haha. Are you calling my 30g messy?
SPS Setup Check/ Advice Please :-)
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jonny19ireland
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As in don't put LR or LS in it, just algae? That's definitely what I'd do. Was kinda thinking of mirroring hang on system from the BRS chaeto test but those DIY ones on your link look interesting.
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jonny19ireland
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Here's one of the little boxes i'm talking about (Called a breeder box)
Those plastic walls on the inside come out, you could use a tiny 1-2 watt powerhead to pump like 80gph+ through it. Put a little light on it, and throw in some chaeto for a little more stability.
@saltyfilmfolks -- You're right, that's why I like this above a HOB, less sand will get into and ruin it... The replacement pump (I don't suggest using an Aqua lifter) is like $5 on amazon.
I'll definitely consider that, not sure I like the amount of space it would take up inside my tank though. The tank is small enough. But it's giving me ideas for sure! Thanks!!!!
Yes. the tank will get detritus build up. so you'll want to be able to clean it from time to time. Some is just food n such, I'm pretty sure some is pod poop.
Ive run these on a lot of tanks. All but one so far have been the breeder box diy.
Ive changed up the configuration a bit but....
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-cherry-30-cube-saltyfilmfolks.248152/
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/my-cherry-30-cube-saltyfilmfolks.248152/
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jonny19ireland
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Pictures help, so here's a way more obvious one from the backside
Perfect. This is my preferred option given the space constraints! Off to spend a little while on amazon looking for one to ship to here. Thanks for this info. I really like this idea.
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jonny19ireland
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I looking into this first. The tank stand has a divider unfortunately so it makes space too limited for a sump.... and there's no way to remove the divider wothout compromising stability. I spoke to my friend in the LFS and we couldn't conceive any way a sump is possible given the tank. Which is a shame, as they were really keen to build me one... but he advised against it as it wouldn't do what it needed to given the sizes.
NEXT tank I get will have a HUGE sump.... that's my big learning point from all this. [emoji4]
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jonny19ireland
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How often do you do water changes? The nice thing about 45 gallons is that you can easily rely on water changes for most of the "keeping it clean" aspect. The fuge is nice for lots of extras, but you can easily manage a 50% water change with a brute trash can, so if things get out of control, you can replace water rather quickly.
The smaller water volume will mean larger swings with the evap, so I agree with the above. Get a good auto top off.
Right along with that, make sure you are topping off with 0 TDS in the water. Again, smaller water volumes, so every little thing will count more.
Lights are really a personal decision. You can grow all corals under all of the available lighting options. Just be cautious as mentioned before that LEDs can easily burn new coral and everything will need acclimated.
I ran my 40g breeder for 2 years with a HOB skimmer and power filter. Used a 6 bulb ATI T5,a bubble magus doser (ESV 2 Part), and a Tunze ATO. Tank was packed with all sorts of coral. Kind of miss the simplicity.
Also recommend a good variable powerhead. MP10 or Jebao RW8 would be nice I think. Just make sure it changes throughout the day so you dont get heavy spots where nothing grows. Does your power filter have a surface skimming function? That was a must for my HOB skimmer. Hated the film on the water surface.
Keep it simple.
I change out 25ltrs every week. I buy the water ready prepared from my
LFS (15 min drive) so that's €8pw on water changes which is fine. I find their water is very low in alk though, 6.5-7 so I find it tough to keep my alk up when doing water changes that frequently.
I get my RO water from them too. So that's cool. Since I've got the new lights (and hood has come off) I'm getting a LOT more evap so and gonna invest in an ATO this weekend.... along with the doser.
I hear you loud and clear about acclimating slowly. I cooked my plating monti when I got the new lights through a rookie mistake.... everything else is getting on nicely now that I've lowered the intensity.
Yup, a variable powerhead is up there on the to buy list too... hate the ones I'm currently using and they're all too small (but combined are fine) so have lots of wires for flow. Easier to get two big ones[emoji4].
Not sure about a surface skimming function but I can look into picking up one that does. The film is quite annoying I agree!
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jonny19ireland
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I really appreciate all the help, advice and info guys - truly glad of all your input. It's certainly given me a lot to think about, and put my mind at ease on certain features and their feasibility!
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jonny19ireland
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This is excellent! Thanks so much... and they ship to Ireland! The second link is essentially the first one (breeder box) with a pump and light yeah?
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Yup. Out of the box the cheaper one runs on an air pump you provide. You can also use a cheap tiny 12v like the second one provides for you.
If you want to get crazy crazy you can use an hob overflow box (a weir, surface skimmer, the box with the teeth ) and put the pumps in that. Some hob skimmers actually sell that as an option. It hides the pumps too.
@jonny19ireland
Every picture I showed and talked about is a HOB (HOB means Hang On Back) Nothing I had talked about or shown is meant to go inside the tank -- The first pictures with the fish, is OUTSIDE the tank, not on the inside.
Every picture I showed and talked about is a HOB (HOB means Hang On Back) Nothing I had talked about or shown is meant to go inside the tank -- The first pictures with the fish, is OUTSIDE the tank, not on the inside.
hybridazn
Acro killer.....
Yes, but unfortunately there will still be something that goes in the tank, be it piping/pumps and so on. Eventually it will become an eyesore
I respect where you're coming from -- But I'll take pipes over sub-par color 10 times out of 10.
Streetdoc77
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On the lighting end of things led's are capable of smoking coral , I run my radion at 45% on a 30 inch deep tank with t5 8 hours a day .
"with t5" -- The absolutely most important part of that entire sentence.
The best way to look at lighting is to consider ALL light sources supplemental to each other.
The best way to look at lighting is to consider ALL light sources supplemental to each other.
hybridazn
Acro killer.....
Absolutely, but if also find a way to run a sump no if, and's or but's hahaha
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jonny19ireland
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Ah ok, my mistake. I thought the breeding box pic was internal. I get you now. I'm looking at the CPR Medium HOB Fuge at the minute. Seems pretty large.
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jonny19ireland
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On the lighting end of things led's are capable of smoking coral , I run my radion at 45% on a 30 inch deep tank with t5 8 hours a day .
Why do you use both? Is one not enough intensity or are you looking for coverage?
