Charlie

I'm using 2 Koralias and I'm pretty happy with them, except they're covered with coraline.

I was thinking of doing the same thing, but replacing the crushed coral substrate with sand.

Building a sump really isn't all that hard. Most of the members here will gladly and gleefully show you their system so that you can get ideas. I used a 20 gallon long and a few pieces of glass that I got a Lowes to build mine. Use PURE silicon, not the stuff made for kitchens and baths as it has a chemical in it to prevent mold growth. But step one in your research is to read what other folks are doing both here and on ReefCentral.com and any other site you can find. One of the things that I've found about DIY aquarium folks is that they like to share their ideas. Step two should be to actually put your eyes and hands on what other folks have done. You could talk to KNOWLEDGEABLE folks (as opposed to the guy that is there only for a job, but Wally's is closed so that shouldn't be much of a problem) at LFS. I'm into my sump for about $40 and I could have saved even more if I bought the tank used.

For a great In-wall build, check out Justin's build thread. Unfortunately, I haven't seen it in person, but from what I've seen here and heard from folks that have seen it, it rocks. http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/17233-justins-550-almost-cube/

Hillary, It's ALWAYS a good idea to unplug something electrical before diving inside. Having worked in HVAC when I was younger, I know that the filters are always a good place to start when ever there are problems. Since you're also an avid aviarist, that would be where I would start.

It would help if you finished filling out your profile, so that we would know where you are.

pm sent

I'm thinking that if you were patient, you could put your live rock in your sump and you should get plenty of microbes during the normal tank cycle.

You mean that you haven't gotten the telepathic link set up? Must be a Linux thing that's still in beta. If I ever need brain surgery, I'm asking for them to install a USB jack. Seriously, weclome to the hobby and welcome to WAMAS. I took a friend (who really didn't understand why I do all of the work on my tank) to a frag buy last night. Now he understands why I'm in the hobby. It's a great way to meet some great people and they folks at WAMAS have all been great. Aside from my REI membership, it's the best fun ticket I've ever spent.

I picked up on of those and it's like my cell phone, I don't know how I've lived without it. BTW, It was great meeting you, Troy.

Cute little guy! Nice shot.

Jan, I've found John to very knowledgeable and patient. My only problem is that he's way out near Warrenton (well, maybe not that far) and I live in Laurel. If he were closer, I wouldn't buy anything from anybody else.

I like the prices at RapidLED.com a little better. Get the heatsink from McMasters.com and you could build a really nice hood out of wood (unless you don't have one) and it would look great.

Jason, I'm surprised that you did suggest to add a bigger sump.

If the CO2 cylinders and regulators are anything like the Oxygen cylinders that we used to use on the ambulance, other than the thumb screw that actually holds the regulator to the tank (it works like a vice), I don't see where one could possibly use teflon that would make a difference. I do like Chip's idea though.

I would certainly scrap the glass. It should come off fairly easily since glass is non-porous. I guess it would be better than rubbing the area with a gasoline soaked rag, in your living room, with a lit cigarette. (I'm kidding, I wouldn't do that either, I don't think that cigarettes are reef safe). Just scrap it carefully with a razor and you should be fine.

Honestly, I don't really know. I picked it up off of eBay a while back. I'm coming to Alexandria tomorrow anyway, I could bring it with me and meet you in the Springfield area.

I have a small skimmer that you could use for as long as you need it. I couldn't figure it out so I'm using a CPR hang on.

Great idea. Then you don't have to worry whether they use Copper or anything else (for the most part).

Sounds like the behavior of the "Pom-pom" crabs. I think that you have a really cool find.

Forrest, I'm nowhere nearly as experienced as the other guys that have commented, but I would think that Copper (used properly) in quarantine tanks would be a good thing, particularly when fish from Lord knows where is carrying Lord knows what. I really don't have a problem using a reasonably common medication like Copper or something else to treat ich prophylactically. That said, I NEVER add store water to my tank and I will take a few hours to acclimate.

Sweet addition!

Congrats guys! Do you have your corporate meetings at Arrrrrrrrrrrrby's?

I didn't have my camera with me and they were ready to close.

Exactly. It's between the bar and the dinning room. When I asked, they said that all of the hardware is in a room upstairs.