150g TBS Reef Build.

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 26, 2016

My tank is up and running so I thought I would share the build and explain why and what I used to get my dream build going.
My thoughts of going to a larger tank build began about 3 to 4 weeks after I started my 60g cubed reef tank. I wanted to start with a medium reef tank to see what the requirements were to setup and maintain and found out I was already looking for bigger and better. I have had many years experience with fresh water tanks so I had some background working with the aspects it takes to keep the fish alive....
So 2 years later here we are. I saved my money and was looking to buy a 120g reef tank to put in my living room. I have a LFS where I have bought fish and equipment from so I wanted to give my business to them. After looking at many tanks I ended up buying the 150g reef tank, cabinet and hood from my LFS. I intended to get all equipment, rock, sand, ect from them, but a week after purchase I hurt my back and found out I had 2 compact fractions and a week later a hair line fracture in my spine. Needless to say the pain and possibility of injuring myself more while trying to build this tank became a huge factor. This changed were I would buy my equipment and rock and sand.
I am an Amazon shopping freak so some equipment would be purchased there and the rest was from Marine Depot. Both places have great many options and great pricing, plus free shipping if orders are large enough.
I started looking online for live reef rock and came across a site called Tampa Bay Live Rock. After reading all the good customer reviews and liking the pricing I decided to purchase from them. Today I am pleased to say this was the best decision of all for my reef tank. I will go into more detail on them and all equipment I use with my honest reviews of each one.

So here is the list of my setup:
150g marineland 5' display tank with cabinet and hood.
Emerald Trigger sump (39inch)
Reef octopus classic protein skimmer
Maxspect Gyre xf150 power head
XS-UV LED lighting from Aquatic Life.
Jebao DC-12000 DC return pump
JBJ True Temp digital controller W/800w heater
Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO
Navepoint Cabinet Enclosure (for all controllers)
Apex Jr.
Instant Ocean Reef Crystal seasalt
Aqua FX Barracuda Reverse Osmosis
Finnex FugeRay LED light for sump
Mixing Station Pan world 40px water pump w/2 32g brute rubber cans.

So here is the start of my build thread, I will update reviews and pictures when I get home. (yes I'm at work...lol)

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 29, 2016

First review of equipment : Emerald Trigger Sump (39inch)
Well a sump is a sump, but I wanted something large enough for my display tank and I also wanted it to be as close to silent as possible since my tank is in my den.
I used the Herbie method for plumbing and it made the top overflow almost silent and splash proof, very pleased with the sound reduction and the flow I get from doing this style. The ETS has a plate to make dual intake or tri intake, I used the dual. The water intake comes in from the overflow and is piped into a covered section where the pipe is under the water line keeping noise at the minimum, it then overflows over 3 sock filters (or you can use the sponge pad they provide) then to the very spacious skimmer section. The skimmer section is 14" x 15.5" and the water height is adjustable so just about any skimmer will fit.
The refugium area is 10.5" x 15.5" and I decided to put @ 2" sandbed with liverock, so I have plenty of space to do or plant what I want in the future. This section then flows into the return pump area and goes flows over a smaller sponge pad to prevent micro bubbles from getting in the display tank. Also to note the skimmer section has holders for Temp sensors ect, and the pump return section has pre-drilled holes for things such as the ATO fill tube.
Over all I'm very pleased with the purchase ($525.00) of the Trigger sump, price kinda steep but I think you pay for what you get so I'm fine with that. PROS: Almost silent intake
Large sections for skimmer, refugium and return pump.
3 filter sock holders
Splash proof intake (cuts down on salt creep)
More of a fancy look
Adjustable water height for skimmer
Large total volume of water
Looks nice

