15G Floating SPS System

[marcinpolak]

Hello!

As I said in my other thread (https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/4-8g-dominant-rare-soft-coral-build.956800/#post-10985606) I will be starting another tank along with this one. Well here is the beginning of that thread. This one is going to be a floating aquascape because I think they are absolutely gorgeous. I also have been wanting to try a full sps system. Any tips would be awesome.

Equipment-
- 15 Gallon Waterbox Peninsula
- Sicce Syncra Silent 0.5
- VCA Return Nozzle
- AI Nero 3
- Maxspect Jump 2k Gyre
- 75W Aquael Heater with Inkbird Controller
- NF-1 Nano Protein Skimmer
- EcoTech Radion XR15 Pro Led with the RMS Mount System
- Kraken reef lid with feeder cup
- Kraken reef overflow screen
- AutoAqua Smart auto water changer
- Neptune Apex system w/ trident

Filtration-
~10 lbs of Marco Rocks
- Polyp Lab Genesis Rock Booster
- 2 gallon automatic water change

Fish-
- Court Jester Goby
- Yellow Candy Hogfish
- Clownfish

Coral-
Unsure just yet, I will start with easier sps and build my way up. Most sps will be from Battle Coral!

The piece I was waiting for was finally finished and it’s the acrylic L-Bracket. Ended up doing a custom order and the company who did it answered all my questions as well which was awesome.

I plan on attaching the L-Bracket in a little bit but for now enjoy some pictures of the tank without anything but a lone L-Bracket.

 

[marcinpolak]

Just siliconed it down, then once it cures I will silicone around as an extra layer. Also I did not center it do to the fact that I’ll get more rock out on a side I can view from.

 

[marcinpolak]

I’m waiting on the epoxy to come in so that I could put the first couple of rocks on the acrylic bracket. Then the real fun begins. But I have been playing with how it would look at the start of it.

 

[marcinpolak]

And… the epoxy came in. So naturally I start trying to epoxy the first couple of rocks and so far so good.

 

[V A R I A N T]

Did you offset the L bracket to make room for the Nero? Noticed the structure isn't on center and assumed this was intentional.

 

[marcinpolak]

Did you offset the L bracket to make room for the Nero? Noticed the structure isn't on center and assumed this was intentional.

Yes I purposely did the offset because the tank won’t really be viewable from that side and more space for the Nero

 

[Gumbies R Us]

And… the epoxy came in. So naturally I start trying to epoxy the first couple of rocks and so far so good.

Best of luck with the aquascape!!

 

[marcinpolak]

Best of luck with the aquascape!!

Thank you!

 

[marcinpolak]

Update!

I started doing some cable management before water gets into the tank and also started to cement all the rocks together. It’s taking some time due to work and making sure everything is cured.

 

[marcinpolak]

Cemented the two main big pieces together. Then I cemented some smaller rocks to hide the acrylic bracket. Some progress pictures below and the only thing is the side picture feels off. Need to hide the acrylic bracket better and add a shelf somewhere. But should have water in it next week!

 

[marcinpolak]

And done! Finished the final side, touched up some areas with cement and now I wait for it to cure! Water should be in on Wednesday to start the cycle!

 

[marcinpolak]

Alas! We are floating, have to clean the bottom of the tank but other than that it’s ready for water. I will hold off on the water since I’ll be on a 2 week vacation.

Side note - I decided I will be switching the light to a Radion XR15 G6 Pro

 

[marcinpolak]

After much thought, I decided I will be getting an Apex with a trident since this will be sps only.

 

[marcinpolak]

Finally added water to the tank, started the initial cycle and I also added some live rock rubble in the 1st chamber. Also need the Nero 3 which comes next week to help clean the bottom from all Marco dust.

 

[Fish Styx]

Lookin' good! Love the idea.

 

[marcinpolak]

Lookin' good! Love the idea.

Thank you!

 

[marcinpolak]

All cleared up, only problem is my new heater isn’t working so contacted @Bulk Reef Supply and they made it right! Amazing service! So I have a extra heater in the tank for now

 

[goody]

Love this? Will you be adding more sand or going mainly bare bottom? If adding more sand, how deep?

 

[marcinpolak]

Love this? Will you be adding more sand or going mainly bare bottom? If adding more sand, how deep?

Actually all that on the bottom is Marco Powder and I’ll be getting that out. Bare bottom tank!

 

[acropora4u]

Looks great !!