HELP! Kevin's New Saltwater Setup

[kwandrsn]

Is that a good one? I know nothing about salt water aquariums or skimmers

 

[jjamontan]

I use one it works okay but I'm always adjusting something on it or cleaning the air intake or it won't work. It does is job

 

[kwandrsn]

I looked it up mine must be an older version my pump is a little different and the bracket doesn't have a spot for the check valve. I have never used a skimmer I'm gonna have to figure it out

 

[kwandrsn]

I am going to have to find a bow front lid or make one

 

[kwandrsn]

Ok where should I put the pump for the skimmer. If I put it on the sands won't it suck the sand up? The pic he sent me of when he had it set up looks like it is about the middle of the tank do I put it on a rock or something?

 

[mr_X]

You don't need a check valve on a skimmer. The skimmer pump should be fine just hanging there. I would try to hide it behind the rock though.

 

[kwandrsn]

So should I use tape or something to hold the pump and hose together the pump is pretty heavy

 

[kwandrsn]

Should I buy plexiglass for a loud on it? The previous person didn't use a top he just set the light on it and the light was full of salt

 

[jjamontan]

Let's see if this helps at all

 

[kwandrsn]

How hard is it to reseal a tank?

 

[kwandrsn]

While I was cleaning to buildup I noticed the silicone coming off

 

[mr_X]

I would check and see if it holds water. Always do a leak test. On a new or used tank.

 

[kwandrsn]

Can I just peel the silicone for the inside and add a new bead without having to take the glass apart?

 

[mr_X]

You can, but you have to do the entire tank. Scrape it spotless, and re-caulk all seams.

 

[rob_stl_mo]

I'm in the same boat with my tank. Bought a 75 gallon a d it was filthy. Not as bad as yours. Cleaned out the tank and sump. Sanded and primered the stand. While cleaning the tank some of the edges of silicone you could peak if you wanted. Mainly where the overflow is caulked in. It holds water and doesn't leak a bit. Should I redo the silicone or is it good. I still have water in it cause I heard its bad to leave them dry for long periods. Sorry for the rant, not trying to steal the thread. Lol

 

[kwandrsn]

Here is the stand I just built with 2 - 2x4x8 , 4 - 1x4x8, 2 - 1x10x6 and a box of 2" decking screws


















Covered with a black twin sized sheet

 

[rob_stl_mo]

Looks good man. And it sounds like you got a decent deal on your tank. Especially of you don't have to buy much

 

[kwandrsn]

I have to buy 1 new compact bulb. A hydrometer , salt, thermometer , a test kit. And I think I'm ready to start as long as I don't have to reseal
the tank

The manufacturer of stealth heaters is sending me a new one because of the recall

 

[rob_stl_mo]

Good deal. I'm still out a little before I start mine. Need rock, sand, and I have two lights I'm planning on purchasing. May just reseal the tank so I don't have any worries. Haven't decided yet

 

[kwandrsn]

Yeah I'm wondering ifI should reseal mine. It isn't leaking. And I don't know if the rock and sand I have is good yet gonna take a brush and water to the rocks