Information Overload

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

This one should be enough flow right?

http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-WET-DRY...QQcmdZViewItem Yes, That one is exactly what you need!

Can I do the copper test with my cichlids in there now? Yes, If any copper registers you will need to retest it after the tank has been emptied and refilled.

[ckeene9]

Petsmart didn't have the copper test

Gonna have to check petsupermarket and then off to my LFS that's on the otherside of town

[ckeene9]

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=293

Is it possible to put these in my Canopy pictured above?
I have 6 1/4" clearance from the canopy to the top of my water.

Also when I buy my test kit what does it need to include (need to test)?

Can I use this pump(2300 model) for the return on my sump?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113041

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

http://www.aquatraders.com/index.asp...ROD&ProdID=293

Is it possible to put these in my Canopy pictured above?
I have 6 1/4" clearance from the canopy to the top of my water. I'm going to let someone more experienced in mounting Retro kits than I am answer this one. I know halides have to have a taller canopy. Not sure about those.

Also when I buy my test kit what does it need to include (need to test)?
Ammonia, Nitrite,Nitrate,PH. Those are the standards. In your case you also want the Copper kit and later on, Calcium & Alkalinity. Depending on what problems you encounter, Perhaps Phosphates & Silicates might be needed in the future.

Can I use this pump(2300 model) for the return on my sump?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...&N=2004+113041 You COULD! Junk IMHO. Look at a Quiet One 3000 or a Mag 7. Mag 7 being my first choice.

[ckeene9]

These are no good, right?

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquari...boxes_cpr.html

Also what about Red Sea Test Kits?

Also I went to my LFS for the first time today (rather disappointed) but said I wouldn't have a need or problem with copper if I don't re-use anything from my currents set-up. True?

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

These are no good, right? IMHO I would not own that type ever again! They tend to overflow and flood the room 10X more often than the U-Tube type.

http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_Aquari...boxes_cpr.html

Also what about Red Sea Test Kits? They are OK. Salifert kits are the best but avoid the test "strips" like a bad haircut!!

Also I went to my LFS for the first time today (rather disappointed) but said I wouldn't have a need or problem with copper if I don't re-use anything from my currents set-up. True? Most likely.....BUT.....Better safe than sorry. The have been reports of copper soaking into the silicone of a tank. Not sure to what extent it can cause harm but if you want to be 100% safe.....

[ckeene9]

THANKS!!!

But I have some more questions

Where should my returns be for my sump? On coming out of the substrate or just into the top of the water column? 2 or 1 returns?

Also as there any safe paint that I can paint the PVC black for a more clean look?

[Reefneck]

Originally Posted by ckeene9

THANKS!!!

But I have some more questions

Where should my returns be for my sump? On coming out of the substrate or just into the top of the water column? 2 or 1 returns? You will only have 1 return pump, Thus one return. Only get 2 returns if you connect a SCWD to the return. http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/11661/product.web and as for where to return, 99% of people just use this: http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewIt...ct~FT0001.html Just be sure to get the right size for your plumbing.

Also as there any safe paint that I can paint the PVC black for a more clean look? Ah, A Question out of my area. I have never painted anything that gets wet. Would rather let coraline algae cover it. I am sure there is someone here on the forums that can answer that one for you. That is something that is critical and I don't want to guess.

[Fishfirst]

Yes you can paint the outside of the tank black... I have two tanks painted black and they look awesome. BTW aquatraders = trouble, there are many complaints about their equipment setting fire to houses

[ckeene9]

Didn't order from aqua traders But from Marine Depot. I read about the fires on another site and said $70 isn't worth it.

Can I paint my PVC return pipes black that will be in the water???

[Fishfirst]

no need to... plastic will quickly be engolfed in coraline algae anyway...

[ckeene9]

Thanks! About a week away from tearing down my tank and turning it into my reef.

[ckeene9]

Good test kit?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Produc...tid=4404&rel=1

[Fishfirst]

A fine test kit. Seachem is one of the leading manufacturers for this sort of stuff.

[ckeene9]

Thanx! Osiris just answered my ? in the chat as you arrived in there. Already ordered along with salt and the refractometer. Just a bit closer.

[ckeene9]

Lights came today! BUT only enough hardware for 3 lights came so I'm now waiting a week for them to send the stuff out

Marine Depot Customer Serv. is awesome.

Power USA packing is Horrible

P.S Forgot to add that these lights only brought my temp up by .5 degree.

[Bear]

for now at least

[ckeene9]

Well just got back from Clearwater Beach and have a Live Sand Dollar in QT right now. Gonna try and see if I can get this to work. Otherwise he'll just be used in the aquascape. Also found a few scallops which tasted pretty good.

Just waiting for my salt and refractometer to arrive.

[ckeene9]

Okay I've figured out that I can fit a 20L as a sump but was wondering if I should also make it part refugium? What would be the total additional costs of doing such.

Got 28gal. of water tonight since K-Mart had a load of it on the floor for sale (Thanks Dean!!). Just waiting for the salt and refractometer then I'm ready to take this FW tank down.

Also what size or brand sand should I go with and should I do a DSB or shallow?

[CollegeReefer]

I am not sure if someone awnsered this in chat, but you should be able to retro your canopy to fit any lights. You will have to watch the size of the reflector and mogul for mh for some hang lower then others. I used the MH Parabolic Reflector Set w/ Mogul Base from hellolights.com. The dimensions of the reflector are 16"x13"x5" (LxWxH). When it comes to vho, t5, and pc you will just need to buy the right length reflector. You will not have to worry about height. One thing to keep in mind is that is always best to keep your ballast outside of the hood/canpoy to help with heat. But make sure it is in a area that won't get wet.