View Full Version : Look what I just bought!!
Have I mentioned how much I looooove reef clubs lately?
60G acrylic tank like new 48x15x18 with overflow and returns as well as a capped off closed loop. Includes oak stand and plumbing $65
20G 24'' Glass sump drilled for a 1'' BH $15
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2328216704_fef6428bb7_o.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2327400059_c5eff1286e_o.jpg
wantvws
03-11-2008, 9:07 PM
Sweet. I really like the stand.
Sounds like a good deal....congrats. Whaddya gonna do with it?
Robbie
No idea.. I just couldn't pass up on the deal. I was thinking frag tank but my neighbor says I should set it up as my DT and use my 29G as my frag tank. It's not going to be setup overnight.. thats for sure. If I have 12 fish in my 29G now.. that means I can have 24 fish in the 60G right? j/k.
salty420
03-11-2008, 9:25 PM
holy crappin good deal ace!
If I have 12 fish in my 29G now.. that means I can have 24 fish in the 60G right? j/k.
wouldn't put it past you! :lipssealedsmilie:
nycsicktank
03-11-2008, 9:36 PM
what are you waiting for!! dump those sweet fishes in there already
AquatiCreations
03-11-2008, 9:41 PM
That is seriously awsome ACE you got a sweet deal on that bro.
If only the rest of us were so lucky.....
what are you waiting for!! dump those sweet fishes in there already
Naw.. I know better than that. Plus my fish are all happy where they are at the moment. Well.. at least not fighting. I would rather setup the 60G properly.. do a proper cycle on it, get everything dialed in, then I will start moving fish.
cliftonsinclair
03-11-2008, 9:49 PM
Can I have some of your luck
Should I rub it in? I just got 2 54w T5HOs with it AND a Iwaki MD40RLT return Pump for a grand total of...... $175! That is with the tank/stand/sump.
The pump alone on MarineDepot goes for $278.99 (http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~IK1143.html)!
40galreefman
03-11-2008, 10:00 PM
ace, slammin deal, wish i could comeupon somethin like that, saw a 55 with all accessories here for 65 bucks, but he sold it b4 the add made it to the classifieds, guess he was moving asap and dumped it cheap even had live rock and everything
Grins
03-11-2008, 10:16 PM
Fantastic deal! But psst you're not going to get a loggerhead turtle for it are you? <flee>
Ace25
03-11-2008, 10:17 PM
Huh? I don't even know what that is.. time to google.. brb.
Ahh, ok, nemo turtle.. nope.. Actually, I plan on returning and giving away a few of my fish and anemone and starting to go SPS.. now time to find a good deal on some MHs.. I think I saw some on my reef club for sale a few weeks back.. gotta see if they are still avail.
There we go.. 2x 250 watt HQI ballast $175 and Luminarc HQI double ended fixture. $60 each.
Grins
03-11-2008, 10:21 PM
ack, Nemo has taken over once again. l love the loggerheads but yeah too big for a home tank.
I didn't know you were thinking of returning some of the fish, good luck on the MH deal. I paid less than $150 for mine and that included new bulbs.
Ace25
03-11-2008, 10:27 PM
wow.. that is a great deal on lights. I haven't seen anything that cheap in my area yet.. but I just discovered reef clubs a few months ago and actually started the reef club in my area since there was nothing north of Santa Barbara. We had our second meeting on Sunday.. another meeting at a new LFS opening next month with the owner of Reef Nutrition coming to speak. It's really cool getting the club going from the ground up but definately a lot of work for one person.
Grins
03-11-2008, 10:28 PM
lol, why do you think I love my club so much?
WoodRight
03-12-2008, 12:29 AM
Wow those are some great deals. I was just talking to the GF about getting into a club so maybe we could find some lights and a skimmer for cheap but not cheap things.
WoodRight
03-12-2008, 12:31 AM
Huh? I don't even know what that is.. time to google.. brb.
<-------------<<
Ahh, ok, nemo turtle.. nope.. Actually, I plan on returning and giving away a few of my fish and anemone and starting to go SPS.. now time to find a good deal on some MHs.. I think I saw some on my reef club for sale a few weeks back.. gotta see if they are still avail.
There we go.. 2x 250 watt HQI ballast $175 and Luminarc HQI double ended fixture. $60 each.
That's funny by the way.
Ace25
03-12-2008, 12:32 AM
There always seems to be lighting for sale in my area. Skimmers are few and far between. I am going to hold out a little and see if something better comes along on lighting. I don't think I could ever match Grins deal though.. just the bulbs alone run $130 minimum.. I don't know how someone could sell ballast/fixture AND new bulbs for that cheap.. that is a once and a lifetime deal on lights. But if I could get one similar for $200-$250 I will be happy.
