Newbie GSP checklist and questions

[Pufferpunk]

Also, look into the Backpac, I like them as a HOB for smaller tanks.

[sbc580]

I don't have room for a sump, so it would be a HOB skimmer.
I am reading reviews on the Reef Octopus BH1000, and some of the CRP Bak-Pak mdoels.
Both seem to have great reviews.


Question for the marine tanks owners
Do a lot of you run your own RO/DI filter setup?

[Pufferpunk]

I do but keep reef tanks.

[*GSP*Fan*]

I don't have room for a sump, so it would be a HOB skimmer.
I am reading reviews on the Reef Octopus BH1000, and some of the CRP Bak-Pak mdoels.
Both seem to have great reviews.


Question for the marine tanks owners
Do a lot of you run your own RO/DI filter setup?

I have my own RO/DI unit as well, I just received it for Christmas

Its just a 50GPD and nothing fancy but I've only got the one marine tank, 60 gallon.

I just hook it up to the sink when I need to produce water.

[I.Puff.Too]

Wasn't even aware Reef Octopus made HOB skimmers. I really didn't want any equipment on my display tank, so I had to go the sump route. I converted an old computer desk into a fish tank stand. The desk is solid oak, super sturdy. I put the sump wear your legs and feet would go, slapped a door on it, and I'm set.

[*GSP*Fan*]

Wasn't even aware Reef Octopus made HOB skimmers. I really didn't want any equipment on my display tank, so I had to go the sump route. I converted an old computer desk into a fish tank stand. The desk is solid oak, super sturdy. I put the sump wear your legs and feet would go, slapped a door on it, and I'm set.

I don't much care for the look of the skimmer on the display but its my only option at the moment. Maybe I can attempt a sump in the future, might would have to modify the stand.

Thats a neat idea for a stand, I thought about modifying a piece of furniture, but a desk never crossed my mind.

[sgtmyers88]

There is also this!



LOL http://www.wikihow.com/Convert-an-Old-T ... -Fish-Tank

[sbc580]

I am finally setting up my FOWLR tank. I was able to get a 37 gallon tank for fairly cheap, not the 45 I wanted but it will do.
I went to my local fish store, and purchased some live sand at their recommendation. She told me I did not need to wash it and just to add it.
I had the live sand with RODI filtered water, and 15 pounds of base rock for about 3 weeks.
On Sunday I added 20 pounds of cured live rock, purchased from the same fish store.

I've been testing the water every few days, and all my levels seem to be zero. (Nitrate, Nitrite, Ammonia)
I am a little confused at this, shouldn't my levels be fluctuating a little as it cycles?
Here is a picture of the test, just in case I am reading the colors wrong.



The tank has 2x 140gph power heads, and a Reef Octopus BH1000 protein skimmer. Power heads have been running since day 3, and the protein skimmer has been running for 2 weeks. I didn't check the SG of the tank directly, but everytime I'm adding water, the SG is always 1.020-1.022. I'll be sure the check the SG when I get home.

[Pufferpunk]

Did the "live" sand come from their tanks or in a bag. Nothing live about sand in a bag. What are you doing to cycle this tank? Adding ammonia?

[sbc580]

Did the "live" sand come from their tanks or in a bag. Nothing live about sand in a bag. What are you doing to cycle this tank? Adding ammonia?

It came from a bag, so I guess it wasn't live.
I thought there would be enough die off from the sand and live rock to start a cycle. Does ammonia still need to be added?
Sorry, this is new to me.

[sbc580]

After some research, it seems like the cured live rock isn't creating enough ammonia.
So, I am going to add a raw shrimp to help this process.

[RTR]

I am neurotically anti-noise and also an Eheim canister filter addict. I have retained the canister at full SW density, but with an external prefilter sponge assembly which can be frequently rinsed and with the canister itself totally empty. I have a substantial Eheim canister collection, so using one or more as simple prefiltered quiet pumps is no big deal.

Many years ago (before FOWLR + skimmer + 24/7 lighted macroalge refuium) I ran a 75 + 30XL sump with 5 Eheims on the set-up. Muti-filtering can become an obsession, so try be rational about it all.