WMAS Discussion Forum : Suggestions for a newbie http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ Copyright (c) 2006-2013 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Sat, 04 Jul 2026 01:38:49 +0000 Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:06:59 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 12.03 360 www.utahreefs.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=1297 <![CDATA[WMAS Discussion Forum]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/1by1.gif http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/ <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : I found a web site that suggested...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10973&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10973 Author: Spuma
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 24 2003 at 9:06am

I found a web site that suggested that the Novus product was pretty good at removing scratches...  I purchased the kit of 3 bottles, Novus 1,2 and 3 from the local motorbike store for $20, certainly cheaper than purchasing it on the net, one site wanted $70!  I'll let you know how it went.  Thanks for the advise again.

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2003 09:06:59 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10973&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10973 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : The acrylic stores in South Salt...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10894&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10894 Author: Mark Peterson
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 22 2003 at 6:25am

The acrylic [plastic] stores in South Salt Lake have kits to remove scratches. This is, I believe, where some other WMAS members have obtained the materials to remove scratches. Since you live closer to Ogden, I would assume there is a "plastic" supply store there.

It takes a lot of "elbow grease". I believe the kits use rubbing compound of increasingly smaller grit size, rather than sandpaper, to accomplish the task. The best person I can think of to give you advice with this is Jim Perry. He can be reached by going to the Gallery and clicking to his website and email address, or by clicking here (if I did this correctly). www.rockcanyon.com/reef/ I would definitely get his advice before proceeeding. He had to do this on his 650 gal. tank!]]> Sat, 22 Nov 2003 06:25:23 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10894&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10894 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : A friend told me that you could...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10890&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10890 Author: Will Spencer
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 21 2003 at 11:14pm

A friend told me that you could remove scratches just like you would from wood.  Start with 400 or 600 grit sandpaper and work your way up to very high grits.  Then use slurry abrasives like jewelers rouge until the acrylic is clear again.

I never tried this and don't know if it will work.  I thought about trying it on a cheap piece of acrylic from home depot or something before ever trying it on a tank.

My friend also said this process takes a LOT of work and patience.

Again, don't do it on a tank until you've tried it elsewhere with sucess.

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2003 23:14:52 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10890&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10890 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : Sorry... I should have mentioned.......]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10855&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10855 Author: Spuma
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 21 2003 at 3:27pm

Sorry...  I should have mentioned....  it's an acrylic tank.]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:27:45 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10855&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10855 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : The live rock does seem outrageously...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10837&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10837 Author: Diverdan
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 21 2003 at 11:17am

The live rock does seem outrageously priced. But, once you realize that rock was in the ocean in fiji or there abouts not too long ago you realize that with all the shipping and the changing of hands the price per pound will go up and up. An expensive foreign pet rock!

If you are really patient you can use all dry base rock and add one or two pieces of live rock to seed the rest. It will take a couple of months for the dry rock to become "live" and have corraline growth. A lot of people like to use the GARF grunge to seed the tank with corraline and all the other bacteria and stuff. Checkout www.garf.org lots of info!
I know they have scratch kits at The Aquarium in Sandy, but I have neber used one before. Glass or acrylic?

Rich]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:17:00 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10837&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10837 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : Well... I&#039;m taking off to...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10808&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10808 Author: Spuma
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 20 2003 at 11:00pm

Well...  I'm taking off to Houston this Sunday for Thanksgiving... I'm gonna look around and see if I can pick some of this stuff up cheaper over there.

My plans for the tank... 

First thing I need to do is remove some nasty scratches off the tank.  Any one know of any good scratch kits?  Then I'm looking for some sand and live rock.  I'm not sure about the live rock... those things are ridiculously priced!!  They give a new definition to 'Pet Rock'!  I like the idea about getting some Utah sand, if anyone is going and you don't mind company...  please let me know, I'd love to come.  Anyways...  thanks for all the excellent comments, I'm very glad I stumbled onto this web site....  it has certainly been a gold mine!

