The Dawn of my 125 gallon Reef!!! - Page 2

Reefing Newbie · 10/14/2011, 09:48 AM

I read it and didn't think much of it, but isn't the recommendation now about 1.5lbs per gallon?

ludiNano, what are your thoughts on my stock list? Too heavy?

jacob.morgan78 · 10/14/2011, 10:01 AM

this is getting off topic a little but isn't it more about surface area than weight when dealing with lr?

Reefing Newbie · 10/14/2011, 10:03 AM

Yes it is generally. You may not have enough room for even 1lb per gallon if you get BRSs pukani dry rock because its so porus. Other rocks aren't as porus and are heavier with smaller surface areas meaning you can and should put more in.

Reefing Newbie · 10/14/2011, 12:20 PM

I have some sad news, because I am sick today I won't be able to pick up my tank until tomorrow. Wish I knew what I am sick with, I just have no energy what so ever, barely awake as I am typing this stuff up lol. Lots of little naps help though!

MelloW33 · 10/14/2011, 12:37 PM

2 pounds per gallon is pretty excessive. With the protein skimmers that we have available to us, you only need 1lb per gallon IMO. I use less than that, I have 100lbs in my 150.

Reefing Newbie · 10/15/2011, 09:37 AM

I have well over 1lb per gallon lol with over 200lbs of rock I will be set I will probably be keeping some in the 46 gallon QT for the grazing fish I get. Not sure though.

Reefing Newbie · 10/15/2011, 05:10 PM

Today I picked up the tank from the lfs. I was a little disappointed though because he said that he was going to powerwash the tank and overflows so it would be clean, but he didn't... Now I need to find out how to clean off some dried what I think are diatoms and dried out coraline algae from the glass and overflows. I also have these little white dot things on the overflows that I would like to clean off. Now the overflows are designed with two sections, one that drains and a first area that is used to give more flow, I have loads of mini feather dusters that I would like to clear out as well as some hair algae that started to grow before tearing down. Any thoughts on how to get the stuff cleaned off, as I would like to start as fresh as possible with the huge algae problem I had before. Here are some pics of the tank in the back of my pickup.

You can see the dried diatoms(and where my turbo went through on his last run lol)

MarineSniper · 10/15/2011, 05:42 PM

Just picked my 135 up today as well. Luckily it was a freshwater setup and required no cleaning as that was already done. I now need to reconsider drilling it, however, The glass is a full 1/2" thick. Being custom built, I was lucky they did all the measurements from the inside but I have no real idea as to whether it has been tempered. It has no cross supports which leads me to lean toward it being tempered. It was full when I first viewed it and didn't notice how thick it was

Here is the starting point:

Reefing Newbie · 10/15/2011, 06:30 PM

Well you are lucky and not so lucky lol. I really need to clean the tank and I am thinking of painting the back of it black. The previuos owner did a background and you could see air bubble when viewing the tank so I will not be doing that!

MarineSniper · 10/15/2011, 06:55 PM

I think I'm going to go with a black background as well. Any particular type you recommend?

My current tank is painted a great looking blue but is thick on the back making the use of a magnet cleaner impossible. Not a huge deal but there are times where some algae grows that the fish can't reach it and I have to work to remove it

Reefing Newbie · 10/15/2011, 06:58 PM

That is where I would get a algae remover with a longer handle. I am not sure how to paint the back of a tank yet. I will be looking up how to before I paint it. Does anyone know if using a powerwasher on my tank would break it or the overflows? A razor blade didn't do any good at removing the diatoms....

Reefing Newbie · 10/16/2011, 06:38 PM

So any ideas on how to clean out the tank? It has some dried up diatoms on the glass and a razor blade didn't work out very well. I am about to powerwash the overflows to get the hair algae and feather dusters out of that first section to improve flow. I am open to ideas for sure!! Also, where should I look to get peices of acrylic to make new baffles for my sump?

ludiNano · 10/16/2011, 07:14 PM

I'm not so sure a power washer would be a good idea, those things are...powerful. Have you tried using white vinegar.

For new baffels go to home depot or lows they have sheets of acrylic, I even had them cut it for mine.

Reefing Newbie · 10/16/2011, 08:03 PM

Well we didn't break any silicone, it got a good amount of the dried coraline off the boxes and we got that first overflow section for current rinsed out with the powerwasher, full of sand and micro feather dusters. I will upload pics after I get the tank inside.

rogermccray · 10/17/2011, 07:24 AM

Looking good, I like that you are reconsidering the damsels, they can be a mean fish. I have seen a lot of people that got them then had to get them out later because of their aggression.

