Mirio

Dunno about the growth rate but I know some Panaques can get well over 25+ years old

Yeahp, that's what I think too. There are scenarios where a chiller can be useful, but I wouldn't class them as a core piece of equipment living in New Zealand. Dunno how many people actually know the temp is often around 26c give or take for tropical marine. Which isn't far off what most people have for there Tropical FW tanks, and those don't use chillers.

I don't think the power bill will be that bad. Depends on scale of tank and equipment really, so just depends if you want exact figures. RO/DI water you can get from Supermarkets (I think ), Other hobbyists. Maybe a few other places. If you're in it for the long haul though then it's probably best convenience wise to spend some money on your own RO/DI unit. Has a lot of benefits. But perhaps not something you need immediately. Other hobbyists won't use anything other than RO/DI water. But yeah.

http://www.yourfishstuff.com/content/images/supplies/bio-balls.jpg I have these

Neither, I'd always be inclined to get LEDs or Metal Halides. But it is still a very viable option , and as you said there is loads of beautiful tanks using them.

Definitely, Lighting is a key element for coral growth etc, LEDs are a good option , but those two definitely are not the only ones. EcoTech is a good brand, but there is plenty of other units that will grow corals just as well. Never used Metal Halides but I don't think there is anything wrong with them. Chillers are are a good tool to have but by no means required in my opinion. I know plenty of people who don't have chillers, and own smaller marine tanks which are more prone to temperature change. Having said that, they don't use Metal Halides. Of which can emit alot of heat, but if it's not too close to the water surface I don't think it will be a huge problem. But yeah. I would choose LEDs over MH, just plainly because I've had success with them, they don't emit much heat, and just overall are fun to use. So I will continue to use LEDs. There is a multitude of options when it comes to LED hoods now, there are generic Chinese ones (Of which I have, and worked magically.), Maxspect, Kessil, kits to create your own. Fish street has a heap of options too, I know Fay from Reef Reflections was pleased with the ones she chose from Fish Street. Should you order a unit on-line you will be able to get a much larger selection to choose from. On-going costs aren't that high, new salt mixes, chemical buffers, food, perhaps replacement media/membranes? Nothing too back breaking as far as I know. Can't think of much else. http://www.deepblueaquarium.co.nz has a good selection of equipment, I really reccomend the Bubble Magus Protein Skimmers. He also stocks Maxspect LEDs. But first it is a good idea to decide on tank measurements, then choose the lighting that will be right for you. Hope this helps. Edit : Forgot to mention T5's/T5HO's etc as a viable option.

Discus normally prefer the late 20s - 30s. Or well, can survive easily at those temperatures anyway.

Hey Faith, Power cuts I wouldn't be too sure about ,the only thing I wouldn't be too sure about is how long the fish/corals will survive without flow, maintaining temperature would be a factor but I think that's not as difficult as maintaining flow. But the flow aspect I'm not experienced enough to tell you about. I would imagine it would be emulating a transport eg: being in a bag from store to home + acclimation etc. So I would say 5hrs+ without flow maybe? But yeah, presuming you can maintain heat. Short term loss of light shouldn't be a biggie. Presuming the max the cut lasts is a day or so. With moving It really just depends. Overall not that hard if you have time and a few spare hands. But still a job, especially if you have alot of stock and have to mix new water etc etc. But presuming it's around 200L or so. A job, but not an impossible one, especially if you pre plan everything. Just will need a hand to help make sure it goes all smoothly. Pros of a sump include larger skimmer, which would be a direct link to better water quality, HOB Skimmers are good, and some fantastic even. But I would rather use a In Sump skimmer, where I can get more skimmage. The overflow system can help stop the build up of that oily / water surface skum if you're a clean freak. Sump will also hide all your other peripherals or whatever you want to call them. Heater, mediareactors, overall. Just adds alot of room for you to add things that will make your tank run smoother. Aswell as adding more water volume. Nothing wrong with HOB, more than possible to do everything HOB. I just would have a sump if given the choice. Personal pref. And Hollywood Fish Farm, never had any problems with them at all, always fun to visit there stores. Also Try Aquaworld, specialist Marine shop primarily and there staff there are really great. Large variety of corals / equipment too. The owner Alex is really knowledgeable too. They should be able to provide you with all you need. Other then that man, it's not too hard to do, IMO not as hard as some people think it is. Just learn to keep your water parameters crisp and get good equipment and you have the foundations for success. Extremely rewarding hobby. Once you see all your work pay off and you successfully simulate a piece of nature in your home, get to watch things grow /interact. It's worth it. But yeah, welcome to the forums, and there is a heap of people here that can help you if you need anymore help along the way. PS : Rosco, I'm also a NewYorkSteelo subscriber, I would also reccomend him as a great source of informative videos. Great guy too, always updates his Facebook fan Page.

Skimmer + Consistent water changes early on = Should be fine. When I brought ar_photog's Nano I had to transport it all , and mix new water etc, I only lost a SPS frag which wasn't too much of a surprise Oh and, looking good so far :thup: .

Think you could try get a few close-ups of the Shrimp if you have a spare moment? Anemone looks healthy! Love all shrimp.

Yeah, you can get away without one, but if you have the money to get a good skimmer Josh go for it man. You will not regret doing so. Atleast I doubt you will. Just a really good piece of equipment

Depends what you want to do man, pretty sure tank makers will make sumps if you give them designs. Does the tank you have now have overflows drilled? Or are you getting a new tank

By no means necessary, but in so many ways beneficial. If your overflow/flow in your tank is good, you shouldn't get any of that surface build-up stuff. Not too sure what it is exactly, but yeah. Go for the sump man, so many advantages

Whatever size that lets you get away with stable water parameters really, including temperature. I don't think there's any set rule, people just have there preferences when it comes to minimum size. But yeah, whatever you can get stable params with bro.

I too used Marinium and had no problems with it at all. Might be much of a muchness though. I'm sure all the brands that are available are all fairly decent. But yeah, I enjoyed using Marinium, the seller is a nice guy too.

Awesome videos Geoff!

Nice work Danval!

Marine could be fun, with those sized tanks I'm pretty sure you could keep any fish of your choice. Tangs, Angels, all the good stuff. Something different is good.

Bubble Magus is awesome. http://www.deepblueaquarium.co.nz

http://www.ultimatereef.net/forums/showthread.php?t=327877 That's a thread about a smaller Boyu tank, the 450TL. Haven't looked into the larger sorry. As far as I know, and what I've been told by people selling them is that they're pretty average. I don't think they look bad at all. Look around on Youtube and other Reef forums, I think Boyus are fairly common

Good substrate choice, love the open-ness

I honestly don't think it's as hard as people to make out to be. Heapsssss of people have tanks under 100L with happy clownfish and other hardy fish/corals. Personally I would try to benchmark 50L at minimum but that'd just be my preference

Just try small cubes or something, if theydon't eat it just take it out I guess

It's gorgeous