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.

Could I make a cheap floating version using a non-metal screen attached to the intake end of my sump with the overflow emptying on it? I could either attach the other end further down the sump or attach floats to it so it stays in contact with water. In theory, I could just lift it out to do the scrapings as needed.

Like the one used in these images:

I don't know what they are using to float these. Any suggestions on what would make this float and be reef safe? Cork? Styrofoam?

Everything considered mission critical has been purchased or ordered off the shopping list. Picked up a 75gal RR Oceanic and stand from a lovely family in Clifton, TX. (Thanks Cindy!). Sump will be DIY, I cut the acrylic baffles tonight. Got a pump and a bunch of plumbing from Cameron yesterday. I'm going with the old lights and skimmer for now. I know that is against some of the advice I've been getting, but as Spock would say, "Even logic must give way the the paycheck". I will upgrade those when I can. Combining some existing live rock with dead rock to get the tank started. RO/DI filter arrives tomorrow via bulkreefsupply.com. Buckets, barrels, and towels stand ready. I am missing the nut that goes on the bottom of the tank to secure the standpipe, but I'm hoping a LFS has one. When assembly begins, I will start posting photos! Wish me luck!

- Ben

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!

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

What would be a good replacement?

So I just got back from another trip to River City Aquatics. They have been very professional and informative as I've toyed with this idea over the past months. Today I got exceptional service. The trip leads me to to believe an inventory of what I have is in order. After talking with them I think starting as a fish only (with live rock) may be a good start for the year then moving toward a reef tank when I can get adequate lighting. Perhaps get some T5's or better once the tank is established. Let me know what you think.

Here's what I have as of this post:

48" Compact Florescents, 10ks, made by Coralife.

20 Gallon (Long) Tank - Planning to convert it into a sump.

Coralife 120 Skimmer for the sump.

Some live rock that has been dried and stored.

Growth Lamp for the Sump

Water Testing kits

5 Gallon Water Jugs for water changes

My shopping list includes:

Finalizing a tank purchase. I have a lead on a 70 gallon with a stand but communication with the seller has been sporadic. Also my lights are too small for the tank, hence the idea of starting as a FOLR tank.

Return Pump to pump water from the sump back to the tank.

Tubing (Financially, the least of my worries)

Live Sand and Rock

Anything you can think of that is missing from the list? The plan is to finalize the tank over the weekend, pick up and transport tank, stand, and sump on Tuesday. Then I can return to the forums or craigslist (cringe) or the LFS (double cringe) for the remaining items. Set up the tank in late July, cycle through August, first fish introduced mid September. Man eating octopus from that James Bond movie by December. Ok, forget that last one.

Any thoughts? What am I missing from the list?

- Ben

Greetings,

As an educator, I am constantly looking for new ways to bring fun, creativity, and discovery into the classroom. With this in mind I have toyed with the idea of having a saltwater tank at my middle school. The planets have aligned and the concept has gone from the idea phase to the action phase. Thank you to my building principal for finding me the space and time to make this happen. I am very excited for this opportunity and look forward to documenting it here in this blog. I welcome any advice you may have in making our fish tank look presentable and sustainable, keeping in mind I am on a shoestring budget, which may be an insult to shoestrings.

I have owned saltwater tanks before, but nothing nearly as nice as what I see in your photos. A very good friend got me hooked on the hobby and together we scoured the Houston area for years looking for frags, livestock, and cleaner shrimp. I will never forget the times we ventured into dangerous neighborhoods late at night for low-price live rock. Often resembling a drug deal off of 21 Jump Street, I'm not sure if the police would have ever believed we were there for the kind of rocks you put in aquariums. In June 2007 my friend passed away and this project will be in his honor. I find it ironic it will be at a school, knowing how much trouble he got in during his own education.

For those of you who will be following and contributing your advice to this project, thank you in advance. I hope to have pictures as we go forward on this adventure.

Regards,

Ben Newton

Austin, Texas

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.

When you say "cooking" the water, are you just mixing it with salt or is there something im missing out on?

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