WoodRight
03-12-2008, 12:37 AM
Same here.
Mgamer20o0
03-12-2008, 12:40 AM
great deal
There always seems to be lighting for sale in my area. Skimmers are few and far between. I am going to hold out a little and see if something better comes along on lighting. I don't think I could ever match Grins deal though.. just the bulbs alone run $130 minimum.. I don't know how someone could sell ballast/fixture AND new bulbs for that cheap.. that is a once and a lifetime deal on lights. But if I could get one similar for $200-$250 I will be happy.
I'd not wait around for that kind of deal either. This guy is just really generous and loves the hobby and passing along good karma. he has come here and posted by the way.
Catpicklesdog
03-12-2008, 4:56 AM
Fantastic deal Ace. Look forward to the log on setting this one up:grinyes:
Reefscape
03-12-2008, 5:37 AM
Super deal ACE....i wish i could fall on some sweets deals.....i never seem to get anything cheap............................................. .......................................
Catpicklesdog
03-12-2008, 6:17 AM
Oh yeah:liar:, wasn't you that got a tank for 99p then
RLGirlPolo
03-12-2008, 7:47 AM
Awesome deal Ace...when your ready to aquascape let me know I'll give you some pointers...:grinyes:
RLGirlPolo
03-12-2008, 8:10 AM
OHH! and your puzzle is done...
blinxxpunk182
03-12-2008, 8:15 AM
now youve got me looking for reef clubs around me lol
WoodRight
03-12-2008, 8:18 AM
OHH! and your puzzle is done...
You just love starting trouble. I'm just glad it isn't with me as always. :O)
clown-lover
03-12-2008, 8:41 AM
Very cool deal Ace.. Nice find!
Awesome deal Ace...when your ready to aquascape let me know I'll give you some pointers...:grinyes:
LOL.. I have seen your pointers.. I think I will pass on anthing doing with pointing and rocks when it involves you. ;)
RLGirlPolo
03-12-2008, 9:08 AM
Alright...but if you change your mind just holla...lol
WoodRight
03-12-2008, 9:23 AM
LOL sorry honey that was funny. LOL
Ace25
03-12-2008, 11:29 AM
So.. I am open to ideas.. I still don't have any hard set plans. The new tank is already drilled/setup for a reef tank so I guess I am probably going to go that route eventually. But now I am thinking of what to do with the 29G that I have all setup. I really don't want 2 full reef tanks going.
Frag tank is one idea.. cheap, easy, already setup for it. Again though, I really don't want 2 seperate SW setups. Maybe if I could tie both tanks into one sump it would be easier.
Planted FW is another.. planted wasn't really an option when I first got into aquariums and I left the FW world a long time ago, but seeing planted tanks in recent years makes me want to have one.
Reptile tank yet another idea.. I liked Got2envy's setup (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143785) I saw in the pics area. I have always wanted small turtles though but have stayed away because of no knowledge about them at all. I am not just jumping into something like turtles without doing a lot of research first. I am sure a 29G is way to small for any turtle though.. so back to frogs/lizards to consider.
Grins
03-12-2008, 11:31 AM
Octopus! Come on Fluffy needs a penpal.
Ace25
03-12-2008, 11:37 AM
Why not just go all the way and get a blue whale.. I think I can cram a baby one into my 29G if I push real hard. ;)
Serious note .. how about Seahorses/pipefish?
Grins
03-12-2008, 12:08 PM
Depends how high it is. I've thought about turning my 20g high into just that.
Ace25
03-12-2008, 12:11 PM
18" tall.. probably not tall enough. I think I will get a 45 hex down the road for just a seahorse tank.
Amphiprion
03-12-2008, 12:17 PM
Shoot for at least 3x the height of the largest seahorse you will purchase--this includes tail length.
Ace25
03-12-2008, 12:27 PM
Good to know.. thanks! That rules out the 29G for a seahorse tank.
Since I never setup a frag tank, is it safe to assume you don't need a skimmer if your not housing fish in it? Just a very small CUC. I would like to use my Remora on the 60G. Sump/Fuge will still be used on the 29G.
Grins
03-12-2008, 12:43 PM
Personally I'd put a fish in a frag tank and not run a skimmer. You'd end up with a nutrient rich tank which is not neccessarily a bad thing for SPS growth. I know of awesome frag tanks with even tangs in them to encourage the growth with fish poop. Damsels make great little frag tank fish as well. I'd not put a filefish in one of course. :)
Ace25
03-12-2008, 12:54 PM
Well, damsels are never going into any of my tanks again... They just don't deserve my care for being such little _____. Frag tank will be bare bottom with egg crate shelves mounted inside. So sandsifting gobies and firefish are also out of the question.
