Greg's Return to Salt

[GregAW]

Well, it's been 30+ years since I had a salt water aquarium and I know things have greatly changed since then, so here I am, looking for all the good advice I can glean in setting up a new (to me) 55 gal. reef tank. I know I will be doing a lot of reading on this forum and will more than likely get more confused as I go along. So please bear with me when I ask dumb questions.

I guess you can call this the Diary of Greg's 55. I'll be taking lots of photos from the time I get the equipment home until it's up and running and more.

I'm not sure what all is coming with this set up but I do know the guy I bought it from had it set up as a marine aquarium but it's been sett stagnate for the last 2 months. I figure the first thing I'll do is do a really good bleach job on the tank just to make sure I kill off anything bad that might do harm to a new build. When I get the inventory I'll post a list here.

I think this thread will grow over time. I would like to get away from anything hanging over the sides and just run pipe through the glass to whatever I need in the bottom of the stand.

Thanks Greg

[journey0820]

Hey Greg...congrats and welcome!

[GregAW]

Thanks, now if I can just pull this off. LOL

[Ace25]

First bit of advice, I would go with vinegar instead of bleach to clean out the tank when you get it.

[GregAW]

Thanks for that advice. What mix would you suggest? I just want to make sure that I kill anything that would be harmful later on down the road. I guess so I would be starting out as clean as possible.

[GregAW]

For starters, I know there is a bag of Instant Ocean's salt mix, will this do to get things started? Also, what or where can I find a refractometer for a good price online? And which brand is acceptable?

[Ace25]

Instant Ocean is fine for the initial cycle and for Fish Only tank, but once you start to add corals you will want to change to a more "reef friendly" salt. I use OceanPure Pro salt but many people on here use Reef Crystals. You just have to check the Calcium and Magnesium levels of the saltmix whichever brand you try.

Refractor, MarineDepot usually has them for around $45. Definately a must have piece of equipment if you ask me.

As for the cleaning, I use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, use a plastic scrubber (like a brillo pad but made of orange/yellow plastic) and it gets a tank clean pretty quickly with a little elbo grease. Rinse very good when done cleaning.. I would just leave a garden hose going in the tank on the lawn for an hour or so to flush it out good when your done scrubbing.

[GregAW]

Thanks Ace25, That MarineDepot seems to have everything. The Reef Crystals they have is by Instant Ocean. The refractor is $49.99 but if it's what's needed. Since you have good luck with the OceanPure brand I guess I'll take the advice of someone who is successful and use the same products. I guess the next thing I'll need is something to cover the bottom with. Niko told me that live sand is a waste of money and that CaribSea Reef Sand is cheaper and works great, but then I find there are a dozen different types to choose from. HELP!

I found live rock here locally. Cured Sumatra Premium Live Rock, which is porous, lightweight, and comes in excellent shapes. It is also covered in coralline algae $2.50 to $4.00 a pound. Is this a good buy?

[Ace25]

Ya, those are good prices for cured live rock.

The only difference between regular "Instant Ocean" salt and Reef Crystals is the company (yes, Instant Ocean makes both salts) adds Calcium and Magnesium to the Reef Crystals salt.

As for the bottom, that is something everyone has to decide themselves. My only suggestion is if you want just the sand look on the bottom, stay around 1" deep, if you want the sand to "work" for you by removing nitrates, go at least 6" deep (I went this route, but it does take a lot of room to do and isn't for everyone). Stay away from crushed coral or larger sizes of sand. I went with 4 50lb bags of sugar sized aragonite for my sandbed. "Live" sand is a waste of $ IMO. It isn't truely live.. just dead sand with water and bacteria added to it. You can get a bottle of bacteria much cheaper than a bag of live sand and it will do the same thing.

The color of the sand you want, the look, if you want to mix say a size 0 and a size 2 sand to get a texture, stuff like that is up to each person. I paid $39.99 per 50lb bag of aragonite sand where a 10lb bag of "Live" sand is $29.99 around here.

[GregAW]

Where are you buying your supplies?

[Ace25]

I either get my supplies from MarineDepot or at the LFS I work at. I got my tank, lighting, sand, and livestock at the LFS but most of the other equipment like return pump/closed loop pump, skimmer, phosban reactor, media from MarineDepot.

[GregAW]

What is LSF?

