UPDATE 9/16 - Gabby and Brian's 90g Reef

Okay. So I admit we are not very talented with a caulking gun. Its silicone city over here. Its so ridiculous looking, that I am too embarrassed to take a picture.

Now here is my concern. I know silicone is reef safe. This isn't a silicone with mildew resistant chemicals, etc. However, I do know that some chemicals can build up in silicone (i.e. copper). Thus, the more silicone, the more chemicals that can build up in there. But then again, so can the rocks...

On the other hand, we are not big on putting chemicals in our tank. The only chemicals we really put in there are the salt itself, and 2 part supplements. The supplements that we use are solid (not liquid) substances that have been tested for purity by reputable, trusted reefers. As far as medications go, yes I once treated with interceptor for red bugs. I would do anything to protect my SPS. But I would never put any other treatment in there (aka for ich). Additionally, we try to avoid ich-prone fish at all costs.

So back to the silicone.. will it be a problem for a reason that I am not thinking of?

 

No just let it cure for the 24 hours and you should be good.

 

Did you use aquarium silicone?

 

Okay good. Thanks.

No, we didn't use silicone that is specifically designed for aquariums. We used GE Silicone I. I have read a bunch of good reviews of it.. It says 100% silicone and doesn't have any anti-mildew or mold agents. I hope this is okay.

 

I have used that silicone on numerous occasions. It is the same silicone that marineland repackages as "aquarium safe" and sells for 10x the price.

 

My tank is mainly a softy set up, with 2 lps, but I used the GE Silicone I and everything's been happy so far. You'll be fine.


(Ahh...Dingo beat me to it!!)

 

Good to know, because I used a lot of it.

 

Gabby, I would not be concerned about the use of copper in the future and possible leeching from the silicon. I have yet to actually see myself or have anyone I trust in this hobby actually have an issue with that. For now I am chalking it up to a myth.

And I know what you mean about silicon and a talent for it's application. All I know is the more I mess with it the worse it gets.

 

Hey everyone - Sorry we we went a-wall for a while, we just got back from a trip to Bermuda.

Anyway, we are trying to get the sump up and running today. We just did the leak test for the baffles, and it looks like we're good to go!







It is a bit hard to see which compartments we filled, due to the embarrassing silicone job! If the compartments are numbered 1-4 (left to right), we filled 2 and 4. No leaks!! We then filled number 1, and made sure it overflowed properly into 2, then 3, then 4. Brian just thoroughly rinsed it with the hose, then with RO/DI. We are about to put the thing in the stand, and attempt to setup the overflow kit and return pump. I will post pics along the way.

Also, we need a new bulb for the sump light. What wattage and kelvin do you guys recommend? I was thinking of getting a 6500K, spiral, compact fluorescent bulb, but I am not really sure what wattage to get. Any suggestions?

 

That is the right bulb I believe the 23W bulb will do just fine.