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#1 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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Here is my 72 build thread
Hi all, I am new to reef tanks and new to the board, so go easy on me
I am posting this to receive feedback and to help others who, like me, know the basics and learn as we go. I decided to post here in the Tampa forum as I am nervous of the advice provided in the 'new to hobby' section. Plus I have met a few locals already and are all very helpful. I have always had FW tank with mollies and stuff (now in my son's room), but after a few months ago seeing my buddy's SW setup, I had to join the club! The wife said OK so here we are ![]() Here is a quick recap of what I have, need and what my goals are. Have: 72 Oceanic bowfront RR w/ single overflow stand and canopy glass tops Oceanic drain kit 125g wet/dry misc fittings, valves and tubes mag 5 (skimmer pump) misc smaller mixing pumps GFCI RO/DI auto shutoff relay En route: super skimmer test kits RO/DI system mag 9.5 (return) 2 seio powerheads Need: Aragonite LR (did not budget enough for this ![]() fans moon leds timers surge strip(s) lighting (canopy dimensions greatly limit my options). 99.9% sure I am going with Reefgeek's IC T5 4x54w SLR VHO Retro kit Brute container for RO/DI Instant Ocean Goals: Mostly softies, few SPS down the road, few fish, 4" sand bed with lots of cleaners. I want something that is easy to maintain, and a setup where I can fit all pumps/plumbing, etc neatly underneath the tank in the stand. It took me a long time to find this particular tank combo. I wanted something polished and ready that would match the house furniture well, yet something a little taller than the typical Oceanic stand to provide easier viewing. I will update as we go forward! I hope to have the tank wet in 1-2 weeks thanks for looking Rob ![]() ![]() ![]() Last edited by payyourtoll; 08/27/2007 at 09:44 AM. |
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#2 |
Premium Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 3,435
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Rob, Looks nice, I love the tall stand. On the wet/dry u might want to consider taking those bio balls out and replacing with a 100micron filter sock. Bio balls produce high nitrates.
In the canopy can u fit 4- 48 T5 bulbs in the back and 2- 36 T5 bulbs towards the front?? 4- 48 T5 bulbs dont seem like enough lighting for a 72gal. JMO. Good luck..
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Andy Dufresne: "Get busy living, or get busy dying" Current Tank Info: Over skimming my 120RR with an I-Tech 400 |
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#3 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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hey Don, I had no idea about the bio balls problem, I will have to look into the filter sock for sure.
I should be able to fit a single 36 in the front, but not two. I will look more into this. thanks for the advice
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Rob Current Tank Info: 150 reef - 29 clown |
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#4 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: St.Petersburg,Florida
Posts: 7,368
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yeah im with don lino on the bio balls(dump them).the micron socks work great at stopping micro bubbles and filtering the water.they do need to be changed often as they build up nitrates.id recommend getting at least 3 filter socks,that way you can rotate them out every other day.
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Deep Blue 28g rimless, AI Prime LED,Vortech MP-10,SCA-301 skimmer, Tunze 1073.04 return pump,Tunze nano osmolator, 10g glass sump,Ehiem 100w heater,RK Lite. SPS dominant reef |
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#5 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 532
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From experience, you may want to rethink the Coralife Super Skimmer.. They ran really well on my tanks for about 6 months and then stopped pulling goo.. Replaced with Aqua-C on one tank and ASM on another and both pull like champs..
Also, I concur on the socks.. Although not for the same reasons.. Bio-balls produce high nitrates because they do their job so well.. My meaning is, if there weren't nutrients in the water to nitrify, they wouldn't produce high nitrates.. ![]() I happen to like 25 micron socks because if you change them every day, they trap a LOT of crud.. Now, I've also found that when I run 25 micron socks, my skimmer produces less.. Kinda tells me something there.. Just my 2cents.. |
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#6 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pasadena, Texas
Posts: 8,422
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Both are right on the bio-balls. The reason to remove them if you have rock and sand, is the fully submerged biofiltration (rock and sand) will provide all the complete denitrificaiton that you will need. The wet/dry biofiltration (bio-balls) only converts ammonia and nitrites, leaving nitrates. Bio balls also cause a lot of salt creep due to the splashing. Get with someone local to look at your wet/dry and help you convert into a sump or sump/fuge, and you will have better success.
