[e_baer]

well, i used to have a heater, but then i took it out. i guess with 5 pumps, 390w of compact flouresent lights and a skimmer, i get enough heat. its actually very perfect, stays right around 80 all day and night.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Thanks Greg- that's what I thought. (thanks for your comment too Tony)
I am going to get a jager possibly, have been looking at various ones, any info on the titanium heaters?
Skimmer: is Seaclone a brand to go with? And that too can go in the sump, right? I am going to send a picture of what I am thinking of doing...has anyone gotten a chance to look at that other picture I mentioned above? (the 600 gallon tank)? You will need that as a reference for 'my idea' hee hee.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Hey just read your note Elliot. Hmmm, that's something to think about. But I think in the beginning I will use one, and see what happens with the heat to make the choice of using it or not. I don't want to start off without one and have my critters 'chill' too much on me! Thanks though!

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Ok- I am taking a break from RB for a minute...... having difficulty keeping my husband AWAY from my tank ! He wanted nothing to do with it before it got here- now is wanting to 'modify' it and add things.....and he is talking to his friend (who originally had the tank..with "a" fish and "an" anemone), about making an extra corner overflow (which I don't want) or dragging the pipe from the original corner unit and bringing to opposite side of tank, painting it black and hiding it behind some rocks......it is all I can do to not go out and get a blue ring and say "Here honey, pet this little guy" JUST KIDDING!!!!So don't everyone go sending emails up the yingyang about that!! But ARGH! He is not getting it, he is def NOT a fish person, and bottom line he is driving me crazy! So I need to take a breather to get done what I need to with the LFS so they can show me hands on what I need to replace with the parts. My camera died, so I can't take pics yet- new one is to be ordered, (as I am coming to the conclusion didn't win on RB). Wish me luck, gotta find something to occupy my hubby while I am creating my dreamscape. Bye for now.....chelle

[Terrjenn]

Michelle,

That sounds like my husband! But I guess they figure if you can't beat em, join em! Where in Florida are you? We're in Lutz (Tampa).

[thelastmucci]

have a good extended vacation.

[jvharding]

Wow Looks like Becky Has some competition here we got us another Live One



YaHoo LOL, Have a nice Vacation. By the way I am in favor of adding the second Overflow a Tank that big should have at least two Overflows. The guy who sold it to you is right. Get a professional to drill the tank for you.

Originally Posted by michelle's ocean fantasy

Ok- I am taking a break from RB for a minute...... having difficulty keeping my husband AWAY from my tank ! He wanted nothing to do with it before it got here- now is wanting to 'modify' it and add things.....and he is talking to his friend (who originally had the tank..with "a" fish and "an" anemone), about making an extra corner overflow (which I don't want) or dragging the pipe from the original corner unit and bringing to opposite side of tank, painting it black and hiding it behind some rocks......it is all I can do to not go out and get a blue ring and say "Here honey, pet this little guy" JUST KIDDING!!!!So don't everyone go sending emails up the yingyang about that!! But ARGH! He is not getting it, he is def NOT a fish person, and bottom line he is driving me crazy! So I need to take a breather to get done what I need to with the LFS so they can show me hands on what I need to replace with the parts. My camera died, so I can't take pics yet- new one is to be ordered, (as I am coming to the conclusion didn't win on RB). Wish me luck, gotta find something to occupy my hubby while I am creating my dreamscape. Bye for now.....chelle

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Originally Posted by Terrjenn

Michelle,

That sounds like my husband! But I guess they figure if you can't beat em, join em! Where in Florida are you? We're in Lutz (Tampa).

Nice to meet you neighbor! We are in Citrus County (Inverness). It's inbetween Tampa and Ocala (in case you know where Ocala is).

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

How are you able to drill glass once it has been assembled? Won't it crack? I was planning on putting power heads in the tank. In various spots, but "if" I do the overflow... what about his idea of painting it? Won't that be toxic to the fish? (ok, well as you can see I just love you guys too much...haven't "left" yet, haha) Someone get back to me....I am taking vacation from work the week of 9/16 and HOPE to get a ton of stuff accomplished! Night to all!

[thelastmucci]

I believe your supposed to use acrylic paint on the OUTSIDE of the tank. As far as drilling what I've read says to use non-tempered GLASS. Not acrylic.

[e_baer]

yeah, dont paint the inside, that would be bad.

you can go to a glass cutting place, you can try your LHS or LFS and see if they will do it.

it shouldnt crack, but if it does........

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Oooooo-k, wellllllll- NO. I am not even going to try it. I waited too long to get this dream started, am not going to drill and 'see' what happens. Not taking the chance. I will stick with my plans for the power heads, do really good maintenance, and work at doing what I've researched. I have my new camera on the way, not a Fuji like I love using, but after I figure out how to use it, I will load pictures of what I am doing. Thanks.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Ok- a friend read my above entry and said it sounds VERY HARSH. I love my husband very much and would not wish him wrong in any way. Apologies to anyone offended by my comment ----forgive me?

