JeremyXXX's Fluval EDGE build thread.

[JeremyXXX]

so all my parts are in! I wanted to put my Rena 50w in my filter like picod did but can't seem to fit it...anybody else do this?

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

so all my parts are in! I wanted to put my Rena 50w in my filter like picod did but can't seem to fit it...anybody else do this?

Hmm, I don't have the Rena 50 heater so not sure how it's done but the titanium 50W Digital heater I have requires removing the cover of the power filter.

 

[JeremyXXX]

if you look on page 1 you can see the heater in the tank but on mine it's far too big.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Wingo should have my light ready by tomorrow and once I get my powerhead and everything in the mail I'll fill er up and start the cycle process

So that means you need to return it and get a smaller dimensioned heater.
They probably change the spec since then.

 

[JeremyXXX]

yea next time I go to my LFS I'm gonna look for something smaller and just return this for a store credit.....thanks. I'll be going away to South Carolina to visit my father this week when I get back I'll be filling my tank up...FINALLY!

 

[JeremyXXX]

figured out how to fit the Rena 50w in the filter! Just need to remove the bottom piece that you use as in intake (you can use the Rena heater as the filter intake on a Rena filter) and remove the media basket and BOOM it fits.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

DO you have a pic how you handle the power cord of the Rena?
I want to see whether we need to remove the top cover of the filter. The digital heater I have has a big cord there.

 

[JeremyXXX]

I'm still down south but when I get back Sunday night I'm gonna move everything around and I'll take a few pictures. I can also place the sensor for the thermometer in there so all you'll see in the tank is the filter intake and powerhead.

 

[JeremyXXX]

 

[JeremyXXX]

finally got some picture for you guys of how I have everything tucked away in my filter area. sorry for the terrible quality my BlackBerry has a terrible camera but you get the idea. Heater is tucked away with just a sponge and I have the sensor for the thermometer sitting in there as well.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Is the sensor supposed to shut off the power of the heater?

 

[JeremyXXX]

it just keeps track of the temp and it pops up on the digital thermometer I have outside the tank.

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

it just keeps track of the temp and it pops up on the digital thermometer I have outside the tank.

In that case, I think you should put it to the water intake side where it can test the tank water temperature more accurately than right next to the heater.

 

[Koyfam16]

+1 on placement of sensor. You will get false readings if kept so close to heater.

Build looks good so far. Bet you can't wait to stock it.

 

[JeremyXXX]

thanks for the tip I appreciate it guys...

I'm just waiting to fill it and start cycling because I wanna move the TV I have on my wall up a few inches and once the tank is filled that will be hard to do.

 

[JeremyXXX]

can't decide which sand to go with...I'm looking for a fine white sand that won't get kicked up too easily.

 

[JeremyXXX]

soooo I'm finally making moves. I moved the TV up on my wall so I have some clearance between the tank and bottom of the TV. I also went to my LFS and got some water since I don't want to bother mixing my own especially since I'm new at this. Found 2 jugs of this water for $10.99 each. Now that would get me to 4 gallons take away the volume sand and live rock takes up well see how much more is needed to top it off...prob just RO water will be needed which is 70 cents per gallon at my LFS.

Still can't decided on sand...opinions?

 

[rcharliesam]

soooo I'm finally making moves. I moved the TV up on my wall so I have some clearance between the tank and bottom of the TV. I also went to my LFS and got some water since I don't want to bother mixing my own especially since I'm new at this. Found 2 jugs of this water for $10.99 each. Now that would get me to 4 gallons take away the volume sand and live rock takes up well see how much more is needed to top it off...prob just RO water will be needed which is 70 cents per gallon at my LFS.

Still can't decided on sand...opinions?

RO/DI is .60 a gallon at tropical island in deer park (even at .70 it's nothing). If you buy salt to start off with you can get a small box of reef crystals for like $10.00. So for approximately $6.00 worth of water and salt you can get started. Then you just need to worry about top off's with RO/DI (I keep a separate gallon of it on the side) and water changes. And you know exactly what is going into your tank.

With that stuff, you're at $22.00 and you still need more to fill the tank.

It is very easy to mix salt and water. Drop a heater in a 5gallon bucket and leave it over night, once warm add approx 2.5 cups of salt into the warm water, mix, check salinity and pour. A lot of people use powerheads to mix their water, I personally do not. It really is very simple to do and the first time you do it, you will realize it's no trouble at all.

 

[JeremyXXX]

thanks a lot I appreciate it! I will use these empty 2 gallon jugs for RO water and top off as needed. Just not sure on which sand I wanna go with but I know I'm gonna use about 10 pounds and 7-8 pounds of live rock. I want a fine whiter sand that won't kick up too much.

 

[rcharliesam]

I am not sure of which sand would be best for your wants. I used a 10lb bag of live sand in mine from an LFS and it is certainly not the finer kind.

Are you using a hydrometer or a refractometer? I originally purchased an instant ocean hydrometer and it was .03/.04 off. Before I added any livestock, I brought a water sample with me to the store and had them check the salinity and I was reading too high. It can't hurt to have them check your salinity when you're ready just so you know how accurate (or inaccurate in my case) your meter is.