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Thanks loganj and Bearfan ... I'm going to get started this weekend. Wish me no leaks!

I'll be sure to check that PVC cutter out. Are any brands of PVC primer and cement preferred for the aquarium? I'm also interested in building an acrylic sump/fuge. Anyone have input regarding assembling one of them, as well as how to install baffles, holes, what kind of "glue," etc. Would...

I don't even have a tank yet, and I've spent about $450 ... on books! I bought most of the ones listed on the recommended reading list. My hunger for knowledge is insatiable.

In both books listed above (I read'em), undergravel filters are considered "old school" and not of benefit for modern reef aquariums. As darb2 said, they tend to trap detritus and require a lot of maintenance to keep clear. As you continue to learn and read, you'll find that there are plenty...

Bearfan, thanks for the thorough response. So glad you did and yes, that helps enormously!! Nice pics in your gallery, too. I'm going to get started "practicing" next weekend. Thanks again.

Ditto everything stated above. Additionally, a wider tank affords more flexibility and ease of aquascaping. I still haven't set up my tank, but from everything I've read, more volume (wider certainly adds more volume) is better.

I'm planning on getting a reef ready 150-200 gal tank, and will eventually have a full reef with hard and soft corals, anemones, clams ... the works! Lofty goal, I know, but it's all I think about these days. Unfortunately (?) I'm the kind of person who would rather do without something than buy...

Eureka, that's the missing link ... the holes for the bulkheads are INSIDE the overflow, right? Now I'll sleep tonight, thanks

If that's the case, with one of the bulkheads draining the tank by gravity, why do you need an overflow chamber? I must be missing a very simple concept. Is there a diagram anywhere that labels all of the different components of a SW tank? That's one thing I never found in any of the books...

How do you fix the sides of the partition to the tank, epoxy? How much room should be dedicated to sump, and how much fuge? By the way, sorry SaltwaterTeen for cutting into your thread.

By the way fishfreek, thanks for the link ... you da man

So why do people say to get two bulkheads ... one to drain to the sump, and the other for a return? If that's the case, is a second pump necessary for the powerheads? Sorry that this is aquarium 101 stuff, not very interesting reading anyone except me.

How do you actually do that ... can you be more specific? If there's one piece of tubing coming from the tank to one section of the sump/fuge, and one going from the sump/fuge back to the tank, how does water flow between the sections?

I'm almost embarrassed to ask, but here goes. Since I'm considering buying a tank with a built-in overflow, I've asked several questions about comparing this kind of system to those with HOB overflows. Invariably people recommend getting a tank with a built-in overflow, and they mention to...

Does the glass from standard glass tanks take on a greener hue over time? That is, does the clarity degrade? If so, I'll definitely go starphire. And while we're on the subject of glass, are leaks a major concern long term, even if the tank is perfectly leveled? All of this info should help...

Thanks for the link jackdp ... now I'm definitely going to have to get a tank with Starphire. That tank was awesome! Anyone know where to get one?

So I guess I'd summarize the (very helpful) replies above by saying that starphire glass definitely provides improved clarity, although it may be difficult to get and potentially an inferior product ... correct? That being said, anyone out there have a tank with starphire glass who can comment...

I've read where a lot of people are getting tanks with starfire (or starphire) glass due to its increased clarity. I can't seem to find one to look at for comparison and don't know if it's worth the extra cash. Anyone know firsthand if it's that much of a difference or worth the cost? TIA

Thanks for everyone's input. I also looked at a 180 gal RR from glasscages, but the return from the overflow seemed to have a very "unfinished" look. Does anyone know if the sump that comes with these RR packages can be customized as well, since it seems like the ones packaged with the tanks...

I'm starting a new reef tank soon (probably around 150-180 gal) and have been shopping on-line as well as at my LFS. The "reef ready" tanks by oceanic, tenecor, AGA, etc. have overflows that seem to be pretty good, but when I view the galleries of AA members, I don't see a lot of them. Is that...

Thanks GrndHog, nice gallery too. A wise Advisor once told me "... be sure to get several opinions from several different people." ... anyone else have any advise?

I've decided on a 60x24x24 for a reef, and the best place to locate it will be in front of a half wall with an open arch above it. The potential problems (or advantages?) with this location include: 1. viewable on three sides, therefore obviating a dark background 2. exposure to some...

I'd like to revitalize this question regarding RO/DI units:

Thanks for the reference and advice above. I've looked at several glass aquariums and one (Tenecor) acrylic aquarium. I'm impressed with the improved clarity of the acrylic, although it looks much harder to work in due to the lid/canopy's somewhat limited access. I'm probably going to get a...

Thanks for everyone's input. Does this mean that the use of GAC as well as RO/DI treatment eliminates chloramine? Do most people use these units and make their own water, or is that considered "old school." I understand that it would be very convenient to use this for topping off the tank due...