I'm Back!

[1Floyd]

Hello All,

It has been a long while since I've been on RC. Had to leave things due to some tough family times (we lost a parent on each side to the big c), but things have calmed down again.

I believe it has been 5 or so years since I really could pay attention to things, so I am a bit behind.

I was wondering a few topics:

- The tank has been dry for about 2/2.5 years. The sand and rock are still in. Should I worry about the seals?

- What are the big skimmers these days? Roughly 800 - 1000g system.

- Are DSB still used, or have they faded?

- What type of lighting is new on the market? I have ice cap 250 hqi ballasts and some ice cap VHO ballasts.

I'm planning on the phoenix rising again, so I'm starting the research up.

Any ideas or whatnot, I appreciate it!

 

[just hanging]

dsb are stil used most ppl i think have a remote deep sand bed though. ice cap is still a good brand mH with VHO or t-5s combo is used alot now. seams not sure about. looks lieka good place to look at some of the larger skimmers http://customaquatic.com/estore/control/subctg/~ctg=s_ps-com-ws hope this helps

 

[NexDog]

Wouldn't worry about the seals. Where has the tank been stored? Might be best to throw the LR/sand out and get new stuff.

Skimmers: Can't go wrong with Deltec. BubbleKing is the new cool. Also the new new cool is cone shaped skimmers. If I ever redid my system I would use two skimmers - one on each overflow (my drains run into the skimmer).

If I had space I would plug in a remote DSB. 50 gallon container with 15" of sand collected from a beach changed out every few years. The biofiltation would be awesome. I have used a Sulphur Denitrator the last 3 years but it took ages to work. I do have 0 nitrates now.

Lighting: Lots of choice. I can't even remember what my ballasts are. Lot of people are using 20k bulbs these days. I use 400w 20k Radiums - love the blue. T5 is the new thing on the block in the last 5 years. Don't know much about T5 but look like strip lights, nice blue colour and put out light comparable to halides.

For internal flow Vortechs are popular but I never had any luck with them. Getting Tunzes next month.

 

[1Floyd]

Thank's guys. I can't wait to get the tank going again. Lot's research to do first, but looking forward to it.

 

[AndyH5512]

Welcome back...

 

[erics3000]

How big is your tank? If the rock is porous I would pressure wash it and reuse. You can mix it with some live or throw it in a fuge.

 

[1Floyd]

The tank is roughly 700g I believe. 48"W x 96" L x 32" H.

Interesting idea on the rock. I am worried the rock would have sucked up a lot of the nasties as the tank was beling left alone.

Quite a bit died in the tank, and I suspect the rock my have absorbed things.

Thoughts?

 

[erics3000]

After you pressure wash let it it sit in a tub of water for a while. change it out the water often ...later test your water before the rock and than after..you can see if any po4 or anything is leaching..

Thats a nice size tank.

 

[ninja73]

Cook the rock should be pretty fine. Especially If you are in no worry of setting up soon.

 

[elijaher]

At least six weeks of cooking the rocks.

 

[sus]

welcome back!
If you weren't aware, here is our local forum to check out...

http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=81

 

[1Floyd]

Thank you much; I had forgotten about it. Last time I recall, I was giving away a bunch of Xenia and quite a few folks came by. Thanks again for the reminder.