Hey, Alright!

[Chucky]

Hello 3reef I,ve been using this site so much lately i had to join up and say hi!
I have to say this forum is the best as far as friendly and helpful members that seem to really help each other.I use this site RC and nano-reef for 99% of my info in building my set up(almost ready to put water in it) but as of a couple weeks ago i find myself always going here to see what you guys have to say about everything from DSB's setting up fuges water perms. heh most any question i have i find an answer to here at 3reef Seems like this is the place for me!

I'll post a pic of what I've been getting into...



So right now I'm about to paint the back of my tank black(that black thing leaning on the buckets is my test piece of glass) As you can see I've had it drilled this eliminated a lot of problems and saved me a lot of cash as well as the ro/di unit that i ordered last night, two major changes from my original plan of how i was going to set it all up. I picked up some semi gloss at teh depot to paint the plywood the fuge sits on and realized how much better the back would look black, hiding all the tubing and bringing out all the great colors of my inhabitants (funny how it all comes together)I'm also leaning towards painting the white pvc returns as well (Krylon Fusion)I'm excited, to say the least. I also just placed a few orders to various places, this is what's rollin in...

1x150w sunpod (i know everyone seems to have this plan on what they want to keep,I don't *shrugs* But i know i won't be limited by not having enough light.)

Eheim Model 1250 (rated at 320gph)

scwd

Flexible Ball Socket Joint Tubing and Accessories

Saltwater Master Liquid Test Kit (how good is this?)

Portable Refractometer

WaterGeneral Ro/Di unit from ebay (iI think that's the name)

coral pro red sea salt(175g)

Timers

The Simple Guide to Mini-Reef Aquariums(I'm hoping this will have a generic guide for water perimeters for reference)

That's about it, I prolly missed something so if ya notice a mistake please let me know what you think!

Thanks all

[bmshehan]

Hey and welcome!!!!

Won't comment on your setup (let the experts do that!) but it does seem as though you are on the right track!!! Just remember to go slow once you put first life in!!!

Good luck with everything and welcome again!!!

[lunatik_69]

Sounds good, the only thing that comes to mind is the color selection you have chosen to cover the back glass. I personaly would paint it a baby blue. What ever you choose, good luck. BTW, welcome aboard.

[jbaker]

Welcome to 3reef. Looks like the kids are already interested. A saltwater tank makes a great teaching tool for them to learn about all kinds of things: math, science, biology, overcomng obstacles, compromise, etc, etc. My two girls, 10 and 7, love it. I don't think they even realize they are learning new things when we talk about it. Good luck. PS, personally I like black or dark blue for a background.

[seawillow]

Welcome and good luck with your tank!!! It does look like you're off to a good start. I agree, too, that tanks and kids are great!!!!! Keep us posted!

[Otty]

Welcome to 3reef.

Make sure when you paint that you put a few coats on. When I painted the short end of my tank black I didn't put very many coats on it and if you put a light behind the tank you can see through it. Won't ever be a light behind there but it is the though. Especially if you are going to have a light in the sump and it may reflect off the wall to the back side of the tank.
Just my $.02

[Chucky]

Hey thanks everyone, I am going with black for the back just put my first coat on and it looks like I'll need a second one just to be sure

Jbacker: hehe yea i acualy sold my wii to start the funds for this tank. surprisingly my two 5 yr olds jumped right on board and i havent heard one complaint about not bing able to play games !!!1 and the whole educational aspect is something I'm excited about sharing with them,I love the ocean and living inland i thought i would bring it to them!

I'll keep the pics coming and start my own tank thread or something.

Thanks for making me feel welcome

[aquaboy]

Your always welcome at 3reef

You have everything right on track! hehe im 14 yrs old and manage my own reef......... talk about education, i go to school and get in hour long debates with the marine science teacher.lol

[phoenixhieghts]

Hey - I think the black sounds cool! I'd like to find a metallic sheet background for my tank - but they are all blue or with a silly picture on it.
Sounds like ots gonna look cool!

[wastemanagement]

Welcome to the 3reef,
Hope to see some more pics when you get it up and going.
Oh I know its to late but with a blue back it helps reflect light aswell as being asteticly pleasing