Tom Berry
06/02/2003, 05:03 PM
Hey guys ('n' gals),
Just wanted to let you know how my new reef is coming along. It is set up and running.
I've got an AG 75g overflow w/ Durso standpipe. I've got a drilled 30g for the sump. My return pump is a Velocity T3. I have a Euroreef CS6-1 skimmer.
For lighting I've got a 48" CSL hood with 2 Aqualine 250W 10000K MH and 2 110W URI VHO actinics. I really like this combo; it gives a nice crisp white light. The MH and VHO ballasts are Icecap. The hood has been retrofitted with 2 4" Icecap fans. I'm working out how to hang it over the tank. I'm not sure how high over the water the lights should be. Any advice?
For circulation (besides the main return) I will be using 2 ZooMed Powersweep powerheads (160 and 270 gph) in corners diagonally across from each other. I should have at least 15x per hour turnover. A number of people on RC have reported problems with the Powersweeps, but the smaller one I have has worked great so far. I can always get some Maxijets if they don't work out.
I plan on setting up an auto topoff system. Probably using the Reef Fanatic Level Controller
http://www.reeffanatic.com/cgi-bin/mas/category.cgi?item=CT_RFLC
The whole kit and kaboodle will be run by an Aquacontroller.
For water I am using the Kent Deion 200
http://www.kentmarine.com/html/di200.html
This is a 2 stage DI unit with carbon prefiltration. It provides the same water quality as an RO/DI unit. I like that I can hook it up to my tap and get the water quickly (5-10 minutes for a 5g bucket) and I don't have all the waste water of an RO unit. I will have to replace the cartridges more frequently, but, for me, the tradeoff is worth it.
I am using the Crystal Sea Marinemix Bioassay salt that has generated so much debate here on RC. It will be interested to see the results I get. I am hoping it will help me to maintain a healthy population of amphipods, copepods, mysis and other beneficial planktonic critters.
For calcium I am using Calxmax 2 part from Warner Marine Research.
I have 40 lbs. (about 3/4") of CaribSea AragAlive Fiji Pink sand. I've got around 35 lbs. of Pacific base rock that Jason from PA sold me. I will be getting 50 lbs of Kaelini live rock.
I am getting an Ecosystem Reefugium 100 that will sit above the sump.
http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/reefugium.html
The Miracle Mud is controversial around here, but I have been very pleased with the results using it on my 38g.
I will be stocking the main tank and Reefugium with snails, hermits and various other sand-stirring, detritous and algae eating critters from Indo-Pacific Sea Farms and PA.
http://www.ipsf.com/
I am planning on keeping sps, lps, softies, a clam or 2, fish and various invertebrates. Questions, comments, advice, ideas, and suggestions are welcome.
Tom Berry:fish2:
Just wanted to let you know how my new reef is coming along. It is set up and running.
I've got an AG 75g overflow w/ Durso standpipe. I've got a drilled 30g for the sump. My return pump is a Velocity T3. I have a Euroreef CS6-1 skimmer.
For lighting I've got a 48" CSL hood with 2 Aqualine 250W 10000K MH and 2 110W URI VHO actinics. I really like this combo; it gives a nice crisp white light. The MH and VHO ballasts are Icecap. The hood has been retrofitted with 2 4" Icecap fans. I'm working out how to hang it over the tank. I'm not sure how high over the water the lights should be. Any advice?
For circulation (besides the main return) I will be using 2 ZooMed Powersweep powerheads (160 and 270 gph) in corners diagonally across from each other. I should have at least 15x per hour turnover. A number of people on RC have reported problems with the Powersweeps, but the smaller one I have has worked great so far. I can always get some Maxijets if they don't work out.
I plan on setting up an auto topoff system. Probably using the Reef Fanatic Level Controller
http://www.reeffanatic.com/cgi-bin/mas/category.cgi?item=CT_RFLC
The whole kit and kaboodle will be run by an Aquacontroller.
For water I am using the Kent Deion 200
http://www.kentmarine.com/html/di200.html
This is a 2 stage DI unit with carbon prefiltration. It provides the same water quality as an RO/DI unit. I like that I can hook it up to my tap and get the water quickly (5-10 minutes for a 5g bucket) and I don't have all the waste water of an RO unit. I will have to replace the cartridges more frequently, but, for me, the tradeoff is worth it.
I am using the Crystal Sea Marinemix Bioassay salt that has generated so much debate here on RC. It will be interested to see the results I get. I am hoping it will help me to maintain a healthy population of amphipods, copepods, mysis and other beneficial planktonic critters.
For calcium I am using Calxmax 2 part from Warner Marine Research.
I have 40 lbs. (about 3/4") of CaribSea AragAlive Fiji Pink sand. I've got around 35 lbs. of Pacific base rock that Jason from PA sold me. I will be getting 50 lbs of Kaelini live rock.
I am getting an Ecosystem Reefugium 100 that will sit above the sump.
http://www.ecosystemaquarium.com/html/reefugium.html
The Miracle Mud is controversial around here, but I have been very pleased with the results using it on my 38g.
I will be stocking the main tank and Reefugium with snails, hermits and various other sand-stirring, detritous and algae eating critters from Indo-Pacific Sea Farms and PA.
http://www.ipsf.com/
I am planning on keeping sps, lps, softies, a clam or 2, fish and various invertebrates. Questions, comments, advice, ideas, and suggestions are welcome.
Tom Berry:fish2: