Does a Macro Reef Need the Following?

- Canister filter
- Protein Skimmer
- Sump (I can't get one if it needs a sump)
- Supplementing
- "Proper" lighting

Thanks,

Brent

Well i would say it needs most importantly a Canister filter, lighting and a protein skimmer and then supplementing. Sumps really are quite pointless because the algae absorbs all the phosphates and what not. Also in the blog he doesn't have a sump.

*silent cheer*

That means I can get one!

What do you suggest I supplement for macro-algea? Seeing as I'm not familiar with it I want to be sure I use the proper products.

I would say calcium. However that's in tropical tanks but i am assuming the structure of the algae is the same.

Probably... I'll ask around a bit more though just to be sure.

Yeah. You will want very good lighting so that the macros don't die.

What do you think of Metal-Halide lighting?

http://www.thepufferforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=19557

There's the link to my board on TPF.

I wouldn't use that much lighting but just in case i checked the blog and heres what it said.

* 1000 liters. Self built composite with glass only in front.
* Sump 100 liters
* Skimmer Deltec APF600
* Ozone generator Sander Certizon C100
* Light - 6x54W T5 tubes
* Chiller Teco TR20, 480 Watts engine
* Return pump Eheim 1262
* 6 internal ph with wave motion

His tank was also 240 Gallons i believe.

What are Ozone generators and internal phs?

Ozone generators clean your water really well and clear it up to. Not a necessity. I'm not sure about the phs. I would google it.

I won't get one in the beginning. I can't afford everything as it is!

I couldn't find anything on internal ph.

Hmm. Well i don't think it is a necessity as your tank is only a 55 correct?

I could make it a 55 if I was getting a freshwater tank, but seeing as I'm not it's staying a 25. It's strictly experimental right now anyways. I need to see how everything works out before upgrading.

Excellent job of planning ahead .

I'm really excited for this tank, that's probably why I'm planning so well.

Just one more question: In my experience with FW I know that (most) plants do not need to be placed into an established aquarium; is it the same with SW?

Yeah. Except i believe some are sensitive to high nitrates.

Nitrates aren't hard to maintain. I have Prime.

Okay then. Do have a estimated time period for collecting stuff?

Yep! I'm going to get some stuff this weekend!

!!! Exciting. Do you have the tank setup yet?

Well, no rocks, but other than that I'm ready to go! I'm buying a chiller and some T5 bulbs on Friday and I'll be getting the livestock Monday before I come back from the holiday.

I'm getting fish next time I go; after the tank has had time to establish itself.

Assuming that will be in the spring (getting new fish). Where are you going to get your rocks?

Yep, in the Spring.

I could either get them from the same place as the macroalgea or just buy some from the pet store.