CONS: Price

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

Ok I'm going to skip equipment reviews for now so I can write a review on my Tampa Bay Live Rock that I started my tank with.I want to do this because I'm supper impressed with this rock. Today is week 4 of the startup and my tank is doing wonderful. I will add pictures to show the steps so far and and show how easy it can be to start a new reef build. Here is the web link to the site. http://www.tbsaltwater.com/
There is all kinds of ways to start a reef tank, some use dry rock and seed, some buy live rock from their local fish store or buy rock from the many websites out there. I chose Tampa Bay Saltwater after reading all the great reviews and seeing the pictures of what people were getting from them. The live rock and sand are straight out of the ocean and are well established with life, the rocks are man made and the shapes,color,and size are quite impressive. The web site goes in to detail of all this so anyone interested just needs to look at it. The steps are explained and there is a list (formula) for the "package" on different size tanks. Once a package is decided on you just fill out the order form and you will be contacted by a man named Richard. He will verify your order and then walk you through the process. He keeps in constant contact to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Customer satisfaction is something he takes very seriously during the whole process.
You will first get all the sand and half of the live rock that is shipped by air freight. Everything is well packed and all items come with sea water coving them to keep your sand and rocks alive and well during the shipment. There is specific directions on how to place all items in your tank all you have to do before arrival is have your salt water in the tank and ready per the directions.
Here is some pictures of the first part of installing the package....

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

After part one is added you check for ammonia twice daily. I got a spike on day 2 and started water changes per instructions and on day 4 ammonia dropped to 0. After this on day 10 you email Richard and let him know you are ready for the second shipment. Once again you go to the airport and pickup your shipment and the second stages begins. This day is like Christmas. In the second shipment you get the other half of your rocks (first is more like the base) and all the treats that he ships with it. Your clean up crew (snails, hermit crabs, star fish, ect ) along with many extras like rock anomies, gorgonians and much more are all in the shipment along with special instructions on how to get them ready to place in your tank.
Here is some pictures

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

After the second part was added my ammonia went up to .025, no water change, and the next day ammonia was again at 0.
Today is week 4, I did add food for the sponges and gorgonians, and they are doing great. Here is pictures I took the morning.

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

The fish was a very cool hitch hiker

josh.j.avila · Jul 31, 2016

I'm a big fan of Tampa bay saltwater.

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

josh.j.avila said:
I'm a big fan of Tampa bay saltwater.

Yeah, so happy I decided to use TBS to start my new tank. It's going better than I ever expected.

josh.j.avila · Jul 31, 2016

SaltwaterTeabag said:
Yeah, so happy I decided to use TBS to start my new tank. It's going better than I ever expected.

The only down side is searching for gorilla crabs, mantis and isopods. Everyone I personally know who has gotten rock from them has had one of the three including me. But nothing that can't be taken care of. Knowing this I would still do it again and would recommend them.

I'm helping a friends dad set up a tank and we're ordering a complete Tampa bay package for his tank.

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

josh.j.avila said:
The only down side is searching for gorilla crabs, mantis and isopods. Everyone I personally know who has gotten rock from them has had one of the three including me. But nothing that can't be taken care of. Knowing this I would still do it again and would recommend them.

I'm helping a friends dad set up a tank and we're ordering a complete Tampa bay package for his tank.

Saw one baby gorilla crab, he is in the sump now. I'm sure I will find more but as you said it's nothing that can't be taken care of.

josh.j.avila · Jul 31, 2016

The diversity is what sets you up for success.

Can't wait to see this out together.

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

josh.j.avila said:
The diversity is what sets you up for success.

Can't wait to see this out together.

Just saw your tank build thread, very impressive looking tank. I'm going to wait at least 20 days from now before I add anything to my tank, kinda let it do it's thing and watch all my readings.

josh.j.avila · Jul 31, 2016

I lack the photography skills and also organization to snap and actually document things the right way. I'm trying to update it more frequently.

d2mini · Jul 31, 2016

Looks awesome! Anyone who knows me knows I love TBS. :D
For good reason.
Every tank I've set up with The Package has done extremely well.
There's no better or easier way to start a healthy reef tank, IMHO.

Congrats! :)

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

josh.j.avila said:
I lack the photography skills and also organization to snap and actually document things the right way. I'm trying to update it more frequently.

Same here but I'm trying . lol

SaltwaterTeabag · Jul 31, 2016

d2mini said:
Looks awesome! Anyone who knows me knows I love TBS. :D
For good reason.
Every tank I've set up with The Package has done extremely well.
There's no better or easier way to start a healthy reef tank, IMHO.

Congrats! :)

Thanks.
I have seen most of your tank builds, some on other sites, you have some of the best looking reef tanks I've ever seen! You are the reason I looked TBS up in the first place. :)