Reefing Newbie · 10/17/2011, 02:22 PM

Sk8r did tell me that in my size of an aquarium I shouldn't have too much of a problem with them being that they have an adequet amount of space to claim a decent sized territory among the rockwork. I am still going back and forth on them, but I can definantly see why people have issues with them in smaller tanks. They simply don't have enough room in the tank for the other fish to get far enough away. Also, with keeping different species it is unlikely that I will get a pair out of the damsels which would increase aggression as well. All three are in the same genus(I think) but look different. My experience with damsels thus far is that they aren't as bad as they sound. My three stripe damsel is submissive to a little female true perc that is only 3/4 of its size. Previously I had a sergent major damsel and male ocellaris with the three stripe, the ocellaris was the supreme ruler! I found that suprising because the sergent major was twice his size, but nature has its ways!!

Well Wednesday will begin the cleaning out of the current sump as well as finishing the cleaning on the 125 gallon. After the sump is redesigned, I will get plumbing done and do a leak test(mostly for plumbing, the lfs leak tested the 125 after they got the frame on). Hopefully this weekend I can get some items off the shopping list before I get it going. Top priority is sand, R/O DI unit, and ATO. I may also paint the back of the 125 black this week as well. Kinda hard to paint when the tank is full lol!

MarineSniper · 10/17/2011, 07:30 PM

I painted mine yesterday, black as well. Sherwin Williams has a good one that went on great

I'm working on my simp now. I've heard not to use acrylic for baffles on a glass tank but would like a second opinion as it's sure to be easier than glass. I'm going with a 55g for the sump

Reefing Newbie · 10/17/2011, 07:38 PM

You can use acrylic for a glass tank as a sump. I think some people cut the bottom corners of the baffles that touch the bottom at a 45 degree angle and silicone it in to fit the silicone in the tank. Funny thing that you are using a 55 gallon like me! Lol!!

Edit: How did you apply the paint to your tank? I really don't want to spray it on, because I just brought my tank in the house and that thing is gonna be a PITA to take outside and in again!

MelloW33 · 10/17/2011, 07:44 PM

Use distilled white vinegar to clean the tank. It literally melts the algae away.

Reefing Newbie · 10/17/2011, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MelloW33

Use distilled white vinegar to clean the tank. It literally melts the algae away.

Thanks!! I will go pick some up tomorrow. I talked to the lfs that is in town(not big into the retail of saltwater equipment, really doesn't have anything but some LR) and they gave me a handled algae scraper with a razor blade. They said that becuase it has a handle it would give me more leverage, but I don't want to scratch the tank.

Speaking of scratching a tank, when I initially set up after purchase in July I used the mag float that came with it. It scratched the glass, not on the inside but the outer part of the mag float scratched the outer glass. Is there anything that I could use to make it less noticeable??? It's on the outside so I shouldn't have to worry about it getting into the tank.

MarineSniper · 10/17/2011, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefing Newbie

I think some people cut the bottom corners of the baffles that touch the bottom at a 45 degree angle and silicone it in to fit the silicone in the tank.

Edit: How did you apply the paint to your tank? I really don't want to spray it on, because I just brought my tank in the house and that thing is gonna be a PITA to take outside and in again!

Are you referring to the 2 sections that are placed on the bottom? I was planning on using silicone on every part that touches the wall, just cutting them 1/4" short to allow for the silicone to hold it.

Yes, I sprayed it; just taped off and threw down a canvas tarp

Reefing Newbie · 10/17/2011, 08:49 PM

Could you put a pic up? I would really like to see what it looks like!

Reefing Newbie · 10/19/2011, 05:19 PM

So today I filled up the tank as far as I felt safe with it on the furniture movers supporting it, with water and 3 gallons of white distilled vinegar to soak over night. This is in an effort to remove the dried on diatoms on the glass and to hopefully get rid of the coraline algae that is on the overflow boxes. I decided to put the 1200 gph koralia powerhead that came with the tank, as well as the drain and return pipes that go in the overflows. All of this stuff had algae so time to get the tank as sterile as possible. Here are some pics from start to finish of the fill. This is also a good time to see if the tank will leak lol!!

Hmmm... Got enough vinegar??? LOL!!

Some before pics to show the dried diatoms on the glass and coraline, after I finish cleaning I will get some after pics.

Reefing Newbie · 10/19/2011, 05:27 PM

Now to talk about some things that I am seeing in the 46 gallon current holding tank. I saw BOTH of my turbo snails out the other night, only took a pic of one of them because the other one went into hiding by time I got my phone... I have a large feather duster on one of the rocks, now would he be able to survive the cycle, or should he be removed? If he needs to be removed, how should I remove him?