[Ace25]

LFS = Local Fish Store

[GregAW]

LFS = Local Fish Store

Never mind me, I'm still learning the jargon. :help: I only know of one here that might carry the stuff but they are a high dollar store. I may be able to find some new ones that aren't listed.

[GregAW]

Well, everything is now home. It's a standard 55 gal tank. It is very dirty so a good cleaning is in order, for sure. Photos to follow as I unpack everything. Some things I'll have to ask you to help identify and tell me if I should use this stuff or chage out to something better.

Stay Tuned!!

[GregAW]

Well, folks, I got the stuff sort of sorted out and here are some photo of the stuff I picked up. I may not have gotten a good deal after all. $200.00 First thing I have to do is get the aquarium unstuck from the base. The guy painted the base cabinet and then set the aquarium on before the paint was completely dry.

Photos are:
1. The bottom gravel, about 3 gallons
2. 200 Watt heater
3. Dirty tank 1
4. Dirty tank 2
5. two hang over the back filters. I'd like to change from these. Suggestions?
6. Hydrometer
7. One 402 power head. Should I change this or just add another?
8. Instant Ocean Marine Salt mix. full bag and a partial.
9. Misc. Lava rock and that UN-GODLY painted artificial crap.

I think I need to figure out a better way of including photos. :help:

[GregAW]

Well, I guess I'm talking to myself and walking myself through this stuff. So here we go...

1. The bottom media might be nice to have but I thin I need more.
2. The 200 watt heater may or may not be enough, only testing will tell.
3 & 4. Well, I've decided to go with the strong bleach and run it in then go from there. The tank was so dirty and it looks like it was once a fresh water set up, so I want to kill everything. One good thing, there are no leaks! I got lucky.
5. I figured this out, they are Marineland Emperor 280's, Should be good to get this thing set up and running. 560 GPH turnover rate total.
6. Will be replacing this with a refactory.
7. The power head, IS IT BIG ENOUGH?
8. Will use to cycle the system
9. Not at all sure of this.

[brackeeper75]

I would not use the Crushed coral type of substrate(bottom gravel) it will do nothing for you but raise the nitrates. Go with an aquarium sand sugar sized it looks more natural and will be more beneficial in the end

Buy live rock it will pay off, I promise!
If you use live rock you can just use some power heads and a good skimmer for filtration, you will not need those filers.

Are you keeping corals or just fish?
Any other questions?

[brackeeper75]

Don't use bleach use vinegar.

[Gangstafish]

For future reference do you have a Petsmart near you? If you do ditch the heater,and go online to Petsmart.com and print out the stealth 200 watt heater for $20.00. Go to Petsmart with printout and they will match their online price in the store. Same with salt. Are you going Reef or Fish Only With Liverock? Those filters could be used. In saltwater you need filtration that can turn the tank over 10x an hour. My suggestion is get your hands on as much info you can and read. It's alot different than it was thirty years ago. i know I am from that era. It's alot easier to keep the animals alive now.

[GregAW]

I would not use the Crushed coral type of substrate(bottom gravel) it will do nothing for you but raise the nitrates. Go with an aquarium sand sugar sized it looks more natural and will be more beneficial in the end

Buy live rock it will pay off, I promise!
If you use live rock you can just use some power heads and a good skimmer for filtration, you will not need those filers.

Are you keeping corals or just fish?
Any other questions?

Well, as I stated above, this was just a buy off Cragislist. Maybe I didn't save anything and have a lot of stuff that should just go in the garbage can. Oh well, live and learn. I have to see what's available in the sand you talk about. Pet Smart has something called CaribSea Aragonite Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand in 40 lb bags. I'm still trying to figure out that protein skimmer, how they work and where you place them. I'd like to take as much of the equipment out of sight and in the stand as possible.

I forgot to mention this also has the full bottom filter. Should I keep that or ditch it too?

I'll get another power head for water movement. This 402 pumps about 270 GPH. I can get live rock for $250 - $4.00 a pound.

I hope to have a mixed animal aquarium when I'm all set up and running.

Thansk for your input.

[GregAW]

Don't use bleach use vinegar.

What is the drawback of using bleach?

[GregAW]

For future reference do you have a Petsmart near you? If you do ditch the heater,and go online to Petsmart.com and print out the stealth 200 watt heater for $20.00. Go to Petsmart with printout and they will match their online price in the store. Same with salt. Are you going Reef or Fish Only With Liverock? Those filters could be used. In saltwater you need filtration that can turn the tank over 10x an hour. My suggestion is get your hands on as much info you can and read. It's alot different than it was thirty years ago. i know I am from that era. It's alot easier to keep the animals alive now.

