- Joined
- Sep 22, 2019
- Messages
- 413
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Hey all,
So, a few months back, I started a 25g Lagoon from IM. This was my triumphal return to reefing after a false start using used gear (my IG handle is 'redoreefer' as a result). I've loved keeping this little tank, and to my eyes, it's quite healthy and successful.
However, I've tasted what can happen growing corals and selling frags... and now I want to transition the 25g into a frag tank. As a result, I need a display, and ideally, I'd like to get a larger tank to broaden my fish-keeping-options.
I've REALLY loved the shallow tank, and it's nice not to have to go in bicep deep to flip over a frag my $()@&*ing Mexican turbo lawnmowered over (love the guy but c'mon). I SERIOUSLY eyeballed the waterbox 85.3 Frag as my primary display, but they're costly, and from what I can tell, the sump is a bit of a bummer. The upside to systems like RedSea and/or Waterbox is that they come with turn-key plumbing. I've never plumbed a tank and am very intimidated to do so.
That being said, I landed on the innovative marine 50g Lagoon EXT. Let me lay out my gear list:
I think that's it. This is going to be a mixed reef with a heavy focus on Zoa, and Acan gardens with a healthy dose of Euphys sprinkled in.
The name "Moon Hole" comes from a diving/snorkeling spot in Bequia where I spent my 30th birthday. Some really great memories at this place. Figured it was worth the explanation as it could be taken....differently.
I've placed most of my orders... I COULD USE SOME GUIDANCE ON SKIMMERS lol... but I will post updates as everything arrives, and I start assembling. This will be a satisfying and long process which will include moving my 25g lagoon to a different spot in my office, so buckle up.
Looking forward to any feedback everyone has!
So, a few months back, I started a 25g Lagoon from IM. This was my triumphal return to reefing after a false start using used gear (my IG handle is 'redoreefer' as a result). I've loved keeping this little tank, and to my eyes, it's quite healthy and successful.
However, I've tasted what can happen growing corals and selling frags... and now I want to transition the 25g into a frag tank. As a result, I need a display, and ideally, I'd like to get a larger tank to broaden my fish-keeping-options.
I've REALLY loved the shallow tank, and it's nice not to have to go in bicep deep to flip over a frag my $()@&*ing Mexican turbo lawnmowered over (love the guy but c'mon). I SERIOUSLY eyeballed the waterbox 85.3 Frag as my primary display, but they're costly, and from what I can tell, the sump is a bit of a bummer. The upside to systems like RedSea and/or Waterbox is that they come with turn-key plumbing. I've never plumbed a tank and am very intimidated to do so.
That being said, I landed on the innovative marine 50g Lagoon EXT. Let me lay out my gear list:
- Tank: Innovative Marine 50g Lagoon EXT
- Sump: FijiCube Fiji-24 Advanced Reef Sump
- This sump has a TON of cool features and is the biggest that the IM APS stand will accommodate. I may wish I'd left the room in the stand for other things, but I can just put a cabinet next to it if need be.
- Lighting: Dual AI Prime 16's with rigid mounts
- I really, REALLY considered something bigger/more expensive like dual XR15's or Hydra 32's. But in the end, this tank is 16" deep, and only 30x24" I think I'll get good coverage, and should be able to sustain most soft/LPS corals with the primes. When the time comes that I want to look into SPS, I can supplement it with a T5 fixture. Plus, I have an unused Prime16 leftover from a previous false start on a build.
- Return: Reef Octopus Varios-4
- I had initially chosen the Varios-2, but after head pressure and whatnot, I upsized. I would prefer not the have the pump running 80-100% all the time.
- Flow: Dual Nero5's
- I've had excellent success with these pumps once you add nem-guards to them. I'd like to use MP's, but the glass is slightly too thick for 10's and dual 40's cost a king's ransom.
- Heaters: Two BRS 100w Titanium Heaters with Controller
- If you folks haven't checked out the BRS controller, I HIGHLY suggest it.
- Controller: ApexEL
- I was super conflicted about spending the money on a controller. I've both used and not used one on previous tanks with success either way... I do, however, enjoy the flexibility it allows.
- Skimmer: RSK-300
- I could use some input on a skimmer rec for this tank. I love the features that the RSK series come with, but I'm worried that I'm grossly oversizing the skimmer to the tank. I do tend to stock heavily, so maybe it'll be fine.
- ATO: AutoAqua Smart ATO Micro
- I like these ATOs, and I had a newish one on hand. I do, however, think that if I was going net-new, I'd have opted for the Apex ATO. I'm sure it'll be fine; it's always served me well.
- Rock: MarcoRock, both regular and foundation.
- Ordered 30lbs of regular and 4 small foundation pieces. I also have some bits left over from a previous tank. I'm planning on doing a shallow "cove" build with two main structures and some islands. I'll have to lay it all out on a table to see it come together.
- Sand: 40# of Bimini Pink Arag-Alive
- Love the variety of grain structure here. Should still be able to sustain a pistol shrimp.
I think that's it. This is going to be a mixed reef with a heavy focus on Zoa, and Acan gardens with a healthy dose of Euphys sprinkled in.
The name "Moon Hole" comes from a diving/snorkeling spot in Bequia where I spent my 30th birthday. Some really great memories at this place. Figured it was worth the explanation as it could be taken....differently.
I've placed most of my orders... I COULD USE SOME GUIDANCE ON SKIMMERS lol... but I will post updates as everything arrives, and I start assembling. This will be a satisfying and long process which will include moving my 25g lagoon to a different spot in my office, so buckle up.
Looking forward to any feedback everyone has!