Cheesus' 55 gallon build

[jmann124]

You can get screen window kits at your local hardware store that work great for tops. I agree with the glass issues. I've never used them, but it makes sense that they would hold in heat.

 

[Keepnitreel]

Oceanic tanks are great, glad to see another one put back in service

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 4 Beta

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

What about evaporation though? I'm away from the house during the school year from six to ten at night, and I usually still have homework.

 

[jmann124]

What about evaporation though? I'm away from the house during the school year from six to ten at night, and I usually still have homework.

My son has a 50 gallon with a 20 gallon sump and he evaporates less than a gallon day. You can get yourself an automatic top off and take care of the problem or you can top it off every day in the morning and you would probably be fine.

 

[schooleyosis]

My son has a 50 gallon with a 20 gallon sump and he evaporates less than a gallon day. You can get yourself an automatic top off and take care of the problem or you can top it off every day in the morning and you would probably be fine.

Agreed! We can help you make the tops. Someone in the club has the special tool to apply the rubber "gasket" that holds the screen to the frame. I would order some 1/4" plastic mesh from BRS and get the framing from a local hardware store. Your tank will be a little tricky to do because it's not square but I think we could figure it out!

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

Agreed! We can help you make the tops. Someone in the club has the special tool to apply the rubber "gasket" that holds the screen to the frame. I would order some 1/4" plastic mesh from BRS and get the framing from a local hardware store. Your tank will be a little tricky to do because it's not square but I think we could figure it out!

yeah that seems awesome, also I want to add to my stock list a mandarin, I figure with a scrubber, and a seperate fuge I could get the pod population I need.

 

[schooleyosis]

Sounds like a good plan. Make sure the fuge is thriving before adding the mandarin. Several people in the club have mandarins, be sure to check with them first. I have no experience with them but have read a ton that they can be picky eaters...

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

So here are my prelim plans for the scrubber/fuge

 

[gmoney243]

Here mine cheese

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

Hey Mike why is there plexi glass blocking the light? I've been on algaescrubber.net and I think I can do it,although I may need some of the group's help.

 

[gmoney243]

The acrylic blocks the lights from splashing water. If you look you can see water droplets on front facing piece thats there to block water from splashing on my door and ultimately the sump or floor

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

The acrylic blocks the lights from splashing water. If you look you can see water droplets on front facing piece thats there to block water from splashing on my door and ultimately the sump or floor

can I get away with using PC lighting for the scrubber?

 

[bknapp]

The PC bulbs will cost more to replace as opposed to a CFL bulb from Walmart. I have a clip on reflector like Mike and myself use I can give to you if you want.

 

[gmoney243]

Yea you really want intesnse lighting like from high watt cfl 23w or t5 or red/blue 3w leds. i use the 26w bulbs walmart sells. I think they are GE brand about $2/bulb replaced every 3 months

 

[schooleyosis]

Your idea for two tanks for the fuge/scrubber is a good plan. Instead of your siphon tube thingy you should consider getting each tank drilled and put a bulkhead in there to connect the two tanks. Either way you do it, make sure you clean the drain often so the first tank doesn't overflow if the drain gets clogged.

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

Your idea for two tanks for the fuge/scrubber is a good plan. Instead of your siphon tube thingy you should consider getting each tank drilled and put a bulkhead in there to connect the two tanks. Either way you do it, make sure you clean the drain often so the first tank doesn't overflow if the drain gets clogged.

I am so scared of drilling a tank :sad:

 

[Dowtish]

I am so scared of drilling a tank :sad:

Have the aquatic critter do it for you.

 

[thegrilledcheesus]

Have the aquatic critter do it for you.

how much does it cost?

 

[djr7879]

Is that a known problem with BRS rock?, and will it be persistent?

I used 100% BRS rock to set up my 125g. It did leach out some phosphate initially, but once it settled in, I've had no problems with that. IMO, the initial spike in phosphates is worth the tradeoff in completely eliminating potential hitchhikers.

...nice sand, BTW!:clap2: