Newbie Query

[KerplunKuK]

I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium. I have
got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.

My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank. I
checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for this
filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral provide
sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think is about
120 gallons.

Will this suffice or is more needed?

Thanks

--

Remove SPAM to reply
Victoria Concordia Crescit

[Chris Taylor]

Hi

Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is but;
depending on your anticipated starting point:

With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's what you
have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with this (and
more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be better.

Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104 and use
active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this additional
filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your tank
(neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be useful
in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions on this
but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation whilst
providing a degree of redundancy.

I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they might
be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but nowhere near
as desirable as a protein skimmer.

What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you have?

Welcome to the hobby.

Regards


Chris

"KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
.. .
> I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium. I
have
> got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
>
> My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank. I
> checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for this
> filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral provide
> sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think is
about
> 120 gallons.
>
> Will this suffice or is more needed?
>
> Thanks
>
> --
>
> Remove SPAM to reply
> Victoria Concordia Crescit
>
>

[KerplunKuK]

Trying to spend £300 max if possible. Basically I have been put off work
for at least 2 years as I need to learn to walk again etc, so I want a
really active hobby that I can spend hours a day doing. I have tropicals at
the moment but the work rate on them is not much. I would like to keep live
corals, anenomies, and small amounts of fish like clowns, tangs and a few
others.
Thanks
"Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
...
>
> Hi
>
> Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is but;
> depending on your anticipated starting point:
>
> With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's what you
> have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with this
(and
> more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be better.
>
> Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104 and use
> active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this
additional
> filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your tank
> (neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be useful
> in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions on
this
> but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation whilst
> providing a degree of redundancy.
>
> I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they might
> be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but nowhere
near
> as desirable as a protein skimmer.
>
> What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you have?
>
> Welcome to the hobby.
>
> Regards
>
>
> Chris
>
> "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> .. .
> > I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium. I
> have
> > got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
> >
> > My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank. I
> > checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for this
> > filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral
provide
> > sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think is
> about
> > 120 gallons.
> >
> > Will this suffice or is more needed?
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > --
> >
> > Remove SPAM to reply
> > Victoria Concordia Crescit
> >
> >
>
>

[Chris Taylor]

"""Trying to spend £300 max if possible. """

£300 Is going to be a bit of a challenge, that's not to say that it can't be
done. I think in the long run you're going to be spending a little more..

Without going through exacting price lists I'm going to guestimate the ideal
against what you might be able to get away with.

In your tank you should really have about 4 flourescents minimum. On very
basic undemanding setup you'll be needing a minimum of 2 flourescents in
your lid (how many have you got?) You'll need one powerglo and one actinic
(or similar). This will come to about £30.00 With these you'll be abe to
maintain fish, anenome (non light demanding) and a few of the corals that
don't require intensive light. This is where you're research becomes fun
prior to the actual purchase.

The Salt required for your tank will come in at about £25 to £35. You'll
need to purchase a similar amount every 10 to 15 weeks for your water
changes.

You really should be using Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, and at the very
least, De-Ionised (DI) water. A DI kit will cost about £50. RO will cost
about £100 minimum. If you go without you'll end up with more algae problems
that you could care for. You might find your local fishy supplier offers RO
water for sale, if not try find an enthusiast in your area, even their water
change throw-away would be better than tap water... (where do you live?, my
local LFS sells RO water)

You'll need a mixing basin and spare heater for making up your tank water,
and some camping water bottles for storing the stuff.
You'll also need to buy a hydrometer to determine the SG. Make sure you
measure the SG at about the temperature of your tank when mixing.

Some people use live sand which comes in at about £25 per bag (about
10Kilo). You'll need about 3 bags of the stuff for your tank. Most people
avoid Crushed Coral Sand. I still use it as it's cheap (£25 does the whole
tank). The only issue really is the constant requirement for cleaning the
stuff. A blue cheek goby puts paid to this as they're constantly digging
through the sand.

Live rock comes in at about £15 per Kilo
You'd be better off going with Base Rock (which probably comes from someones
tank). You can get this from about £5 to £6 per kilo. You'll need about 30
Kilo for your tank so half your budget has gone.. Alternatively you can take
the long way round and use Tufa or Lava rock at a pound or two per kilo for
the base, then seed this with dispersed amounts of base or live rock. It'll
take a year or three to turn the Tufa/Lava rock into something useful to the
tank. It is however possible to go this route; I did so with my first tank.

