agora
New Member
So as the title suggests, I'm upgrading my current 55g w/ canister to a 65g w/ 15g sump (If the girlfriend approves of the size upgrade) but i have some questions about this ordeal
hobby addition out but the more I think of this the more and more questions I end up having.
- I'm planning on getting new rock to be able to actually build a scape w/ and not just stack and pray it wont topple, what type of rocks would you recommend for this as this would be my first time "building" one? I'm currently looking at Marco rocks "the perfect mix" on BRS along with its respective mortar so the color matches. I'm also thinking of getting the acrylic rods to add more support for the build, good idea or not.
- My current tank is getting the bare minimum care right now due to the canister filter being a SOB to open and clean. The nitrates are phosphates are VERY high right now. I've heard that they will absorb nutrients in the water and then leach them back out in a clean system. Would I be able to reuse some of the smaller chunks in the sump for increased biofiltration?
- Related to the question above, I'm aware that cycling this tank is still needed. I've heard of something possibly called "quick cycling rock" add the new rock to a tote/bucket, add saltwater, some bacteria, and ghost feed or add ammonia in order to get the new rock ready so when it comes time to make the swap its good to go. Now if this is an option that yields good results, i would prefer to do this and just smash up some unused pieces of new rock and use that in the sump instead that way I'm not adding nutrient loaded rock and ending up causing more headache with this new tank
- SAND. I'm well area that new sand is a must if I don't want to wash my current sand out so I'm not bringing detritus into the new system. What's a good depth to aim for so I'm able to care for some conchs, maybe a sand sifting goby, and some zombie snails. Currently thinking about 1.5-2in, is this overkill on sand?
- I have corals in my system right now. would it be a good idea to leave them in a bucket or tote for a few more days after i get it up and running to make sure that they will have enough N03 and P04 to live? I would like to be able to just transfer the fish over as to not stress them put being in the bucket or tote for a while. but at the same time I am unhappy with my current fish so returning them to the store would not upset me.
- I believe the new tank is already plumbed or at the very least has the plumping with is ready to be reassembled, IF NOT, how do i size PVC fittings because while looking at some I could not find 1in PVC 90s or 45s only 1.5in?
- Second part to the question above. I would also like to have a pretty sump area just to make myself feel better, where do you get colored pipes and fittings?
- Third part, is schedule 40 a good enough for this use or should I shoot for 80?
- W/ a tank this size and a refugium running would a mandarin still be off the table?
