College Tank Discussion

[Spencer7]

Hey guys,

 

I'm a UConn student (freshman) and I've been without a saltwater aquarium for a few months. I have a nice 60-P running at home but I'm getting really antsy about having a saltwater tank. Now I've taken care of a lot of different saltwater tanks, from four gallons to 600 gallons so I have some ideas...but I still am curious about what y'all have to say. So I'd probably set the tank up after thanksgiving break, I would use a 9 gallon Eheim Aquastyle tank and filter and then a AI nano light. I'll use whatever for the heater...not too worried. In the filter I'll run a strip of poly filter and some seagel/purigen/carbon (depending on how the tank is).

 

The logistical problem is that I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere. There's a Petco 7 miles away that might be my lifeline. Just thinking about water for water changes. Equipment won't be a problem. I could bring 25 gals worth of salt mix and maybe use a brita filter or something on the floor sink (I'm on the 6th floor)...wouldn't be perfect but it would be simple and inexpensive. I'll probably have the tank cycling until I get back from x-mas break so I don't have to worry about any fish (Don't worry, I'm not going to overstock).

 

Anyway, I'll stop talking. Tell me your experiences with nano college tanks. I am going to do saltwater...don't try to tell me otherwise lol and I will have SPS down the road lol

 

Thank you everyone!

[Matteo]

I am a college student going to Southern Oregon University, luckily I live off campus so my 45g Reef is sitting center in my living room:) for the dorm life it might be tricky. Petco will have salt and what not, but for distilled water most grocery stores sell it for a $1 a gallon which would be easy because its only a 9 gallon tank. I suggest the AI Prime for your tank also. Too bad there isnt a LFS close, I order everything online now anyway.

[Spencer7]

I am a college student going to Southern Oregon University, luckily I live off campus so my 45g Reef is sitting center in my living room:) for the dorm life it might be tricky. Petco will have salt and what not, but for distilled water most grocery stores sell it for a $1 a gallon which would be easy because its only a 9 gallon tank. I suggest the AI Prime for your tank also. Too bad there isnt a LFS close, I order everything online now anyway.

Thanks man. Yea, I've been reading a bit and the grocery store RO water is a strong bet.

 

With it in the dorm, I'm not too worried. I have a spare room key if I need a friend to feed it on spring break. I live 2.5 hrs away and so at the end of the school year I'd put everything in the car and set it up in the house. Now I'm leaning towards dissembling and converting my 60-P for this build. Again, I have all the equipment...just thinking logistics now and waiting till I get home to grab all my stuff. (Columbus Day Weekend)

 

I have a friend who's a distributor of Fauna Marin stuff who might help me out a but and he's like an hour away. I also worked at a LFS for 7 years back home, so I have lots of resources to my disposal. I would definitely not be using Petco for livestock. Would bring stuff from back home, get stuff online, or work with local reefers.

 

Current Costs:

 

- 50mL SeaChem packets (Wholesale)

- Salt (Wholesale)

- RO Water

- Rock and Sand

- Bacteria for cycle

 

About $100 to set this thing up #Worth It

 

I have pumps, lights, tank, filter, scrapers, heaters, ATO, supplements, electronics.

[ReefWeeds]

Hey guys,

 

I'm a UConn student (freshman) and I've been without a saltwater aquarium for a few months. I have a nice 60-P running at home but I'm getting really antsy about having a saltwater tank. Now I've taken care of a lot of different saltwater tanks, from four gallons to 600 gallons so I have some ideas...but I still am curious about what y'all have to say. So I'd probably set the tank up after thanksgiving break, I would use a 9 gallon Eheim Aquastyle tank and filter and then a AI nano light. I'll use whatever for the heater...not too worried. In the filter I'll run a strip of poly filter and some seagel/purigen/carbon (depending on how the tank is).

