QUOTE (npkelly @ Jan 30 2008, 08:52 AM)

cool. thanks again for your help.........and good luck on sunday. i'm more of a 9ers fan, but can't stand the patriots.lol.

QUOTE (Ocho Cinco @ Jan 31 2008, 12:01 PM)

I was wondering what kind of pumps/powerheads you use. I saw on you tank post that you use 3. Are you still using the stock pump? I was looking to add a powerhead what do you reccomend? What kind is under the built-in spout? I like the look of that.
I like the maxijet powerheads. The powerhead under the return is a MaxiJet 900 with a hydor attachment. In fact, I just added another MJ900 w/ hydor to the opposite side to add more random circulation to the tank, The only downsides to the MJs are that they're kinda big and can lose flow strength over time if you don't clean them periodically due to thier intake tubes gettitng clogged with stuff (corraline algae, etc.). A lot of people like the Koralias and Tunze nanostreams but I like the random wave motion that the hydors give you.
I no longer use the stock pump because it definitely heated the tank up. I also don't need it because I have my chiller pump hooked up direcly to the stock return.
Lastly, here is a PM that I received from another reefer with my response. I post it here just in case others can benefit from it or have an opinion.
QUOTE
JUNKITU
I'm a new reefer. Just bought a 28 Gallon JBJ NANO Cube HQI last weekend with B150-14k MH lamp, and 4 blue led night lights. The pumps are: 2 (2) Accela SP1-1000 in separate chambers in the back rated for 266gph. There are two directional nozzles in the display. The system also came with a skimmer which i wont even think of using for a long while, and a Ocean Pulse Wavemaker.
Started out as a tank for my sons room and over the course of one week has consumed me . Literally a week in, and ive been voraciously reading all the information i could get my eyes on.
This is my first attempt at with SW and your amazing thread has given me great hope.
I feel as though i bought a good system (with the lighting being the crown jewel.)
I have added about 18 pounds of cured FIJI live rock, and about an inch of live sand as my substrage.
I have turned on the pumps and the heater, and have the filter box in place but removed a portion of the filter media. I've removed the Carbon and Ceramic Bags for now. (cut the black filter down a bit to allow proper flow)
I'll add a little more live rock over time to get the base perfect. (can i add rock as i go? or does it all need to be in the tank now? during the first cycle?) How much is TOO Much?
I want to be patient and take my time as you and so many others on N-R.com have explained.
I'm planning on letting the tank cycle and then start with a small fish or two and a CUC.
I'd then like to add a variety of coral, much like your setup. Love the zoo gardens, clams, Rics etc.
Throughout your thread, ive been amazed at your ability to respond to every question and you've been so helpful to all that have taken the time to ask. Sure is nice to see somewhat who's been fortunate and has a great looking tank still willing to pay it forward.
Just looking for any basic starting tips you might pass on. I know this is long, but i thought if you knew what equipment i was dealing with it might help you narrow down to a few good solid tips.
Thanking you in advance,
and please know that your tank is really somethign to see.
Regards,
I'm glad you like my tank and I'm flattered by your comments.
It sounds like you're off to a great start with your equipment. Here are a couple things to consider:
1) Start a thread - It's a great way tot track your progress as well as challenges. It will also allow you to get real time feedback. Probably more than you'lll want

This forum is a great and I've learned so much from reading the posts of others.
2) Live Rock - The general rule of thumb is 1lb of rock for every 1gallon of water in your display. It sounds like you can add some more. Get fully cured rock if you can. If you can, try and get rock from soneone else's establish tank. That's how I started my tank and I believe it's the safest route.
3) Stocking - Once your params have stablilized, I'd add the clean up crew and see how they do. If the params remain stable then you add livestock after a week or so. I think it's best to add the least aggressive fish first and let them get used to the tank for a week or so, Then slowly add more and more aggressive tank members
Enjoy the new tank. I'll be on the lookout for your tank thread,.