Yup, I do have a Pet Smart close by. I was looking at the heaters and it's was funny, on the web site the 250 watt is cheaper than the 200. Go figure that one out. LOL I can get live rock at a pretty good price but I'm not close to needing that yet. If I use the 2 filters I have I can get something like 560 gph turnover rate. With another power head I can get 540 gph of water flow. What are you using for a thermometer? I sure don't want to chill or cook whatever I put in there. I've been reading through this and a couple of other forums to gain all the knowledge I can before I even think about placing this tank and setting it up. Thanks for your information.

[brackeeper75]

Well, as I stated above, this was just a buy off Cragislist. Maybe I didn't save anything and have a lot of stuff that should just go in the garbage can. Oh well, live and learn. I have to see what's available in the sand you talk about. Pet Smart has something called CaribSea Aragonite Seaflor Special Grade Reef Sand in 40 lb bags. I'm still trying to figure out that protein skimmer, how they work and where you place them. I'd like to take as much of the equipment out of sight and in the stand as possible.

I forgot to mention this also has the full bottom filter. Should I keep that or ditch it too?

I'll get another power head for water movement. This 402 pumps about 270 GPH. I can get live rock for $250 - $4.00 a pound.

I hope to have a mixed animal aquarium when I'm all set up and running.

Thansk for your input.

Ditch the undergravel filer it wont work with sand. You don't need to buy the live sand just get some dry argonite sand, sugar size looks best and most natural in my opinion. If you go with live rock you would not need to se a filter, you would just have to make sure you have 10X turnover using powerheads. If you wanted to use the hang on the back filters for flow just don't put any media in them. As far as using live rock for filtration the general consensus is 1 pound per gallon of both rock and sand. So looking at 55 lbs of live rock and 55 lbs of sand. Do you have a sump in the stand? I could help talk you through getting a sump set up in the stand to hold your heater, and skimmer, however this is not necessary, as you could just buy a hang on the back skimmer. If you click on my link in my signature you can see the sump I created for under 100 bucks for my 75.

[brackeeper75]

What is the drawback of using bleach?

If you don't get it rinsed properly and thoroughly this could cause your tank to fail from the beginning, not a risk I would be willing to take.

[brackeeper75]

Skimmers remove dissolved organic nutrients from the water, before the nitrogen cycle is allowed to convert them. Nitrogen cycle= from ammonia to nitrites to nitrates. Ammonia converted to nitrite and then to nitrate buy the beneficial bacteria in the live rock. Nitrate however must be removed by water changes. So in theory the skimmer removes the organics prior to being converted = less nitrates in the end because less to be converted by bacteria. Skimmers mix micro-bubbles with the water. The organics stick to the bubbles and are pushed up into a collection cup thus removing them from the water. In my collection cup I have to empty daily about a 1/2 cup of coffee looking junk that the skimmer has removed from the water. Once again inf you look in my pics you can see the skimmer full of nasty.

[GregAW]

The only pet store I have close is Pet Smart and they have CaribSea Aragonite Seaflor reef sand. Will that work? They also have live sand. I can get another 402 power head and that should turn the water more than 10x an hour. I have no sump at this time. If I can hide everything as much as possible in the stand I would really like to do that. I could then set the tank closer to the wall. You've got some nice looking fish there. Maybe one of these months/years I can be up to that level.

What skimmer will hang on the back? I'm headed out to Pet SMart for another power head and some sand in about an hour. What else should I look at? Thermometer? Hydrometer? I'll get a new heater while I'm there.

[brackeeper75]

Live sand will work it is just a lot more costly. Any argonite sand will be fine.
i would order the skimmer online, as it is not necessary to get the tank cycling. i will look up a few for you.
Remember when you get a skimmer that you get what you pay for. Cheap is not always a good thing. I would make sure I got a skimmer that was capable of doing at least 110 gallon tnak. I would get my sand water and live rock in first keep good flow but do not use filter media as it will not be necessary. The tank will be very cloudly for the first 2-3 days while waiting for the sand to settle this is normal, dont worry. I use the aqua medic Turbo Flotor 1000 Multi SL, it can be used as a hang on the back, or in a sump, I bought mine online for 199.00 i had to shop around a little to find it, but they usually sell around 230.00 and include the pump. The good thing about them is that if you decide to build a sump eventually, you can change it and still use it down there. You would not need to buy another one. When thinking about the price, remember a little more money now will save you in the long run.

