Civlor

I am in the process of upgrading my lights. I've seen a lot of discussion on what type of lights, but my question is, where is the best place to get new equipment? Also, if I'm going with MH's, what is the brand you trust? I have a 75 gal that I'd like to grow some easy corals in. Thanks in advance. Ben

Are anyone about to do another harvest? I could use a clump to get my system started.

My tank is obviously the largest. Here's a pic of me feeding the livestock. http://picasaweb.goo...feat=directlink

Thanks for the pump, Cameron. It was a pleasure meeting you...sorry it had to be under these conditions. - Ben

My intent was to get expert advice on water, so I don't think any of this is too off topic. I just ordered a RODI from bulkreefsupply.com, should have it in a few days. It has a dual TDS meter, thanks to all who suggested that. Again, thanks for all the awesome information. I need all the help I can get, lol.

That's how I roll. Or when I tried to paste a link that was in bold, some of the formatting stuck. Not sure why everyone else is bold too.

I found the HM Digital TDS Meter 3 for sale on Ebay for 12.99+SH and the same item on Bulk Reef Supply for $19.99+SH. I am a little apprehensive about the Ebay one, for $7 more I can have a little peace of mind. There was one more for 9.99, but no company was listed, so pass. Ben

Not to get off topic, but.... Speaking of TDS meters, will the cheap ones do the job? I found a few on ebay for around $10.

Thank you all for your replies. Seems nearly unanimous. Ben

How do you get your aquarium water? I really don't want to haul water from the LFS every week for water changes. RO/DI filters seem to be the tool of choice, but there's a price factor, plus what do I do with the "waste" water? There are some cheaper RO only or DI only systems, but am I wasting money not getting both operations? I have a 70 gallon tank and sump I'm about to fill sometime this week. My instinct is to get the RO/DI, some salt, a powerhead, a heater and start a'brewin. Any thoughts would be appreciated. If this has been posted before, my apologies. Thanks, Ben

Thanks! Must have missed it.

I have a large piece of live rock that has been in dry storage for over a year. I guess it's just rock now. I plan on putting it into my new tank, but not in its current condition. What solution should I use when I go to soak and clean this thing? Thanks, Ben

Something has come up, I cant make the meeting.

How do you take pictures so close and in focus? My camera blurrs out when I try on my tank.

I just got a 40 gal cube. Thanks for all the help. Now I just need a stand, lol.

Im hoping to be all moved in by that time. If nothing unforseen occurs, I will be there. Ben

I think im going to wait until after the move. I'm tossing around a few ideas but havent made a decision yet.

Ok, I'm no expert on tanks, but here was the scuttlebutt. The members that I spoke to were split about 50/50 for and against their tanks. Those who had them were very happy with them. Those who had traditional tanks were skeptical of frameless tanks. The boss claims to have a 0% failure rate. He has always been a straight shooter as far as I'm concerned. They had a few on display. They are very nice to look at, but any of the traditional saltwater gear detracts from that look very quickly. It tends to stand out. So, the way they had it was with their lights hanging from the ceiling, as opposed to sitting on top. They dont have that "lip" that holds up a lid of any kind. I wouldnt recommend anyone put anything on top without some modifications, plus it would take away from the beauty too, in my opinion. Also, their filtration systems were hidden below it and they used clear, glass tubes (which they also sell) to draw the water out and then return it after being processed. Bottom line is, the only parts you see going into the tank were transparent. This is not required, but I could only imagine my black, nasty powerheads and hoses uglifying the tank. I think the tanks are beautiful, but would take extra time aquascaping to maximize it's potential. This extra effort sounds like fun to me. They are not too expensive, but it could easily get that way. I hope this helps. Ben

MARSH is having their meeting at ADG on Saturday, small world! Thanks for the info.

It looks like a good deal, but im looking for something smaller. I'm leaning toward a cube tank if I can find one.

Greetings, I will be moving to Austin in a month and have broken down and sold my current aquarium. I would like to keep some sand and live rock for a future tank. Right now the rock and sand are in buckets with powerheads moving the water, which is not a permanent solution. I'm considering drying all of it out, but it already smells as bad as when Han cut the Tauntaun open to save Luke. I can set it out on my patio, but I live in an apartment and dont want to gross anyone out. Any advice would be welcome. Do I need to dry this stuff out? Please help! Ben

Thanks!

Greetings, I am a MARSH member from Baytown who is moving to Austin at the end of the month. I am looking for a smaller, apartment friendly tank and stand. What I would like is a corner pentagon or something similar that won't take over my living room. I would like to keep it between 30 and 50 gallons. In addition to individual offers, I would appreciate any advice when it comes to local stores that you would recommend for buying a tank and other saltwater needs. Thanks in advance, Ben