Dave's 90gal build

[TA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8516949#post8516949 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by archer8681
...For LR I like the look of the Marshall Island or the Tonga Kaelini. The 2 websites I was looking at are Premium Aquatics http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Liverock and The Marine Center http://www.marinecenter.com/rocks/liverock/ Has anyone ordered from either of theses, and could comments about the quality?

I have both Fiji and MI LR (about equal amounts). I definately like the shapes of MI rock better than the Fiji, but I won't say the price difference is worth it.

Also, don't be concerned about coraline coverage at this point (don't let that be what sells you).

I got my LR elsewhere so I can't comment on either of those two site, but the price on that second link looks very reasonable given that shipping is included. My recommendation is just stick with Premium Fiji wherever you decide to buy.

 

[Krazy]

They can be bought either way for those fixtures, legs or celings... Not sure on splash sheild, I dont use one ...

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8517150#post8517150 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TA
.....I got my LR elsewhere so I can't comment on either of those two site, but the price on that second link looks very reasonable given that shipping is included....

Send me a pm?

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8517158#post8517158 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Krazy K
They can be bought either way for those fixtures, legs or celings... Not sure on splash sheild, I dont use one ...

OK. I'll add this to my 'confused about which lights to buy list". I know I can add moonlights in addition.

Come on guys confuse me more please! This way I can make a list of the fixtures and throw a dart to pick one!

Dave

 

[TA]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8517226#post8517226 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by archer8681
Send me a pm?

I do NOT recommend the place I got my rock from.
At the time, they were doing very well, but lately, they've been getting nothing but very poor feedback.

I had no trouble with their customer service and was very happy the rock they sent me. I had it shipped Air Frieght (much cheaper)....Picked it up at Albany airport.

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8517310#post8517310 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TA
I do NOT recommend the place I got my rock from.
...

hehe, ok

When I get ready to order my LR, I'll post where I'm ordering from, in case I choose a different supplier, and if it happens to be who you used previously, please pm me and let me know.

Thanks

Dave

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

Dave,

I am switching over to reef crystals now, i am currently using IO, and making the switch to IO Reef Crystals. You are right however, and shouldnt switch brands, and when you do, do it over time. If your going to order it online, order it from Dr. Fosters, they have a flat shipping rate of 10 bucks, and the 5 gallon bucket is only like 32. Plus you get a free shirt.

Are you ordering all LR, or are you going to get base rock as well, this cuts down cost significatnly, i would highly recommend doing 80% baserock, and 20% Liverock, within a month or two it will all be live anyway, and you can get baserock for like 2-3 bucks a pound vs 5-10 bucks a pound. I just order Fiji baserock, if your interested i should get it today and ill let you know how it looks, it was $100 bucks for 45lbs shipped.

Jeff

 

[xian]

Also if you are inclined to drive to new lebenon Tony has IO. 200gal for $50

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8518371#post8518371 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xxxbadfishxxx
Dave,

I am switching over to reef crystals now, i am currently using IO, and making the switch to IO Reef Crystals. You are right however, and shouldnt switch brands, and when you do, do it over time. If your going to order it online, order it from Dr. Fosters, they have a flat shipping rate of 10 bucks, and the 5 gallon bucket is only like 32. Plus you get a free shirt.

Are you ordering all LR, or are you going to get base rock as well, this cuts down cost significatnly, i would highly recommend doing 80% baserock, and 20% Liverock, within a month or two it will all be live anyway, and you can get baserock for like 2-3 bucks a pound vs 5-10 bucks a pound. I just order Fiji baserock, if your interested i should get it today and ill let you know how it looks, it was $100 bucks for 45lbs shipped.

Jeff

I think Reef Crystals are one of the brands most used, so yea, I'll go with that.

I'll probably order all LR. Especially if i go with the MI. This way it all looks the same especially if i can get some nice big pieces.

 

[reefD]

about live rock ...yes you can buy all true live rock but realize some will be hidden so base rock can be used. in my oppinion as stated above base rock is hard to distinguish when seeded, but does have a different form. in any case , i recommend using the base somewhat to save some bucks. they will become seeded by the live rock you use and it saves money. these peices can be used so that they are never seen. in a hobby that will cost musch any cost cuts help in any case...but another arguement i use for those who dont mind the expense is HITCHICKERS! you will get lots of stuff in live rock and they can be bad. we all have experienced this.

