60 gallon frag tank setup

[andywe]

Ok this build thread is starting from day 1. I picked up an old but good 60 gallon oceanic with stand, nice mega flow 2 sump , protien skimmer and return pump 6 weeks ago and today I got to start the basics.

Since we have warm weather I toom the tank out and did a nice hygienic spray of muriatic acid. 10 minutes and it's almost clean as new (tip for newbies it works fast and is cheaper and better than vinegar as long as there is no metal).

Now on to the leak test. So far tank is filled and overflow is remaining dry. Later tonight start picking through the 500lbs of rock I have (all dry now) and let the wife decide what she wants the rockscape to be. Then into the brute can for a few months of soaking and cleansing.

 

[Idoc]

Nice...this will be a good build and fun project.

 

[andywe]

Ok, Tank is cleaned and a 2 week leak test was stellar! Have to love muriatic acid. 10 minutes and clean as a whistle! Haev also gotten an apex Jr, extra EB4, VDM, 2 Kessil a360WE with mounts, Magnaflow 2 sump, Quietone 2000 return, Skimmer, New hosing and bulkheads, New Temp and PH probes. TAlready have 500lbd of Pukani and dense reef rock to choose from (never sold it), heaters, probe racks, etc.....

Glad I held onto my equipment from my days of heavy reefing. Costs less when you get back in LOL.

Pic for those who don't know how well Muriatic acid can do. Compare to my initial opening thread above.

 

[andywe]

Small update (but significant)!

I capitalized on the Apex BRS special edition since I had an EB4 lying around and 4 outlets to star. Since this tank is going next to my RM-30 I will utilize a few empty sockets on my EB832 and run ato off it since I already have the module with space for that. Economize when you can. Since my WDM will be used for the lights on the 60 I don't need switched sockets. If I find a decent used EB832 I'll bite..just don't see the need when I have what I need already.

And today I got the wife motivated and she picked out all her Pukani and shelf rock (Been dry 4 years) and I started baking it today. YEAH!!! So now I have a timeline for getting this thing running. Hopefully 60 days and I can start filling it up for real.

 

[andywe]

Ok this posting to FB and here is !getting old LOL. SO here we go. Made progress yesterday and today. Tank is upstairs, plumbing is done a leak tested, with no bulkhead leaks first time out! Lights mounted and all glue is cured 2 hours. Now to tackle that broken fitting on the RODI as I cannot make saltwater without this friggin thing running!

 

[andywe]

Ok, Sand In, rock work done (to start) Water now, so here goes nothing!

 

[andywe]

and its alive!

 

[andywe]

Been a long haul but we are there! Tank has it's first inhabitants (Well corals and fish as inverts a few weeks ago). Now acclimating to new lights and off to the races!