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[Arty Morty]

I currently have the lifegard in-line mechanical and chemical filters (AF-93 & AF-94) If I was to put these into action, would that help?

Would anyone suggest a minimum ratio of LR?
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[Aquattro]

I recommend a really good skimmer and nothing else. The skimmer will remove "floaties" just fine. A general rule for rock is 1 -1.5 pounds per gallon, but that isn't set in stone.
The wet/dry will create more nitrates than your rock will be able to remove, so really, save your money. Sell the cannisters and put the money towards the skimmer. I'm not sure if Titus is still making the Canreef skimmers, but they have had good reviews from the people that have commented on them. There are many others to choose from, inclusing Euroreef, PM bullet, aerofoamer, etc. The price for a good skimmer can run you between $400 and $1000, depending on your tank size and how aggresive you want to skim.
Also, DIY skimmers are always an economical way of getting a big skimmer at a small price. Used ones come up for sale often, or someone might be able to build one for you.
People have differing opinions on skimmers, but my thoughts are buy the biggest bestest skimmer you can, otherwise you need to buy a second one down the road to replace the crappy one you thought you'd save money on.
And even though this is one of the most confusing parts of entering the reef hobby, just keep asking questions and you'll figure it out just fine.

[Arty Morty]

Thank-you Thank-you Thank-you.

Thank-you All!!
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[LostMind]

What Brad said

The three most expensive things for my tank were:

live rock
skimmer
lighting

At 7 months, I have no casualties and a tank that makes people stare at it for quite some time - especially people who dont know much about fishtanks

[Namscam]

If you are really intent on buying a wet/dry system, you can alwayz modify it into a small sump or refugium later on but its not really worth it...Plus wtet/dry systems are like the easiest thing to build so you can go that route too but if I were you, then take Brads advice and buy a skimmer or build yourself one

[Quinn]

Base rock and Kanai live rock can be had from J&L Aquatics for a good price. Expect to spend a fair bit on your rocks, regardless.

[Arty Morty]

Yep, I think I will...

It looks like lighting will be the most....I just priced some @ 679 buckeroonies....ouch!
http://www.jlaquatics.com/cgi-bin/sh...rofit&start=14

And the Skimmer @ 500 without a pump!

http://www.jlaquatics.com/cgi-bin/sh...gno=ps-acev180

Gotta go pull up my couch cushions...


Thanks Everyone!
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[Namscam]

at 679 for fluorescent you should justadd a couple more dollars to get MH...trust me from a person whos gone thru 3 diffenent lighting within 2 months, you ll be happy in the end because later on in the road, you ll want better lighting...even with my MHs right now only after 1 month of using it I want more wattage...

[LostMind]

Hey Arty.

You could build a skimmer for much less then that if you are trying to save a few bucks. Look for posts in the DIY section by Canadianman. He builds some good stuff.

As for lighting, if you wait for underworldaquatics to get pricing to JL for their 400W ballasts, you could go to a metal halide lighting setup for roughly the same cost as your flourescent setup there.

I spent less then that $679 on my 400w metal halide lighting. And, after going from 175w to 250w up to 400w, I say the 400w is definitely worth it!

[Arty Morty]

I will definitely be looking around.

What would the recommended wattage be for a 130g 24"deep?
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