[GregAW]

Well, I guess I'll get the thing set up and running and then worry about the skimmer at a later date. I did a search for that skimmer and the cheapest I could find was $21.95 + shipping. eBay!

[brackeeper75]

Well, I guess I'll get the thing set up and running and then worry about the skimmer at a later date. I did a search for that skimmer and the cheapest I could find was $21.95 + shipping. eBay!

Is it a bid for a used one?
No livestock until your cycle is complete!!!

[GregAW]

I think it was a Buy It Now price. eBay Item number: 190228971904. I also found the Pet Smart online is cheaper and have larger quantities of the sand.

[brackeeper75]

Not a bad deal. It works great for me!

[Gangstafish]

Yup, I do have a Pet Smart close by. I was looking at the heaters and it's was funny, on the web site the 250 watt is cheaper than the 200. Go figure that one out. LOL I can get live rock at a pretty good price but I'm not close to needing that yet. If I use the 2 filters I have I can get something like 560 gph turnover rate. With another power head I can get 540 gph of water flow. What are you using for a thermometer? I sure don't want to chill or cook whatever I put in there. I've been reading through this and a couple of other forums to gain all the knowledge I can before I even think about placing this tank and setting it up. Thanks for your information.You're right I meant the 250watt.

[Gangstafish]

This is my tank with the live sand from petsmart.pics

[GregAW]

What size in your tank?

[Ace25]

The skimmer is one of the most important pieces to any saltwater aquarium. No matter if you are doing Fish only or Reef, I would highly recommend you getting the best skimmer you can afford. If I could afford a $1000 skimmer I would have one. IMO if it cost less than $150 it is junk. Even ones in the $150-$250 range are on the low end of acceptable skimmers.

But like already said, it isn't something you need to get your tank going. Get the tank up and running and cycling for 30 days or so without any fish, get a few pieces of live rock if you have a LFS around you just to get your sand starting to seed with bacteria.

As far as flow, those HOB filters you have will work but I also suggest you looking into replacing them with some type of canister filter down the road. Ideally you would go with a sump setup but a canister works fine for a fish only. Also, for cheap powerheads I always recommend Koralias, and advise against Rio's or Maxijet's. I would put at least one Koralia3 in your tank along with the 2 HOB (Hang on Back) filters you currently have. That should be enough flow for a fish only tank but you could always add another Koralia3 if you think you need some more.

[Slappy*McFish]

I agree with Ace. A good skimmer would really be all the filtration you'd need granted you have plenty of LR and sand as your biofilter. Don't be afraid to spend some money on this piece of equipment. It will greatly improve your water quality and overall tank health.

[GregAW]

Ace, What do you think of this skimmer, Coralife Super Skimmer-Needle Wheel-220 Gallon skimmer? Would it be enough for my 55? I've been thinking about a sump but not sure of size since my cabinet space is somewhat limited, 12" D x 21" H x 47" L typical 55 gal stand, standard glass 55 gal tank. How good do the Koralias stick to the glass? I have one of the 402 power heads. I'm headed towards a reef tank but that may have to wait until I get a bigger tank.

[GregAW]

I agree with Ace. A good skimmer would really be all the filtration you'd need granted you have plenty of LR and sand as your biofilter. Don't be afraid to spend some money on this piece of equipment. It will greatly improve your water quality and overall tank health.

I can get living rock for $2.50 - $4.00 a pound. I was thinking about getting 40# of LS and 80# of Aragonite reef sand for the bottom. I don't hink this 55 will allow me to put in 6" deep though.

[Ace25]

I wouldn't go with the Coralife skimmer. Not good enough for me. Just my opinion, but I think the AquaC Remora is the lowest end skimmer anyone should use. Slightly better than the Coralife IMO but still definately on the low end as far as skimmers go.

For a sump, you may be able to fit a standard 29G tank under your stand and use as a sump. May have to go down to a 20G, but either way that is a much better option. Again though, not something needed to get your tank going and adding a sump is a process so just something to think about for now. You have to get an overflow box (which can run around $100 for a good one) as well as a return pump, which is another $75-$125 for a good pump.

