Newbie's First Post

Hi All!

I'm looking at setting up a 100 gallon reef aquarium and although I've
done a fair bit of homework, I still have lots of questions.

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, so I will search the ng archives, but if
anyone could point me to any good resources it would be greatly
appreciated.

I guess what I'd really like is a shopping list of everything I'm going
to need, including the reasoning for why one method or thing is better
than another (like using limewater vs calcium reactors vs 2 part
additives, lighting, etc., etc.)

I'd especially be interested in the recommendation and experiences of
others, as opposed to what I'm reading in magazines, especially when it
comes to opinions about various equipment.

Lastly, I still haven't got a clue about how much all of this might cost
me, so I'd be really interested in hearing what you think my budget
should be. (I already have the 100 gallon rectangular glass tank and
stand with a matching canopy/top, but nothing else).


Thanks to all who respond.

Why don't you find some examples of some tanks online and research the
quality of life that you have to give the organisms in order for them to
survive (i.e. time, materials such as lighting supplements, etc). If you
can't afford the time, it doesn't matter on the cost of the livestock.

I have a 92 with a little over $1500 of livestock. I started out slow and
added livestock over the period of 6 months. The tank takes care of itself
today and requires very little maintenance. My wife Tiffany, handles the
feedings and cleanings. Cleanings consist of an algae magnet once or twice a
week across the glass when algae is noticeable. The cleaning crews take care
of the rest. Water changes take place twice a month with a flip of a switch.
Top off is taken care of for both tanks due to a 50 gallons tank placed
behind the 125. (Updated pictures as soon as I have time).

Budget ways of saving your time and of course, spend more money to save you
the time in the long run in regards to maintenance and up keep.

I have a 125 just stocked with fish and rock FOWLR because I want the best
of both worlds.

The 92 is my pride and joy. The 92, over $8k invested. The 125, over $3k
invested. If you like what you see, that's the ballpark to achieve this
look.

HTH, btw, I am a troll.

http://www.battlerock.com/hobbies/aquarium/index.html


"Stan Peterson" wrote in message
...
Hi All!

I'm looking at setting up a 100 gallon reef aquarium and although I've
done a fair bit of homework, I still have lots of questions.

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, so I will search the ng archives, but if
anyone could point me to any good resources it would be greatly
appreciated.

I guess what I'd really like is a shopping list of everything I'm going
to need, including the reasoning for why one method or thing is better
than another (like using limewater vs calcium reactors vs 2 part
additives, lighting, etc., etc.)

I'd especially be interested in the recommendation and experiences of
others, as opposed to what I'm reading in magazines, especially when it
comes to opinions about various equipment.

Lastly, I still haven't got a clue about how much all of this might cost
me, so I'd be really interested in hearing what you think my budget
should be. (I already have the 100 gallon rectangular glass tank and
stand with a matching canopy/top, but nothing else).


Thanks to all who respond.

Updated pictures showing the water storage containers have been added to the
pages.

50 and 60 gallon RV water storage containers purchased from an online web
site mentioned in the past. Cost was around $130 for both including freight
via LTL truckline.

I wonder where Tiffany is tonight....



"Brian Timpone" wrote in message
...
Why don't you find some examples of some tanks online and research the
quality of life that you have to give the organisms in order for them to
survive (i.e. time, materials such as lighting supplements, etc). If you
can't afford the time, it doesn't matter on the cost of the livestock.

I have a 92 with a little over $1500 of livestock. I started out slow and
added livestock over the period of 6 months. The tank takes care of itself
today and requires very little maintenance. My wife Tiffany, handles the
feedings and cleanings. Cleanings consist of an algae magnet once or twice a
week across the glass when algae is noticeable. The cleaning crews take care
of the rest. Water changes take place twice a month with a flip of a switch.
Top off is taken care of for both tanks due to a 50 gallons tank placed
behind the 125. (Updated pictures as soon as I have time).

Budget ways of saving your time and of course, spend more money to save you
the time in the long run in regards to maintenance and up keep.

I have a 125 just stocked with fish and rock FOWLR because I want the best
of both worlds.

