Kevin's Tank!!!
- Thread starter kevin34
- Start date
kevin34
Active Member
Here are some pics of my sump. I have a question about the little chamber next to the skimmer where the bioballs would usually go. I chose to not use bioballs and make that chamber a small fuge but after looking at it I dont think it will fill with water. What do you guys think? As far as updates go the lights are next followed by the RO unit. Then after that I just need testing kits and salt and Ill be ready to fill the tank. Sorry its taking so long. I heard that Salifert made a bad batch of testing kits and peoples readings were way off. I know that they are usually the best so when do you think it would be safe to buy their kits again?
kevin34
Active Member
Ok I have been saving up and am ready to buy everything I need to finish my tank. Before I do this I have a couple questions. What would be the easiest way to mix saltwater? 5 gallons at a time? 20 gallons at a time? I have a powerhead for mixing salt, but will I need a heater for my first batch? I have 2 heaters in my main tank so wouldnt those heat up the water to the right temperature? I know I will an extra heater after that for water changes and stuff. My other question is how does the water get into the sump? I know it goes through the intake pipes in the overflow but what makes it go through there? Do I need another kind of pump or does it just go by itself?
salt monger
Member
I Like Your Pic Of Your Cat Fish!!!! Buahaa Ha Ha
wangotango
Active Member
Kevin: The only way I could see the bio-ball chamber working as a fuge would be if you removed that black grid. It wouldn't be very big, but all you would really need is a clump of chaeto, LR rubble could go anywhere else you can squeeze it.
Once everything is running, the sump will be fed by gravity. Before you start everything though, fill the sump to where you'd like it to run at, fill the tank until it starts to drain, turn on your return and everything should be balanced out.
Since you don't have anything live in your tank, just fill it with RO/DI water, get it running, and pour the salt in, that's probably the easiest way to do it.
-Justin
Once everything is running, the sump will be fed by gravity. Before you start everything though, fill the sump to where you'd like it to run at, fill the tank until it starts to drain, turn on your return and everything should be balanced out.
Since you don't have anything live in your tank, just fill it with RO/DI water, get it running, and pour the salt in, that's probably the easiest way to do it.
-Justin
kevin34
Active Member
Ok I FINALLY have an update. I have been saving up all this time and recieved a big order of testing equipment and salt today. Next I am going to order the lights and RO unit but first I need some help with a canopy. I want it to have the doors on the front and also a flip open top so I can change light bulbs easier. I also plan to have a fan on both sides (one blowing air in and the other blowing air out). Any suggestions about what kind of wood to use, good quite fans, building tips? Also anyone have any plans I would follow? I also will need some holes drilled in the back for wires.
gman08016
Member
Hey kevin i have almost the same set up only mine is a 150 aga.I run a mag 12 on one return and my uv pump on the other.My lighting is 2-250 watt mh and 4-36" t-5s.My canopy is home made that lifts up.Here is a couple pics when i started.Don't have pics with the lighting in it.Its been up and running for about 7 months now.If you need some pics of the lights let me knoe
kevin34
Active Member
Can I see some pics of the lights and of the tank with the lights on? What are the dimensions of the canopy? It doesnt look too high. Have you had any heat problems? I am planning to have 2 250w metal halides with mini luminarc reflectors. I might add some actinics on the future if there is room under the canopy but will deffinately be adding moonlights at some point.
gman08016
Member
Will take some pics this weekend.I have 2 4" ice cap fans in now one on each side.I only use one in the with winter months.My temp stays in the range 79-81 so t works pretty good.I am getting ready to add moon lights soon just haven't found any that i like.Will take pics with the lights on but its a little bright in there with them on.Little hint when you get your fans get the ones with the temp sensor built in them.They don't run full blast all of the time.
azfishgal
Active Member
Kevin, my husband used melamine for the inside of the canopy (and stand) and used cherry for the outside.
IMO I do not believe you should mix your salt in your tank. The reason is you could come up with a bad batch of salt (it happens, even in the same box). I did this in my 10 gallon QT tank and the salt was cloudy, never cleared. I had to dump the entire batch and start over. This time I mixed it in a bucket and then added it to my tank. I used a 20 gallon trash can to mix my saltwater for my 125. I also used a heater while mixing because the warmer water will help disolve the salt (seems to do better when you sprinkle the salt in, instead of dumping it in all at once). It took a few days to fill my tank, but it was worth it, and I knew the water was mixed well and clear before adding it to my tank.
IMO I do not believe you should mix your salt in your tank. The reason is you could come up with a bad batch of salt (it happens, even in the same box). I did this in my 10 gallon QT tank and the salt was cloudy, never cleared. I had to dump the entire batch and start over. This time I mixed it in a bucket and then added it to my tank. I used a 20 gallon trash can to mix my saltwater for my 125. I also used a heater while mixing because the warmer water will help disolve the salt (seems to do better when you sprinkle the salt in, instead of dumping it in all at once). It took a few days to fill my tank, but it was worth it, and I knew the water was mixed well and clear before adding it to my tank.