ErikS

Hope the new bulbs work out, but it turns out that the CoralVue's don't put out any more radiation than any other bulb (in fact it's less). The discussion seems to center on whether or not they put out light in the needed spectrum. Check this thread - RC CoralVue Thread

The type Michael is referring to is called an "F" can. It's basically the coil & cap in a single unit. Psssst.....not a word. Sorry, couldn't resist. :D

Exactly, check any of the nano forums...lots of folks using MH on small tanks (w/ & w/o hoods). Requires ventilation but it's definately do-able.

That would be my choice. It's should be no problem to match them up, all PC fans are 12v & most can run on anywhere from 5 - 12v. The only thing you'll need to check is the draw of the fan(s). The one reefmon linked to has a max current of 800ma which is .8 amps. Just check the fans, most will have the amps &/or the watts listed. Example: Panaflo 92mm L1A draws 1.32w @ 12v this equates to .11amps (w/v). Using the linked adapter you could run 7 of them I know lots of places to get fans but Directron probably has the largest variety & best price (they're huge). They usually get stuff to me in a couple of days (in Houston I believe). Local CompUsa carries the EverCool brand & they're pretty good but I'm not sure how the Aluminum will hold up in our environment.

No...no...NO! Do not buy this fan, it's a piece of junk. The 8cm & 12cm aren't so bad but this particlular model is terrible. It emits a low frequency noise that's bothersome AND it doesn't move much air at all. There are two kings in the fan game Panaflo & Papst. Papst is expensive and IMHO the best value is Panaflo. Move good amounts of air & are very quiet. They are also durable, I have a couple that are WAY past 3yrs of 24/7 use (one is actually over 6 years, it was recently retired but may go back into service in my canopy) Panaflo @ Directron For Panaflo's the last three char's tell you the speed/noise. L1A = low speed/noise, M1A = medium, & H1A = high (regardless of the size). As fans get bigger they move more air/noise produced. The larger fans need to spin @ lower rpm's to produce the same airflow - this means less noise. You don't need a holesaw to cut a 12cm hole, a jigsaw will work fine. A template is easy, use a CD it's the same size. Also, as Xeon mentions you can use an ATX PS, just be advised that some of them don't like being run w/o a load (jumped grn/black). They make PS testers for this, about $11 - $12. I think I might have a spare 9cm Vantec laying around if you REALLY want one of those (I might just have tossed it out also - ). If you have any Q's about PC fans give tag me w/ a PM. I've spent more time in the last 8 years d*cking around w/ fans than any sane person should. EDIT: To give you an idea how much of a rip RS fans are - the Panaflow 9cm is $7.99 @ Directron. sph: fixed link

I'd go for about 1/2 the snails & the conch.

Try AH Supply, they have small light packages. Pretty simple to buy a "desk light", rip the guts out & retro a nice light. Or even better cobble up a simple wood box for the light. AH Supply

Yeah, I guess - it's really nice if you like the color brown :D Remember what they say about tanks & reefing. You either just had a flood, are having a flood, or soon will have a flood

Sorry to hear about your problems, a wet carpet is NO fun. The only tip I have is to NEVER rely on mechanical or electrical devices for flood prevention. They will all fail & as you discovered at exactly the wrong time. Cheer up, you want to see "sucks" come to my house & see my tank after three years - it truly sucks. If I didn't have fish in it I'd have hauled it to the dump long ago

Well my plan is to build a skimmer (jet injection), then CA reactor, then a sump and if all goes well a tank. At the risk of getting off onto a DIY thread (& getting it booted - lol). You can make a TS of sorts. Take 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood, screw them together & the mount a circular saw to the bottom (that's what small TS are anyway). Use some clamps & a straight edge as a fence - you're in business. If you're ever in the Woodbridge area give me a shout I have an old benchtop Craftsman that I'd give away. It takes a few minutes of futzing to get the fence square but it works.

Excellent information. So, who want to be the one to let me test fill my 1st 120 in their living room? Seriously, thanks for the input I appreciate the information. I did check the yellow pages (yahoo) & the first few I called were fab places. I should have known to do a search here before asking - DOH! FYI - US Plastics carries extruded material (sheets), McMaster Carr carries cast, but it's expensive.

good locally? I'm taking about cell cast like Acrylite GP, Sandcast, etc. Looking for 1/4" up to 1/2" stuff & a reasonable price would be nice (I've heard that a sheet of 1/2" should be under $200). Thanks

There are no absolutes in fish/reef keeping. Angels are hit or miss - some nibble, some don't. Most dwarf angels don't pick on coral, but as I said no "for sure". (I have a C. Argi that has never nibbled). Dottybacks don't eat coral, but they are micro-predators. If you're using a DSB you won't have a bristleworm or "pod" in the tank - it'll eat them up in a flash. If you have a refugium then it doesn't matter. An Orchid dottyback (P. Fridmani) is a good choice, not as hostile as other family members (they are distant relatives of groupers). As Larry said clowns can be very territorial (they are related to damsels). Another option is to put the new fish in a small container in the tank - they can see each other & get adapted w/o be able to fight. I made one by drilling holes in a doll display case (plastic, from Michaels) & hanging it inside the tank. My choices would be: 1. Orchid Dottyback 2. Dwarf Angel 3. Cardinal 4. Firefish