Redoing a 120 gallon tank.

Saltwatertaylor · Jul 23, 2012

New additions to my tank. My first BTA

AJreefs · Jul 23, 2012

Saltwatertaylor said:
Hmm, I never really thought of that. I totally agree with what your saying, but I am very new to DIY projects and plumbing. This tank used to be filled with corals, so do you really think it needs to be redone? My only thought is that I dont plan on keeping this tank for more than two years, because after medical school I will buy my own house and my own tank. All of the corals and fish will be transferred, but I will start over with the system. Would just cleaning out the sump suffice?

Theres probably no right or wrong answer to this but if I was rebuilding a system I would want to be sure any old issues won't spring up again. If you go back to school in the fall will that slow leak and steady cause of nitrates creep back up on the tank causing the same issues next year?? IDK; that would definitely be on my mind though, its just what stuck for me and I think your doing a good job.

Degener8 · Jul 24, 2012

Nice new adds. Ah had a point about what happens when you leave again. Any. Plans to safeguard against a repeat while away next semester? Do you have a low maintenance long-term. Upkeep plan?

If so I think it would be a good topic to post and get feedback on.

Saltwatertaylor · Jul 24, 2012

AJreefs said:
Theres probably no right or wrong answer to this but if I was rebuilding a system I would want to be sure any old issues won't spring up again. If you go back to school in the fall will that slow leak and steady cause of nitrates creep back up on the tank causing the same issues next year?? IDK; that would definitely be on my mind though, its just what stuck for me and I think your doing a good job.

Thank you! I am not worried of the nitrates being high because my brother and I share the tank. He is in high school now and will maintain the day to day functions of the tank and check the levels. Every month or so I will come home and do a water change on top of him doing some water changes. The reason the nitrates were high to begin with was because I added so much live rock before this aquascape, and because the tank hadnt been watched for over a year.

Degener8 · Jul 25, 2012

How are the new additions doing?

Saltwatertaylor · Jul 25, 2012

The clownfish are doing awesome! They really like their new home. The anemone looks to be good but I dont know what a good anemone is. I just posted a thread on it if you would care to take a look.

SeahorseKeeper · Jul 25, 2012

I'm looking forward to see how your tank progresses.

Saltwatertaylor · Jul 25, 2012

Thank you very much. Buying zoanthids and either an acan or favia within the next few weeks. By this weekend I will have some mushroom corals that are being donated by a fellow reefer. Will keep updated with pics!

Reef Breeders · Jul 25, 2012

How are those pvc pipes attached? If the tank is drilled, you might do best to remove the pvc, and make them into the drain holes. The do a hot return, it will look, and perform, much better. Good job so far!

Saltwatertaylor · Jul 25, 2012

Thanks alot! I am actually new to plumbing. How it works is there are two intakes on each side of the tank. They both drain water down into the biological filter ( Live rock ). It then flows into the sump. The sump has a vaccum type suction which leads the water back to the tank and coming out of the pvc pipes. Does that make sense?