Newbie Question

Thanks for the advice. I trust this guy, he seems pretty cool. Prices are a little high on stuff but somebody has got to pay the rent. I don't mind spending 10% more just to keep a local guy in business.

Thanks for the tip on the "Herbie Method"... I was playing around with drain when I got home from work and its still loud but not as bad. Im starting to think part of the problem is the stupid shop-vac type hose that is used for the return. I am thinking a smooth clear hose will quite it a little?

Thanks for the info. I mentioned that bio-balls are not the preferred choice from the research I was doing. He said for FO the are perfectly fine then took me over to a couple of tanks that had them including a huge swimming pool size one with sharks in it. The guy mentioned you don't ever wanna clean them? I guess time will tell... Im gonna keep a close eye on it and test the water like crazy now that I am aware of potential problems.

The noise is coming from right below the fitting sandwiched between bottom of tank (I think its called a bulk head). I can put my hand around it and it dampens the sound but its still there. There is so much turbulence with the water running down the hose shakes ...

 

I can tell you how to fix that but I am going to get slammed by other 3reefers . If you put a valve on your tube leading to the sump and even slighly restrict flow it will backup the hose and stop that sucking sound. The trick is not to restrict flow in which something can get caught in the tube. As long as you have a screen screwed into your bulkhead this should not be a problem. The other method I have found that works is to place some live rock rubble and a few slits sawed (or holes drilled) into the drain line.

Good luck.

 

you have a perfect setup to start a good reef.. get good dead rock.. ReefCleaners.org | Clean Up Crews and Macro Algae - Home has wonderful rock for this..

Build a sump.. search the threads on how to build a sump and get some ideas on where you want to go..
here is a good reference to a sump.. http://www.3reef.com/forums/filters-pumps-etc/do-you-think-will-work-74887.html
know that building your own sump will save you a ton of money and it really gives a good sense of what to expect..


stay away from bioballs... period..

get a good skimmer for your sump.. expect to pay ~$200

get a reverse osmosis/ de ionization filter for your water.. ~$150
or
see if your LFS has some to sell until you can get your own.. you wont regret it..

start slow, and read as much as you can on here.. this is my #1 info to give.. I and many others have learned soooooooooo much from this place, so please dont be afraid to ask questions here because there are no such things as stupid questions..

oh and welcome to a fun and rewarding hobby.. you'll like it here..
;D;D