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Update: (still here)
Went to 2 of my LFS in Ocala and asked opinions of drilling tank.....NO! Ok, my idea of power heads are accepted by both- and I am bringing hubby to a LFS or two in Gainesville- as he wants a more "knowledgeable" opinion that just the locals......(uh duh...locals are 'local' to wherever they are silly man)
Anyway- Picking up a new plumbing accessory kit to replace what came with tank. And trying to find bulbs for my tank- (60"-nowhere yet around me) I am not sure if I want to risk ordering bulbs thru the mail- any luck anone?
Also had good talk with LFS (Jason) at (TANKSALOT) about the refugium instead of the bioballs- he said what I already researched here and I feel confident dealing with him- so thanks guys for your info! Still waiting on camera to arrive - will post as soon as I can. Ciao!

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

What are some 'favorites' on lunar lighting? I got a new catalogue from ThatFishPlace.com and saw a really nice light: Signature Series Moonlight. It says it is an LED - ultra blue LED actually. Looks nice the way the corals and clams are reflected under it. Since my hood only has 2 fixtures, I know I need to add to it- any thoughts on the lunar lights?

[thelastmucci]

Michelle sounds like everything is going "swimingly" haha..ok that was really bad but I had too.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Funny! Thanks...will try to keep updated step by step once I get started-just in case I 'miss' something along the way you guys can point it out before it is too late to re-do it! lol

[aquasalt]

Another Tampa Bay reefbuilder, and with a bulldog at at that! My girlfriend and I live in St. Pete, with 2 dogs (1 bulldog), and a 90 gallon.
I enjoyed reading your thread--it looks like you and your husband are carefully considering all the alternatives. The tank looks like it has a lot of potential. Can't wait to see it come to life.
If ever you are looking for another LFS, there's a pretty good one in Tampa on Dale Mabry called Fins of Tampa. They're very knowledgeable, do custom installs, house calls, and have a decent collection of livestock.
I'm a new comer myself--have been in this for close to 2 months now. What's up with the Bio Balls guys. Seems like everybody is shunning them? Can I still switch to live rock, or is it better to just leave as is now that everything is set up?

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Hey ! Thanks for the info, told my husband and we will check it out. (Ours is an Old English bulldog-Neiko. And we have a rottweiller-Ceasar). The bio balls are ...a nitrate factory and breed it from what I have been told. The word on this is to stay away from bioballs and go with rock. I have a plan to do a refugium in the sump. Can't wait to see pics of your tank too- it helps when I am planning on rockscapes and such! I am going to look for my lights this week- however, can't find what I need in any of the stores. Will def try looking in Tampa-thanks....Good Luck!

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

If you have a sec- look back in the beginning of my thread:
jvharding (jack).....blind1993..... ...lowej182 (john)....and tonz of fun (greg) all have made comment on getting rid of the bio balls due to the fact they trap the detrtitus and 'harbor' the nitrates.

[Terrjenn]

Hi all! I too am in Tampa and have an 8 year old English Bulldog named Belle! And a Golden Retriever Maggie. I have done my shopping at Marine Warehouse Aquarium. They've been around forever and I am very pleased so far. The tank looks great Michelle!

[Terrjenn]

Hi again Michelle! I just went up and read the post where you told me you're in Inverness! Might help me to not skip straight to the bottom next time. LOL! I just got so excited when I saw your Bulldog! Sorry about that!

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Hey there yourself! I just pulled up that same store online this afternoon! How funny is that! I got the directions- and from the looks of their website it looks like I may have to make it an 'all day' trip. Love all these bulldoggies out there! (my son wants me to make sure I mention ours is from Ecuador....he actually is! Someone brought him over and decided didn't want him. Passed my husband one night and sold him the puppy with papers and all! ) He is SUCH a good (and lazy) dog.
Ok back to 'the fishes'......yes! I definitely will check out that store. Maybe (if you don't mind) I could let you know when I am heading down there- if you wanted to ever meet up and compare pics, notes, etc?
Hey to anyone in or knowing of anyone in the Sylvania, Ohio area:
(came across this earlier....)--
Ebay seller: $historybuff1999 is selling a REALLY good deal.
190gal (acrylic) with ......EVERYTHING! for........$100 !!! wow I wish he would break that set up and sell in pieces- oh....you have to pick it up only, he said not shipping.
Just an fyi for anyone looking for an extra tank!

[Jeremy0322]

I was really excited when you mentioned the 100 dollar acrylic but i just looked it up and it is at 500 already so it will be up there by the time all the bidding is over. I live 3 hours away and that tank for that price would have very much been worth the drive out there.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

I am sorry. Tried to get it posted here as soon as I saw it. I am always on ebay, so if I see anything else, I will post it here, and maybe send a PM so you get it quicker! Sorry it didn't work out.