Advice for a newbie...here is my setup so far

mseepman · #1 05-30-2012, 07:39 PM

First, welcome to the hobby! Secondly...there are some garbage cans that you can use...the big grey Brute containers are recognized for being safe, and easy to get at home depot.

As far as a calcium reactor, I wouldn't start off that route...I would investigate some simple 2 part dosing....can be very cost effective and easier to manage IMO. Once you start getting that reef going, you will have to watch your calcium and alk usage and then decide if you want to dose or go the reactor route.

RPatsula · #2 05-30-2012, 07:42 PM

Thank you I will go to the home hardware in Beaumont and pick up one of those blue garbage cans. Can you recommend a dosing system? Is it possible through an automated system?
Thanks

mseepman · #3 05-30-2012, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RPatsula

Thank you I will go to the home hardware in Beaumont and pick up one of those blue garbage cans. Can you recommend a dosing system? Is it possible through an automated system?
Thanks

Make sure that you pick up a "Brute" Garbage can, not a "blue" one. It should be grey. I also don't recommend the one on wheels as they've been known to collapse.

As for dosers, GHL makes excellent products but I bought a Marine Magic one on a group buy here and it looks pretty good too, especially for the dough. Search for it on Canreef and I'm sure you will find a good source for one at a reasonable price.

cale262 · #4 05-30-2012, 09:23 PM

If you need a hand, I'm also in Beaumont...

RPatsula · #5 06-14-2012, 06:01 PM

Thank you everyone for your insight as well as your help. A special thanks goes out to cale262. He came over and took a look at my set up and then came back a couple days later with a carbon reactor and GFO unit. My water has completely cleared up.
I also removed all my brass fittings and replace them with plastic PVC fittings. I also removed the black garbage can that was acting as a reservoir for my water changes. I replaced it with a food grade 45 gallon barrel. For those who are interested, I picked it up at the UFA in Leduc for $25.
We are reconstructing the fish feeding apparatus this weekend. So I will take some pictures and post it when I am done.
Once again thank you to everyone who has helped me out.
Rick