BTW akwtampa, Don Lino, and checkinhawk are known for their good advice. Most folks here on the TBRC site have good intentions, but some offer advice that's not quite the best idea.
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Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon. |
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#7 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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thank you for the bio reasoning. I do NOT like the idea of having to clean/change the socks every day or two, but it sounds as if I will need to.
akw I will keep my eyes open for a good deal on a ER / ASM / Aqua-c to replace the super. I went ahead and ordered the lights and lunars today. Once they are installed and I can see the remaining space, I will consider additional lighting too. man this hobby adds up quick!
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Rob Current Tank Info: 150 reef - 29 clown |
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#8 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pasadena, Texas
Posts: 8,422
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I have a several year old Coralife skimmer on my 50 QT. It requires lots of "TLC" to keep it working well.
If you set your system up well, socks aren't a real problem. Get enough for 2 weeks. Change them every 2 or 3 days. Put the dirty ones in a salt bucket with the lid on it, about 3/4 full of water with a cup of bleach. When you put the last clean sock/socks on your system, empty your bucket into the washer, add another cup of bleach and wash them with a double rinse. NO DETERGENT. Turn them inside out to wash.
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Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon. |
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#9 | |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 2,025
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Quote:
Do like mflamb said and you'll have a healthier tank to show for it. |
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#10 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Spring Hill, Florida
Posts: 2,025
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Oh yeah nice looking set up. Betcha $1 you'll be watching your tank more than that LCD on the wall
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#11 | |
Moved On
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: seffner
Posts: 972
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Quote:
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#12 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Fort Worth, TX
Posts: 532
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You can find websites that sell the socks for like 2.50 each.. I get 25 micron cotton.. And since I'm about to add ANOTHER tank to my collection, I'll probably be making an order..
![]() MFLamb, Thanks for the props! I really apprieciate it.. ![]() The only other thing I can recommend is to research a LOT and ASK questions.. I've assembled a pretty good batch of info from over 2000 hours of reading/researching/sorting through websites.. I know most of these guys have 5, 10, 20 years of experience.. Just take every opinion for what it's worth and get 2 or 3 or 10, and then ask John at FAIOS and do what he says.. hehehehe Aaron |
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#13 |
Moved On
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: new port richey
Posts: 51
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the lighting you have in mind will be fine for that tank. i have a 72 with a similar 4 bulb t5 setup and my tank has been thriving for about 2 yrs. i have mostly lps and softies and have had no trouble growing and maintaining healthy corals
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#14 |
Premium Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 3,435
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akwtampa, let me know when u put that order in, I'll get 8 of those 25 micron socks to try out. Thanks
Mike, thanks for the kind words. When I started this hobby I had a 55gal with a wet/dry and my nitrates stood around 80. I couldnt figure it out till I learned on here that it was the bio balls.
__________________
Andy Dufresne: "Get busy living, or get busy dying" Current Tank Info: Over skimming my 120RR with an I-Tech 400 |
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#15 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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some updates!
Krylon spray back of tank ![]() ![]() ![]() lighting I went with the Icecap SLR T5 Very high output retro kit. The reflectors are awesome, the lights are BRIGHT as hell with them in. These bulbs run hot off the ballast, so fans were a must. Picked up two 4" 12v fans from Radio shack and wired to lamp lines. Added two moon led's. One fan will be bringing air IN from behind the canopy, the second will be blowing the air OUT on the opposite side of the canopy, and will also help to move air past the ballast. I should be able to fit one additional 24 or 36 T5 fixture in front of these 4, I will have to look into this more. ![]() ![]() ![]() and they actually work! ![]() I taped the wires together every 6", tucked them into looming. added reflectors and used 2 sets of J hooks to hang the fans on each end. ![]() ![]() Last edited by payyourtoll; 09/04/2007 at 10:35 AM. |
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#16 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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so canopy is complete!
