33gallon long (with 55g sump!)

[bitFUUL]

Originally Posted by somewhatshocked

Safe T Sorb would be way more affordable than Flourite. Have you considered it? $4 for 40 pounds, usually. Or just under $10 for 40 pounds shipped directly to your doorstep from Drillspot/Grainger.

The tank is small enough that it wouldn't be unrealistic to use ADA Aquasoil, though. Depending upon budget.

Reefing isn't really difficult. At least not more difficult than the stuff we do on TPT. But coral is expensive as all get out, skimmers are expensive, the lighting you need will cost you easily $300-$400. The initial salt investment is expensive. You'd want an auto top-off system.

Have you thought about maybe scaping a chamber of your giant sump and leaving it open for viewing? Wouldn't have to cover the front of the stand if you went that route. If there were chambers you didn't want to be visible, it would be cheap and easy to cover the front of them with black vinyl or removable black acrylic/plastic sheets.

SomeWhat, got a link to 40lbs shipped for 10 bucks? Can't find on drillspot or grainger. Link up buddy, I need some cheap cap!

[biogenetic40379]

Update for substrate brace: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...7#.UKXJb-TO3JI

this should work for what i want (looks just like what they used at green machine)

[Kathyy]

http://www.drillspot.com/products/14...bsorbant_40_lb

[BoxxerBoyDrew]

Our Tractor Supply has Safe-T-Sorb!

I too found that I couldn't keep the BBA off of my Flourite either! It was the Original type. I had it for 6+ years, but it now is in my Flower Beds and will get tilled into the soil this spring! At first it was OK, but I QUICKLY found out it wasn't what the advertising said it was AT ALL! The early advertising said it had it all! No ferts needed etc.! The ONLY REASON I kept it for soo long was after spending almost $200 on it, I couldn't stand to throw it out!!! I am CHEAP about some things!

I have now gone to Miracle Grow Organic Potting Soil and Black Diamond "sand", and I am very satisfied so far!!! I will probably go with another type of sand next time, but as of right now i am LOVING the MGOPS as a base!!! PLANTS are loving it!!!

I can't wait to see what Ya do to the tank!

Keep up the good work!!!
Drew

[biogenetic40379]

Update: Substrate will be miracle grow organic choice potting mix. I bought 3 bags to be safe, and one 40lb bag of SAF T SORB to cap it with. Also got my plastic sheet brace. Still looking for rock, i need advice on where to get some nice rock for a iwagumi style layout.

[boxhead1990]

Loving that stand and main tank would love a 4x2 in that height

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[biogenetic40379]

Update, got rocks today from local gardening store. I think the lady might think i am crazy....diggin through all the rocks and what not with a bottle of vinegar....

Pics of the planned layout for the rocks is below

ignore the rocks outside the pink lines

[Allentan97]

if i were you, i wouldnt have gotten the miracle grow as substrate, i have a tank with that, it works, but it builds anerobic gases...

[biogenetic40379]

box, i would love a 2ft wide tank too, the reefstore in town has a bunch like that...no room in my apartment though

[biogenetic40379]

should i make the banks/ hills out of a thicker layer of miracle gro or create an even 1" layer of it and use the Saf T Sorb to build the hills?

[boxhead1990]

Originally Posted by biogenetic40379

box, i would love a 2ft wide tank too, the reefstore in town has a bunch like that...no room in my apartment though

Yeah thats why i dont have my 120 anymore space to put it haha

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[boxhead1990]

And its up to you i used mud to make the hills in my 2 footer and cut up plastic to make substrate suports with hasnt shown any signs of flattening yet after 3 weeks

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[biogenetic40379]

Update since this morning. Woke up and started getting everything ready to go into the tank for the hardscape layout. OMG Saf T Sorb is DIRTY. I used some small gravel for a base to boost the hills, although i do have plastic support pieces that will be cut to brace as well (didnt want a 5" tall area of miracle gro). I will be picking up sand for the center "river" on tuesday, or later today...dunno yet. Will be setting the sump up soon, gotta get the rest of the gravel out of it. Plumbed the overflow for the sump though, gotta get a filter basket stack thingy to drain it into and the intake will be done. Need a return pump too, gonna grab one from harbor freight for $35.

[boxhead1990]

Looks good bud

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[biogenetic40379]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...m?pcatid=18989

Looking at the 1100 for my return pump on the sump. Any suggestions?