 

The logistical problem is that I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere. There's a Petco 7 miles away that might be my lifeline. Just thinking about water for water changes. Equipment won't be a problem. I could bring 25 gals worth of salt mix and maybe use a brita filter or something on the floor sink (I'm on the 6th floor)...wouldn't be perfect but it would be simple and inexpensive. I'll probably have the tank cycling until I get back from x-mas break so I don't have to worry about any fish (Don't worry, I'm not going to overstock).

 

Anyway, I'll stop talking. Tell me your experiences with nano college tanks. I am going to do saltwater...don't try to tell me otherwise lol and I will have SPS down the road lol

 

Thank you everyone!

I'm not a college student, but I am a UCONN alumni - go Huskies!!! i will say that while not close, Wet Pets in Vernon is pretty awesome and if someone is heading to the Buckland Mall, hitch a ride with them and have them stop if you need to pick up supplies: http://www.noreastwetpets.com

 

Good luck!

Or you can go grocery store steam distilled as well - I actually think that may be safer than grocery store RO. OR, make life easier on yourself and pick up the Catalina ocean water boxed and sold at petco in 5 gallon boxes. Once you get set up you won't need to pick those up often and you don't need to worry about mixing your own or RO etc.

[Matteo]

i would say just bring your tank from home! but 6th floor is kind of a pain

[Spencer7]

i would say just bring your tank from home! but 6th floor is kind of a pain

 

I'm not a college student, but I am a UCONN alumni - go Huskies!!! i will say that while not close, Wet Pets in Vernon is pretty awesome and if someone is heading to the Buckland Mall, hitch a ride with them and have them stop if you need to pick up supplies: http://www.noreastwetpets.com

 

Good luck!

Or you can go grocery store steam distilled as well - I actually think that may be safer than grocery store RO. OR, make life easier on yourself and pick up the Catalina ocean water boxed and sold at petco in 5 gallon boxes. Once you get set up you won't need to pick those up often and you don't need to worry about mixing your own or RO etc.

Thank you guys, I'll use the Catalina water for WC's and tank filling and the grocery store water for topping off ^_^

 

It's a small pain...I'm used to moving tanks...trust me, a 60P is a lot lighter than a 40g tank with 1/2" glass. Also, we have an awesome elevator that is right there when you walk in from the parking lot.

 

Both the 9g and 17g are at home....the 60P is just much fancier and nicer lol ;D

Also, my fw setup is just chilling and not doing anything so I don't mind taking it down. Family won't have to feed it or top it off anymore...

[shawnd08]

I'm not a college student, but I am a UCONN alumni - go Huskies!!! i will say that while not close, Wet Pets in Vernon is pretty awesome and if someone is heading to the Buckland Mall, hitch a ride with them and have them stop if you need to pick up supplies: http://www.noreastwetpets.com

 

Good luck!

 

I was going to suggest Wetpets. That's where I get my water from currently. There is also Aquatic Wildlife which is a little bit further. If you know anyone on campus with a car that may be your ticket. I'm sure most at uconn frequent out towards Manchester area.

 

The Petco is pretty good in Mansfield. I have bought some freshwater fish that did very well. As far as saltwater I have only purchased snails from there. There is a pet store in North Windham (about 4 minutes from the petco) that has some saltwater fish, corals, and sells RO. I would stay away from there unless you are buying dry goods. I would not buy water fish or coral from there unless you plan on growing algae and crashing your tank. I would also stay away from the ro/di at Aquatic Wildlife.

[Markburns43]

Exactly what Shawn said +5

[metrokat]

Hey guys,

 

I'm a UConn student (freshman) and I've been without a saltwater aquarium for a few months. I have a nice 60-P running at home but I'm getting really antsy about having a saltwater tank. Now I've taken care of a lot of different saltwater tanks, from four gallons to 600 gallons so I have some ideas...but I still am curious about what y'all have to say. So I'd probably set the tank up after thanksgiving break, I would use a 9 gallon Eheim Aquastyle tank and filter and then a AI nano light. I'll use whatever for the heater...not too worried. In the filter I'll run a strip of poly filter and some seagel/purigen/carbon (depending on how the tank is).