I wouldn't go with a 6" DSB in a 55G. I designed my tank to allow for a DSB in my tank, but I definately wouldn't say that because I did it, it is something everyone should do. I know I am in a minority group by putting a DSB in my display tank. If you can fit a 29G tank under your stand it is possible to make a 6" DSB in a "refugium" area of the sump. I would skip the Live Sand all together, waste of $, and just go with the 80# (MAX, may even think of only 40-50#) of dry aragonite. Couple tips on dry sand, rinse thoroughly, I put it in a trashcan and ran a garden hose on it for 8+ hours letting it overflow to rinse the sand, but I have read you can rinse faster by putting sand in a pillow case and rinsing the sand in that. IMO, you want either 1-2" max of sand in a display tank for the sand looks, or go deep, 6"+ to get the benefits of sand. If you go with a depth of 2-6" the sand just sucks up nutrients and can't break it down. I call that depth of sand a nutrient sponge as it seems to do more harm than good over time.

If you can put in 50# of live rock in the beginning that will really help. If you can get 110# of live rock you can do away with your filters all together and just run a skimmer because the rock will do the same filtration as your hang on back filters.

[GregAW]

I wouldn't go with the Coralife skimmer. Not good enough for me. Just my opinion, but I think the AquaC Remora is the lowest end skimmer anyone should use. Slightly better than the Coralife IMO but still definately on the low end as far as skimmers go.

Ace, What do you think about this skimmer? AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer With Mag-Drive 3 Pump flow rate of 350 gph


For a sump, you may be able to fit a standard 29G tank under your stand and use as a sump. May have to go down to a 20G, but either way that is a much better option. Again though, not something needed to get your tank going and adding a sump is a process so just something to think about for now. You have to get an overflow box (which can run around $100 for a good one) as well as a return pump, which is another $75-$125 for a good pump.

What is an overflow box and where do I look for one and will I need one for sure?


I wouldn't go with a 6" DSB in a 55G. I designed my tank to allow for a DSB in my tank, but I definately wouldn't say that because I did it, it is something everyone should do. I know I am in a minority group by putting a DSB in my display tank. If you can fit a 29G tank under your stand it is possible to make a 6" DSB in a "refugium" area of the sump. I would skip the Live Sand all together, waste of $, and just go with the 80# (MAX, may even think of only 40-50#) of dry aragonite. Couple tips on dry sand, rinse thoroughly, I put it in a trashcan and ran a garden hose on it for 8+ hours letting it overflow to rinse the sand, but I have read you can rinse faster by putting sand in a pillow case and rinsing the sand in that. IMO, you want either 1-2" max of sand in a display tank for the sand looks, or go deep, 6"+ to get the benefits of sand. If you go with a depth of 2-6" the sand just sucks up nutrients and can't break it down. I call that depth of sand a nutrient sponge as it seems to do more harm than good over time.

I'll get 2 bags of the Aragonite sand then, that equals 80# is less costly. I knew to rinse the sand. I had always rinsed everything before I put it in a tank. Too much dust.


If you can put in 50# of live rock in the beginning that will really help. If you can get 110# of live rock you can do away with your filters all together and just run a skimmer because the rock will do the same filtration as your hang on back filters.

I'll just figure on getting the 110# of live rock and be done with that and then add in 2 or 4 of the Koralia power heads. Any suggestions as to what size I need? Thanks!

[Gangstafish]

Two Koralia 4's should be plenty. The Remora with the Mag3 should be fine also. Easy maintainence on that protein skimmer.

[Slappy*McFish]

I use that skimmer on my 75G, does a great job.

[GregAW]

Ok, I'm sold on the skimmer and the 2 Koralia 4's Maybe I can clean up this 55 and make it into something with out a lot of crap hanging off the back.

Marine Depot will like me. :)

[Gangstafish]

Technically all you need is the Liverock,Protein Skimmer,and the two Koralias. Berlin System. No wetdry,cannisters,or HOB's (hang on back).

[GregAW]

The skimmer I mentioned above is a HOB type. Maybe I should think about something else?

[Ace25]

No, that skimmer is fine. You want HOB style for now, that comment they were referring to no HOB filters, not that skimmer. You can even use it HOB style on a sump if you decide to go that route later on. With 110# of rock, a little sand, and that skimmer, 2 powerheads (personally I would go with 2 of the Koralia 3's, not the 4's on a 55G), cheap light, and heater and that is really all you need to get a Fish Only sw tank going.

