Hi guys - I have been reading with interest the various discussions regarding tank setup etc. etc. and have been really impressed as to helpful everyone has been with guys like me starting out with marine for the first time .. so here goes with my own thread ....
I have recently bought a Boyu TL550 and am in the process of setting it up - it is the largest tank I can fit into an alcove in the lounge that has been crying out for a tank for the past year since we moved into the house. I bought the TL550 28g rather than the JBJ 24g as although I had many recommendations that the JBJ lighting was better, I wanted the biggest size possible.
The tank fits reasonably snuggly into the alcove with limited room on each side and at the back – I can hinge the lid fully but do not have enough space to slide it down the back. I can get access to all the compartments ok and can remove the lid completely if I need to as well. The alcove opens out to the right behind the wall so plenty of space for electrical connections etc which I can reach reasonably easily.
I have added mirrors to the wall on each side of the tank which will increase the ‘depth’ perception of the tank and may also help with additional reflected light.
I am keen to get going now but am very aware that once the tank is full there is not much opportunity to modify the tank other than what I can do from the top – so I am looking for any advice now as to what I should look out for….
Also I am unsure as to what route to go as regards water – I had various advice from using water from the sea (I am on the beach so that is easy), water from the Two Ocean Aquarium or RO water (where can I buy that or should I buy my own RO unit?)
I have been to a few LPS but could do with some advice as to where to buy the best LR, corals, fish, equipment etc.
Hey seems like a long posting but I have much to learn and am very aware of making sure to start out right!
Any advice would really be appreciated!
I have recently bought a Boyu TL550 and am in the process of setting it up - it is the largest tank I can fit into an alcove in the lounge that has been crying out for a tank for the past year since we moved into the house. I bought the TL550 28g rather than the JBJ 24g as although I had many recommendations that the JBJ lighting was better, I wanted the biggest size possible.
The tank fits reasonably snuggly into the alcove with limited room on each side and at the back – I can hinge the lid fully but do not have enough space to slide it down the back. I can get access to all the compartments ok and can remove the lid completely if I need to as well. The alcove opens out to the right behind the wall so plenty of space for electrical connections etc which I can reach reasonably easily.
I have added mirrors to the wall on each side of the tank which will increase the ‘depth’ perception of the tank and may also help with additional reflected light.
I am keen to get going now but am very aware that once the tank is full there is not much opportunity to modify the tank other than what I can do from the top – so I am looking for any advice now as to what I should look out for….
Also I am unsure as to what route to go as regards water – I had various advice from using water from the sea (I am on the beach so that is easy), water from the Two Ocean Aquarium or RO water (where can I buy that or should I buy my own RO unit?)
I have been to a few LPS but could do with some advice as to where to buy the best LR, corals, fish, equipment etc.
Hey seems like a long posting but I have much to learn and am very aware of making sure to start out right!
Any advice would really be appreciated!