[100G/40G Sump - Reef] Setup + Journal

[Chronology]

Hi Reef Central Members,

Me:

Long time lurker (During my fresh water days wishing for a salt) but recently I have been lucking enough to start off on a nice project for my soon to be baby boy. My plan is to have something setup in his room within the next 3 months.


How it started today -

I ended up breaking 3 carbon bags within my planted freshwater tanks and I did not have any backup units. I normally have reusable bags + extra carbon in storage but alas I only had 1. I could have improvised and used an old nylon staking, but I am currently breeding Figure 8 and spotted puffers and am a stickler for doing the job right.

Head off to my LFS with the wife. I find out hes going out of business, 21 years and he has to close up shop. He said this would be a great time for me to get into salt with rock bottom prices. (Mind you I have been looking into Salt/Reef for 6 months). I see a nice 55 Long, with a standard black stand, perfect for the house, however its a freshwater glass and not plumbed for a display tank setup. He ends up showing me a 90G, rimless and it was drop dead gorgeous! But the price, even with his sale was hard on my fantasy budget. Then he shows me a 110G tall (from my research I wanted to be around 16ish inches so I could get my arm all the way to the bottom of the tank for cleanings and aqua-scaping. I took a look at the tank, its the following:

• 
  110G Tall
  Glass
  Center Overspill
  Comes with standard black stand

Long story short, I end up going with that tank.

The list follows from what I selected and what the LFS recommended.

• 
  Lights : Marineland Reef Capable LED Lighting System w/Timer - http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24725
  Sump: 40G Glass, 3 sections (S1Left - From Overspill, S2Mid - Refug., S3Right - Triton 5 into a Y pipe for 2 exits from the top center.
  Pump - Triton 5 1350gph http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Blue-Professional-ADB40005-Aquarium/dp/B003I5ZPZY in the Sump, I have seen mixed reviews. The LFS owner said hes always used them and that MAGs always created a calcium issue for him. Not to say it doesn't but it maybe a point to upgrade later in the tanks life.
  Circulation Pump: 2 x Hydor Koralia Evolution Aquarium Circulation Pumps 1150GPH.
  Heat: Temp Tech 300W I tried to look up some info but nothing as of yet. He "gave it to me" for free. Should I hear otherwise or see a heat issue ill get something better.
  Sand: Carb Sea Aragonite 60LBS.
  
  Plumbing, fittings, water (150G) remove temp gauge + probe, install (deliver water, live rock etc.) - Provided by LFS

Location of Tank: - Yes ill be moving the art and blacking out the side window :thumbsup:



Tank with Lights.




Project:

I was doing some mild research about 6 months ago, and recently got more and more addicted to the beauties and challenges that it takes to create an eco system for such a complex environment. (I work in IT as an Engineer so I guess its in my blood)

I want to setup a reef tank, the wife and I love the colors,relaxation of watching the tank, diversity but mainly for my son's pleasure. I may add a FEW fish into the system for movement. I don't have a list built, any recommendations would be great. I am at a point where ill be "drawing" out a layout of the tank and designing the LR formations. I still don't have a center piece coral but I am looking.

Concerns:

1. Before I get this tank fulled setup and ready for salt (water test done and it was good). Should I be concerned about it being in my newborns room? I plan on securing the stand to both walls with L brackets into the studs.

2. Empty the tank wobbles on the carpet floor. Once the tank is full this should settle correct?

3. I did do my research on lights / moonlights with newborns and nothing concussive.

4. Clean / Clean / Clean, its my plan and a must for being in a newborns room.


5. Tank construction - The tank sits on a "standard" black tank stand. It has 2 doors on the front and one on the left side so you can slide in the sump.

Here is a pic:



Should the gaps alarm me in terms of this stand not holding weight? It is the door and door hinge so I know its not, but the small brace above that is supporting the top of the stand from back to front. I know that the floor will, since both sides are on exterior walls.

The right side of the tank is nice and secure, my friend suggested to setup a brace in the middle, but to make sure and mark the area's that the sump is and any plumbing so that I don't have to make any cuts in the new braces.


Anyways, I am tied up untill next weekend. I hope to post and update next weekend with more progress.

BTW - the lights are VERY bright.

Constructive comments, are always appreciated, as are any tips/tricks.


-Chronology :celeb3:

 

[dared.turtle]

looking good so far. what do you plan to stalk? oh hey just noticed your local to. hello neighbor newb.

 

[DRRosen3]

1. I have been told in this forum that Marineland lights are crap. If you ever plan to keep corals go as far away from Marineland lights as you can.

2. No the tank will most likely not stabilize when you add water. My advice is to fill the tank half way (or more) with water. Give it 24-48 hours and then go back and check. You'll find you need to shim one side of the tank to make the water-line level.

 

[C kram]

Looks good!

 

[BlindZide]

2. No the tank will most likely not stabilize when you add water. My advice is to fill the tank half way (or more) with water. Give it 24-48 hours and then go back and check. You'll find you need to shim one side of the tank to make the water-line level.

+1. My sister in laws tank is on carpet and she didn't shim it and wow, what a uneven mess it looks at the water line. The right side is above the lip, the left side is below and you can see where is slants. SHIMMY!

 

[BlindZide]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnWO7ym4u4Y

This dude does some great videos. This one is on the light you have just a different size.

 

[crsswift70]

I would attempt to put something more solid under the tank to stabilize it and allow shimming, if needed. Perhaps a piece of plywood painted black to match? Fill it with a hose through the window to see if it stable with weight prior to doing that. Easy to siphon it all back out. If the stand was made for an aquarium, it probably doesn't need another brace. Look in to DIY led fixtures if you like to tinker. What you have now will probably work for softies, LPS possibly, fish and setup. Since you've already invested in it, perhaps just supplementing with an LED strip or two. That way you can customize the colors.