Keep in mind, 110# of Live rock adds up to a pretty penny. With live rock you want small-medium size pieces with just a couple large ones for the base. Put the rock down before you place the sand. Look for rock that is porous, lots of holes and stuff for tiny critters to live in.

Oh ya, and the koralias are held on by magnets from the outside of the tank so they always stay put unlike some other powerheads.

[GregAW]

Ace, you got that right, I figure about $400.00 for the 110# of LR. I hope to make this more than just fish only. Not much more but I do like some of the stuff you've been adding. I've been reading your build on here and your forum as well. Nice job. Maybe I should package this stuff all up and sell it as a fresh water aquarium and go look for something bigger.

[Ace25]

Your definately limited on what fish you can keep in a 55, especially if you put in 110# of rock. Most people don't like to fill up the tank with rock because they want to give swimming room for the fish, so they usually go with 1lb per gallon and suppliment that with a filter of some sort, either HOB or canister. That is probably the route I would go as well, you can get a good canister filter for the price of 55# of rock and that will give you more room in the tank. I still wouldn't put any tang in a tank that small, but you could have plenty of other smaller fish.

[GregAW]

Well, Like I said above, I could just package this 55 and all that come with it and sell it and then look for something in the 120 gal size. That should give me some room to work with.

[GregAW]

How long will live sand last in the bag? I've found one heck of a bargan but don't want to get it if it's going to be dead by the time I can set up the aquarium.

[Ace25]

I still wouldn't buy it even if it is a good deal. If you want to make some live sand which I think is even better than store bought, just use the dry aragonite you buy, rinse good, and put in a large container like a rubbermaid. Fill up the container with the rinsed sand and fill it with freshly made saltwater from that bag of salt you have. Fill it up to about 6" above the surface of the sand, put in a powerhead and heater, and use some Superbac (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18574/si3327005/cl0/superbaclivenitrifyingbacteriasaltwater16oz), stick outside in the sun for a couple days and you will make all your sand into "Live" sand.

That is all they do when you buy a bag of live sand, it is dead sand they fill up with saltwater and bacteria and sell it as "Live" sand. It isn't really sand pulled from the ocean, though you would expect it to be for the cost of the stuff.

[GregAW]

I still wouldn't buy it even if it is a good deal. If you want to make some live sand which I think is even better than store bought, just use the dry aragonite you buy, rinse good, and put in a large container like a rubbermaid. Fill up the container with the rinsed sand and fill it with freshly made saltwater from that bag of salt you have. Fill it up to about 6" above the surface of the sand, put in a powerhead and heater, and use some Superbac (http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18574/si3327005/cl0/superbaclivenitrifyingbacteriasaltwater16oz), stick outside in the sun for a couple days and you will make all your sand into "Live" sand.

That is all they do when you buy a bag of live sand, it is dead sand they fill up with saltwater and bacteria and sell it as "Live" sand. It isn't really sand pulled from the ocean, though you would expect it to be for the cost of the stuff.

The good deal was from a LFS that is going out of business and he advertised 50# bag for $10.00 He hasn't called back and the store was dark, so I'll try something else. It sounds easy enough... But I may as well just get the 80# of dry Aragonite and get things going that way. What's your favorite way of starting a new tank?

[GregAW]

I finally got the guy on the phone and met him at the store and picked up some base rock/live rock, for 50 cents a pound, whatever base/live rock is. It did show some little critters on it but I don't think it's really what I want for show rock. I'll take some photos later on and post them. He gave me some live sand and said it would be a good seed starter. I could have picked up another 55 tank that had been bottom drilled and the bulkhead fitting was installed for $25.00 but my wife would have killed me so I passed. He had a double Halogen light fixture with a power supply to rival just about anything I had ever seen for a home lighting system. It was about 18" x 6" x 4" and he wanted $200.00 for that. Once again, my wife would have killed me on that one. :) The store had pretty much picked over and not anything worth bring home was left.

Now to making room for the tank to be placed... Only to have to move it again later on when the new flooring goes in. At least it'll be up and cycling in.

[GregAW]

I've been thinking about painting the back glass black or very dark blue, any suggestions as to what kind of paint to use and the glass prep?

[brackeeper75]

it will do the same thing and grow just as pretty over time.

