Finally tank is up

sgallagher7 · #1 04/28/2007, 08:59 AM

Well after six months of research, planning, and purchasing, my tank is finally up and running. Mixing the salt in the tank as we speak. Will be getting the rock next week.

A big thank you goes out to the RC and many of the members that have helped me, Reefkeeper, Bertoni, Grim Reefer, JerseyWendy, and many others. The information provided has been great, and I am looking forward to sharing what I have learned so far.

sgallagher7 · #2 04/28/2007, 09:05 AM

here is a picture. There are more in the gallery.

leebo_28 · #3 04/28/2007, 09:06 AM

congrats sgallagher7...
still in the building process here

tank is looking good...keep up with the pics please!

sgallagher7 · #4 04/28/2007, 09:17 AM

Patience is the best tool to have, but once the tank is in the stand you kinda loose it.

JerseyWendy · #5 04/29/2007, 06:42 PM

It's looking AWESOME! There you go - and yes, patience. Such a soft and easy word, isn't it? But I promise, while you're sitting/standing in front of your tank, imagining, dreaming about what you may want to put inside, each ticking second will seem like an hour.

You'll end up wondering why suddenly days seem like months, sort of like when you were a kid and couldn't wait to grow up.

But it's all SO worth it.

---
Wendy

triggerman41 · #6 04/29/2007, 06:55 PM

looks good

loves saltwater · #7 04/29/2007, 07:04 PM

looks like you have a good start

sgallagher7 · #8 04/29/2007, 07:17 PM

One thing I just learned. If your running a controller, dont assume that the temp. probe is calibrated. I was freakn out cuz mine was reading 84.5 whith the lights on. Im thinking chiller, fans, etc. I purchased a glass and digital thermometer and they showed that the probe was off a full 4 degrees.

The stand I have is hand made. I was a nervous wreck when filling it for the first time. Hearing wood creak and settle under 600 lbs makes one a bit nervous.

drummereef · #9 04/29/2007, 07:42 PM

Looks great so far! What controller are you using?

sgallagher7 · #10 04/29/2007, 08:11 PM

using the reefkeeper 1. Got it used on RC. It provides me with what I need at this time.

drummereef · #11 04/29/2007, 08:40 PM

Cool, surprising that the temp was off that much though.

sgallagher7 · #12 04/29/2007, 11:00 PM

Me too. Just bought some very quiet 4 inch fans at wally world for 5 bucks each. They are doing a great job on the tank and the lights.

sgallagher7 · #13 05/02/2007, 08:39 AM

Well its been 4 days and I still have some very fine sand blowing around my tank. I have a filter sock on as well as filter medium in the baffles to clean the water. Its a bit frustrating.

Another problem that I ran into was that my Ph probe isnt working. Brand new Hanna Checker 2 point. Wont calibrate at 10.01 so my readings are coming up low. Called the company for some suggestions. Soaking the probe overnite in buffer was the first suggestion.

Finally, I only have salt and water in my tank and yet think about what its doing all day. This hobby creates OCD real quick. What will it be like when rock and critters are in it?

JerseyWendy · #14 05/02/2007, 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sgallagher7

Finally, I only have salt and water in my tank and yet think about what its doing all day. This hobby creates OCD real quick. What will it be like when rock and critters are in it?

Pure madness, that's what it's going to be like.

You'll be glued to the tank every waking minute, using flashlights, magnifying glass, etc.

Did you use any "live sand"? Perhaps mine cleared up so quickly because I added 20lbs. of live on top of the oolitic sand? It will clear up though - I promise. If I remember correctly once bacteria coats your sand, it'll stay in place.

---
Wendy

sgallagher7 · #15 05/02/2007, 09:58 AM

Thanks wendy. I have been waiting for the water to clear before I put the live rock in (havnt ordered it yet) The sand is just the oolitic. Nothing live at all, yet im looking at it all the time. Pure insanity. Should I do something to introduce some bacteria in the sand and get it set up?

JerseyWendy · #16 05/02/2007, 10:05 AM

I wouldn't add anything.

Once you add your LR, things will change dramatically.

---
Wendy

sgallagher7 · #17 05/02/2007, 10:08 AM

cool. I think I will order about 75 lbs this weekend. Then the fun will begin.

sgallagher7 · #18 05/02/2007, 10:11 AM

Wendy. what do you use to test ph, and are you happy with it?

JerseyWendy · #19 05/02/2007, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sgallagher7
Wendy. what do you use to test ph, and are you happy with it?

I use Salifert Test Kits and am VERY happy with them. Super easy to do the tests, and super easy to read. I've only heard great things about Salifert.

---
Wendy

sgallagher7 · #20 05/02/2007, 10:20 AM

I have Salifert for everything else but the Ph. I will be getn a kit today. Im obsessing over this Ph thing. Here comes the OCD again!

JerseyWendy · #21 05/02/2007, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by sgallagher7
I have Salifert for everything else but the Ph. I will be getn a kit today. Im obsessing over this Ph thing. Here comes the OCD again!

Please don't laugh, but what is "OCD"?

---
Wendy