Going from an "old" 30 to a "newer" 65

[jacksammoms-tank]

HI Everybody,

 

My sons Jack, 11 and Sam, 7 and I are LOVING this hobby. We have so much to learn but are already upgrading, with hubby's blessing ! We bought Flooddc's 65 and are trying to figure out the best way to move things over. We plan to build the new stand for this tank this weekend; would love suggestions on this too. The new rock was soaked in rodi water and then baked in the sun for 3+ days. We plan to go bare bottom.

 

 

Questions:

1. What is the minimum size sump for a 65 gallon? We have a 10 gallon that works great. But could turn the 30 into a sump. Thought the 10 gallon could be QT then.

2. What is the best way to transfer the live rock and live stock?

3. Can we use the same water, siphoning it over?

 

I have read so much on this site that my mind is boggled with possibilities. So if you all could help, we would forever be grateful!!! And I cannot get my photos to upload!!!!

 

Toni (the mom of our jacksammoms-tank), Jack & Sam

 

[epleeds]

main question is the 65 a reef ready tank? If its not, i would strongly suggest drilling it prior to setting it up and using a glass holes overflow system. As for the sump, i would use the 30 gallon, the ten would not be able to hold enough of the water in case of a power outage.

 

You could transfer everything from the 30 to the 65, just make sure that the additional water (30+ gallons) is the same salinity and temperature and you should be fine.

[Chad]

I like big sumps. My current one is 75 gallons for my 60 gallon tank...

 

However, that being said, I'm going to venture a guess that the 65g is 18x36... Usually you want to have 2" of DT volume as "spare" volume in your sump.

 

So 2" of your DT volume is around 5.6 gallons. Meaning if you can fit everything in your 10 gallon tank and run it with no more than 4.4 gallons in it at any given time, it will be large enough.

 

I find it likely that will drive such a small operating band between deep enough water to run your return pump and NEVER going over the 4.4 gallon mark, that it will be too small.

 

The 30 would be much better.

[jacksammoms-tank]

This is the link to flooddc's post of the tank. (I still cannot get photos to upload!) The other tank question is do I need to put a new center brace on since the previous previous owner removed it?

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/51345-fs-65rr-ballast-dosing-pumps-heaters-powerheads/page__p__430800__hl__flooddc__fromsearch__1entry430800

 

But yes it is drilled, out the bottom, with a center overflow.

 

Thank you epleeds!!!

[epleeds]

ok. it is a reef ready which is the way to go. As for the center brace, i would either replace it with a whole new brace or fabricate something to give it the extra support. I think i have read somewhere that the braces should not be removed. For piece of mind, and to keep your husband happy, i would get a brace for it.

[jacksammoms-tank]

Wow! It uploaded one.

[flooddc]

Toni,

Best to turn the old 30G into a sump. As I mentioned, add a center brace to the tank. Although the guy who had it before me had it out no problem with it, I personally put one on for security. I saw several people removed it and add a piece of acrylic in it place. As for return, a mag 5 or 7 would be suffice. good luck

[Chad]

Oh, this is a great time to bring up a wonderful moment in WAMAS' history regarding the center brace

 

http://www.wamas.org/forums/topic/40351-another-petsmart-story/

[jacksammoms-tank]

So now I am worried about the structural integrity of whatever center brace I devise. Any suggestions? As written in "the" link about the center brace, it is very hard to replace. Should I just find a different tank? This one was bought with Jack's saved up allowance and birthday money. Seemed great!!

 

Thanks for all of the advice!

[flooddc]

Toni,

If you are afraid. Just bring it back to me. I'll give you your money back.

If not, you can add an acrylic strip and drill 4 holes and attached it onto the area where the center brace used to be. LMK. PM me any time. Chuck

[jacksammoms-tank]

Chuck,

 

I really like this tank. We want to make a go of it if we can. You fully disclosed this issue, but I did not realize the full impact. You are very nice to offer a refund. Keeping fingers crossed it will work out still!

 

All- I am thinking about just getting a piece of plastic and epoxying it to either edge. I could even do 2 and divide the top into thirds. I was thinking of using clear plexiglass so the light could still go through. Do you think that will work? Looking for affordable, safe solutions in this expensive and amazing hobby!!

