Starting over: what would you do differently?

[terry4505]

Having just gone through this last year, I can relate.

My old tank (120, rear overflows) was cobbled together with lots of used stuff that all seemed like a good idea at the time.

My new tank is a pretty fair representation of all of the choices I wanted to fix.

-Peninsula
-External overflow (Synergy Reef)
-LED/T5 combo
-Basement sump
-Apex from day one

 

[daveverdo]

I would increase the front to back dimension.

 

[Izshocker]

Basement sump
ATO from day one.

 

[JOESWOODWORKS]

Mark . Maybe you should do something like this. I just finished this stand and canopy.

 

[Capt_Cully]

That's sick Joe! I see your shoulder is better!!!

No, the reason I'm sticking with a 120 is the stand and canopy you built me is amazing. Don't want to change it.

Believe it or not, I just finished the bathroom. Remember that vernier you build for my vanity? Looks great.

 

[erndog1001]

My tank is home made. I would make it deeper and lower the overall water level about an inch or so via the overflow. It runs within 1/2 inch of the top I had a couple of overflows
I would do just 1-2" drain vs 2- 1 1/2" that I have. I had no idea just how much water can actually flow through 1- 1 1/2" pipe. So i shut one down shorty after I started and haven't used it since. Although I have toyed with the idea of a second sump from time ti time. So it may have a use yet.

 

[Gary Majchrzak]

if

if

I were starting over
I would choose the finest and quietest components.

But that's only after learning the hard way that there's a big difference between cheapo stuff and the real deal.

I've considered doing a Kreisel. Maybe a NP biotope. Sygnathiid display.
But I'd stick with what I know best.

I'm really loving those ghost overflow types and DC pumps!

 

[saltwaterfishlover]

starting over hmmm at what point in the 30years...... probably the biggest do different was 12 years ago I would have rented a place on our own or bought a place vs renting with now ex friends.... might have still had a breeding pair of Blue Spotted Jawfish instead of a chlorinated 92 gallon hot tub.....

 

[terry4505]

I were starting over
I would choose the finest and quietest components.

But that's only after learning the hard way that there's a big difference between cheapo stuff and the real deal.

I've considered doing a Kreisel. Maybe a NP biotope. Sygnathiid display.
But I'd stick with what I know best.

I'm really loving those ghost overflow types and DC pumps!

I love my Ghost Overflow (technically Synergy Reef Overflow, but same thing) and DC return pump.

 

[Kolkri]

If I was about to go back to the start I would of never done it in the first place. To expensive and to much work.

 

[drtango]

I would have/should have/am doing now what worked before...

No substrate (vacuuming it out)
Halides ( Radions swapped for 400w Ushio 14k)
Basement sump (can't do it, did move ATO to basement)

 

[sean obergfell]

Biggest possible Skimmer, longer dimension....

So I can overstock my fish......

 

[saltwaterpicaso]

what kind of substrate did you have. I had oolite and hated it was thinking of going with a thicker sand so I can have wrasse again I'm currently barebottom

 

[jacksonpt]

Realistically, the only thing I'd change is the plumbing, especially teh drain side. I'd to to make it quieter (probably bean's design or similar), and allow for easier use/maintenance of filter socks. Oh, and I probably would have gone with the full apex, not just the jr.

Ideally, I'd find a way to run a remote sump, but that's a MUCH bigger undertaking and even if I were starting over, I'm not sure I'd take on that kind of project in my current house with my current tank location.

 

[Capt_Cully]

I'm thinking of also doing a 1GPD automated water change system. More Litermeter slave pumps headed this way....

 

[Therapy]

What a great thread! Its great for people to say what they would have done different rather than brag that their Seaclone works great. TYVM!!!

 

[pauls]

I would not use Florida Crushed Coral again. It looks ugly and makes the tank look like there is garbage all over. I would also not use fine sand again. The power heads create a sand storm.