Gosh I envy you. My parents probably wont let me even think about purchasing another tank bigger than the 55g I have. And i don't have any relatives into the hobby either. Not that I have the money to even purchase a fish bowl. But we simply don't have the space.
what do you plan to put in the tank? And have you ever thought about applying for a job at your lfs? Thats what I plan to do when I'm old enough for a job.
okay. First off, i got my first pay check today, it was $162, so im figuring out if i can do anything with that. Im gonna look into an Ro/Di filter first, then we'll see.
Im planning on going reef, acros, some softies, u know ill basically play it by ear.
And i would have applied for a joob at one of my LFs', but none of them are stable , like they're either new, or they're just not up to my standard. Besides, the hours would either be too short, or way too long for me, and i'd probably get angry not knowing hor much money ill be able to make in a certain time :s
Besides, when i was approached for my job at subway, she said i could start working tomorow (last tomorow ) and i need cash so i took it.
But perhaps when i can see what kind of storesa i have, there is a really good SW store, about two doors down from my subway (wonder why i took the job )
so i walk over there to check out their stock and thats where i get picked up everyday.
Anyhow, perhaps when i see this store is doing good, i will apply for a really part-time job there cuz working at SW is somewhat boring, and theres no bettr job then one that lets you do the things you love.
okay, upon checking the classifieds of my canadian reefing site, i noticed a kent maxima hi-s, 100 GPD Ro filter on for $75, needless to say i willl be picking up on this incredible price
Find out if the the unit has been unhooked for awhile. If the membrane has dried you will have to replace it. Also find out how old the RO membrane is. It may need replace if it's old. I have been looking into getting a new RO/DI unit. Mine isn't that old but I am not too happy with it . For what it cost to replace the filters and membrane I could get a new unit.
Small Fry ,
Great job on that stand. You are really doing this the right way. When I was your age ( eshh now I sound like my father) I would not have the patience to buy the right equipment the first time. An RODI is, IMO, the most important piece of equipment for a reef. Do you self a favor and document every step of construction and setup with pictures. You never know when you will need them and they might help those that have questions about getting started. Plus when your tank is TOTM we will all want to see how you did it. Keep it up!!
you know what cabbage? just for you im going to post an update. not a whole lot has happened lately, but there has been some proggress. The stand is almost finished except for the corner finishing peices and colour, i think im painting it black, becuase it wiil go with my basement.Got some pics for you. enjoy
one shows the front stand, another the door on the side, another the 35 gallon fuge, and the last a diagonal tank shot showing the second 35 gallon tank sitting on the table, i may have to build a stand so i can put them in the room behind the tank because there is not room for both in the stand
And im with you on Patience Cabbage, you have no idea how much its killing me to have so little proggress on this tank, my mom and dad even asked me what damage it would do if a kept FW in it for a while until i kept supplies. but im saving my money for an r/o filter first (the $75 deal fell thru, will have to pay full price now ) But i will be happy if i can get this thing at least plumbed by christmas, and running by may (my bday). Im not one for gradually getting stuff, like lights skimmer etc.... im not going to start the system running until it is complete. it may not be necesary, but i dont want to have a tank, yet not be able to put corals in it because i dont have lights yet ya know??
But anyhow i got a new job at subway, so funds are slowly rising, proggress will start to become obvious. Next steps: Ro/Di filter, canopy, and skimmer (im toying with the diyskimmer, talking to people who have made them and have had success)
Josh is that side door going to be used for an electrical panel or is it for access to plumbing/sump area? Stand looks first rate. Is the wood stained or is that the natural color? I know exactly how you feel about waiting. I have two kids and they consume most of the budget. Just be sure to get what you want and don't settle for something just because you can afford it (within reason of course). Keep up the good work and keep us updated!
Josh is that side door going to be used for an electrical panel or is it for access to plumbing/sump area? Stand looks first rate. Is the wood stained or is that the natural color? I know exactly how you feel about waiting. I have two kids and they consume most of the budget. Just be sure to get what you want and don't settle for something just because you can afford it (within reason of course). Keep up the good work and keep us updated!
The doors were going to be for side acces to sump and stuff, and maybe some electrical. Even though im not sure how much i need them now, i may just take of the hinges and screw the panels on, as it seems the stand area may be empty now.
The stand is natural right now, and i want to just seal it because the wood colour is sooooo qourgeous
but there are some blemishes and errors that may become aperant when sealed. so i will probably paint it black, which will still loook nice.
Alrightey. I posted a wanted add for metal halides on the classifieds of another site. Someone replied with a 6 foot fixture consisting of 3 -175 watt metal halides and two 48" actinics. For $300. Now i see the problem, an extra foot. but this is a hamilton fixture and looks to be and easy one to retro. ive priced out my options for 250-watts and for everything (3 fixtures) it would cost me about $900. I do not beleive i will use this fixture for 175's forever, as i believe all you'd need to do is change the ballasts to 250's if i wanted to upgrade right?? (correct me if im wrong)
I also have an option (i think) for 3 175-watt retro fittting kits for $250
The only dilema i have is that do i even need to upgrade to 250-watt'ers??
My tank is 26" high, and will have a 3" sand bed. I wish to keep some acros, softies, and some clams. Im just making sure that i will be upgrading at some point, cuz if i can stick with 175's and still have good results, then ill make sure i get exactly what i need.
Alrightey. I posted a wanted add for metal halides on the classifieds of another site. Someone replied with a 6 foot fixture consisting of 3 -175 watt metal halides and two 48" actinics. For $300. Now i see the problem, an extra foot. but this is a hamilton fixture and looks to be and easy one to retro. ive priced out my options for 250-watts and for everything (3 fixtures) it would cost me about $900. I do not beleive i will use this fixture for 175's forever, as i believe all you'd need to do is change the ballasts to 250's if i wanted to upgrade right?? (correct me if im wrong)
I also have an option (i think) for 3 175-watt retro fittting kits for $250
The only dilema i have is that do i even need to upgrade to 250-watt'ers??
My tank is 26" high, and will have a 3" sand bed. I wish to keep some acros, softies, and some clams. Im just making sure that i will be upgrading at some point, cuz if i can stick with 175's and still have good results, then ill make sure i get exactly what i need.
I remember rob told me about the area each watt output can cover, but i dont remember, so if someone can help me out that would be great.
I have no problem upgrading to 250's in the future, as i wont need them for a while (going to let tank mature for bout a year before i put in any hardcore inverts, lol, we'll see how long i stick with that schedule )
besides, by the time i need the big watts, ill have the fundage.
) and i need cash so i took it.
) I would not have the patience to buy the right equipment the first time. An RODI is, 
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