 

[reefD]

november article about the salt choice issue. very interesting result will be published next month.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8521286#post8521286 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefD
about live rock ...yes you can buy all true live rock but realize some will be hidden so base rock can be used. in my oppinion as stated above base rock is hard to distinguish when seeded, but does have a different form. in any case , i recommend using the base somewhat to save some bucks. they will become seeded by the live rock you use and it saves money. these peices can be used so that they are never seen. in a hobby that will cost musch any cost cuts help in any case...but another arguement i use for those who dont mind the expense is HITCHICKERS! you will get lots of stuff in live rock and they can be bad. we all have experienced this.

Thanks David,

I know some of the rock may not be seen, I'll have to consider that as more of an option.

I've read that a dip in higher salinty SW will expel most unwanteds. What would I want the lvl to be at? and how long of a dip would be recommended?

My plan for my LR was open box > scrub dead stuff off > dip > aquascape > add LS > add water> turn pumps on > sit down drink beer.:beer:

 

[reefD]

okay as long as your aware. yep dip can help but its not that fast. you need to let the rock sit for a few( at least an hour) to let the stuff crawl out when irritated. but consider most bad hitchikers are very very hardy and tough. they tolerate being out of water for hours and are tough to kill. again we all have to take a chance but i feel reducing it with reef bone helps greatly. you are planning well and i just wanted to give you my thoughts of using all live rock. but dont think its wrong or not a good idea at all. just giving you more experiences to consider and think about as you move along.

 

[archer8681]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8521332#post8521332 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefD
november article about the salt choice issue. very interesting result will be published next month.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2005/11/aafeature1

Interesting article, too bad it will be continued next month since I plan on mixing SW next weekend. I'll have to go with my gut and get Reef Crystals. Either that or find a very very large pump and run it out to the Atlantic to fresh SW.

 

[reefD]

LOL! go with your gut in anycase. we all have oppinions on saltbrands but in actuallity they are all very good as far as a sythetic salt which supports any life from the ocean. i have heard good and bad about all brands so its hard to say as they have all been used in highly succesful reef tanks.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

just to show you,

This is two years ago, 30lbs baserock in 50 gallon tank. $2/lb shipped

This is after 20lbs of keys rock ($5/lb shipped) with the baserock

now this is from around 6 months ago, obviously i have added more rock, but its been various baserock.

Like ReefD said, this is one option you can cut cost on, but you seem to be getting quality equipment, so if you have the $$, by all means. We are just trying to help you save some dough for fish and corals, i just dont want you to take this the wrong way if you know what im saying.

Also, dont waste your money on live sand, hell ill give you all you want. I am moving in less then a month, and usually when you move you are supposed to replace most of the sandbed, so its either garbage or fellow reefers can have some. Let me know if your interested. I dont remember if you said you had sand yet, but Dr. Fosters and smith have CaribSea Aragonite 30lb bags for like 20 bucks, go anywhere locally and its that price for 15lbs.

Jeff

 

[reefD]

wow! jeff. nice comparative pic. the base is hard to find amoung the true live rock. nice tank too!

 

[archer8681]

I think I've decided on my lights also. I'm going with the 2nd choice that I had posted before on this thread. The Current Outer Orbit HQI/T5HO fixture - 2x 150x HQI, 2x 54w Actinic 460nm, 2x Actinic 420nm, 9/9 Blue/White Lunar LED Lights. Here's the link to Current's website again http://www.current-usa.com/outerorbithqit5ho.html

I've have been looking around, and I can't find any other light fixture that has all this. I know that there are manufacturers that may be considered better than Current, but this fixture is well within my budget, and seems like a good one (I hope). I get the shimmer, and the leds & the T5's all in one!

 

[reefD]

yeah dont waste your monet. live sand is live sand when it has been intro'ed to life. in other words most companies take reef sand from a bag set it up thick inb a tank then add small amounts of mature substrate and critters ...thgus seeding and making live sand. you can do this by setting up with regular bagged substrate then getting a few scoops a fellow reefers substrate and your substrate will become as live as the best purchased stuff. a good short cut.

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8521484#post8521484 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefD
wow! jeff. nice comparative pic. the base is hard to find amoung the true live rock. nice tank too!

Thanks, its really taking off now, but now i think i am going to upgrade to a 90 or 120. I actually just orderd 50lbs of more baserock for Fragging purposes, and for when i upgrade, also because i want to redo my nano with bigger peices.

Dave, if your interested, take a look at my 90 plans, maybe it will help you out. 90 Gallon Plans

As ReefD stated, there are many good and bad hitchhickers you can get. I got many featherdusters, filtering crabs, spagetti worms, and a strawberry crab (can be good or bad), the only bad thing i noticed was the fireworms. I thought i had a mantis for a while, but i think its actually a pistol shrimp since i have nothing missing.

Really bad pic of two featherdusters

Fireworm