So, started with a 20 gallon tank when I was 10. Two octopus, or is that octopi? That didn't go well, but I was hooked. I stuck with it for 30 years and in the end, had some pretty nice reef tanks before the wife decided that the money was better spent elsewhere. (Kids) 20 years later and the kids are grown and I am divorced. I am getting ready to build a new home and I have that itch again. But I am 20 years behind. We didn't have the internet for help back then. I believe in utilizing all my resources so, help guys. I am basically a beginner again. Not totally but I feel that way. I want to build a tank into the office wall so that while I work I can see it. One day while I was on Ebay, I saw a Marineland, 300 DD, still on the pallet, wrapped from the factory, 1000.00. So... 1000.00 lighter plus shipping it is sitting in my garage.
Starting over after 20 years!
- Thread starter Shredded
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SoloGarth
Active member
Starting over after 20 years!
Sounds like fun. I am looking forward to building my next setup. It will be a while though . . .
So yeah LED lighting or a mix,
I love the maxspect gyre pumps as they get the whole volume of water rotating. Also DC return and skimmer pumps are the way to go. Less power consumption and adjustable. Also in my next build I will be using some of that fake reef rock 2.0. It comes in purple. I will then try my hardest to prevent the introduction of coralline algae. Speaking of that QT everything, tank transfer all fish and dip in Bayer any corals.
Looking forward to seeing how your setup progresses.
Sounds like fun. I am looking forward to building my next setup. It will be a while though . . .
So yeah LED lighting or a mix,
I love the maxspect gyre pumps as they get the whole volume of water rotating. Also DC return and skimmer pumps are the way to go. Less power consumption and adjustable. Also in my next build I will be using some of that fake reef rock 2.0. It comes in purple. I will then try my hardest to prevent the introduction of coralline algae. Speaking of that QT everything, tank transfer all fish and dip in Bayer any corals.
Looking forward to seeing how your setup progresses.
Thanks Sk8r! ..... OK, so.... Friday... I made the down payment on a Royal Exclusiv Dreambox sump. Maybe I should have posted here first to see what everyone thought, but I kept going back to it and staring at it. I had been bugging Torsten by email for awhile and I finally went with the Set 5C with several upgrades.... Larger box... 2 return pumps (80 watt).... pre plumbed for another media chamber...larger water top off box... added lighting on the water top off box...and added Sock silencers. The filter comes with the Bubble King 200. Wanted the 250 but am so out of money. Girlfriend does not know what i spent on this and never will. Opinions? Besides stupid money...
This is it except a little wider box to accept the second return pump.
This is it except a little wider box to accept the second return pump.
Attachments
OK, what's wrong with coraline algae? I thought getting everything covered in pinks and purples was the look you went for? Always quarantined but tank transfer and dipping corals? I am definitely behind. Explain?
thanks in advance!
Dkuhlmann
New member
Beautiful equiptment, now what are you planning on for inhabitants? Reef or FOWLR, types of coral if reef and what fish do you have in mind.
The Kessil's are the top of the heap in lighting IMO. I don't have one I'm still with HO T5 and it works well. There are some very inexpensive LED Full spectrum 165 w on Ebay and fully adjustable delivered for around $80. I've got a buddy with a frag side business that has several of them and has had 0 issues with them. This is the way I'm going next time I need to change bulbs on my T5.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MarsAqua-Di...d=100338&rk=8&rkt=30&mehot=pp&sd=311314776223
The Kessil's are the top of the heap in lighting IMO. I don't have one I'm still with HO T5 and it works well. There are some very inexpensive LED Full spectrum 165 w on Ebay and fully adjustable delivered for around $80. I've got a buddy with a frag side business that has several of them and has had 0 issues with them. This is the way I'm going next time I need to change bulbs on my T5.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/MarsAqua-Di...d=100338&rk=8&rkt=30&mehot=pp&sd=311314776223
Sandrock.e46
New member
Welcome back to the club!
Thanks Sandrock! Glad to be back. My bank account is not!:fish2:
Dkuhlmann - Probably an SPS reef. small schooling fish, a few tangs and tridacna clams. Love to have a nicely colored Gigas as the center piece. Just got back from Tahiti a few months ago (date a travel agent) and the maximas were everywhere. Loved it.
Dkuhlmann - Probably an SPS reef. small schooling fish, a few tangs and tridacna clams. Love to have a nicely colored Gigas as the center piece. Just got back from Tahiti a few months ago (date a travel agent) and the maximas were everywhere. Loved it.
dentnshell
New member
20 years... A controller, your own RO and mixing station. When I re-dedicated to the hobby those two things were probably the biggest keys to success. I did convert to LED's at the same time, but the controller and the ability to see what the tank is doing when you are not there to "see" it. The historical data that a controller provides has definitely added to the stability of my tank.
dentnshell
New member
I only have experience with APEX. My research quickly indicated that, that was the direction "I" should take. There are many on the forum loyal to there brand, and I am sure with good reason. If mine died today I would purchase another. It is a lot of money but I would start with the Gold. I currently have the "lite" version, but quickly added modules to the point I should have started bigger.
