Recent content by homer

Setting up a dual 400W MH system with Iwasaki 6500K, what is recommended for actinic VHO or PC and how many bulbs/watts for each 400W MH?

No legal issues involved I checked with Marine Patrol. Since agronite sand is not sold here what are the hazards/drawbacks of using sand from the Gulf waters(2 miles offshore)? Are there any types of pests/critters that I should look out for and avoid?

Reefmut, do you know if HD has Southdown in PC? Might need a little help with 250gal tank redesign, if you don't mind, mostly DSB and lighting. thanx

The tank is 6'long 2'wide and 3'high. However the actual water level is only 27" b/c of the substrate.

I currently have a 250gal with CC and will be taking it down to remove mantis shrimp(I think)and move my LR.I just wanted to know what are the benefits of using sand or should I leave the crushed coral.

If I remove the bio-wheel and leave the pre-filters in place can I still use it for water movement?

I have a 250gal with CC and a Tidepool II, I want to convert to DSB and wanted to know what mechanical filter would be best. Tank was setup for fish only when I bought the house, now I want to convert to a reef with DSB.

I have heard alot about the Southdown sand on the forum, but I live in Florida and can't get it here. What risk would I have by collecting my own from some dive spots or jetty's. Our sand is very fine grain can it be too fine?

I live near the gulf (crystal clear water)would I be better off just doing a 5-10% water change two times a month with natural sea water? Would I still need to add kalk?

All SeaChem products two tablespoons per 55gal. Reef Plus 2x/week, Reef Complete 2x/week,Reef Calcium 2x/week. For make up water they use SeaChem Reef Advantage Calcium(week 2),SeaChem Reef Builder(week 3) and SeaChem Reef Advantage Calcium(week 4). All one tablespoon per gal or make up water.

I have read the supplements recipe on GARF and wanted to know if anyone has used this?

Should I just go for a dual 400W 10K (instead of 250W) setup and leave off the fluorescent bulbs? If German bulbs are a good 10K, what brand should I look for?

I live across the street from the gulf and was thinking about using it for my water changes in my 250 gal. Thanks for the info.

I have been told that water from the gulf or any ocean cannot be used for aquariums. Does anyone know if it can be used for monthly water changes? I was told it has too many organisms for a tank, but this was from LFS that wanted to sell me salt.

I just aquired a 250 gal tank with only 6 40W fluorescent bulbs. I want to add Metal Halide's but unsure of which color or brand. I was thinking of using two 250W 6500K Iwasaki's along with 2 fluorescent blue moon's for more color. Would 10K be better?