plans have changed

[spinnerbayt]

The origional plan was to setup a 55g but things have now changed. I have been given a reef ready 265g! All I have to do is go pick it up. It comes with tank, stand, canopy, sump, and god knows what. So I will be making the trip to NY this comming weekend to pick it up but it may be sometime before I set it up. In the time being I want to get my hands wet so I am setting up a 29g with a 10g sump. In the sump I have the heater, large H.O.T. filter, and 525gph return pump. As for the lighting I think I will be doing 2x65w pc's. I don't have a R.O. unit yet so what can I do for the first fill up? I can buy water for top offs for now untill I get an ro/di system. I would like to get it started with mostly base rock and just add a little live rock to seed the rest to keep cost down as I'm going to need all I can for when I set up the monster. Where is a good place to get base rock? Get me rolling guys.

 

[LtPiper]

All the LFS have some form of base rock. As for the water some of the LFS will sell you RO/DI water which if you have your own container is cheaper than any other way of doing it.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Here is what I'm going to pick up...

 

[TheUndertaker]

you cant beat the price

 

[firefish2020]

Good deal IMO lots of work and equipment to buy for that thing. If you are going to turn it into a reef tank plan on several thousands of gallons per hour turnover. Everyone has base rock that wont be hard to find.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Ok, I got the 29g up and running lastnight and added about 10 pounds of base rock. I'm going to try and pick up some more today. I also ordered 2 reflectors that fit 55-65 watt pc's from ahsupply. I am going to build a hanging wood fixture to hold the 2 pc bulbs. Should I go ahead and add some live rock to get it going? Give me thoughts and opinions and I will try and keep you posted on how things are going.

 

[jmccown]

Very nice looking tank. Take your time setting it up right.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Here is what is going on with the 29g. I have a total of 15 pounds of base rock and 3 pounds of live rock added lastnight. I built a tempory lighting system consisting of 2 24" T12's 4 x odno. Not much to show yet but here is a progress pic.

 

[fishmon]

That isnt a c-siphon overflow on the back is it? (uses a luft pump to keep it flowing) if not cool, if it is....trash it and use u-tube overflows, if the pump fails you'll have a major flood.

 

[firefish2020]

Looks like one from here.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Overflow is from a marineland tidepool. No pump in overflow. I have cut power to make sure the sump won't overflow and that it will pick back up when power comes back on.

 

[coralreefer]

24" T12's 4 x odno

Over driven normal outputs?

Congrats on the big tank money pit score

 

[spinnerbayt]

Yes it is. I have two 24" T12's wired in series and over driven with DIY PVC reflectors. Very cheap and very effecitive.

 

[coralreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9298665#post9298665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by spinnerbayt
Very cheap and very effecitive.

Don't I know it. :lol:
We've been overdriving bulbs for about 6 years or so. Can't beat 440w of icecap type vho for around $80.00
I think you're the first person I've "met" around here that knew about it.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Well, I got my Ahsupply reflectors lastnight so I thought I would show you my fixture build. Here is a little step-by-step.

Reflectors with protective film still on.

I still need to get something better to hang it with but that gives you an idea. Those Ahsupply reflectors are great I am very impressed, they are so much better then the reflectors in my coralife fixtures!

 

[wvcleaner]

looks good spinner, I still use the lights that I am overdriving also instead of the t5's right now. Fugi's sells water for a buck a gal. until I get the right set up I have been useing Brita water.

 

[wvcleaner]

buy the way I have the light covers from the t5's if you want them. I am not going to use the because it takes away some of the light but thay also help direct it.

 

[spinnerbayt]

Well, I'm back from New York and I will be posting some new pic's of the whole trip as soon as I can.

 

[firefish2020]

I recommend a RO/DI unit they pay for themselves in no time. I use to think they were a wasted expense but I learned different in time. Ask anyone here they will tell you pretty much the same, making your own water is cheaper in the longrun.

 

[Reef4Fun]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9333907#post9333907 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by firefish2020
I recommend a RO/DI unit they pay for themselves in no time. I use to think they were a wasted expense but I learned different in time. Ask anyone here they will tell you pretty much the same, making your own water is cheaper in the longrun.

Agreed. Cleaner water, cleaner tank, saving money and time, time spent enjoying your tank instead of fighting problems.