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2003 23:00:18 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10808&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10808 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : Wow. I just learned a ton of stuff...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10796&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10796 Author: ljbs
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 20 2003 at 8:24pm

Wow.  I just learned a ton of stuff by reading all yourposts.  As I told you there is a great interest in the club fornewbies to get help.  The people who has posted are some of thebest around.  Next year when they do the reef tour you have totake time to see the tanks.  It was amazing to me.  By thenyou will have your own up and running and be enjoying the hobby,(disease) too.  Good luck.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2003 20:24:31 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10796&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10796 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : Might want to add the clean up...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10766&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10766 Author: Crazy Tarzan
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 20 2003 at 12:34pm

Might want to add the clean up crew as soon as your tank has cycled, and have them start--even if you don't have fish.  Just remember some won't survive on just algea.]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2003 12:34:00 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10766&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10766 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : Mark Peterson wrote:Bioballs...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10764&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10764 Author: Adam Blundell
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 20 2003 at 10:55am

Originally posted by Mark Peterson Mark Peterson wrote:


Bioballs have become less necessary but still perform a useful function.

I had to read this 3 times!  Did Mark really say this????  Wow, I am blown away.  I haven't heard Mark ever say anything good about bioballs.

Adam 

]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2003 10:55:30 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10764&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10764 <![CDATA[Suggestions for a newbie : One little suggestion that may...]]> http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10762&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10762 Author: Diverdan
Subject: 1297
Posted: November 20 2003 at 10:35am

One little suggestion that may save you a lot of headaches in the long run, only put RO water in your tank if possible (RO is reverse osmosis water, the process takes all the "junk" out of the water and makes it pure). You can buy RO water from LFS but it gets kind of expensive. Look on ebay for an RO system, about $100 or so. A tank can be run on tap water, but if you are just starting out RO water will reduce the amount of problem algae you have to deal with.

I would also suggest posting your plans here and we can help you out with suggestions. There are many diffrent ways to succesfully do a tank, so you will get many diffrent opinions.

To get started I would remove the bioballs from the sump, get the tank filled with water and no sand and maybe some dry base rock and get the salinity right.Make sure you understand how the overflow works and the sump and return pump. For instance what happens if the power goes out? A sump should be able to contain all the water that will siphon back down into the sump.
Once you have the tank running with salt water and the heater is working right (able to keep the tank a constant 76 to 80 degrees) add some live rock. I would use dead base rock (utah aragonite or hirocks.com or any other option)and live rock mixed maybe 50/50 or less live rock depending on your budget. Live rock is expensive!
Then add your sand to back fill around the rocks making them more stable. Get live sand from members here, we will be happy to share as Mark suggested. Personally I like a depth of 2 to 3 inches of sand max. You can go really deep (like 6 inches)but that is another debate. I beleive it is not necessary based on my experience.

Next the tank will go through some sort of cycle, there is no need to kill some damsels when cycling the tank. It is mean and crule IMO. Plenty of things will die of your live rock from transport. You can also begin feeding the tank with flakes, eventhough there are no fish. All the other stuff needs to eat (bacteria, "pods" etc.)
Once the tank has cycled you can add fish and corals, and a clean up crew.
The cycle portion may take a few days to a month, depending on what you have added. If you can get used water from another members tank, this should speed things up. Also the live rock depending on how it has been handled may speed things up or slow it down. If at all possible keep it under water. The more it is exposed to air the more stuff will die.

OK so maybe that was not one little suggestion and I should get back to work!!!
Anyways, let us know when you are going to start things out on the tank and I bet you will have volunteers to come to your house and see and help a new tank be "born". You are more than welcome to come see my tank any evening, I am in North Salt Lake. It's a 75 gallon with sump and soft corals, LPS and fish.

To answer your sand questions specifically, yes the "live sand" will grow and spread into the dead sand. Don't buy the live sand in the bags at a LFS (local fish store), trade for it here with members. I would be happy to give an equal amount of my live sand for new aragonite sand.
Sand from the beach is silicate sand, some people have used it successfully in reef tanks. Some people claim it causes algae, I have never used it, so I don't know. The benfit of oolitic and aragonite sand is that it buffers your system and helps mantain the ph as it slowly dissolves. I have only ever used aragonite and have been happy. If I started a new tank today I would mix the Utah Oolitic and aragonite as suggested here. The southdown sand on ebay is the real stuff and works great according to everything I have read. It is very fine and will cloud your tank for days when you start. But as it becomes live it will stay put on the bottom where it should.
If you work for the airlines, maybe just go to a homedepot back east and buy it yourself. It is about $5 for a fifty pound bag. It is not available in the West.

Sorry for the novel, I hope this helps.

Rich "Diverdan"]]> Thu, 20 Nov 2003 10:35:17 +0000 http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=1297&PID=10762&title=suggestions-for-a-newbie#10762