New Marine Aquarium

[Matt]

Hi,
I've recently been handed a 46gal bowfront aquarium, and we're thinking of setting it up as a SW rig.

It has been 25 years since I've run SW, and I know a lot's changed. I need some advice to make my decision.

1. Is the 46gal big enough to make a stable setup?
2. What choices to I have for equipment and livestock vendors? I was at Big Al's, but was unimpressed by the reception I got there.
3. Anyone want to offer should/must tips for the setup?

Regards,
Matt

[mr_alberta]

Welcome to the club and to the forum Matt! Also, welcome back to the hobby!

As far as local retailer for Livestock/Equipment, here is the quick and dirty list:

Local Stores

Aquarium Illusions
16630 - 109 Avenue
http://www.aquariumillusions.com/
Probably the best Saltwater fish place in Edmonton, though some of their prices are a little high in my own personal opinion. The store is very clean and the employees there are quite friendly.

Salt Water Fantasies
15908 - 109 St.
http://www.saltwaterfantasies.com/
I've never been there myself, but I hear he does sell some cheap fish.

Aquarium Enthusiasts
30 Athabasca Avenue
Devon, Alberta
www.aquariumenthusiasts.com
Again, I've never been there, but from what I hear, the staff is friendly and it is quite nice (but small).

Big Al's
3511-99 St.
Big Store, large fish selection. Overpriced dry goods. That's about it.

There's also a store in Sherwood Park, but the name and address eludes me at the moment.

Canadian Mail Order Stores

http://www.jlaquatics.com/
Probably the best place in Canada for dry good/equipment. Fast service and friendly staff.

http://aquariacanada.com/osCommerce/default.php
I've heard very good things about this store as well for both Livestock and equipment. I believe most of their prices match JL's.

http://www.reefraft.ca
Never dealt with them, but they have a nice selection of livestock.

http://www.mops.ca/
Sells dry goods/equipment only. They carry some things that JL's doesn't (or doesn't list). Very friendly and fast service.

http://www.reefsolution.com/catalog/
I've only dealt with them once through a group order. They do carry some interesting dry goods though.

http://www.aquariumpros.ca/x-cart/customer/home.php
Never dealt with them before, so I don't know what to say here....

For more information
The following sites are great information resources:
http://www.aquariumpros.ca/index.php
http://aquariacanada.com/forums/inde...93cb2d8decaecb
http://www.reefcentral.com
http://www.reefs.org/

There. That should keep you busy for a while

Regarding your other questions, yes, a 46G can be set up to form a stable environment, but you must be dilligent with your maintenance (i.e. waterchanges, water topoffs, etc). The hobby has come a long way in terms of equipment and whatnot to help those with smaller tanks.

As for tips, the best advice I can give you is ask questions, and network with local reefers! It will save you a pile of money in the end with coral trading and getting cheap/used equipment. That's it for now! I swear!

[Richer]

I was a complete newbie when I started on my 30 gallon (with a 15 gallon sump) a few months ago... (so I guess I am still quite a newbie now, compare to everyone else on this board ). I have a total water volumn of around 40 gallons and find that it is quite easy to maintain, and I am able to keep quite a stable environment. It helps that I keep my fish load relatively light, feed lightly and have a nice refugium packed with chaetomorpha.

-Richer

[Keen]

Originally Posted by Matt

Hi,

1. Is the 46gal big enough to make a stable setup?
2. What choices to I have for equipment and livestock vendors? I was at Big Al's, but was unimpressed by the reception I got there.
3. Anyone want to offer should/must tips for the setup?

Regards,
Matt

10 gallon is able to make a stable setup, you just need to maintain it a little more. As for vendors, i have found big al's to be quite great for livestock, but for corals, go to aquarium illusions.
Tips for setup I would suggest would be to have at least 1-2" of sand on the bottom for athestics and to make everything a little more stable. that is where a little more of the nitrification process goes on. other than that, use 1lb of live rock for every gallon, and have fun with the new tank.

[Richer]

Originally Posted by Keen

Tips for setup I would suggest would be to have at least 1-2" of sand on the bottom for athestics and to make everything a little more stable. that is where a little more of the nitrification process goes on.

I disagree. My tank has no sand in it, only rocks, and I have no nitrification problems. As for athestics, that depends from person to person.

-Richer

[Quinn]

If we want to split hairs, 1-2" of sand doesn't qualify as a Shimek-style DSB anyways, and therefore may not have the same benefits he describes.

[Keen]

well you do have to agree that alot of life does live in the sand bottom, which is food for some animals

[Quinn]

Possibly, but I don't know if that would be a key consideration when deciding whether or not to go with a sand bed.

Perhaps what one would really be wanting to look at is that the sand is a moderate filtration bonus versus an added variable to cause problems. Personally I think in a 46 gal I would go with a bit of sand for aesthetic reasons.

[Majestic_Aquariums]

Take the time to check out Salt Water Fantasies if you get a chance-but get his hours of operation off the website. (It is run out of his basement) Not really the cleanest of places, yet his livestock seems healthy, and his prices are quite good; almost as good as Golds! (maybe it was just the maids week off?)