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Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by ICreefNoob, May 29, 2012.

  1. May 29, 2012 #1
    ICreefNoob

    ICreefNoob

    58
    Ratings:
    +1 / 1 / -0
    I am a relatively new reefer in Iowa City looking to setup a tank.  Recently I picked up a 37 gallon aquarium with assorted equipment and now I am trying to figure out what to use, what to sell, and what to trash.
    My current keep list:
    37 gallon column (20 x 18 x 24) aquarium w/ stand
    10 Gallon DIY sump setup for a skimmer and refugium
    Clip-on power compact fuge light (14k bulb)
    Assorted plumbing
    Excalibur protein skimmer with pump(cant remember name)
    50w Aqueon heater (used warming water for water changes)
    Assorted Air pumps
    2  5 gallon buckets
    My current sell list:
    Odyssea 250w 15k halide fixture w/ 2 T5 actinic bulbs and 4 moonlight LEDs
    Aqueon 3000 pump

    CPR HOB overflow w/ aqualifter pump
    My current trash list:
    Old test kits (date on them is 2007)
    Since I am just getting started this is literally all the equipment that I own. I have some plans on what I plan to purchase/ do in the future:
    RapidLED DIY 24 bulb light w/ typhoon controller
    Drill the 37 gallon for an overflow
    Eheim 1250 hobby pump for the sump
    100 or 150 w heater for sump
    Various powerheads for tank/general use
    RO/DI system (BRS or Spectrapure??)
    Test Kits
    Refractometer
    How does this sound as a general plan? Are there any changes that anyone would recommend? Also how/where do I get my tank drilled for an overflow?
     
     
     
     
  2. May 29, 2012 #2
    MillerTime Ankeny, IA

    MillerTime Well-Known ReefKeeper

    374
    Ankeny, IA
    Ratings:
    +11 / 0 / -0
    You should definelty drill your tank. Glassholes.com has some good kits to do this as well as instructions.
     
  3. May 29, 2012 #3
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

    919
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Since you are in Iowa City, go visit Hung at Sea of Marvels and he'll drill it and put a bulk head in it for right around $15 a hole. Just make sure the glass isnt tempered.
     
  4. May 29, 2012 #4
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

    919
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Also look at Steve's LEDs. He has some cheaper LED kits and he'll even build it for you for a little extra.
     
  5. May 29, 2012 #5
    ICreefNoob

    ICreefNoob

    58
    Ratings:
    +1 / 1 / -0
    Thanks for the info.

    I would definitely prefer to have someone experienced drill the tank for me. I think I will stop by sea of marvels this weekend and have two holes drilled for drains. Outside of instantly shattering the glass are there any risks due to long term weakening of the glass? i.e. cracks or breakage a year or two down the road.

    Steve's LEDs looks like it could be a good alternative to RapidLED. Anyone have experience with one of his kits? Are the Luxeon LEDs comparable to the Cree LEDs that are popular in so many other setups?
     
  6. May 29, 2012 #6
    ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

    919
    Ratings:
    +1 / 0 / -0
    Check with BigD on how his LEDs are working for him. He is the one that introduced me to Steve's LEDs and he has them over a 210g tank.

    When plumbing the bulk heads as drains make sure the PVC runs have supports pushing the weight back up a little to keep the strain off of the bulk head and glass. That is the only thing I've seen / heard that would cause any issues with cracking.

    May want to call up to Sea of Marvels before making the trip as Hung also does a lot of tank cleaning as another part of his business.
     
  7. May 29, 2012 #7
    Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,292
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0
    I believe that is the exact tank I have...I believe the brand is Perfecto/marineland. The bottom is temperred but the sides are not and can be drilled. I drilled the back of mine with no problems. You will want to look at the tag on the bottom of the tank and contact the manufacturer to verify though.
     
  8. May 29, 2012 #8
    Lee

    Lee Experienced Reefkeeper

    1,292
    Ratings:
    +0 / 0 / -0

    Double post
     
  9. May 29, 2012 #9
    ICreefNoob

    ICreefNoob

    58
    Ratings:
    +1 / 1 / -0
    There is no tag on the bottom of the tank but there is one inside the plastic rim around the top. It says "Made by TM Feb 2010" with a little anchor symbol. All the silicone is black. Rough measurement with a ruler shows the glass thickness to be about 6 mm.
    Anyone know what TM refers to?
     
  10. May 29, 2012 #10
    erayk1 Coralville, IA

    erayk1 Well-Known ReefKeeper Board of Directors Leadership Team GIRS Member

    981
    Coralville, IA
    Ratings:
    +35 / 0 / -0
    I think the Marineland column tanks all have tempered bottom pieces...that's why I never drilled my 47 column.
     

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