[GregAW]

I think I need to get more. He only had 18 or 20 pounds. I can hardly wait to get this thing set up and ready to rock and roll.

[Ace25]

I just used 90% rubbing alcohol to clean the back of the glass then used a latex paint to paint the glass with a foam roller. Worked out very well. One tip I got from this forum was once you have painted the back of the tank and let dry for at least 24hrs, use the blue painters tape and cover the entire back that you painted with the tape. That way any HOB type filters that may sit against the glass or rub against it won't peel the paint away. Great tip, forgot who said it on here when I read it but if I knew I would thank them for it.

[GregAW]

Thanks Ace, I will put your advice into action this week. I've got some spray paint masking vinyl that may do the trick all in one piece. AND I thank you for passing that information along.

[GregAW]

Well, the whole game has changed. I went out tonight and bought an almost new 90 gal. glass bow front show tank. It is set up for fresh water and will be drained for pick up later tonight or tomorrow. What do you think?

[Gangstafish]

Nice tank. How much is the tank going for if you don't mind me asking?

[GregAW]

I got it for $360.00. I hope that was a good price. I'm going to have to find more info on the web later on today.

[Ace25]

So I have to ask, how do you plan on putting a light canopy on a bowfront? That is the main reason I never went with a bowfront.. too hard to make a canopy that fits nice and can hold MH lights. It can be done, but more work than I ever wanted to tackle. At the store I work at they have a 175G bowfront and installed a $3000 Solaris LED light on it as well as 2 T5HO's in the "bowfront" part of the canopy because a rectangle light fixture didn't put out enough light for the bow part of the tank. Still, it is only a "softie/LPS" reef tank because the light isn't enough to do SPS corals. Even the owners of the store couldn't figure out a easy way to add MH lights to the bowfront with the short canopy that came with the tank and stand. It is only about 6" tall so it is too short to add MH lights and rebuilding the canopy was too much work even for them.

Also, what about the overflows? Are you going to look into getting it drilled and have an overflow built in? Probably looking at $300 to do that type of job on that tank and still a scary thing to do because of the risk of breaking the tank when drilling it.

Personally, that tank would still be a Fish Only tank due to lack of overflows and lack of reef compatable canopy/light. I wouldn't make it a reef tank at all... just way too much money to do it correctly when you can buy a 90G rectangle or even a 120G rectangle tank that does have built in overflows. I think a nice standard 120G reef tank (without a stand) runs around $350-$400 new... stand adds another couple hundred to the cost though unless you build it yourself.

[GregAW]

Hi Ace,

I have a good friend who is a cabinet maker and he does some awesome cabinetry work so I'm sure he can do the canopy. As the tank sits now it has an Eclipse type filter hood on it and I figure I'll get everything cycled in and running with some live rock and a few fish. Then little by little upgrade the canopy and lighting then it should be ready to go. I was thinking about using over flow boxes rather than drilling the tank. I don't know if they are good enough or not, but I would rather not take the chance of breaking the tank. It did come with a sump and a protine skimmer and I'll take some photos and get more advice.

Thanks for jumping in there Ace!!

Greg

[GregAW]

Who makes the Odyssea 90G bowfront tank or do they have a web site for information?

[Amphiprion]

Odyssea makes it--that's the company. Aquatraders.com is one of the main the US distributors.

[GregAW]

Thanks, It shows that it has an Odassea Hood that I'll change out later on. Is it a good aquarium?

[GregAW]

Well, Here's the Sump that came with my new tank. Is it useable as is or does it need to be modified? It's funny I can not find any real documentation on the sump or the tank's hood that contains the lighting and filtration system. The sump is fed from an over the back overflow box.

[GregAW]

Odyssea makes it--that's the company. Aquatraders.com is one of the main the US distributors.

Well, looked on their web site and they didn't have any info on this set up.

[Amphiprion]

Well, looked on their web site and they didn't have any info on this set up.

Hmm, maybe we are referring to different brands...?

As for the sump, you'll likely want to modify it to fit a protein skimmer in the bioball chamber, as well as other filtration analogs, like reactors, etc.

[GregAW]

All I can tell you is what it says on the hood. I've got a SeaClone protein skimmer that says it's good to 100 gals. Hangs on the back or can be put in the sump. Includes the pump.

