60 Gallon Tank setup Diary

[BGJ223]

I figured I would jump on the band waggon and post the beginning stages of my tank setup.

Well I have a 60 gal glass tank that I got for my birthday. I am too lazy and scared to drill the tank, so I purchased a CPR CS90 overflow. Everything is still in the planning stages, so no real pictures yet.
I still need to build my Sump / Refugium and my stand / Cannnopy. So there is alot of work ahead of me.

The worst part of it is that I need to get rid of my Pirahna tank to make room for my new saltwater friends. Hopefully I can find them a nice happy home.

Lighting:
Here is what I am going to use for a main lighting source for my tank
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-250-Watt-Met...QQcmdZViewItem

I was thinking about putting 2 of these in my cannopy.

Well this is where I am so far, tell me what you think.

[DebsSisterFlo]

Hey! Just bumping this as I'm sure it just got pushed back before anyone saw it, posts move fast around here! Cute little cheewawa btw!

[Tim224DT]

Sounds good!!

Keep us posted and always ask questions!!


Tim

[BGJ223]

Thanks for the bump.
Well I think I found the tank I want to use for the refuge, it is a 20 gallon long tank. Hopefully I will have some time to build to the refuge this week. Once I get that done I can start work on the Stand, that way i can make sure that it will fit the refugume in the cabinet.

Also I had another idea today. To reduce the noises from all the devices stored in the cabinet, I was going to layer the inside of of the cabinet with some sound dapening sheets. Like the stuff you use in cars. Anybody have any thoughts on that?

[BGJ223]

Well I changed my mind on my lighting, here is what I am going to get
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

My plans are all worked out for my stand and Cannopy. The cannopy is going to be 10" tall, so that should be a good enough distance for the MH light.

Looks like I might be able to get this whole tank setup for around $500, wish me luck.

[dobejazz]

Cool Project can't wait to see pics

[BGJ223]

Ok I am going to pick up my 20 gallon sump / Refuge after work today. I will update with some pictures of the completed sump / refuge this evening (hopefully).
Also here is the protein skimmer that I am going to get
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Jebo-Reef-St...QQcmdZViewItem

[Loverotties]

Your well on your way!!!

[ouccmich]

very nice and very cute chihuahua

[three90s&125sump]

Good choice with the lights, you will want some actinics to help out with the phosphors I'm sure.

Bad choice on skimmers. Its is a waste of money. You will save alot of money in the long run if you buy a good skimmer now. I would recomend getting....

ASM G-2 Reef Aquarium Protein Skimmer

I know its alot more than what you have picked out but you will actually get skimmate with this one. The skimmer may be the most important peice of equipment that you will purchase. i would spend less on lights and rock and get the right skimmer if it comes down to it.

I am looking forward to reading your updates here... good luck with it.

[BGJ223]

I Lied about the pictures. I made my mental shopping list yesterday, and got everything except for the batteries I needed for the camera. Well the sump/ fuge is going well, I got all the pieces to stick to the glass. I think I am going to go back over all of the seals again just to make sure.

As far as the skimmers go. I knew there would be some folks that did not like my choice. I will also admint that I know I am not getting the best skimmer out there probably. The way I look at it is, it is a skimmer, and they all are made to do the same thing. For the most part they all appear to look the same. So my choice was the wallet friendly skimmer.

[skeety]

Welcome aboard! Excited to see pics when you can. Even if it's of an empty tank. We love pics!

hahaha

as for the skimmer....I have to agree with three90's. I know you think they look the same, but I assure you...they're leaps and BOUNDS different.

That's like saying light-bulbs look the same. But one can put out WAY more light than another.

Three90's hit it dead on...the skimmer is one of the most important pieces of equip in your tank. It's one area you DON'T want to skimp on.

But I remember when I was where you were at...and decided to get the cheaper one. And your right...it worked...kind of....nothing died...but everything was brown! No color.

But I assure you...down the road, you will end up wanting a better skimmer...and while this one's only $40 plus shipping...it's $40 plus shipping that you'll wish you'd saved later, instead of buying something that will end up in your garage/basement/attic/etc.

But I'll stop pushing the issue. hahaa

suffice it to say that the ASM three90's recommended and MRC's skimmers are probably your best bang for the buck!

[three90s&125sump]

I'm saying this as nicly as I can (relly just being funny not mean at all) Remember this 3 months from now.... I told you so.

[BGJ223]

Originally Posted by three90s&125sump

I'm saying this as nicly as I can (relly just being funny not mean at all) Remember this 3 months from now.... I told you so.

You guys are probably right, and I welcome your I told you so when the day comes. Hopefully I will get lucky and this thing will work like a champ. The whole point of this project is for it to be fun for me, and spending 300 dollars on a skimmer just isn't that much fun. I totally respect your opinions and input on the matter, but I think this skimmer will work fine for me.
If my corals and tank end up looking great because of this skimmer, can I say " Told you so" and then cap it off with a little "neener neener neener"?

[mrwhipels]

I had that skimmer and it sucks. I had nothing but problems. I never saw skim mate and the dam thing over flowed it was made real cheap. I hope you don't buy this thing its only good for headaches and a wet floor. Sorry to tell you the bad news.