My first SW

solastsummer · 05/23/2008, 10:22 PM

My first sw tank, i saw somone else post theirs and I would love some feedback

Here is my 60 FOWLR, any suggestions on background?

My stinkin fish are so camera shy, they wont even come out for mysis shrimp, their favorite food!

2 chromis
2 false perc
1 coral beauty
1 lawnmower
1 yellow tang

and a cuc

Aquarist007 · 05/23/2008, 10:31 PM

looks like a great start to me

a pajama cardinal would be great with that mix as a suggestion

solastsummer · 05/23/2008, 10:32 PM

this might help

solastsummer · 05/23/2008, 11:01 PM

im starting to get a little worried im seeing alot of tanks that arent like mine... rock all over the place but piles of it at different spots in the tank, should i move on to that?

jkrentz2515 · 05/24/2008, 12:31 AM

The only reason you see piles of rock in different spots is because it offers better stability for the rock. I'm not sure if your rock is leaned up against the back pane of glass but it doesn't look as stable as it should be.

ludnix · 05/24/2008, 12:43 AM

Like jkrentz2515 said, it's for stability, and providing more horizontal platforms for corals. If you think the rock won't easily fall then you have nothing to worry about. When you have invested hundreds of dollars in corals then people are a lot more cautious of having rocks stacked high without being supported on several sides.

My first tank was a 33gallon LPS with a 10 gallon sump. I learned a lot from reef central and am now embarking on a 120gallon with 40gallon sump, to hopefully be a full blown reef.

Denbf58 · 05/24/2008, 05:58 AM

nice start as for background I went with plain ocean blue as for rocks just make sure they very stable or sails and crabs can knock them over

solastsummer · 05/24/2008, 08:33 AM

the only time i have had a rock fall is by my own doing, so im thinking im fine them. plus my tang seems to really enjoy the rock work and all the tunnels/caves

sassafrass · 05/24/2008, 09:33 AM

My fish were camera shy also so I set the camera up on a tripod in front of the tank and left it there for a few days, problem solved. It must look like a giant eye to them !

Tswifty · 05/24/2008, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by solastsummer
im starting to get a little worried im seeing alot of tanks that arent like mine... rock all over the place but piles of it at different spots in the tank, should i move on to that?

It's just personal preference... I believe you are talking about pillars, and it seems like they are becoming a lot more popular recently.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...hreadid=746318

Playa-1 · 05/24/2008, 01:36 PM

Every tank is a lil different. Just make sure your rocks are stable and then you can put them in there any way that you like. You don't want any rock slides hurting your fish, stirring up the sand bed and scratching your tank.
I think your off to a good start. I think you should put some background film on it. It will give it a better overall appearance and hide some of the equipment.

Aquarist007 · 05/24/2008, 04:15 PM

this is a 28 inch high tank--with the reef within 6-8 inches of the surface---the reef only touches the glass on the sides in a couple of places
once you get a background as suggested and some coral growth on the reef it will look great

solastsummer · 05/25/2008, 01:30 AM

so my mother in law was craigslisting and got me a 125G aquarium that is water tight for free.... i repeat free, it is the tank only no hood or anything but oh well, im not going to complain, and my 2x175 MH plans may become more than that but yeah i might be having a serrious upgrade coming soon. Anyone wanna buy a 60G?

Nano Chris · 05/25/2008, 07:10 AM

Looks nice, congrats on the freebie.

KingRicky · 05/25/2008, 07:30 AM

I just set my tank up yesterday and I placed my base rock directly on the tank bottom and then used Gorrila glue to attach the next level of BR to it. I then filled the sand in around the bottom layer of rock. I stacked my LR on top and it only touched the glass 1 place on the back and 1 each side .

I need to add another 20 to 30 lbs. of LR to make it look better. The rock is very stable and I don't think that the CUC will be able to undrmine it.

solastsummer · 05/25/2008, 12:53 PM

ive never had a problem with my cuc damaging my rockwork

Playa-1 · 05/25/2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solastsummer
so my mother in law was craigslisting and got me a 125G aquarium that is water tight for free.... i repeat free, it is the tank only no hood or anything but oh well, im not going to complain, and my 2x175 MH plans may become more than that but yeah i might be having a serrious upgrade coming soon. Anyone wanna buy a 60G?