 

The logistical problem is that I'm kind of in the middle of nowhere. There's a Petco 7 miles away that might be my lifeline. Just thinking about water for water changes. Equipment won't be a problem. I could bring 25 gals worth of salt mix and maybe use a brita filter or something on the floor sink (I'm on the 6th floor)...wouldn't be perfect but it would be simple and inexpensive. I'll probably have the tank cycling until I get back from x-mas break so I don't have to worry about any fish (Don't worry, I'm not going to overstock).

 

Anyway, I'll stop talking. Tell me your experiences with nano college tanks. I am going to do saltwater...don't try to tell me otherwise lol and I will have SPS down the road lol

 

Thank you everyone!

Contact Fitch4 on this forum. Jon Swanson. He run the CT frag swap out of EO Smith highschool which is close by to the university I think. He runs a full coral lab, breeds fish and everything.

http://www.eosmithcoralproject.org/FFM2015.html

[Spencer7]

I was going to suggest Wetpets. That's where I get my water from currently. There is also Aquatic Wildlife which is a little bit further. If you know anyone on campus with a car that may be your ticket. I'm sure most at uconn frequent out towards Manchester area.

 

The Petco is pretty good in Mansfield. I have bought some freshwater fish that did very well. As far as saltwater I have only purchased snails from there. There is a pet store in North Windham (about 4 minutes from the petco) that has some saltwater fish, corals, and sells RO. I would stay away from there unless you are buying dry goods. I would not buy water fish or coral from there unless you plan on growing algae and crashing your tank. I would also stay away from the ro/di at Aquatic Wildlife.

 

Contact Fitch4 on this forum. Jon Swanson. He run the CT frag swap out of EO Smith highschool which is close by to the university I think. He runs a full coral lab, breeds fish and everything.

http://www.eosmithcoralproject.org/FFM2015.html

Yea, like I said, I have no interest in Petco livestock, I have a lot of connections in Connecticut for that stuff. When I get the chance, I'll be sure to check out Wet Pets!

 

metrokat, thanks a ton! That school is literally a few hundred feet from my dorm room. I ran there earlier and worked out at their track. I'll definitely get in touch with this guy and talk coral with him. Later on maybe we'll do some trading, I'll def. go to the frag swap in March!

[Spencer7]

Okay, so real briefly here...

 

I'm going to be running a Eheim Classic 250 Canister Filter on this tank. In it, I plan to run BRS Carbon and GFO as well as some ceramic bio-balls.

 

I know this is unorthodox for saltwater but I have the filter, the tank isn't gonna be drilled or get a sump, and I'm not doing any hang-on-the-back product. I understand I'm essentially using a reactor here. That said, at the moment I don't really plan on having fish...maybe I have one random tiny fish later on, but this tank is gonna to be a high-flow, low nutrient setup. I'm actually worried more about starving the corals than high waste levels so I plan to set up a feeding regimen for them.

 

So I was just wondering if you had any wisdom towards canister filters and reefs. I understand people consider them nitrate filters, I'll clean this thing out at least once a month and I'm going to avoid any fine micron filtration to maximize flow through the reactants.

 

That said, if anyone knows of a canister filter built for reef tanks or one that would be a worth while upgrade, please tell me! Maybe there's some high quality, high flow rate setup that would be perfect for a SPS 60-P. We'll see.

 

Thanks,

S

 

Specs on the 250 (Link)

[Halo_003]

Okay, so real briefly here...

 

I'm going to be running a Eheim Classic 250 Canister Filter on this tank. In it, I plan to run BRS Carbon and GFO as well as some ceramic bio-balls.

 

I know this is unorthodox for saltwater but I have the filter, the tank isn't gonna be drilled or get a sump, and I'm not doing any hang-on-the-back product. I understand I'm essentially using a reactor here. That said, at the moment I don't really plan on having fish...maybe I have one random tiny fish later on, but this tank is gonna to be a high-flow, low nutrient setup. I'm actually worried more about starving the corals than high waste levels so I plan to set up a feeding regimen for them.

