Volkster

Hey Matt, Have a look at these links, I learnt a bit from here... helps to look at other reefers setups to understand how it all fits together. If you're going to build yourself then you really need to understand pluming, over flows, flowrate and sumps\refugiums. I'm in the process of upgrading and doing alot of research. These are just 2 links that could be of use http://www.melevsreef.com/tanks.html http://www.muzzys-reef.co.uk/ If you can, visit some local guys and have a look at their tank setups too...man I learn heaps then...tis when you can ask questions and understand more how things work

Hiya Matt, IMO it comes down to what you want out of the setup. If you want something that is easy and convenient to setup then perhaps the All-in-1 may do the trick. If you think you may be more into the hands on and how to make things better,etc...in other words dont mind exploring, you may find setting up your own tank much more rewarding and exciting and possibly get a better and\or bigger setup for that amount. I dived into this without doing too much research and I'm kicking myself as to what kind of setup I could have had now with the same amount of money I've spent. 2k is alot of money to invest and as this hobby teaches you patients, it may pay to dig a little before you regret anything. These links may help: http://www.reefs.org/library/newbieguide.html http://www.fishlore.com/reeftanksetup.htm Others may share their experiences which may help... Hope this helps and good luck!!

She's coming along. Wont be long and things may start turning green...a little better looking than the brown...then hopefully the pink sutff - coraline algae!!

Would be nice to separate the threads, time and time again I've tried to search for some old threads and it's been a hassle. Categorising it is way better, easier to navigate through, etc :bounce:

Cumps reef!!! What size is your next tank going to be and how much would a skimmer like that cost?? WHAO!!!!

I had\have this problem...seems to have gone since I moved house?? Wired...no more evidence of it but my eyes are peel'd....now I'm struglin with Bubble algae - Thanks for the link wasp

Man Reef, got some good colours going there... :bounce:

Very nice :bounce:

I want me a setup like this...just without the costs that come with it... fwoa what a setup :bounce:

Tnx, now how do you know when your sump is too small? Sorry for the questions and don't meen to hogg this post. Just for us who have limited space it would be nice to know

How do you work out a desired size for the sump, is there some guideline one can work from?

What are the names of those 2 anemoes? They look very nice, are those their natural colours or have they been enhanced by the lighting in the tank?

Righty-o :-? Pretty much gone from sight, had to scrub some of the rock as siphoning it out wasn't that easy, I think I need to get a thinner siphon and DIY a tooth brush to it... The Bryopsis algae roots itself fairly well...had to scratch it off in some places; I hope I havn't dispersed the friggin thing ....

Arg That's exactly what I have.... here I was getting excited as I thought I had my first growth of (good) macro algae... Here is a usefull link I found: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=167632 Let's hope I'm not too late

Thanks wasp! Do you know what it is thought?

Anyone able to help me with this one? Trying to identify what type of macro algae this is, assuming it is macro algae. Had a look on the web but nothing resembles this one Sorry for the crappy pics :-? Started poping up around a week ago or so. One central "root" point with may branches. Have about 10-15 shoots around the tank, most are 1-2cm tall. They seem to be able to grow anywhere. I have some growing on the glass?? Thanks muchly

Thanks Reef, most helpful and would advise all noobs to read throught this. U da man!

That's what I have Zev, thanks for the link...I can now say I know what they are I think I also have some of the vermetids. From what I read in the link you provided they can become a nuisance. You guys think it's a good idea to remove em?

Thanks David, The big one is almost that size but I don't have corals just yet so should be ok I also have these other worm thingies that stretch themselves out of a little "home" looking for food...what's this creature...I can't find anything on the net as "sea worms" is too general, can't get the right words. Any idea's and I take it these are ok too ?

Ta again...starting to get very interesting... :bounce:

Thanks lduncan should I remove them? Man this LR is definatly alive...all sorts are on this thing...I also have some sort of slug...I think...it's readish with some small greenish spots?? I havn't got a clear picture so I can't post anything. Have any idea what it could be?

This LR I got over the weekend has all sorts of strange wonders!! Not sure if some of these things are good? Can anyone please help identify this critter? I have 2 or 3 of them. 1 is about 2" in length and 5mm wide and the others like the image above, 1" in length and 2-3mm wide?? Are these things bad?

:lol: Absolutely...not need to spend more moola on something that already is @ 0 hehe

Did some calling around and got some questions answered There is no real difference in the water quality output between a stage 4 -> stage 6 units. The main reason why one would want a higher staged unit would depend on what the local tap water quality is. The extra filter basically filters out what the 1st filter didn't. i.e. Having 2 Carbon Filters or 2 DI filters, etc. So for most of us a stage 4 would be suffice Hope that helps some people in their descision making. I tell ya, a simle unit like this can get quite confusing to understand for a noob :lol: Out with the stage 6 and back to the drawing board for me :lol:

Thanks Speed, I'll see what these guys can do. Will keep you updated. As for the defference in water quality between 4 and 6 stage. Is it much and is it worth it?