Need some help in setup

[chanbi]

It had been a few years since i stopped reefing.. Recently backside itchy and would like to start one. I know i can never afford the same commitment that i used to spend on SPS. So i set a reasonable goal and hopefully i can last much longer.. So will be mainly fishes plus some easier to keep softies/lps corals.

I believe in getting a good skimmer with FR and hopefully spend less time battling algae problem. But the challenge that i face this time is that i plan to put the fish tank at the balcony. Will likely get some sunlight at certain mths of the year and because my balcony is not enclosed, will get some rain (when it is heavy).. So would like all to share some relevant experience with me..

1. Esp for those with tank at outdoor/balcony, how do u handle the sunlight problem? UV?

2. Is Chengnai a good choice given mine will likely get some rain now and then?

3. Am thinking of 3.5'x2'x2' with external overflow. Possible to go braceless?

4. And lastly, any good/reliable/reasonable $$ tank maker to recommend??

[Solo77]

1. Esp for those with tank at outdoor/balcony, how do u handle the sunlight problem? UV?

Can't advice much as don't have this kind of setup. Maybe try blocking the light as this is one source for algae to grow. Other will be keeping a "clean" water by using DI water, less feeding, less bio load, etc.

2. Is Chengnai a good choice given mine will likely get some rain now and then?

Yes, strongly recommend.

3. Am thinking of 3.5'x2'x2' with external overflow. Possible to go braceless?

Think yes but the tank maker must be very good. If not wrong, aquamedic tank is braceless.

4. And lastly, any good/reliable/reasonable $$ tank maker to recommend??

Subjective to good but you can try to check with Ah heng from iwarna, han teck and yonghua(can go to arowana website to look for them).

[comycus]

1. Might want to consider building blinds/curtains or something to block off direct sunlight? Advisable to do a closed lid to prevent rainwater from going into tank. Spoil salinity, or worse introduce some unknown chemical into tank. Lastly, need to protect all electrical devices. Don't want to short something and trip your house everytime it rains.

2. Chengai wood for better durability especially with your weather conditions.

3. Find a reliable tank maker and trust his recommendations.

4. As mentioned. Atlantic glass industry is another one.

[garyjg]

You can try the guy who built my tank... He name is

Lee Hung Sing

h/p 91845227 - 97592117

65 Sungei Tengah Road, 699000

BTW... you may want to try something like v-cool to block the sunlight out.

[chanbi]

Guys, thanks for the fast response!! Appreciate it..

1. Too bad, i am not allow to put up any shade.. But the rain is not as bad as to affect the salinity. I am planning to put the external overflow by the side (facing the sun) to hopefully help to block some of the light..

2. Seem like chengnai will be my option. Hopefully it won't really stained my tiles (wait my OC scream at me??)..

3. Thanks for all the recommendations... I presume all of them will do the carpentry as well?

Ah Heng (Iwarna)

Han Teck

Yonghua

Atlantic glass industry

Lee Hung Sing

Actually i have one more question.. Intend to have a simple sump design.. Am thinking of Mechanical filtering -> skimmer -> FR -> Return. Given that my length is only ~3.5ft, do you think i will need baffles? Saw Xiaochew sump design and it is so simple and spacious (no baffle)..

[Solo77]

If you worry abt staining, buy rubber matt. Can tell you where to get....hehe. 6 ft plus around 30 plus ....20 plus also can get.

For sump design, my opinion is go for simple, you will enjoy the flexibility.

[chanbi]

If you worry abt staining, buy rubber matt. Can tell you where to get....hehe. 6 ft plus around 30 plus ....20 plus also can get.

For sump design, my opinion is go for simple, you will enjoy the flexibility.

Thanks Solo77! Pls PM me.. Sound like a good idea since mine could be wet by rain.. So for your new tank, did u have baffles to reduce microbubbles from overflow/skimmer?

[ming69]

I have an outdoor tank. In fact, all my tanks are outdoor. keke

Not much issue with sunlight, except need to clean the glass everyday, sometime 2 days once.

