ChrisQ's Mixed Reef Upgrade

[ChrisQ0904]

Here's how it sits so far. Next is plumbing and I may add a shelf or two on the right hand side.

 

[cginter]

I have a question for everyone.... Maxspect gyre or mp40? I'm debating which one to get. I currently have a mp10 and wp25 in my 57 and don't think that would be enough flow in my 80. With the dramatic price drop in the mp40 I don't know which is the better bet. The new gyre or the proven mp?

What are your thoughts?

The gyre is a lot more powerful than the mp40. From what I'm seeing most people are replacing multiple mp40's with the gyre. And for the glass for your sump, I'm sure it'll work, but with how nice things look, I'd do it the correct way, so no problems down the road.

 

[Fishphi784]

The gyre is a lot more powerful than the mp40. From what I'm seeing most people are replacing multiple mp40's with the gyre. And for the glass for your sump, I'm sure it'll work, but with how nice things look, I'd do it the correct way, so no problems down the road.

Agreed... but I have heard that ecotech is likely releasing a new pump in the very near future. If you need to get it up and running, buy some cheap Jebao pumps for now and see what happens with ecotech.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Here is more or less of what I plan to do with my plumbing...

 

[ChrisQ0904]

After adding some water, sand and some dry rock I had laying around... Almost there, seems like it's taking years lol.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Well tank is filled and fulling running. Running pretty quiet but not dead silent. Just a little rushing water sound from the durso. But I can live with it. I plan to transfer everything from my old tank to this one during the weekend.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

40 cups of salt later my salinity is almost where it's supposed to be! Tomorrow I'll be transferring everything over hopefully it all goes smoothly.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Well my biggest fear came true, my old lights don't over the tank. Guess for now I'll put everything in the center and decide what lights I want to get.... This kinda sucks.

 

[143MPCo]

Look great!.. are you running a skimmer, or will you be doing some alternative option?

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Look great!.. are you running a skimmer, or will you be doing some alternative option?

Yes I am running a skimmer it's just not in the sump yet.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Everything has been transferred over!

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Here are a few pictures that I took.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Here is how the new lights look, I also had a third but after seeing the coverage I may not add it. The determining factor will be coral growth.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Got a package in the mail today!!!

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Here's what the "mystery" was...

I must say this thing moves A LOT of water!! I currently have it set at alternating gyre mode with 50% forward and 70% reverse alternating every 2m. I kept the MP10 on at the other side set very low because when in reverse the gyre doesn't reach the other side which I'm assuming to be because my aquascape. If I leave it at constant forward it will cover the tank just fine.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Here's a stand that I built for my friends 10g.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

One of my two fire shrimp.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

I've been looking at a lot of build threads and noticed I really like the look of T5's. I don't want to switch to a full T5 setup, instead I'm going to supplement my LED with T5. I purchased a 2 bulb DIY kit that are 36" in length. I've been doing a lot of reading as to which color bulbs to get, which was not easy due to each tank being different. I ordered 2 ATI blue plus and figured I could adjust the color a little with my LEDs or just switch bulbs but blue plus seem to be pretty popular. I plan to start off at 30min and increase 30min a week until I get to around 4-5 hours max run time on the T5's. Keeping my fingers crossed and hope this isn't a dumb decision and I see good results!

 

[ChrisQ0904]

Today I was able to acquire a few frags! Happy Valentine's Day to myself.

 

[ChrisQ0904]

A few cellphone shots...