finally upgrading

[johnsmb]

I am finally upgrading my tank. I have had a 25 gallon tank for about 10 months now and I have just purchased a 75 gallon glass tank. I was excited - but now I am more nervous I am wondering if I bit off more than I can chew! This thing is monstrous!!! I am beginning to wonder if I can handle the upkeep on this tank.

I am looking at keeping a simple tank with softies and some lps. No sps, and no sump. Here is my equipment list, am I missing anything?

Hellolights 440 watt VHO retro
3-4 maxijet 1200 powerheads
Aqua C Remora skimmer (wish I got the pro version, but I didn't)
Aquaclear 300 powerfilter (I have it, so will use it for circulation/carbon)
EboJager 200 watt heater
Salt, test kits and B-ionic I already have
RO/di unit

I'm sure I will have tons of questions as I set this up, but my first is regarding the canopy - this retrofit stuff is totally new to me - how many fans do I need, what kind and where exactly do I put them? Also, do I need to use glass covers with the retrofit kit to protect the bulbs and endcaps from water?

Thanks for any help and encouragement! Beth.

 

[reefaddict]

new tank

beth,
i can answer part of your question(i think) are the end caps that come with your retro the three piece style? if so they are water proof and you shouldn't need a glass top. i have read on other threads that you want to avoid a tight fitting cover anyway because of heat retention, gas exchange and reduction of the light intensity.

 

[NaH2O]

Beth - congrats on the upgrade! You are going to be thrilled with your tank - you will get into the groove of upkeep in no time at all. I think your Remora will be fine. I have experience with a Remora on a 75 and it worked great....the skimmer cup needed to be changed more often, but it did work (hmmm....maybe the copious amounts of food added to the tank contributed..lol). Any skimming is better than no skimming, IMO. I'm not sure on the number of fans, but personally, I would not use the glass tops - for gas exchange reasons, and since you will not have a sump, your tank is providing that water to air interface. Be sure to post pictures of your progress, and let us know how things are going!!!

 

[mojoreef]

Hi Beth. No problem you can handle it easy. If you have any problems or worries just drop in and ask away and hopefully we can help you through it.


Mike

 

[johnsmb]

Thanks for the encouragement. I moved the 25 and contents into another room last night, so I could put the new tank in it's spot. What a job that was!

I have always heard not to cover the tank for heat and oxygen issues, however, I asked the question because here is what Hellolights has on their website:

* Caution: This retrofit/ballast kit must be housed in an area free of moisture, behind glass or acrylic. Make sure the bulb(s) and socket(s) are sealed off from any moisture, humidity or evaporation of your aquarium. Failure to do so will void any and all warranty, and could be a potential hazard.

I am very confused by this. Especially since this unit does use the 3 piece moisture-resistant German endcaps. I called Hellolights and they said that the tank needs to be covered - at least the part directly below the lights. This is news to me??? I told them that I thought it was general knowledge not to cover a reef tank, but they wanted it at least partially covered.....

 

[NaH2O]

Hmmm....they are probably covering their rear ends. Oceanic has a policy that if you have one of their aquariums, the warranty is void unless on an oceanic stand. Possibly the same kind of deal....."we won't be held liable or pay for anything." Is the canopy purchased or are you making it....how far off the water will the bulbs be?