75g Cube Mixed Reef Build

Poseidon's Reef

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Hey Guys!
As everyone knows, cant stay away from the hobby for very long. I had a busy couple years that involved a move, large reno's and my first kid, so naturally, i have been tank-less for a couple years. (freshwater to tide me over, but that hardly counts)

After a trip to mexico, snorkeling hours every day, i decide to jump back in again.

This time, however i am going to approach it quite differently.

Sump-less!

Ill go over my thought process in case anyone else is/ was on the fence as well.

Pros vs Cons.

Pros:

COST. This is a huge factor for most, including myself. The startup $ for a reasonably sized sump-less tank is significantly less than a full system.

LEAKS. With no plumbing, no water leaving the tank, way less chance for leaking.

SETUP:
much simpler to setup, a successful sump-less will appeal much more to newcomers to the hobby, and is less daunting.

POWER COST: less pumps, less power, less water volume, lower watt heater etc etc.

Cons:

If not done properly, less aesthetically pleasing.

Not as easy to hide equipment, less equipment options.

Less water volume, this one is subjective, but more is generally better.

Overall, there is something to be said about more automation (sumps) verse more hands on (sumpless)
But ive been down the sump road on 5+ tanks and I am greatly interested to see if i cant pull this off!

Ill post my build here, follow along, remind me of stuff ive forgotten. Suggestions are always welcome
:)
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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The Build plan

75gallon cube (24x24x30H)

Going to run:
a skimmer, either reef octo, or SWC, something square and oversized of course.
ATO with a surface skimmer, to get rid of the surface film


Heater, some black and easily hideable against the back wall.

LED lights, most likely china black boxes, but considering razor as well.

2 wavemakers, jebeo is my leading option, but i wont turn down a pair of used mp10s

75 lbs+ of liverock, sand ( to hell with barebottoms
;)

Will also have a TLF reactor and GFO on standby, not nessesarily always hooked up.
Aiming for the least equip possible.

Stock:

Mix of lps and sps, and of course my personal fav zoas.

clown pair with nem
midas blenny
leopard wrasse
mandarin (after a year or so)
1 tang, start small , rehome after it outgrows.
dwarf angel
Chromis 3-4
2 firefish

want to keep fish stock relatively light, that always makes life easier.

Will Shoot for 10g water changes weekly, and will explore vodka dosing.
I do not plan on dosing much else, but will cross that bridge later.
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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Painted the back of the tank, being a square, I just picked the post scratched side lol
5 coats later and voila

Also, rising sand and rock in 0 C sucks, but hey, reefers gotta do what a reefers gotta do!

IMG_20200201_113320.jpg IMG_20200201_145052.jpg
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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Moved the tank in place, stand isn't finished yet ( obviously) going to be a canopy over top, and entirety of it will be covered with barn board/ pine board for rustic type of finish. Goal is to make every thing open, so hinges everywhere lol

The fresh water tank is not staying there, it's sold, just waiting to be picked up.

Leak tested for 24 hours. Then added saltwater, and sand. Let sit for 24+ hours.

Took wide angle shots to give a context of the room. Basement rec-room and wife said im allowed to do whatever i want with it (provided she has veto power on the first and second floors lol) :D

IMG_20200201_185059.jpg IMG_20200201_185107.jpg
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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Added the live-rock and semi-scaped it, it will change, can't decide on what I want/ like, and I hate gluing pieces together, as that's way to permanent for me, but due to the height of the tank i may have to get over that hatred to utilize the top half of the aquarium .

HOB with filter floss is just there to help clear the water during setup,

Only intend to run a skimmer, ato, heater and power-heads.

IMG_20200202_153243.jpg IMG_20200202_153349.jpg
 

Katrina71

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Little dude checking out the new digs. Loves the fresh water tank, so can only imagine what the colours and movement from a REEF will do

IMG_20200124_182152.jpg
You might consider a few layers of floss and carbon for that little guy.
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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1 week later:
We are getting places, rest of the stand skeleton built today, going to take my time with the skin, (might be awhile lol)

Lights hung, skimmers on but not operating yet.

Cycle is well underway, if not "technically" skipped and done all together- using 'seed' from aquavitro
reading good numbers.

Tons of flow with the cp25 and one rw8
Both on very Low settings.

IMG_20200207_172429.jpg IMG_20200207_172439.jpg IMG_20200207_173234.jpg
 
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Poseidon's Reef

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Testing is good!
no ammonia no nitrites, 20 nitrates.
Seed seems to working very well
They recommend adding fish right away when using, but i phantom feed as my source of ammonia, and there was most certainly some die off from the rocks to provide the main source.

Added 3 chromis and a firefish which are doing great after 48 hours!

Skimmer is pulling out some nasty stuff already.

I usually wait 1-2 weeks to make changes in the beginning, so thats it for now.

Want to buy a new heater- something black and discreet but reliable- any suggestions??

IMG_20200209_142308.jpg IMG_20200209_142259.jpg IMG_20200208_172512.jpg
 

Just grow it: Have you ever added CO2 to your reef tank?

  • I currently use a CO2 with my reef tank.

    Votes: 8 5.9%
  • I don’t currently use CO2 with my reef tank, but I have in the past.

    Votes: 5 3.7%
  • I have never used CO2 with my reef tank, but I plan to in the future.

    Votes: 7 5.1%
  • I have never used CO2 with my reef tank and have no plans to in the future.

    Votes: 110 80.9%
  • Other.

    Votes: 6 4.4%
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