It's good to have the Mother-in-law on your side. That will save you lots of headaches

I would use the 125 as the display and the 60 as your sump.
You will be good to go with a lil consideration and planning on the plumbing.

bryan ayo · 05/25/2008, 04:15 PM

this is my 90g started in nov 07

solastsummer · 05/25/2008, 05:13 PM

im sure using the 60 as a sump/fuge is a good idea, but I hate having the feeling that I spent as much as i did for a sump.... but it would be best. This time i plan on not going cheap for LR, maybe tampa bay saltwater or somnething. Im sure my LR has everything it needs, just not enough coraline and critters.

solastsummer · 05/25/2008, 05:14 PM

also would my aquac remora pro work as the skimmer still?

bryan ayo · 05/25/2008, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by solastsummer
im sure using the 60 as a sump/fuge is a good idea, but I hate having the feeling that I spent as much as i did for a sump.... but it would be best. This time i plan on not going cheap for LR, maybe tampa bay saltwater or somnething. Im sure my LR has everything it needs, just not enough coraline and critters.

Do you have a local reef club..I am very active in mine. We have LR for sale weekly and its normally very cheep...Being active in a local RC has many benefits ...We have monthly meeting to get together and swap frags ,ideas, gear and get drunk in the posses..lol!!!

Actually the best way to go is starting with base rock such as macro rocks and take small amounts or LR to seed the base... You would be surprised at what a small amount of LR can do to base.

as for the sump...go big as you can fit ..dot skimp on equipment especially a skimmer!!!!!!!! its the most important piece of equipment you will have in your system!

Aquarist007 · 05/25/2008, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bryan ayo
this is my 90g started in nov 07

I love the fuge setup with the mangroves
could you possible repost these pictures on this thread

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1349443

Aquarist007 · 05/25/2008, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by KingRicky
I just set my tank up yesterday and I placed my base rock directly on the tank bottom and then used Gorrila glue to attach the next level of BR to it. I then filled the sand in around the bottom layer of rock. I stacked my LR on top and it only touched the glass 1 place on the back and 1 each side .

I need to add another 20 to 30 lbs. of LR to make it look better. The rock is very stable and I don't think that the CUC will be able to undrmine it.

gorilla glue--that is a new one to me---is that the brand name--what exactly is it--and epoxy?

KingRicky · 05/26/2008, 06:38 AM

Gorilla Glue is the name brand, I found it at wall mart in the paint section. It is where the gloves, tape and small supplies arew. It is non-toxic,100% waterproof. We have been using it for years to glue all kinds of stuff. It bonds just about anything and sticks really well. It does not work as fast as Super Glue but bonds just as well.

You can bond rock/stone, glass,and wood. I have not found anything that it will not eork on yet. Just be carefull because it expands as it dries so you don't have to use alot.

otrlynn · 05/26/2008, 08:27 AM

KingRicky, not to hijack the thread, but can Gorilla Glue be used on wet surfaces? For example, can it be applied to the bottom of a frag plug (which could be dried fairly well) but applied to live rock in the tank?

05/23/2008, 10:22 PM	#1
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	My first SW My first sw tank, i saw somone else post theirs and I would love some feedback Here is my 60 FOWLR, any suggestions on background? My stinkin fish are so camera shy, they wont even come out for mysis shrimp, their favorite food! 2 chromis 2 false perc 1 coral beauty 1 lawnmower 1 yellow tang and a cuc

05/23/2008, 10:31 PM	#2
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	looks like a great start to me a pajama cardinal would be great with that mix as a suggestion __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

05/24/2008, 12:43 AM	#6
ludnix Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: California Posts: 3,031	Like jkrentz2515 said, it's for stability, and providing more horizontal platforms for corals. If you think the rock won't easily fall then you have nothing to worry about. When you have invested hundreds of dollars in corals then people are a lot more cautious of having rocks stacked high without being supported on several sides. My first tank was a 33gallon LPS with a 10 gallon sump. I learned a lot from reef central and am now embarking on a 120gallon with 40gallon sump, to hopefully be a full blown reef. __________________ -Eric Sutter Current Tank Info: 14g Biocube

05/24/2008, 05:58 AM	#7
Denbf58 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: selden N.Y. Posts: 885	nice start as for background I went with plain ocean blue as for rocks just make sure they very stable or sails and crabs can knock them over __________________ Life is good Current Tank Info: 75gal reef ready koralia 3, 30g sump, 4b 48" t5s lighting, 29g reef with breeding pair clowns 55g reef 55g freshwater

05/24/2008, 04:15 PM	#12
Aquarist007 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Hamilton, Canada Posts: 28,240 Blog Entries: 1	this is a 28 inch high tank--with the reef within 6-8 inches of the surface---the reef only touches the glass on the sides in a couple of places once you get a background as suggested and some coral growth on the reef it will look great __________________ I prefer my substrates stirred but not shaken Current Tank Info: 150gal long mixed reef, 90gal sump, 60 gal refugium with 200 lbs live rock

05/23/2008, 10:32 PM	#3
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	this might help

05/23/2008, 11:01 PM	#4
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	im starting to get a little worried im seeing alot of tanks that arent like mine... rock all over the place but piles of it at different spots in the tank, should i move on to that?

