Now I'm getting annoyed!

mystic7

Member
I mentioned in another thread how my LFS tried to pass off a used, previously returned light fixture on me, sold me a plastic "hydrometer" with arrow which gives me different salinity readings every time I use it, and included a heater "good for up to 75 gallons" in my package which included a 180 gallon tank. So just out of curiosity I checked the gph of the pump they included. It pumps 1040 gph when, at 180 gallons, I need at the very least 1800 gph.
I went into this place, picked out my tank, and asked the clerk to put together a package of everything I needed, depending on his "knowledge and experience", and this is the crap they put together!?!
Word to the wise, if you're ever in the Charlotte N.C. area stay away from Fintastic. Unfortunately for me they're the ONLY saltwater "specialists" in the area so I've resigned myself to a healthy dose of arguments along with my future purchases.

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J

jcrim

Guest
Live and learn, right. Personally, I only buy tanks/stands at LFS because I don't trust the shipping. Although I've found that filters, powerheads, equipment is much cheaper online.
I also buy livestock from LFS... I like to be able to assess the health of my fish/corals, etc.
 

birdy

Active Member
Actually that pump is probably just fine for your wet/dry, you do not want the only circulation in your tank to be from your sump, you need several good powerheads to be placed in strategic locations in the tank tank to give you good random circulation.
For a tank your size and a reef, I would look at TUNZE, they are about the best out there, but very $$ if they are not in your budget, look for the large SEIO powerheads (at least 2 of the 1500's).
 

mystic7

Member
The problem with powerheads (and I love them, they kept my 140 gal humming back in the day) is that it's an enclosed system, holes drilled in the bottom of the tank leading to my filtration, no undergravel filter, so how would I hook them up? :notsure:
 

birdy

Active Member
THey are used for circulation, most come with mounting brackets and suction cups, you do not want to hook any type of venturi (hose to suck air) to the powerheads you just want them to suck water in and push it out. I prefer to hide my powerheads in the rockwork so you cannot see them they just circulate the water.
The best thing IMO, is a closed loop, you have an outlet either a hole drilled in the back of the tank or an over the back pipe, that goes to a large pump, like a sequence dart, then you have around 4 outlets back into the tank that circulate the water.
 

mystic7

Member
Oh, ok. Like I said, back in the old days I used powerheads connected to my undergravel, I didn't think you could use them just to circulate the water.
 

1journeyman

Active Member
Mag pumps are good for circulating water; consistent and seem to push the water they advertise they are supposed too. They put off some heat though... in a 180 you should be fine, but keep an I on your temp anytime you start adding powerheads.
 

scubadoo

Active Member
Originally Posted by mystic7
I mentioned in another thread how my LFS tried to pass off a used, previously returned light fixture on me, sold me a plastic "hydrometer" with arrow which gives me different salinity readings every time I use it, and included a heater "good for up to 75 gallons" in my package which included a 180 gallon tank. So just out of curiosity I checked the gph of the pump they included. It pumps 1040 gph when, at 180 gallons, I need at the very least 1800 gph.
I went into this place, picked out my tank, and asked the clerk to put together a package of everything I needed, depending on his "knowledge and experience", and this is the crap they put together!?!
Word to the wise, if you're ever in the Charlotte N.C. area stay away from Fintastic. Unfortunately for me they're the ONLY saltwater "specialists" in the area so I've resigned myself to a healthy dose of arguments along with my future purchases.

[hr]
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Many stores simply hire inexperienced help. They are still responsible for the action or inaction of their employees.
When we as consumers walk into a store we automatically assume the staff has the appriate knowledge and skill to advise.
Too often, we later learn we were either ripped-off and/or misled. I would return the heater for one that is the apporpriate size. If you were supposed to get an 1800gph pump and did not I would do the same.
Before you get futher inot the hobby I would suggest doing further research and reading the FAQ's on this site and other sites as well.
 

mystic7

Member
Thanks, but as I've mentioned previously, I'm not just now getting into the hobby, I've been into salt tanks since 1980, it's the new technology that's foreign to me as I haven't had a tank in 20 years. I was quite successful before, I did all my research, I know my nudibranchs from my dragon gobi's, etc. Many of my old methods would be scoffed at today as being primitive. All I know is I had an amazing array of sealife in my tank and never had to do water changes. They all thrived in the 3 years I had the tank running until circumstances forced me to relocate, and the guy I sold the fish to reported that all were doing well a few years after that.
I just moved to the Charlotte N.C. area 2 weeks ago, and discovered that Fintastic is the ONLY place around that specialized in saltwater. I didn't need advice on how to set up a tank, I only needed to know what capacity modern filtering equipment I needed for the 180 gallon tank I picked out. For this I depended on the "Knowledge, experience, and friendly customer service of a store that has been in business for over 32 years" or whatever amount of time it was.
I'm not saying I was ripped off, if that was the case they would have sold me a filtering system for a 300 gallon. I'm saying they have displayed less than an optimum knowledge of saltwater filtration systems, with a bit of underhandedness thrown in by passing the defective, previously returned light fixture off on me.
I know that you have no idea of what my previous experience is, so I'm not knocking anybody who gave me the "research...patience...research...patience" responses. I'm just trying to clarify the situation.
 

celacanthr

Active Member
what was the lighting system, and how much did they wanna sell it for. Maybe they were selling it to you for a decreased price?
 

mystic7

Member
Originally Posted by CELACANTHr
what was the lighting system, and how much did they wanna sell it for. Maybe they were selling it to you for a decreased price?
No, they were selling it at full price, what I'm saying is, there are two units, and one of them was a returned item, not bubble wrapped like the new one, with the brand nameplate bent, and the fans making a loud noise. Someone returned it, and rather than sending it back to Coralife, they sold it to me. I've already returned it for a new one. When someone forks over almost 5 grand in one shot, I would think you would be above trying to screw them.
I'll be going there today. I fully intend to come home with some FREE LR and/or LS!
 

