Edit: this has been quite the saga over the past 9 years, it’s not the biggest or the baddest tank, but it’s mine. In 2022, I have started another new chapter here On YouTube. However, please continue on reading the thread to see where it has been and updates on whats new starting Here
With this, here is a little history to start out with. I have been in the hobby a relatively short time, I crossed over from freshwater in 2005 and made the venture into saltwater when a LFS convinced me it would be only $300 (I wish) to setup a reef tank. Anyway, over the years I had built a nice 150g SPS dominate display on the main level of my home that was connected to a 40 gallon Anemone tank, and 75g frag tank in the basement. It wasnt the best build ever but I liked it. (old photos of my tank October 2010 TOTM - WMAS Message Board - Page 1 )
In a mix of good and bad, a year ago, I ended up having to move across the country in a very short period and had to sell off my livestock and tanks, so now it is time to start again.
For this build I looked around at what the local area had for tank builders and also searched the internet to get an idea of the route I wanted to go. Due to the floor layout in my home, I decided that the biggest footprint I could go with is 4'x2' without tanking up to much floor realastate. From my searching, I decided I wanted to go with a rimless tank. I have always liked the look and this is as good of time as any to get one.
I looked at all different tank builders, stand builders, etc., I ended up going with a with a 100g rimless, CAD lighting Artesian II, with a custom 36" high stand. The reason I went with this tank is primarily because of the total package price. Their package came with a Skimmer, sump, sump light, return pump, and all plumbing for the tank. (I do plan on expanding to the basement and creating a fish room with this build as well so much of what came in the package with be swapped out over time)
Here is a pic of the tank loaded in the back of my van:
The tank build is very good, the customer service could be improved upon greatly, there were a few delays in getting the tank to me and me getting them to answer their phone. However when it did ship it was quick and It was well packed for shipping, and I didn't have any issues related to the shipping aspect.
Here is the tank set up in its future spot after getting it unboxed at my house:
Here is a picture of the sump, I am not sure what they had planned for layout with this, so I ended up modifying it slightly. The chambers are a little small even for their upgraded skimmer, I was hoping to be able to use my XP-3000 simmer but that will have to wait until I expand my system.
As I was getting the plumbing figured out, there were no instructions provided by the vendor so it was a little difficult even with having some idea what I was doing, I decided that the current sump configuration wouldnt work with what I was planning on doing. It only allowed 4" to be used as a refugium, so I modified it to allow for more space.
Here is a picture with the modified center section, if you compare it with previous photo, you can see the center section has been expanded
For lighting, I went with 2 Radion Pro's. I really like the colors they provide and the program ability they have. ( I am still holding out for them to be controlled by my APEX)
Here is a shot of one light over the tank as I decide how I wanted to mount them, definitely not the best picture.
For my aquascape, I am using BRS reefsaver rock. I really like the textures and shapes it comes with. I decided to do a pretty simplistic aquascape, with 2 "islands", Here are some pictures of what I have come up with, it is difficult to see the depth and the shapes in these photo's since all the rock appears to be big block of white. I am looking forward to the rocks coloring up and being futher accented by SPS.
For the rest of the equipment I will be using items left over from my previous systems: APEX for automation, 2 x MP40ES for internal flow. I still have my GEO CA and Kalk reactors that I will add to the systems as it expands as well. But for now, I am keeping this pretty basic.
That all for now, will be adding more later....
With this, here is a little history to start out with. I have been in the hobby a relatively short time, I crossed over from freshwater in 2005 and made the venture into saltwater when a LFS convinced me it would be only $300 (I wish) to setup a reef tank. Anyway, over the years I had built a nice 150g SPS dominate display on the main level of my home that was connected to a 40 gallon Anemone tank, and 75g frag tank in the basement. It wasnt the best build ever but I liked it. (old photos of my tank October 2010 TOTM - WMAS Message Board - Page 1 )
In a mix of good and bad, a year ago, I ended up having to move across the country in a very short period and had to sell off my livestock and tanks, so now it is time to start again.
For this build I looked around at what the local area had for tank builders and also searched the internet to get an idea of the route I wanted to go. Due to the floor layout in my home, I decided that the biggest footprint I could go with is 4'x2' without tanking up to much floor realastate. From my searching, I decided I wanted to go with a rimless tank. I have always liked the look and this is as good of time as any to get one.
I looked at all different tank builders, stand builders, etc., I ended up going with a with a 100g rimless, CAD lighting Artesian II, with a custom 36" high stand. The reason I went with this tank is primarily because of the total package price. Their package came with a Skimmer, sump, sump light, return pump, and all plumbing for the tank. (I do plan on expanding to the basement and creating a fish room with this build as well so much of what came in the package with be swapped out over time)
Here is a pic of the tank loaded in the back of my van:
The tank build is very good, the customer service could be improved upon greatly, there were a few delays in getting the tank to me and me getting them to answer their phone. However when it did ship it was quick and It was well packed for shipping, and I didn't have any issues related to the shipping aspect.
Here is the tank set up in its future spot after getting it unboxed at my house:
Here is a picture of the sump, I am not sure what they had planned for layout with this, so I ended up modifying it slightly. The chambers are a little small even for their upgraded skimmer, I was hoping to be able to use my XP-3000 simmer but that will have to wait until I expand my system.
As I was getting the plumbing figured out, there were no instructions provided by the vendor so it was a little difficult even with having some idea what I was doing, I decided that the current sump configuration wouldnt work with what I was planning on doing. It only allowed 4" to be used as a refugium, so I modified it to allow for more space.
Here is a picture with the modified center section, if you compare it with previous photo, you can see the center section has been expanded
For lighting, I went with 2 Radion Pro's. I really like the colors they provide and the program ability they have. ( I am still holding out for them to be controlled by my APEX)
Here is a shot of one light over the tank as I decide how I wanted to mount them, definitely not the best picture.
For my aquascape, I am using BRS reefsaver rock. I really like the textures and shapes it comes with. I decided to do a pretty simplistic aquascape, with 2 "islands", Here are some pictures of what I have come up with, it is difficult to see the depth and the shapes in these photo's since all the rock appears to be big block of white. I am looking forward to the rocks coloring up and being futher accented by SPS.
For the rest of the equipment I will be using items left over from my previous systems: APEX for automation, 2 x MP40ES for internal flow. I still have my GEO CA and Kalk reactors that I will add to the systems as it expands as well. But for now, I am keeping this pretty basic.
That all for now, will be adding more later....
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