65gal Mixed Reef

[tmcjilton]

Hello, I’m new here and I wanted to start a thread for documenting my new tank build as well as update my progress. I have kept a few nano reefs in the past but haven’t had a tank for about 10 years, so I’m a bit rusty. Feel free to make recommendations or give advice. I appreciate any and all input. Thanks for looking!

Equipment:
Tank: 65gal glass 18.4 in L x 36.4 in W x 25 in H
Filtration: Fluval FX 4 (no room for sump)
Lighting: TBD (probably 2 Kessil A360X’s)
Flow: IceCap 3K Gyre
Temp: Finnex TH-03005 w/ Inkbird tstat

Substrate: 60lbs Carib Sea Arag-Alive
Rock: 70lbs Carib Sea Moani

I recently started cycling the tank using Dr. Tim’s ammonia and One & Only. I will update with progress as I go.

 

[tmcjilton]

 

[CienFuegos]

Welcome

 

[Rcpilot]

Welcome to R2R!

 

[SPR1968]

The tank looks great so far and thanks for sharing it with us

And welcome to R2R as well!

 

[tmcjilton]

I am having issues with my testing set and using a hydrometer has been too all over the place, so I stopped into WWC today and it was my first time in the shop. All I can say is WOW! I was super impressed with everyone there and they were very helpful. I picked up the RedSea marine test kit and the Hannah HI9813 salinity checker. Hopefully these will do me better.

I also spent some time drueling over all the corals and discussing my lighting options for the tank. They were recommending the Radeon 15s x2. As I previously mentioned, I am considering either 2 Kessil A360X’s, or maybe the A700. My main issue with lighting is the tank has the bracing in the middle of the tank on the top side which will impede any light placed in the center. I was originally thinking I would buy one at a time to cut down on cost up front and putting it in the middle temporarily as I won’t be adding any corals for some time. Then I could move it to one side and add a second. Not sure which route to go, and now I’m considering 1 Radeon 30 since the two sides are split with a fan in the middle. Thoughts?

 

[tmcjilton]

After quite a while, I’m comfortable with the tank parameters and satisfied the nitrogen cycle is complete and everything is stable. I have been dosing ammonia and monitoring levels and each time I dose 2ppm ammonia, NH3 and NO2 are clear the following day.

Also made a decision regarding lighting setup and purchased 2 EcoTech Radion XR15 Gen 4 Pro’s and the Reef Link. I have installed them on the RMS brackets. I’ll post a picture soon. I have been playing with the setup of these and am a little overwhelmed with all of the settings.

I have setup a QT and have brought home my first animals! I got 2 “bullet hole” clowns from WWC and unfortunately one didn’t make it after less than an hour in QT. I think he wasn’t doing so well before we brought him home because he wasn’t looking great in the bag prior to me adding to QT.

The second clown is doing well and seems to be getting comfortable in the QT. I will be monitoring him for the next few days prior to starting any treatment.

Here are the details of my QT setup:
10gal tank
Fluval c2 filter w/ bio media from DT
Fluval heater
TopFin LED light strip
Using ammonia alert badge
1.026 salinity (Red Sea Coral Pro Salt)

Any advice for QT is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tmcjilton]

Today I went back to WWC and bought another clown (frostbite). He is in an acclimation box in my QT right now and is doing well. I also picked up a cleaner shrimp and he’s already in the DT hanging out.

While I was there I bought a Vortech MP10WQD. I plan on buying at least one more and will use them instead of the Ice Cap 3k. I couldn’t resist being able to control them with the Reef Link! I would love some advice for placement of 2 or 3 MP 10’s if anyone would be so kind. Pics of my tank/scape are above so you can see what I’m working with. Thanks!