- Joined
- Aug 30, 2018
- Messages
- 189
- Reaction score
- 133
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 $$.
Completed so far:
- painted the inside of the stand white to make it easier to see everything
- created an aquascape with acrylic rods, stonefix, and an assortment of fiji and caribsea rock. I created a cardboard template so I could move things around freely until I found the scape I wanted. The rocks have been cycling for 4-5 in a plastic tub. I stupidly cemented a small piece of lava rock into the scape, so this may have to come apart, which is annoying as hell....
Next on the to-do list:
- drill the tank for a herbie overflow
- plumb the tank
- run leak test
For $600, I got: 65 gallon tank with corner overflow, stand and canopy, 20 gallon acrylic sump, 2 AI hydra 26s, eflux 6009 1050 gph DC return with eflux 6005 powerhead and Loop hub, Reef Octopus Int 110 skimmer, heaters, and a bunch of extras. I've heard of better deals, but I was happy I waited and saved some $$.
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