Well its been a while since I have posted here, so I will let everyone know where I am at
Equipment:
55 Gallon stand (oak)
55 Gallon tank (all glass)
Coralife Super Skimmer 65 (will be upgraded, such a waste now. hmm)
Hydor L40 pump (inline, closed circuit)
Koralia #4 and a Koralia #1 (Yes I was advised from here to not get a #4, however I have been informed from reefcentral.com by multiple people it would be ok at long as sand wasn't blowing around; which it's not)
Lifegard custom flow kit hooked up to the Hydor L40
Current Nova Extreme Pro 48" (324Watts; 3 actinics and 3 10,000K)
44 lbs of Fiji LR (will be adding more)
80LBs of Live Sand (LFS messed up on this order and I realized it after I had it home. She only rung up 1 bag out of the 4 I bought)
Digital Thermometer
200 Watt heater
First things, here is the stand I bought. Now that I look back on it; I ask myself why didn't I just get bigger
I had all the salt water mixed in a 45 gallon trash can in my closet (haha i know right) Pumped the water out of the trash can into the tank; hooked up the skimmer and koralia to get them running.
The next step was installing the background
At this point I didnt do anything for about a week; then I finally went and bought 80lb's of sand and a bag of salt. I had taken most of the water out of the tank, then put the sand in. I was told there was no need to rince it since I was just starting this tank; however I some times wish I did at this point. **** LFS.
After about 2-3 days the water cleared up
At the point of putting the sand in I had returned my Seaclone 100 and traded it out for a coralife superskimmer. After about another week I ordered the LR and Lights. They both came on the same day (w00t). The piece on the left was directed by my mom to be stood up. Its how she liked it, so I left it. Waiting to order more.
After that was done, I tested my lights. After regaining my vision, I installed them on my tank.
Like i said before hopefully I get a bigger stand or a custom sump for this thing. It will look much better.
Parameters:
Day 2
PH : 8.2-8.3
Ammonia : .50-1.0
Nitrite : 4+?
Nitrates : 20-40
I'm gonna allow it to stabilize more, and purchase a few snails/hermits. I don't wanna buy to many yet. Also the LR.
Day 3 parameters:
Same result, was having a very hard time distinguishing nitrites from 1.0 or 5.0+
Day 4 parameters:
Ammonia : .50-1.0
Nitrites : around 1.0 (verified; had father look at it to compare)
Nitrates : definitely around 20 now.
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New stand will be built soon enough
48"x18"x32"
Will have 2 cabinet doors on the front, along with doors on the side to put in the sump.
Will be buying a 20-30 gallon glass aquarium for the sump; will install the baffles myself. The Super Skimmer is quite big; 4.25"x5.50"x20.75" (maybe its just me lol)
I plan on having a refuge with a 5"-8" layer of sand to help with nitrates.
stand template
I am also questioning on my return from the sump to display tank.I will be using a Mag 7; the overflow is fit for 600gph; unless I step it up to 800gph. The mag 7 will work for the 600gph overflow however if using the 800gph overflow I would upgrade to the mag 9.5. Saves me some money using the 600gph overflow along with the mag 7.
The overflow is CPR CS90 (600gph)
Return pump Mag 7 (700gph; 480 at 4ft, estimating 440-460 at 53" high for return pvc. My return would have to either have 2 90 degree elbow, or 2 45 degree elbows; now I know 45 degree elbows are less restrictive but would I still get sufficient flow from the MAG 7? Or should I upgrade to the Mag 9.5 using a ball valve to restrict flow? I can also use vinyl hose; however just looking for recommendations.
Possibly just using flexible hosing for overflow, unless recommended against?
Return pump will have 1/2" pvc, check valve; possibly ball valve (would this be needed?)
using the mag 7 which has a MPT outlet, so using a Female adapter fitting to slip would work correct? Sorry i am not the best at plumbing. I would then use a 45 degree elbow; another piece of PVC which would leave the PVC at a 45 degree angle exiting the back of my stand (if it will work properly); then adding another 45 degree elbow to direct the PVC pipe directly up. Then using a 90 degree elbow from slip to female adapter; which connects to a male 1/2" loc-line adapter. Sound good?
Then when using slip fittings I know of two items we have here in the house used to clean the end of pvc pipes, then glue to seal the pvc pipes. Maybe these aren't aquarium safe; advice here?
CPR Over flow (CS90)
Tom Aquatics Aqua lifter pump
Aqua Lifter pre-filter (stops clogs)
mag 7
female adapter to slip fitting
45 degree elbows, (2) slip fittings.
90 degree elbow : from slip to female adapter
Loc-Line 1/2" ball socket with Male connector
Loc-Line 1/2" ball socket flexible tube
Loc-Line 1/2" flare
Ball Valve 1/2"
check valve 1/2"
As far as I can tell, the only plumbing I am missing is the actual PVC piping itself from the list.
Anything I am missing?
looking at close to $300 for plumbing lol. I think I will stick with a glass aquarium of 20-30 gallons.