Next up: plumbing. I have decided to keep the bio balls and allow the tank to cycle for a few weeks, then slowly swap them out for a sock. No skimmer yet. Plumbed ball valve off my mag9.5 return, and ran re-inforced tubing from overflow to sump. Sorry, no pictures of the plumbing yet. Ensured tank was level. Happily it is perfect. ![]() Purchased: Test kits 2 surge protectors 6 timers 80lb live sand bucket Instant Ocean 32g Brute container RO/DI system Next up: RO/DI Installed the RO system in laundry room cabinet, tapped the washer cold water line, and voila, clean water! I don't know the exact rate of the water being made, but it is SLOW ha. I filled it with approx 25 gallons, mixed with ~12 cups salt, mag5 and small maxi doing the mixing for me. Tweak until 1.024 and into the tank it goes. Tank will be filled tonight and plumbing can be (GASP) tested. ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Next up -GFCI, I tried but could not figure out. Also, I have 15amps running to this outlet, I should be fine?.?. -complete tank fill, run powerheads and assure plumbing is good -buy LR (found some with local member, fingers crossed that he gets back to me) -get skimmer in -buy digital thermometer -aplogize to wife for going 3x over budget |
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#17 |
Premium Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 1,585
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Looking good. Cant wait to see it with rock in there. I am going to be converting my 72g to a reef tank here soon.
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Will |
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#18 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Columbia, SC
Posts: 224
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Looking good. I had the tek 8x54 over my 72g. It was way too bright and could have got by with 4 or 5. The only reason I got the 8 was for when I upgrade.
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Snail down! Snail down! Current Tank Info: Nothing right now. Gearing up for my next setup! |
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#19 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Pasadena, Texas
Posts: 8,422
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Nice work dude.
__________________
Click on my red house to see my 390 and 300 build thread. Those are my last 2 tanks in Tampa. Now in Pasadena waiting to buy a house to set up my next tank....anemones and clowns...probably a 3x3 150 gallon. |
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#20 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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more progress
![]() I dumped the super skimmer as recommended, purchased ER RS80, already pulling crap out. I also 86'd the bio balls. need to purchase filter sock instead. I purchased 75 lbs of real nice Haitian LR and dropped in last night. Ran everything overnight and 8 hours later the water has cleared up a lot, but still a long way to go. Tonight I will get the fans installed and get everything on timers. woohoo ![]() ![]() ![]()
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Rob Current Tank Info: 150 reef - 29 clown |
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#21 |
Premium Member
![]() Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Posts: 1,585
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Looks good. When you get some filter socks it will help clear up the water. John at FAOIS has the 25 micron socks in 2 sizes for $5 or $10 depending on size. You will love the ER skimmer.
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Will |
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#22 |
Premium Member
![]() Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 3,435
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Thats some nice looking rock bro... I love the aquscaping. U aint wasting anytime, huh?? Also, dont mean to burst your bubble but Ive heard alot of bad opinions on florida and haitian liverock. Keep your eye out for pests, flatworms or non reef inverts.
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Andy Dufresne: "Get busy living, or get busy dying" Current Tank Info: Over skimming my 120RR with an I-Tech 400 |
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#23 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: St Petersburg
Posts: 2,372
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well that looks real nice i do really like your rock work it adds alot of place to put stuff and hiding places looks real great and a very good photo journal as well (ya musta known we all like pics =) ) looks like your getting off to a real good start with all the right equipment
(good luck with the wife lol )
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Dennis protector and keeper of the wonder dog (RIP) Oreo and the short bus dog puppy and crazy cat Gawain1974: make me want to take a weed wacker to my scrotum. Current Tank Info: Biocube 29 |
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#24 |
em-lee-vee
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: central florida
Posts: 2,910
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ohhh, so that's why you havn't picked up your skimmer. I got a smaller er now and i'm looking for a larger one for my 120. euro-reef ftw!
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#25 |
Registered Member
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: New Port Richey
Posts: 666
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lol oreo 0 car 1
![]() thanks Don for the advice, and mliv clear your pms bro, you were full the other day here's a few more pics. I need help on why my pics suck so bad. using Nikon d50 and it all looks blue and washed. The water looks very clear now but looks like crap in the pics. any ideas? thanks for all the help with the tank so far! ![]() this guy is bright green and the size of a quarter, but of course looks blue here ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
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