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Aiite...I started this in temp FP a long time ago, b/c I wasn't sure how long the forums would be down for. Now that I've finally tracked down Worley, I hope I can have some more help. This is what I originally posted:

"I'm going to be getting a reef tank for my sweet 16 present, but the project will be started off as some of my Christmas present. I have a couple questions...okay, I have SEVERAL questions.
1- the tank will either be 72gallon bowfront, or 75 gallon reg. Is there a reason I should take one over the other?
2- what is the general rule for LR/gallon?
3- lighting/protein skimmer/UV sterilizer/RO ideas?
4- what size for the sump? I was thinking 20-30 gallon range...any thoughts on that?

I know this is a lot to ask, so please feel free to give any input at all. Every little bit helps. Thanks!
~FF~"

Then Nate posted and said:

"I would go with a 72 gallon Bowfront. You will lose 3 gallons compared to the 75 gallon, but your aquascaping potential in a bowfront is much better in a smaller tank IMO anyway. I would go with a reef ready tank with internal overflows rather than going with an HOB overflow box that has potential to lose siphon when power is lost to the return pump.....if that happens and the power comes back on then you are going to overflow your tank with the water thats in your sump. Plumbing up a reef ready tank isnt that hard either...im sure you can handle it!

The general rule for LR/Gallon is about 1-1.5 lbs per gallon. This of course depends on the kind of rock that you use. Some rock is more dense and not as porous.....technically you would need more of this rock for the same bacteria culture that you would have on the same Weight of say Fiji or Marshall Island rock.

For lighting on your tank if you go with the 72 gallon bowfront, I would go with a dual 250 watt MH setup. This is going to cost you a little more money upfront, but will allow you to be flexible with the corals that you can keep.......allowing you to keep even high light SPS and clams! For a protein skimmer, I would go with an ASM G series skimmer. They are easy to use, work very well, and are not that expensive. They are an in sump design so your sump/fuge would need to have a place for it to sit. I dont recommend a UV sterilizer, just because it is going to be a reef tank and the UV will kill all the beneficial critters also. If you choose healthy livestock and keep water parameters good then you shouldnt have much, if any problems with disease or algae. An ro/di system is nice to have, but you can also haul water in buckets from the LFS.....It is IMO a def. benefit/requirement to use ro water in a SW tank though.

As for a sump/fuge size....most people recommend 60% of your main tanks water volume....a 30 gallon tank would be almost perfect for the size of tank that you want to go with."

Okay...so if anyone else wants to add their thoughts, please do.


Last edited by FerretFanatic at 10-Oct-2004 20:43

-Formerly known as the Ferretfish