rrbigdog's 65g "My First SW Tank"

[rrbigdog]

Still going along.......

65g AGA
20g sump
Mag 9.5 Return
SCA-302 Skimmer
BRS Single Chamber GFO/Carbon
Jebao WP-25
Apex Lite
Evergrow IT-2080

 

[rrbigdog]

I had a very limited budget starting out so I was attempting to try and pickup pieces here and there for my tank. I started out by building my stand and canopy. Picked up some Chinese LED's 120w to see how they would perform.

I modified a wet/dry filter without bio-balls to start my tank. This is the design I originally started with.

Wet/Dry with a Seaclone 100 Skimmer

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/108501626/SWTANK/Starting 65g.jpg

 

[rrbigdog]

For my LED mounting I created a picture frame with plexiglass to sit my LED fixture in. So far has been working pretty well. Easy to remove if needed and makes the canopy lighter and easier to remove when complete tank access is needed.

 

[rrbigdog]

I didn't like the wet/dry so I picked up a 20H tank to build a sump during Petco's dollar a gallon sale. This is the end design that I did have added a small refugium area to be able to add some micro algae to help with nutrient export.

I have been dealing with HA so I added some micro algae and mangroves trying to see if it would help.

 

[rrbigdog]

I built a ATO using a Lifter pump, float valve, and a Solid State Relay. I used an old Deerpark 2.5g water container for my reservoir. Which lasts me about a week which you can see on the right side of my tank.

My intent is to one day build a removable wood front for my stand.

Here is tank as stands today. Have a few frags to get my feelers wet with corals.

So much to learn but one day I will get there.

Ron

 

[rrbigdog]

I use RO/DI water and still have been battling Hair Algae problem. My readings have been all 0's but still have Hair Algae.

A few days ago I changed my lighting schedule. Blue 11:30am - 9:30am - White 12:30-7:30. I also added more nessarius snails. I already had 10 turbo's. I put a Chemi-pure Elite in the filter sock that I have and I am so happy with the results.

Take a look what 5 days has done. Back glass algae gone - rock algae almost completely gone. No new algae and the CUC has been able to get a handle on it.

FYI - I had been testing my fresh mixed salt (Instant Ocean) and I am reading phosphates. That to me is a problem, so I will be changing salt mixes.

 

[noy]

looks like things are coming along!

 

[AnthonyTheNewbie]

Nice set up! Keep up the good work! :)

 

[reefnoob]

It's looking great! Hope you continue updating!

 

[rrbigdog]

Ok, so I was looking at my tank at night with a flashlight I found a hairline crack. It has been hit from the outside. I know its a crack because I was running my fingernail across it and a small piece of glass chip off and I don't think that would happen with a scratch. So I have to swap tanks. I found another exact tank and I need to swap. The tank I found came with a stand so I will be using the new stand and I am also going to relocate the tank. I think I had the tank too close to where kids play This is my thoughts in how to get all done in the shortest amount of time.

Half fill a 18 gallon tub with tank water and remove my rock and place in it.
Take 5 gallon buckets and gather my livestock and the few corals I have.
Remove remaining water - saving everything for the new tank.
Remove sand and egg crate. I have egg crate under the rock for support
Then setup the new tank. I have to get my sump moved over and installed in the new stand and want to run and secure all my power strips. The only disadvantage of this new stand is once the sump is dropped down in to the stand it won't be coming back out once the tank is filled.

Feedback?????:frustrat:

 

[ErinCahir]

Sounds like a solid plan. Moving tanks is such a pain, but better do it sooner than later.

 

[rrbigdog]

Ok, was up til 1am changing tanks. Almost done......making sure I like the rock work and also waiting for everything to settle and then I will relocate the few corals I have.:bounce:

 

[stagofdoom]

Looks Good!!!

 

[ZyberGoby]

vary nice love the black stand/hood.
cracks suck :( but I'm glad the move went ok cant wait to see what comes of this build in the future :D

 

[rrbigdog]

I figured I would update my build. A few mods. Built a ATO, cooling fan with a PC fan, some mods to sump. Added a Jebao WP25 waqvemaker I got on a group buy. Love the nice sway motion in the tank.

Added some corals. Hammer, Elegance. Added 2000 Pods to fuge and tank.

Everything else has been great. Only loss was my Lawnmower Blenny, couldn't get him to eat anything after all my algae was gone. Damn fish starved.

 

[rrbigdog]

Well I got another Lawnmower and this one eats everything so he is a little fat self...

 

[rrbigdog]

I know you are suppose to wait a year but I couldn't help myself..... LTA and my clown hosting it.:D

 

[ZyberGoby]

Nice I love watching clowns dart in and out of there nem

 

[rrbigdog]

Here are a few pics of my tank...

 

[rrbigdog]

I am still finding new things in the tank all the time.....Have about 3 limpets, I think I have a rock worm. I have seen it a few times in one spot...comes out about an inch then disappears back in the rock. Reason I think its a rock worm because it keeps gathering small shells and things and barricades itself. Its red in color and never leaves the same spot. I also have some unknown items in the same rock it is a filter feeder though. I also have another flesh colored thing...moves like a snail.