180 Gal Filter and Skimmer

JMReptiles · #1 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 04:44 AM

Can anyone give me your opinion on what is a good choice for my new 180 gal tank....just got it the other day and im gonna set it up for a nice reef tank. What would be a good choice for a wet/dry filter and a protein skimmer that is not like an outrageous price but good quality what i wont have to replace for some time. Id prefer something that will be a little over so i wont be maxing the units out to accomodate the size of the tank.

sanman · #2 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 04:50 AM

if you are going to go with a reef that size you might want to try a refugium

sanman · #3 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 04:59 AM

if your going full reef i have a friend that can tranship you live rock that stuff is big money alone

JMReptiles · #4 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:06 AM

yeah ive noticed theres a lot of different filters and skimmers and what not. my plan is to fill the middle back and then work up towards the top with live rock and then get the fish, corals and what not from there. whos your friend? how can he ship to me...his stuff or what?

sanman · #5 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:07 AM

my friend is in new jersey he owns collection sites around the world but this would be uncured live rock so no fish for a month or two

sanman · #6 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:09 AM

so your plan is to aquascape with live rock add a few corals and a bunch of mixed fish?

sanman · #7 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:10 AM

if thats right wetdry and protien skimmer will do also in the future try to get a uv sterilizer

sanman · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:12 AM

they have lots of wetdrys and skimmers to choose from now go to thatfishplace.com or drfoster&smith get some prices dont buy there skimmers though try to go with a custom skimmer company in your area

JMReptiles · #9 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:16 AM

yeah i know i want the assorted corals. id love to get a lionfish but i always see sites say there not reef friendly? whats that mean exactly? my wife and i want the standard anemone with "nemos" and a "dora" of course. lol. i havent narrowed my choices as far as fish really. just know that i want the reef setup with live rocks and corals for sure. if he can get me live rocks shipped at a decent price then id be really interested. If i can save some money and have to wait on the fish for a month or so that just means more money for other equipment and fish.

JMReptiles · #10 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:18 AM

ive looked at drfoster catalog at there skimmers but all i looked for was something that said it could handle at least the 180gal setup. not many state that. as far as custom skimmers...what am i looking for as far as my needs for it to accomplish vs. buying one that can handle the volume?

sanman · #11 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:21 AM

the mass production type skimmers are no good as far as foam fraction time

JMReptiles · #12 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:22 AM

alright. i have a lfs thats strictly saltwater so ill go down and talk to them

sanman · #13 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:22 AM

get a couple of good books first because little mistakes will cost you to much and you will get sick of it fast

JMReptiles · #14 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:23 AM

ive noticed some filters dont state a gal limit..just gph. what would my need be that way so thats its not maxing the filter efficiency out.

sanman · #15 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:24 AM

reef and fish combos are tricky sometimes you will luck out and a dwarf angel will be fine other times they will kill all your corals just watch yourself and do it slow

sanman · #16 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:25 AM

with reef and fish always try to move 7times and hour so you want something that will move at least 1100gal per hour

sanman · #17 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:28 AM

have you ever tried salt before?

JMReptiles · #18 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:31 AM

WOW thats alot of volume! lol. I want to do it right the first time so so be it. I need to get some shut eye for work so im gonna head out for now. thanks for all your help. Ill pm you about your friend with the live rocks and we can chat more. Thanks again. Ill look into those refugium filters also.

sanman · #19 (**permalink**) 10-31-2006, 05:32 AM

ok no prob

mpgt · #20 (**permalink**) 11-17-2006, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stangracer85

yeah i know i want the assorted corals. id love to get a lionfish but i always see sites say there not reef friendly? whats that mean exactly? my wife and i want the standard anemone with "nemos" and a "dora" of course. lol. i havent narrowed my choices as far as fish really. just know that i want the reef setup with live rocks and corals for sure. if he can get me live rocks shipped at a decent price then id be really interested. If i can save some money and have to wait on the fish for a month or so that just means more money for other equipment and fish.

The Nemos are common clowns of course. There are so many different clown species out there. I like Maroon Clowns a lot, but the common (percula) clowns are more fun to watch, and do well in large groups. The larger clowns tend to be very territorial. Most clowns would be considered down the road, if not immediately by the lion fish. Most people stick with just a few small, non-agressive fish in a reef tank. I think there's good logic behind that.

Advertisement