new here

[37gfl]

Hello everyone,

I am just getting back into the hobby have had a few tanks over the years and helped maintain a friends parents 2 150gal fowlr tanks. Also I am currently a student working toward a dual major in mechanical engineering and marine biology. I hope to make it out to some of the monthly meetings and get to know the community better.

Current tank in the works is a 37g dt with a 10g sump with custom baffles. Still piecing together equipment. Have a 6x54w t5 setup that I am getting tomorrow after work. Then need to make a diy overflow or purchase a hang on as well as get a pump.

Any input on flow rates for a pump looking at about 4 feet of vertical difference with little ~6-8 inches of horizontal difference though that can be cut out all together with moving the sump in the stand.

Also looking for lfs in the Pinellas county St. Pete area.

Oh and any and all input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jeff.

 

[tony727]

Hi and welcome!
For the pump would you like a controllable DC pump or just a regular AC one?
I have a Mag series pump and I don't have experience with others.

The only LFS stores I know of in St. Pete are Fancy Fish, A Tropical Reef, Fins and Skins, and Sea Life Aquatics( not open yet).

Locally if you can drive are: Fish and Other Itchy Stuff(everyone recommends this one), Creative Aquariums of Tampa, Coral Corral, Marine Warehouse.

Those are the ones I go to..Maybe someone else will know more

 

[37gfl]

As far as the pump goes. Would love a dc that is adjustable. Though I am unsure as I have been outta the hobby a long time. An ac pump may be easier in the short run. Given that I will probably be upgrading to a larger tank in the next year or so its kind of a toss up.

More attempting to get a feel for the gph range I should be looking at fot the tank size. Then again I haven't run the numbers on sump volume that needs to be taken into acount as well.

I have been to fins as well as a tropical. Don't know where fancy fins, or the others you spoke of are which is sad given I am a native and have spent all my life in Pinellas county.

 

[hoohoohdillyo]

Fancy fins is that joke of a place off bay pines blvd.

 

[IrishTang]

"Fancy fish" I have to say though the owner Jess will jump through hoops to get you what you want. charge you an arm and a leg for it and there is not much selection . Stores in st. Pete have been seriously lacking.

 

[janes_mw]

good luck on good LFS in Pinellas/St. Pete. I have found other than fish of which I drive for, I get a "best deal" on-line unfortunately. Currently the good places are 35-45 min drive for me so online unfortunately is best for dry goods. There is only one place I would currently buy livestock and that is FAOIS. I quarentine, and have had great luck with their livestock. There is a place very close to me (on 66th street) which I will never step foot in again or give them a dollar of my cash. Been doing for a long time, so I formulate an opinon very quick.

there are a couple new places opening up in St. Pete, time will tell. I don't mean to sound bitter, but some of these shops don't have a clue. John at FAOIS gets alot of praise for good reason.... He does it right .... competitive pricing, knows his "crap", and steers you right. I can say I don't always agree, but that is what this world is made of ... opinions and experience!!!

just my 2 cents with a few bud platinums to boot!

 

[37gfl]

The store on 66th just south of Ulmerton? I have been in there once and the owner wasn't to bad, typical sales man. But yea St. Pete area stores have been lacking for a long time, part of the reason I got outta the hobby ~5 years ago that and coupled with moves. The situation has not improved in that time either.

As of right now I got lucky tonight and scored a 6 bulb t5 fixture with lights bulbs are "2 months old" though will be getting replaced shortly qfter I get the tank setup. As well as a 1200gph pump that is over kill as well for my current set up but will be much better suited to the 55 I hope to upgrade to in a year or so. All for 200$ so looks like plumbing is in order as well as hanging thqt 48" fixture over a 30" tank.

Then sand and rock, so the cycle can begin.