astreck827
Active Member
Hey R2R Fam,
I finally decided to start documenting my new build that I’ve been planning with my SO for a few months. A little bit of background: I’m currently on my third system. My first was a 75g with a 20L DIY sump that was started about 7 years ago. It ran for about a year and a half and was doing great by my standards at the time. That system was shut down when I moved, and I transferred most of the inhabitants into a rimless 60g cube with a 10g sump. It was never the same and I shut it down within a year as I lost interest. I did not keep another aquarium until early 2021; I inherited a derelict 55g with convict cichlids that I rehabbed and eventually moved into a 125g. I really enjoyed having an aquarium again, and the itch for a reef tank came on strong. I picked up a used 56g tall and set it up with a 40b return. Soon I added a 75g display fuge, 75g rubbermaid sump, and a 45g frag tank. The system is thriving. Unlike my first go around, I have a great job and a supporting partner who is just as into it as I am, and the hobby has turned into a lifestyle for us. As great as our system is now, it was not planned out with expansion in mind. It’s a bit haphazardly assembled and is rife with design flaws. Fortunately we have diligently documented our progress, and each mistake has been a lesson learned.
Now, looking to the future, we have the framework laid down for a new system. Almost everything is tentative and subject to change, but the pride of the system will be a Planet Aquariums 310g external overflow glass tank (96” x 30” x 25”). I welcome and encourage those reading this to point out problems, potential oversights, and ways to improve form and function. My goal is to update this thread weekly at minimum. Specifics to come in future posts… I hope you will join us on this new endeavor!
I finally decided to start documenting my new build that I’ve been planning with my SO for a few months. A little bit of background: I’m currently on my third system. My first was a 75g with a 20L DIY sump that was started about 7 years ago. It ran for about a year and a half and was doing great by my standards at the time. That system was shut down when I moved, and I transferred most of the inhabitants into a rimless 60g cube with a 10g sump. It was never the same and I shut it down within a year as I lost interest. I did not keep another aquarium until early 2021; I inherited a derelict 55g with convict cichlids that I rehabbed and eventually moved into a 125g. I really enjoyed having an aquarium again, and the itch for a reef tank came on strong. I picked up a used 56g tall and set it up with a 40b return. Soon I added a 75g display fuge, 75g rubbermaid sump, and a 45g frag tank. The system is thriving. Unlike my first go around, I have a great job and a supporting partner who is just as into it as I am, and the hobby has turned into a lifestyle for us. As great as our system is now, it was not planned out with expansion in mind. It’s a bit haphazardly assembled and is rife with design flaws. Fortunately we have diligently documented our progress, and each mistake has been a lesson learned.
Now, looking to the future, we have the framework laid down for a new system. Almost everything is tentative and subject to change, but the pride of the system will be a Planet Aquariums 310g external overflow glass tank (96” x 30” x 25”). I welcome and encourage those reading this to point out problems, potential oversights, and ways to improve form and function. My goal is to update this thread weekly at minimum. Specifics to come in future posts… I hope you will join us on this new endeavor!
