jwildman

Am interested! John

Heya, The ONLY place that I have found that has the sand is Dr. Mac's. I have looked around the Northern VA area for months and did not find any. Dr. Mac is selling the Southdown Tropical Playsand for $6 per 40lbs bag. I used 5 for 180Gallon. I did not try John at the Koi place as I was not aware of him at the time. Good Luck, John

Jacob, I have a TDS meter and a PSI meter. Would be happy to lend you for diagnosis purposes. Just let me know. Regards, John

I too am setting up a 180 and have made both my stand and a hood. You are welcome to come over and check mine out. I am in the Herndon area. John

Went by the store the other day .. all tanks were broken :( Really not much left, if anything at this point. John

just called Southern State ... was the sand you got Tropical Playsand? they said they dont carry that ... trying to make sure I get the correct stuff thanks, John

Excellent .. ty all John

Anyone have any good sources in the Reston or No VA area for these? Thanks in advance, jbw

I just build a stand for my 180G tank and am very pleased with it. I have not completely finished it, need to do the finishing work. Would be happy to show off and give advice or answer any questions on what I did. Regards, John P.S. Am about to start the hood, would also be happy to share my plans and experience with anyone, just PM me. . Am in the Reston/Oak Hill area

Hi again, Thanks in advance ... Looking at heater(s) I am told to look at 5W's per gallon of water, so that puts me at 900watts, as I have a 180gallon tank. Couple of questions about this ... 1. Is 5W per gallon reasonable? too little? too much? 2. I am planning on getting a Titanium heater, as I dont want to deal with breakage. Any issues with this? 3. Am I better off getting one big heater like a 1000W or should I consider getting 2 @ 500W's? 4. Can I put all my heating in the sump? or will I need to put some in the tank itself? I have a 180 gallon AGA reef Ready and will have (still making) about a 40-60 gallon sump. Thanks again, John

Thanks ... great article and links. John

Thanks all for the response, will def, switch to 6' VHO. Will also put in 3 MH's, but still on the fence about 250W or 400W. May be a decision based on the cost. 2 more questions; 1. any good suppliers for the lights (i.e. parts)? 2. Think the MH lights will be ok 12" off the water? thanks again in advance. John

Thanks .. will definitely give you a holler

Is a 180 Gallon 6x2x2 .. Reef Community tank John

Hi, Have a 180 gal Tank (6'x2'x2') and am trying to figure out the best lighting. Want to be able to have and grow SPS. I am between 3 choices; 1. 2 @ 250W MH and 2 96W PC's or 2. 3 @ 250W MH and 2 96W PCs or 3. 2 @ 400W MH and 2 96W PC's Any opinions or suggestions welcome. Thanks, John

Hi, Am new to reef keeping and am looking for some mentoring on the details of setting up my tank. Feel like I have a very good working (book) knowledge of what to do, but no hands on experience or detailed knowledge that comes from just plain doing it. I am in the Oak Hill/Reston area. Look forward to hearing from some of you out there Thanks, John

I would rough up the inside with sand paper then use a couple coats of primer. I like a brand called Killz .. most hardware stores carry it. J

Hi, Am new to WAMAS and new to the hobby (at least salt water). Am very interested in the DIY light that is in this thread. Have a couple of questions ... 1. do you have both the MH 250W ballast and the PC balast in the metal box (drill box)? 2. How are you finding the hanging cables for the hood itself? How high do they take hood up? 3. Was thinking of instead of using a metal box of building an "addition" to my stand that can act as a shelf and extra storage to house my ballast. You hink this is feasible or would you stick with metal? 4. Did you consider putting the box inside your stand? Or were you worried about leaks and/or space? Thanks in advance. John

Oak Hill near Reston