Noob on a mission, 75 Gallon Reef *Updated* Pics...

[Anonymous]

I sure will. They recommend using the Mag5 unrestricted, but it cant hurt to throw one on there.

Only issue is where to place it (the EV120)in the sump. Theres not enough space to put it in the same chamber as the overflow. I was thinking I could throw the feed pump in the overflow chamber, and put the skimmer in the next to last chamber of the sump. This should give any air bubbles the skimmers' return creates time to disperse before water flows to the last chamber for the return pump.

Oh and I assume I can pick up some macro algae for the sump at THR too correct?

Dude, Im gonna have to send you a frag or something for your help once all is said and done. I really appreciate it !

 

[mr_X]

i can give you some. you are just buying my macroalgae anyway(that's where i drop mine off for credit).
i don't think you should place the pump away from the skimmer, unless you go with a larger pump. you are going to restrict the skimmer with the head loss from a few feet away. maybe get a mag7 and do that?

 

[Anonymous]

Any recommendations on a cheap RO/DI unit that I can use for initial filling of the tank, and subsequent water changes?
And are there any salts that are considered better than others? I notice some say they contain more nutrients than others for example.

Im still waiting on the protein skimmer to arrive, and then its time to fill up the tank and get some rock and sand in there.

Equipment list thus far:
-(2) Hydor Koralia 3 powerheads
-Danner Mag Drive 3 for return
-Danner Mag Drive 5 for protein skimmer
-Weipro MX-1019 Digital temp controller
-(2) 350W titanium heaters
-Seachem Marine multi test kit
-Current USA Outer Orbit lighting kit- (2) 250W 10K HQI, (4)39w T5, (18 ) LED lunar lights
-AquaC EV120 Protein Skimmer (pending delivery)
-Various tubing, clamps and connectors.

 

[mr_X]

try ebay...they are about 100 bucks shipped.

i like reef crystals, but tropic marin pro is supposed to be pretty good.
before RC i was using instant ocean for a long while, and it worked ok as well. calcium was a little low, otherwise it was fine.

 

[Anonymous]

So I ran into a little problem. The EV120 skimmer is not going to fit into the sump area. I dont know what the heck I was measuring or thinking but its not going to work. Right now Im trying to find a decent skimmer with a small enough footprint 10"L x 3.5"W clearance and that is not looking promising thus far. The other option is to use a hang-on unit in the back sump area, but that would require the intake to be able to be extended down to the water level in the sump.

Im really trying to avoid using an external sump because of the built in overflow section on this tank, and space limitations.

A few pics of the overflow section Im referring to:

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[Anonymous]

Also, a quick pic or two of the lighting which I installed yesterday(details can be found earlier in this thread):

Sandstorm below. Waiting for it to settle

 

[Anonymous]

X,
Thanks for the recommendation of the Hydor Koralia's. Those powerheads are EXTREMELY quiet, and efficient. Only wildcard is durability which time will tell, but they are a terrific value as far as I'm concerned.

Do any of our local LFS' have a better selection of LR than the Hidden Reef? I picked up about 20lbs today, but they dont have many "big" pieces. Most of what they had were about 2-3lb or so.
I may end up having to use the acryllic rods and drill method...

I picked up a Coralife superskimmer 125 today while I was there as well. The skimmer will hang on the back of the sump section, and the pump that came with it will fit nicely in the sump. Now I just have to pick up a new return pump that will fit in the sump and Im good to go. (The Danner Mags dont quite squeeze in there).

I was eyeing up the Hydor Seltz L35 online for return duties as it will fit in the sump very well and wont cost me a kidney.
Found it for a very affordable 47.95 + shipping here: http://www.crazypc.com/store/merchant.mvc?

EDIT: actually, I just ordered the L35 so I should have it early next week.

 

[brandonberry]

Some mag drive pumps can be disassembled and the outlet pointed in the adjacent position to give them a slimmer fit. I'm not sure if the model you have will be slimmer if you do this or not, but you may want to check it out.

 

[Anonymous]

Some mag drive pumps can be disassembled and the outlet pointed in the adjacent position to give them a slimmer fit. I'm not sure if the model you have will be slimmer if you do this or not, but you may want to check it out.

I didnt even think to try that. After adjusting the output nozzle from the side position to the vertical position, it fits in there. :wink:

I'll chalk that one up to inexperience. Thanks for the tip.

