jgf86123

Chat's now open folks, so come on in, we'll even try an keep this one hobby related LOL

The skimmer is just fine, the sump will work, I just like plugging Charles's work in the hopes that all the plugs will get me a discount when we have him build our sump LOL. The lighting shouldn't be an issue, I just, and I've used both, prefer T5HO's over MH LOL. If you can snag em for a decent price, a pair of MP40's will ROCK that tank, you'll have no dead spots with very little work LOL. As for the controllers, they're awesome for being able to set everything to do what it's supposed to do at what times and what not, and not really have to worry about it, you can even access some of them from your cell phone or laptop, which is an AWESOME ability to have when you're traveling.

That sounds about right Jenni, but, you can arrange it however you want, so whichever section your skimmer fits in, that can be the drain, an the opposite end can be the return.

A lot of the giant display systems like that do have fake stuff in them, I've looked into the various companies that install those giant systems in office buildings and what not, and while the stuff is fake, it's really good quality, they hand make each piece that goes in the system.

Oh, an whats the link for the sump you posted, that thing is pretty tight. But, depending on cost, you should talk to wannareef(Charles), he builds awesome, and i mean, AWE-INSPIRING sumps that are superior in quality to 95% of the sumps you can buy commercially, and he's very reasonable on prices as well. So talk to him and see what he can do for you, if the price is close, I'd suggest using him, cause he'll customize the sump to whatever you want.

For a return pump Sharol, I'd suggest a mag 9.5 or even a mag 12, that should give you more than enough return pump. As for a reactor, look into dosing like what Alex(grassi) uses, from what I can tell from talking to him, it's more efficient and has less chances of something going wrong. And if you're going to be doing that big system, you're going to want a controller, you could look into either the Reef Angel or the Apex. And for lighting, I'd recommend an 8 or even 10 bulb T5HO unit by ATI, they have the powermodule and sun-something, the powermodule is expensive, but honestly, it's worth every penny. If you need or want to see one in action, check out both Alex's DT and Beth n Kim's new 150g, their ATI's rock those tanks.

Rich, I'd look into fairy wrasses and flasher wrasses, with your location, check out Ed's Reef over on Stark, super nice guy Ed is and Jay's just as cool, and they're both a wealth of knowlege and always have some impressive fish in stock. But, I'd wait at least 6 weeks if not longer before adding any new fish LOL.

Cello, if you want some advice, I'd suggest upgrading from a 55 to at least a 75g, that tank, with those dims, will more than support it

Come on now man, you know if you're going to do that, you're going need at least a 6 pack, an don't tell me you were out of hot dogs too....

Hey what'd ya know, it's time for late night chat again LOL

As I understand it, cavitation occurs when a propeller, in this case your pump's propeller, basically pulls air, causing lots of noise and rattling. I could be wrong though, hopefully Shane will chime in on his thoughts on this process.

shoot a message to acuraguy5 I think it is, he's got one he was looking to sell or trade a few weeks back Drew.

Thats actually one of the funnest parts of this hobby to me lol, too bad I get so impatient at times, luckily, Jess, my gf, has stated that she won't let me this time lol.

Dude, there's no such thing as over thinking when it comes to this hobby. Whatever you do, do NOT follow my example, I'm working on my third build, with the current tank, in just over a year LOL. I'm finally going to take my time with this one, and thankfully I've got the full approval of the gf. Gotta tear everything down, redo my sump, remodel my stand, and then tie in 2 more tanks into the system, giving me a total of roughly 130g of water, with a 30g or so buffer in the sump.

You may not have to use the foam, but the egg crate will actually ensure that you don't have to use it, since it makes sure that the rock can't fall and crack the glass. Dude, we've got both an engineer goby and a hi fin banded goby,a n they're both cool as hell, constantly out in the open, since both fish's caves are in the front of the tank, it's really cool watching the banded goby an his pistol shrimp cleaning out their cave lol.

You can't ever go wrong dealing with Brad man, trust me.

Thats the way to do it, plywood, then a piece of cut foam to put under the stand, and, if you really want to think glass safety, cut a couple of pieces of egg crate to put on the bottom of the tank, then set your rock on top of that, then add your sand. That will make it so that if you get a fish like an engineer goby, he can't dig up all the sand around a piece of rock, causing it to fall and potentially crack your glass lol.

Hey John, can I make a suggestion? Get a sheet of 3/8" plywood to put on top of the stand, I know it might hold it easily, but I always like having something solid under the tank, not open space lol.

I love Ed's store, he's always got super nice fish, and he likes to make sure they're eating and healthy before they go up for sale.

Bob, I voted for the angler, but, if you tie the tank into your main system, you could do a pair of Hector's, a pair of Rainford's, and possibly a yellow assessor and have lot's of colorful active small fish.

What size tank do you have?

LOL I know man, but it's the only one I know an have personal info on, so figured I'd share it. If you decide to use her, I can guarantee you'll be satisfied, she's the only person we've found who can handle out big male(we have a 100lb 28" tall pit) and she was actually able to get him to eat, he wont eat, period, if Jess isnt around normally, but she finally got him to, which is awesome to me that she went through that hastle lol.

LOL I know man, but it's the only one I know an have personal info on, so figured I'd share it. If you decide to use her, I can guarantee you'll be satisfied, she's the only person we've found who can handle out big male(we have a 100lb 28" tall pit) and she was actually able to get him to eat, he wont eat, period, if Jess isnt around normally, but she finally got him to, which is awesome to me that she went through that hastle lol.

Which store did your tests for you? With where you're located, I'd give OIAB(Ocean In A Box), they're sponsors on here ont he forum, talk to Robert(ReefIt), he's uber cool, very knowlegable, and one of the most helpful n humble people you'll ever meet.

Check your clown very very close, make sure it doesnt look like there's a film of some kind on it If it has that, then you have problems.