Reefer Madness

[john]

I just recieved an 88 lb box of Tonga Kaelini from Reefer Madness (http://www.reefermadness.us). There was less than 2 lbs of rubble and two pieces over 15 lbs. It was $408 which included overnight FedEx shipping. I would definitely check them out if you haven't already.

[::pete::]

We have ... its a great site ..

[GaryP]

There are definitely some good deals on LR out there.

One thing that I like to remind folks about them is that unless you have a new tank or some way to cure it you don't want to put it in an established tank. I've seen uncured LR cause a total crash of more than a few tanks. Total crash = mass mortality of your critters.

Gary

[john]

No problem, this is a new tank. :)

[GaryP]

John,

My comment wasn't really directed at you. I was trying to do a little educating of some of our less experienced members that may not fully understand what they are getting into. I'm sorry if you took it the wrong way.

Gary

[Jenn]

Wow John, pretty nice rock order. Post some pics when you get it all settled in - I would love to check it out!

[john]

Gary, not at all, I appreciate and welcome any and all advice.

[GaryP]

Did you crub the "liver" off the rock before you put it in the tank?

Gary

[john]

I used one of my wife's algae scrubbers, but it looks like I missed some that the powerheads must have knocked loose. Once the sand settles a bit, I am going to try to arrange it a bit more attractively. On another note, I have read advice both ways on whether to use a skimmer or not during the cycle. I don't have mine running now. I do have 3 MJ 1200s and an Emperor bio wheel (which I am just using to clear the water a bit, but won't use in the future). Any changes you would make?

[GaryP]

I would use the skimmer. My reasoning is that you want to limit the amount of ammonia being generated by the residual dead material that may cause furthre die off of critters on the LR.

Gary

[john]

Well, I just went and played with the skimmer, and I am going to have to wait until tomorrow to set it up. I have the Remora with a MJ 1200 and it needs an airline tube that I didn't realize was missing. I guess that's an excuse to hit the Austin stores tomorrow.

[john]

I'll take some pics tomorrow, but the two best pieces are shaped like a towers (for lack of a better word), one is about 15" tall and 6" wide. I am using my wife's NO flourescent lights (which are only 36" on a 48" tank) that she no longer needs since her upgrade. I am running them for 6 hours a day during the cycle, and in a couple of weeks Greg is going to sell me a 4 bulb t5 setup. Any forseeable problems with this?

[john]

Actually I read it wrong. It says 1/2" ID flexible tubing.

If you are using the Maxi Jet 1200 with this skimmer, please use the short piece of 1?2” I.D. flexible tubing to attach the pump directly to the skimmer. No other fittings are needed, and do not use the venturi attachment that comes with the pump. Once you’ve made sure that the water pump is completely submerged and the skimmer is level, you can plug in the pump cord to begin operation

I don't think I have that either though. There is an undergravel filter tube that came with the pump, but it seems like it is too small.

[captexas]

Did you get the skimmer used? It normally cames with a small piece of tubing in the box with the skimmer and pump. It's the piece that funnels the water from the pump to the skimmer itself. If you can't find it, just go to Home Depot (or Lowes there in San Marcos) and you can buy that size tubing by the foot in the plumbing department. It's sold by the foot, but all you need for that is about a 4in. piece.

[GaryP]

John,

Another thing to keep in mind when you are setting up your rock work is that you should try to minimize the dead spots in the LR by not putting flat surfaces against each other. That's a challenge because it makes the rock less stable. What you want to keep in mind though is that the LR serves as a biological filter and it won't work if it doesn't get flow. Think in terms of a wet dry filter, only totally imersed. Besides that dead spots can create areas where detritus can build up and some nasty things can start to happen with no flow and lots of detritus. You should keep this in mind when setting up any additional powerheads of other devices for flow. You need some of that flow directed back into the LR. It will help blow the debris out of the LR where the detritivores can get to it. My next tank is going to have a great deal of the flow from a close loop dedicated to flow from behind the rockscape. The LR also has the advantage of breaking up the laminar flow and providing the turbulent flow that you ideally need in a reef. I have experimented with putting powerheads and spreader bars in the LR over the years. The real problem with these is that tend to be very difficult to remove for maintenance without occasionally tearing your rockscape apart. That's why I plan on using a closed loop. I think to many reefers only take the flow in front of the rockscape into consideration when they are setting up a tank. I suppose that is human nature because it where they can see it. That is important as well, don't get me wrong, especially if you have SPS.

BTW, posts like this are what happens when I drink to much coffee on a Sat. AM.

Gary

[john]

I bought the skimmer new, but I must have missed it in the box. I was planning on drilling and using zip ties and pvc to set up the rock so I can make arches and such. Thanks for all the advice, keep it coming :)

[GaryP]

It sounds like you are definitely ahead of the game. I think there is some good stuff on the GARF website about drilling LR and using PVC to support rockscapes.

Gary

[john]

Just started rearranging rock, and got another huge sandstorm making it impossible to see anything. I am using Yardright, and I've read that as the bacteria starts to develop the sand will compact more and be more stable. Any experience with this?

[GaryP]

Yes, did you rinse the sand before puting it in? You can try using a mechanical filter (Magnum or sock filter) to filter out the pine particulates.

What I would really suggest though, especially since you ajust getting set up, is to get some special grade aragonite (~2 mm) and put a thin layer of about 1/2 to 1 inch on top. Believe me it will be well worth it in the long run. It'll keep that sugar fine sand from being stirred up and blown around and covering other stuff every time something goes on in the tank. I lost a beautiful plate coral a while back because a certain fish that I have put a bounty on kept stirring the sand and covering the coral.

Gary

[john]

I'll do that. Will they sell that substrate at a LFS or should I order it?

[GaryP]

Yes, I know there are a couple LFS that have it in SA. I don't know about in Austin.

Someone will jump in and let you know. I've seen it at both CB Pets and Fin-Addict.

Gary

[alexwolf]

I have a trash can full of washed special grade reef sand, brand new never used 40lbs for $25

[john]

Ok, I'll take it. I am on vacation this week so I can pick it up whenever is good for you.

[GaryP]

Alex,

I'm glad you said something about that. John needs it more than I do. I was just going to hang onto it anyway. I apologize for not making it over there.

Gary