Pics

Turbo

Little BTAs coming out during the three day lights out to help combat red bubble algae. The lights out didn't phase the GHA in the tank...

Peppermint shrimp going for a ride on a nerite snail. Talk about a speed demond!! :P

Feather Duster

Little red feather duster in the rock(middle of pic)

Now a vid I think of a worm of somesort, any ideas what kind? (tiny white colored worm) Little string on the middle of the rock let me know if you can't find it!

freetareef · 10/20/2011, 12:13 AM

sweet dude!!!

10/14/2011, 12:37 PM	#30
MelloW33 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 591	2 pounds per gallon is pretty excessive. With the protein skimmers that we have available to us, you only need 1lb per gallon IMO. I use less than that, I have 100lbs in my 150. __________________ Mark

10/16/2011, 07:14 PM	#38
ludiNano I'm becoming...Brundlefly Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bettendorf, Iowas Posts: 1,804	I'm not so sure a power washer would be a good idea, those things are...powerful. Have you tried using white vinegar. For new baffels go to home depot or lows they have sheets of acrylic, I even had them cut it for mine. __________________ -The Loungers really contribute to RC.~ Agu -JoshTodd has a very good point. ~ R_Hudson -Fresh air will get the stink off ~ Carrie

10/17/2011, 07:44 PM	#44
MelloW33 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Indiana Posts: 591	Use distilled white vinegar to clean the tank. It literally melts the algae away. __________________ Mark

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10/14/2011, 09:48 AM	#26
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	I read it and didn't think much of it, but isn't the recommendation now about 1.5lbs per gallon? ludiNano, what are your thoughts on my stock list? Too heavy?

10/14/2011, 10:01 AM	#27
jacob.morgan78 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Farmville, VA Posts: 1,184	this is getting off topic a little but isn't it more about surface area than weight when dealing with lr?

10/14/2011, 10:03 AM	#28
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Yes it is generally. You may not have enough room for even 1lb per gallon if you get BRSs pukani dry rock because its so porus. Other rocks aren't as porus and are heavier with smaller surface areas meaning you can and should put more in.

10/14/2011, 12:20 PM	#29
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	I have some sad news, because I am sick today I won't be able to pick up my tank until tomorrow. Wish I knew what I am sick with, I just have no energy what so ever, barely awake as I am typing this stuff up lol. Lots of little naps help though!

10/15/2011, 09:37 AM	#31
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	I have well over 1lb per gallon lol with over 200lbs of rock I will be set I will probably be keeping some in the 46 gallon QT for the grazing fish I get. Not sure though.

10/15/2011, 05:10 PM	#32
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Today I picked up the tank from the lfs. I was a little disappointed though because he said that he was going to powerwash the tank and overflows so it would be clean, but he didn't... Now I need to find out how to clean off some dried what I think are diatoms and dried out coraline algae from the glass and overflows. I also have these little white dot things on the overflows that I would like to clean off. Now the overflows are designed with two sections, one that drains and a first area that is used to give more flow, I have loads of mini feather dusters that I would like to clear out as well as some hair algae that started to grow before tearing down. Any thoughts on how to get the stuff cleaned off, as I would like to start as fresh as possible with the huge algae problem I had before. Here are some pics of the tank in the back of my pickup. You can see the dried diatoms(and where my turbo went through on his last run lol)

10/15/2011, 05:42 PM	#33
MarineSniper Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 554	Just picked my 135 up today as well. Luckily it was a freshwater setup and required no cleaning as that was already done. I now need to reconsider drilling it, however, The glass is a full 1/2" thick. Being custom built, I was lucky they did all the measurements from the inside but I have no real idea as to whether it has been tempered. It has no cross supports which leads me to lean toward it being tempered. It was full when I first viewed it and didn't notice how thick it was Here is the starting point:

10/15/2011, 06:30 PM	#34
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Well you are lucky and not so lucky lol. I really need to clean the tank and I am thinking of painting the back of it black. The previuos owner did a background and you could see air bubble when viewing the tank so I will not be doing that!

10/15/2011, 06:55 PM	#35
MarineSniper Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 554	I think I'm going to go with a black background as well. Any particular type you recommend? My current tank is painted a great looking blue but is thick on the back making the use of a magnet cleaner impossible. Not a huge deal but there are times where some algae grows that the fish can't reach it and I have to work to remove it

10/15/2011, 06:58 PM	#36
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	That is where I would get a algae remover with a longer handle. I am not sure how to paint the back of a tank yet. I will be looking up how to before I paint it. Does anyone know if using a powerwasher on my tank would break it or the overflows? A razor blade didn't do any good at removing the diatoms....

