Husker 150g Peninsula (SPS--> Soft Coral Tank)

[Husker]

My last tank was my first SPS tank, and I really love the color and interesting growth you can get from SPS. However, I also love the natural and less sterile look of macro algae and soft coral tanks. I decided this tank will try to have best of both worlds: 150g SPS display tank (5'x2'x2')+ 55 gallon display refugium.

Here is the vision, transforming my little office into a bit of a cave surrounded by reef tanks.

Current View (July, 2017)

Setup (so far):
Display Tank: 150g (60"x24"x24") Planet Aquariums, 1/2" starfire glass
Display Refugium: 55g (48"x13"x21") standard + Aquasanrise R120 Light
Sump: 75 gallon (48"x18.5"x22") standard
Lighting: ATI T5/LED hybrid (Nanobox reef; 8 bulb modified to 6 bulb + LEDs)
Flow: 2x Tunze 6105 (1x MP60for the display refugium)
Skimmer: Vertex Alpha 200
Return pump: Vectra M1
Overflow: Synergy Reef Shadow Overflow (16"); BeanAnimal drain
Doser: Jebao
Calcium Reactor: Old MRC CR-2
Controller: Apex 2016




This is my first tank with a controller... I can't believe I am giving in. It looks like it could save a lot of headaches and heartbreaks in the future, though.

 

[Husker]

I built my 40 Breeder stand on my own, but I am a pretty mediocre woodworker. For this bigger tank, I decided I wanted steel for the added space under the display.

Luckily there are great local reefers in Nebraska, and I have somebody to do the welding and help with the wood skin.

Here are the steel plans I put together:

Mostly 2x2x1/8" steel.

The stand is all ready for painting and then we start on the wood tomorrow.

 

[Husker]

This skimmer is really pretty, and I got it used in the reef octopus price range. I hope it works as well as it looks.

Shout out to Dave and NanoboxReef. The reflectors came with a bit of damage, but I would've been okay with it. He sent me replacements. I'm very pumped on this light. (the cat is skeptical)

Those are the installation instructions in the bottom right corner.

 

[ramabama]

Looking good!

 

[Husker]

Looking good!

Thanks. I have had the tank since February, so this build is a long time coming.

 

[Husker]

I want water changes to be really easy, so I have a hose to fill it up (and the python system to drain). I'm excited for no more buckets.

 

[MmmmBalf]

Great design, looking good. I have same size display with the Vectra M1 return pump. Great pump with easily controllable flow. I have mine on about 60%, so plenty of room to increase flow or T off the return. It adds quite a bit of flow to the tank.

 

[jsker]

Great upgrade.

 

[Husker]

Thanks, folks. The M1 looks nice, but it is pretty pricey compared to the jebao pumps I was looking at. Although, after a while it gets to the point where you say "... well, I've already spent this much..." hah.

 

[Husker]

I drilled my 55 gallon today for the display refugium. I am using Brad's macro algae tank as a bit of inspiration. However, I think I am going to try something different. I'm going to try and use Legos, foam, and live rock rubble to create the aquascape for my display refugium. I ordered some pieces, so I will post some pictures if it looks decent.

 

[justingraham]

Nice I have two vectra m1s and although pricy I love them

 

[pboutin]

I drilled my 55 gallon today for the display refugium. I am using Brad's macro algae tank as a bit of inspiration. However, I think I am going to try something different.

Awesome I can't wait to see it. I want to do something similar as well. Can you post links to Brads tank? I think I could use some inspiration as well. [emoji16]

 

[Husker]

Awesome I can't wait to see it. I want to do something similar as well. Can you post links to Brads tank? I think I could use some inspiration as well. [emoji16]

Here you go: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/brads-natural-reef-mangroves-macros-and-more.181378/

 

[Husker]

Awesome I can't wait to see it. I want to do something similar as well. Can you post links to Brads tank? I think I could use some inspiration as well. [emoji16]

That link I provided is for Brad's mangrove/macroalgae tank build. I think he does such a great job of creating a natural aquascape with a lot of interesting details while still giving the look of manicured art. It is one of my favorite tanks.

Somebody local was selling this 55 gallon stand out of oak. I decided it was cheaper and easier than building it myself, so I decided to pick it up for the stand for my 55 gallon display fuge.

The color didn't really go with my setup, so I am refinishing it.

Because this is a display huge that will drain into my main sump, the entire cabinet space will be dedicated to electronics. Now I'm just looking for the best way to organize the electronics and build in the apex/powerbars. There is quite some inspiration on R2R...

 

[Husker]

Refinished the stand for the display fuge.

The entire space underneath area will be dedicated to electronics and controllers. I just need to decide how to put it together...

 

[Husker]

I wanted to try something different and create some nooks and crannies for the seagrass/refugium tank. I went with black great stuff pond foam, as I have had good luck with it in the past. It is hard to aquascape a 55 gallon aquarium, so I think this stuff helps.

I made the structures out of LEGOs and then foamed over them.

I have 2 more cans... not sure if I want to add anymore. I was contemplating doing foam on both short sides to make the whole tank look like it is in a crevice between two rock structures. Thoughts?

 

[pboutin]

I'd be concerned with not having enough rock for biofilter. Do you plan on adding sand? I like the look one sided You can always add drift wood or tall grass or mangroves to the other side to get the same effect. If you wanted to add another structure to the left I think you might want to remove the small structure in the center and use small grass like coral or macro there.

 

[Xclusive Reef]

I wanted to try something different and create some nooks and crannies for the seagrass/refugium tank. I went with black great stuff pond foam, as I have had good luck with it in the past. It is hard to aquascape a 55 gallon aquarium, so I think this stuff helps.

I made the structures out of LEGOs and then foamed over them.

I have 2 more cans... not sure if I want to add anymore. I was contemplating doing foam on both short sides to make the whole tank look like it is in a crevice between two rock structures. Thoughts?

If you want me to be honest and don't take this the wrong way but i hope it looks better in person than on these pics. for me i am not a fan of the look of that.. why not use rock?

 

[Husker]

If you want me to be honest and don't take this the wrong way but i hope it looks better in person than on these pics. for me i am not a fan of the look of that.. why not use rock? my kid saw it and asked it it was p**p (you know what).. lol she is 4 years old.

haha, its fine. I know some people aren't fans of the foam, but I have always liked the look. Everybody has different opinions with this kind of stuff. I know the "how to" foam posts in the DIY threads on ReefCentral are full of angry posts. I had this stuff for a previous tank and it grows algae and coral over top just fine. I kind of prefer the look to sterile white rock, and they both end up looking similar in the end. Also, this is for the refugium/seagrass tank, so most of the structure will be covered with algae.

 

[Husker]

I'd be concerned with not having enough rock for biofilter. Do you plan on adding sand? I like the look one sided You can always add drift wood or tall grass or mangroves to the other side to get the same effect. If you wanted to add another structure to the left I think you might want to remove the small structure in the center and use small grass like coral or macro there.

I am not worried about this, actually. This tank is really just the refugium tank. I have plenty of rock in the display, a 75 gallon tank with marine pure balls, and an overrated skimmer. If you add the macroalgae and seagrass to this tank, I think it might be a struggle to maintain any nitrate/phosphate without a heavy amount of feeding.

I am planning on sand. The seagrass requires a substrate. I am still thinking about the species of seagrass to determine the depth.