Edited August 17, 2012 by jacksammoms-tank

[epleeds]

Chuck,

 

I really like this tank. We want to make a go of it if we can.

 

 

All- I am thinking about just getting a piece of plastic and epoxying it to either edge. I could even do 2 and divide the top into thirds. I was thinking of using clear plexiglass so the light could still go through. Do you think that will work? Looking for affordable, safe solutions in this expensive and amazing hobby!!

 

I would contact Adam (acrylic guy) and see if he can make you a center brace out of his scrap. hopefully it would be fairly cheap

[Chad]

I have seen a hand full of effective and aesthetically appealing solutions... It can be fixed (though it needs to be done empty). Also an option is contacting the manufacturer and purchasing a top frame with included center brace.

[flooddc]

Toni,

Here are two center brace mod from some reefer's 28G Bowfront/ scroll down to Center and last. As Chad said, had to be done empty.

 

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t152506.html

[jacksammoms-tank]

My hubby and son Jack have been working on building the stand for this tonight! Yes, hubby!! I had to take care of the other 2 rats!

 

We are so excited but cannot decide the best course for the center brace. I like the idea of a turnbuckle as a former sailboat racer (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1114902), but there is not much left for the ends to attach to. BRK folks were not very encouraging. Come on WAMAS help me save this tank from the dump! What is the best, most cost efficient way to rebuild a center brace?

 

We LOVE this hobby! Thank you WAMAS for providing the "new to the hobby" folks with such great advice. We can't wait until FragFest! Jack's bday is then; I am sure he will have a wonderful time!!!!

 

Toni

[jacksammoms-tank]

We found out we could order the new frame. The guys at Petland have placed the order. They are so helpful. It should be here in a week or so. Any suggestions on the best way to remove the old one and install the new one?

 

Also, we need to buy a "new" protein skimmer. Anyone have one sitting around that would be good for a 65 DT and a 30 sump? Any recommendations on a lower priced for real new one?

 

I have been researching the "best" salt to use. I see that Red Sea Coral Pro Salt has a new formula but comes with mixed reviews. We have a mix of LPS, SPS, and softies. We LOVE our corals. This appeals to us. But part of the reviews talked about cyano. Has anyone had this issue? Then the price of IO is very appealing. So many have good luck with it. Maybe something in between like KEntwell. I need help deciding.

 

We have a Black and White clown and Mandarin too. Hope to add more fish as we get the bigger tank up and running.

 

Thank you all so much for any further input!!

 

Toni, Jack, & Sam

[epleeds]

i use reef crystals. never had an issue. as for a skimmer, i would not skimp on that. I would go for either one of these..

 

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/VX-IN100.html

 

http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/CV-SRO-1000INT.html

[flooddc]

sound like you are moving along there.

I am surprised that BRK did not have the frame for it.

I believed the 40G breeder is the same dimension. I know glass cage sell tank frames.

Anyway, I am glad Petland can help.

 

here is a video of guy showing how to remove old frame. Looks quite helpful.

Edited August 29, 2012 by flooddc

[jacksammoms-tank]

i use reef crystals. never had an issue. as for a skimmer, i would not skimp on that. I would go for either one of these..

 

http://premiumaquati...s/VX-IN100.html

 

http://premiumaquati...RO-1000INT.html

 

By reef crystals, you mean the Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, right?

[epleeds]

By reef crystals, you mean the Instant Ocean Reef Crystals, right?

 

yes.

[jacksammoms-tank]

Question about having live/dry rocks stay put in tank...

 

The epoxy has not held up for me. I find that my hermits and snails can still move rocks etc. How do you aquascape rocks so they do not fall? I have heard of drilling and using rods. However, where do I find the rods? My LFS was not sure where to buy them.

 

Thanks, Toni

[jimlin]

you can use super glue.

[epleeds]

I used Marco mortor. It was very easy to make. And clean up was a breeze.

[Incredible Corals]

www.usplastics.com sells the acrylic rods. I think it's around $15 shipped for 6'.

[jacksammoms-tank]

Thanks! But what diameter rod should I buy? 1/2"? 5/16"? So many choices!!!!