Glad I found this!

[Greenpj22]

Hey guys/gals,

I am from Jasper and someone mentioned NARC so I decided I would log on and check it out. I've been in the saltwater hobby for about 6 months and I recently converted my 180 RR African cichlid tank over to saltwater. Moved all the contents of my 100 gallon saltwater tank and added some more rock and its been running for about 2 weeks now. I would love to be a part of the group so I can learn some tips/tricks, and I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions.

I've got a 40 gallon breeder sump and running a filter sock, skimmer in the first compartment, chaeto macro algae in the refugium area, and mag 12 return pump, dialed down with ball valve.

I've been to Jason's and Tammy's a couple of times and I'm so glad I've found them. Hospitality at its finest and they are always cordial! Oh yeah, and prices cannot be beat!

Needless to say, I went a little overboard on this new tank. Got an apex lite controller set up (a real PITA if you're not internet/tech savvy, still haven't figured out how to access it outside the house, ATT U-verse is to blame I think haha), a lifereef skimmer off ebay, two aqua medic 250 watt halides off craigslist, and I ordered the BRS 2 part dosing kit, along with a carbon reactor (after seeing Jason and Tammy's tank and how clear it was). and a Red Sea test kit.

In regards to the apex, I wish I would have gotten it sooner. No more power strips or timers. Can turn switches on/off from your computer or Iphone. Can delay the skimmer to start 3 minutes after return pump starts so you don't have to worry about water level in sump. Can program wavemakers. Heaters, alarms, etc. Plus their customer support is second to none.

I was planning on running kalkwasser (mrs. wages pickling lime), but I want to make sure I get my levels right before I start. I feel like putting a bunch of stuff does more harm than good. From the freshwater world, weekly 25% water changes were the cure for me. So honestly, I really don't know what I'm doing, but before I add more corals I want to make sure I'm doing it right.

Also, in regards to securing/gluing coral to rocks, I've heard that Loctite Marine Putty is safe to use? I would like to be able to purchase something locally, from Home Depot or Walmart.


Once again, I appreciate all the help in advance!

- Justin

 

[markkazdad]

I still consider myself new, so hopefully someone will correct me if this is bad advice. I've found the tubes of "super glue" *gel* from Dollar Tree (2 tubes for $1) work pretty well and did not dry out between uses (and so lasted longer) than the Loc-Tite brand gel I first tried.

 

[Greenpj22]

That would be even better, and cheaper.

I am not wanting to remove the rock from the tank, just stick the coral in where I want it. Is that how you do it, or do you take the rock out?

 

[fragmatic]

Yes Dollar Store super glue and Loc-Tite Jell Control work fine. I have used the Jell Control under water. You can squeeze a glob onto the coral, the another glob onto your finger tip then reach into the tank and rub the LR spot you want to glue the coral to with that finger glob and it will sort of stick. Next touch the coral's glue glob to that finger placed glob and hold it and twist some and wait a few seconds then turn it loose. Mushrooms and some other corals will often slime loose in a few days but sometimes they take hold in that location. Stoney corals stay put as do most of the zoa's. The glob can be pealed off the finger and the remaining glue can be rubbed off with a paper towel soaked with acetone.

 

[Greenpj22]

you made it sound easy. That's what I'll do.

 

[revsgirl]

Hi Justin! Welcome to R2R!

 

[H@rry]

From Home Depot

From Lowe's

How long have you been in Jasper? Is Butter Bean still around?

 

[Greenpj22]

For 20 years. and he is still around. Saw him walking into the probate office probably six months ago. Not sure if you are aware, but they had a TV show on nat'l tv with the Walker Co sheriff's office and butterbean was a deputy. It aired probably 3 or 4 episodes.

 

[H@rry]

Yeah, that's how I found out about him. I enjoyed watching him on TV and then he suddenly disappeared. Then I googled him and found out about all his fighting experience.

 

[Greenpj22]

He used to have a restaurant out in Curry on Smith Lake called butterbean's. He's a really nice guy, but he is huge. I wouldn't want to be on the wrong end of a punch. I've heard he's gone/going through some financial problems, so hopefully the tv show helped him out.

 

[H@rry]

Yeah, I was disappointed that the TV series bombed out. I didn't really believe a lot of it but it was entertaining and it was somewhat close to home.

 

[Dave3112]

As for glue I've always used Aleens jewelry and metal glue from Michael's craft store. It's usually around $5 for a big tube of it.

 

[Greenpj22]

Thanks Dave. Next time I'm in Bham I might stop by and pick some up. I don't plan on adding corals soon, but I'm sure that will change. I'll probably have some in this weekend. lol

 

[Dave3112]

Anytime!! Also Michael's tends to run a buy one get one free coupon in the paper frequently also...

 

[jason.tammy]

Welcome to R2R Justin.We have some more clowns in now. We just recieved alot of them and Tangs from SA.
Jason

 

[occ_motorcycles]

I use superglue gel from the dollar store. It's cheap and always consistent. I have never been able to glue shrooms with it cause they always come off so I toss them in my fuge/sump rubble pile an let them attach then glue the small piece they attached to to a rock. Or I sell it and the buyer has better chances of placing it where they want.

That's my .02 so good luck

 

[Connie]

Welcome Justin! I live in Sumiton. It's good to know of a fellow reefer close to home.

 

[Greenpj22]

Connie, would love to see your setup! And if you're ever in Jasper, feel free to stop by and check out mine. It's still a work in progress.

Jason/Tammy, I actually broke down the 29 gallon biocube so I could use the rock in the 180. I really want to get a blue tang, cleaner shrimp, some more green chromis, and some snails in due time. Don't really want to starve the clean up crew now since I just switched everything over.

I really want to get some more corals from y'all as well!

 

[Connie]

Sounds great! Do you have any pictures to share?

Connie, would love to see your setup! And if you're ever in Jasper, feel free to stop by and check out mine. It's still a work in progress.

Jason/Tammy, I actually broke down the 29 gallon biocube so I could use the rock in the 180. I really want to get a blue tang, cleaner shrimp, some more green chromis, and some snails in due time. Don't really want to starve the clean up crew now since I just switched everything over.

I really want to get some more corals from y'all as well!