Buying First Piece Of Equipment !!!! :)

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by AngelLeah1981, Jan 23, 2008.

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  1. Marlin65

    Marlin65 Astrea Snail

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    Vancouver Canada
    All clear glass will have a green tint to it that is the way it is. The thicker the glass the more you notice this.
    Starphire is a true clear glass, but is also three times as much.
    Unless you are using 12mm (1/2") or more it does not justify the cost in my opinion.
    I think hole placement is a personal preference depends on how you want your over flow and returns. I would suggest looking at some reef tanks that other people have pictures posted of. I think there is a few good ones on here.
    I would go 3" out and 1-1/2" back two times. But this is a personal preference also depends on what you are going to run as return pumps ect.
     
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  3. AngelLeah1981

    AngelLeah1981 Astrea Snail

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    I have look at several pic but can't figure out where the hole is. I know ALOT of information but no hands on experience at all.

    ree guru: Thanks for the info but I really want glass. I was told if I take really good care of it, it could last my whole lifetime and also it comes with a stand. I could be wrong and please tell me if I am but I'm under the impression this is a crazy good deal.
    I've looked everywhere and this is the best deal I could find. I live in an area with very limited resources in every area you can think of except for dollar stores. LOL. sad but true.
    I'm getting so stressed out just from reading your responses because I don't have someone to take with me to the store and I can't find used systems anywhere and it seems like you all think I'm going to get ripped off and I am thinking of just giving up. I don't know what else to do. I have been researching all this stuff for months and this is as good of a deal as I can find. Please don't think I'm being rude I'm just really upset this can't be easier. I can't believe I'm actually getting emotional about it. This is something I REALLY want to do but it seems like if I try I'm just going to get burnt.
     
  4. Marlin65

    Marlin65 Astrea Snail

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    What are the dimensions of your tank that you are thinking about?
    and what are you going to run for a return pump.
    I am sure we can tell you where to put the holes. You will still need to do the pluming though.
    The place Reef guru recommended does glass tanks as well.
    Where are you located that might help people suggest more for you.
     
  5. AngelLeah1981

    AngelLeah1981 Astrea Snail

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    Maybe the whole problem here is that I didn't say that I'm also getting a stand and lights. Is that the problem or am I just calling all the wrong states? 48x24x24 Gulfport MS. I talked to lfs store yesterday and he said the holes would be drilled on the bottom. I hope this is ok. It is plate glass. I hope that is ok also.
    I am trying to understand this question. Are you wanting to know the brand name?

    Thanks you guys.
     
  6. wastemanagement

    wastemanagement Eyelash Blennie

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    Welcome to the 3reef
    the size tank you are getting is a large 4ft tank and IMO most think 4ft 48x18x18 or so
    I would say its a good deal with stand, lights and hood
    I would also say to you dont be discourage, what you need to do is try and transfer as much info in your Q's as possible this way people can give you better informed answers

    As for holes I would be looking at one in the bottom for your overflow and perhaps 2 in the back wall for your return line one each end in about 10 inch or so .
    the position of the holes in the back wall are important in ratio to the volume of water that your sump can hold, so if you ever have a power out you wont flood your place as the tank syphons of to the level of the holes in the back glass ( thats if you want them under the water line).

    DONT FORGET MORE INFO = MORE ANSWERS
     
  7. AngelLeah1981

    AngelLeah1981 Astrea Snail

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    I should have mentioned this before. I am so sorry. I feel like such a dummy. As you can tell I'm a REAL newbie to this hobby.

    $
    Aquarium 48x24x24 with stand 599
    to have holes drilled for sump 100 "making it (699)"
    sump 30 gallon "around 110"
    pump "around 120"

    The man acted like I didn't have a choice where the holes are to be drilled. He said two on the bottom. Is that ok? Should I try to get him to order one hole on bottom and 2 in the back wall?
     
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  9. Dador

    Dador Coral Banded Shrimp

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  10. Marlin65

    Marlin65 Astrea Snail

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    Sounds like a okay deal to me especially if the stand and lights come with it.:)
    Where the holes are drilled are not that important. You just have to plumb them the right way.
    Are they putting the overflow on for you?
    That is the piece that keeps your fish from getting puled over into your sump.
    From what you said I think the idea is for you to have one out and one back in.
    The in on the bottom is not that big of a deal just make sure you put in a check valve. Keep an eye on those as they can build up crap etc and might need to be cleaned ones in a while. (Get the clear ones)

    Ask your LSF a bit more info as to how you need to put this all together. They should be able to provide you with some more info.

    As far as you question on the two holes in the back I like two return holes to be able to run two pumps in case one fails, but one is enough. Placement is not that critical depends on how you are going to plumb the bulkheads.
    Cheers
     
  11. ReefSparky

    ReefSparky Super Moderator

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    I don't care where you live or how scant your resources are. If you are doing business with someone with whom you don't feel entirely comfortable, you're doing yourself a disservice.

    Unlike the man who acts like he has no choice, YOU DO.

    At the risk of sounding completely cynical, there are many businesses out there who will rip you off as much as they can. If you're nervous and stressed out/unsure of yourself, the vendor will sense this and the "games" he plays will be worse. If they can, they will charge you even more.

    IMO you need to do 2 things:
    1. research more and get a good, solid mental picture of exactly what you want; such as the diameter and location of the holes to be drilled, and
    2. find someone with whom you're comfortable doing business--even if it's on ebay or mail order. Don't feel locked in to doing business with any one party. YOU'RE making the choices, not them.

    If you do these two things, all the stress you're feeling will evaporate; and be replaced by REAL excitement and confidence.

    Remember, if your vendor is not bending over backwards to do exactly what you wish, and not making it very clear that they're doing absolutely all they can, find someone who will. There are people out there dying for your business, find them.

    This is a great first excersize in patience for you; the new aquarist. This hobby has no rewards for those who don't think, and rush. Don't feel like a deal is so good that if you don't "act now" it will go away. For every good deal you find, chances are there's a better one you haven't found. The longer you take to make purchases and decisions, generally the better off you'll be.

    Aquarium with stand: $599
    To have holes drilled for sump: $100
    Sump, 30 gallon: $110
    Pump: around $120

    Peace of Mind?: $ Priceless
     
    Last edited: Jan 26, 2008
  12. lunatik_69

    lunatik_69 Giant Squid

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    Very well spoken ReefSparky. Theres plenty of places that you can look into like, Ebay, Craigslist, newspapers, bullintin boards and even word of mouth. $699.00 doesnt seem bad, but you seem to have a bad taste in your mouth when it comes to your LFS. You mentioned that you where moving in six months, why dont you wait until you move there and maybe you'll find a better deal there. That way, you dont have to worry about your tank in the moving process and you'll have six months to research on tank size, fish, corals, filters, skimmers, lighting etc..etc. I found a used 75g(drilled) tank corner mega flow that came with a 30g tank(sump or wet/dry) for only $120.00 on Ebay. I found out later that the tank was actually a 90g instead of the 75g. I think thats was a great deal(IMO). As stated below, this hobby demands patience. I hope this has helped, Luna.