A cheapish protein skimmer will come in at about £100 to £150.
You really should get one of these as they remove waste products that would
otherwise contribute to unwanted algae blooms. There goes the other half of
your budget.... You can get away with one for a while but you'll be
monitoring your nitrates closely and performing regular water changes. You
said you wanted something to keep you busy.......

I'm assuming you got the basics as you are already into the hobby in a
freshwater kinda way. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the two.
Sal****er has more stringent water and lighting requirements, that's all.

Then you've got to buy the livestock....

"""Basically I have been put off work for at least 2 years as I need to
learn to walk again etc"""
How'd this happen, please don't say motorcycle, my second pastime.

If you need any additional guidance feel free to shout at:
or on this newsgroup.

Good luck, and regards


Chris


"KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
. ..
> Trying to spend £300 max if possible. Basically I have been put off work
> for at least 2 years as I need to learn to walk again etc, so I want a
> really active hobby that I can spend hours a day doing. I have tropicals
at
> the moment but the work rate on them is not much. I would like to keep
live
> corals, anenomies, and small amounts of fish like clowns, tangs and a few
> others.
> Thanks
> "Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> > Hi
> >
> > Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is but;
> > depending on your anticipated starting point:
> >
> > With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's what
you
> > have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with this
> (and
> > more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be better.
> >
> > Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104 and
use
> > active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this
> additional
> > filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your tank
> > (neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be
useful
> > in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions on
> this
> > but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation
whilst
> > providing a degree of redundancy.
> >
> > I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they
might
> > be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but nowhere
> near
> > as desirable as a protein skimmer.
> >
> > What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you have?
> >
> > Welcome to the hobby.
> >
> > Regards
> >
> >
> > Chris
> >
> > "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> > .. .
> > > I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium. I
> > have
> > > got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
> > >
> > > My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank. I
> > > checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for this
> > > filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral
> provide
> > > sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think is
> > about
> > > 120 gallons.
> > >
> > > Will this suffice or is more needed?
> > >
> > > Thanks
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> > > Remove SPAM to reply
> > > Victoria Concordia Crescit
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[KerplunKuK]

I had glandular fever which put me in bed for 8 months. Since then I have
been having physio three times a week to try and get the old legs working
again. Very hard work, and they think at least two years before I'm able to
walk unaided.
I need a hobby to use my time wisely indoors. Previously regular football
player etc, so a drastic life change. I find the fish relax me alot, so
thought it would be ideal. With being not at work you can see I have to
limit my spending, but want to enjoy my pastimes.
Thanks for your help so far. My research seems to uncover more each day.