I see you are in OKC. I am not sure what you LFS supports. I am in Tulsa my LFS is a Neptune dealer. Depending on your computer skills that may be a factor.
I have helped a few, as have many others on this forum, get there apex up and going. If you need any help I would be more than happy to do what I can.
I see you are in OKC. I am not sure what you LFS supports. I am in Tulsa my LFS is a Neptune dealer. Depending on your computer skills that may be a factor.
I have helped a few, as have many others on this forum, get there apex up and going. If you need any help I would be more than happy to do what I can.
Dentnshell -
Actually, I haven't even looked at finding an LFS yet. It's been so long that all the ones i used to deal with are long gone. I think there is one down off I-40. Will have to start looking. I will be in Tulsa on Tuesday for a few days. Who is your LFS. I will go look. I am trying to have all the major equipment purchased and ready when the house is ready. I am sure the house will take all my extra money during construction. I need to think about lighting next but the controller is definitely up there. Actually, I used to be a programmer so computer skills are decent. Project manager now. I never turn down help tho.
Actually, I haven't even looked at finding an LFS yet. It's been so long that all the ones i used to deal with are long gone. I think there is one down off I-40. Will have to start looking. I will be in Tulsa on Tuesday for a few days. Who is your LFS. I will go look. I am trying to have all the major equipment purchased and ready when the house is ready. I am sure the house will take all my extra money during construction. I need to think about lighting next but the controller is definitely up there. Actually, I used to be a programmer so computer skills are decent. Project manager now. I never turn down help tho.
SoloGarth
Active member
Nothing wrong with it necessarily. I just spend too much time trying to clean it off the glass and pumps. I prefer the flat black background. IMO coralline is minor pest. I'd rather just buy some purple rock and not have to constantly be scraping and dissolving it off everything.
As for tank transfer it is a method to deal with ich. Easy to do and effective and not too hard on the fish. Should be done during the beginning of QT. this tread contain good info.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1996525
I dip all corals in Bayer Advanced complete insect killer it is highly effective in killing off pest.
dentnshell
New member
Shredded,
As a programmer you will have absolutely no problems. I personally do a good deal of business online as well, but the guys at Ultimate Reefs, have been in business for about 12 years. They specialize in Saltwater, ok actually salt is all they do. They are just three guys that enjoy the hobby.
I like my apex, I have a wxm module to control my Ecotech Radions. I love being able to control everything from one interface. Having LED's has been so nice not having to worry about heat, or is the algae bloom due to water or because my VHO's are aging???
I did saltwater and mixed reef, for the most part unsuccessfully for about 18 years. The last 3 years I have gone more or less all in with a controller, LED's, Plumbing my RO water through the attic to the ATO. I have a dedicated salt mixing container on wheels. - No more mixing in 5 gallons buckets! I can assure you my next home will have a dedicated fish room.
All the years in the past of cleaning canister filters and scrapping glass are gone. Using good water, a good skimmer, a controller, auto top off. My tank looks so much better, is much more successful and easier to maintain.
I recently changed from an old oceanic 105 to a DSA 105. The clarity of the class is so much better. I am amazed at how much the glass tint (green) in the old tank changed the way my reef looked. At that time I changed from a Durso overflow to a herbie style... It is amazing how much quieter things are. The tank is in my living room as it has been since I began. I can't recommend a herbie or similar setup enough.
Also I have a dedicated QT tank.... Something I did not have in the past. It is a simple 10 gal tank with some old bio wheels, but has save the display tank more than once.
As a programmer you will have absolutely no problems. I personally do a good deal of business online as well, but the guys at Ultimate Reefs, have been in business for about 12 years. They specialize in Saltwater, ok actually salt is all they do. They are just three guys that enjoy the hobby.
I like my apex, I have a wxm module to control my Ecotech Radions. I love being able to control everything from one interface. Having LED's has been so nice not having to worry about heat, or is the algae bloom due to water or because my VHO's are aging???
I did saltwater and mixed reef, for the most part unsuccessfully for about 18 years. The last 3 years I have gone more or less all in with a controller, LED's, Plumbing my RO water through the attic to the ATO. I have a dedicated salt mixing container on wheels. - No more mixing in 5 gallons buckets! I can assure you my next home will have a dedicated fish room.
All the years in the past of cleaning canister filters and scrapping glass are gone. Using good water, a good skimmer, a controller, auto top off. My tank looks so much better, is much more successful and easier to maintain.
