Decisions, decisions… new 90 gallon tank help appreciated!

[PaPa_Johnny]

Hi! I’m starting a 90 gal. reef. My DW is tired of it sitting empty and has given the blessing to “Git ‘er done”!!!! I have a few ideas in mind but am not totally convinced. I’m asking for opinions (realizing they are like ******** (eyeballs!!! Eyeballs!!!) everybody has them. Will take all into consideration and blame no one but myself.

So let’s have a ball!

Current equipment: brand spanking new 90 AGA. Used stand and new custom canopy. The stand came w/ a used 90 I bought that wasn’t reef ready. Didn’t like it and Momma (my DW) let me get the new one for Christmas!:D The old one came w/ 1 strip light and 1 2x65w PC and a wet/dry filter.

I’ve got a long way to go huh??

I want to be able to keep any and all reefies (New word?) also my wife loves the shimmer…. So I plan on putting metal halide retro’s on. First dilemma, 2 x 175 or 2 x 250?? I’ve heard pro’s and con’s both ways. One LFS told me if I put MH’s on I’ll “fry my tank!!!” “Can’t do it w/out a chiller!!!”:rolleyes: . She’s a good friend, so I may buy livestock,(pretty pretty corals) but…. My canopy is only 9”, (7 ½ “ above top of tank). Is that going to be to close for the halides?? The LFS where I got the tank suggested putting glass tops on. I’m worried about exploding glass.

I know I’ll open a can here but VHO, PC or T-5’s with the MH’s? I would like to do T-5’s I think but 2” above water will never happen

I’ve also sort of decided to use an ASM skimmer, probably the G2.

After reading Melev’s site (literally) I’m pretty sure there is a closed loop with a SQWD in the future also. My stand isn’t going to let me put much of a sump in unless I put it in from the back, but there will be something in it (boy is that vague!) I have almost convinced myself to get a new stand and canopy (my cousin is a part time cabinet maker!!)

Now, TBS or not?? Am seriously considering ½ and ½. One of the LFS’s has decent looking Fiji for $4.99. This LFS doesn’t think a fuge should be in the stand. (Light kills skimmer!! ALL Water must be filtered!!) Guess I’ll be forced to drive to Hotlanta.

Return pump, Will an in sump be soso for now? How LARGE must it be?

Sand bed (not going there). I’ve basically decide to use a 3 or 4 inch bed. Bare bottom may grow on me but not now (Don’t look Ethyl!)

I’ll keep it short for now. I don’t want to hijack the great threads I’ve been lurking on so I started this one. I know I’ve left out
90 % of the minor and major details. I haven’t started a livestock list (other than there will be a Mandarin and clam in our future) so before you ask I’m not sure. Softies and SPS with a few LPS (names!! I don’t know names!!). That’s as close as I can get. My grandson wants a Nemo (of course!!) but the fishies will be few.

Hope it’s not too rambling, this is the greatest place for info I’ve ever seen that’s why I came here looking for help.

J

[prsguy]

I'll give some of your questions a shot but I'm pretty sure that other more knowledgable people will come along and add more than I.

You hood seems a little short for halides, I was told 12" off the water and I liked my hood so I went with T5 lighting (I too just setup a 90 myself).

The sand bed IMO seems like a good plan. The look is tremendous compared to glass butts IMO and most of what I have read of late tells me they are a good thing.

Skimmer sounds good to me.

I used a Mag 7 as my return as I didn't want excessive flow through my sump since it was plumbed as a fuge. I ended up not liking the 5 gallon fuge, so I put in an additional 10 gallon tank just for that purpose and let my sump act as a holding area for heaters, pumps etc. I added 4 Maxi Jet 1200's and a wavemaster pro for extra flow and it seems to be plenty. I think I'm turning my tank about 17 times. I have a seperate Mag pump that pulls water out of the sump and into the fuge. If I was doing it all over, I may have gone with a 9.5 as my main pump and another 9.5 for an scwd, but I really was attracted to having control over the waves for night time and feeding. Perhaps I over thought that but that's what makes this fun.

TBS isn't really my thing. The price seems off the charts and while it does appear to be full of life, much of it isn't what seems to be attractive to my tastes. The TBS seems to be the hip thing here but I never really drank the cool-aid.

Enjoy the ride...

[phil519]

The TBS seems to be the hip thing here but I never really drank the cool-aid.

hilarious! Well I did drink the cool-aid.

I agree with what you said though - it really is a personal preference. Many threads here talk about how great it is - and there are other folks here who have had it but just didn't really enjoy the type of life on the rock. With 3 people pioneering aquaculture in florida - I just thought the idea of supporting them fit my personal lifestyle - but that is just me. When I told friends family I purchased "rock" there were dumbfounded looks until they saw the TBS rock. Anyway as I said earlier - it is not for everyone so take your time and review other possibilities and then make an informed decision.

If you are set on MH - I think your idea of adding secondary lights is great - VHO would be fine imho. But as you said - that's a huge other can o worms.

As for the return pump - I think this is dependent on the rated size overflow you have? For example with my built-in overflow - it was rated at 600 gph - which says to me I need a pump around that flow - also including the head (distance from pump to actual place where the water is piped back in).

[scottfarcuz]

When I bought my setup used there was 4" from the MH bulb to the water at the closest point. As long as there not going to get splashed with water they can be ran that close. Most people run them higher because they have such a focused light pattern that close to the water. I have since raised mine and addition 3" to get a better spread of light on the tank.

Your not going to want to run glass tops because it will trap heat and a couple small fans in your canopy and maybe one clipped on your sump will control temps as long as you keep your house in mid 70's or so year round.

Im working on setting up a 90 gal now as an upgrade and Im going to go with 2x250 watt double ended metal halides or 2x400 watt single ended halides. Either way I plan to run a bulb with a color temp of 16 or 20k so I wont need to worry about VHO or T5 suppliments. I do like to have some lower watt light for a dawn/dusk effect so I might put in 2 normal output flourecent bulbs for that. Probably a cheapo $10 shop light.

Skimmer sounds good. TBS is the latest rage and I dont really care for it but I know some people really love it. For a return pump you should consider something external. I know you said insump but its just more heat to be transfered to your tank.

If a mandrin is in your plans setup as big of a fuge as you can pull off and get it running as soon as you can. I really like using macros in my fuge to control pest algea and it has worked well for me right from the start. Building up a solid pod poulation is going to take time so the sonner you can get it running the better.

[prsguy]

Originally posted by phil519
hilarious! Well I did drink the cool-aid.