I dunno, I really wasn't planning on putting fish in it so I never thought of what would go good. Obviously I am not putting any tang in the 29G or even the 60G. Angels too nippy. Wrasse.. maybe. Blenny.. to nippy. I don't think I could put a clown in one as they seem to like to push things around. Not sure about the Flamehawk.. I always wanted one, but not sure in a frag tank. May sit on corals all day long and smother them. Clown gobies are definately out of the question... SPS killers I am finding out.
This is why the damsel might be a good idea. =) You're not talking about them getting along with other reef life. They'd be there to do a job.
I know, what about a few cardinals? Or green chromis?
Catpicklesdog
03-12-2008, 2:01 PM
Get a couple of bangaiis and see if you can breed them. You could also put some frags in there as well as bangaiis don't move around much.
If (and I mean if) I can get my cardinals into my 34 gal it still won't have a skimmer on it. With just 2 fish it's a pretty low bioload. At the moment only Titch is in there and he doesn't put out much of a load (so to speak):grinyes:
Do you think 2 or 3 would be better? What would the 3rd one do if 2 mated? I know people keep cardinals by themselves, but everything I have read indicates they like groups of 3 or more. 3 would be my limit if having 3 meants a happier fish than 2. I have never kept cardinals before and I knew my current setup wasn't ideal for them, even if I had a lot less fish. Just the layout isn't good for cardinals so I never tried.
salty420
03-12-2008, 3:49 PM
Clown gobies are definately out of the question... SPS killers I am finding out.
what what what? they are? tell me more...
oh and i think a pair of bangaii's would be great in a frag tank!
Clown gobies, aka, Coral Crouchers.. they sit on SPS corals all the time, restricting SPS polyps from extending. My green slimer has a branch that is almost completely dead/bleached from the clown goby sitting on it. The other branches that he leaves alone look great.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2329886030_4145f5c8bc.jpg
The fish I will be getting rid of are:
Clown Goby - SPS killer
Maroon Clown - Mr. Grumpy.. I want happy
Lawnmower Blenny - nip nip nip on my clove polyps. common fish
Cherub Pygmy Angel - nippy against xenias, very common fish as well
Engineer Goby - waaaay to big. Cool guy but I have had enough
Debating on the coris wrasse.. it is outgrowing my 29G and I was close to taking him back but now that I have this 60 I am reconsidering this fish.
Anemone going back with the clown as well. It was fun for 5 years.. but time to head in another direction.
Catpicklesdog
03-12-2008, 4:46 PM
I reckon 2 cardinals rather than 3 from the research I've done on them. If you have 3 and out of that 3 you get a mated pair, then the mated pair often chase and nip conspecifics. Subordinate individuals will end up dead or cowering in the corners. Same reason why I wouldn't recomend chromis unless you can get a really large group. I started with 15 and I'm down to 9!!!
Cardinals would appreciate some rock though, which you could stack as frag rack, and still give them places to hide.
Can't believe you have a nippy Lawnmower blenny, agreed they're common, but darn cute and full of character!!
Can't blame you for getting rid of the maroon, I have a yellow striped maroon and sh'es a real **&&$ but she was a present (I chose her!!).
That is a shame, the lawnmower would have been great in a frag tank.
clown-lover
03-12-2008, 8:05 PM
Thats a shame that such damage has been done to such a beautiful coral. Thanks for making it known that they could damage a coral.
salty420
03-12-2008, 8:59 PM
wow looks like the clown goby is off my list... *starts a new list yet again*
Ace25
03-18-2008, 11:47 PM
Update.. got my quote for my new tank.. so the debate continues.
New 57G tank. 30"x22"x20". $225 for tank with center overflow/dual returns or $295 with front pane glass made with Starphire glass.
So what should I do? LOL. I have this 60G tank I just bought as well.
I am now thinking new 57G glass tank will be my DT replacing the 29G tank and I will use the 60G as my frag tank. My thinking behind this is I already have the setup/lighting for my DT. I only have 2 54w T5HOs for my 60G. If I made the 60G my DT I would put MHs on it, but I don't want to go MHs due to power bill (it is already $400/mo). The 60G tank is also just a few inches deeper than my 29G, same height, 18", and 4' long. The idea of a deep, more cube like tank sounds more appealing than a long skinny one. I wasn't planning on putting a tang in any tank, or any other fish requiring a lot of swimming room because I know neither tank is suitable for that.
