AA Ron's Cade 1500 S2 Build

[shakemandril]

So I did a thing...and jumped in face first! A few months back I bought a Max Nano G2 and was hooked big time. So why not go ahead and order a much larger tank?!?! I got confirmation from Algae Barn that the tank will be here Tuesday.

First priority was to reinforce the floor under the planned install location. The tank is going to parallel two TJI joists which is not ideal. I spoke with a buddy who has a foundation inspection business and engineering degree to get an idea for reinforcing the floor to hold 2500 pounds of added weight so the tank doesn't end up in the crawl space! We settled on doubled up 2"x12" x 6' joists independently supported by 6 - 4x4 posts on concrete foundations approximately 2' apart. The whole unit is blocked together but independant of the existing flooring and joists as much as possible. Ultimately each pair of 2x12 joists I added will be directly under the feet for the aquarium stand so hopefully they will hold up well along with the existing floor and its joists.

I have received a few of the parts and pieces I will be using for the build:
VarioS 6 for the return.
Reef Octo Regal 150 INT
Hydros X4 Pro Pack with a few add ons
Reefmat 1200
I had an AI Orbit 2 that was too strong for my small tank so I may use for now.
80lbs of rock
2 packs of nano-tech bio spheres
80lbs of sand, though I'm leaning towards bare bottom now

Wants:
At least 2 flow pumps, not sure which yet. I'm liking my Nero 3 in my other tank but may try another brand
Lighting?? Been researching this but I have absolutely no clue. Maybe AI Hydras with blades.
Plexi/composite lids
Fuge lighting
Dosing equipment eventually
Overflow to sewer drain for skimmer and water changes

Critters:
3ish tangs, still researching which ones will best work together
Couple wrasses if I use sand

Corals:
ALL OF THEM! Mixed reef for sure. Just want some great color diversity. I love zoas, gonis, chalice, hammers and torches.

I hope to have some photos once the tank arrives on Tuesday. Let the fun begin!

 

[smitten with ocean life]

sounds like fun! maybe check with @VintageReefer on the lights. i think he has the meridian ones maybe. anyways i like the looks of them and have them in mind for when i need new lights. i have kessils right now

 

[jsmkmavity]

We expect to see some unpacking pics tuesday evening!!!

 

[VintageReefer]

Congrats!

I can help with lighting suggestions that will evenly cover the tank and support all styles of coral. What are the tank measurements ?

 

[shakemandril]

Congrats!

I can help with lighting suggestions that will evenly cover the tank and support all styles of coral. What are the tank measurements ?

Thank you! The dimensions are 60”x24”x24” (very slightly rounded up).

 

[VintageReefer]

Thank you! The dimensions are 60”x24”x24” (very slightly rounded up).

The reefbreeders Meridian is the newest light on the market and is fantastic. It’s slimline, silent, has a easy to use app, and most importantly the spectrum and coverage are incredible. A single Meridian 45 is designed to FULLY cover a 60x24 tank, front to back, end to end. It’s also modular and has a mounting system on the front and back to add their led edge bars down the line if you ever needed them. You can even power the edge bars from the Meridian itself, if you upgrade the power supply, thus allowing you to have the main light + 2 bars, all with just a single power cord.

But out of the box, the Meridian 45 is a perfect match for that tank and your goals.

I run meridians on my mixed reef, you can check out my tank thread, just start from the most recent page and work backwards if you want to see tank/coral pics with them

 

[shakemandril]

The reefbreeders Meridian is the newest light on the market and is fantastic. It’s slimline, silent, has a easy to use app, and most importantly the spectrum and coverage are incredible. A single Meridian 45 is designed to FULLY cover a 60x24 tank, front to back, end to end. It’s also modular and has a mounting system on the front and back to add their led edge bars down the line if you ever needed them. You can even power the edge bars from the Meridian itself, if you upgrade the power supply, thus allowing you to have the main light + 2 bars, all with just a single power cord.

But out of the box, the Meridian 45 is a perfect match for that tank and your goals.

I run meridians on my mixed reef, you can check out my tank thread, just start from the most recent page and work backwards if you want to see tank/coral pics with them

I really appreciate you taking the time to add valuable information to my build! I have added the Meridian to my list for information and will be researching for sure. A single light setup would definitely be nice and I am excited to explore the aesthetics aspect as well.