 

So I was just wondering if you had any wisdom towards canister filters and reefs. I understand people consider them nitrate filters, I'll clean this thing out at least once a month and I'm going to avoid any fine micron filtration to maximize flow through the reactants.

 

That said, if anyone knows of a canister filter built for reef tanks or one that would be a worth while upgrade, please tell me! Maybe there's some high quality, high flow rate setup that would be perfect for a SPS 60-P. We'll see.

 

Thanks,

S

 

Specs on the 250 (Link)

100% doable, that's what I'm doing. You could get like a 500-700GPH pump, a set of lily pipes, 2 RODI canisters and set it up so one has carbon and one has floss, I also have one with biopellets. I change the floss every two weeks.

[Spencer7]

100% doable, that's what I'm doing. You could get like a 500-700GPH pump, a set of lily pipes, 2 RODI canisters and set it up so one has carbon and one has floss, I also have one with biopellets. I change the floss every two weeks.

 

Ehhh, doesn't that require having the pump in the tank?

 

I'm good on lily pipes lol and I'm familiar with BRS reactors. I'm just not sure if it's worth it to get a dual reactor setup since I'm literally going to be running like two tablespoons of carbon and one tablespoon of GFO. With such small quantities, I feel like I'd be fine with the canister filter. Also, in both scenarios the outflow is going be pretty much the same since you're having to turn down your cobalt/maxi-jet pump. The reactors just make it a bit more a efficient.

 

I'm also doubtful about the stiff reactor tubing and fittings and how well that would go with the lily pipes.

[Halo_003]

 

Ehhh, doesn't that require having the pump in the tank?

 

I'm good on lily pipes lol and I'm familiar with BRS reactors. I'm just not sure if it's worth it to get a dual reactor setup since I'm literally going to be running like two tablespoons of carbon and one tablespoon of GFO. With such small quantities, I feel like I'd be fine with the canister filter. Also, in both scenarios the outflow is going be pretty much the same since you're having to turn down your cobalt/maxi-jet pump. The reactors just make it a bit more a efficient.

 

I'm also doubtful about the stiff reactor tubing and fittings and how well that would go with the lily pipes.

Nope. http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/357384-12-gallon-long-suspension/

 

It's up to you just throwing out another idea.

[Bingo1213]

I had reef tanks all through college (just graduated in may) and had great luck with all of them. I had a 5 gallon and a 10 gallon in the dorms. Then when I moved off campus I got a 25 then a 40B and now my 70. Anyways every time I had to move the tank I often upgraded it which worked well. As for water I used distilled water as I was in a small town as well. The nearest good pet store was about an hour away. I also had to plan ahead because I couldn't store much mixed saltwater. All in all its a giant pain but absolutely worth it! Don't let anyone talk you out of it! good luck! My one piece of advice is get a tank that is small enough that you can carry it from the dorm to your car with the sand bed still in the tank. Once you live off campus and can stay there year round then go for a bigger more permanent setup. Just my opinion!

[Spencer7]

I had reef tanks all through college (just graduated in may) and had great luck with all of them. I had a 5 gallon and a 10 gallon in the dorms. Then when I moved off campus I got a 25 then a 40B and now my 70. Anyways every time I had to move the tank I often upgraded it which worked well. As for water I used distilled water as I was in a small town as well. The nearest good pet store was about an hour away. I also had to plan ahead because I couldn't store much mixed saltwater. All in all its a giant pain but absolutely worth it! Don't let anyone talk you out of it! good luck! My one piece of advice is get a tank that is small enough that you can carry it from the dorm to your car with the sand bed still in the tank. Once you live off campus and can stay there year round then go for a bigger more permanent setup. Just my opinion!

 

Nope. http://www.nano-reef.com/topic/357384-12-gallon-long-suspension/

 

It's up to you just throwing out another idea.

 

Okay, I'll start with canister and see if I feel like a dual reactor is worth the upgrade down the road. Another concern is leaking. If something fails or leaks with the pump there and all these connections, I could seriously destroy my dorm room.

