My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System

AndtheBonus · 06-03-2008, 04:44 PM

So I guess this is where it all begins:

I'll start off by introducing myself. My name is Mitch and about to turn 20 (on June 6th). For my bday my parents and I split the cost for a 24 Gallon Aquapod with the 150W HQI Metal Halide System. This will be my first saltwater tank. I have had success with freshwater tanks and have decided that its time to move to bigger and better.

So to start with, "Nothing in life is ever easy!":

I bought the tank over the phone from my lfs on Sunday and picked the tank up on Monday. Monday night (last night), I opened it up and there was a nice scratch right on the front side of the glass! I called them up and they said that they would order me a new one and it will be in on Friday, my bday!!. So I guess it's good because its supposed to be in the day of my bday.

Now I have another issue. I go to school about 3 hours away from home but right now I am home the summer (Until the end of August). What should I do? Should I start the cycle of the tank while I'm at home then bring it up to school or should I wait until I get up there to do anything? I have just about everything I need and if I need more there is no problem getting it. I'm about 15 min away from my lfs. My lfs said that they can package it all for me so it can be shipped if needed. WHAT SHOULD I DO??? I'm so anxious to get it started!!

I will be posting pics of my progress and will put up pics of the tank as soon as I get the new one!! If I have time I will even put pics up of the scratched tank

Thanks for the help in advance! This will be the official thread for my tank as it grows and grows!

tubedood · 06-03-2008, 05:35 PM

Tough call, Mitch! I have an AquaPod 12 Im starting up, almost a month into it. Im not moving, but will be buying the stand for it in a few weeks, so Im planning on doing a Large (and quick) water change, and carefully lifting it and placing on the stand. All I'll prob have in it is live sand, live rock , and prob some snails and maybe a shrimp. Thats not to be too difficult, but a true move Im not to sure about. These kind folks will steer you right! Welcome to ReefSanctuary!

~Dale

BigAl07 · 06-03-2008, 05:40 PM

HEllo Mitch

adn welcome!

Congrats to you for researching and asking BEFORE hand!

First off it's REALLY up to you but.... I think... if I were in your shoes I would wait and set it up at school. It's just simpler and easier than moving a tank that's wet and messy. With that said.. it's your tank and you're "Da Man" so it's not out of the question to start it now and try to move it. Just remember it's messy and more fragile with any water in it. Be careful.

Hey Happy B-day on Friday!!

Again welcome to the Reef

tbittner · 06-03-2008, 09:35 PM

What happens during spring break, or any of the other breaks, to the tank? Who will take care of it? How often do you go home for a visit? What will you do with it when school ends again? All things to think about. Don't get me wrong, lots of people have moved big tanks and have been very successful with the move, so it's not an IMPOSSIBLE task. These are just some things to consider.

If you set it up now and start cycling, it would be ready in 4-6 weeks for life. If you don't add any life, the move back to school would be MUCH easier, but it would be advisable to keep the rock submerged as much as possible. You could use sealable rubbermaid containers for that. If you have corals or fish, it becomes a bit more complicated, but not impossible.

And most importantly, Welcome to RS!

vdituri · 06-03-2008, 11:11 PM

Welcome aboard!
And Happy Pre-Birthday!

That is definitely a hard call.
When I bought my 30g used, it was all setup.
I put everything in 5g buckets, covered in water.
Drained the water down to just above the sand level and moved it that way.
Was cloudy overnight, but didn't loose a thing.

I say go for it.

AndtheBonus · 06-04-2008, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbittner

What happens during spring break, or any of the other breaks, to the tank? Who will take care of it? How often do you go home for a visit? What will you do with it when school ends again? All things to think about. Don't get me wrong, lots of people have moved big tanks and have been very successful with the move, so it's not an IMPOSSIBLE task. These are just some things to consider.

Ya don't worry I've already thought about all of that. If I go home for a visit, there will always be someone up at school to help me take GOOD care of it. The most the tank would ever go without someone being there would be maybe 48 hours at the very very most. And remember I only live 3 hours away driving so an emergency trip up there would not be the end of the world. Next summer won't be a problem either because I will be living there year round now!

AndtheBonus · 06-04-2008, 12:58 AM

[quote=tbittner;471957

If you set it up now and start cycling, it would be ready in 4-6 weeks for life. If you don't add any life, the move back to school would be MUCH easier, but it would be advisable to keep the rock submerged as much as possible. You could use sealable rubbermaid containers for that. If you have corals or fish, it becomes a bit more complicated, but not impossible.

And most importantly, Welcome to RS![/QUOTE]

I might try that! I'm going to think about it and see how easy it will be and how much car space I am going to have. If I do end up cycling the tank now...thats all it would be. I wouldn't put any life into it because it's my first saltwater tank and I wanna make sure everything is perfect.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vdituri

Welcome aboard!
And Happy Pre-Birthday!