Scott
"Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> """Trying to spend £300 max if possible. """
>
> £300 Is going to be a bit of a challenge, that's not to say that it can't
be
> done. I think in the long run you're going to be spending a little more..
>
> Without going through exacting price lists I'm going to guestimate the
ideal
> against what you might be able to get away with.
>
> In your tank you should really have about 4 flourescents minimum. On very
> basic undemanding setup you'll be needing a minimum of 2 flourescents in
> your lid (how many have you got?) You'll need one powerglo and one actinic
> (or similar). This will come to about £30.00 With these you'll be abe to
> maintain fish, anenome (non light demanding) and a few of the corals that
> don't require intensive light. This is where you're research becomes fun
> prior to the actual purchase.
>
> The Salt required for your tank will come in at about £25 to £35. You'll
> need to purchase a similar amount every 10 to 15 weeks for your water
> changes.
>
> You really should be using Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, and at the very
> least, De-Ionised (DI) water. A DI kit will cost about £50. RO will cost
> about £100 minimum. If you go without you'll end up with more algae
problems
> that you could care for. You might find your local fishy supplier offers
RO
> water for sale, if not try find an enthusiast in your area, even their
water
> change throw-away would be better than tap water... (where do you live?,
my
> local LFS sells RO water)
>
> You'll need a mixing basin and spare heater for making up your tank water,
> and some camping water bottles for storing the stuff.
> You'll also need to buy a hydrometer to determine the SG. Make sure you
> measure the SG at about the temperature of your tank when mixing.
>
> Some people use live sand which comes in at about £25 per bag (about
> 10Kilo). You'll need about 3 bags of the stuff for your tank. Most people
> avoid Crushed Coral Sand. I still use it as it's cheap (£25 does the whole
> tank). The only issue really is the constant requirement for cleaning the
> stuff. A blue cheek goby puts paid to this as they're constantly digging
> through the sand.
>
> Live rock comes in at about £15 per Kilo
> You'd be better off going with Base Rock (which probably comes from
someones
> tank). You can get this from about £5 to £6 per kilo. You'll need about 30
> Kilo for your tank so half your budget has gone.. Alternatively you can
take
> the long way round and use Tufa or Lava rock at a pound or two per kilo
for
> the base, then seed this with dispersed amounts of base or live rock.
It'll
> take a year or three to turn the Tufa/Lava rock into something useful to
the
> tank. It is however possible to go this route; I did so with my first
tank.
>
> A cheapish protein skimmer will come in at about £100 to £150.
> You really should get one of these as they remove waste products that
would
> otherwise contribute to unwanted algae blooms. There goes the other half
of
> your budget.... You can get away with one for a while but you'll be
> monitoring your nitrates closely and performing regular water changes. You
> said you wanted something to keep you busy.......
>
> I'm assuming you got the basics as you are already into the hobby in a
> freshwater kinda way. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the
two.
> Sal****er has more stringent water and lighting requirements, that's all.
>
> Then you've got to buy the livestock....
>
> """Basically I have been put off work for at least 2 years as I need to
> learn to walk again etc"""
> How'd this happen, please don't say motorcycle, my second pastime.
>
> If you need any additional guidance feel free to shout at:
> or on this newsgroup.
>
> Good luck, and regards
>
>
> Chris
>
>
> "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> . ..
> > Trying to spend £300 max if possible. Basically I have been put off
work
> > for at least 2 years as I need to learn to walk again etc, so I want a
> > really active hobby that I can spend hours a day doing. I have
tropicals
> at
> > the moment but the work rate on them is not much. I would like to keep
> live
> > corals, anenomies, and small amounts of fish like clowns, tangs and a
few
> > others.
> > Thanks
> > "Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is but;
> > > depending on your anticipated starting point:
> > >
> > > With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's what
> you
> > > have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with this
> > (and
> > > more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be
better.
> > >
> > > Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104 and
> use
> > > active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this
> > additional
> > > filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your
tank
> > > (neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be
> useful
> > > in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions on
> > this
> > > but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation
> whilst
> > > providing a degree of redundancy.
> > >
> > > I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they
> might
> > > be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but nowhere
> > near
> > > as desirable as a protein skimmer.
> > >
> > > What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you
have?
> > >
> > > Welcome to the hobby.
> > >
> > > Regards
> > >
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > > "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> > > .. .
> > > > I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium.
I
> > > have
> > > > got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
> > > >
> > > > My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank.
I
> > > > checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for
this
> > > > filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral
> > provide
> > > > sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think
is
> > > about
> > > > 120 gallons.
> > > >
> > > > Will this suffice or is more needed?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > >
> > > > Remove SPAM to reply
> > > > Victoria Concordia Crescit
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Chris Taylor]

If you decide to go with Tufa, make sure you clean throroughly. I used this
once a few years ago and had serious algae problems. Your books should offer
guidance on this, if not let me know and I'll see what I can dig up.

