Help please - need some fast advice!!

[JT101]

Help!

I just finished setting up my new 46 gallon tank with a Aqueon Pro-Flex Model 3 Sump. Sand and water in the tank, RO/DI water, sump all filled but NO salt yet (just has fresh RO/DI in both). Well, wouldn't you know but my return pump is defective and VERY noisy (Danner Model 5 500GPH). I spoke to the online place I bought it, they will exchange it for a Maxi Jet 3000 IF I return the bad pump but that's going to take days. Now, for my dilemma:

Can I afford to let the tank just sit there with no water circulation for several days with just RO/DI water in it? If not, I'm going to have to overnight a new pump unless someone knows of where I can by a Maxi Jet 3000 on Long Island today!! Can anybody help please? I'd really appreciate it!

THANKS!!!

John

 

[STHILL]

Atleast put a power head in tank and keep the water moving...

 

[Fishluva513]

If u dont have salt in the tank there is no reason to worry.

 

[beerfish]

If you have a powerhead (even a small one), I would add it to the water pointed at the top of the tank. If not, a cheap air pump with an airstone attached will provide a little movement and help keep the water somewhat oxygenated.

Once you turn on the main pump, let it run for a couple of days to get your O2 levels and pH up to par before adding live rock.

 

[Levito]

I'd just go to petco and get a cheap powerhead for $15. You're going to need it later to mix your salt and you'd be surprised how much it comes in handy. I'd probably buy 2 anyway.

 

[JT101]

Thanks all for the advice :happysad:.

I'll put a small PH in the display tank to keep things moving at least, but what about the sump? I now have about 15 gallons of RO/DI down there...three separate chambers...do I drain it out and remove the sand in the middle part (fuge)?

 

[NL146]

Is the water in the 46g display tank mixed saltwater? How do you plan to mix the salt into the water in the sump? You can let the unmixed water stand for a while. It would be best to aeriate it before turning on the return although some aeriation will probably take place while you mix the salt in.

 

[JT101]

Is the water in the 46g display tank mixed saltwater? How do you plan to mix the salt into the water in the sump? You can let the unmixed water stand for a while. It would be best to aeriate it before turning on the return although some aeriation will probably take place while you mix the salt in.

At this point there is no salt at all in either the main tank above, or the refugium below - it is 100% RO/DI.

Based upon the timing of sending the bad pump back and getting a replacement I'm looking at a "downtime" of about a week, maybe only 5 days if I'm lucky. Is that too long to let the fuge sit? I guess I should aerate that, and put a small PH in the display?

Better yet, does anyone know where I can buy a Maxi Jet 3000 on Long Island, Brookly or Queens ???

 

[NL146]

At this point there is no salt at all in either the main tank above, or the refugium below - it is 100% RO/DI.

Based upon the timing of sending the bad pump back and getting a replacement I'm looking at a "downtime" of about a week, maybe only 5 days if I'm lucky. Is that too long to let the fuge sit? I guess I should aerate that, and put a small PH in the display?

Better yet, does anyone know where I can buy a Maxi Jet 3000 on Long Island, Brookly or Queens ???

Imo, since this is all fresh water and you won't have anything live in that tank for a while you can wait to get the replacement pump. Also, since you already have sand in the tank you're going to have to add salt in stages (take out some water and mix salt into it, add that back to the tank, then repeat until your water reaches the required salinity). If you try to mix the salt in the water with the sand you're going to end up with a very cloudy tank, and the salt still will not be completely dissolved imo.

 

[Imbarrie]

I would just buy another pump. You are going to end up wanting one for a backup anyway.

As for LFS in Nassau Cty, Village Aquarium in Carle Place has a good supply of pumps.

 

[wayne]

hey i got a or (ocean runner) 3500 if your worried about your tank come get it you can take it it's free pm me if interested.........
900 gph internal pump

 

[KathyC]

Why won't the place you got it from exchange it for the same pump?

Btw - you could TRY calling Danner yourself and see if they might be able to do an exchange. They are located here on the Island in Islandia

 

[JT101]

Why won't the place you got it from exchange it for the same pump?

Btw - you could TRY calling Danner yourself and see if they might be able to do an exchange. They are located here on the Island in Islandia

Kathy and everyone else:

Thanks for the advice and sorry for the late reply.

I needed something that night, so I stopped in to Aquarium Village and Ray sold me a Deep Blue Triton 3 (850GPH). Well, I am IMPRESSED! It's so quite I can't tell it's on unless I see water flowing! Amazing!

The place I bought the Danner from said they will only do an exchange for another item - I'm going to keep the pump for some stuff around the house.