Welcome to our little build thread for this Alaskan 55 gallon tank! I'll be using this first post to house photos of tank stages, equipment listing, livestock & coral statuses, links, etc. In this thread we'll focus on the tank (our second 55 gal), with a slice of Alaskan scenery and shenanigans sprinkled throughout. Thanks for tagging along!
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Tank Photo Updates ----------
October 12, 2024
July 8, 2024
December 12, 2023 - tank settling after a disease situation in October
September 9, 2023 - Fully setup after move #2:
August 29, 2023 - last photo before
tank move #2, eek!
April 10, 2023 (Electric Toothbrush > GHA!)
March 29, 2023 (GHA outbreak)
Feb 22, 2023 (1 month after moving)
January 3, 2023 (before move)
August 17, 2022
May 1, 2022 (initial setup)
Color Legend:
Currently installed/alive in tank,
under watch/having issues,
no longer in play
| Equipment | Date Installed |
|---|
| 55 Gallon Long Tank (no sump) | April 21, 2022 |
| Eshopps PSK-100H HOB Protein Skimmer (developed leak, and pump noise) | April 21, 2022 |
| Radion XR15 Blue w/diffusers (x2) | April 21, 2022 |
| Vortech MP10 QD Pumps (x2) | April 21, 2022 |
| Eheim 150w Heaters x2 | April 21, 2022 |
| BRS 4 Stage RODI | April 21, 2022 |
| Jebao OW-10 Wavemaker 132-1057 GPH | June 15, 2022 |
| Inkbird ITC-308 Temp Controller | June 15, 2022 |
| Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO | December 20, 2022 |
| Reefing Art Frag Racks | January 24, 2023 |
| Avast Marine Plank Auto Feeder w/Cannonball | February 1, 2023 |
| Flipper Deep See Magnetic Viewer | March 4, 2023 |
| Reef Octopus Classic 90 HOB Protein Skimmer | March 6, 2023 |
| Light Shades from Projects with Sam! | May, 2023 |
| DIY egg crate lid | September 7, 2023 |
| Rock/Sand Bed | Date Added |
|---|
| Live Rock, 93 lbs | April 21, 2022 |
| Live Sand, 120 lbs | April 21, 2022 |
| Live Rock, 85 lbs (reused and reduced during move) | January 18, 2023 |
| Live Sand, 80 lbs (new with tank move, reduced) | January 18, 2023 |
| Live Rock, 85 lbs (reused all on move #2) | August 31, 2023 |
| Live Sand, 70 lbs (new with tank move, Arag-Alive Special Grade) | August 31, 2023 |
| Livestock | Date Added |
|---|
| Pistol Shrimp | May 15, 2022 |
| Yellow Watchman Goby | January 30, 2023 |
| Ocellaris Clown #1 | January 10, 2024 |
| Starry Blenny | February 25, 2024 |
| Ocellaris Clown #2 | October 12, 2024 |
| Bangaii Cardinal x2 | October 12, 2024 |
| Fire Shrimp | October 12, 2024 |
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In-Thread Links --------------------
First Livestock & Corals (May 8, 2022)
Tank move, new house! (Jan 18, 2023)
Operation Asterina Lavista Baby (Feb 26, 2023) Run 1 /
Run 2 /
Run 3
Northern Lights Show (Feb 27, 2023)
Project E-TAP (Electric-Toothbrush Algae Patrol) (April-ish, 2023) Run 1 /
Run 2 /
Run 3
Tank move #2 (August 30, 2023)
Disease outbreak (October 22, 2023)
Throwback Thursday - our old/first SPS tank (2012-2013)
Northern Lights Show (Oct 10, 2024)
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Original Intro ---------------------
April 13, 2022
Hey All, well it's FINALLY time to get back into saltwater. This will be the wife and my second tank, we had to sell our first and only 55 gallon back in 2013 when moving to Alaska. We've traveled around this state a bit, and finally settled about an hour from one of the only saltwater stores that I know of in the state. Game on!!!
I enjoy any opportunity to get my tools out, so I'm building a custom stand. It's my second stand - first was for a freshwater 46 gal acrylic (still have it in storage). Since the new tank stand is almost completed, I figured it's a good time to get registered on the forum and start the build thread!
We will be using:
Custom Stand
55 Gallon Long Tank
BRS 4 Stage RODI
PSK-100H Skimmer
Radion XR15 Blue Lighting (x2)
Vortech MP10 QD Pumps (x2 or more if needed)
etc..
We'll be doing live rock with mostly coral, but some fish also - learned on the last tank to keep it simple with fish! Really hoping we can find a mated pistol shrimp and goby, that was our fav from tank #1! And of course there will be a few clown fish and anemones..
Stand progress, I love 2x4s. I'm no architect but if a single 2x4 can hold 1000 lbs vertically, 20 of 'em plus cross bracing should put me over 25,000(?) lbs. I think that will cover my needs lol:
Added a little trim and moulding, why not lol - just wingin' it here! :)
Great excuse to buy a new router for the doors :). Kreg Jig drilling used to secure the 1/3 pine, 5/8" brad nails for the 1/4" plywood backing:
RODI installed yesterday and ready to start pumping:
That's where I'm at currently, finishing paint on the doors, hanging 'em, and bringing her inside. Looking to grab our live sand/rock next week and get this party started!
More to come!