10/16/2011, 06:38 PM	#37
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	So any ideas on how to clean out the tank? It has some dried up diatoms on the glass and a razor blade didn't work out very well. I am about to powerwash the overflows to get the hair algae and feather dusters out of that first section to improve flow. I am open to ideas for sure!! Also, where should I look to get peices of acrylic to make new baffles for my sump?

10/16/2011, 08:03 PM	#39
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Well we didn't break any silicone, it got a good amount of the dried coraline off the boxes and we got that first overflow section for current rinsed out with the powerwasher, full of sand and micro feather dusters. I will upload pics after I get the tank inside.

10/17/2011, 07:24 AM	#40
rogermccray Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 1,050	Looking good, I like that you are reconsidering the damsels, they can be a mean fish. I have seen a lot of people that got them then had to get them out later because of their aggression.

10/17/2011, 02:22 PM	#41
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Sk8r did tell me that in my size of an aquarium I shouldn't have too much of a problem with them being that they have an adequet amount of space to claim a decent sized territory among the rockwork. I am still going back and forth on them, but I can definantly see why people have issues with them in smaller tanks. They simply don't have enough room in the tank for the other fish to get far enough away. Also, with keeping different species it is unlikely that I will get a pair out of the damsels which would increase aggression as well. All three are in the same genus(I think) but look different. My experience with damsels thus far is that they aren't as bad as they sound. My three stripe damsel is submissive to a little female true perc that is only 3/4 of its size. Previously I had a sergent major damsel and male ocellaris with the three stripe, the ocellaris was the supreme ruler! I found that suprising because the sergent major was twice his size, but nature has its ways!! Well Wednesday will begin the cleaning out of the current sump as well as finishing the cleaning on the 125 gallon. After the sump is redesigned, I will get plumbing done and do a leak test(mostly for plumbing, the lfs leak tested the 125 after they got the frame on). Hopefully this weekend I can get some items off the shopping list before I get it going. Top priority is sand, R/O DI unit, and ATO. I may also paint the back of the 125 black this week as well. Kinda hard to paint when the tank is full lol!

10/17/2011, 07:30 PM	#42
MarineSniper Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Central Ohio Posts: 554	I painted mine yesterday, black as well. Sherwin Williams has a good one that went on great I'm working on my simp now. I've heard not to use acrylic for baffles on a glass tank but would like a second opinion as it's sure to be easier than glass. I'm going with a 55g for the sump

10/17/2011, 07:38 PM	#43
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	You can use acrylic for a glass tank as a sump. I think some people cut the bottom corners of the baffles that touch the bottom at a 45 degree angle and silicone it in to fit the silicone in the tank. Funny thing that you are using a 55 gallon like me! Lol!! Edit: How did you apply the paint to your tank? I really don't want to spray it on, because I just brought my tank in the house and that thing is gonna be a PITA to take outside and in again!

10/17/2011, 08:49 PM	#47
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Could you put a pic up? I would really like to see what it looks like!

10/19/2011, 05:19 PM	#48
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	So today I filled up the tank as far as I felt safe with it on the furniture movers supporting it, with water and 3 gallons of white distilled vinegar to soak over night. This is in an effort to remove the dried on diatoms on the glass and to hopefully get rid of the coraline algae that is on the overflow boxes. I decided to put the 1200 gph koralia powerhead that came with the tank, as well as the drain and return pipes that go in the overflows. All of this stuff had algae so time to get the tank as sterile as possible. Here are some pics from start to finish of the fill. This is also a good time to see if the tank will leak lol!! Hmmm... Got enough vinegar??? LOL!! Some before pics to show the dried diatoms on the glass and coraline, after I finish cleaning I will get some after pics.

10/19/2011, 05:27 PM	#49
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	Now to talk about some things that I am seeing in the 46 gallon current holding tank. I saw BOTH of my turbo snails out the other night, only took a pic of one of them because the other one went into hiding by time I got my phone... I have a large feather duster on one of the rocks, now would he be able to survive the cycle, or should he be removed? If he needs to be removed, how should I remove him? Pics Turbo Little BTAs coming out during the three day lights out to help combat red bubble algae. The lights out didn't phase the GHA in the tank... Peppermint shrimp going for a ride on a nerite snail. Talk about a speed demond!! :P Feather Duster Little red feather duster in the rock(middle of pic) Now a vid I think of a worm of somesort, any ideas what kind? (tiny white colored worm) Little string on the middle of the rock let me know if you can't find it!

10/20/2011, 12:13 AM	#50
freetareef Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 442	sweet dude!!!