newbie

[troublesx10]

just wanted to introduce myself, I am new to the hobbie, salt that is, I have plenty of experience to tropical freshwater. I am looking forward to the hobbie, and making new friends.

[Jerry W]

Welcome to RC. What kind of set up are you looking to start?

[patsfan1130]

[welcome]

[chris4869]

Welcome to RC. I see Troubles is back in town. There goes the neighborhood. :D

[Juruense]

Let's see some pics of your current setup!

[troublesx10]

sorry but at this time i am unable to post pictures of my curent setup because i am on vacation with wifes family away from home, however when i return after the 20th i will post. The saltwater tank i am setting up i purchased used, to be re siliconed and reinforced, canopy and cabinet furniture grade 72 x 30 x 24 = 210 gal tank with 2 overflows. it comes with a wetdry rated for 400g, protien skimmer rated for 300g venturi, 8 watt uv lifeguard, 1/4 current chiller, iwake pump 70, 3 250 mh at 14k, 2 96 36inch atinics, 4 canopy fans at 120mm, 220 lbs sand, 240 lbs live rock.
i plan to do a fish only tank and then as i get more proficient i will become involved in soft corals. i tried to purchase the set up with room to grow into with out immediately having to add or replace hardware.
i have been reading and doing research for approx 6-8 months and i think i want to do a hybrid setup with a refigum using colopra agae, as well as add moonlights and 2 96 36inch 10k to supplement my tank. posibbly a wave maker in the future.any suggestions for the refugium? not sure what would be a good brand or setup or how to decide how big to get.
the above setup with the tank was all included including delivery and 20 starter fish blue/green cromis and a monthly maintaince package.
i would appreciate any comments, advice, tips as i am still quite a newbie when it comes to anything salt--- i realize the more i read and study the more i realize i know nothing.

[troublesx10]

i forgot to ask you gentlemen if you might have any recomendatiions for online where i may purchase the refigum, power compacts, moonlights, and any other websited that might be helpful with more information, and where i might find a good deal. is there any other equipment that you would recommend. i realized that somethings i purchased used may need to be replaced sooner rather than later however the deal i got i couldn't pass up on.

[Aquarist007]

this is an excellent website:
www.melevsreef.com

[wab]

Welcome aboard !!! I would do a diy sump/refug custom to your tank. Good luck

[troublesx10]

what size would i do for a diy sump, how many gallons- what should i aim for with the gph flow, what kind of substrate? i have been seeing a lot of stuff about the miracle mud vs other. have any comments re light- currently with this set up it goes 4.5 watts per gallon, i was kind of intrested in putting use powerbrite instead of 2 more 96watts at 36 inches. the powerbrite goes 60 lumens per watt with 4 watts/bulbs per 12inch bar, so i would use 3 to cover tank, 12 bulbs x 60 lumens

[troublesx10]

can the usa powerbrite 12inch strips be used instead of 2 36 inch 96 watt power compacts for supplemtal lighting