Regards

Chris



"KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
. ..
> I had glandular fever which put me in bed for 8 months. Since then I have
> been having physio three times a week to try and get the old legs working
> again. Very hard work, and they think at least two years before I'm able
to
> walk unaided.
> I need a hobby to use my time wisely indoors. Previously regular football
> player etc, so a drastic life change. I find the fish relax me alot, so
> thought it would be ideal. With being not at work you can see I have to
> limit my spending, but want to enjoy my pastimes.
> Thanks for your help so far. My research seems to uncover more each day.
>
> Scott
> "Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
> ...
> >
> >
> > """Trying to spend £300 max if possible. """
> >
> > £300 Is going to be a bit of a challenge, that's not to say that it
can't
> be
> > done. I think in the long run you're going to be spending a little
more..
> >
> > Without going through exacting price lists I'm going to guestimate the
> ideal
> > against what you might be able to get away with.
> >
> > In your tank you should really have about 4 flourescents minimum. On
very
> > basic undemanding setup you'll be needing a minimum of 2 flourescents in
> > your lid (how many have you got?) You'll need one powerglo and one
actinic
> > (or similar). This will come to about £30.00 With these you'll be abe to
> > maintain fish, anenome (non light demanding) and a few of the corals
that
> > don't require intensive light. This is where you're research becomes fun
> > prior to the actual purchase.
> >
> > The Salt required for your tank will come in at about £25 to £35. You'll
> > need to purchase a similar amount every 10 to 15 weeks for your water
> > changes.
> >
> > You really should be using Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, and at the very
> > least, De-Ionised (DI) water. A DI kit will cost about £50. RO will
cost
> > about £100 minimum. If you go without you'll end up with more algae
> problems
> > that you could care for. You might find your local fishy supplier offers
> RO
> > water for sale, if not try find an enthusiast in your area, even their
> water
> > change throw-away would be better than tap water... (where do you live?,
> my
> > local LFS sells RO water)
> >
> > You'll need a mixing basin and spare heater for making up your tank
water,
> > and some camping water bottles for storing the stuff.
> > You'll also need to buy a hydrometer to determine the SG. Make sure you
> > measure the SG at about the temperature of your tank when mixing.
> >
> > Some people use live sand which comes in at about £25 per bag (about
> > 10Kilo). You'll need about 3 bags of the stuff for your tank. Most
people
> > avoid Crushed Coral Sand. I still use it as it's cheap (£25 does the
whole
> > tank). The only issue really is the constant requirement for cleaning
the
> > stuff. A blue cheek goby puts paid to this as they're constantly digging
> > through the sand.
> >
> > Live rock comes in at about £15 per Kilo
> > You'd be better off going with Base Rock (which probably comes from
> someones
> > tank). You can get this from about £5 to £6 per kilo. You'll need about
30
> > Kilo for your tank so half your budget has gone.. Alternatively you can
> take
> > the long way round and use Tufa or Lava rock at a pound or two per kilo
> for
> > the base, then seed this with dispersed amounts of base or live rock.
> It'll
> > take a year or three to turn the Tufa/Lava rock into something useful to
> the
> > tank. It is however possible to go this route; I did so with my first
> tank.
> >
> > A cheapish protein skimmer will come in at about £100 to £150.
> > You really should get one of these as they remove waste products that
> would
> > otherwise contribute to unwanted algae blooms. There goes the other half
> of
> > your budget.... You can get away with one for a while but you'll be
> > monitoring your nitrates closely and performing regular water changes.
You
> > said you wanted something to keep you busy.......
> >
> > I'm assuming you got the basics as you are already into the hobby in a
> > freshwater kinda way. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the
> two.
> > Sal****er has more stringent water and lighting requirements, that's
all.
> >
> > Then you've got to buy the livestock....
> >
> > """Basically I have been put off work for at least 2 years as I need to
> > learn to walk again etc"""
> > How'd this happen, please don't say motorcycle, my second pastime.
> >
> > If you need any additional guidance feel free to shout at:
> > or on this newsgroup.
> >
> > Good luck, and regards
> >
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
> > "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> > . ..
> > > Trying to spend £300 max if possible. Basically I have been put off
> work
> > > for at least 2 years as I need to learn to walk again etc, so I want a
> > > really active hobby that I can spend hours a day doing. I have
> tropicals
> > at
> > > the moment but the work rate on them is not much. I would like to
keep
> > live
> > > corals, anenomies, and small amounts of fish like clowns, tangs and a
> few
> > > others.
> > > Thanks
> > > "Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> > > >
> > > > Hi
> > > >
> > > > Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is
but;
> > > > depending on your anticipated starting point:
> > > >
> > > > With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's
what
> > you
> > > > have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with
this
> > > (and
> > > > more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be
> better.
> > > >
> > > > Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104
and
> > use
> > > > active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this
> > > additional
> > > > filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your
> tank
> > > > (neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be
> > useful
> > > > in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions
on
> > > this
> > > > but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation
> > whilst
> > > > providing a degree of redundancy.
> > > >
> > > > I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they
> > might
> > > > be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but
nowhere
> > > near
> > > > as desirable as a protein skimmer.
> > > >
> > > > What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you
> have?
> > > >
> > > > Welcome to the hobby.
> > > >
> > > > Regards
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > > "KerplunKuK" > wrote in
message
> > > > .. .
> > > > > I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine
aquarium.
> I
> > > > have
> > > > > got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
> > > > >
> > > > > My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank.
> I
> > > > > checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for
> this
> > > > > filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral
> > > provide
> > > > > sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think
> is
> > > > about
> > > > > 120 gallons.
> > > > >
> > > > > Will this suffice or is more needed?
> > > > >
> > > > > Thanks
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > >
> > > > > Remove SPAM to reply
> > > > > Victoria Concordia Crescit
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Happy'Cam'per]