 

And I totally will be doing this tank Bingo lol , I've already gotten/ordered stuff for it etc. The tank is a 17g tank and will have ~15 pounds of sand and 11 pounds of rock, I'll be able to move it. I should be fine on water and space.

[Matteo]

do any of you fellow college reefers have other pets? I have 2 snakes and a chameleon

[Matteo]

possibly trying to light this thread up again. You all still in school and how are your reefs? Being in school how do you all fund your reefjunkie needs?

[Markburns43]

no, but if I was I can imagine the struggle.lol

[Halo_003]

possibly trying to light this thread up again. You all still in school and how are your reefs? Being in school how do you all fund your reefjunkie needs?

Still in school, no other pets. Tank is just fine. I left it at home this year since my university is close enough to drive back whenever needed, so I have my parents feed my clown pellets and then I do everything else. I plan on trying to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at some point this year, because I'm not living on campus, I have an apartment. Next school year I plan to have my own apartment, no roommate like this year, with hopefully the cavalier puppy to keep me company, but the dog is a huge question mark, may not happen this year.

[Matteo]

no, but if I was I can imagine the struggle.lol

It is always a struggle of "well if I eat mac and cheese for a week I can afford some frags"

Still in school, no other pets. Tank is just fine. I left it at home this year since my university is close enough to drive back whenever needed, so I have my parents feed my clown pellets and then I do everything else. I plan on trying to get a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel at some point this year, because I'm not living on campus, I have an apartment. Next school year I plan to have my own apartment, no roommate like this year, with hopefully the cavalier puppy to keep me company, but the dog is a huge question mark, may not happen this year.

Yeah I couldn't imagine having a dog during school. Currently maintaining a 29g reef, 1 chameleon, 1 snake, and a chinchilla. Roomie is super pet friendly so he don't give af

[Halo_003]

It is always a struggle of "well if I eat mac and cheese for a week I can afford some frags"

 

Yeah I couldn't imagine having a dog during school. Currently maintaining a 29g reef, 1 chameleon, 1 snake, and a chinchilla. Roomie is super pet friendly so he don't give af

My roommate doesn't care, I left my tank home because I've had to go out of state a couple times for weeks at a time so it made sense to leave it at home. I figure a reef tank and a dog wouldn't be too bad, since those would be the only pets lol.

[Hammerstone]

Remember, puppies are just like babies, cry all night, potty training. Though totally worth it in the end. Good Luck. I have a Golden Retriever who's 8 now, raised him. My shadow and BFF. A cat and two tanks.

[yoshii]

possibly trying to light this thread up again. You all still in school and how are your reefs? Being in school how do you all fund your reefjunkie needs?

I didn't originally post on this thread, but I'll share

 

I currently have a 3.7g AIO pico, which has been in my college apartment since September. I top off with bottled water. I rarely do water changes, but I'm lucky enough that my school gives away free filtered saltwater. It's a pretty low maintenance tank, I feed a few times a day and top off once or twice a week.

 

I haven't really bought much while here When I moved I had to leave my job (income) behind, although I'll be starting a new job in the fall, so then I'll be able to go LFS shopping!

[Matteo]

I didn't originally post on this thread, but I'll share

 

I currently have a 3.7g AIO pico, which has been in my college apartment since September. I top off with bottled water. I rarely do water changes, but I'm lucky enough that my school gives away free filtered saltwater. It's a pretty low maintenance tank, I feed a few times a day and top off once or twice a week.

 

I haven't really bought much while here When I moved I had to leave my job (income) behind, although I'll be starting a new job in the fall, so then I'll be able to go LFS shopping!

Nice! It's amazing how quick I am to spend money on my reef then let's say food for myself haha. I have been doing better though. My whole setup has been stuff I bought from deals and sales along with many of it is from reefers on here hooking me up! Unfortunately I did impulse buy my light and now am stuck with it still I sell. No big!