That is definitely a hard call.
When I bought my 30g used, it was all setup.
I put everything in 5g buckets, covered in water.
Drained the water down to just above the sand level and moved it that way.
Was cloudy overnight, but didn't loose a thing.

I say go for it.

How long where they in the buckets for?

And thanks everyone for the pre-birthday wishes!!

vdituri · 06-04-2008, 01:01 AM

For me it was about 1 hr.
Does the car have airconditioning to help maintain water temp?

AndtheBonus · 06-04-2008, 08:25 AM

Ya the car has A/C. If I do transport it, when I get there do I just put everything in the tank like normal or is there a different process?

lcstorc · 06-04-2008, 10:17 AM

Welcome and Happy Birthaday from a fellow Gemini.

Personally I think I would wait. You only have time for the cycle before going back to school and moving it will likely cause some type of cycle.
Moving it full will be a lot more difficult than moving it empty.
Nothing good in this hobby happens quickly so you might as well get used to waiting.

A 3 hr move wouldn't be too bad but I would move it myself and not trust the LFS to do it for me. Plus the shipping costs would be significant unless they are going to just drive it for you.
I look forward to seeing pics as you progress.
Nanos can be lots of fun while also a challenge.

AndtheBonus · 06-04-2008, 11:29 AM

I would be shipping it myself. The tanks and all would be in the car with me. The lfs would only help me if I needed something living to be package...ie. Fish, Coral etc...

I'm thinking about doing the cycle and putting everything in containers once im ready to go to school like some said about. I'm just afraid though that somewhere along the shipping process everything is going to get messed up. I'm leaning towards waiting but we shall see.

Pictures will be coming very very soon. When I have some time tonight I am going to take some pictures of the scratched tank and hopefully on Friday have pictures of the new tank!!

AndtheBonus · 06-04-2008, 11:29 AM

Oh and thanks again for all the bday wishes

AndtheBonus · 06-05-2008, 06:19 PM

So I think I am going to start the tank when I get up to school. I think its for the best though. Because this is my first tank I think it would be too much trouble shipping it and all. So now it's time to start thinking about all the other equipment I need to get the tank started. What do you guys recommend regarding a protein skimmer? Should I get one or will weekly water changes do the job. Remember its only a 24 gallon tank so water changes shouldn't be too much of a hassle. If you do suggest a protein skimmer what kind should I get. Not the cheapest but also not the most expensive. If I was to get one I'm looking for one that will just do the job.
Thanks in advance for all the help!

lcstorc · 06-05-2008, 09:11 PM

While I always recommend a skimmer, there are not many that you can fit on the Aquapod. I believe there was a Saphire skimmer but I don't think they make it anymore. Jack would know for shure.
I think it is wise to just start after you go back to school. I know it is tempting to start now but you would likely get a cycle after you moved it and have to start all over anyway.

AndtheBonus · 06-07-2008, 01:11 AM

So I got the tank today and no scratches or cracks (this time we looked at it before I took it home)! Great birthday present!! Pictures will be up tomorrow so I can document this step by step allllll the way.

06-03-2008, 04:44 PM	#1 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System So I guess this is where it all begins: I'll start off by introducing myself. My name is Mitch and about to turn 20 (on June 6th). For my bday my parents and I split the cost for a 24 Gallon Aquapod with the 150W HQI Metal Halide System. This will be my first saltwater tank. I have had success with freshwater tanks and have decided that its time to move to bigger and better. So to start with, "Nothing in life is ever easy!": I bought the tank over the phone from my lfs on Sunday and picked the tank up on Monday. Monday night (last night), I opened it up and there was a nice scratch right on the front side of the glass! I called them up and they said that they would order me a new one and it will be in on Friday, my bday!!. So I guess it's good because its supposed to be in the day of my bday. Now I have another issue. I go to school about 3 hours away from home but right now I am home the summer (Until the end of August). What should I do? Should I start the cycle of the tank while I'm at home then bring it up to school or should I wait until I get up there to do anything? I have just about everything I need and if I need more there is no problem getting it. I'm about 15 min away from my lfs. My lfs said that they can package it all for me so it can be shipped if needed. WHAT SHOULD I DO??? I'm so anxious to get it started!! I will be posting pics of my progress and will put up pics of the tank as soon as I get the new one!! If I have time I will even put pics up of the scratched tank Thanks for the help in advance! This will be the official thread for my tank as it grows and grows!