05/24/2008, 12:31 AM	#5
jkrentz2515 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Mauerapolis Posts: 635	The only reason you see piles of rock in different spots is because it offers better stability for the rock. I'm not sure if your rock is leaned up against the back pane of glass but it doesn't look as stable as it should be.

05/24/2008, 08:33 AM	#8
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	the only time i have had a rock fall is by my own doing, so im thinking im fine them. plus my tang seems to really enjoy the rock work and all the tunnels/caves

05/24/2008, 09:33 AM	#9
sassafrass Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: capitola ca Posts: 1,729	My fish were camera shy also so I set the camera up on a tripod in front of the tank and left it there for a few days, problem solved. It must look like a giant eye to them !

05/24/2008, 01:36 PM	#11
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	Every tank is a lil different. Just make sure your rocks are stable and then you can put them in there any way that you like. You don't want any rock slides hurting your fish, stirring up the sand bed and scratching your tank. I think your off to a good start. I think you should put some background film on it. It will give it a better overall appearance and hide some of the equipment.

05/25/2008, 01:30 AM	#13
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	so my mother in law was craigslisting and got me a 125G aquarium that is water tight for free.... i repeat free, it is the tank only no hood or anything but oh well, im not going to complain, and my 2x175 MH plans may become more than that but yeah i might be having a serrious upgrade coming soon. Anyone wanna buy a 60G?

05/25/2008, 07:10 AM	#14
Nano Chris Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Baltimore, MD Posts: 2,758	Looks nice, congrats on the freebie. __________________ Chris ------- 34 Gallon Red Sea Max 130! Setup (Just got back into the hobby) Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon RedSeaMax!

05/25/2008, 07:30 AM	#15
KingRicky Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fultondale, Alabama Posts: 322	I just set my tank up yesterday and I placed my base rock directly on the tank bottom and then used Gorrila glue to attach the next level of BR to it. I then filled the sand in around the bottom layer of rock. I stacked my LR on top and it only touched the glass 1 place on the back and 1 each side . I need to add another 20 to 30 lbs. of LR to make it look better. The rock is very stable and I don't think that the CUC will be able to undrmine it. __________________ What if the Hokie Pokie, is really what it's all about? "Jimmy Buffet" Ricky Current Tank Info: 75, 2X250 MH Radiums

05/25/2008, 12:53 PM	#16
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	ive never had a problem with my cuc damaging my rockwork

05/25/2008, 04:15 PM	#18
bryan ayo Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: batonrouge ,la Posts: 114	this is my 90g started in nov 07 __________________ 90g reef /40g fuge(RIP) 12g nano NEW Vortech powered 90g SPS setup with t5s Current Tank Info: 90 reef/w 40 breader sump/fuge (RIP) super efficient Sps setup w/t5

05/25/2008, 05:13 PM	#19
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	im sure using the 60 as a sump/fuge is a good idea, but I hate having the feeling that I spent as much as i did for a sump.... but it would be best. This time i plan on not going cheap for LR, maybe tampa bay saltwater or somnething. Im sure my LR has everything it needs, just not enough coraline and critters.

05/25/2008, 05:14 PM	#20
solastsummer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Idaho Posts: 419	also would my aquac remora pro work as the skimmer still?

05/26/2008, 06:38 AM	#24
KingRicky Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Fultondale, Alabama Posts: 322	Gorilla Glue is the name brand, I found it at wall mart in the paint section. It is where the gloves, tape and small supplies arew. It is non-toxic,100% waterproof. We have been using it for years to glue all kinds of stuff. It bonds just about anything and sticks really well. It does not work as fast as Super Glue but bonds just as well. You can bond rock/stone, glass,and wood. I have not found anything that it will not eork on yet. Just be carefull because it expands as it dries so you don't have to use alot. __________________ What if the Hokie Pokie, is really what it's all about? "Jimmy Buffet" Ricky Current Tank Info: 75, 2X250 MH Radiums

05/26/2008, 08:27 AM	#25
otrlynn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Chester County PA Posts: 1,508	KingRicky, not to hijack the thread, but can Gorilla Glue be used on wet surfaces? For example, can it be applied to the bottom of a frag plug (which could be dried fairly well) but applied to live rock in the tank? __________________ Lynn 1 horse, 1 dog, 2 cats, small pond with a few koi. The fish tank is gone.