Bear's 90 gallon reef build

[wuuzzzuuppp]

That is if you plan to use sand!

 

[Bear]

Thanks Vlangle, that was a very good thread and thanks to Tpetty84 for doing that thread. Wuuzzzuuppp, thanks for that link. I check CL everyday but no one in this area is into SW aquariums. I will keep looking though. I got my dead rock cleaning so I can make a tank arrangement and then make it live again.

More to come.

 

[Bear]

That is if you plan to use sand!

I was planning to put 40lbs of live sand in the tank, PetSmart has 40lbs bags of live reef sand for $42.

 

[Bear]

Got my sump figured out to scale, thanks for all the advice.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Looking good. Do you have an RODI (reverse osmosis deionization) unit yet? You will want one for your tank water. Tap water will make your tank an algae factory if you didnt already know.

 

[Bear]

I have no idea what you are talking about, I just read something about RODI water, but know nothing about it. Tell me more.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Its a filter system that uses a set of filters like a sediment filter, a couple carbon filters, a sophisticated membrane filter, plus a deionization media to filter most all impurities out of the water so that you arent pumping phosphates, chlorine, fluoride, and many others that are bad for your tank. You will definitely want to get one. Only use filtered water for your tank.

 

[Bear]

Is that something I build it myself or buy?

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

I have never heard of anyone making one. I bought mine off ebay(new) but you might find a used one from someone getting out of the hobby. But then you will probably need to buy new filters and media for them and that will raise the cost.

This is the one I got. He has other set ups. I liked having the faucet in the sink also. I use it to clean my test tubes, set my refractometer ect. Its even good to use to fill your car batteries since it pulls the minerals out of the water. You just run a 1/4" tube under the house or something and put a float in your sump to keep your tank topped off so you dont have to keep adding water and also keeps your salinity stable because the salt stays in the water and when you have less water in the tank from evaporation your salinity will raise. Hope that makes since! =/ You also dont need the storage tank just another handy thing to have imo.

Reef Home Drinking Ro Di Dual Output Reverse Osmosis Pure Water Filter System | eBay

 

[vlangel]

If you run a line to your sump, make sure you shut it off whenever you go away. I use to maintenance aquariums and on 2 different occasions I heard of something that caused the floats to stick on. One of the tanks called for RODI water for a few days and diluted the system of salt until everything died. It was so tragic.

 

[vlangel]

I don't mean go away for the day, I mean go away on vacation. I should have clarified that. Sorry.

 

[Bear]

How does this plumb in and work, it at first glance seems like it would just continuously dilute the system of salt.

 

[vlangel]

How does this plumb in and work, it at first glance seems like it would just continuously dilute the system of salt.

You install a float switch in the sump. When the float part of the switch floats up to as high as you want the water to fill the sump then the switch part turns off the water. When evaporation occurs and the float goes down with the water and it reaches its lowest level then the switch turns the water back on. Your sump should have a high water mark and a low water mark that the level of your sump always stays within. Unless a snail or crab are sitting on the float and making it call for more water even though the high water mark was reached. I have 2 float switches in my sump so if the first one fails the second higher one should stop it. I hope that is understandable.

 

[Bear]

I like it, seems simple enough, thanks.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Here's the one I use. Its adjustable and I haven't had a lick of trouble with it. There are lots of other options out there I just liked this one. You can slide it right onto one of your baffles adjust the hight and your done.

Float Valve Kit by Eshopps - AquaCave.com

 

[Bear]

Thanks, I was just looking at that one on ebay. Found some other good stuff on there as well.

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

If you run a line to your sump, make sure you shut it off whenever you go away. I use to maintenance aquariums and on 2 different occasions I heard of something that caused the floats to stick on. One of the tanks called for RODI water for a few days and diluted the system of salt until everything died. It was so tragic.

Yikes that would be terrible!! I'll remember that next time I leave for more than a couple days. I guess you could just have your tank sitter add some RO water every couple of days so you dont run too low?

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Thanks, I was just looking at that one on ebay. Found some other good stuff on there as well.

Nice! If you find something you like you can usually get it cheaper on either ebay or amazon but check other places to make sure. Aquacave, Marine Depot and Bulk reef supply are some other good ones

 

[wuuzzzuuppp]

Some other helpful links with some videos. I like videos lol

Buy Live Coral, Saltwater Fish, Aquarium Supplies | Vivid Aquariums | Tropical Fish Store Los Angeles

How-To's - Bulk Reef Supply

 

[Bear]

I know you get what you pay, but I was wondering if something like the 2 of these would be effective in my setup? They seem exetremely easy to modify and just use a standard powerhead with an air siphon. Claims to do 150 gallons tanks a piece or 300 combination.

2 530GPH Aquarium Protein Skimmer Pump Powerhead 80 to 300 Gal Tank Micro Bubble | eBay