New 125 set up

[Caige]

I had a 34gallon Solana for about 2yrs now and I "thought" i knew what i was doing so i decided to shop around on Craigslist, ebay and the flyer to take advantage of some deals. Here is where I am at.

• I purchased this tank, top, skimmer, pump (little giant) and stand from Craigslist for $375 (also came with home made T5 and MH set up but i haven't touched it because it just doesn't look "safe" to me. I will take a look at it at a later time.
• I purchased the Wet Dry 40gallon from Craigslist for $110
• As you prob saw from another post I purchased the 48in light set-up (yes, even though my tank is 72in LOL) off of craigslist for $125. It is a Current 2x150w dual MH and 2x130w dual Actinic PC
• All plumbing was from scratch and bought everything at Ace Hardware -- I know Lowes / Home Depot is cheaper but I like supporting my local hardware store Total cost was about $100
• I made Durso's for the 2 drilled overhead boxes.
• My favorite purchase was just this week... where I found this 100Lb's of LR on Craigslist for $150..... guy was breaking down his tank because he lived in an apartment and they were fining him DAILY until he got rid of it. (He is also the same guy I purchased the lighting from.

So originally I was going to do FOWLR because I couldn't afford the lighting at this time.... so now that I have this lighting I am hoping to do some easy / light coral and Inverts (focusing the coral in the center of the tank since the lighting doesn't cover it all).

I understand that there is much to think about as for "compatibility" of the fish, inverts and coral and I have yet to make a decision on what I really want.... I'm thinking the tank will go through a mini cycle and be ready to move ahead full force in a couple weeks

 

[Caige]

More PIC's and some questions

The 2 are the home made Durso's that I made. I am having a slight problem... the one with the water line to the top of the "branch" on the T is how I believe it should be.... however, the other one has the water line to above the tip of the pipe.... I can't seem to find out why. They both have a small drill hole in the very tip of the pipe.. -- any suggestions?

2nd question was on the rock set up -- do you all like it? Any suggestions on how to make it more stable without taking it apart and glueing piece by piece? Can I just stick some gel / glue in the tank and apply small amount to each rock where it currently sits?

 

[InfernoST]

Good deal, Nice setup. Looking forward to some more pics as you progress.

 

[melosu58]

Looks pretty good. On the first question the little drilled holes are for a siphon break. It will prevent a backflow to your sump. On the second question you can glue with an epoxy but I dont do that. I have mine leaning firmly on the back glass to make the fish swim out front.

 

[Caige]

Thanks Mike... I do understand the holes are for a siphon break... what i'm not understanding is why the water level in each overflow isn't the same. I have a telescopic durso and they are each at the exact level. doesn't seem to be affecting the drain pressure though .....