06-03-2008, 05:35 PM	#2 (permalink)
tubedood Limpet Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 134 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System Tough call, Mitch! I have an AquaPod 12 Im starting up, almost a month into it. Im not moving, but will be buying the stand for it in a few weeks, so Im planning on doing a Large (and quick) water change, and carefully lifting it and placing on the stand. All I'll prob have in it is live sand, live rock , and prob some snails and maybe a shrimp. Thats not to be too difficult, but a true move Im not to sure about. These kind folks will steer you right! Welcome to ReefSanctuary! ~Dale

06-03-2008, 05:40 PM	#3 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System HEllo Mitch adn welcome! Congrats to you for researching and asking BEFORE hand! First off it's REALLY up to you but.... I think... if I were in your shoes I would wait and set it up at school. It's just simpler and easier than moving a tank that's wet and messy. With that said.. it's your tank and you're "Da Man" so it's not out of the question to start it now and try to move it. Just remember it's messy and more fragile with any water in it. Be careful. Hey Happy B-day on Friday!! Again welcome to the Reef __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

06-03-2008, 09:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
tbittner Watch this Ma! Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Northern VA Posts: 5,563 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System What happens during spring break, or any of the other breaks, to the tank? Who will take care of it? How often do you go home for a visit? What will you do with it when school ends again? All things to think about. Don't get me wrong, lots of people have moved big tanks and have been very successful with the move, so it's not an IMPOSSIBLE task. These are just some things to consider. If you set it up now and start cycling, it would be ready in 4-6 weeks for life. If you don't add any life, the move back to school would be MUCH easier, but it would be advisable to keep the rock submerged as much as possible. You could use sealable rubbermaid containers for that. If you have corals or fish, it becomes a bit more complicated, but not impossible. And most importantly, Welcome to RS! __________________ Terry 150g predator tank full of killers. Soon to be upgraded to a 360g. 450g reef 300g sump.

06-03-2008, 11:11 PM	#5 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 6,244 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System Welcome aboard! And Happy Pre-Birthday! That is definitely a hard call. When I bought my 30g used, it was all setup. I put everything in 5g buckets, covered in water. Drained the water down to just above the sand level and moved it that way. Was cloudy overnight, but didn't loose a thing. I say go for it. __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

06-04-2008, 01:01 AM	#8 (permalink)
vdituri Excellent Guesser :D Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Sacramento California Posts: 6,244 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System For me it was about 1 hr. Does the car have airconditioning to help maintain water temp? __________________ Victor ----- People come into our lives for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

06-04-2008, 08:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System Ya the car has A/C. If I do transport it, when I get there do I just put everything in the tank like normal or is there a different process?

06-04-2008, 10:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,433 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System Welcome and Happy Birthaday from a fellow Gemini. Personally I think I would wait. You only have time for the cycle before going back to school and moving it will likely cause some type of cycle. Moving it full will be a lot more difficult than moving it empty. Nothing good in this hobby happens quickly so you might as well get used to waiting. A 3 hr move wouldn't be too bad but I would move it myself and not trust the LFS to do it for me. Plus the shipping costs would be significant unless they are going to just drive it for you. I look forward to seeing pics as you progress. Nanos can be lots of fun while also a challenge. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

06-04-2008, 11:29 AM	#11 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System I would be shipping it myself. The tanks and all would be in the car with me. The lfs would only help me if I needed something living to be package...ie. Fish, Coral etc... I'm thinking about doing the cycle and putting everything in containers once im ready to go to school like some said about. I'm just afraid though that somewhere along the shipping process everything is going to get messed up. I'm leaning towards waiting but we shall see. Pictures will be coming very very soon. When I have some time tonight I am going to take some pictures of the scratched tank and hopefully on Friday have pictures of the new tank!!

06-04-2008, 11:29 AM	#12 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System Oh and thanks again for all the bday wishes

06-05-2008, 06:19 PM	#13 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System So I think I am going to start the tank when I get up to school. I think its for the best though. Because this is my first tank I think it would be too much trouble shipping it and all. So now it's time to start thinking about all the other equipment I need to get the tank started. What do you guys recommend regarding a protein skimmer? Should I get one or will weekly water changes do the job. Remember its only a 24 gallon tank so water changes shouldn't be too much of a hassle. If you do suggest a protein skimmer what kind should I get. Not the cheapest but also not the most expensive. If I was to get one I'm looking for one that will just do the job. Thanks in advance for all the help!

06-05-2008, 09:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
lcstorc Sunshine Reefer Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Cocoa Fl Posts: 26,433 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System While I always recommend a skimmer, there are not many that you can fit on the Aquapod. I believe there was a Saphire skimmer but I don't think they make it anymore. Jack would know for shure. I think it is wise to just start after you go back to school. I know it is tempting to start now but you would likely get a cycle after you moved it and have to start all over anyway. __________________ Peace LYNN Lynn and Franks saltwater adventure Lynn's 20g clown tank Lynn's 90g of sunshine Lynn's frag tank experiment A reef tank is like a race car. The faster you go the harder you crash.

06-07-2008, 01:11 AM	#15 (permalink)
AndtheBonus Plate Coral Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 775 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: My Aquapod: 24g's and an MH System So I got the tank today and no scratches or cracks (this time we looked at it before I took it home)! Great birthday present!! Pictures will be up tomorrow so I can document this step by step allllll the way.

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