Akwar'eum

[JoJo]

Paul just threw me a curve ball with his set up. its exactly what everyone say not to do, but with so many years of reefing who can doubt him.

[Paul B]

Stop it Paul!!!

You're contradicting everything that I've learned over the last year.

Terry I did say that this is "MY" opinion and in no way mean to imply that 99.9% of everyone else is incorrect about this method of running a reef.
I use this method because thats what I started with, it worked so there was no reason th change. I personally don't know of an older tank but there may be some out there.
I use dolomite for gravel. I don't use crushed coral but it is much the same. The sand, CC or dolomite will not buffer anything at the pH that tanks are run. That is a myth started 40 years ago. You could use ball bearings if they diden't rust.
I have my three tubes run together above the water where they all enter the bottom of a small plastic container. I use one pump to feed the thing so all three tubes get the same flow. My sponge filter is at the surface of the water so I can just pull it off to clean, I don't have to stick my hands under the water.

[Paul B]

It does seem to work well and I know it contradicts most methods.
But Like I said, it is my method and I am not trying to convert anyone.

[tbittner]

Thanks for the further explaination. I really was kidding.

[Paul B]

I really was kidding

I know

[JoJo]

i wasnt. just when i thought i was moving up from the novice to the intermediate level of reefing, Paul kicks me back down.

[framerguy]

Originally Posted by JoJo

i wasnt. just when i thought i was moving up from the novice to the intermediate level of reefing, Paul kicks me back down.

JoJo, there are many many ways to skin this cat (sorry all you cat lovers).

[JoJo]

[Paul B]

JoJo, there are many many ways to skin this cat (sorry all you cat lovers).

This is true. Unfortunately aquarinism (I just made that word up) is not an exact science. I have been experimenting for years and know countless things that do not work and tons of useless information. This of course does not help much and I am sorry for that.
Luckily most of my tinkering did not lead to large tank losses but a couple of them did. My tank is by far "Not" the nicest one here. Some of you guys do some really nice work. My methods came about by trial and error and stubborness. I rarely advise anyone how to set up a tank even though I am asked often. If I tell someone about my way to run a UG filter you will hear laughter. I can cure just about all aquarium diseases but people squirm at the procedures. The hobby, because of the internet is becomming too clinical and we are loseing creativity. Before computers we learned by trial and mostly error but when we learned something it was not just a method like "install a DSB or RUGF". There are numerous ways to install either and if it is done incorrectly, it will fail which could start rumors that these methods are bad. UG filters are bad if you run them incorrectly just as DSBs are.
Don't get me started on lighting.
Not only are there many ways to skin a cat, there are many types of cats and they all have slightly different ways to skin.
Some people will do well no matter what they do and some are kind of doomed to fail.
I see so many people who start a tank just because they want pretty fish in their home. Thats nice but if you don't have a love for the hobby and think about it a few times a day and can't pass an aquarium store without stopping, then you may not be as successful as someone else.
Look at Framerguy, he has a talent for painting, and he is good at it. I like to paint but I stink at it.
Of course this post makes no sence at all and that is my opinion from years of writing posts that don't make sence (to anyone but me)
Have a great day.
Paul

[JoJo]

Paul, you've earned the right to not make sense. it hardly matters what is said when results of your action speak so loudly.

i agree that Greg is a great artist/painter & just as good in aquarinism . his reef looks picture perfect , good job buddy

[tbittner]

Paul, knowing something that doesn't work isn't useless information. It's how we learn to not make the same mistake again. History is doomed to repeat itself if we don't remember.

[framerguy]

Thanks fellas for the kind words! Believe it or not I struggle with self confidence and your comments help a lot. I hope I haven't gotten in over my head with this large tank build! I'll be asking for lots of help I know.

[JoJo]

No problem Greg, dont worry, i think more of us have confidence issues than admit it but thats the great thing about RS, we loce each other for who we are

i dont think you'll be over your head, it just may challenge your wits a little. but with a support group like RS, you'll get through it gracefully.

[BarbMazz]

Originally Posted by framerguy

Thanks fellas for the kind words! Believe it or not I struggle with self confidence and your comments help a lot. I hope I haven't gotten in over my head with this large tank build! I'll be asking for lots of help I know.

I understand your feelings. I think if you take one step at a time it will all fall into place nicely. That works well for me. If you think too far ahead you'll get muddled. Get one step done and move on to the next and before you know it VOILA'... completion and wonderfulness!

From your current tank and your success there I have confidence your new big set up will be even more wonderful.

[framerguy]

Originally Posted by JoJo

No problem Greg, dont worry, i think more of us have confidence issues than admit it but thats the great thing about RS, we loce each other for who we are

i dont think you'll be over your head, it just may challenge your wits a little. but with a support group like RS, you'll get through it gracefully.

Thanks JoJo! RS is my support group for sure. I wouldn't even be attempting this without all of you backing me up.