 

[VintageReefer]

I really appreciate you taking the time to add valuable information to my build! I have added the Meridian to my list for information and will be researching for sure. A single light setup would definitely be nice and I am excited to explore the aesthetics aspect as well.

to me, the light externally is modern and complements my tank. And the colors I’m pulling are vivid and the best I’ve ever seen. I think the main thing that sets the light out from others is they removed the dedicated green and red leds that most people don’t use, and reduced the number of white leds that normally overpower other channels. They added more blues and uv instead. And the end result is just an incredible look. I actually now enjoy my tank in white dominant lighting, and made it a part of my schedule.

If you have any questions feel free to dm me!

 

[shakemandril]

Made in China, bummer. Apparently I am terrible at research!

Anyway….

It’s here! I took a few photos. The tele-handler made life easy to get it on the porch. Hopefully my small army will assemble in a few hours to bring it inside. (And have some pizza and cold drinks)

 

[VintageReefer]

Made in China, bummer. Apparently I am terrible at research!

Anyway….

It’s here! I took a few photos. The tele-handler made life easy to get it on the porch. Hopefully my small army will assemble in a few hours to bring it inside. (And have some pizza and cold drinks)

That looks great!!

 

[shakemandril]

Couple updates:

Aquarium is full and running despite a few leaks I found.
Started setup on the Hydros and I am enjoying the 1-10V control on my skimmer and return pumps.

 

[Featherweight]

Right on. Have fun

 

[shakemandril]

Few updates. Tank has been filled and running since the 27th. I added some Microbactr and Dr. Tims ammonia product to about 1.5-2ppm. Just hurry up and wait now! In the mean time I've been working on some cable management, lighting and water station. I'm currently using a janky Hydros X2, solenoid and sensor to test some options for automated RO filling. I have a 35 gallon poly tank for the salt water, 45 gallon for the RO and the pump is a Jebao DCP 8500. I am hoping to give it the first test tonight to mix up my next water changes. I also have a couple Orange Storm Clowns in the QT tank while waiting for the cycle to complete.

***quick note*** lights were only turned on for photo. I haven't been running the lights during the cycle!

 

[shakemandril]

Finally got my ammonia and nitrate to zero with nitrates landing at about 15ppm. Did a 20% water change and now I'm waiting for 2 clowns, an orange shoulder, powder brown and a magnificent foxface to finish quarantine. The clowns will be done this weekend and the other 3 have about 3 weeks after that.

 

[shakemandril]

I have been slacking on the updates. The fish are in and eating like hogs! It’s amazing how fast time is moving. I acquired a Mastertronic Essentials and so far, despite a few minor issues, I am loving the freedom to test at my fingertips! I have added in a red-sea dosing unit, salinity probe for the hydros system and I am slowly increasing lighting over 45 days. I have been getting a little algae here and there but the CUC is doing well on that. That’s all for now.

 

[shakemandril]

 

[shakemandril]

 

[mattgsa]

Your tank is looking great. You're doing a great job.

 

[shakemandril]

It's been a while since I posted! I have had a few battles with algae and some cyano outbreaks while I worked to balance my nutrients. Currently they are looking better after adding a Blade Hybrid Refugium along with the normal countermeasures. To combat the cyano I just worked on getting my nutrients down to sub 10 NO3 and Sub .1 PO4 while vacuuming it out and luckily it hadn't taken over too much. I also picked up a couple Tiger Conch to help turnover the substrate and they are doing an amazing job!

Recently I picked up some filters for taking photo's and have been trying to capture some of the beauty. I am actually quite impressed with some simple iphone pictures! I can't wait to get a lens for the DSLR and try that out. I will attach my two favorites so far.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

It's been a while since I posted! I have had a few battles with algae and some cyano outbreaks while I worked to balance my nutrients. Currently they are looking better after adding a Blade Hybrid Refugium along with the normal countermeasures. To combat the cyano I just worked on getting my nutrients down to sub 10 NO3 and Sub .1 PO4 while vacuuming it out and luckily it hadn't taken over too much. I also picked up a couple Tiger Conch to help turnover the substrate and they are doing an amazing job!

Recently I picked up some filters for taking photo's and have been trying to capture some of the beauty. I am actually quite impressed with some simple iphone pictures! I can't wait to get a lens for the DSLR and try that out. I will attach my two favorites so far.

Photos look great! Good luck with the continued algae battles!