Upgrade Advice

[wam67]

All right folks got a few questions. I am kinda new to this so sorry if I ask any dumb questions. I have decided to upgrade from a 90 gallon to a 120 gallon and I want to do it right. The 120 has two overflows. I was thinking about adding a 2nd return pump (one for each side and I have room in my sump) instead of plumbing them together. Good or bad idea or doesnt matter. #2 I have also been looking at reefkeepers. What are the benefits and are they worth the price? #3 Placement of live rock. Is it better to put it on the glass bottom and add sand afterwards or put it on the sand. In my current system rock is on the sand. Are there any other ideas? #4 inside of stand . I have seen plexiglass and or formica material in the bottom of stands. Benefit ? Any other thoughts or advice would be appreciated. I have been looking at alot of the build threads. Some really talented folks in ARC. (by the way when I am ready to make this switch I would be glad to pay gas money (ilive in Dalton), provide ribs and beer or coke to any of you guys that could help me make the move. The new tank is going to go back in the exact spot as my current tank) So it will have to be done in one move UGHHHH! Thanks Bill

 

[jennm]

Your preference on the 1 pump or 2. Most people do 1, and have powerheads for extra flow (so if the return pump dies there's still water movement).

We put the rock on the bare glass, then the sand. Reduces chance of avalanche if you have burrowers later.

Reefkeepers: I'd steer more toward Neptune Systems (better customer service). They have a new Apex Lite that's a bit more budget-friendly - but there are lots of choices available depending on what you want it to do.

Lining the inside of the stand can help when there's a spill. And there will be a spill. Nobody here can say they've never spilled water (unless they don't have a tank yet).

Jenn

 

[stevhan]

One pump is cheaper than 2 but also if one dies then you have a backup. All of my rock I just push the rocks into the sand by wiggling them into place onto the glass. It makes my stcking very easy from then on. I like the sound of the reefkeeper style systems but my lights have built in timers and I used a dj surge protector and just flip off any one of 8 swtiches when needed. I love the stands withe the acrylic basin insode of them. I wish that I had one myself. They hold up a good deal of water and they keep everything looking so nice down there. Being in the maintenance biz I have seen these save more than one floor.