Post your questions and ideas here!!

[dedex]

One more question....Is is smart or dumb of me to try to get some corals started in my 20g before I get the 75g set up so they have time to establish themselves?

 

[Mr James]

by dedex
But, if I have a closed loop, I won't need a "current maker" (for lack of better words)?

Correct. The closed loop is a way to make current, without the unsightly view of power heads in your tank. Some people don't like it because the CL pump is usually a larger, less energy efficient model. I say who cares!!

 

[Mr James]

by dedex
One more question....Is is smart or dumb of me to try to get some corals started in my 20g before I get the 75g set up so they have time to establish themselves?

Is your 20g ready for corals?? Are the water params good?? Are the zoas doing good or still closed up?? From what I understand, your 20g isn't ready for much of anything but mushrooms and maybe some leathers.

 

[dedex]

Well, I am thinking corals after the RO/DI is installed, and before the 75g is setup...the candycane is doing great, so are the mushrooms, and the kenya trees...zoos are still being shy... I figure that once I get great water, my params should be in check...

 

[Mr James]

What are you using for lights?? Zoas need better lighting than Kenya Tree for example.

Oh and, your 75g is going to take a few weeks to get just the plumbing and equipment purchased. Even if you use water from your 20g to jump start it, you may still have to cure your live rock, unless you purchase all cured live rock, which can be more $$$. This is where you should add another tank to that system so as to "brew" more water for the upcoming 75g tank. Incorporate that 45g weird tank you have into this system.

BTW, the kids love that blanket!! Thanks a bunch. Elijah and Caroline swipe it from Jillian and snuggle underneath it when getting ready for bed!!

 

[dedex]

I'll be honest...I have checked that lighting system, and I can not figure it out. I tried to put a 48" CORALIFE Actinic bulb over the 20g, and it didn't have near the potency as the one that came with the tank....I know...baby steps. I didn't even think too hard about lighting. I guess I am going to have to be patient.

 

[Mr James]

You are running NO (Normal Output) over your tank right now. Just a guess. In order to run the VHO's (Very High Output), you need a ballast that will drive the bulbs higher, such as an Ice Cap or ARO (are the brands I use).

 

[dedex]

I'm waiting on the corals until I get the 75g going...Thanks James...

Alan was going to ask at the meeting where in your home water system should an RO/DI unit be installed if you have a softner?

 

[dedex]

So what would one expect to pay for a Maxi-jet 1200?

 

[dedex]

And...what is a Close loop pump (how big does it need to be)? I'm sure there has to be a quiet pump out there...what would I be looking at for a 75g closed loop?

 

[Mr James]

by dedex
Alan was going to ask at the meeting where in your home water system should an RO/DI unit be installed if you have a softner?

Be sure to ask the Filter Guys that question. I had mine after the softner back in the day. It was under the sink and plumbed through the wall to the tank.

by dedex
So what would one expect to pay for a Maxi-jet 1200?

New they go for $19.95 or so. Used, I wouldn't pay more than $15 shipped.

by dedex
And...what is a Close loop pump (how big does it need to be)? I'm sure there has to be a quiet pump out there...what would I be looking at for a 75g closed loop?

On my 75g, I used a PCX-40 (1200gph), but wish it was more. If I had your 75g now, and again, depending on what you want to keep, I would use a Sequence Dart as you just can't beat the slince, watts and the noise level.

 

[Swanwillow]

does anyone know where to get water testing done up here? I'd like to get my tap water (well water) tested and don't know who to go to for it to be done.

I'm going to get a korialia, well, 2 of them, a 3 and a 4.

Do people think that LPS would prey upon small ornamental shrimp?

Would the culligan ro/di filters work as well as the ones online? (just curious, going online probably due to prices, but curious.)

I hate waiting for paydays!

 

[GoingPostal]

My sexy shrimp usually hang out in mu duncans or frogspawn so they would be fine. I don't know about the water testing but well water can be high in minerals. I know aquariumtesting.com? (or something like that, don't remember the website) does saltwater but not sure if they do plain old freshwater too.

 

[Home_Depot]

1200's

1200's

If you go to tcmas and look for Dirk Griffin he has them and not to bad on price I have bought alot of stuff from him. That is were I got my skimmer.as for RO/DI and softener I would say do it before the water goes to the softener but like James said I would ask the filter guys that to make sure. I have 3 mj1200's and I might just get a Korilia 3 and take out 1 or 2 of them?? Not sure though.

Garrett

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11419126#post11419126 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dedex
So what would one expect to pay for a Maxi-jet 1200?

 

[Mr James]

Re: 1200's

Re: 1200's

by Home_Depot
...I have 3 mj1200's and I might just get a Korilia 3 and take out 1 or 2 of them?? Not sure though.

Garrett

If you want, we could figure out a trade, my Koralia 4 for you pair of MJ1200's. I could even it up if the scale was tipping too far in my favor.

 

[Mr James]

by Swanwillow
does anyone know where to get water testing done up here? I'd like to get my tap water (well water) tested and don't know who to go to for it to be done.

What are you wanting to test for and why?? It's a given that the organics in your water aren't the very best thing for your tank inhabitants. There may be less organics in your water than what our brothers in Chicago or Detroit see. It is always best to run and RO/DI (DI being what you tank receives).

by Swanwillow
I'm going to get a korialia, well, 2 of them, a 3 and a 4.

What size tank again?? Are you going to put them on a controller??

by Swanwillow
Do people think that LPS would prey upon small ornamental shrimp?

I had a green chromis get too close to an LPS of mine, so anything is suspect to nature.

by Swanwillow
Would the culligan ro/di filters work as well as the ones online? (just curious, going online probably due to prices, but curious.)

The actual filters inside your RO/DI system is what makes or breaks a "good" system. Yes, Bill Smith's RO/DI system on eBay may be the cheapest, but customer service goes a long ways. That is why I have switched over to The Filter Guys. I used to buy from ARS (Aquatic Reef Systems) if any of youy long time RC'ers remember that sponsor. The have since sold off there business to another group and the customer service does not meet my standards.

 

[Swanwillow]

I'm actually testing for personal drinking-I'm thinking that since I live in/on a car shop/blacktoping/general big machine contractor, that my well water may not be the greatest for the kids to be drinking. The tank was second thoughts

And I'm just gonna have the korialia's running 24/7. on the 75. Start with the 3, and if I don't like it go down to the 4

 

[Home_Depot]

Trade

Trade

Yes James I would trade you for the Koralia 4 Not sure what you meen about uping it??

Garrett

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11425740#post11425740 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mr James
If you want, we could figure out a trade, my Koralia 4 for you pair of MJ1200's. I could even it up if the scale was tipping too far in my favor.

 

[dedex]

How much deeper do I need to build my stand for my 75g than the tank size? I want to get this thing started, and the construction class is waiting for the "floor plan" so they can get started It was suggested to me to make it deeper (the width size of the tank) so that I have plenty of room underneath the tank for the equipment...

 

[Home_Depot]

I built mine the size of the tank but if I were to do it again I would build it taller. Mine was only like 28 inches tall and the new one I have now is about 36 inches tall very nice and roomy under the tank. Also if you have anyone that can weld I would suggest a metal stand.

Garrett