What do I need from here?
- Thread starter jnguyen4007
- Start date
Mariner
New member
The drum sounds like it might be useable then.
If the LR is cured locally, it would probably be fine to put straight in the tank. If shipped, it will definitely need some scrubbing, but I'd still put it straight in the tank. The only drawback to that would be that you might get a bad odor for a few days if the LR is especially rough. But, IMO, it helps if all of the surfaces in the tank go through the cycle... the more surfaces for beneficial bacteria to grow on during the cycle the more successful it will be.
So, I'm agreeing with Scuba-steve that the only time you really would want to cure LR in a drum is when you are adding it to an existing tank because you wouldn't want the die off to foul an existing system and kill off inhabitants. With a new tank, you have no inhabitants to worry about.
Mariner
If the LR is cured locally, it would probably be fine to put straight in the tank. If shipped, it will definitely need some scrubbing, but I'd still put it straight in the tank. The only drawback to that would be that you might get a bad odor for a few days if the LR is especially rough. But, IMO, it helps if all of the surfaces in the tank go through the cycle... the more surfaces for beneficial bacteria to grow on during the cycle the more successful it will be.
So, I'm agreeing with Scuba-steve that the only time you really would want to cure LR in a drum is when you are adding it to an existing tank because you wouldn't want the die off to foul an existing system and kill off inhabitants. With a new tank, you have no inhabitants to worry about.
Mariner
jnguyen4007
New member
I am so glad I come to this site and ask questions. you guys been more than awesome with your responses. I can't believe the owner at the aquarium store tell me to use regular tap water and said that within couple of weeks, I can start adding corals and fish. If I had not come here for advice and just listen to the store owner, I think I would be in for a rude awakening when everything die.
Another question, as I add water into my tank, as it fills up, it will eventually get to that point where it will flow through the built in overflow and down into the sump refugium. about how much water do I want the sump to fill up before I can turn on the return pump to pump the water back up to the main tank? About half way? More than half way?
James
Another question, as I add water into my tank, as it fills up, it will eventually get to that point where it will flow through the built in overflow and down into the sump refugium. about how much water do I want the sump to fill up before I can turn on the return pump to pump the water back up to the main tank? About half way? More than half way?
James
Scuba_Steve
Premium Member
Its a great place isnt it. And so much info avail. At the very top of this forum is a sticky made by waterkeeper. Read his tank thread, and many of the other threads he listed. It has sppppp much info, and hes a pretty funny guy. You want it to be at least a few inches above the inlet to the pump. When u turn off the power, the water will drain out of the main tank quite a bit. Make sure your sump at its highest water level can handle the full back syphon without overflowing!
Mariner
New member
Ideally, you want enough space left in your sump so that if there is a power failure or pump failure the water that continues to drain from your main tank will not overflow the sump. The amount of water that will drain depends on the level that your overflows are set up in your main tank. Some people test their tanks and sumps outside with tapwater to determine the exact level the water should be in the sump.
HTH,
Mariner
HTH,
Mariner
jnguyen4007
New member
Would it be safe to assume that if I add water into the main tank with the return pump off and it eventually flows into the overflow and down to the sump, where I stop adding water, that will be the maximum height that the water will rise in the sump then?
James
James
Scuba_Steve
Premium Member
not unless your return isnt submerged. If its not you will get lots of salt spray! When you turn off your pump, the return will back syphon and drain the tank down to whatever level it is at in the tank. That would be the level it will be at in a power outage. You could fill the tank to the bottom of the return, then pour water directly into the overflow until the sump is full. this will be the correct level. experiment with freshwater till you get it just right. You can also drill syphon breaks in your return line if you want the level to be higher, just make sure they are large enough that they wont clog, and believe me, small holes clog easy! Drill them in a manner that wont cause water to spray up, and they wont cause air to get sucked in. The underside of the pipe, at least 1" underwater is best imo
Last edited:
jnguyen4007
New member
I forgot that the return will be under water so it will also be draining the water from the main tank down to the sump as well. I guess the best way to see where the maximum sump water level should be is to set up the tank and sump outside, then play with it before I take it inside and add salt water to it. If I get salt water all over our carpeted floor, I'll be lucky if I get to sleep in the garage for the next year or so. LOL
James
James
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