28 Gallon SW Build...hopefully...

[carey]

It's up to you on thepowerheads, 425's are sufficient I would think, BUT the 550's would do a better job of circulation in my opinion.

I have 2 425's in my 20g and am not toally impressed with them. The flwo seems so light. LOL

And the api test chemicals work the color chart is a little different though. But still the same basic concept, any green in ammonia and thats bad, anything but blue for the trites is bad. LOL

Do you have a refractometer? Great $30 investment and youre likely to never be off , unlike if you use the swing arm hydrometer.

Link for cheap one

eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

 

[BfishLpond78]

Already have the refractometer...

I'll go with the 550's, I'm gonna have the marine sand fine sugar grain, i really hope it doesn't blow it all around. Will 2 PH's be enough?

 

[carey]

Yes, two will be sufficient

If placed correctly, after a lot of trial and error you shouldn't have any of your sand blowing around. It's just a matter of palcement and angles.

You'll see, it's not really that bad.

 

[BfishLpond78]

What's a good price for these? I see em on Ebay for 22-32 bucks?

 

[carey]

Amazon.com: Hydor Koralia Evolution 550 Aquarium Circulation Pump, 550 GPH: Pet Supplies

cheapest i found. $34

But you can get lucky on ebay and maybe get a few bucks off.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Hydor Koralia Evolution 550GPH Circulation Pump! *NEW* | eBay

23.50 on ebay...whatcha think?

 

[carey]

Looks good. Seller has decent feedback. looks like he might be in Nj. If thats the price you wanna pay I'd grab two up.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Sweet ill do that in a min...i also need to get base rock...im torn...either BRS or reef cleaners???

 

[BfishLpond78]

Anyone have any recommendations of a HOB skimmer? Octopus BH100 looks decent...???

 

[carey]

Yep, I hear the octopus ones are pretty good. I;m using a remora hang on back now which I happen to like alot. But yeah, the octopus should be a good one.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Any preferences on base rock?

 

[carey]

I've only ever gotten it from reefcleaners, sorry so I have no point of reference. LOL

I do know they will custom box you up the perfect size pieces though, just tell them what you want and they come through. also shipping is included.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Oh no worries at all...you've been extremley helpful...will i need the skimmer during the cycling period?

 

[carey]

if you have one already sure, it will take a few weeks for it to break in properly anyway. It won't affect a cycle.

 

[BfishLpond78]

Ok, just got two 550's for 50 bucks even! Next is rock and skimmer...

 

[BfishLpond78]

Ok, just got 50lbs or base rock from reef cleaners, Octopus BH100 HOB skimmer and aquarium silicone from BRS has been ordered

 

[carey]

wow, youre having a fish gear day! I'm so jealous! lol I just sit here and play shop til I can sell that stupid 55g tank! will someone just buy it already? LOL Then I can get on to buying all the fun stuff like you are.

hehehe....

 

[BfishLpond78]

LOL i know...having a bit of buyers remorse...but...i'll finally have everything to start...well except the lights...gonna hold off until my tank gets all cycled...plus getting a new puppy come October sooooo...lol gotta save for both...lol.

Already have 28 gal bow front tank and heater...

Heres what i got for gear coming...

2 Koralia Evolution 550's
Octopus BH100 HOB Skimmer - rated up to 60 gallons
Aqua Clear 70 Filter - first attempt at DIY fuge (looked online looks simple)
Aquarium Grade Silicone for mod
50lbs of Reef Cleaner Base Rock
100GPD RO/DI Unit

I think that is is for now...gonna go to LFS for substrate and Reef Salt...besides the lights what else am i missing???

 

[carey]

Test kits, refractometer...got those?

 

[BfishLpond78]

I have a refractometer, totally forgot to check out test kits....DOH!!!