A Work in Progress - Labor of Love AND new addiction.

[smlarson72]

Hello!! I am attempting to build a thread with my current tank. As a new hobbyist this can be a little intimidating. I’ve always wanted a saltwater aquarium since I was young. I fell in love with the porcupine puffer and eels. I was never able to have one growing up because my mother was Active Duty Air Force and we moved every 4 years. Then I joined the Air Force, got married and had kids. Never found the right time until after they grew up and left the nest. Now is the time.

 

[smlarson72]

My husband is an auctioneer and we were
Able to pick up a 72 gallon bowfront aquarium, with the sump, in a storage unit for 50.00 - 100.00. He brought home during the winter so we didn’t do anything with it at that time. Once the weather started warming up we brought it back out and started the process.

 

[DSEKULA]

First, thank you for your service!!!
It sounds like this is a long time goal, the people here are great and will help you with this dream . Is the goal a puffer and eel still?

 

[smlarson72]

First, thank you for your service!!!
It sounds like this is a long time goal, the people here are great and will help you with this dream . Is the goal a puffer and eel still?

Thank you so much! It was both my honor and pleasure to serve and protect this great country!
The goal is DEFINITELY a puffer and eel!!

 

[DSEKULA]

Lots of pics please, we love those here

 

[smlarson72]

The first problem we ran into was a stand for the tank. The one that had been in the storage unit had fallen apart while it sat in storage. So we had to find a stand for this aquarium to sit on. We didn’t like any of the ones that the local pet stores had to offer PLUS this is a bowfront. Soooooo we finally found a dresser...Yes a dresser. It was long enough and heavy enough for the aquarium to sit on it. We removed the drawers from one side, put in a support brace and created a faux front.

 

[smlarson72]

Once we got the stand and started to work on it we needed to start to get the aquarium cleaned. Apparently the person who had it just moved it into storage and didn’t bother to remove any livestock he had in it or clean it. It was really sad actually.

 

[smlarson72]

After the aquarium was cleaned and the stand completed we were eady to bring it inside.

 

[smlarson72]

Sand and rock were added and now it was time for water.

 

[jeffrey750750]

Off to a great start, your gonna love it as you move forward

 

[smlarson72]

Off to a great start, your gonna love it as you move forward

Thank you!!!

 

[smlarson72]

And then you have to cycle the aquarium. This was the hardest part. My ammonia spiked off the chart and I thought I was on my way. I thought the ammonia would spike and then level off and then I would be golden! HA - I was wrong! I kept checking the levels and then my nitrates were OUT the roof on top of the ammonia. I kept checking the levels over and over again. I googled and googled trying to figure out what to do. I did numerous water changes but they were still out the roof. I added bacteria but still could not get them to come down. I FINALLY got the ammonia to come down but not the nitrates. So I ordered Instant Ocean Natural Nitrate Remover and was finally able to get them back where they needed to be.

 

[smlarson72]

This was the tank during the cycling process.

 

[smlarson72]

The aquarium didn’t come with covers so my husband cut plexi glass for me to use in the mean time. I eventually ended up ordering new glass covers but that was a hot mess to. Got my first order in and it arrived with one side shattered. Soooo I had to contact the company and get them to send my replacements. Those arrived intact. I also had ordered a cheap little skimmer during this time.

 

[smlarson72]

I’ve since upgraded to a ReefOctopus. I didn’t read the size of the skimmer, only the bio load. So when it came in we had to do some fancy maneuvering to get it to sit down in the sump.

 

[Evanbardiel]

I love the rockwork! Im a sucker for arches

 

[najer]

Looking good, nicely done.

 

[smlarson72]

Levels were holding steady so it was time for fish. Soooo we got 2 damsels as our guinea pigs. We got a Domino and 3 Stripe to put in the tank.

 

[smlarson72]

We also started to add anemones. I actually really like anemones. Initially we were not going to do corals.

 

[smlarson72]

Then came more fish! We added a pair of Tomato Clowns. Also during this time we had added our CUC (and with them came Zoas). Had no idea what they were.