To all the Jedi Aquarist's Newbie needs HELP!!!!!

sollie7 · Mar 27, 2010

I would make a net top

chek · Mar 27, 2010

try a nylon clear netting.
Blagdon Clearview Pond Cover Net | Garden Pond Supplies

it worked for my silver pond anyways haha

I dont see why it wouldnt work for a reef cover either

Craft kid21 · Mar 27, 2010

yeah....because ur tank wont need a hood excactly and plus u mite have trouble with the temp ecause you have MH and a heater prob....so i would jsut go with eggcrate...nettting..or something else that a good cover for ur tank

blumoon reefers · Mar 28, 2010

johnc101 said: ↑

This leads me to where we are now. I have since then purchased a 100 gallon tank. Like I said we are addicted (lol). Been there, done that! Beautiful tank BTW!

I have been reading, reading ,reading, and more reading about how to try and set up my new aquarium. I have already purchased many things for it. But first thing is first. My new aquarium is not a pre-drilled aquarium and I want it to be. I know, I know but I looked far and wide and still couldnt find anything that I liked but this one. I have what I need to drill the glass and I have some videos to reference by but I need some more info on how to install the overflow in the tank. I do not want to run a hang on type this much I do know. I also want to have a refugium/sump. I have purchased a used sump but how big of refugium do I need and what do i need to get it up and going. Slocal has given great advice for the drilling and a drilled tank is much nicer than having and HOB. Check out Melevs Reef for more information about fuge/sump. We used this site to design ours. As far as the size, get as big as you can, there really is no right or wrong answer. The more water volume you can add to your system, the easier it will be to take care of.

I really am over my head and will probably pay someone to come out and put it all together but I wanted to see what the more experienced aquarist had to say since I have been very impressed with this forum. I will list what I have and then maybe I can go from thier with all the feedback I recieve. It can be very overwhelming at first, but you are really doing things the right way now. You can never research too much. Please continue to ask questions, research and then make an educated decision.

Thanks to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In the end I would love this tank to be a reef and fish aquarium is my goal.
Here is what I have to start out with.
I will also in time be posting up my tanks progress.
Mods if this is in the wrong forum please let me know or move....thanks
Other items that I have but dont have pictures of.

I have a AquaC EV-120 Protein skimmer w/model 7 pump and a Corallife super protein skimmer rated for 125 gallons. I was leaning on using the AquaC I have read many good things about them plus I have the waste container for it. Don't skimp on the skimmer. It is one of the more important pieces of equipment. I had the coralife and hated it, but some people have had good experiences with them.

I have 2 hydro koralia #4 powerheads. You might want to consider having some more flow in the tank. Once you get your aquascape in, you will need to try and see if you have any deadspots.

I plan on buying macro rock. How much can I put in my tank?I want to make an aquascape I think it is called. Yep, its called an aquascape and most figure about 1 to 2 pounds per gallon of water.

I will have live sand/what is the recommended amount for 100 gallon tank? Sand is similar to the rock. There are some calculators here that you can use to determine the amount you want. I really like a shallow sand bed (SSB) about 2 inches deep.

I will give it plenty of time to cycle but would I use the bio-spira to kick it off or do I use the shrimp like I have read. I personally like the shrimp method best.

Either way I will give it at least a month before livestock is introdued as long as nitrate,ammonia,ph,etc.... are good. I know I have a long way to go and I am looking at having everything I need for this in the next couple of weeks. Any input is much appreciated in trying to get this rookies dream reef/tank up and going.

We will take it slow while this tank matures over time and enjoy the 29 gallon while we slowly introduce proper livestock for that size tank. But I want to have the 100 gallon good in the next 3 months so I can move Logan jr and snowflake to it.
Another question I have is when I put up my lights I was thinking about making a glass top for the aquarium so snowflake doesnt decide he wants out. But will that affect the actual light the corals will need. Do I have to have the top off so nothing upstructs the lights line of site. Or will I be o.k. with a glass top. IMHO the glass tops are more of a hindrance than a help. Unless you are diligent about keeping it clean, salt creep will eventually affect your lights. Also, having the top open helps with having a better exhange of air for your fish. See some of the DIY threads about tank covers for other alternatives.

Thanks everyone for the help.
Click to expand...

Hope that helps!

johnc101 · Mar 28, 2010

wow thanks for the feedback blumoon, everyone has been very helpful

Craft kid21 · Mar 28, 2010

no problem man

blumoon reefers · Mar 28, 2010

You are very welcome! Keep asking questions...there are some very knowledgable people here on 3reef and everyone is very friendly and like to help. Good luck with the upgrade and keep us posted!

johnc101 · Apr 21, 2010

New Tank

Well as disapointed as I am that the shippping company lost my tank. I have found a new tank which I go and pick up tomorrow and I am pumped. I got a steal (i think anyway). $600 Let me know what you guys think????
This listing is for a 120g (48" x 24" x 24") reef type aquarium, mission style stand and canopy, refugium, kalkreactor, Corallife PC lighting fixture (4 x 65w), and Supreme 1800gph magnetic drive pump. The light was already sold but I've put a light with it that I used to use on a 75g which is fine for fish only and maybe some soft corals but is inadequate for SPS or LPS coral (stony coral.) I am just adding it as a convenience to those who either are just looking for a fish only set up, with soft corals at most, or a light to use while you order a higher output model (this was not included in the price but just something extra I added when I remembered I had it.) It does have a refugium PM (Precision Marine) sump. The Mag drive pump is an in-sump pump and I really like . Also, it comes with a PM kalkreactor which I paid over $200 for.

Any comments good or bad is always appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
A few pics of the tank and one of the dual overflow system from the net.

I will update the pics once I get it in my garage after picking it up tomorrow night. I am stoked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!;D;D;D

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To all the Jedi Aquarist's Newbie needs HELP!!!!!

sollie7 Millepora

chek Astrea Snail

Craft kid21 Banned

blumoon reefers Millepora

johnc101 Feather Duster

Craft kid21 Banned

blumoon reefers Millepora

johnc101 Feather Duster

Attached Files:

My new tank.jpg

My new tank 2.jpg

My new tank pic 3.jpg

Log in or Sign up

To all the Jedi Aquarist's Newbie needs HELP!!!!!

sollie7 Millepora

chek Astrea Snail

Craft kid21 Banned

blumoon reefers Millepora

johnc101 Feather Duster

Craft kid21 Banned

blumoon reefers Millepora

johnc101 Feather Duster

Attached Files:

My new tank.jpg

My new tank 2.jpg

My new tank pic 3.jpg

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