Wanted to introduce myself

[hawkinsrgk]

Hello Everybody
I am new to saltwater aquariums and in the process of setting up a new saltwater tank that I bought used from a neighbor. Currently I’m in the process of cleaning all of the calcium buildup off everything. The plan was to gradually switch from freshwater to saltwater on a 125G tank that I currently have, but my neighbor gave me a great deal that I couldn’t pass up and have been doing a lot of research on the web to try to get up to speed. My main interest is meeting people in the Huntsville area that have this hobby, going to meetings and trying to learn as much as possible.

Randy

 

[MikeB]

Welcome to R2R

Don't be afraid to ask questions. When you are starting out there are no stupid questions. Search the forums when you have a question because it has probably been asked.

Again Welcome

 

[mike_dani]

Welcome Randy, please find the thread about the next NARC meeting... We will be holding it on the 27th of this month, you should come out and enjoy some good food and company

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Hopefully I will not have to work that weekend. I went through the thread about the NARC meeting, but did not see an address. Can you send me the address?

 

[jason.tammy]

Welcome Randy,we are always looking for some one new to pick on.LOL.Just kidding we always have Bob.You should really try to make the meeting.It is very informal.We all eat and talk about tanks and our exsperiments.Like said before there are no stupid questions.We have all probally asked them ourselves.
Jason&Tammy

 

[beaslbob]

Welcome

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Welcome Randy! I am in Madison, too.

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Hi Jason&Tammy

If I don't have to work I will definately be there. I just need to get the address and what time the meeting starts. Might as well post my first question.

One of items that came with what I bought is a Coralife Super Skimmer 220. The tank is 180G and the waterpump is a powerhead that is rated at 500GPH. I would like to try to reduce as much heat as possible being introduced to the aquarium and also improve the performance of the skimmer. Would it be possible to instead use a Mag 7 with a needle wheel propeller and a venturi valve mounted externally to the sump? I am not sure if it is ok to use a stronger pump on a skimmer than what was designed for it.

 

[jason.tammy]

I would say yes.Alot of people modify skimmers and such.I have not done that before.I do know that the mag pump produces more heat than the pump on my 220 skimmer.It seems to work fine as is.I have it on one of our sell tank systems which has very little fish in it,mainlly frags and larger corals.I am sure some one on here has done a similar modification.
Jason

 

[H@rry]

Randy - Welcome to R2R and the North Alabama Gang (NARC). You'll find a lot of helpful, friendly people here. Looking forward to meeting you at a meeting. I'll be the ugly one (well, now that I think about it, I'll be the second ugliest one).

 

[Mariner]

I have that 220 ss on my 135g and it does OK, but not great. I haven't done any mods, but I know there are some that can be done (a google search would probably turn up a couple). Generally speaking, a slightly more powerful pump than what is "stock" can improve the performance of most skimmers; there's no harm in trying.
FWIW,
Mariner

 

[sprinklerdudes]

welcome 2 R2R

 

[Dave3112]

Welcome to R2R! And NARC! You will love both!!

 

[cherokee_dude]

Welcome aboard! Try to take some pics of the new setup, we love Tank build threads here

 

[hawkinsrgk]

Can somebody send me a message on where the meeting will be and what time it starts?

 

[mike_dani]

hey Randy the meeting is at my house on the 27th. I dont know what time I need to update my thread and work this out. Keep you eyes posted, did you get my PM with address??

 

[hawkinsrgk]

I did not get the PM.

 

[mike_dani]

sorry I must have just thought I sent it been crazy the last couple of weeks. There is a thread for the meeting go vote on food and it has all of my info in it.