Reef Aquarium Startup

[Kasey Grohowski]

Hi I am in the process of making my first reef aquarium. I will be purchasing a 220 gallon tank. So far what I have is as follows: Coral Life protein skimmer, jebao powerhead pp20, 2 fluval fx5 canister filters, 72 inch led light bar, 300 gallon sump, refractometer, and I will be buying 20 pounds of substrate and 40 pounds of live rock. I am planning on only keeping an epaulette shark in here. Any other suggestions on what I need, such as heaters. The 2 canister filters have about a 5x an hour water turnover rate.

 

[Brad Miller]

1st saltwater tank...good job...GO BIG OR GO HOME...I LIKE IT !

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

1st saltwater tank...good job...GO BIG OR GO HOME...I LIKE IT !

Hell yeah brother I love the epaulette shark and I plan on having it for life.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

If anyone has suggestions on what else to get or any info, please feel free to post.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Youll need much more substrate which must be sand, not crushed coral. the rock should be emphasized on hiding for the shark and plan on good water movement to move uneaten food and focus on filtration as water quality will be essential

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Youll need much more substrate which must be sand, not crushed coral. the rock should be emphasized on hiding for the shark and plan on good water movement to move uneaten food and focus on filtration as water quality will be essential

How much more and what do you recommend for brand

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Youll need much more substrate which must be sand, not crushed coral. the rock should be emphasized on hiding for the shark and plan on good water movement to move uneaten food and focus on filtration as water quality will be essential

Also as it is right now my water turnover rate is 5x an hour, is that not enough?

 

[vetteguy53081]

How much more and what do you recommend for brand

about 2-3" thick and Caribsea brand is awesome. Water should be ok

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Anybody know how much water should be replenished each week? If 15% 20%??

 

[Saveafish]

Get a bigger skimmer. You'll have close to 500 gal. Sharks are messy eaters and poop big.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Get a bigger skimmer. You'll have close to 500 gal. Sharks are messy eaters and poop big.

I read this, didnt think it would be a problem since it will be the only fish in this tank. Could I get an additional skimmer or would I have to get only 1 bigger skimmer

 

[Saveafish]

You can run several. Sharks need very clean water. No copper or heavy metals in the water. Copper kills them.

 

[Captain Quint]

Welcome to R2R

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

You can run several. Sharks need very clean water. No copper or heavy metals in the water. Copper kills them.

What do you recommend to keep metals out?

 

[Saveafish]

Not to put them in there. Lol. Nothing metal touches the water.

 

[Kasey Grohowski]

Anybody know what kind of salt is best ?

 

[Saveafish]

Instant ocean works very well. Tried and true.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Anybody know how much water should be replenished each week? If 15% 20%??

It is at your discretion. 10-15% seems to be an industry norm.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Anybody know what kind of salt is best ?

Instant Ocean Reef Crystal has been a great salt for years.
Although costly, Tropic Marin is Very good and Fritz Pro is the new salt I use with Very good results and not expensive. I will always Love Red Sea Coral pro which I use in my large cube tank

 

[BestMomEver]

I have to ask.... you have a 200 gallon tank and a 300 gallon sump?i would use the 300 as the DT. Swap those puppies around!