New setup

[I_am_Elmo]

I know this must be a very old and boring topic by now, but I'm looking for some specifics. Firstly, protien skimmers - how good are red sea berlin skimmers, has anyone heard of All Seas Marine skimmers and what are the differences between these and say Deltec or Euroreef.

Secondly, is there any way (or cheap way) of getting live rock? I've been in contact with MAF with no luck (not even hints or loop holes)

Thirdly, are there any good (and easy) schematics for a 3ft sump/refugium I could plagarise?

Lastly, I know, does the direction of powerheads (or similar equipment) matter? Is there any specific setup for how these should be directed?

Thanks for any help

[Jammos]

Hey everyone has to ask questins to learn!

I can't help you on the first one.

But the second one is that you hvae to keep an eye on trademe for "live rock"(the closest we come is cured rock which has been in someone elses tank for a while) it varies in price from 10 - 20 per KG and it is nearly always in auckland (lucky you). So you just keep an ear out.

Third one have a look at this site. it is very handy and has multiple setups. I have found it very helpful.

http://www.melevsreef.com/allmysumps.html

Lastly powerheads dont matter in placement too much. Once you have everything in there all you have to do is make sure they aren't blowing straight over or onto a coral(unless they like it) and also to get rid of as many dead spots in the tank so no wastes collects.

Hope this all helps

[lduncan]

I know this must be a very old and boring topic by now, but I'm looking for some specifics. Firstly, protien skimmers - how good are red sea berlin skimmers, has anyone heard of All Seas Marine skimmers and what are the differences between these and say Deltec or Euroreef.

Deltec and Euroreef are quality skimmers, and therefore cost more, and perform better. Berlin and ASM skimmers will become worthless the day you buy them. Deltec and Euroreef (not common in NZ) have respectable resale values if you ever come to sell, while the other two you'd be lucky to give away.

The long and short of it is don't think about skimping on a skimmer. It's your only nutrient removal tool, it's got to be good.

Secondly, is there any way (or cheap way) of getting live rock? I've been in contact with MAF with no luck (not even hints or loop holes)

Live rock isn't necessary. Personally I won't use live rock to start a tank, for a number of reasons. More often than not it's just expensive and nutrient loaded.

Thirdly, are there any good (and easy) schematics for a 3ft sump/refugium I could plagarise?

Keep it simple. If you design your overflow system properly, you don't need the elaborate baffle systems some people come up with. I have no baffles, and absolutely no micro-bubble problems, with a very small sump.

Lastly, I know, does the direction of powerheads (or similar equipment) matter? Is there any specific setup for how these should be directed?

There is really just one main criteria for how to setup the flow in the tank. That is to play around with it until you get to a point where you can keep as much detritus suspended as possible. This means you're getting the crap in the water so that it has a chance of being skimmer out of the tank, rather than sitting and rotting somewhere in the tank. Also, look at Tunze nano streams over the standard freshwater style powerheads.

Layton