vans27

Hey!! I a'm very new at this and I have tons of questions. I have a 110 gallon tank that I am planning to turn into reef tank. I have read about the basic needs like the protein skimmer, liver rock, sump and overflow, but I am still abit confused:

1) What size sump is recommended for a 110 g tank?

2) I've read that you can use plastic rubermaid (or whatever) containers as the sump, I am assuming that if I do that I won't be able to keep the heaters in the sump. True or false?

3) I've been looking at the octopus reef skimmers and I need one that is less than 19'' tall (due to space restrictions)that will work for my tank size. can anyone recommend one?

4) I want to keep soft coral and fish only, do I need expensive metal halloid (or something like that) lighting or will a simple aquarium light do?

5) I've heard two stories: you can add fish within days after you set up the tank and you have to wait weeks to add any fish. WHICH ONE IS TRUE

THanks in advance for any input!!

au01st

Biggest you can afford/fit where you want it. The more water you have, the more stable the system is. I would look for a 40 breeder tank or a 55 gallon to turn into a sump.

You can keep the heater in there, but you will need some way to keep it in place. Suction cups in salt water don't always last. You'll want to keep the heater in a place where water flow over it is constant, but other than that, anywhere in the sump will work.

Don't know about size, but Octopus skimmers have a very good reputation.

A simple aquarium light still may not provide enough light. You'll likely be good with Power Compacts, and those fixtures are relatively cheap (compared to T5 or MH).

It depends, every aquarium is different. It depends on the quantity/quality of live rock you use, and if it's cured/uncured, etc. You need the tank to go through the cycle, then you're good to go. It can take a week to 2 months, it just varies.

vans27

Thanks for the info!

Have have other questions. How do you recommend doing the baffels for the sump if I go with the plastic container?

Is there a specific wattage I need for the power compact lights?

Thanks again

cerianthus

Is this standard 110; 48L x 18W x 30H? The reason for question is related to height of tank and how high can you bring up the LR?
Even though had many softies do well under Flo bulbs (but specific coral bulbs) in shallow tanks (12"), thrived and spread/multiplied better Under MH/PCcombo.
Thus should consider those criteria I mentioned before choosing light.
If your tank height is as such, then should consider at least T5 with at least 2 separate switches in order to increase/decrease lighting (on timer) as day passes, trying to simulate the sun somewhat. I always gave most intense lighting in the midday (4-6 hrs/day depending on type of bulbs).
Hope this helped a bit!

vans27

It's not standard. It's 60 x 18 x 23.

cerianthus

Better!
Look aound in ebay or Craig's List and decide. i dont know if 5' strip is made with higher wattage but usually max on 4' PC would be 260W (4 x 65W/ea). I would use 2 x 265W on timer for your tank if it was mine.
I would rather look into T5 or in combo (T5/PC). PC was in circulation when I left reefing thus never had chance to evaluate T5 but been doing some research and finding good reviews on T5. And T5 seems to give more flexibility as far as type of corals able to keep. So it means few extra buck, would go with T5.

Like I said, look around. It seems more and more hobbyist are cutting down their hobby or leaving completely. You can also try this forum or other forum's classified section.
I've seen tons of dry/livegoods for sale at Manhattanreef or Reefcentral.
Hope this helped.
PS: Before buying any used items, check to see if parts (bulbs, fan, switches, etc from mfr) are readily avail w/o costing arm and a leg,lol.