Just When I thought I Was Out They Drag Me Back In!

[jpitch]

Hello, everyone. After a few years away from the hobby from a long and contentious divorce I've decided to get back into reefing! This Saturday I will be picking up my brand new (used buy never touched water) 36x36x30 cube. I believe the calculation comes to 168g. I'm going to take my time with this build. I have most of the equipment from my last reef, a 125g acrylic. I'm going to put that tank and custom made stand up for sale shortly so if you know of anyone looking for something like that let them know. The reason why I'm changing is because the 125 was in my man cave in the basement. My fiance wants this tank between the den and formal living room so I'm going to partially remove the wall between the rooms.

I plan on retrofitting my Kessil a360w's into the canopy. Question. Should I use all 4 on this new system? I hope my Vertex Alpha 170 will handle this new tank. I have the apex classic and all the accoutrements so it will be fully automatic. I don't know how much room I'll have for a calcium reactor but it's in the plans.

Any suggestions for rock? I used to have some Marshall Island and Tonga rock. What is the recommendation nowadays?

I'm still split on whether I'm going with bare bottom or shallow sand bed. The 125g was bare bottom and it was a breeze to keep the tank clean.

I hope to get reacquainted with you all again!

 

[MikeC120]

welcome back and best of luck with your new biuld

 

[MHG]

Welcome back. I would use all 4. I have a 24x24x24 cube and I have two 360's and one 160. Mine are basically resting on top of the canopy because I have a shallow canopy. Otherwise I would have put them inside. At about the 3:15 part in this vid shows my Kessils

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oFdC08T1K8c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[jpitch]

Haven't we met before? Your cube is right at the entrance to your house, no? I believe you had another tank in the basement. You had an electrical leak in your tank a few years back that you couldn't find if I recall. I purchased a frag pack from you once I think.

This is the first tank where I'm going to have a canopy so I'm lost on how I'm going to set it up. We'll see when I get it tomorrow!

 

[jpitch]

I would use all 4. I have a 24x24x24 cube and I have two 360's and one 160. Mine are basically resting on top of the canopy because I have a shallow canopy. Otherwise I would have put them inside. At about the 3:15 part in this vid shows my Kessils

I figured I'd need all 4. Thanks for your input.

 

[MHG]

Yes thats me. My growth has a lot of shadows so I need the 160 up front. All of mine are maxed out. You may be able to get away with less, but I think it all depends on your rock work and what kind of coral.

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Hi JP,
Remember me--- I remember you.
Marco Rocks is dry rock many people use now.
The club may have some live rock from a members tank left, we will know more tomorrow & you can ask here.
Meeting tonight if you can make it.

 

[James983]

Welcome back!

Personally, I would use dry rock like Vinny suggested. There's always guys selling on the forums, but I would recommend bleach and a 10% muriactic acid wash it if possible. Marco rock is nice but I don't remember it being very porous, but its been a while since I set my tank up maybe it has improved.

Enjoy your new build.

 

[jpitch]

Hi JP,
Remember me--- I remember you.
Marco Rocks is dry rock many people use now.
The club may have some live rock from a members tank left, we will know more tomorrow & you can ask here.
Meeting tonight if you can make it.

Hey Vinny! Of course I remember ya! I remember Marco Rocks. I also heard of Reefrocks. I got a few pm's for locals selling live rock. We'll see how it goes. Thanks for the tip. 8)

 

[jpitch]

Welcome back!

Personally, I would use dry rock like Vinny suggested. There's always guys selling on the forums, but I would recommend bleach and a 10% muriactic acid wash it if possible. Marco rock is nice but I don't remember it being very porous, but its been a while since I set my tank up maybe it has improved.

Enjoy your new build.

Everything is up for grabs right now. I have time to plan and research. I'll be setting up a build thread in the near future.