I agree with what you said though - it really is a personal preference. Many threads here talk about how great it is - and there are other folks here who have had it but just didn't really enjoy the type of life on the rock. With 3 people pioneering aquaculture in florida - I just thought the idea of supporting them fit my personal lifestyle - but that is just me. When I told friends family I purchased "rock" there were dumbfounded looks until they saw the TBS rock. Anyway as I said earlier - it is not for everyone so take your time and review other possibilities and then make an informed decision.

If you are set on MH - I think your idea of adding secondary lights is great - VHO would be fine imho. But as you said - that's a huge other can o worms.

As for the return pump - I think this is dependent on the rated size overflow you have? For example with my built-in overflow - it was rated at 600 gph - which says to me I need a pump around that flow - also including the head (distance from pump to actual place where the water is piped back in).

I think you understand that I wasn't trying to be offensive with that comment. It is like you said, much a personal preference. I'd take TBS Rock over the stuff they have at my LFS, but since I had my pick of the litter thanks to Google, I went with some more branchy looking stuff.

[DtheDude]

I’ll keep it short for now.
lol, too late :p ;)

As for TBS, I think the other guys got it pegged already. Its kind of a gamble, some people love it because they get lucky with some cool "hitchhikers", other people hate it because it comes dead, dies off soon, or has pesky "hitchhikers" that they have to deal with later. I like your idea of 50/50, Fiji is great rock and bio-diversity is always a good thing IMO. On the other hand I personally wouldn't get the TBS, I am just a little too obsessive-compulsive to handle any "mystery" or "is this going to be a problem" creatures.

As for lighting I would suggest the two 250's with some T5 or VHO actinic supplements, if you plan on keeping corals and "light-loving" stuff later on. Its your choice though, and if you buy high quality supplements you could go with the two 175's instead. I know the watts per gallon thing is somewhat debatable and overrated, but in general I would suggest having at least 5 watts per gallon.

With the sand bed I would go for about an inch instead of 3-4 inches. This, again, is very debatable. Some people love DSB's and some people hate them. IMO they become a cesspool within a few years and a potential hazard. They also limit your circulation. In addition, they are harder to remove than to add, which might also be something to consider.

I’m pretty sure there is a closed loop with a SQWD in the future also.
good stuff, I love closed loops because they add lots of circulation without much risk of a leak and also provide a lower pressure (ie. coming out of a bigger hole) output than powerheads (lots of water through a tiny hole). The SCWD's work great, but you might also want to check out Ocean Motion's "Squirt" if you havn't already. They are more expensive but IMO you pay for what you get: in this case the option to run 4 outputs (and have it cycle between these four creating a real nice 'wave-like motion') and also less head loss.
Here's the OM website:
http://www.oceansmotions.com/
and a link to a guy who replaced his SCWD with one (http://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=141580&highlight=squirt)

Well, that's my 2 cents. Looks like you did plenty of research and are going to do a great job whatever you decide to do ;)

HTH

[PaPa_Johnny]

Thanks for the input. I'll figure out how to do the "quotes" thing one of these days. On the flow, I'll have to check the tank is an All Glass Jamesurq has the same one. I need to recheck his return pump.

I think the "wave" would be great. Might talk DW into a couple of Tunze's.

Halides may work with my canopy scottfarcuz but I'm scared it's too close. We may give it a shot though. What about wattage??
175 or 250, do I here 400 (Not!).

Fuge will be as large as I can. If the stand gets rebuilt will be 5 or 6 feet instead of 4. I don't have a basement or I'd do a 150 gallon stock tank. Will get it up soonest and wait longest for mandarin. Don't intend to put something into watch it die.

The only draw back I've seen to vho's is changing the bulbs so often.

How do people make it look so good replying? I guess practice makes perfect. Hope I didn't miss any body. I'm gonna reread and make notes.

Thanks again!
J

[PaPa_Johnny]

DtheDude, thanks, I type to slow and missed the post! The 250's are looking like it (Reefgeek Icecap's).

I still think I like the deeper sand bed (quazi DSB?) Harder to remove??? Guess you have to be careful with structure before just sucking out. I may actually set it up knowing I'm going to tear it down. I've had the first tank for 5 month's, getting itchy!! (If I can talk my cous into building a stand/canopy.)

Gotta check out the OM. Haven't really looked at it yet.

I've been lurking FOREVER. Reading for 2 or 3 years till we got in our house. (Relocated in '95).

[DtheDude]

How do people make it look so good replying? I guess practice makes perfect

lol, tee hee I take pride in my posting. As you can see I joined RC only 20 days ago :). Im addicted :(

[DtheDude]

Harder to remove???
well it is like a little community or 'ecosystem' so to speak and you gotta be careful when disrupting it (ie. taking half of it out)...this takes time. The main thing with DSB's are keeping them alive. As long as the little inhabitants keep sifting and doing what they are supposed to do they work great, but if this stops your in trouble :)

[prsguy]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Thanks for the input. I'll figure out how to do the "quotes" thing one of these days. On the flow, I'll have to check the tank is an All Glass Jamesurq has the same one. I need to recheck his return pump.

I think the "wave" would be great. Might talk DW into a couple of Tunze's.

Halides may work with my canopy scottfarcuz but I'm scared it's too close. We may give it a shot though. What about wattage??
175 or 250, do I here 400 (Not!).

Fuge will be as large as I can. If the stand gets rebuilt will be 5 or 6 feet instead of 4. I don't have a basement or I'd do a 150 gallon stock tank. Will get it up soonest and wait longest for mandarin. Don't intend to put something into watch it die.

The only draw back I've seen to vho's is changing the bulbs so often.

How do people make it look so good replying? I guess practice makes perfect. Hope I didn't miss any body. I'm gonna reread and make notes.

Thanks again!
J

To put something in quotes just push the quote arrow on the top right of the post your interested in quoting.

I had halides on my last tank and in my opinion you are getting too close. As you can tell, others here don't agree with that per se, as each of us has had luck with a variety of setups.

If your AGA tank has a megaflow single return, as mine does, your going to get 600 GPH. If you want to increase that without drilling, you can use the 3/4 return for more flow. I'm not yet sold on giant return pumps since much of the filtration in reef tanks is in the tank. I like the thought of bumping up the tank flow but keeping the sump flow more reasonable. As with everything though, opinions vary :smokin:

[phil519]

I think you understand that I wasn't trying to be offensive with that comment.

Oh yes - I thought it was a witty way to plainly state a preference of disliking the rock...versus - "oh that rock is terrible".

The only draw back I've seen to vho's is changing the bulbs so often

Uh - i know i've seen this somewhere else in this forum but how often do you have to change out VHOs? T-5s are the rage lately but as no one has had them for 2 years (supposed life expectancy) - we're left with actual known ranges of MHs (1 yr?), VHOs (6 mos~1 yr?), PCs(?).

As you can tell - I know nothing about lighting!

[PaPa_Johnny]

Originally posted by prsguy
To put something in quotes just push the quote arrow on the top right of the post your interested in quoting.

Well, did it work?

I had halides on my last tank and in my opinion you are getting too close. As you can tell, others here don't agree with that per se, as each of us has had luck with a variety of setups. [/QUOTE]

Kinda like the opinion thing I started with, we all got 'em. But I think the canopy bites. I see some plywood in its future. If DW doesn't sentence me to another room.

If your AGA tank has a megaflow single return, as mine does, your going to get 600 GPH. If you want to increase that without drilling, you can use the 3/4 return for more flow. I'm not yet sold on giant return pumps since much of the filtration in reef tanks is in the tank. I like the thought of bumping up the tank flow but keeping the sump flow more reasonable. As with everything though, opinions vary :smokin: [/QUOTE]

Yep, got the mega-whatcha- flow thingy.

[PaPa_Johnny]

well, it almost worked. Where's the edit button?

[PaPa_Johnny]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by phil519
Oh yes - I thought it was a witty way to plainly state a preference of disliking the rock...versus - "oh that rock is terrible".



Uh - i know i've seen this somewhere else in this forum but how often do you have to change out VHOs? T-5s are the rage lately but as no one has had them for 2 years (supposed life expectancy) - we're left with actual known ranges of MHs (1 yr?), VHOs (6 mos~1 yr?), PCs(?).

As you can tell - I know nothing about lighting! [QUOTE]

Hope no body was offended, me not. So long as every body plays nice we'll have a great time. (Not like some threads I hope).

VHO, T-5, PC back to eyeballs ain't it :)

VHO's are proven workhorses though. And your right, T-5's are new territory.

[scottfarcuz]

I hope I didnt cause confusion with my MH refrence I was just saying people do run then that low. I was talking about height from the water to the bulb. The canopy was 7 1/2" tall and I raised it to 10 1/2"

I have heard stories of water splashing MH bulbs and it breaking the glass and causing the UV to fry the tanks inhabitant which really scared me.

BTW I really would go with aleast 250's

[PaPa_Johnny]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
I hope I didnt cause confusion with my MH refrence I was just saying people do run then that low. I was talking about height from the water to the bulb. The canopy was 7 1/2" tall and I raised it to 10 1/2"

I have heard stories of water splashing MH bulbs and it breaking the glass and causing the UV to fry the tanks inhabitant which really scared me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gotcha, now I see.


-------------------------------------------------------------------------
BTW I really would go with aleast 250's
--------------------------------------------------------------

I was afraid everyone would say that!!
:rolleyes:

[phil519]

Success! I actually tracked down a thread that had lifespan quotes on the various bulb types - and it's from a vendor...anyway here it is: IceCap (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=491363) Quote

[MPH]

PaPa_Johnny

Nice to see another grandpa getting around to reefing! It sure is hard keeping up with these young guys like Melev though. I had done a lot with FW years ago but got out of it. Last Feb bought a 55 gal for my son-in-law for his b’day. Also decided to pick up a 10 for my grandson who lives with me. That tuned into a 30 gal planted tank a month later. Started reading RC in April, bought an established AGA 120 (similar to your 90 but deeper but no mega flow) setup complete with everything in August. Bought a custom 150 (5’X2’X2’) in Sept (not setup yet) and just bought a 60 to replace the 30 FW (the plants are getting too tall). Anyway, it’s been a fun ride so far.

As for you lighting question, I have 2 - 250w MHs with 2 – 110 VHOs (1 actinic, 1 10K I think). I never measured the height of the bulbs from the water but I doubt it’s more that 8 to 10 inches. My tank is in a sunroom that gets pretty warm during the day. I have a Medusa temp controller set at 79. In the summer, with the lights on all day, the temp never went above 82, or maybe 83 once, which I don’t think that’s all that bad. Don’t have a chiller set up yet. There is a 4” fan in the hood though. Now in the winter, it stays right at 79. Fish, inverts, corals (mostly softies) don’t seem to mind. When I build the canopy for the 150 I’ll move them up to 10 to 12 inches however, mainly to spread the light more. As to the question of when to replace the bulbs, the guy I bought the tank from said he didn’t believe all that stuff (now the words he used BTW) about changing bulbs and didn’t know how old they were. I’m still using them. I know this is against the rules but haven’t got around to changing them yet. Everything seems to be healthy though. I just bough 2 - 400w MHs on ebay and am going to try those on the 150, which will also have 4 – 110w VHOs, maybe 140w. With single ended bulbs you don’t have to worry about UV but a glass or preferably an acrylic lens under the bulb is a good idea to prevent water splash from breaking the bulbs is a good idea. I have acrylic. I did break a 92 w PC on the FW tank that way, no fun.

My grandson names the fish and no surprise many are after “Finding Nemo” characters.

I didn’t thing the opinion thing was eyes though but another anatomy parts and every thinks his doesn’t stink!:lol:

Keep us up to date on your progress.

[cscr212]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
DtheDude, thanks, I type to slow and missed the post! The 250's are looking like it (Reefgeek Icecap's).

I still think I like the deeper sand bed (quazi DSB?) Harder to remove??? Guess you have to be careful with structure before just sucking out. I may actually set it up knowing I'm going to tear it down.

If you place some base rock down on the bare bottom of your tank or on some starboard (sp?) and then put your sand in, you will not have to worry about sand sifters undermining your reef structure. Additionally, you could also come in and suck all of the sand out and the rocks would stay in place.

Sonny

[prsguy]

Originally posted by cscr212
If you place some base rock down on the bare bottom of your tank or on some starboard (sp?) and then put your sand in, you will not have to worry about sand sifters undermining your reef structure. Additionally, you could also come in and suck all of the sand out and the rocks would stay in place.

Sonny

I used a layer of eggcrate on my tank bottom, then I put a layer of sand in place, then I used a bunch of old base rock I had to for a foundation in the sand, then I placed the rest of the sand on the bottom. Now things can dig as they please and nothing will ever shift in my tank because of the sand moving on me :)

[melev]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Hi! I’m starting a 90 gal. reef. My DW is tired of it sitting empty and has given the blessing to “Git ‘er done”!!!! I have a few ideas in mind but am not totally convinced. I’m asking for opinions (realizing they are like ******** (eyeballs!!! Eyeballs!!!) everybody has them. Will take all into consideration and blame no one but myself.

Does DW = Darn Wife? ;)

<b>Current equipment: brand spanking new 90 AGA. Used stand and new custom canopy. The stand came w/ a used 90 I bought that wasn’t reef ready. Didn’t like it and Momma (my DW) let me get the new one for Christmas!:D The old one came w/ 1 strip light and 1 2x65w PC and a wet/dry filter.

I’ve got a long way to go huh?? </b>

Congrats, it is always nicer to start with a new tank.

<b>I want to be able to keep any and all reefies (New word?) also my wife loves the shimmer…. So I plan on putting metal halide retro’s on. First dilemma, 2 x 175 or 2 x 250?? I’ve heard pro’s and con’s both ways. One LFS told me if I put MH’s on I’ll “fry my tank!!!” “Can’t do it w/out a chiller!!!”:rolleyes: . She’s a good friend, so I may buy livestock,(pretty pretty corals) but…. My canopy is only 9”, (7 ½ “ above top of tank). Is that going to be to close for the halides?? The LFS where I got the tank suggested putting glass tops on. I’m worried about exploding glass. </b>

Exploding glass is less common than you'd think. The fact that it happens at all is why you read so many posts about it, because it seems like it would be your worst nightmare.

You want your MH off the water, and still have some space to get your arm in there with getting burned. My MH are 8" off the water now, and on my previous tank they were 9" off the water. The additional 3" (part of that 12" rule you read) is because there is a gap between the bulb and the reflector, and a gap between the reflector and the canopy's lid.

<b>I know I’ll open a can here but VHO, PC or T-5’s with the MH’s? I would like to do T-5’s I think but 2” above water will never happen.</b>

2" is really too close. 4" would be okay. Keep in mind you'll have to move them out of the way all the time, which will be such a hassle that you'll tinker less and things will probably get out of control.

<b>I’ve also sort of decided to use an ASM skimmer, probably the G2. </b>

Nice Skimmer.

<b>After reading Melev’s site (literally) I’m pretty sure there is a closed loop with a SQWD in the future also. My stand isn’t going to let me put much of a sump in unless I put it in from the back, but there will be something in it (boy is that vague!) I have almost convinced myself to get a new stand and canopy (my cousin is a part time cabinet maker!!) </b>

Great. If you go with a closed loop on a 90g, you can either forego the SCWD, use an Oceansmotions device, or skip both and just create flow that doesn't vary. Flow is better than none, as it removes dead spots in the tank. A Mag 12 closed loop will do wonders in your tank. You can use 1.5" plumbing and get maximmum flow, even if you decide to use multiple returns, each being 3/4" in size.

<b>Now, TBS or not?? Am seriously considering ½ and ½. One of the LFS’s has decent looking Fiji for $4.99. This LFS doesn’t think a fuge should be in the stand. (Light kills skimmer!! ALL Water must be filtered!!) Guess I’ll be forced to drive to Hotlanta. </b>

Your LFS is really giving you some bad advice. I never can understand how an LFS operates, unless they only service and help people with Fish Only systems. To run a reef tank, you are going to need the proper set up, and run it differently from a FO. Running a refugium with the bulb I recommend will not cause any issues for your skimmer. http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html And if you were pointing the light directly at the skimmer, a simple barrier made of chloroplast (sign material) will prevent further algae issues in the skimmer.

TBS rock is notorious for having unwanted pests on/in the rock. It comes with lots of life, both good and bad. If you are willing to quarantine each rock, setting the piece on a pedestal, you can lure out the nasties by putting a piece of meaty food in the corner of the tank. Once the kritter goes for the food, pull the rock out and get the critter. Repeat until you are sure non are left in your system. This process could take days or even weeks, depending on the amount of rock you purchase.

I buy my LR from the LFS, because I like to choose the shapes and colors. I don't so much rely on my LR to produce the unusual life that others love about TBS. I'm going to buy the creatures I want in my tank. You can also get LR from people that are leaving the hobby or moving out of state, sometimes for $2 to $3 per pound. It might have green hair algae growing on it, which is a whole other subject.

There is no reason to filter the water. That is what the LR, LS, and Skimmer are for. I never run pads, socks, screens, or floss on my tanks, and the water is clear. Set it up right, and let the reef consume what it wants. No matter what is blowing around, there always seems to be some creature that will eat it.

<b>Return pump, Will an in sump be soso for now? How LARGE must it be? </b>

It should be enough flow to turn over your display volume 3x to 5x per hour. So 270 - 450gph is all you need. Sounds weak, right? Many people try to put huge pumps in their sumps, hoping to create monster flow in their tank so they don't need powerheads, but many of these people also complain about microbubbles in their tank. If the flow is too high, the microbubbles sling through the sump and right back up to the tank. What you need to do is look at the size of the drain hole of your tank. If it is 1" in diameter, you can drain 600 to 800gph maximum. If it is 1.5" in diameter, you can drain about 1200 to 1600gph. Odds are yours is 1".

Now you have to ascertain how high the water must be pumped vertically. 4' or 5', right? If you look at the chart on this page, you can see which pump will give you 500 to 600gph at 4' high.

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_ph_danner.asp?CartId=

Keep in mind that every elbow, ballvalve, union or other fitting will reduce some of that flow. So getting a pump that pushes 600gph at 4' will probably be more like 450gph through the fittings you'll be using. I would think a Mag 7 with 1" plumbing will do the job, and a Mag 9.5 with 1.5" plumbing will be too much for your tank. I used to have a Mag 9.5 with 1" plumbing on my 55g, and it couldn't keep up with two 1" U tubes and a 1.25" drain.

<b>Sand bed (not going there). I’ve basically decide to use a 3 or 4 inch bed. Bare bottom may grow on me but not now (Don’t look Ethyl!) </b>

There is nothing wrong with a DSB, and I still recommend them. Especially to new hobbyists. http://www.melevsreef.com/overview.htm

<b>I’ll keep it short for now. I don’t want to hijack the great threads I’ve been lurking on so I started this one. I know I’ve left out
90 % of the minor and major details. I haven’t started a livestock list (other than there will be a Mandarin and clam in our future) so before you ask I’m not sure. Softies and SPS with a few LPS (names!! I don’t know names!!). That’s as close as I can get. My grandson wants a Nemo (of course!!) but the fishies will be few. </b>

Yes, you want MH, and you want a refugium. ;)

[prsguy]

Cool, melev actually agreed with me that going lower flow through the sump is a good idea...

I feel cool now :)

[melev]

Originally posted by prsguy
Cool, melev actually agreed with me that going lower flow through the sump is a good idea...

I feel cool now :)

You are cool now. :D

http://www.melevsreef.com/what_sump.html

Btw, in reference to the one poster that mentioned about being a grandpa and not keeping up with younger guys like Melev, let me just add that <b>every time my son goes on a date</b>, I pointedly remind him that <i>I do not want to be a grandpa yet!</i> ;)

[phil519]

Btw, in reference to the one poster that mentioned about being a grandpa and not keeping up with younger guys like Melev, let me just add that every time my son goes on a date, I pointedly remind him that I do not want to be a grandpa yet!

As always wise instructions from marc! now let me go to my daughter and pointedly repeat that mantra...(lucky for me it'll be years before she starts dating)

[melev]

My son is 18, and each time he leaves, I worry. I mean, as a guy we want them to experience life's pleasures, but the risk factor of disease and a 20 year responsibility should truly be planned for, and not be a spur of the moment decision based on chemically-induced brain-fog.

[phil519]

Well in ny here there was recently a report of a 13 yr old mother and 15 yr old father. I can assure you - it's not abnormal for us parents to worry!

With a daughter I may need to invest in a shotgun though...(j/k).

[PaPa_Johnny]

Thanks to all for the input!! And yes I meant EYEBALLS!!!! Don't want anyone "weeding" me out!!!

I am a grandfather (3 times) but not as old as you think. We started young (not that young!)

I see two recomends for a Mag 7, definately going to check it out.

I hope I don't miss anybody, so I won't name names tonight, but.. Melev was here!!! Touch me!

I'll take more time to go back over the posts and get specific w/replies later tonight or tomorrow. Busy at work and have to get ready for 50k little chicks next week. Please be patient w/me.

RC is such a great wealth of info. If IT WILL QUIT KICKING ME OFF!! Hope no one else is having this problem.

[melev]

You must be on dial up. Try posting around 2am. It is nice and quiet here. ;)

[PaPa_Johnny]

Try again, (me that is) I'm at work, have screaming connection here.

Can't post most of the time cause the RC brain keeps telling me:

YOUR NOT LOGGED IN!

Well, good to get that off my chest!! Let's see if it goes.....

[melev]

Sounds like you are having cookie problems. Maybe your work tosses them out on a regular basis to keep you guys working and off RC. :)

[PaPa_Johnny]

Sounds like you are having cookie problems. Maybe your work tosses them out on a regular basis to keep you guys working and off RC.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So said Sir Marc, guess he's right
:rollface:

Oh well, back to snailsville:rolleyes:

RC is still the place to be. Gotta get busy and order. Oh yeah, the overflow in the tank has a 1" drain and a 3/4 return. So.. Mag7 it is. I believe the POJ tank came w/a mag5, can't read the tag very well.

I don't remember who (sorry, I'll get better) someone suggested putting eggcrate under the rock, small layer of sand, rock, rest of sand. Sounds like a good idea. I happen to have a sheet of eggcrate, I believe I shall!!

Grandkids rule, kids drool!

[PaPa_Johnny]

Good news! Lights are on the way! Ice Cap 2 x 250 retro w/10k Ushio bulbs (X's 2) and Ice Cap T5 4x54 Retro, 2 Actinic 03, 1 blue Plus, 1 Sun. Mag 7 pump.

Also the skimmer, ASM g-2. Progress is being made!


This is the tank and stand for now. Need to reset the date on the camera.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0516.jpg

[scottfarcuz]

Sounds like your on the path to a great setup!

The tank looks nice. The carpenter in me says the wood needs a coat of polyurathane. :)

[Flipturn88]

WOW! How awesome is that? I can't wait to see it set up! You have great potential with a tank of that size.

If you need any help/advice, please let me know. :)

Kayla

[PaPa_Johnny]

scottfarcuz, Thabks! I think your right about the stand, I'm getting impatient but I'm gonna slow down I think. I really want to do a different stand and canopy, but I may go on and start with this one. Couple of coats of urethane and away we go!


Flipturn88, Kayla I need tons of help! I've studied a lot but have never done this. Like I said when I started, I'll listen to all. You can bet I'm not afraid to ask. (I'll even stop and ask for directions when traveling :)


J

[Flipturn88]

Hey, a guy who will ask for directions...so they do exist! LOL

Ask away. I will do my best to help you. :)

[pman0455]

I would recommend on cutting the side of your tank out and putting a door on the side of the stand. (So you can get stuff in and out more easily) Otherwise sounds like you're on the right direction. Keep up the good work.



PJ

[PaPa_Johnny]

Hey, a guy who will ask for directions...so they do exist! LOL

Ask away. I will do my best to help you.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks Kayla, I never doubted you would!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would recommend on cutting the side of your tank out and putting a door on the side of the stand. (So you can get stuff in and out more easily) Otherwise sounds like you're on the right direction. Keep up the good work.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PJ, I think your talking about cutting out the side of the stand, not the tank? That's one of the things I don't like about it after I started studing more. It's gonna be a PITB to get anything in the bottom. Sump, fuge, all will have to go in from back or be small.

Decisions, decisions;) , new stand or not!??!

[BV4fish]

Check out how this guy put a large sump underneath his tank. His site also has TONS of other information too, if you don't already know about it. Marc is a RC staff member! He definitely knows his stuff. Good place to ID those questionable critters also. Enjoy browsing through his site.

About half down this page (http://melevsreef.com/55g/55sump.html) are good pictures and explanations. Best of luck!

-- Bryan

[PaPa_Johnny]

Bryan, Marc is a genius! I've seen, don't know if I'm brave enough for that, I can get the sump etc in from the back of the stand. If something happens it would take a Melev solution to change it. Thanks for the suggestion though! Haven't decided, may try a couple of small tanks, a 20 and 10 or something like that.

[PaPa_Johnny]

Well, the lights and skimmer should be here tomorrow! Yeah! I'm going to poly the stand before I set it up. Will also paint the back of the tank. Went to HD and got satin black paint and poly. I've been looking at Thrlrides thread and have decided to paint the inside of the the canopy and stand before I set it up.

Now all I have to do is finish this and decide what to do about the sump/fuge and we're on a roll!

Oh yeah, 150+ lbs. of liverock, sand, salt yada yada. Yes my dear, we're almost through!:D

I'll post pix hopefully tom. (Gotta feed 50,000 little chickies in the am!) Cross my fingers, UPS and Fedex can find me in the boonies!

J

[DtheDude]

Good news! Lights are on the way! Ice Cap 2 x 250 retro w/10k Ushio bulbs (X's 2) and Ice Cap T5 4x54 Retro, 2 Actinic 03, 1 blue Plus, 1 Sun. Mag 7 pump.

Also the skimmer, ASM g-2. Progress is being made!

Im soooo jealous! that's the setup I want on my dream 90 AGA that i will never be able to afford!

[PaPa_Johnny]

Originally posted by DtheDude
Im soooo jealous! that's the setup I want on my dream 90 AGA that i will never be able to afford!

Never is a VERY long time. Still in college?? Bet you pass us non-college educated idiots up!

Patience grasshopper. Thanks for comp.!

[DtheDude]

lol, yeah but I hate waiting for things :p

[cscr212]

Originally posted by DtheDude
lol, yeah but I hate waiting for things :p

One of the many things reefing will teach us: Patience, Patience, Patience.

All in good time.

Sonny

[PaPa_Johnny]

LOL! Yes remember Oh little grasshopper, "Only baaad things happen fast in a reef tank!"

Yeah is me! :D Woe is me! :(

Lights are here Yeah!! I've got pictures of the boxes.

Skimmer WAS here Woe!! I've got pictures of that box but is was BROKEN. Oh well. Fedex has it on the way back. Called the vendor, they were supposed to ship another, hopefully today. No e-mail, maybe tomorrow. Patience ,,,, GRRRR.

[PaPa_Johnny]

Well, I've got a few pictures. First the bad (damaged skimmer)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/skimmer1a.jpg

Enough said, vendor supposed to ship today. Will call for tracking number.

Lights! haven't unpacked yet (did take T-5 reflectors out, couldn't believe the size). Oops, they're not in the picture.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/lights.jpg

Tank with back painted. By the way, I used a brush for the first coat. If you are going to do this use a sponge, gives smoother coat.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/tankpainted.jpg


First coat of Kilz on inside of canopy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/canopykilz.jpg

Well, that's all folks. More to come! Comments, suggestions!
Eyeballs!!

[cscr212]

How are you going to complete the inside of the canopy? Are you just going to paint it white? Are you going to paint and then varnish?

[PaPa_Johnny]

How are you going to complete the inside of the canopy? Are you just going to paint it white? Are you going to paint and then varnish?
__________________________________________________

Not sure, Thrilride (sp?) painted the inside of his canopy and stand. He didn't poly/varnish over the paint. Ryan (Thrl) used flat exterior paint. I'm planning on using Behr interior/exterior Hi-gloss enamel (Ultra White). I may leave it at that. Not sure about poly over paint. The outside of the stand is going to get Minwax poly.

[poormedstudent]

We need updates! We need photos! Don't let this thread die a slow death!

[cscr212]

I second that! What's new with your 90?

[PaPa_Johnny]

Patience grasshoppers. I figured it had died the dead death. I am working 7 nights in a row. WAAAA! Anyway, quick update, sump is here, stand and canopy are polyed, lights are ready to mount, big discussion in another thread. RO/DI is here, need to install and plumb the tank. I modified the stand so tank would fit I actually took pictures. I'll look and see what's uploaded. Thanks for asking! I'm not in a hurry because the weather bites in Tampa still. But...... I am getting a litttttttle impatient.

[cscr212]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Patience grasshoppers.

and then

I'm not in a hurry because the weather bites in Tampa still. But...... I am getting a litttttttle impatient.

It reminds me of an old saying that my mom used to have hanging up in her kitchen...
"Dear lord, please grant me the patience to deal with whatever life brings.
And by the way, could you be quick about it, I'm in a bit of a hurry?"
Or something like that.. :D :D

[patsan]

You'll get there Johnny, you'll get there! <a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZNfox000' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/16/16_3_122.gif' alt='Chicken' border=0></a>

[poormedstudent]

You are still WAY ahead of me! I have to live vicariously through everyone else :(

[patsan]

Originally posted by poormedstudent
You are still WAY ahead of me! I have to live vicariously through everyone else :(

But that just makes it more enjoyable John....for when you DO get yours going!!
I know I was so excited for everyone when I was waiting for my rock to come. Heck, I still get excited when I hear someone is getting a shipment. I remember that feeling, and I re-live it when someone else gets a shipment.:)

[PaPa_Johnny]

I haven't even ordered yet. I do have the 60 lbs of the "other"rock. For those of you who don't see the other thread here's the little surprise I found this morning. I will NOT be putting any fish in my tank for months once I get the rock. I was adjusting the skimmer in the holding tank and this came out of the riser tube. It wasn't there when my hand went in trust me. I'm not real squeamish, but I hate surprises. In fact I say all the time I'm not ascared of anything; but my feet are unaldurated cowards and we are attached to each other. Here's the cute little bugger:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/ewww1.jpg

[PaPa_Johnny]

crcs212, yep I need it now. But.... NEVER ask for patience. It comes from trials and tribulations!

[poormedstudent]

Originally posted by patsan
But that just makes it more enjoyable John....for when you DO get yours going!!
I know I was so excited for everyone when I was waiting for my rock to come. Heck, I still get excited when I hear someone is getting a shipment. I remember that feeling, and I re-live it when someone else gets a shipment.:)

Oh gosh - I am having a blast planning everything out and getting it all ready. I actually have the money to move forward a little more, but I don't have the time. RC is a great way to tide me over!

[PaPa_Johnny]

I'm doing this backwards I guess, John you might make it before I do at this rate. When I get off I'll load some pictures.

[poormedstudent]

I doubt that - you are quite a bit ahead of me and I am moving sloooooooooow! I know, I know, patience is - yadayadayada... :)

[patsan]

Johnny,

Have you seen or found any more isopods in the tank or skimmer?:(

[PaPa_Johnny]

Pod free Pat, but we're watching. :strooper:

I'm not there at night right now. But I'll check close Mon. night.

[poormedstudent]

Okay, so with these c. isopods, what is the worst they can do to us? I mean, it seems like they are totally bullying everyone who has them in their tank, right?

The worst they can do is swim up and try to latch on to you. Now that will probably not feel good at all, but they are not going to burrow under your skin and travel to your skull and eat out your brain within 2 seconds.

You'll get a good pinch, maybe even a little blood. I would imagine a mix between a bee sting and a needle stick. We would say, "@$#*%!!!!!!!!!!! What the... ?!!!" Then we would pull the thing off and smush the little bugger into oblivion.

Then there would be one less c. isopod in your tank to worry about.

Now, this wouldn't happen at all if we were wearing gloves. I don't know the answer, but isn't it better for the tank if we did wear gloves each time we went in? If someone does know this, please let me know.

I am in no means trying to make light of the worry you guys have - I don't even have my tank up and running yet, so I can't "judge" you all. But there are so many weird and wild things in the tanks, and we have ONE threat identified. To be honest, there are probably a half a dozen other things in there that could, in theory, hurt us. Not to mention the bacterial infections we could sustain from scraping ourselves on the rock.

