54g reef tank

Melina · #1 07-05-2007, 07:07 AM

Hi all,
Brand new to reef keeping, hope I can set this thing up right! I ordered a 54g tank & stand, it will be here in about 10 days. Today I called Hidden Reef and made some purchases. I got a 36" Tek-Light T5 High Output fixture, which holds 6 bulbs. I got 4 ATI Blue Plus 39W and 2 URI Super Actinic 39W. Mark from HR told me I could grow 60-70% of all corals with these lights so I'm happy with that (for now). Oh I also got 2 Coralife Lunar Blue-Moon-Glow LED Lights -3/4watt. I decided to go with the Remora Pro for skimming and I got a 75gpd ro/di. So that's a start. My plan is to purchase live Tonga Rock, about 70lbs, and 60lbs of Aragamax Select for the substrate. I am going to focus on growing soft corals to start with, I really like zoanthids! I'm in Terrace, BC. Glad to be here!

niloc16 · #2 07-05-2007, 07:10 AM

welcome melina. sounds like your starting off right. good for you

Doug · #3 07-05-2007, 01:56 PM

Welcome to Canreef.

michika · #4 07-05-2007, 03:10 PM

Hi, and welcome!

Sounds like you've started off right. I'm excited to see how everything progresses.

muck · #5 07-05-2007, 03:38 PM

Welcome to Canreef Melina.
Make sure to take progression photos for all of us..

trilinearmipmap · #6 07-05-2007, 07:11 PM

OK Melina I hope your tank goes well.

We really should start up an Northwest BC Reefing group. We could arrange group orders of livestock and supplies.

Reefer Rob · #7 07-10-2007, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melina

I got 4 ATI Blue Plus 39W and 2 URI Super Actinic 39W. Mark from HR told me I could grow 60-70% of all corals with these lights so I'm happy with that (for now).

That light combo will be pretty blue. Sounds more like the right lights for supplemental lighting. I like a 50/50 combo of Aquablue and Blue Plus for stand alone T5 lighting. Not sure what corals wouldn't grow well under those lights. T5s are great!

Melina · #8 07-11-2007, 05:56 AM

You know what, I just checked my lights and to be honest I think I was wrong when I said I had the super actinics. I have 2 ATI Blue Plus and 4 T5 HO 39W 10000K. Are these the Aquablue? Can you tell I am a beginner????

Reefer Rob · #9 07-11-2007, 03:54 PM

The Aquablue will say "Aquablue" on them, they are around 10,000K. That combo should give a nice light to start, but as they age a bit they will shift toward the red spectrum and you may want 3 blue plus. It's all a matter of personal taste though, that's just the look I like.

Melina · #10 07-13-2007, 08:30 PM

Well, I joined Reef Central and was reading how a lot of members there think the Remora Pro is a piece of garbage. I started thinking I need a better skimmer, so after speaking to Mike at Hidden Reef this morning, he explained all the benefits of having a sump. Oh and I've been having some nasty experiences at Petland. I have personal issues with the manager there. I won't be doing any more business with Petland. SO. I've cancelled my order at Petland for the 54g. And I'm going to return the stand I ordered from Big Al's. Mike and his team are going to put together a 58g (36 x 19 x 24) for me, with a 25g sump & Euro-reef skimmer, with a pine stand. I'm pretty excited.