Hey Chris, why did you leave sunny South Africa? Where are you now?
Just curious :)
--
**So long, and thanks for all the fish!**




"Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> """Trying to spend £300 max if possible. """
>
> £300 Is going to be a bit of a challenge, that's not to say that it can't
be
> done. I think in the long run you're going to be spending a little more..
>
> Without going through exacting price lists I'm going to guestimate the
ideal
> against what you might be able to get away with.
>
> In your tank you should really have about 4 flourescents minimum. On very
> basic undemanding setup you'll be needing a minimum of 2 flourescents in
> your lid (how many have you got?) You'll need one powerglo and one actinic
> (or similar). This will come to about £30.00 With these you'll be abe to
> maintain fish, anenome (non light demanding) and a few of the corals that
> don't require intensive light. This is where you're research becomes fun
> prior to the actual purchase.
>
> The Salt required for your tank will come in at about £25 to £35. You'll
> need to purchase a similar amount every 10 to 15 weeks for your water
> changes.
>
> You really should be using Reverse Osmosis (RO) water, and at the very
> least, De-Ionised (DI) water. A DI kit will cost about £50. RO will cost
> about £100 minimum. If you go without you'll end up with more algae
problems
> that you could care for. You might find your local fishy supplier offers
RO
> water for sale, if not try find an enthusiast in your area, even their
water
> change throw-away would be better than tap water... (where do you live?,
my
> local LFS sells RO water)
>
> You'll need a mixing basin and spare heater for making up your tank water,
> and some camping water bottles for storing the stuff.
> You'll also need to buy a hydrometer to determine the SG. Make sure you
> measure the SG at about the temperature of your tank when mixing.
>
> Some people use live sand which comes in at about £25 per bag (about
> 10Kilo). You'll need about 3 bags of the stuff for your tank. Most people
> avoid Crushed Coral Sand. I still use it as it's cheap (£25 does the whole
> tank). The only issue really is the constant requirement for cleaning the
> stuff. A blue cheek goby puts paid to this as they're constantly digging
> through the sand.
>
> Live rock comes in at about £15 per Kilo
> You'd be better off going with Base Rock (which probably comes from
someones
> tank). You can get this from about £5 to £6 per kilo. You'll need about 30
> Kilo for your tank so half your budget has gone.. Alternatively you can
take
> the long way round and use Tufa or Lava rock at a pound or two per kilo
for
> the base, then seed this with dispersed amounts of base or live rock.
It'll
> take a year or three to turn the Tufa/Lava rock into something useful to
the
> tank. It is however possible to go this route; I did so with my first
tank.
>
> A cheapish protein skimmer will come in at about £100 to £150.
> You really should get one of these as they remove waste products that
would
> otherwise contribute to unwanted algae blooms. There goes the other half
of
> your budget.... You can get away with one for a while but you'll be
> monitoring your nitrates closely and performing regular water changes. You
> said you wanted something to keep you busy.......
>
> I'm assuming you got the basics as you are already into the hobby in a
> freshwater kinda way. There isn't a whole lot of difference between the
two.
> Sal****er has more stringent water and lighting requirements, that's all.
>
> Then you've got to buy the livestock....
>
> """Basically I have been put off work for at least 2 years as I need to
> learn to walk again etc"""
> How'd this happen, please don't say motorcycle, my second pastime.
>
> If you need any additional guidance feel free to shout at:
> or on this newsgroup.
>
> Good luck, and regards
>
>
> Chris
>
>
> "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> . ..
> > Trying to spend £300 max if possible. Basically I have been put off
work
> > for at least 2 years as I need to learn to walk again etc, so I want a
> > really active hobby that I can spend hours a day doing. I have
tropicals
> at
> > the moment but the work rate on them is not much. I would like to keep
> live
> > corals, anenomies, and small amounts of fish like clowns, tangs and a
few
> > others.
> > Thanks
> > "Chris Taylor" > wrote in message
> > ...
> > >
> > > Hi
> > >
> > > Not sure how much you have to spend, or what your dream set-up is but;
> > > depending on your anticipated starting point:
> > >
> > > With sufficient live rock the Fluval 303 should be OK, if that's what
> you
> > > have to start with. I'd go for about 20 to 30kg of live rock with this
> > (and
> > > more if you can afford). Alternatively the 404 would probably be
better.
> > >
> > > Instead of the 404 you may also wish to purchase an additional 104 and
> use
> > > active carbon, and phospate and nitrate absorbing resins in this
> > additional
> > > filter this doesn't assist natural free floating organisms in your
tank
> > > (neither does the existing 303, or my own filtration...) but may be
> useful
> > > in managing polutants in the tank. There will be differing opinions on
> > this
> > > but I think the additional filter/pump would better the circulation
> whilst
> > > providing a degree of redundancy.
> > >
> > > I haven't heard of a Fluval Protein Skimmer attachment. I think they
> might
> > > be refering to their surface skimmer. Which may be useful, but nowhere
> > near
> > > as desirable as a protein skimmer.
> > >
> > > What are you hoping to keep in the tank? and What lighting do you
have?
> > >
> > > Welcome to the hobby.
> > >
> > > Regards
> > >
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > > "KerplunKuK" > wrote in message
> > > .. .
> > > > I have finally purchased a second hand tank for my marine aquarium.
I
> > > have
> > > > got the lights, heaters, testing kits etc.
> > > >
> > > > My query is I also got a Fluval 303 canister filter with the tank.
I
> > > > checked with fluval and they say they do a skimmer attachment for
this
> > > > filter. Now would the skimmer and filter with live sand and coral
> > provide
> > > > sufficient filtration. The tank is 4ft x 2ft by 2ft which I think
is
> > > about
> > > > 120 gallons.
> > > >
> > > > Will this suffice or is more needed?
> > > >
> > > > Thanks
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > >
> > > > Remove SPAM to reply
> > > > Victoria Concordia Crescit
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Chris Taylor]