My current plan is putting 6 80w T5HO lights on my 60G (by using Icecap ballasts) and that should be enough for a nice frag tank. I will place 3 levels of crating so I can put SPS frags at the very top, and also have room to have LPS frags as well as plenty of zoas/mushroom/leather areas. I should be able to have LPS on one side of the tank and SPS on the other.. the softies can be down on the lower shelves.
Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do if this was your decision? Do you think the extra $70 for a Starphire front pane is worth the extra cost? Looking for any ideas since I am still in the planning phase of my next huge leap in reef keeping.
kcress
03-19-2008, 4:42 AM
Sapphire for shore!!
I mean what is the point of a tank but to look thru...
Grins
03-19-2008, 11:46 AM
I'd go with the Starphire too. The $70 will make a big difference in this case.
Ace25
03-19-2008, 11:59 AM
So I have been told. But if you google it you will see from first hand experience that there is ZERO difference between normal glass and Starphire until you reach around 1" of thickness. When we are talking 3/8" glass I really don't know how much of a difference it would really make. That is my only concern.. why pay an additional $70 for something not even I will notice? Every example I find shows 1" glass samples like this one below, and everyone says they will only use Starphire on their "large" tanks and keep the smaller ones normal because there is no difference. Just an FYI, a 240G tank uses 3/4" glass.. how big of a tank do you need for you to require 1" thick glass?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2096/2345100465_f9fbb755c6.jpg?v=0
Grins
03-19-2008, 12:01 PM
Oh, I hadn't considered that. Can you buff out Starphire though? Because there are times where I wish I could buff out the scratches my dogs have put on the glass.
Amphiprion
03-19-2008, 1:12 PM
My current plan is putting 6 80w T5HO lights on my 60G (by using Icecap ballasts) and that should be enough for a nice frag tank. I will place 3 levels of crating so I can put SPS frags at the very top, and also have room to have LPS frags as well as plenty of zoas/mushroom/leather areas. I should be able to have LPS on one side of the tank and SPS on the other.. the softies can be down on the lower shelves.
Does this sound like a good plan? What would you do if this was your decision? Do you think the extra $70 for a Starphire front pane is worth the extra cost? Looking for any ideas since I am still in the planning phase of my next huge leap in reef keeping.
Why would you put 80w lamps on it? That is 12" of wasted light and filled space. If you go the 6-54 watt route, you will have far more than enough light to keep anything. I have that on my 75 now, but I'll probably add 2 more overdriven tubes, making 8 overdriven (time to break out the sunglasses).
As far as Starphire goes, there are several things to consider. It is very clear, without that greenish tinge. It also is much softer than glass with iron in it, making it scratch easier. Honestly, I'm not sure about the buffing part, but I'm sure there is some way to even out scratches.
Huh? What are you talking about? What is the difference between 6-80w T5HOs and 6-54w T5HO's? They are the same 4' bulb.. just the ballast differ. That was the reason I stated (by using Icecap ballasts).
Amphiprion
03-19-2008, 5:38 PM
Huh? What are you talking about? What is the difference between 6-80w T5HOs and 6-54w T5HO's? They are the same 4' bulb.. just the ballast differ. That was the reason I stated (by using Icecap ballasts).
Actually, they overdrive to 85 watts. They actually make a 5' 80w T5 tube. That is what I thought you were talking about, which is why I was questioning it. Just say overdriven... it confuses me otherwise :confused:.:wall:
clown-lover
03-19-2008, 5:47 PM
I don't know Ace.. With GlassCages larger tanks I have heard horror stories about the lack of support, breakage and a lot of other things that really make me leery of their tanks in general. I don't know if something as small as a 57 gallon would be as bad as some of the stuff that I've heard from a couple of local reefers who have owned and ended up with 300 gallons on their floor... I have looked at the starfire glass as well and like you stated I have also read that it doesn't make a big difference in anything under 1" thick glass. But then all of this is second and third hand knowledge, none of it is first hand.
LOL, I am not buying from them, that was just a google search photo I found. I looked at a 400G reef tank with Starphire and I do think it looked much better.. but that was 1" thick glass. Even the LFS couldn't show me one tank that had less than 1" for the Starphire pane. But they kept insisting it will make the lights look brighter and the colors better.. but they are salesman first and foremost so that is why I am researching it myself before ordering.
Actually, they overdrive to 85 watts. They actually make a 5' 80w T5 tube. That is what I thought you were talking about, which is why I was questioning it. Just say overdriven... it confuses me otherwise :confused:.:wall:
Ooops, my mistake then, I didn't go back and look at the exact wattage for overdriven 4' bulbs.. I remembered 80 something watts so I just said 80 so no one jumped me if I went over. LOL. I didn't realize they made 5' 80w bulbs.. now I see where you were coming from. Ya, I agree, that would be really dumb to do.