Let's get started!

Texas Bob · 02-28-2006, 11:32 PM

Hey all, I have this 58g sitting here all lonely and I've been contemplating what biotope and needs for it to get up and running. Thought I had that pretty much planned until I clicked on the "Bare Bottom" section thinking I was going to see a little mooning.

So after reading every thread in the section I'm ready to go. Good thing too I was having trouble finding sand at HD.

So most of the threads I read dealt with if you were converting from an already established tank where is I'm not. So what can the group offer me as far as, "Ok Bob, do this and then go out and get this, return that you dummy and get 2 of these..."

As I understand it I'm going to need some flow. How about I plan on my return going into a manifold up top and then having a closed loop spray bar on the bottom? Still need some Tunze streamers? Would rather be as conspicous as possible but you're the bosses. I would have a 20g H sump and need suggestions on skimmer. Am willing to drill and plumb for overflows or can I get away with like a CPR overflow?

Awaiting your instructions and look forward to building this with you.

Bob

three90s&125sump · 02-28-2006, 11:35 PM

I could give you the main run down but.... I'm not a pro BBer yet. I will how ever say this ... Drill it, get the biggest skimmer you can afford and the most lighting that you can handle.

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 07:55 AM

Ok, so drill it for a CLS, overflows, and a return? 1 or 2 overflows, 1 return, and 2 for a CLS, sound right? Biggest skimmer....one for a 125g instead of say a 60g with all considerarions to foot print in the 20g sump and in the stand?

Bob

Little Luey · 03-01-2006, 08:18 AM

I would think you should start by cooking your live rock since this takes about 2 months. There is a thread about this on this forum. In the mean time you could drilled the tank if possible and prepare all the other stuff.

gman0526 · 03-01-2006, 11:07 AM

That would be my reccomendation too

three90s&125sump · 03-01-2006, 11:16 AM

Good idea.

I would drill 2-1 1/2in for over flows., 1- 1in for returns, 2-3/4in for CLS intakes and 4-1/2in for CLS returns. Put 2 returns up high and 2 down low. Use the two down low too hook your spray bar up too. Maybe consider doing a coast to coast overflow.

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 02:03 PM

Great suggestions and with my tax return coming in it shouldn't be a problem. I'll go out and get some LR, tubs, and buckets. Two questions regarding this:

1. the rinsing buckets must be saltwater or can it be RO water?
2. as the rock cooks does it need to be at a certain temp.?

Now Jason, you are saying 9 total holes drilled? I'd better measure thrice and drill once, eh?

Thanks - Bob

REEF-DADDY · 03-01-2006, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas Bob

Great suggestions and with my tax return coming in it shouldn't be a problem. I'll go out and get some LR, tubs, and buckets. Two questions regarding this:

1. the rinsing buckets must be saltwater or can it be RO water? SALT
2. as the rock cooks does it need to be at a certain temp.? NO

Now Jason, you are saying 7 total holes drilled? I'd better measure thrice and drill once, eh?

Thanks - Bob

I would get some nice base rock and throw it in some tubs with an ammonia source. That way you get the bio benefits of LR but none of the bad guys.

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 04:41 PM

REEF-DADDY are you suggesting to bypass using LR from like my LFS and essentially making my own LR? What is normally used as base rock, oh and thanks for anwering those questions.

- Bob

REEF-DADDY · 03-01-2006, 04:50 PM

I don't know about Texas in around here LFS live rock is for the birds. No color and loaded with all kinds of stuff that you don't want in your tank.

Check out
www.reeferrocks.com

www.hirocks.com

They both have great base rock, reeferrocks is AWESOME.

Throw it in your tank with an ammonia source and your good to go!

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 05:14 PM

Ah yes. That's like half the price of LR. Gracius mi amigo!

REEF-DADDY · 03-01-2006, 06:19 PM

Hey your not in Texas!

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 06:58 PM

I'm caught! But I was born and raised there till I went to school and off to the Marines. Just got out and finishing a criminal justice degree here in Illinois.

With this base rock do I cook it same as I would with LR for cleaning purposes and how would you recommend adding ammonia? Drawing up the locations of the bulkheads now. I'll post a pic and get comments soon.
- Bob

NoSchwag · 03-01-2006, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by REEF-DADDY

Hey your not in Texas!

Nothing get's by this guy.

Texas Bob · 03-01-2006, 10:35 PM

Man, planning the plumbing which ultimately determines where to drill is more daunting then expected. I'm definately not a genius at this.

- Bob