 

[Ariel110G]

I had the Marineland LED on my 110G, but I did not use it as my main light, just as an extra with my 6 bulb T5 light, so you will need to get something better that that if you want to have corals.

 

[Chronology]

Thank you all for your replies. We have moved the tank + stand out of my sons room just because of the fact I was scared that something goes wrong I dont want it to happen with a new born in the room.

Its now on hard tile, I spoke to the LFS Owner (store is closed) but hes a nice guy and has another stand that he will swap with me Sunday.

I plan on re-enforing the tank with some welded square tubing. Its 3/4 inch, ill cut all metal (its going to be a box inside the stand, box in a box kinda thing) ill end up having weld the whole thing in the stand so that should be fun!

As for the lighting, I am going to try it out, worst comes to worse ill end up making a canopy and see if I can pick up some used lights. They just passed a law making the Weed stores in my area illegal and I see a TON of grow lights up on Craigslist. Ill just have to swap out the lights, but the ballast and shield can be reused.


The other thing I thought was CRAZY, cured LR Fiji prem is going to 5 bucks a lbs. at 110G + crush for sump I am looking about 575. I dont want to DIY it so ill just end up eating the price. I found a place that had VERY good quality cured LR thats local, great color + health.

I am planning on going to Lowes or HD to get some ball valves, the plan on that is to add them to my drain / returns so if I ever need to disconnect the sump I can shutdown the tank, close 3 valves and remove the sump.


Sump Question - Yes I have seen TONS of writing about this, I think to save a bit on cost, its I am going to use BioBalls OR DSB + LR in the refug.

Thoughts?

If anyone is ever local and want to share a perspective of local LFS or want to talk about selling frags I am always ready to listen.

TIA.

Chron.

 

[Chronology]

looking good so far. what do you plan to stalk? oh hey just noticed your local to. hello neighbor newb.

Hello neighbor newb! I plan on packing it full once I get my environment setup. My wife loves clowns and anemones so the plan is put in a few clowns and a tube coral for them.

Where are you at?

-Chron

 

[Chronology]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnWO7ym4u4Y

This dude does some great videos. This one is on the light you have just a different size.

Yep, I saw his review. He has the older model without the timer and that was one of his complaints. I plan on adding an additional lighting depending on the SPS or LPS that we put in.

-Chron

 

[dared.turtle]

Hello neighbor newb! I plan on packing it full once I get my environment setup. My wife loves clowns and anemones so the plan is put in a few clowns and a tube coral for them.

Where are you at?

-Chron

Nice, I'm a fan of clowns myself. Shame you cant stalk to many together. I'm in riverside. I'm going mainly fish with a few corals. Check CL for live rock. I've seen it used for much less. I wouldnt spend more than $2.00 a pound for most.

 

[Chronology]

Nice, I'm a fan of clowns myself. Shame you cant stalk to many together. I'm in riverside. I'm going mainly fish with a few corals. Check CL for live rock. I've seen it used for much less. I wouldnt spend more than $2.00 a pound for most.

I lived near UCR for a bit. I think it might be too sketchy buying LR or frags. Id buy only if I saw the tanks they where in, you can tell a lot if its maintained. I plan on going to LA and stopping by the wholesale place that the guys from ATM buy fish from only thing is it might be marked up due to popularity.

PM me if you want to come with.

Next tank update should be Sunday after my tank is setup for its cycle.

Chron

 

[Chronology]

Hey guys I have another update:

Added The following so far into the tank:

1. 1 inch sand bed
2. 140lbs of LR
3. Seeded Water from LFS ( Checked Water myself all in perfect range 1.023

Waited 2 days;

Added: (Pics below)

3 Turbin snails
3 Sand sifting star fish
1 red crab (small)
1 emerald crab
1 nassarius snail

Anyways you get the idea.

So I had a few questions, I added the following to the tank 2 days prior to adding the clean up crew. Note the tongs needed for my friends in the sump.

I was told to add the Kent products once a week after my 10% change. The PH buffer every 3 days. The C-Pods where only a 1 time thing.

Thoughts on adding the items?


Friends in my sump - Bristle worms!!

I have caught 7 so far:

Ill add more notes tomorrow, have to get back to some programming.


Chron

 

[Chronology]

One more question. The water level in the return pump area of my sump fluctuates 1/16 inch but the water level from my drain is constant. Thus the middle my refug or my phosphate pad is causing it? In am a bit concerned.

Chron

 

[BlindZide]

!!!! Please tell me that power strip in the last photo doesn't sit there all the time. Last thing we want to hear is someone getting hurt by electricity.

All in all it seems to be coming along. As far as dosing, have you checked the parameters of those elements before adding? Too much is just as bad as too little.

 

[Chronology]

Trent - no the power strip does not go there trying to move everything around both are mounted within the tank with a proper drip loop.

I do check my prams once a week prior to water change. Should I test more frequently? mind you i have only done 1 so far.

Chron

 

[Genesis Corals]

Looks good.

 

[Saltwater_Biker]

Welcome to the wonderful hobby of saltwater!! Been at this hobby for a year and I am always messing with my tank and always buying stuff!!
I also did come from freshwater tanks but I knew one day when I have a house that saltwater will be my hobby.

 

[BlindZide]

As far testing for params you are dosing, I would check more often when you start adding corals. Since corals deplete these elements you want to know how fast they are depleting them so you know how often to dose. Point is though, don't dose unless you have to. I use Reef Crystals salt which contains a decent amount of these elements so I don't need to dose even with 8 corals in my tank.