New Reef Tank Setup

Good Morning,

I changed protein skimmers and return pump. Both fit into the sump now. I got a Reef Octopus Extreme SX 160 Protein Skimmer and a Rio 3100 pump.

I have everything setup and I hope to post pictures later tonight.

Is there a way I can test my set up for leaks ? Before I fill the entire tank ?

Also, I have some live rock that was in saltwater in buckets without flow and it seem to have a lot of die off. Should I still use the rock in the new setup ?

Thanks to everyone that has responded to this post. You have really helped.

And thanks to Mario at Aquatica for all his help as well. :thumb:
 
Yes, you could put the rock in the tank and let it cycle thru. As far as checking for leaks, you could do a freshwater leak test first.
 
Shaun Mack said:
Hadn't thought about it. What are the benefits of painting the back ?
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Mostly so you don't have to see your wall behind the tank and never have to worry about cleaning the back glass of any accidental splashes, drips or spills that dry on it. Black and dark blue are the 2 most common colors. Just clean well with a degreasing cleaner and dry the glass completely before painting. You paint the outside of the tank, however you want to, brush, roller, whatever, you wont see any streaks or anything from the inside, its not nearly as complex as it may seem at first, just make sure to put on several thin coats to make it completely opaque, you dont want to see light leaking thru the pane after its painted.

You could go the other route and get that printed backing stuff, but it will never look as clean and professional as a couple dollars worth of paint will.
 
In about a year, you probably won't be able to see the paint anyway since the back will probably be covered with coraline algae. At least that is how my tank is.
 
I moved my rock from the buckets and added a protein skimmer, powerhead, heater and a fuval 205 filter. Rock seems to be doing well, this rock was in my 28 gallon. I will move it to the 75 gallon tank this weekend.
 
It come out of my tank a couple months ago. It was in saltwater in a bucket without a heater,powerhead etc. It was turning black in the bucket so I moved it to this set up.
 
I added water, 40 pounds of sand and 40 pounds of live rock from my 28 gallon tank. I plan on getting 40 more pounds of rock and a light fixture in the next couple of weeks. I am thinking of added more sand as well.

I thinking of getting Manado live rock from Premium Aquatics. Has anyone purchased from them ?

Here are updated pictures of my tank
 
Shaun Mack said:
To paint or not to paint. That is the question :hmmmm:
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1 vote black latex paint. It took about 3 coats and you can always scrap it off. If you are thinking about painting... do it before you add water. It helps hide your overflow box, ph's, cords, provides a good backdrop for fish and corals. I still have the majority of a my can left if you want it.

regarding lighting... I just picked up a ATI T5 from reefgeek. They were very helpful. They currently have free shipping (I am not sure if that is a limited time offer)
 
look into that reefsaver stuff, since you don't really need live rock because you already have some, pretty sure most of the reef saver stuff is cheaper too.

i always liked the dimensions of the 72/75's
 
1 vote black latex paint. It took about 3 coats and you can always scrap it off. If you are thinking about painting... do it before you add water. It helps hide your overflow box, ph's, cords, provides a good backdrop for fish and corals. I still have the majority of a my can left if you want it.

regarding lighting... I just picked up a ATI T5 from reefgeek. They were very helpful. They currently have free shipping (I am not sure if that is a limited time offer)
Click to expand...


Thanks Tangency,

I decided not to paint the tank. Not sure why just didn't do it but I do see your point in hiding the cords and it being a good backdrop. Never thought of using latex and having the options of scraping it off.

I will cheek out reefgeek as well. Thanks this is a very helpful site
 
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