Setting up new tank

[SuperNemo]

Hi guys/gals,

Looking to setup a new tank and trying to acquire all the equipment I need. I have decide to do dry base rock cycling in order to eliminate any issues with hitchikers and alge. I know that it will take a lot longer to cycle and get the bacteria colony setup, but its worth it in the end.

Can anyone tell me where is the best place to get dry base rock. Bulk reef supply seems to have some good stuff, but is out of stock. They are chargeing about 2.50 lb. Can someone recomment LFS that has it cheaper? Looking for lightweight and porous. Any place in the city/brookly/queens, if not willing to go further out.

Also looking for sand, what type would be best. I have some florida crush coral already, I know that there is maintenance to any sand bed, but it looks nicer than bare bottom.

Also, I have a 125 tank with a 55 sump now with some large koi fish and they have outgrown the tank. Does anyone know if any LFS willing to take them for trade value or if anyone know someone who can give them a good home.

Thanks for your help.

Jim

 

[Lunareclipse]

Marco has some.

 

[jaa1456]

Reefs to Reptile has some nice base rock just as you described. I think it was 3.00 a pound. its located in ocean NJ across from tropaquarium

 

[SuperNemo]

I know tropaquarium. A bit far for me so hopefully someone can hook me up in the city.

Anymore inputs.

 

[Valleyviewreef]

Hey, tri (1000 island) aquarium on Utica ave, Ave M in Brooklyn. Carol is the owner. She'll work with you as far as price on base rock, bussiness is a little slow...


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[mcnuggget]

LFS usually charges more. they need to pay rent,electricity,staff,etc...

 

[Keith P]

maybe a WTB thread in the WTB section?

 

[SuperNemo]

Well a couple of things have been decide already, but still subject to change.

Sand: CaribSea Aragamax Select 0.5-1.5 grain size sand or Southdown sand (if possible)
Controller: Neptune Systems AquaController
Refractomer: from saltwatercritters.com (dont know brand)
Rock: Marco Key Largo Rock
Skimmer: Bubble King Supermaine 250, 300 or Vertex Alpha 300
RO Unit: SpectraPure 90

Things still thinking about
Phosban Reactor: might DIY

 

[SuperNemo]

I dont have a RR tank, and dont feel like drilling. So I will be utilizing the pipe style overflow that I saw in RC and here. I modified it slight to increase suface skimming.

Its the same principal as the standard overflow that a lot of you guys/gals have heard about, but I included Tees and Cap to the overflow pipe that would originally do the surface skimming and then will cut the pipe in half. This would actually increase the surface skimming area the length of the tank.

Dont know if that is clear but I included a picture. The picture is not to scale, but the general idea is there. It will not be easy to hide, but it will have to do for now.

Jim

 

[Keith P]

Neat design. I personally don't trust it. I would drill.
You say you "dont feel like drilling". Drilling is easy. That design looks a little complicated..

 

[SuperNemo]

Yeah, it does look complicated but I have one running in my current tank. Not a single problem to start and I shut it off each week for water change.

The picture does not do it justice. Its basically a single pipe overflow that utilized two pipes.

 

[smoknreefrs]

i think your skimmer choice is super over kill.... a mini 180 or 200 would suffice, and the vertex 200 would suffice for a cone. you dont wanna oversize a cone style skimmer IMO.

 

[Imbarrie]

Sand grain size

I have heard people that didn't like that grain size because it wouldn't stay settled.
If you want a lot of flow you may want to step up to the next size.

Also, two little fished makes a phosban reactor that works and looks great for little money. I tried DIY but went with the TLF after.

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