Changed, Starting Out.

[ben1987]

one tip from another newbie

if your buying a new tank try and get it as wide (front to back) as possible. Creates endless possibilities for your aqua-scape. I dont even have a fish yet and im dreaming up an upgrade.

Also when you buy your LR. I found that a few normal chunks and then lots of plating type rock would be best. The plate stuff was far easier to use imo. If i was buying again id buy majority the flat plate type stuff

 

[JJ56]

Thanks mate, I'll take it into consideration.

I'm also pretty keen on building my own stand and hood, to fit the tanks dimensions. The lower bit could neatly house my equiptment. I have loads of old PC fans lying around, so I could cool the hood too.

Anything else that hasnt been mentioned that I need to research? I'm going to the library soon to take out some good books on marine aquariums.

Cheers

JJ

 

[chrissaysyes]

Nice man, DIY is always my favorite way to go! Glad to hear you're doing your reading too. I'm about to go do my own research as I may be bringing home a 230 gallon tank next week

 

[poconoboss]

Check out this guy's 2gal reef:

http/www.melevsreef.com/pico.html

 

[JJ56]

Thanks for the link,

However I am going for a larger tank, something just over 20 gallons.

I spotted an internet add for one today, local to me, measuring 30 x 16 x 18, 94litres, 25 US gallons. Best part is, £20. The listing states it comes with a hood and lights.

I'll ring up tomorrow about it, view it to see if It will meet my requirements.

Thanks all!

JJ

 

[JJ56]

Picked up my new tank today, 36" x 15" x 18" , from Lord Fishheart on here (thanks Chris!)

On the way back I went and bought 8kg of Aragonite Coral gravel.

Got the tank home, and started cleaning it, filled it with maybe an inch of water, then used the water in the bottom for my sponge to clean the sides. Then, the side panel cracked, scaring the hell out of me, seemingly nothing touched it! looks to me like it cracked due to a tiny chip in the side. No one to blame, guess it's how things go.

Absoloutly gutted, spent what little money I had today with only some substrate to show for it, oh well, it happens.

So I'll probably look for another tank, im guessing its not worth replacing the panel?

JJ

 

[kj23502]

Awe man, sorry to hear that. I have no idea what it takes to replace it. I imagine that it'd be hard to take the panel out. You'd have to reseal stuff too. That's about all I know.

 

[JJ56]

Yeah, looks like It's going to be another tank, as the crack has started in a corner, and the bottom panel is showing damge in that area.

It scared the hell out of me, it just went bang when I was cleaning the other side, must have been a weak spot, I dont have any other explanation.

But, at least Im getting my head around what I need to get my slice of reef started.

JJ

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Oh no! That really sucks I guess though that it was better that it went then rather then going when it was full of water and livestock. Good luck with getting another tank.

 

[JJ56]

Guys, don't worry, I have a new tank!

See the start of my journal here: http/www.fishforums.net/content/Marine-A...ine-Experience/

I was going to get a stand made and put it in my room, but my parent's thought if I was going through this much effort, it may aswell go in the living room, for guests to see too.

Thanks,

JJ