Running FR and UV, using bottled water for top up/water change most of the time.

With the sunlight, my lighting period is probably shorter that most of the bros/sis reefers. Still experimenting with the lighting period to see if I can improve on the colors of my sps..... At the moment MH is on for 4hrs, used to be 3hrs only.

[chanbi]

I have an outdoor tank. In fact, all my tanks are outdoor. keke

Not much issue with sunlight, except need to clean the glass everyday, sometime 2 days once.

Running FR and UV, using bottled water for top up/water change most of the time.

With the sunlight, my lighting period is probably shorter that most of the bros/sis reefers. Still experimenting with the lighting period to see if I can improve on the colors of my sps..... At the moment MH is on for 4hrs, used to be 3hrs only.

Hi sis ming69, been waiting for u to pass some advice.. So with FR and UV and you are doing fine with algae? Great to hear that.. Thanks!

[ming69]

Hi sis ming69, been waiting for u to pass some advice.. So with FR and UV and you are doing fine with algae? Great to hear that.. Thanks!

So far ok with the algae. Except the occassional outbreak of red slime. But I don't think is due to the sunlight. More likely due to lack of flow to that area of the tank. Or when I topup the sandbed with new sand.

I think with enough water change it should fix it.

[RockyBoy]

top up more bacteria should be good...

[chanbi]

I have talked to some tank makers and most are not comfortable with braceless when longer than 3ft.. Anyone currently has a braceless tank (or know anyone who owned one) that can let me know where they made it? I know aquatechnic tank is braceless but can't afford the $$.. Heard Aquamedic as well? Anyone know the $$ damage? If no choice then have to reduce from 3.5'x2'x2' to 3'x2'x2'.. *sigh*

[comycus]

bro, if tank maker not comfortable with braceless, better go with his suggestion. They have more experience in this than us.

anyway braceless may look nice, but will have water splashing out, no place to hang stuff on the tank etc. Do consider bracing. They are there to reinforce your tank. you don't want your tank to crack because not strong enough.

[chanbi]

bro, if tank maker not comfortable with braceless, better go with his suggestion. They have more experience in this than us.

anyway braceless may look nice, but will have water splashing out, no place to hang stuff on the tank etc. Do consider bracing. They are there to reinforce your tank. you don't want your tank to crack because not strong enough.

Ya. I understand.. My past tanks are all with bracing and thick hood. But age is catching up and would like to try something that is easier to maintain (just stretch my hands and can reach within). And not comfortable standing on a chair at the balcony (just in case).. That is why thought of trying something different.. A cleaner look and have a top down view.. But safety is definitely a big concern.

[comycus]

Ya. I understand.. My past tanks are all with bracing and thick hood. But age is catching up and would like to try something that is easier to maintain (just stretch my hands and can reach within). And not comfortable standing on a chair at the balcony (just in case).. That is why thought of trying something different.. A cleaner look and have a top down view.. But safety is definitely a big concern.

wow bro are you building my 'dream tank'? a just above waist level braceless tank? 5 sided view: 4 sides plus top?

[sherman]

Without braces the glass will warp. Is that the right word?

Especailly for 3 ft and above.

If you want braceless tank get those off the shelf.

Those are molded tank and usually braces

[chanbi]

No lah.. Not view from 5 sides.. the goal is just a simple setup that hopefully won't take up too much manual effort to upkeep..

It is only 3.5ft so not really concern about warp (just need a thicker glass). Am more afraid that the joint leak or break after some time..

[comycus]

No lah.. Not view from 5 sides.. the goal is just a simple setup that hopefully won't take up too much manual effort to upkeep..

It is only 3.5ft so not really concern about warp (just need a thicker glass). Am more afraid that the joint leak or break after some time..

actually just having euro bracing all round wouldn't really hinder your maintenance right?

[sherman]

No lah.. Not view from 5 sides.. the goal is just a simple setup that hopefully won't take up too much manual effort to upkeep..

It is only 3.5ft so not really concern about warp (just need a thicker glass). Am more afraid that the joint leak or break after some time..

Thicker glass the price a lot of difference