"Happy'Cam'per" wrote

"""Hey Chris, why did you leave sunny South Africa? Where are you now? Just
curious :)"""

Got tired of living in Dodge City - Johannesburg..

My trade doesn't enjoy many employment opportunities anywhere in Africa
outside Jo'burg.

Been around a bit since qualifying in SA 19 years ago. SA - UK - SA -
Malaysia - SA - USA - UK - Germany - UK. We last lived in SA about 6 years
ago.

Spent a few years working in each (except US - 3 months). Am presently in
the UK but still own a house in SA (St Francis Bay - near Jeffrey's Bay,
Eastern Cape). We head down once or twice a year between contracts. We'll be
back down there in February for a few weeks (what am I going to do with the
tank? Trying one of those autofeeders at the moment..)

Will probably end up back in the US in few years as my folks live there.
Will still end up retiring in SA in about 20 or 30 years though, maybe do a
seafishing charter thing. You always miss the things you were brought up
with. We get Biltong, Boerewors, Spur, Nandos etc here but culturally SA
still pulls at the heart.

Where about are you? must be a challenge getting your hands on decent kit
with the exchange rate en baaie min seevis-verkoopers? Still, should be OK
if you live near the coast, you can catch your own :-) I love snorkelling
when down there, you can see so much.

Later


Chris

[Happy'Cam'per]

> Got tired of living in Dodge City - Johannesburg..


Completely and utterly understandable. Between the taxis, bullets, and
rapists I keep myself well fit, and thats just on the way to work ;)


Am presently in
> the UK but still own a house in SA (St Francis Bay - near Jeffrey's Bay,

Nice, perfect place to retire!


>
> Where about are you? must be a challenge getting your hands on decent kit
> with the exchange rate en baaie min seevis-verkoopers?

Exactly, I'm still into freshwater myself, will wait a couple of years for
the "reefing/sal****er" fad to catch up here, maybe prices will go down a
tad. I figure with a full blown reef system you guys chat about here will
easily cost in excess of R50-000. A tad steep for me at the moment :(.
Although there are a couple of small companies starting up now that are
specialising in marine life. Time will tell!

Still, should be OK
> if you live near the coast, you can catch your own :-) I love snorkelling
> when down there, you can see so much.

I live in Joburg (Randburg)...the closest I get to large bodies of water is
either Bruma Lake or the Randburg Waterfront (the latter having gone through
a major facelift over the last 6 months or so and has just been re-opened:)
But am seriously thinking of relocating to a coastal town in the near
future. Probably Cape Town.

>
> Later
> Chris

Keep well mate :)

PS. Apologies to the group for posting OT but its a real novelty for me to
meet South Africans here. Not many people here are as passionate about fish
as I am so meeting a fellow South African is just too cool, even if Chris
does'nt live here anymore!!!
--
**So long, and thanks for all the fish!**