DocRose
Active Member
Looking for some input on two issues...
Wrapping up the build of my 29 gallon and I'm debating whether to cover the tank or not. It DOES have a wooden canopy, which I'm concerned that the moisture from the tank will over time ruin the wood. The previous owner used it for a freshwater system with a HOB Aquaclear filter, and also had a glass lid on the tank. I'd rather not reuse the glass so it's easier to access during feeding. So, if I don't have to worry about moisture destroying the wood, my next thought was eggcrate, because I do have a Firefish. Jumpers like him present an issue because there's also a 2 inch gap that runs the entire length of the rear of the canopy for wiring. It's (going to be) a mixed reef system so if the eggcrate will diffuse the lighting (from a AI Prime 16) too much, I'd rather just rehome the Firefish back to my LFS. Thoughts on the best route for covering...or not covering at all?
Second issue...plumbing. I'd like to add a shut off value to my PVC plumbing, but when I made a trip to Lowe's and played around with these 1" PVC valves, they were all EXTREMELY tight and hard to turn just holding the joint in one hand, and turning with the other. I could just imagine how much strain trying to turn it would put on the connecting pipes, and in turn my bulkheads...even with supports. Is there another kind of valve out there that's easier to turn, or am I out of luck on this?
Thanks ahead for your input!
Wrapping up the build of my 29 gallon and I'm debating whether to cover the tank or not. It DOES have a wooden canopy, which I'm concerned that the moisture from the tank will over time ruin the wood. The previous owner used it for a freshwater system with a HOB Aquaclear filter, and also had a glass lid on the tank. I'd rather not reuse the glass so it's easier to access during feeding. So, if I don't have to worry about moisture destroying the wood, my next thought was eggcrate, because I do have a Firefish. Jumpers like him present an issue because there's also a 2 inch gap that runs the entire length of the rear of the canopy for wiring. It's (going to be) a mixed reef system so if the eggcrate will diffuse the lighting (from a AI Prime 16) too much, I'd rather just rehome the Firefish back to my LFS. Thoughts on the best route for covering...or not covering at all?
Second issue...plumbing. I'd like to add a shut off value to my PVC plumbing, but when I made a trip to Lowe's and played around with these 1" PVC valves, they were all EXTREMELY tight and hard to turn just holding the joint in one hand, and turning with the other. I could just imagine how much strain trying to turn it would put on the connecting pipes, and in turn my bulkheads...even with supports. Is there another kind of valve out there that's easier to turn, or am I out of luck on this?
Thanks ahead for your input!
