Update: The blotchy background has now disappeared, which was moisture still underneath the vinyl which had to evaporate. The background now looks awesome and much nicer than any paint does. Never again will I ever paint a tank!

Update: My gate valve arrived yesterday and I ordered my 5 bags(150lbs) of Tropic Eden substrate today. I decided to go with the Reef Flakes(on the right) over the Mini-Flakes as they are the most popular and Reef Flakes won't get blown around by MP-40's. Also I asked about the Vertex Cerebra controller and when its being released and they had no idea whatsoever. It doesn't sound like it will be out on Feb 16th like I heard but I am in no hurry anyhow for it.

http://i1083.photobucket.com/albums/...comparison.jpg

Are you doing a deep sand bed? I bought 135lbs of sand but only ended up putting in 95 lbs as it gave me the 1 1/2 inches I was looking for. I bought the CaribSea Aragonite Special Grade sand.

When is this beast going to be up and running, Darryl?

My plan is to go with a shallow bed approx 1-1/2 inches also. I probably only needed 3 or 4 bags but thought I would buy extra as you can't find it in Canada. Also I wanted to have extra onhand and maybe for a possible frag tank later down the road. I orginally was going to go with the Caribsea but decided to go with the brighter+whiter Tropic Eden. Everyone who buys the Tropic Eden seems to really like it too from what I've read so.....

I am guessing in the next few weeks or possibly even after my Cuba trip as I am not sure I wanna set up a tank then take off right away on holidays. For sure I will let you when it is done so you can stop by and check it out!

Thats a no brainer Daryll ...i've never been anywhere...well no place worth mentioning.I go to cuba..you get that tank fired up. Deal ?? i'll even frag some of my most treasured acropora.

I think I will have to pass on your offer but thanks anyhow! lol I haven't been anywhere either so I can hardly wait. Could of went to Bahamas last winter with wife but I passed and told her "you go with your friends and I will stay home and buy a skimmer instead" A good skimmer is more important than a trip to Bahamas if you ask me. :biggrin:

your on crack.. i had a chance to live in turcas y caicos for a year while my father did renovations on a relatives home.. all expence paid whilei was in high school. my father turned it down..i was not happy like really live on a beach for a year vs sask winters...i will never forgive him lol

The original trip that I refused was to Mexico then they ended up going to Bahamas- I got scammed lol
Turks and Caicos is on my "trip list" one year. It looks beautiful there.