[GregAW]

Does anyone have any before and after photos of Live rock from when it is first added to the tank and then after things appear? Also, how do you glue or make the rock stick together?

[traelman]

Hi Greg, I just found this thread. Thats a sweet looking Tank. Good luck with it.
Sorry I cant give any help on the salt water setup, but if you need any help with LEDs let me know!!!

[GregAW]

I can use all the help I can get. Check your PM

[GregAW]

Where can I find a lot of photos with identifications of anemones? I saw one the other day online that I have now lost.

[Gangstafish]

Go to Reef Central.com

[Gangstafish]

Who makes the Odyssea 90G bowfront tank or do they have a web site for information?JEBO makes all Odyssea products.

[GregAW]

Thanks, I'll check both out.

[GregAW]

Well, I'm a member over on RC and will do some looking around. Found the JEBO site and will call them. Thanks.

[Gangstafish]

No problem. Anything to help a fellow salty.

[GregAW]

There are some very nice looking anemones over there. Now if I can just find the one I saw the other day.

[wantvws]

Hi Greg....just found your thread. Nice tank! Can't wait to see it progress.
Robbie

[GregAW]

HI Robbie, Thanks for the compliment. I guess I'll set it up using the light/hood-filter combo that came with it and then later on build the hood for the bow front. Someone on here told me a bow front hood was next to impossible build, just makes me that more determined to do it. Where can I see some photos of your tank?

Greg

[GregAW]

I need a good refractometer and was wondering If this is a good choice?
http://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idproduct~MD2101~idCartRow~11946612~is Kit~0.html

Thanks

[wantvws]

Where can I see some photos of your tank?

Greg
I think you already found them, but there's a bunch from beginning to somewhat recent in my build thread. There's a link in my signature....
Are you talking about building a hood out of wood? I don't think a curved front would be unbearably difficult if you have some basic woodworking skills and access to some tools. Or even better, if you know someone who does:D
Robbie

[GregAW]

Well, I guess I'll start a new thread as soon as I start the set up of my new tank. I would like some help identifying my tank and hood. With some searching I think the the tank is a 90 gal Oceanic Bow front Aquarium with an Odyssea B80 light hood and filter in the back part of the hood. The stand looks like what Oceanic offers for their bow front. They appear to have a hood that matches the base cabinet. It also came with a wet/dry filter with a HOB overflow box.

[GregAW]

How do you figure how much sand is needed if you plan on going with a DSB about 6" deep? Also, if live rock dries out will it come back once put in the tank or will I need to add something or new live rock to get things going?

[Amphiprion]

You won't want the live rock to dry out, if at all possible. If it is allowed to completely dry, then yes, you'll have to add more live rock to re-seed it.

[GregAW]

I guess I'll also need to seed the sand, what would you suggest for that? Ace recommended Superbac Live! Nitrifying Bacteria. What is a good all round kit for testing the water? I'm ordering the Marine Depot Aquarium Refractometer for checking the SG.

[Amphiprion]

I guess I'll also need to seed the sand, what would you suggest for that? Ace recommended Superbac Live! Nitrifying Bacteria. What is a good all round kit for testing the water? I'm ordering the Marine Depot Aquarium Refractometer for checking the SG.

Well, the API kits are good for generalizations, though the instant ocean kits are a bit better. Personally, I use Elos--but only their calcium, alkalinity, and magnesium kits.

If possible, I suggest getting additional live sand--not the pre-bagged kind, but the "real" thing. Most places will sell it, including liveaquaria.com. Beyond bacteria, it should contain other sand-dwelling organisms that help the health of the sand bed over time.

[GregAW]

Well, I'll go get fresh test kit(s) and look at some live sand. I'm picking up 150 lbs of LR and LS this afternoon and then I'll have to go from there. Thanks!

[GregAW]

How do you tell if glass is tempered?

[GregAW]

Which power head is better? The Maxi-Jet 1200 or the Koralia 4? I want to run them on a Red Sea WaveMaster Pro wave maker.

[GregAW]

Are there different sizes of Mogul Bases? I just picked up a couple of fixtures and the ballest. They are rated at 250W. Will this be too much light for my 90g bow front?

http://home.comcast.net/%7Egregaw/salt/new-lights01.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/%7Egregaw/salt/new-lights02.jpg

I got them for $130 and no light bulbs. Did I get a good deal? How do I determine the correct bulb base size?

Thanks,
Greg