33G - Build

AndrewM · Apr 4, 2014

Hey R2R,

So I'm starting my 33 Gallon build to upgrade my 20G tall aquarium (48x12x13). I went to lowes the day before yesterday and picked up the lumber and built the stand and filled the tank to test for leaks.

The stand is basic, I don't overbuild and I don't overspend for looks. I ordered my lights last night and I'll be starting the move process when the lights come in (T5 HO Quad 216W). So far, I've got the basics done and I'll share everything here as I progress through the build/move.

Salt & Live Sand

Gallons of purified RO water (Because my RO housing unit is cracked). This RO water you see is just going to be used for clean saltwater top off, I'm saving all of the water from my 20G and porting it over.

And last, the stand + tank. For anyone curious, the gate is not for dogs, it's for my children :thumb:

I may end up doubling up on the legs for safety, but I'm not sure yet.

Mtnbikedan01 · Apr 4, 2014

Cool tank, good luck

vlangel · Apr 4, 2014

It will be fun to watch! I'll stay tuned.

AndrewM · Apr 10, 2014

Hey Everyone,

So my lights came in today, and I can say that I'm less than satisfied. The condition of the lights are absolutely disgusting cosmetically, but internally they appear to work find (lights come on, timer works, etc), so I've decided to use them despite the cosmetic damage. I'm just posting up some pictures of the lights, I'll be starting the move process later tonight and I'll keep everyone updated.

AndrewM · Apr 11, 2014

Hey folks,

The move is done, was is successful? I have no idea, only time will tell. Everything is at the front of the tank because I couldn't see anything due to the new live sand, therefore I didn't want to risk pounding rock on top of my corals, I'll scape it once it clears.

AndrewM · Apr 11, 2014

I did some minor aquascaping today after it cleared up just to get everything partially in order, nothing appears to be stressed from the move and we appear to be solid, thankfully everything went well. I took a few photos of how it looks today.

vlangel · Apr 11, 2014

Hey, I see coral!!!!! Cool.

AndrewM · Apr 12, 2014

Reefing Madness · Apr 12, 2014

Hey bro, you can straighten that fixture back out. Its kinda just slipped all together via channels.
But Hey!! LOOKS GREAT MAN!!

vlangel · Apr 12, 2014

Torch and Kenya tree look happy. Clowns look well adjusted to, I bet they love all that swimming space!

AndrewM · Jun 2, 2014

revhtree · Jun 2, 2014

Looking good bro!

revsgirl · Jun 2, 2014

Looking good! Thanks for sharing!!

AndrewM · Jun 4, 2014

Here's a photo of the new lights.

Unfortunately I had to take it with my phone camera, so it's pretty grainy.

Reefing Madness · Jun 4, 2014

System is coming along great bro!! Looking Fantastic.:bigsmile:

AndrewM · Jun 9, 2014

Some coral love for today. They look quite different under the new lights.

Reefing Madness · Jun 10, 2014

Got the colors popping up there my man!!

AndrewM · Jun 11, 2014

Reefing Madness said:
Got the colors popping up there my man!!

Thanks man! I've had a few problems here and there, more so with nitrates but I got that under control after a while. Here's a few more shots under the new lights.

Reefing Madness · Jun 11, 2014

Awesome man!!!

AndrewM · Sep 1, 2014

So it's been a while, decided I'd pop in over here and post some photos of the progress. Everything has been going OK in the aquarium, just been leaving it be mostly and letting it do it's own things. haven't really added anything new in months, but thinking about doing some swapping soon.