FleeVT
Premium Member
After months of scouring this forum for information, I can finally relate to the excitement of the "New Tank" threads. I picked up a used 72 bowfront this weekend.
The only thing I've done at this point is scape the blue paint off the back- my wife prefers black, and I've read wife approval is integral in this hobby.
While the tank is empty and still in my garage...I'll just get to the first round of questions. Any and all advice is appreciated. Pick a question...
1. What is the best way to clean out a used tank? The glass is pretty clean, but there is a lot of coralline on the megaflow fixture. Should that piece be scrubbed clean, and do I just use water and a brush? Is vinegar a good idea or wive's tale?
2. There a a couple of minor scratches. I notice them because I just bought the tank, but they really are minor. While the tank is empty, I figure it is worth a shot at buffing them out. Any suggestions, or should I just live with it?
3. The lighting is a retrofit kit the previous owner installed. A 4-lamp ARO VHO ballast that controls 2 URI 36" Aqua D-Light VHOs and 2 Super Actinic 24" VHOs. There is another ARO 2x55W ballast controlling 2 PC Actinics. My goal is to eventually get to a mixed reef, but I (we) would like to start with LPS and softies. Without changing out the sockets, what would you recommend?
4. While the canopy is off, I would like to install some moonlights. Any recommendations?
5. The setup came with a custom sump that I need clean up and get a picture of to post, as I am not entirely sure of it's intended operation. It has 3 chambers, so I am pretty sure it is supposed to incorporate a refugium, but the proportions of the chambers are unique. Anyway, same question on cleaning that beast? Chemicals? It's acrylic, by the way.
6. Fans for the canopy - I need to pickup 2 replacement fans (each 4-3/4 inch). Any recommendations there? And, do most people use DC fans and then just plug into a AC converter?
Sorry for the novel, but I know you all remember your first. Thanks for any help.
The only thing I've done at this point is scape the blue paint off the back- my wife prefers black, and I've read wife approval is integral in this hobby.
While the tank is empty and still in my garage...I'll just get to the first round of questions. Any and all advice is appreciated. Pick a question...
1. What is the best way to clean out a used tank? The glass is pretty clean, but there is a lot of coralline on the megaflow fixture. Should that piece be scrubbed clean, and do I just use water and a brush? Is vinegar a good idea or wive's tale?
2. There a a couple of minor scratches. I notice them because I just bought the tank, but they really are minor. While the tank is empty, I figure it is worth a shot at buffing them out. Any suggestions, or should I just live with it?
3. The lighting is a retrofit kit the previous owner installed. A 4-lamp ARO VHO ballast that controls 2 URI 36" Aqua D-Light VHOs and 2 Super Actinic 24" VHOs. There is another ARO 2x55W ballast controlling 2 PC Actinics. My goal is to eventually get to a mixed reef, but I (we) would like to start with LPS and softies. Without changing out the sockets, what would you recommend?
4. While the canopy is off, I would like to install some moonlights. Any recommendations?
5. The setup came with a custom sump that I need clean up and get a picture of to post, as I am not entirely sure of it's intended operation. It has 3 chambers, so I am pretty sure it is supposed to incorporate a refugium, but the proportions of the chambers are unique. Anyway, same question on cleaning that beast? Chemicals? It's acrylic, by the way.
6. Fans for the canopy - I need to pickup 2 replacement fans (each 4-3/4 inch). Any recommendations there? And, do most people use DC fans and then just plug into a AC converter?
Sorry for the novel, but I know you all remember your first. Thanks for any help.
