If you were starting over what would you do different?

aslmx · Dec 9, 2013

Just wanting to see what comes up. Im hearing things that have me questioning my way of thinking like: No sand or cheato in the sump/fuge because its more trouble then its worth. Just fill the sump with rubble which would be great with me. #2 Use a lot slower pump for return to allow the sump to actually have some time to work and remove crap. That would be great to run a mag 7 instead of a mag 12. These are just a couple that ive heard that I would love to do but dont know if its wives tales or not.

revhtree · Dec 9, 2013

Hmmm I am just starting over so hopefully I will do it right!

One thing in the past would be to be PATIENT with my fish list and not just add new fish so you have new fish! Be more selective!

eliramos · Dec 9, 2013

i wouldve gone bigger from the get go!
get all the equipment i needed from the start rather than buying as i go along
gone led instead of halide the heat is a pain
and done white sand instead of black!

JMSKI333 · Dec 9, 2013

Great thread!

1) Dont slide frag rack around on side pane of glass. (badly scratched glass)
2) Start with dry rock (Serial killer Mantis shrimp)
3) Leave more room in the sump for add-ons or put my sump in the basement.

GHill762 · Dec 9, 2013

I just started my new tank and the only thing I'd do different is double check measurements to make sure the sump I planned for would fit inside the DIY stand.. my stand was for a 40b, and I was planning a 20l for sump, missed it by a hair (I assumed it would fit no problem, don't assume things, lol).. I could have derimmed the 20l and it would have fit, but I didn't want to worry about it busting.. so I went with 20h, and although I'm happy with it, I'd be MUCH happier with the 20l footprint for a sump..

aslmx · Dec 9, 2013

What about a frag rack thats siliconed in place

jcollinsks · Dec 9, 2013

I for sure would have started with dry rock.

Wish I wouldn't have bought cheap powerheads and saved the money for the better ones, the cheap ones are ugly and are not as effective at pushing the water correctly.

For sure would have started with a controller, and less putting my hands in the tank. Every time I leave the house for extended periods of time (read as week) I come back to everything thriving and doing much better than when I am home. Also you do get something bad that happened sometimes small sometimes big.

I would have not freaked out about GHA, instead just realized it is a vital process in starting your tank, it comes and goes... not really much to worry about.

Fin · Dec 9, 2013

I would start with a different tank. I have an Oceanic 140 and I hate the big freakin' center brace and the two ominous internal overflows. I would like to get a rimless Reef Savvy or Miracles tank with three Starphire glass sides and a Ghost or other external overflow. I would also ditch the closed loop system that I have and go with MP-40s instead. That would be a start...

general0 · Dec 9, 2013

I'm starting over and this is what I have taken from my mistakes with the last tank:

Use NEW sand and not try to clean the old stuff.....also used a larger grain of sand (CaribSea Seafloor Special Grade versus CaribSea Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand).
Acid wash old live rocks and dry rocks
made my plumbing less complicated and easier to maintenance
Simplify sump using two chambers versus three
Buy quality equipment once instead of buying the cheap stuff and constantly upgrading (still guilty of this one to an extent)
Not introducing Blue Cloves!!! The Blue Cloves took over my last tank!
Lastly, make sure to dip and/or quarantine all new additions... I paid for this extensively.....

Most of these are due to my noob experience in saltwater at the time and rushing now I'm doing it the right way...mostly!

Tradewinds · Dec 9, 2013

general0 said:
...Not introducing Blue Cloves!!! The Blue Cloves took over my last tank!...

I feel your pain general0, I am dealing with BCP now and will probably break down the tank to eradicate them.

If I could start over knowing what I know now, I would:
1. Do a better job figuring out the exact sump requirements needed for equipment and refugium.
2. Go bare bottom.
3. Acid wash dry rock before placing it in the tank.
4. I would not epoxy large pieces or rock together, as it makes it hard to remove rock down the road.
5. Put coral in QT to ensure no unwanted hitchhikers are introduced to the tank.
6. Build a custom stand.

aslmx · Dec 9, 2013

A couple of ideas that Im using are. #1 using magnets instead of hinges so I can completely remove doors for sump work. #2 Im going to have an electrical closet for power strips, timers, etc.. Sorry stand not finished, just primered. And yes I built the doors myself.

Nvizn · Dec 9, 2013

One simple answer: QT Everything!!!!!!!! I can't stress QT, enough.

SeahorseKeeper · Dec 9, 2013

I would think through all equipment purchases more carefully. I am on my third lighting system, 2nd skimmer, and numerous power heads. I also would have gone with a bigger tank.

CKI · Dec 9, 2013

I would have bought a cube tank. I do love my 75g but this is in my bedroom, so takes up a lot of space. Not to mention, I am on my 4th light system. OH and I built my sump wrong, I had to do away with the fuge and put my skimmer in that space since I put the baffles in the wrong places ... I could really keep this list going :lie: but this has been a fun experience and I can not wait to do another build the correct way.

Mimmrfr · Dec 9, 2013

Starting Over

I too am starting over, so for the first time in 17 years, I've decided to take a very long time in choosing, QTing, and placing each "guest" in my DT. I vow to absolutely steer away from "heartfelt" spur of the moment purchases of fish no matter how beautiful or cute!

Railcar79 · Dec 9, 2013

For mine, I am not sure, I used old sand, but it made my cycle fast. I acid dipped all my rock before it went in, I guess it would be not buying a Reefkeeper Lite.