The Cube Story

[kathywithbirds]

So the 37 cube (OK, not PERFECTLY a cube but whatever) has water, sand, 20 lbs live sand on top, think too much sand, may wind up taking some out.
Powerhead is mounted on side, turned on, heater's in there but not on. Got about 9lbs LR to start out with, running out of fundage for this week (month??) will have to get more later.
Can't see a @$% thing through all the stirred up sand.

The gang knows something's up.

I even have the hubby looking at RO/DI units!!! There's a portable one on ebay, I bookmarked the seller, who also has regular units of varying prices.

Plans: canister filter later, must research lighting.
Good corals: Xenia, colt coral, shrooms. The goniopora will probably move into the tank once I have adequate lighting.

I might dump the 5g altogether in the long run.

[kathywithbirds]

Equipment:

Jebo 2010 heater, Odyssea EX240 powerhead with sponge filter, Eclipse F15T8 natural sunlight flourescent (came with tank, single strip light), Lee's counter current protein skimmer.

That reminds me, I need an air pump.

[kathywithbirds]

Is 4 to 6 inches of substrate too much?
I still can't see anything, the LR is in there somewhere.

[kathywithbirds]

Crapola. The cords for the pump and heater don't reach to the floor where the surge is. $%% older houses don't have enough outlets.
Mike said our power dials are spinning like crazy. Gee, I only have a pump hooked up!

[sasquatch]

LOL Kathy you are the WIND!! ok, 4 to 6 for sand would be a deep sand bed, some like it, some fear it, if your running a cannister filter it may be very useful to rid you of nitrates. Major alert on the jebo and oddyssea these are notorious for dramatic failure I would replace as soon as possible, unless the powerhead is actually blowing the sand around it will settle out soon(ish). Good luck Steve

[kathywithbirds]

Yeah, there's two layers quite clear, even with the brewery that is my tank. One orange layer of play sand and one whitish layer of live sand.
Yeah, some's comin' out. When I can see.

[DrHank]

Kathy, you need to go to this link and check it out. I would also make your situation known to the folks in NJ.

Reef Central Online Community - New Jersey Reefer's Club

It would be a good place to check for used equipment and live rock (which you will need). Think skimmer. It's the heart of any reef system. Much more important than canister filters (which most of us do not use). S L O W down! You're like a whirlwind. Listen to what Steve said (important).

Personally, I try to keep my sand depth limited to about 2". A deep sand bed allows for colonization of anaerobic bacteria which can produce hydrogen sulfide gas. Hydrogen sulfide gas is highly toxic in very small amounts. Should you accidentally disturb a pocket and release it into your tank, you could kill everything. Folks that do use a DSB (deep sand bed) never disturb it. They don't clean it, they don't touch it.

For now though, STOP! Let the dust (or in this case sand) settle. Tomorrow is another day.

[kathywithbirds]

I'm slowing, seriously!!! I plan on doing nothing with the tank until it's clear then I'll get some more LR sometime this week, I'm thinking 40 lbs and then sit on it for a month. I can always add more later, and I don't want to "cheat" and get water from an established tank. I'd like to see exactly what happens with the ammonia cycle.

My 5g is doing very well, although I'm very upset that Shrimpy lost a couple of legs!! I hope no one chewed them off. I went out for a few hours and he was on the bottom hiding behind a rock. He seems better, he's back hanging on his nemo clippy. (He's adopted it.) Levels are great (I check them every day) I'm interested in reading up more on alkalinity, calcium and lighting while I wait for the 37 to cycle.

And yeah, I'm going to get some of the play sand out of there. Not just for the gas buildup you described, I also just don't like the look of it. I will read up on that too.

[kathywithbirds]

And Doc, thanks for the link!!

I do have a basic Lee's skimmer, are you recommending that I look into a better skimmer before a filter?

[kathywithbirds]

And seriously, don't mistake my excited tone for rushing with the tank, I want to do this right. I'm very serious about not hurting critters, even slimy or spidery ones. I actually have a problem with forward motion at times, I want to read and talk and gather as much info as I can before I proceed, and sometimes I overwhelm myself with info and take forever deciding which course to pursue. I figure that's why I went into journalism, I don't have to act, just gather and record info.

hhmmm... I think I'll adopt you as my new therapist, reef-wise!!! :meeting:

[DrHank]

I would highly recommend buying the absolute best skimmer you can. I'd look for something on the order of an ASM G1 or G2. You want a skimmer capable of handling 1 1/2 to 2 times your system volume. You are looking at getting the correct amount of live rock (that will become your primary biological filter). The live rock will work much better than the best canister filter you can buy. A canister filter quickly becomes a nitrate factory. If you are planning on a reef (and you are) you don't want nitrate or phosphate.

Actually, with the proper amount of live rock and an excellent skimmer, there is no need for any other filter. You will want an RO/DI and a reactor to run carbon and phosban (or equivalent). You can buy one for $35 to $40 or I can show you how to make one for $5 - $6.

Good, I'm glad you've slowed down. Take a little time to enjoy your new system. You can tell your husband that as far as the electric meter is concerned, you were just warming it up.

[kathywithbirds]

OK, I've heard more testimonials for the ASM...

So Doc, what's your opinion on in-tank skimmers? I'm exploring the issue of a sump. While I understand the pluses of a decent sized sump, I'd be stuck putting it behind the tank or under the cabinet, which doesn't leave me with a lot of room. I've got about 10 inches wide and deep, but I can go a little high -- I've got about 2 to 2 1/2 feet UP in the cabinet. If I could find a plastic container with a skimmer to fit that might work, but that's all I could get in there.
In the back, I've got room for possibly a small corner tank, something to the order of a foot on either side with a bow front, but that's just a weird size.

Has anyone fashioned a sump from something plastic with a lid (like Tupperware)?

And anyone please chime in!!!

[kathywithbirds]

Take a look at this Berlin skimmer: the hang-on version I'm looking at.


Berlin Turbo Protein Skimmers

[aquaman3680]

The problem with the plastic sumps is that they bow, and are not a long term solution! I would just go with a nice HOB skimmer like a aqua c remora or an octopus skimmer. JMHO

Matt

[kathywithbirds]

Now this is more affordable... but I know you're going to tell me to get the best I can afford!!

Aquarium Protein Skimmers: Typhoon Hang On Skimmer