GraphicReefer
Community Member
Hey Guys and Gals!
My first R2R Post!
So a little background:
My name is Brandon and I've been into aquariums for nearly my entire life, ( Sounds like an AA intro I know ) saltwater though, for years, has been my main infatuation. After putting myself through college and living in anti-tank apartments, I've finally purchased my first home! TANK TIME! I consider myself an experienced amateur and have successfully kept soft corals and some LPS with great success, so I know the basics, but have never surpassed the 30 gallon mark. I know larger aquariums are less prone to environmental swings and are generally easier to maintain, but there is just something about a smaller aquarium that feels more "personal" to me. So with that being said I had difficulty deciding on what tank I would like, believe me there are a ton of beautiful "standard" size aquariums but something about shallow builds and cubes captivated me. Considering budget, location in my home, and overall dimensions of the aquarium I wanted, I decided on the shallow water build.
My budget was minimal ( For reef standards anyway ) I have been " collecting " new and used equipment via Black Friday sales, eBay auctions, and checking craigslist and Facebook for over year.
So here is what I've collected or made:
Equipment List:
Tank: Deep Blue 45 Gallon 48" X 18" X 12"
Stand: DIY
Lighting: (3) Gen 3 Ecotech Radion XR15 W/ RMS Mount
Powerheads: (2) Ecotech Vortech MP10W QD
Sump W/Fuge: (1) DIY 20 Gallon Long with Baffles
Skimmer: Vertex Omega 130
Return Pump: (1) Ecotech Vectra M1
Doser: (2) BRS Doser W/ Two Part
Biopellet: (1) CPR Nano Biopellet Tumbler
GFO and Carbon: BRS (1) Dual Reactor W/ MJ1200 Return
Top Off: (1) Tunze Osmolator 3155
Top Off Container: (1) 5 Gallon Aquarium
Chiller: (1) Current USA 1/15 HP
(1) Vertex Grounding Probe
(More to be added)
I wanted the stand to be tall (as I am fairly tall myself) and hoped it would keep my curious felines from putting their paws in the tank, plus I wanted everything I needed to be housed in the stand.
I am leaning towards some of the aquascaping coming out of the water as the "volcano tank" has resonated with me since seeing it, but I'm not totally decided, mangroves maybe? Looking on keeping the tank load fairly light with maybe just two fish (rare goby or designer clown?) and some high end soft corals, LPS, and who knows down the road maybe a SPS or clam?
Honestly I wasn't very confident in my build so I don't have too many "in the making" shots but Im starting to near the end and can see my vision forming. I have perused a few saltwater reef forums in the past months and think R2R is my kinda place. So I hope to share my progress and try to keep you guys updated. ( I work three jobs so Ill try to update when I can )
Here is where I stood after the weekend ( Work in Progress)
Happy Reefing!
My first R2R Post!
So a little background:
My name is Brandon and I've been into aquariums for nearly my entire life, ( Sounds like an AA intro I know ) saltwater though, for years, has been my main infatuation. After putting myself through college and living in anti-tank apartments, I've finally purchased my first home! TANK TIME! I consider myself an experienced amateur and have successfully kept soft corals and some LPS with great success, so I know the basics, but have never surpassed the 30 gallon mark. I know larger aquariums are less prone to environmental swings and are generally easier to maintain, but there is just something about a smaller aquarium that feels more "personal" to me. So with that being said I had difficulty deciding on what tank I would like, believe me there are a ton of beautiful "standard" size aquariums but something about shallow builds and cubes captivated me. Considering budget, location in my home, and overall dimensions of the aquarium I wanted, I decided on the shallow water build.
My budget was minimal ( For reef standards anyway ) I have been " collecting " new and used equipment via Black Friday sales, eBay auctions, and checking craigslist and Facebook for over year.
So here is what I've collected or made:
Equipment List:
Tank: Deep Blue 45 Gallon 48" X 18" X 12"
Stand: DIY
Lighting: (3) Gen 3 Ecotech Radion XR15 W/ RMS Mount
Powerheads: (2) Ecotech Vortech MP10W QD
Sump W/Fuge: (1) DIY 20 Gallon Long with Baffles
Skimmer: Vertex Omega 130
Return Pump: (1) Ecotech Vectra M1
Doser: (2) BRS Doser W/ Two Part
Biopellet: (1) CPR Nano Biopellet Tumbler
GFO and Carbon: BRS (1) Dual Reactor W/ MJ1200 Return
Top Off: (1) Tunze Osmolator 3155
Top Off Container: (1) 5 Gallon Aquarium
Chiller: (1) Current USA 1/15 HP
(1) Vertex Grounding Probe
(More to be added)
I wanted the stand to be tall (as I am fairly tall myself) and hoped it would keep my curious felines from putting their paws in the tank, plus I wanted everything I needed to be housed in the stand.
I am leaning towards some of the aquascaping coming out of the water as the "volcano tank" has resonated with me since seeing it, but I'm not totally decided, mangroves maybe? Looking on keeping the tank load fairly light with maybe just two fish (rare goby or designer clown?) and some high end soft corals, LPS, and who knows down the road maybe a SPS or clam?
Honestly I wasn't very confident in my build so I don't have too many "in the making" shots but Im starting to near the end and can see my vision forming. I have perused a few saltwater reef forums in the past months and think R2R is my kinda place. So I hope to share my progress and try to keep you guys updated. ( I work three jobs so Ill try to update when I can )
Here is where I stood after the weekend ( Work in Progress)
Happy Reefing!