I recently changed from an old oceanic 105 to a DSA 105. The clarity of the class is so much better. I am amazed at how much the glass tint (green) in the old tank changed the way my reef looked. At that time I changed from a Durso overflow to a herbie style... It is amazing how much quieter things are. The tank is in my living room as it has been since I began. I can't recommend a herbie or similar setup enough.
Also I have a dedicated QT tank.... Something I did not have in the past. It is a simple 10 gal tank with some old bio wheels, but has save the display tank more than once.
SoloGarth
Active member
Yes they certainly can compete. Of course if operating costs are of no importance . . . Honestly each lighting type has its pros and cons. I feel that for me LEDs make the most sense. I have had good growth and excellent color under them.
Don't have any personal experience with Kessil but I have heard good things.
stingeragent
New member
That sump is insane. Whats the MSRP on that?
Welcome back, quite a hiatus you had there!
Do a search here for Marineland tanks, esp over the size of 120 gallons. There are some reports of tanks failing so just a heads up for you.
Also do a search for Herbie and BeanAnimal overflow methods. These are routinely used (Bean more so) to quiet down the loud sound of water dropping into the sump.
About the rock...many have started to use non-alive reef rock as their starting point. Its usually stark white and has the benefit of no unwanted hitchhikers. It gets covered in coralline in time. Live rock is still around and still used, even have aquacultured rock available now.
LED's have come a long way and halides are still around, along with T5's. Just have to do your research and weigh the pro's and con's of both. It is a heated topic to say the least, kinda like Deep Sand Beds and barebottoms. :lol2:
Time to give that wallet a break!
Mark
Do a search here for Marineland tanks, esp over the size of 120 gallons. There are some reports of tanks failing so just a heads up for you.
Also do a search for Herbie and BeanAnimal overflow methods. These are routinely used (Bean more so) to quiet down the loud sound of water dropping into the sump.
About the rock...many have started to use non-alive reef rock as their starting point. Its usually stark white and has the benefit of no unwanted hitchhikers. It gets covered in coralline in time. Live rock is still around and still used, even have aquacultured rock available now.
LED's have come a long way and halides are still around, along with T5's. Just have to do your research and weigh the pro's and con's of both. It is a heated topic to say the least, kinda like Deep Sand Beds and barebottoms. :lol2:
Time to give that wallet a break!
Mark
Cdodge1
New member
First, welcome back to the hobby shredded! Glad to hear about the new tank. So far you are off to a great start! Superb choice on the sump and aquarium. Also I find it difficult to digest that your first tank ever had octopi!! Wow!
Apex's are great, I used to own one. However they are not needed and can always be incorporated later into your setup. So if you want to postpone spending an extra $500-$700 , I'd recommend waiting, but it's entirely up to you!
I'll preface this next suggestion with the fact that I am a die-hard ecotech fan. Ecotech manufactures (in my opinion) the best of the best lighting, flow, and return pump equipment in this hobby. They also have had great customer support in my experience and also what I have heard from others.
With all that being said, I'd say go with the Ecotech XR30 LED lights for your tank. You can contact ecotech with the dimensions of your tank and they will give you a recommendation on placement and such, and if one or two XR30's will be sufficient for your tank.
With LED's, gone are the days of bulky metal halides blowing up your electricity bill and making your room 15 degrees hotter! haha
Ecotech will also be able to provide information on flow needs in your size tank, and can recommend a solution accordingly. The best part about their equipment, other than the sleek aesthetics, is the fact that it's all wirelessly programmable/controllable through your computer or phone!
Just my two cents! I'd love to see an official build thread for this tank! Best of luck and glad to see someone getting back in the hobby after so long.
-Chris
Apex's are great, I used to own one. However they are not needed and can always be incorporated later into your setup. So if you want to postpone spending an extra $500-$700 , I'd recommend waiting, but it's entirely up to you!
I'll preface this next suggestion with the fact that I am a die-hard ecotech fan. Ecotech manufactures (in my opinion) the best of the best lighting, flow, and return pump equipment in this hobby. They also have had great customer support in my experience and also what I have heard from others.
With all that being said, I'd say go with the Ecotech XR30 LED lights for your tank. You can contact ecotech with the dimensions of your tank and they will give you a recommendation on placement and such, and if one or two XR30's will be sufficient for your tank.
With LED's, gone are the days of bulky metal halides blowing up your electricity bill and making your room 15 degrees hotter! haha
Ecotech will also be able to provide information on flow needs in your size tank, and can recommend a solution accordingly. The best part about their equipment, other than the sleek aesthetics, is the fact that it's all wirelessly programmable/controllable through your computer or phone!
Just my two cents! I'd love to see an official build thread for this tank! Best of luck and glad to see someone getting back in the hobby after so long.
-Chris
Cdodge1
New member
I will say that this was always a very powerful thing to have access to at anytime you wanted, especially if you will be away from the tank for long periods. I have a much smaller tank and I rarely leave it unattended for longer than 3-4 days with no problems...so far. :fish2:
