New tank

You should definitely plan to attend the meeting this coming Thursday. That is where you can find out about the most important part of keeping an aquarium - the filtration.

I know how tempting it is, but I would advise not setting up your tank until you have been to that meeting. You can avoid lots of expensive mistakes.

Briefly though, wet-dry is not the best for a reef but some believe that it is a good supplement for a fish only tank. Live sand and live rock are the best filtration media in my opinion. There is a free source of live sand called Oolitic sand in Utah. This discussion board has discussed it numerous times. Search for "Oolitic" and feel free to write or call me for help.

Mark [email protected]  801-296-1563

The type of lighting depends on your organisms. Since you may not know yet what kind of organisms you will end up with, plan on using PC (power compact) or VHO (very high output) fluorescent with the possibility of adding Metal Halide (MH) later if you decide to have acropora and/or clams.

There are some advanced discussions regarding DIY VHO here on the board. Ballasts are available at Commercial Lighting here in SLC but the tubes must be purchased from the LFS or mail order. (this is where the mirrored aluminum spoken of in another thread is such a good DIY deal)

Natural sunlight can give the light that MH tries to duplicate. I'm waiting to hear of someone placing a large tank in the window or using a "light tube" to bring sunlight to the tank!

Now you're probably wondering between PC and VHO. PC are more cost effective but VHO can bring out some great color in the coral and algae. www.garf.org uses VHO. Check out their images.

For those reading this that are not able to afford these expensive lights, ordinary fluorescent lights can do great things. Check out my old tank pictures in the wesite "Gallary" I had six ordinary 40 Watt tubes over that tank. Four actinic, one white and one plant grow tube for bringing out the color (helps grow coralline algae too).

Mark

jbruse,

IMO - LS and LR with a deep sand bed and a skimmer for filtration. Use the wet/dry but don't use it as a wet/dry- use it for a sump to house your skimmer, heater, etc.

As far as lighting goes -->  the tank is deep. Buy the most light you can afford. I have never had pc, but I love VHOs. Eventually, you will want to get metal halides - everyone does (even those who say they don't) (hahaha).
I think two 400 watt mh and two 110 watt VHOs would be perfect for the tank. What ever you decide - buy electronic ballasts. They will cost a little more up front, but they will save you in utility bills and bulb life.