Putter's first tank

[putter]

Well I did it, against the grain some what, but I did it! I ordered my first tank, a 105 gallon acrylic from fish tanks direct (a tencor product), I know some may call me crazy for going acrylic but in reality it was the easiest way (no one likes to ship glass). It will have a center prefilter with 1.5"x1 drain and 2x 3/4 returns with centipedes. Will also order the following today; Pro Heat-ll 150 Watt Titanium Heater for the tank, Pro Heat 50-350 Watt Titanium Heater (sump)
ASM-G3 Saltwater Protein Skimmer
Refugium
I will also order the power heads suggested by Bifferwine;
Hydor Koralia - 2 Water Pump (600 GPH)x2
Hydor Koralia - 3 Water Pump (850 GPH) x1
I think that should about cover the basics, I hope! (did I miss anything?)
Lights will come soon, I am almost certain I will order the LED from Solaris, the I4, just waiting to see more on the aquaillumantion brand that is just comming out.

Do I need much for lighting to start a cycle on the tank once I get it set up? Will be shooting for a DSB of 6" and as much LR as I can get in there (1.5lbs per gallon is it?) Anyhow, enough babble for now, figured I would start a tank thread now to help curb the excitement LOL will post pics when the set up starts.

[Bifferwine]

You don't need a heater for the sump AND tank. Putting the heaters only in the sump will be sufficient, since the water is recirculated throughout.

You don't need much lighting to start a cycle. Just something rotting! 1 to 2 lbs of rock per gallon is good to aim for.

[putter]

Thanks Bifferwine, I will only order one heater then, I was under the understanding that 2 heaters was a good idea, one for a back up that would be set a degree or two cooler, juuuusstttt in case one fails. I can hardly wait to get this up and going, looking at all the tanks posted here makes me jealous.

[Bifferwine]

That is a good idea. Having two heaters in the sump in case one fails is a good way to go.

[yote]

The main reason for adding 2 smaller heaters,is in the event that the stat sticks on one and it doesnt cut off at the set temp its not as likely to overheat the tank and cause a crash.

Good luck,Cant wait to see pics.

[MikMcgyver]

Running 2 heaters in my 125's sump, not as scary as a giant heater boiling my tank, think I use 150 or 250 watt heaters, I forget I will have to look...

[fishbait]

I can't wait to see what the solaris fixture looks like!

[putter]

Well with much messing about the refuge is ordered the powerheads are ordered, salt, test kits for Phos,Calc, Alk,amon, nitrite, nitrate,ph,Iodine and Copper are all ordered, the RO/DI is on order, heaters, cleaning kits, scratch removal kit, refractometer and an extra pump. I sure hope that covers most of what I need. I will order the sand and LR when the tank arrives. Now some questions, when I am setting this up, is it ok to place all of the LR in at the same time? The tank will have been up for a short period of time (24-48 hrs) the water will have had time to settle out reach it's temp, and salt levels will be where they need to be. Is it or will it be ok to place the sand and LR at the same time, or should I give it some time between sand and rock placement? Should I run the refuge right from the start, or should I wait until the tank has done it's cycle before I start up the refuge? Should I have the skimmer running from the first day or wait until after the cycle..... . I think that does the ramble for today, I'm sure I will be back for alot more advice in the future...heck this is just the setup, we have not even started with the good stuff yet LOL fishes, softies, sps, lps......so many questions....brain hurts now.....must stop thinking

[Bifferwine]

Add the sand...then the water. Then the rock. Then let it cycle. Run the skimmer while you cycle. Start up the fuge when it is done cycling.

[reeffreak]

I would add the sand to both the fuge and main tank.Add saltwater,adjust the specific gravity if needed and let it run until the water clears.After it clears add the live rock and any rubble to the fuge,let it cycle.

If you do decide on the Solaris fixture,I'll be anxious to here your experiences with it.