I guess what I am saying is that there is always a risk of something "hurting" us when dealing with nature - especially when we bring nature into our homes. But I think if we view it instead as exciting, with a proper dose of respect, we don't need to fear our glass boxes.

Just a thought. Take it for what it's worth.

[poormedstudent]

Hey Papa - how about some pics of the "other" rock while we are waiting?

[patsan]

Oh...listen to the doctor....."it won't hurt much"!! lol http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS1/crying.gif

[poormedstudent]

Originally posted by patsan
Oh...listen to the doctor....."it won't hurt much"!! lol http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS1/crying.gif

HA! LMBO! :D :D :D

[PaPa_Johnny]

Pictures will have to wait till tom. Sorry! Happy easter.

[patsan]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Pictures will have to wait till tom. Sorry! Happy easter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/patsan/TBS1/HappyEaster.gif

[melev]

These Isopods are a problem, and will kill your fish. Last year at MACNA, one presentation was about a huge beautiful public aquarium where maintenance and care is handled by literally diving in in scuba gear. These isopods were in the tank and burrowed under the wetsuit and did a number on the speaker.

I don't know how they were captured or erradicated, but if your tank has them, you do have to find out how to remove them. Fortunately I've never had any, so I've not done the research for the solution.

Please post it when you find out, so I can file it away in my brain if the question arises one day again. Or should I say "when the question arises one day." :(

[PaPa_Johnny]

Marc, Dr. Ron said 2 to 4 months NO fish. The link is on Pat's thread. I'll find it or hopefully someone will add it here. A lot of people with Gulf rock are seeing them this year. Guess it was a good winter for them.

[melev]

So they just die due to the lack of having anything they can suck blood out of, I guess. Thanks. (Filing now) ;)

[patsan]

Originally posted by melev
So they just die due to the lack of having anything they can suck blood out of, I guess. Thanks. (Filing now) ;)

Yep, Dr. Ron says they'll die of starvation within 2-4 months if they don't have any fish to eat from.:)

[orlenz]

I had a similar problem, I liked my canopy, but it was a bit short fo halides, I went to Home Depot, bought a 1 x 4, and some stain. raised my canopy up for under $20 and it looks fine, My bulbs are about 8" from the water, and I still lost one from a splash so I wouldn't go any closer than that, for a 90 gal, two 250's would be the minimum IMO, w/ suplemental VHO's or T-5's, they say t-5 bulbs put out more light per watt than the VHO's but with the reflectors and lampholders being so wide, you can actually get just as many VHO's in there.

[PaPa_Johnny]

Okay, I'm late it's Wednesday instead of Monday but here are some new photo's finally. First up is a picture of the top of the stand. The two circles are where the overflow and return need to go.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0574.jpg

This was the dilemma I faced, what to do? Should of took a picture of him, I introduced Mr. POJ stand to Mr. Sawzall and here is the result.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0575.jpg

Problem Solved! I was worried about cutting the board to let the pipes through but it will be okay. The part of the 2 x 4 that is left is actual the only thing supporting the tank. The shell of the stand is glued up 3/4 boards on the front and side and two 3/4 boards on the back. People on here are using double 2 x 6's for 90 gallon stands, I think that may be way overkill!:)

Not the cleanest cuts I've ever made but the patience wears thin. Bonfire was in the back of my mind.

[PaPa_Johnny]

Here's some more. This is just a picture of the sump in the stand, not a lot of room left.:D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0577.jpg

This is a close up showing the overflow and return pipes in the cutouts:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0579.jpg

I'll post plumbing picture when I get them. Maybe it'll happen this weekend. By the time I get 'er done TBS should be diving everyday. ;)

[patsan]

It looks good Johnny!!:)
As far as the holes you cut, they'll be in the back out of sight anyway. The front and sides look awesome!! :)

[PaPa_Johnny]

Okay, one "good" picture, I thought this was a sponge. Now I see what looks like feeding tentacle extending from it. It's in a hard place to get a picture of but I tried. Remember now, my rock is in a acrylic tank sitting on the floor. So picture me laying in front of tank, kneeling over etc...etc.. Oh, it's the round orange heckifino to quote Greenbean.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0600.jpg

[PaPa_Johnny]

Thanks Pat I'm slow but I'm good. LOL

[phil519]

Originally posted by poormedstudent
Okay, so with these c. isopods, what is the worst they can do to us? I mean, it seems like they are totally bullying everyone who has them in their tank, right?


Let's say that you assume there is only one when in fact there are 20 of them. Not pleasant.

Or how about this poor nemo in a reefkeeping article:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v610/buyerny/NoobieNemo.jpg

I guess it is irrational to be so fearful of them - I mean how many bathers are in the ocean at any given time and there isn't any alarm about being bitten by these guys.

Still - I'm not putting my hands in the tank ungloved...

johnny - sump looks outstanding! :thumbsup:

[cscr212]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Okay, I'm late it's Wednesday instead of Monday but here are some new photo's finally. First up is a picture of the top of the stand.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0574.jpg



I LOVE those workboots!! Do they come in Black? :D :rollface: :D

[poormedstudent]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
Here's some more. This is just a picture of the sump in the stand, not a lot of room left.:D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0577.jpg



That sump is HUGE! That's awesome. I'm guessing in-sump skimmer? Are you going to have macro growing in there? Are you planning on having a light above the sump?

I can't remember... reef ready tank? Only one drain? What return pump are you going to use?

Enough questions for you???? :D

ps - what is that black furry thing in front of the stand? And do you use the playpen to the right of the stand for it? :rollface:

[Flipturn88]

Johnny, I've been following your thread for awhile now. Everything looks like it's coming together quite nicely. Keep up the great work, and congrats on your progress! :thumbsup:

Kayla

[PaPa_Johnny]

Phil just a note on the isopod, I'll have to look to see exactly when I got the rock; but the pod looked like a road runner when it was first in there. I saw it zipping around. It was like molasses when I got it out. I think this was just a good year for them. Just take a little time and they'll go away IMHO.

I also had my hands ALL in the rock for weeks playing around and moving no battle scars!

[melev]

Johnny, what was the sump built out of? 3/8" or 1/4" acrylic?

[Scuba Oz]

Johnny, looking real nice there. Thats was a tight fit like you said it would be:)

I have done the same thing when building stands for people and had to nothch out where the overflow drains and return are, just remember to leave room for the bulkhead also (I am sure you have, but I made that mistake before:() Looking real good, and waiting for progress reports.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[PaPa_Johnny]

Wow, where to start. If I miss someone please forgive me. I'll try to make sure I answer everyone.

cscr212 (Sounds like a radio call sign, name?) Yep, those "boots" come in any color you can imagine! I need to get a program and crop those uh-ohs out! :rolleyes: Hard to get a straight down shot without feet.

