:reading:My first question is. . . Is 400lbs of live rock too much in a 200G tank? also since i'm setting this tank up fir the first time, do i have to quarintine the rock? What should i do to the rock when i get it? I was told it's okay to just place it in the tank as soon as i pick it up from the Air port. Thanks ahead of time. Pics are going to be posted later on today if possible of my current tank.
John's Noob ?'s thread. . .PLZ Help if BOLD
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Toddrtrex
Premium Member
It is really hard to say -- some rock is more dense (( weighs more )) then others, but overall I don't think it is too much.
If the tank is being set up, I would just put the rock in the tank (( with no livestock )) and cure/cycle it in there. I prefer to treat this like the tank is fully up and running -- water changes, skimmer, etc.. I like to limit the ammonia spike, to preserve as much of the life on the rock as possible.
If the tank is being set up, I would just put the rock in the tank (( with no livestock )) and cure/cycle it in there. I prefer to treat this like the tank is fully up and running -- water changes, skimmer, etc.. I like to limit the ammonia spike, to preserve as much of the life on the rock as possible.
phenom5
Member
Depends on the rock. I tend to lean towards less rock, but it's impossible to say if it's too much.
I would scrub any obviously dead stuff off, and swish each rock around in a bucket of saltwater. Otherwise you'll be fine placing it directly into the tank (assuming there's saltwater of the correct salinity & temp in the tank.), and getting your cycle going.
hmmm. . .oddly enough, i hadn't thought about that as obvious as it seems thanks for the heads up:wavehand:
Pics of SUMP and Skimmer + ??'s
Pics of SUMP and Skimmer + ??'s
So, here is my Sump:
Here is the Right inside view of it:
and another view lower down:
Here is a view of the inside left above the sump sticker:
My questions about the sump are where do i place the live rock rubble and where do i place the cheoto (sp?) and how high should the water be? and if you see the bulk heads on the lower left side of the sump what can i attach there? a refugium or do i just use the sump for that?
And. . .
Here is the protein Skimmer I have does anyone recognize the type it is or if it is even capable of handling a 200+gallon reef system?
Pics of SUMP and Skimmer + ??'s
So, here is my Sump:
Here is the Right inside view of it:
and another view lower down:
Here is a view of the inside left above the sump sticker:
My questions about the sump are where do i place the live rock rubble and where do i place the cheoto (sp?) and how high should the water be? and if you see the bulk heads on the lower left side of the sump what can i attach there? a refugium or do i just use the sump for that?
And. . .
Here is the protein Skimmer I have does anyone recognize the type it is or if it is even capable of handling a 200+gallon reef system?
If you can get into the section where the return drains into the sump I'd place your rubble rock in there. Place your chaeto in the center area. As for the refugium, I see two bulkheads that aren't being used so you could plumb in an external fuge I suppose. As for the skimmer, I don't recognize the one in your picture but it doesn't look like it's very big. Probably not a good bet for 200 gallons. Speaking of your skimmer, the water level that you maintain in your sump will be largely driven by what skimmer you might put in there. As a general rule, most in sump skimmers work well in 8-12" of water. If you end up with an in sump skimmer I would start there and then adjust the water level over time till you find the sweet spot for your skimmer. Post up a shot of the space you have to work with under the tank.
Thanks buddy I'll get that pic up sometime tomorrow then.
Demonic
Premium Member
You are going to get so many responses to this question. As most of us swear by our skimmer. I love the SWC skimmer line, as they are very affordable and come with the Askoll pumps. Reliable and quiet, but of course there are many skimmers out there that will do the job. Its all in how much you want to spend and what you are going to keep.
Demonic's right about the number of skimmer recommendations you're going to get. Asking about a favorite skimmer is about like asking about your favorite brand of salt. Myself, I run an ASM G4 on my 125 and I'm going to run it on the 180 that I'm building right now. I believe a G3 would get you by but frankly I'd get something just a touch bigger. BTW...don't forget to checkout Craigslist for skimmers, particularly if you live in a metropolitan area. That's where I got my G4 for $200.
Mike
phenom5
Member
Depends on the salt. Instant Ocean & Reef Crystals 1/2 cup/ gallon is to mix it to 1.023 (or something close to that), usually takes a bit more to get it to 1.025/ 1.026.
