AllenIsbell's Marine Aquarium Experience

[Cliff]

Yup, looks like you are on track

You could get away with 2 baffles were you have four between the fuge and skimmer. But I like how you did that to reduce the nosie the sump makes. That is a really really good idea. I'm goging to have to remember that little trick, nicely done

[AllenIsbell]

Ha! Well, thank you, man!

That means a lot coming from you! One of my biggest concerns is noise, and I had to do something to have less of a "waterfall" in there.

I can't wait to get this build moving along.

[Cliff]

This is why I alway like tank journels. There is always something for me to learn

[AllenIsbell]

Got that right.

I've watched TONSSSSSSS of how-to videos on Youtube for various things. Just when you think they are all redundant... someone mentions something that can make your project that much better/easier.

[AllenIsbell]

I will be building a custom stand and canopy for this aquarium. It's going to be either stained or painted black with a satin finish.

The stand will be 3" tall, that way I can enjoy it standing up or sitting down. I plan to start on the stand next week. I'm not sure if I will be making a build video on it or not. If anyone wants me to, I will.

[Cliff]

I'm looking forward to seeing the build

I'm assuming you mean a 3 foot stand, correct ? With a 36 inch high stand, you should have a lot of room in the sump for a skimmer when you add one,

[AllenIsbell]

Yes, 3'. My pinky must be addicted to the shift button.

In that case, I will take pictures and videos. I'll make it a quick vid so it's not too boring haha.

[AllenIsbell]

Quick update.

I got a used AquaC Remora protein skimmer with a Maxi Jet 1200 pump.



It was dirty when I got it, but it cleaned up to look brand spanking new.

Also, I ditched the hose and got some replacement hose from Lowes. I may lower the pump a little with the longer hose depending on if I have room behind my rockscape. To help hide the pump... Don't worry, I'm not going to use those metal water clamps. I'm getting some plastic ratcheting clamps instead.

Speaking of rock. I got about 25lbs of dry rock for FREE from a local forum! I love generous people. I do plan on buying a few pounds of live rock to get my system seeded, though.

I am going to mess around with the rock tonight to see what kind of rockscapes I can come up with.

Pictures will be taken if I come up with some creative designs.

I understand that I should have as little contact with the sand as I can with the rocks, while maintaining a solid structure with plenty of caves/crevices for the water flow and fish.

[Cliff]

WOW 25lbs of free rock is great news

If you find the Aquac C a little noisey, there is a quick and easy mod to make it a lot quiter.

[AllenIsbell]

I read about that. I may have to do it if it's too loud for my taste. I'll decide once it's broken in.

Hey, I got a sponge with it that looks like it slides into the filter. Any idea where it may go? I can't find any info on it. I can take pics if it's not ringing a bell.