John Give me a minute I'll answer in next post.

Flipturn88 Flippy!! Thanks for the kind words. Long time no hear. :D I hope you know your tanks were some of my first inspirations.

Answers coming.

[PaPa_Johnny]

Okay, now to answer questions.

John the sump has a total capacity of ~46.25 gallons. I took up all the space in the stand, but it was a planned thing. The right hand side of the sump looking at it is a refugium. I will have macro algae, probably rubble and I am seriously considering a DSB. It will be lighted either 24/7 or on a reverse lighting schedule, still deciding. The skimmer is already here, an ASM G2x it's in the 55 right now. The tank is a 90 gallon AGA Reef Ready. It came with the MegaFlow overflow, a 1" drain and 3/4" return. I have a Mag7 to use as a return I don't feel (in my VERY humble opinion) that the flow through the sump should be lower. I will boost turn over in the tank with either a closed loop or more likely power heads. I'm seriously leaning toward the ones Landon is using. Tunze's are great but $$$$.

The black fuzzy thing is one of my Babies:D . Her name is Cinder and she is the Boss. If you look you will see her toys scattered on the floor. We have to play fetch every day. When I first got her she rode in my shirt pocket for 2 weeks, then in my shirt for 4 more. Now...... well she doesn't look like a lump of coal anymore. She weighs ~9 lbs.:eek1: And yes, she and her brother stay in the play pen you see. Keeps them safe and little ones away. They are 3/4 Chihuahua (sp?) and 1/4 Feist. Now back to the regular program.

Marc The sump is 1/4 Acrylic. I debated long and hard about 3/8, and yes it is open top But with all the baffles in it I feel/hope that there won't be a problem with it.

Jason It sure was hard to decide to cut the stand, but easy once I started.:strooper: It's hard to see and took 3 trips on and off the stand but the bulkhead nuts actually go above the wood. Luckily it's not a flat bottom tank, the plastic trim raises it just enough for the bulkheads to clear.


Wow, hope that's all. That's got to be my longest post. Hopefully we'll get plumbed this weekend.

[melev]

If it was 3/8", it can be open like that, but with 1/4" I recommend you put a flange on it. It isn't too late to do that. ;)

Did you fill it up with water to observe how much it will flex? Did you put a piece of1/2" styrofoam(pink, from Home Depot) underneath it? If not, you should. That avoids any pressure points under your sump and helps avoid a sudden failure.

[PaPa_Johnny]

I haven't filled it up with water yet Marc. It was wet when I picked it up so I know the guy that built it did. I'll have to do that and see this weekend. I put a piece of 1/2 foam out of a shipping box under it. It is solid from side to side and end to end in the bottom of the stand.

[phil519]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
I also had my hands ALL in the rock for weeks playing around and moving no battle scars!

You and me both (looking sheepish). Well my only stupidity was when I apparently had some bristles stick me...it wasn't painful - just felt like fiberglass in the hand. Stupid me.

Looks good and I'd definitely do another water test on the sump before putting the 90 on top of the sump!

[poormedstudent]

Originally posted by phil519
You and me both (looking sheepish). Well my only stupidity was when I apparently had some bristles stick me...it wasn't painful - just felt like fiberglass in the hand. Stupid me.

Just something to keep in mind:
Mycobacterium marinum is a bacteria that comes from scratching yourself in your fish tank. It causes a lesion that doesn't heal. It spreads up the lymph nodes and can infect the joints. The joints can then become very painful. Fortunately, the right antibiotics at anytime during the infection will heal you with no lasting problems. But it would be better never to have to deal with it.

My thoughts: wear gloves if you have them! :)

[PaPa_Johnny]

My thoughts: wear gloves if you have them!

Better yet, if you don't have gloves get 'em! I'll probably cheat cause I'm not good with gloves. I am going to get some and try to be good about using them. I told Marc I had a better picture of the "nasty" we are all talking about so I am going to post one more and let it go. I am really not that worried about them, I'll just delay putting fish in till it's safe. I've waited this long for rock, a little time for fish will be okay. (Won't be nice but it will just be okay).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0586.jpg

Okay last nasty picture I hope. I had to look back to make sure; I received the first rock on Feb. 25 and the second box on March 1, 2005. My nasties are already dead. Now I did have the cycle from Hades on the first part. Okay that's all folks! Anybody heard how the weather is in Tampa! Dive! Dive! Dive!

[patsan]

How many did you find Johnny? Don't they just creep you out? :(

[Scuba Oz]

well Johnny, thats not good you have one also, seems like its a bad sign:( Hope it was just the one and the fire ants liked him:):)

[phil519]

both of mine got a small dose of boiling water. :uzi: :blown:

[PaPa_Johnny]

Pat, they are kind of creepy but not really worse than ticks. I'm in the pastures and woods a lot and have had ticks in places....well nevermind:D . I'd rather they weren't in there and I'm definately glad he's gone. I think it's the only one because I could see it scooting around but couldn't tell what it was. Trust me folks, if they don't eat they get very lethargic, IMO they're like birds, very high metabolism.

No Jason, Mr. Fireant didn't get him I can't remember what but I was in a screaming hurry as usual and just left him in his little bowl. He met Mr. Trash can when I got home. I like the boiling water idea though.

[melev]

Originally posted by PaPa_Johnny
My thoughts: wear gloves if you have them!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/PaPa_Johnny/000_0586.jpg

Okay last nasty picture I hope.

I never knew they had legs! I grabbed the image for the ID page, but if you have a higher res picture I can crop from, email it to me. melev@swbell.net

[eljefe]

I love your sump/stand, wish i would have thought about mine more, keep up the good work...

[growyourown]

Hi, I have a question about your sump...

Why is that extra baffle in there between the refuge and return? I assume you are returning from the center.

What purpose does it serve, or should I ask what purpose do you intend for it to serve?

Also, I have a 90 AGA exactly like yours and am running T5's 54W x 6 and have exceptional lighting IMO. I bought the IceCap reflectors that cost a little extra buy are just barely wider than the bulbs, I plan to add two more 10,000K for white's, but many people comment about my lighting asking how I keep the heat down, then I open my canopy and show them nothing but small flourescents. Also, the Blue Plus bulbs and true actinic bulbs are far superior to VHO's IMO, my colors pop.

Just my .02

[poormedstudent]

Johnny - how's the tank going?

[JRE83]

Yeah Johnny hows the tank coming?LOL

Still sittin in the same place it has been for the past couple of years?LOL

Nah, But the whole kids drool thing, me being one of yours I do totally disagree.

Maybe when I get home we can actually get that thing goin!!!