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View Full Version : New 75 Gallon

topQuark
11-22-2003, 06:46 PM
Great news! My wife and I just picked up our 75 Gallon Oceanic Reef Ready tank.

I'm interested in hearing suggestions for a sump pump.
Chuck S
11-23-2003, 09:42 AM
Yes it would be interesting /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Nah in all seriousness what type of corals you going to keep? That will depend on flow requirements.

Something like an Iwaki 55-70 or maybe a Mag Drive 12-18

You want at least 12-15 times the water volume flow IMO. I try to be around 18-20 times water volume.
topQuark
11-23-2003, 10:09 PM
Thanks for the pump suggestions.

Hey, I was also wondering if anyone has used Southdown tropical
sand from Home Depot in their reef tank. Would anyone recommend using this stuff? Is this sand still available at Home Depot or is it hard to find (I haven't checked the LHD yet).
Chuck S
11-24-2003, 06:04 AM
I have used in in several tanks of mine with no problems. Just make sure it is the blue and red bag that says tropical play sand.
topQuark
11-24-2003, 10:28 AM
You picked up some bags from a Home Depot? Does anyone know if Home Depot is still selling this stuff?
Chuck S
11-24-2003, 11:02 AM
It is in my area /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif However as most people find out it is touch and go whether it is continually instock.
topQuark
11-24-2003, 08:06 PM
Okay, I just checked the LHD today and they don't have Southdown tropical play sand. What they have in stock here is "Premium Decorative Play Sand". Apparently it comes from a company based in Chicago... and since we live so close to Chicago I'm wondering if the LHD will ever get anything else in stock here.

I have a couple of new questions:

1) How much does a 50# bag of Southdown run at your LHD?

2) Has anyone had success/failure using alternate types of play sand sld at home depot (this "Premium Decorative" stuff didn't say "silicate free"). I'm wondering if I should just consider using it.
topQuark
11-25-2003, 01:48 PM
Great news! I checked the next closest Home Depot and found the Southdown Tropical play sand. I couldn't believe my own eyes... there he was taunting me with his little blue face and those smart red overalls.

I picked up 5 bags for about $7.00 each... that's 250 lbs. There are still some bags left at the store if anyone in the Chicago area has been looking for this stuff. I've even seen it sold on E-Bay at a $5 mark-up (not including shipping charges).

Okay, so here is the next question... to wash or not to wash. Do I wash this sand, or will that remove too many of the all important fine particles?
Chuck S
11-25-2003, 02:34 PM
Wow they are 3.86 a bag here in Maryland.
topQuark
11-25-2003, 05:45 PM
Do you guys wash your Southdown sand in Maryland?
Chuck S
11-25-2003, 08:35 PM
Oh course I do /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif I usually place it in a bucket and wash it letting the scum rise to the top.
bjolly
12-23-2003, 02:43 PM
hi, I'm in Maryland & haven't been able to find southdown at my local HD. where did you find it??
Chuck S
12-23-2003, 03:08 PM
The one in Bel Air and Whitemarsh. Now it later in the season so alot of them are running out.