Starting a custom nano 12DX...

[Jestdave]

Hi folks.

First time poster here. I have a cube on order with Chris at nanocustomes:

1 x 2005 Nanocustoms Modded JBJ 12DX 3.24
- third bulb: 10000K Daylight
- second bulb: 50/50
- Moonlight Option: R2 Solution 5 LED Moonlight
- Third T-5: none
- Second T-5: Actinic Blue
- Additional T-5: Actinic Blue
- hinges: none
- Ballast Control: Dual Powercord
- Installation Options: none
- Overflow Mod: none
- Rear Sump Lighting: none
- Rear Sump ballast: none
- Bulb Type: Realux 24w Actinic Blue

Copying Larnie and a few others.

One question i have, a guy at one of my LFS has LR that is $15/lb, calling it 'Carribean rock'. The guy has a very impressive store as i have been all around my area looking who has what, but has anyone ever heard of this type of LR? Is it worth the price? He says he is the only one he knows of on the west coast that has it???

Also last question, what about using sea water to start your cycle. A few of my lfs have it for like a dollar a gallon and are recommending it to reduce cycle time and for water changes later. Thanks much.

[Starryeyedlin]

I work at pet store in saltwater... but im on the east coast on the gulf of mexico. I know down here i would say NO DONT USE SEA WATER ... They sell this stuff called "nutri sea water" and its good to use to cycle a tank but i would never reccommend going ou tto the ocean and scooping up any water. Carribean rock i have heard of but not quite sure if its worth 15 bucks a pound. Down here we get fiji rock and its about 6 bucks a pound. I think if Carribean rock is what im thinking of then its a very porous rock without a lot of weight to it... so check it out and see how many NICE pieces equal a pound it may be that u get a lot for that 15 dollars... Good luck with your tank!

[BRI690]

15 dollars per pound is a rip off in my opinion.
There are two LFS around Atlanta that I know who sell it for between 6 to 7 a pound.
The rock is nice quality and has less curing time than fiji or Tonga. It looks really good too. I do have a few pieces in my tank that have really nice growth just from the curing period.

[OodleyBoodely]

If that Caribbean is the same as I got a few years back it is dense and heavy. Mine had a lot of life on it, clams, sponges and even a gorgonian. But that price is ridiculous, IMO. For what you would likely end up paying for that rock, you could probably buy a small amount of aquacultured rock such as tampabaysaltwater or waltsmith if you are looking for rock with a lot of life on it. Otherwise, just look for the cheapest 'fresh' rock you can get, cured or uncured if you are willing to cure it yourself.

[Krux]

yeah carribean reminds me of florida aquaculture live rock, which is about twice as dense as any of the pacific rock... more dense=more weight per volume=small rocks for tons of money.

get fiji.

what part of cali are you in? closest major city? maybe someone can help you find an alternate shop.

at 15 bucks a lb you could practically have it hand delivered by some fijiian collector!

i would look into the overflow mod, unless you are going to make one yourself, people who have talked about chris' mod have loved it.

[OodleyBoodely]

Another option if you want to get your rock at mail order prices, but just don't need a full box, is to do a group buy with other reefers in your area and split a box. Organize it yourself so you can get first picks!