7 years now..

But when it comes to marine.. whole new ball game..

What are the things that I need to start?

anyone out there who is willing to give me any help?

It will be greatly appreciated.

[Solo77]

Welcome bro. The setting seems ok. U may wish to consider including one FR, chiller and lightset. Depending what u want, maybe it good for you to tell us yr intention before we can really advice. It can be "SIMPLE" setup and escalate to complex setting. Also, u need to consider the equipment size and placement. If yr sump is too small, see whether can go for external placement and that is provided yr cabinet allows it. Where do u stay, maybe can go farm and from there, u can understand more.

Me newbie also. So my advice can only act as reference. Happy reefing.

[tiffanydunk]

and wads the thickness of ur 3ft?

[Morpheous]

Share with us. Its going to be a fish only tank or reef tank?

[TFMANIAC]

Solo77 : Hey dude... Well i'm planning for something that will look good on the long run. I'm quite patient when it come to setting up of tank.. you know like waiting for plants to grow in etc...

Nothing too Fancy...

tiffanydunk : The thickness is 18 inches. or 45.5cm

Morpheous : Reef Tank bro.

[TFMANIAC]

I purchased the following yesterday

Orca Protien Skimmer

Reefmax Salt

A water Purifier.

Glass SG meter

Filled up my tank..

Set up the Powerhead.. you know.. to help circulate the water and dissolve the salt..

Got the salinity right.

Placed the Skimmer in the First compartment. It could fit in the second part, it fit perfectly but I could not place it in a way where I can place the cup on properly.

Next step

Purchase

Filter media

A good T5 lightset

some live rock and live sand

A wave maker

A fan

Pics..

Next step

[Jameshong]

tiffanydunk : The thickness is 18 inches. or 45.5cm

Thickness 18" ??? tiffanydunk meant what is the thickness of the glass not the width of the tank !

For 3ft tank...ideally the thickness is 10mm but 8mm is still ok la .

Morpheous : Reef Tank bro

IMHO, the lightset and skimmer are not able to sustain coral growth so do not jump into SPS. My suggestion is to try FOWLR 1st then slowly upgrade your equipment such lighting, skimmer, FR and add in wave maker .

[Ophiel]

I guess you could get stuff like Bali Stars, Mushrooms, and zooanthids - the Java Ferns and Nanas of the coral world lol. My tank is only up and running for 4 months and I still don't dare progress to the soft corals for fear of massive money-burnage.

[TFMANIAC]

that tank above...

Broke mysteriously...

new tank image here...

few more days to buying more equipment and live rock.

[TFMANIAC]

The skimmer fit perfectly in this tank...

I poured the water that I had saved back in... since it was in buckets for sooo long.. alot of dust and hair was in it..

All filtered out within 2 hours.

The water is Crystal now..

[tomowilson]

hmm....mayb u can consider changing the skimmer.....ur skimmer is not enough for your 3ft...just my 2 cent

[TFMANIAC]

yeah a few have said that... I don't know yet.... there's nothing living in the tank now... I'll have to upgrade it eventually.

Need the cash to get some other stuff first.

[ahdon_80]

I believe 4 months is ok to add some soft coral. The cycling of water should be ok by now.

I introduce some soft coral into my tank after 2 month plus. Until now, they are still ok.

just my 2cts, add 1 by 1 (weeks after weeks) and monitor. Patience....

I guess you could get stuff like Bali Stars, Mushrooms, and zooanthids - the Java Ferns and Nanas of the coral world lol. My tank is only up and running for 4 months and I still don't dare progress to the soft corals for fear of massive money-burnage.

[TFMANIAC]

Got some Live Rock today... really nice looking pieces...

unfortunately, the one on the right is kinda out of place.

I may break it into 3 seperate pieces.

[angelfishlover]

The skimmer i would recommend a cheap one like Reef octopus skimmer.Go to this web http://www.aquamarin.com.sg/productsDetail...id='94' is just my opinion.Any other bros might suggest a better.

Or you may try this http://www.aquamarin.com.sg/productsDetail...d='848' but is pretty troublesome cause need to clean when the water isn't running anymore which everytime i did.

Oh btw the 2 skimmers you need to adjust the water flow.Don't end up like me i didn't adjust and the bubbles just kept overflowing and voila!In the morning the whole floor is wet and my mum nags a lot cause the early morning newspaper and my school shoes are wet.

Anyway what is the glass thickness now?My 3ft is about 0.7cm.

Just my 2 cents