New here! Hi and need some advice...

[cjsparky]

Hi all! My name is Christian, and I am new to ARC. I was wondering if I may pick your brains for a little advice, as I am kind of tossing some possibilities back and forth...

The economy has put a slight damper on my spending, and a recent livestock die-off (don't know why) has me with my current system empty save for my one cleaner shrimp...what a trooper.

OK so first off...what I have, and what I need.

What I have I will sum up in pictures...

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This tank has a very rough stand, about 100+ lbs of LR, 80+ lbs LS, and 2 Koralia 5's.

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Here is a very basic sump...problem with this sump is the water level constantly changes because of evap/top off...so my skimmer dosnt work very well....Coralife Superskimmer 220.

I also have a 30 gallon quarentine tank (huge lesson learned) here:

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no big thing...just a heater and a hang on back filter....

Here is my problem...

Do I try to trade everything I have for a smaller all in one like a RSM or something of the sort...or do I keep going with mine, knowing that it will probably run without critters for another year or so...

IF I keep what I have...this is what I want to do...

1. Build a taller stand out of 1x4, 1x8 lumber, plywood, and skin it with a hardwood bead board...I would need some guidance here...

2. Build a matching canopy, which will eventually gain some Retro T5 lighting, as I can afford...was thinking I'd start with 4 x 39 T5 DIY...
(OR install a cheapo light fixture, and do a DIY led project down the road...I am leaning toward T5)

3. DIY a better sump....So I can have a dedicated skimmer chamber for a more uniform skim setting....

4. Start adding livestock again...Not sure about going with Angels, tangs, etc...or more reef friendly...that can be decided later I guess.

5. Eventually upgrade the skimmer...and add some LED spotlights for shimmer...

The other option to get something a bit more turnkey....well it will be cheaper on the wallet (good) enable me to stock a fish or 2 and maybe some coral immediately (good) but will prevent me from going aggressive (not sure) and will surely limit my selections (bad).

I doubt selling it all at this point and starting over one day would be an option, as what could I REALLY get for it in todays economy after all...

What do you all think? IF you think keep what I have and start building a stand and canopy...I may need to introduce myself to Grouper Therapy...

Thanks for listening, and I look forward to chatting with and getting to know you guys!!! <edit> and Gals!!!

Christian

 

[jcusmarine]

Don't forget the value of an Auto Top Off to help keep your parameters stable by replacing evap water.... and welcome to ARC!

 

[hackman72]

Welcome aboard! If you're going T5, make sure your lighting is HO and use a single reflecter for each bulb.

 

[hayabusa72]

Welcome!

 

[cjsparky]

Thanks for the welcomes all!

Just wanted to also float something out there.... Because I am still learning, etc. IF anyone ever has any interesting projects going on any time on the weekends and need a hand with it, I would be happy to help. Would be a great opportunity to gain exposure to different set-ups, and hands on experience...And a great opportunity to get to meet some of you as well...

Anyone know offhand when the next club meeting is going to be?

Thanks!

Christian

 

[jennm]

Welcome to ARC, Christian!

Probably the first order of business would be to determine why your livestock died off - at least so as not to repeat that.

The system you have is certainly fixable. That sump could easily be turned into a refugium at very little cost (a light, some substrate)... I'd lose the "super" skimmer and get something more suited to the size of tank - that might cost a bit, but well worth the investment. Less than the price of a RSM for sure...

Is there something structurally wrong with the stand? Those stands are usually pretty sturdy - they aren't "furniture grade" but they do the job.

Jenn

 

[oil_fan]

The Coralife SS is known to hate fluctuations in the water level. I have one on my 95 gallon tank. The single best thing to do is to use an auto top off to keep the water level in the sump constant.

 

[cjsparky]

Quick questions...

Firstly...my return pump is the Model 18B from Danner I think...this good enough for my 125 Gallon?

Secondly...having never purchased a skimmer, just inheriting the coralife SS 220, and knowing I will be doing a DIY sump/refugium...will someone please give me some skimmer suggestions...PRICE IS IMPORTANT! Also please let me know it it is a in sump or external skimmer, and what else I would need for a turnkey (pump, etc.) solution?

 

[jennm]

Mag 18 is just fine for a 125.

As to skimmer - you'll find a ton of differing opinions and suggestions.

One thing that most of us will agree on, however, is you get what you pay for in a skimmer. Cheap isn't so cheap when you wind up putting good money after bad after having bought a cheap, non-performing skimmer. Most of us will also agree that a good skimmer is key to a successful system.

Having said that - you'll get a bunch of us making different suggestions. Me, I'm a Euro-Reef fan. Set it, forget it (except to clean it). Not cheap, but not as expensive as they once were. A VS135 with pump will set you back about $290. Not that bad really, considering you can spend about the same or a bit less for a lesser performing unit. That's an in-sump model. http://euro-reef.com/protein-skimmers-vs-series-vs135.asp">http://euro-reef.com/protein-skimmers-vs-series-vs135.asp</a>

Jenn