First DUMB question: reef light

[goodtimes]

Thanks guys looks like I'll I'm headed to to my LFS for live sand & rock. Hope they have enough. If they have to order more for me how long will my other last(survive)? Want to have everything here before I start .

The sand I recommended meets the criteria of Ron's recommendation. However it's not live sand. I've never bought live sand and I don't feel its worth it. Also rock is sooo much cheaper to get from another hobbyist. Maybe check craigslist before heading to LFS.

 

[RandyS]

Hey thanks..didn't really really think off that being here in the mountains of NC but will give it a shot.. Thanks again

 

[larangcon]

Ron sure is on top of his game, no doubt good clear advice

 

[RandyS]

wanted to get everyones thoughts. found a good deal on a used sock style sump with ref. should i go with it over the API canister?
Thanks
Randy

 

[redtop03]

any sump will be better than a canister type filter, the canisters are quick to loose their flow and aggraviting to clean, sumps are better because you have the extra room for heaters and whatnot plus much easier to maintain..hope that is helpful

 

[RandyS]

sock i shouldnt worry about it being the sock style sump??

 

[redtop03]

sock i shouldnt worry about it being the sock style sump??

you will have to clean the sock every so often, I use a sock in my system and have a few extras so I can change it out and wash the dirty one and have it ready for the next round...it's much easier to clean the sock than having to dismantle a canister filter of any kind, you can use carbon bags for media too or better yet, a media reactor such as the two little fishes reactors

 

[RandyS]

Redtop thank you very much, i think thats the way i'll go. might cost a little more but at least i know ill be able to add coral down the road when i have a little better understanding of things and have things running nice and smooth.
Randy

 

[redtop03]

Redtop thank you very much, i think thats the way i'll go. might cost a little more but at least i know ill be able to add coral down the road when i have a little better understanding of things and have things running nice and smooth.
Randy

no problem, glad I could help...it's really the best option if you have the room,the sump also adds more water volume to your system which helps to dilute the bad stuff plus having a sump allows you to remove unsightly equipment from the display tank, such as heaters and whatnot, plus it is a better place to dose additives rather than in the tank, and as water evaporates, you don't see the water level in your display drop any, it all happens in the sump...and an auto top off is something else to consider as well

once you have your equipment, just jump in here and ask if you're unsure how to connect everything, there's plenty of people here eager to help explain things, if you need it, the only dumb question is the one you don't ask...good luck with your progress

 

[Ron Reefman]

Randy,

I agree with redtop03. I have 4 drains into my sump/refugium. One feeds the skimmer by gravity from the tank and 2 of the other 3 have socks on them. And I have socks on both drains in my frag & grow out system. I got a bunch of socks and change them every 3-5 days (that,s 4 socks each change). I save up the dirty socks in a big rubbermaid tube with a lid ('cause they smell). As I get down to my last few clean ones, I deal with the dirty ones.

First I fill the rubbermaid tub with water to get the socks all wet (I use a hose out in the yard). After 30 minutes or so, I put them in the washing machine and do a big load wash with Oxy Clean (which is hydrogen peroxide, not soap). I don't do a rinse yet. I do a 2nd wash with a cup of bleach, then I let it do a rinse. The bleach does the socks good and cleans up the washing machine too. Then I air dry them and put them in a flip top plastic box for storage until I need them. I do a load every 6 to 8 weeks... I have a lot of filter socks!