Newbie planning first build
- Thread starter Tooboot
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mmittlesteadt
New member
Clowns are actually damsels, and that single blue damsel might turn into a little terror. Hard to say for sure though.
Yep, not completely decided on the fish, and could drop the damsel, i expected there could be conflict.
I ran the numbers on the room in the tank vs. in the return chamber and should be OK (3.1 in tank and 2.4 in the chamber)
Also attached part of the drain tonight, and used a flashlight to get better pics (need batteries for the camera).
I'm waiting on my return pump, it's on backorder, and I have a ball valve for my return in that same order. So kind of at a halt. May work on roughing the electrical outlet while I wait
I ran the numbers on the room in the tank vs. in the return chamber and should be OK (3.1 in tank and 2.4 in the chamber)
Also attached part of the drain tonight, and used a flashlight to get better pics (need batteries for the camera).
I'm waiting on my return pump, it's on backorder, and I have a ball valve for my return in that same order. So kind of at a halt. May work on roughing the electrical outlet while I wait
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mmittlesteadt
New member
Well, that should at least give you some room for error if the drain gets plugged, however you don't want you pump running dry either. There is always some trade-off to figure out.
Everything is looking good. Except, I can't tell from the pic, but you aren't using any metal pipe are you? It looks like braided hose on your return line with metal ends. Maybe it's just the lighting. Maybe it's just that reinforced clear hose? You don't want any metal in contact with saltwater.
Everything is looking good. Except, I can't tell from the pic, but you aren't using any metal pipe are you? It looks like braided hose on your return line with metal ends. Maybe it's just the lighting. Maybe it's just that reinforced clear hose? You don't want any metal in contact with saltwater.
The pump has an auto shutoff.
The pipe is all pvc, there are some pieces of braided hose, no metal. I decided to use the cleaner pieces of the flex or braided hose he gave with the tank for some room for error or adjustment.
Here'so a link to the pump
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-s...0-Controllable-Water-Pump-237-to-790-GPH.html
The pipe is all pvc, there are some pieces of braided hose, no metal. I decided to use the cleaner pieces of the flex or braided hose he gave with the tank for some room for error or adjustment.
Here'so a link to the pump
http://www.reefsupplies.ca/online-s...0-Controllable-Water-Pump-237-to-790-GPH.html
mmittlesteadt
New member
Very cool with the auto-shutoff! Just a quick question (simply because I tend to be really anal about thinking through every potential problem for solutions), What if the auto shutoff fails?
I too try to think everything through, to a point of driving myself crazy from time to time, and it usually causes delays in progression. better to think about it earlier rather than dealing with issues later.
that is the only issue that I have not given more thought to. I figure if it fails, time to buy a new pump (or take advantage of the warranty if it is still available at that time).
this is why I'm enjoying these forums, there is only so much I by myself can foresee or consider, having others to bounce ideas around with helps so much.
I'm now looking into my lighting. I've started a thread in the DIY section to ask about cutting the brace at the top, given it may create shadows. from the replies I received, I am deciding against it and will try to get two sets of lights (one on either side) rather than one fixture running across the full tank.
taking this into consideration, I am considering breaking the bank and going with 2 160 Kessils, and a controller, or maybe some LEDs from China with built in programmable options (although I don't know if I can sync them up), or building a floating hood and DIY'ing something in there.
the floating hood idea is kind of enticing. I am considering putting a couple of computer fans in the hood for ventilation and cooling, and some of these lights/LED bulbs. I would simply do some electrical work (and have some leftover PVC for waterproofing) to add regular home lighting fixtures and hook them up to a wireless home light switch with dimming capabilities. I'd have to look into some programming options if I want to automate it for the dimming and timing options, but otherwise could control it through my tablet.
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Full-Spectru...d=100009&rk=1&rkt=10&mehot=pp&sd=371332790783
not sure if it would work, more research is needed, but could be cost efficient and fun to build.
mmittlesteadt
New member
I was doing research for almost a year and really spent about 4 months from the time I bought the tank and a lot of the equipment (which I eventually upgraded) before even getting it set up and filled with water the first time.
I am so glad I did, because although it severely tested my patience, I've been rewarded with a gorgeous reef that is almost maintenance free with so many failsafes in place that my only worry is how I'm going to come up with cash for my next purchase.
And really the planning and research was my favorite part of the entire thing.
I agree,
I'm normally impatient when it comes to this stuff, but it's a good test and I am doing well so far.
I learned my lesson with my 15 gallon freshwater tank, just adding a bunch of fish all at once right away. learned about cycling. also, tank placement, the curtains near the freshwater tank are now closed to avoid direct sunlight, no more algae issue.
I'm normally impatient when it comes to this stuff, but it's a good test and I am doing well so far.
I learned my lesson with my 15 gallon freshwater tank, just adding a bunch of fish all at once right away. learned about cycling. also, tank placement, the curtains near the freshwater tank are now closed to avoid direct sunlight, no more algae issue.
just a quick update.
I've been doing some more research on equipment and have placed an order for the Jebao PP-8 with the wireless Aqualink S controller. bought it from the Fish Street site, used paypal to reduce some stress around the poor grammar on their website (always wonder how legit things are when it seems people can't spell or use spell check).
I am still considering another heater to compliment the Neo-Therm 150 I had picked up a week ago. i've read and heard mixed reviews on the Neo-Therm, so any feedback on that heater or any other to use as a second/complimentary heater would be appreciated. I am also aware that the 150 may be a little small for my tank, so please comment on that too.
the protein skimmer should have arrived today, will stop by the post office on my way home to check. looking forward to it.
other than that, still waiting on my return pump. it seems like its a popular item and now on back order. once that is in, I should have most of the equipment to start aquascaping, adding water, and live sand.
Yes lights will still be missing, but given the fact that I will not be using live rock, I expect the cycling to take a bit longer, which should buy me some time to decide what I will do for lighting. I came across the CORAL BOX MOON LED LIGHTING on the fish street website, they seem interesting reasonably priced for LEDs, thinking of getting 2. Anyone have experience with these lights.
I've been doing some more research on equipment and have placed an order for the Jebao PP-8 with the wireless Aqualink S controller. bought it from the Fish Street site, used paypal to reduce some stress around the poor grammar on their website (always wonder how legit things are when it seems people can't spell or use spell check).
I am still considering another heater to compliment the Neo-Therm 150 I had picked up a week ago. i've read and heard mixed reviews on the Neo-Therm, so any feedback on that heater or any other to use as a second/complimentary heater would be appreciated. I am also aware that the 150 may be a little small for my tank, so please comment on that too.
the protein skimmer should have arrived today, will stop by the post office on my way home to check. looking forward to it.
other than that, still waiting on my return pump. it seems like its a popular item and now on back order. once that is in, I should have most of the equipment to start aquascaping, adding water, and live sand.
Yes lights will still be missing, but given the fact that I will not be using live rock, I expect the cycling to take a bit longer, which should buy me some time to decide what I will do for lighting. I came across the CORAL BOX MOON LED LIGHTING on the fish street website, they seem interesting reasonably priced for LEDs, thinking of getting 2. Anyone have experience with these lights.
Egalindo2240
New member
ChitownBrickie
New member
Thanks for your advice. Yes, I read Herbie and BeanAnimal's thread. I chose to go with the Herbie method too. My tank is predrilled for 3/4" and 1" on the bottom, the manufacture then tempered the glass after drilling. So I can't drill it :/ but I can bump the pipe sizes up before & after the bulkheads. Do you think 1' should be sufficient enough for the 2 drain pipes? I decided to go with less flow from the pump too, 6x turnover rate of 330Gallons. Thanks for the heads up on calculating left over gallons for the return chamber in my sump too!
ChitownBrickie
New member
I was doing research for almost a year and really spent about 4 months from the time I bought the tank and a lot of the equipment (which I eventually upgraded) before even getting it set up and filled with water the first time.
I am so glad I did, because although it severely tested my patience, I've been rewarded with a gorgeous reef that is almost maintenance free with so many failsafes in place that my only worry is how I'm going to come up with cash for my next purchase.
And really the planning and research was my favorite part of the entire thing.
+1 I've been researching since December. I'm really grateful that I did not rush it, and most of all that I found Reef Central. The vast amount of knowledge here is just incredible.
That is a huge part of the attraction. Just wasnt sure of their experience with LEDs and only found it on non large scale type of site, I'll be checking with my LFS, will keep researching. How long have you had them?
What's the plan with the tank, noticed it was a bare bottom.
Any pictures, would love to see them, or a build thread link?
I'm getting to the point of buying rock. The protein skimmer came in. Used from ebay, haven't given it a try yet, need a bucket and want to run some bottled water through it.
It will be while before I get to the rock, I want to give that more time and look up more pictures, bit more inspiration (watch finding Nemo and the little Mermaid again, lol)
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Egalindo2240
New member
Screenshot of my settings. I love the fact that I can tweak different colors. I wish I could afford an AI Prime which I believe the moon led is knocking off. But the price I couldn't resist . Stumbled upon the light on eBay and seller turned out to be local. Dallas reef systems . Have had the light and 15 gallon going about 2 months. Plan is to ditch the 15 and live clown fish and and about 15 zoa and sps frags to the new 40b and 29L sump I just purchased today and eventually someday very soon build. May be running one light till I can scrape up cash for and another moon led
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Very cool, thanks for sharing. Everything costs more for me due to exchange rates, I checked out the stores website and yes they have good prices, until I tac on another 30%. I was considering getting 2 given I have a black brace across the top (middle). was thinking of cutting it and rebracing with something clear, but after posting a thread and gathering feedback, I'm going for 2 lights. I'd like the Kessel but out of my price range right now
Looks like you are doing the due diligence to make your first tank a success! Congrats on doing the proper research (it's a lot to figure out!). The kessils 160's and 360's are awesome lights, but that can always be an upgrade down the road as there are cheaper options that will do the trick. Im not sure if you've ordered your dry rock yet? If you haven't take a look at reefcleaners dry rock. That's what I used and was/am very happy with the product!
Thanks for the tip, I'm also looking around the area, LFS, to avoid any ridiculous shipping costs, there is one 1 h away and they sell premium dry key largo Marco rock at 2.99 lbs. Would appreciate knowing how you all kept your aquascape together. I also have to factor exchange rates if ordering outside of Canada.
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