The 92 is my pride and joy. The 92, over $8k invested. The 125, over $3k
invested. If you like what you see, that's the ballpark to achieve this
look.

HTH, btw, I am a troll.

http://www.battlerock.com/hobbies/aquarium/index.html


"Stan Peterson" wrote in message
...
Hi All!

I'm looking at setting up a 100 gallon reef aquarium and although I've
done a fair bit of homework, I still have lots of questions.

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, so I will search the ng archives, but if
anyone could point me to any good resources it would be greatly
appreciated.

I guess what I'd really like is a shopping list of everything I'm going
to need, including the reasoning for why one method or thing is better
than another (like using limewater vs calcium reactors vs 2 part
additives, lighting, etc., etc.)

I'd especially be interested in the recommendation and experiences of
others, as opposed to what I'm reading in magazines, especially when it
comes to opinions about various equipment.

Lastly, I still haven't got a clue about how much all of this might cost
me, so I'd be really interested in hearing what you think my budget
should be. (I already have the 100 gallon rectangular glass tank and
stand with a matching canopy/top, but nothing else).


Thanks to all who respond.

Wow, beautiful tanks!

I know I have a lot more homework to do before I even get a finger wet.
It's just kind of overwhelming now - like trying to learn Chinese on the
flight to Hong Kong.

Thanks for the input.



Brian Timpone wrote:
Updated pictures showing the water storage containers have been added to the
pages.

50 and 60 gallon RV water storage containers purchased from an online web
site mentioned in the past. Cost was around $130 for both including freight
via LTL truckline.

I wonder where Tiffany is tonight....



"Brian Timpone" wrote in message
...
Why don't you find some examples of some tanks online and research the
quality of life that you have to give the organisms in order for them to
survive (i.e. time, materials such as lighting supplements, etc). If you
can't afford the time, it doesn't matter on the cost of the livestock.

I have a 92 with a little over $1500 of livestock. I started out slow and
added livestock over the period of 6 months. The tank takes care of itself
today and requires very little maintenance. My wife Tiffany, handles the
feedings and cleanings. Cleanings consist of an algae magnet once or twice a
week across the glass when algae is noticeable. The cleaning crews take care
of the rest. Water changes take place twice a month with a flip of a switch.
Top off is taken care of for both tanks due to a 50 gallons tank placed
behind the 125. (Updated pictures as soon as I have time).

Budget ways of saving your time and of course, spend more money to save you
the time in the long run in regards to maintenance and up keep.

I have a 125 just stocked with fish and rock FOWLR because I want the best
of both worlds.

The 92 is my pride and joy. The 92, over $8k invested. The 125, over $3k
invested. If you like what you see, that's the ballpark to achieve this
look.

HTH, btw, I am a troll.

http://www.battlerock.com/hobbies/aquarium/index.html


"Stan Peterson" wrote in message
...
Hi All!

I'm looking at setting up a 100 gallon reef aquarium and although I've
done a fair bit of homework, I still have lots of questions.

I'm sure this gets asked a lot, so I will search the ng archives, but if
anyone could point me to any good resources it would be greatly
appreciated.

I guess what I'd really like is a shopping list of everything I'm going
to need, including the reasoning for why one method or thing is better
than another (like using limewater vs calcium reactors vs 2 part
additives, lighting, etc., etc.)

I'd especially be interested in the recommendation and experiences of
others, as opposed to what I'm reading in magazines, especially when it
comes to opinions about various equipment.

Lastly, I still haven't got a clue about how much all of this might cost
me, so I'd be really interested in hearing what you think my budget
should be. (I already have the 100 gallon rectangular glass tank and
stand with a matching canopy/top, but nothing else).


Thanks to all who respond.

"Stan Peterson" wrote in message
...
| Hi All!
| Lastly, I still haven't got a clue about how much all of this might cost
| me, so I'd be really interested in hearing what you think my budget
| should be. (I already have the 100 gallon rectangular glass tank and
| stand with a matching canopy/top, but nothing else).


I've found a decent rule of thumb for reef tank cost-projections is to
figure anywhere from $25 to $50 per gallon for setup and stocking. Where in
that range you fall depends, of course, on how crazy you go with automation,
and the equipment and livestock you choose.

Kev