Guest alex wlazlak October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 im thinking about what kind of skimmer to get for my 120g. i like the reviews of the supper skimmer by coralife and the fishplace has it for $170. also, where is the cheapest place to get LR? i know the fish place has it for like $5-7 per pound, and they also have free shiping for orders over $175, and dr. smith and foster have it for good prices too and they usually have deals and stuff. but what is the cheapest you guys have come around? i think i did a topic on skimmers a while back too..
quazi October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 Find a source of good base rock for the "under reef". I have a ton of dead corals and "glass rock" (no longer made unfortunately). Roozen has a lot of "junk rock" in a pool (or at least used to have this.) This is an excellent source of base rock. Of course, find someone giving up on the hobby and selling their rock. This is the best source. Then you need "topping rock." Dr. Mac is a GREAT source. This rock has stuff on it (corals, algae, and critters!) Travel to the eastern shore. You will get great rock and frags or whole colonies. Worth the trip! :idea2:
Jon Lazar October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 I got my base rock from Drs. Foster and Smith during one of their specials. $90 + shipping fora 45lb box worked out to about $3 per pound, and it was good quality. You can also watch for someone breaking down a tank and pick some up that way. Jon
steveoutlaw October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 Alex, When you get the Coralife skimmer make sure you get the needlewheel version rated for a 220. I have it and I love it. Steve
ErikS October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 I'll 2nd the base rock approach, far cheaper & really there is no reason to go with all live rock (in fact the base rock won't be loaded with detritus that needs cooking out - for those who believe in that stuff). Check this thread - Base Rock - start & finish I got mine from HiRocks - it's gone up a bit, there best (what you see in the tank pic linked) is still $1.48/lb. Seed that with a few pounds of LR off the sales area (seems pretty constantly available) & you're good to go. I used 120lbs of base w/ maybe 30 from my old tank. Can't tell the LR from the base anymore.
rioreef October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 Like Erik, I ordered my base rock from here HIROCKS I have about 90lbs of this stuff. It is mined coral base rock from Hawaii. Lots of shapes with there 'best' version and tones of holes and ancient coral skeltons. This stuff is dry - no life on it, but as a base it worked great and saved huge! I put this in with cured live rock from Dr. Macs at the top coat. This was in April and it is hard to tell the difference now. Prices: 30lb+ box (smaller fragments) $35 30lb+ box (best rock) $52 ($1.73 a pound) 60lb+ box (large plain rock) $68 60lb+ box (smaller fragments) $50 60lb+ box (best rock) $92 ($1.53 a pound) 1 TON+ (small rock) $875 1 TON+ (large plain rock) $1200 ALL PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING!! For me a 30lb shipment got messed up by FedEx, HIROCK resent, then FedEx shipped the damaged box to me. Ended up with a 'free' 30 lb box.
rioreef October 21, 2005 October 21, 2005 Erik, I remember your link. You tanks progress looks similiar to mine.
quazi October 22, 2005 October 22, 2005 I forgot about Hi-Rocks. The rock is a little dense from what I understand. However, it is just what I was talking about. Has anyone checked out the Roozens throw away pile? I still think that is a good source of base rock. I still wish the spun glass rocks were still available. They are very light and porus. Great for base rock. After several years in my tank, they are crusted with sponges (reds and yellows).
Caribbean Jake October 22, 2005 October 22, 2005 Alex I have tried RIO, MAXI, Enheim, and other pums to run my skimmers. If there is one pump I will definetly must have to have is one with neddle wheel. So far the ones I have found in the market are Sedra 3500 and Sedra 5000. They run between $68 and $99 depending on the stores and eBay acutions. I bought a Sedra 3500 $71 and adjust it to work with my CPR 194, and so far is taking more gumk than I ever thought possible. You are welcome to come over and see it working if you are down in the Herndon/Reston/Sterling/Dulles/Chantilly area.
Caribbean Jake October 22, 2005 October 22, 2005 If I were to buy another skimmer, I will buy he body and then get me a neddle wheel for it. hands down, no questions about it.
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