1journeyman

Active Member
Mystic, we all have different ways of doing things, but you might really want to research that "not doing water changes in 3 years" thing.
The salt mixes today have all the neccessary trace elements that your aquarium needs. By doing routine water changes you remove "old" water and replace it with element rich water.
 

mystic7

Member
Originally Posted by 1journeyman
Mystic, we all have different ways of doing things, but you might really want to research that "not doing water changes in 3 years" thing.
The salt mixes today have all the neccessary trace elements that your aquarium needs. By doing routine water changes you remove "old" water and replace it with element rich water.
I used to add trace elements. I forget the company name, Hawaiin Marine or something like that.
btw, I just got back from there and I really do not plan on going again. What a load of double talk! I won't bother to go into the details but they're a bunch of con men. Oh, and the hydrometer ( the thing with the arrow) was waaaaaay off. It said I was at 1.021 and it was actually at 1.025.
 

1journeyman

Active Member
Ya.. LFS can be a real hindrance to our hobby.
Have you read Fenner's "A Conscientious Marine Aquarist"? You might check it out. It is a recent book that does a good job of explaining the progression of technology in this hobby. It also does a good job of showing how a "natural" approach to tank keeping can work reall well.
A lot of the tanks around here have very little in the way of "filtration", but instead rely on live rock, brisk water movement, routine wate changes, and power protein skimming.
 

scubadoo

Active Member
Originally Posted by mystic7
Thanks, but as I've mentioned previously, I'm not just now getting into the hobby, I've been into salt tanks since 1980, it's the new technology that's foreign to me as I haven't had a tank in 20 years. I was quite successful before, I did all my research, I know my nudibranchs from my dragon gobi's, etc. Many of my old methods would be scoffed at today as being primitive. All I know is I had an amazing array of sealife in my tank and never had to do water changes. They all thrived in the 3 years I had the tank running until circumstances forced me to relocate, and the guy I sold the fish to reported that all were doing well a few years after that.
I just moved to the Charlotte N.C. area 2 weeks ago, and discovered that Fintastic is the ONLY place around that specialized in saltwater. I didn't need advice on how to set up a tank, I only needed to know what capacity modern filtering equipment I needed for the 180 gallon tank I picked out. For this I depended on the "Knowledge, experience, and friendly customer service of a store that has been in business for over 32 years" or whatever amount of time it was.
I'm not saying I was ripped off, if that was the case they would have sold me a filtering system for a 300 gallon. I'm saying they have displayed less than an optimum knowledge of saltwater filtration systems, with a bit of underhandedness thrown in by passing the defective, previously returned light fixture off on me.
I know that you have no idea of what my previous experience is, so I'm not knocking anybody who gave me the "research...patience...research...patience" responses. I'm just trying to clarify the situation.
There have been numerous advances in this hobby over the past 20 years. I believe many as myself suggested some research because of you not knowing the placement of power heads.
I still suggest this...as I started 30 plus years ago and things have changed so much over the many years. many changes/advances over the past 20.
best of luck
 

mystic7

Member
I know where powerheads go, I didn't think anybody would use them just to circulate water, without attaching them to an undergravel.
 

merredeth

Active Member
Originally Posted by mystic7
I used to add trace elements. I forget the company name, Hawaiin Marine or something like that.
btw, I just got back from there and I really do not plan on going again. What a load of double talk! I won't bother to go into the details but they're a bunch of con men. Oh, and the hydrometer ( the thing with the arrow) was waaaaaay off. It said I was at 1.021 and it was actually at 1.025.
There are bad fish stores everywhere. They are there to sell - and that is it. Never trust the LFS unless you have repeatedly checked on what they tell you and find that they are telling the truth and not just out to make a sale. Then, go back to the store and buy whatever you are in search of. Trust me, you'll save a ton of money in the end.
I double check everything I am told because that is how I gain knowledge. Generally, if the LFS tells me something, I can search online and confirm what he tells me. When we talk later, I also usually share the additional knowledge with him. Because my LFS really has a passion for the business, my thoughts and additional research are appreciated.
As for the hydrometer - ditch it and buy a refract. This site sells them for $49.99 when they are on sale, or you can go to the great auction site and find one there. They are far more accurate and create less problems with salinity.
Denise M.
 

merredeth

Active Member
Originally Posted by mystic7
I know where powerheads go, I didn't think anybody would use them just to circulate water, without attaching them to an undergravel.
My, are we defensive. Calm down and drink a cup of
. People are trying to help you out here like you have wanted. Otherwise, why come to the forum?
Ungravel filters in saltwater tanks? Nobody I know in the hobby today uses them, nor have I read about anyone using them currently on this board or other boards. Saltwater fish hobbiests go for a deep sand bed (also known as DSB) or crushed coral (also known as CC), because the undergravel filters are poison traps.
The technology has changed greatly since you were in the hobby. There are plenty of people willing to help you here - including me.
As for powerheads usage for saltwater fish hobbiests today, read other posts on the boards and you'll discovere that people use them for more than ungravel filters today.

Smile, calm down and welcome to the boards. One day you'll see everyone really is pretty friendly for the most part.
Denise M.
 
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