65 gallon mixed reef build

[I_Got_Crabs]

First ever reef tank build. Upgrading from a 29 gallon biocube. After patiently searching, I found a good deal on the largest tank my wife would agree on.

For $600, I got: 65 gallon tank with corner overflow, stand and canopy, 20 gallon acrylic sump, 2 AI hydra 26s, eflux 6009 1050 gph DC return with eflux 6005 powerhead and Loop hub, Reef Octopus Int 110 skimmer, heaters, and a bunch of extras. I've heard of better deals, but I was happy I waited and saved some $$.

Completed so far:

- painted the inside of the stand white to make it easier to see everything

- created an aquascape with acrylic rods, stonefix, and an assortment of fiji and caribsea rock. I created a cardboard template so I could move things around freely until I found the scape I wanted. The rocks have been cycling for 4-5 in a plastic tub. I stupidly cemented a small piece of lava rock into the scape, so this may have to come apart, which is annoying as hell....

Next on the to-do list:

- drill the tank for a herbie overflow

- plumb the tank

- run leak test

 

[Crabs McJones]

From one crabs to another, i'd like to follow along for your build Looking really good so far

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

From one crabs to another, i'd like to follow along for your build Looking really good so far

Lol thanks. Do you think I need to take the small piece of lava rock out? Its the little shelfy piece second from the top of the right tower. It was in another tank for a few years, then bleached, dried and soaked in RO before being cemented into the tower...

 

[Crabs McJones]

Lol thanks. Do you think I need to take the small piece of lava rock out? Its the little shelfy piece second from the top of the right tower. It was in another tank for a few years, then bleached, dried and soaked in RO before being cemented into the tower...

I'd leave it, looks good the way you've got it

 

[sstanley223]

Im gonna follow! I've been running a 65 for a long time. I've always liked that size! Great deal for all that equipment!

 

[Saltybuckeye]

Following also. That wasn’t a great deal. That was a steal for all that equipment.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

This is taking so much longer than I thought it would... Been to the hardware store so many times today that the staff are starting to give me funny looks. Lol

Finished:

- Drilling the tank. Some chips on the inside of the cut. Hope that's okay...
- Plumbing the tank (with a few minor set backs). Not sure if the metal hose clamp on the return pump end. It will be under water. Think it will leach contaminates?

To do:

- wait for the pvc cement to cure, then fill her up!!

 

[Justfebreezeit]

Awesome! I've been looking around the used market for this exact tank! It would fit the wall my current tank is on much better than my current. Definitely cant wait to see this one evolve. Good luck and keep the updates coming!

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Awesome! I've been looking around the used market for this exact tank! It would fit the wall my current tank is on much better than my current. Definitely cant wait to see this one evolve. Good luck and keep the updates coming!

Nice. Hope you find yours! I've been pleased with the quality. The only drawback is that the door is kind of small, which will get annoying fast. Thought about modifying the stand to make it bigger but I didnt trust myself to keep it structurally sound...

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Following also. That wasn’t a great deal. That was a steal for all that equipment.

Glad to hear! I think my friend basically won the lottery when he bought his used 90 gallon, so I probably have the bar for "a good deal" set too high.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Dry as a bone and quiet as a mouse so far...

 

[Saltybuckeye]

Looks good! I think the hose clamp will eventually rust under water. Should probably find another way to secure the return line.

 

[Stigigemla]

Looks good but...
The lava rock and the hose clamp in the sump will leak metals.
BRS and others are having nylon hose clamps.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Looks good but...
The lava rock and the hose clamp in the sump will leak metals.
BRS and others are having nylon hose clamps.

Thats what I wad worried about. Think the lava rock will still be leaching aftet being in another tank for 2 years? Maybe not worth the risk.

 

[pdiehm]

Looks good! I think the hose clamp will eventually rust under water. Should probably find another way to secure the return line.

Zip ties.

 

[Dom]

Chips on the inside may be a problem depending on how big. But from what I can see in the pics, you should be okay.

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Which orientation should I do for the lights, parrallel or perpendicular to the hood? I am currently thinking I will mount under the hood and drill holes in the wood for the fans. That would make them 6" above the surface. Is that enough? Was planning to use the custom glass lids that came with the tank...

Also, 5 gallon ato resevoir arrived! (And it fits, thank god)

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Slowly coming along. Added underlighting, and painted the back pane black with flexidip rubber spray. Just need to intall my GFCI and weatherproof case, figure out my wire management, and fill her up!

 

[I_Got_Crabs]

Panel mounted to wall with ballbearing track - slides out from behind tank.

Gfci with weather guard - safety first!

Refugium starting up.

Cured rock and livesand in the tank...

Now the waiting game...