On another note, I noticed that the mag3 pumps too quick for my overflow setup, so I need to modify that. That little sucker is a beast. I also need to pick up a slightly longer piece of tubing to go inbetween the skimmer and its pump. The one it came with was a bit too short.
Should hopefully be able to have the system up and running tomorrow (Friday) after I make these changes. For now the water is just being heated and circulated by the Koralias.

 

[mr_X]

just put a ball valve after the mag3 and choke it down a bit.

as for the live rock, i'm afraid everyone else charges an arm and a leg for LR. i would suggest, if you want big pieces, take a ride to that fish place, in lancaster. i'll take a ride with you if you can go during the day....

i have to pick up some T-5's and a TDS meter out there sometime soon anyway.


those koralias may or may not last, but hydor USA returns them pretty much "no questions asked" :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

just put a ball valve after the mag3 and choke it down a bit.
as for the live rock, i'm afraid everyone else charges an arm and a leg for LR. i would suggest, if you want big pieces, take a ride to that fish place, in lancaster. i'll take a ride with you if you can go during the day....

i have to pick up some T-5's and a TDS meter out there sometime soon anyway.


those koralias may or may not last, but hydor USA returns them pretty much "no questions asked" :wink:

Done. After trips to two different Home Depot's and finally a Lowe's, I found the correct connectors and threaded ball valve. Choking the mag down a touch is working well. :wink:

Also installed the protein skimmer and am in the process of trying to get the proper adjustment.

More pics to update the progress...

 

[Anonymous]

A pic after the new Live Rock was added.(below)

We got another 25lbs a week ago. Tank has been cycling for a week and a half. Now Im starting to get a slightly green tint to the water... Are water changes still recommended during the cycle process? I'm guessing yes, but would rather be sure...
I did use the powerheads to kick up the junk on the rocks and walls, and also used my algae scrubber on the walls.


Heres the pic after LR and skimmer were up and rocking:

 

[mr_X]

steve. turn the lights off. you don't need them yet. that should get rid of the green water.
i did some waterchanges on my rock curing bin, because i wanted to try to save any hitchikers that may have come on it. i also recommend waterchanges because this tank is in your house. i know, when i was curing my rock, it stunk up the room a bit.

the idea is to build up bacteria on the rock by letting the ammonia->nitrite->nitrate cycle take it's course. the bacteria will feed on the dead stuff on the rock.
it might be slowing the process by doing waterchanges, but i still did them and my rock got cured. :wink:

 

[Anonymous]

Great.
Thanks for the detailed response. I did a water change last night. I'll hold off for a week or two before I do another one and just do measurements weekly on the water.

Skimmer is pulling some nasty stuff out though. Smells awful too 8O
So far, so good.

 

[shavo]

looks good so far,


you have X as your personal advisor then you will be in good shape!

me and X made all the mistakes just about so just take your time and baby steps and you will be just fine.

looks good though!

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Shavo!

I agree. I've seen the pics of X's tank, so I know I'm in good hands :wink:

On a side note, my AquaC EV120 finally arrived today :roll:

Now I have to figure out what I want to do with it...keep it or move it

 

[Anonymous]

Heres a quick update on the tank...
Its cycled now as the Nitrites and Nitrates have been at zero. I picked up a cleaning crew of blue leg hermits, astrea snails and a couple of emerald crabs. Also since then I have added 2 true percula clowns and a coral beauty yesterday. That will be it for me for fish/inverts for a while as I dont wanna tax the bioload too much. I am doing 15% water changes every week, and I ordered an RODI which should hopefully be here next week. Also picked up a Magfloat for acryllic tanks, its awesome. If your still using the algae scrubber pad/stick, do yourself a favor and grab one of these, they rock.

My next plan is to drill some of the live rock and make some towers instead of having a wall to wall rock formation that only rises halfway up the tank. I'd like to keep it more open and utilize that space at the top half of the tank to make it more visually appealing, and functional. Once I do that, I'll post some pics showing how it was done, and the final result.

Here are a couple of short clips of the new inhabitants:

Coral Beauty-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ylk7JD42LE

Percula Clown pair-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfw99ThsI4E


Oh, I also have my first coral frag in the tank, which is a small piece of Green Star Polyp. It has great neon green coloration.

 

[mr_X]

awesome steve! what R.O.D.I. did you end up with?

 

[Anonymous]

Well, I decided to go with this one because i need it now as opposed to whenever the group buy actually would have happened, and also its cheaper which is a bonus :wink: :

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... :IT&ih=002

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[Anonymous]

oh, and for some reason I forgot to mention that I also have 3 peppermints and a cleaner above... :?

They're doing a nice job of keeping the house clean 8)