Building My Dream Reef

[JumboShrimp]

It does evaporate very fast-- I have it in a hot room, and in addition to the return pump nozzle pointed at the water's surface, I use a large air stone. So I'm constantly dumping water in the back. Of course, if it wasn't my fish QT, but a main tank, I guess I would use an ATO. (I have one on my IM 20-gallon).

 

[X-37B]

I use a 5g bucket and a tunze ato.

 

[BriansBrain]

It does evaporate very fast-- I have it in a hot room, and in addition to the return pump nozzle pointed at the water's surface, I use a large air stone. So I'm constantly dumping water in the back. Of course, if it wasn't my fish QT, but a main tank, I guess I would use an ATO. (I have one on my IM 20-gallon).

It does evaporate very fast-- I have it in a hot room, and in addition to the return pump nozzle pointed at the water's surface, I use a large air stone. So I'm constantly dumping water in the back. Of course, if it wasn't my fish QT, but a main tank, I guess I would use an ATO. (I have one on my IM 20-gallon).

Thanks I’ll just try and conceal a ATO bucket. I have a spare osmolator laying around too

 

[JumboShrimp]

Red Sea sells a quite narrow (but very heavy-duty) ATO water reservoir, in a 5 and 10 gallon size. Expensive for what it is, but it hard to find something as narrow (like when you want to slide in behind a tank stand, or even inside when room is at a premium.

 

[BriansBrain]

Red Sea sells a quite narrow (but very heavy-duty) ATO water reservoir, in a 5 and 10 gallon size. Expensive for what it is, but it hard to find something as narrow (like when you want to slide in behind a tank stand, or even inside when room is at a premium.

Nice, come to think of it, I remember seeing those at a LFS. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[BriansBrain]

I got my new lights in today!! 2x ATI Straton G2 204. First impression, I’m blown away by the sleekness and build quality. I’m still a bit away from installation but will tinker with them soon. These will provide a complete blanket of light for my tank. The best parts are: only two fixtures, two power cords, and no fans!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I got my new lights in today!! 2x ATI Straton G2 204. First impression, I’m blown away by the sleekness and build quality. I’m still a bit away from installation but will tinker with them soon. These will provide a complete blanket of light for my tank. The best parts are: only two fixtures, two power cords, and no fans!

Nice looking lights!

 

[BriansBrain]

Nice looking lights!

Thanks! I’m excited to get them going!

 

[BriansBrain]

Finally!! Got the stand, tank, and sump in place! I ended up changing the stand design a bit to make for easy access. Nice and tall at eye level and strong enough to probably hold two cars. I still need to wrap it in white pvc or something of the sort, not 100% yet what I’m going to do. I’d like to do pull off panels with magnetic latches and no hinges.

Next steps - wrap stand and mount lighting bar.

The fun has only just begun!

 

[Buckster]

Great that you are consolidating and purchasing new for your needs. I use a 5 gallon bucket with a tunze ato which sits outside the cabinet of my 180gl and we keep a plant in front of it. Keep the photos of the build going, Looks great!

 

[JumboShrimp]

Great to see the progress! Keep it slow and steady.

 

[BriansBrain]

Slight annoying setback. Found out this flooring is not waterproof or even resistant. Spilled a cup of water and the LVT swelled and buckled near the tank. Got annoyed and immediately ripped out the flooring lol!

Alternatively, I am actually glad I found this out before it’s filled and permanent! Obviously no way it’ll stand up to years of spills and abuse.

Side note, the drains are plumbed!

 

[ThisIsTheWay]

That really sucks, but like you said, better to have figured it out now before it’s a major pain to redo.

 

[Reefer2.0]

Nice tank!

 

[BriansBrain]

Nice tank!

Thank you! Hopefully have it done by Christmas at this rate lol

 

[BriansBrain]

First fish into the tank! Jk lol! Don’t mind the mess. Currently plumbing the dual returns and the tank should hopefully be operational first week of December

 

[kevgib67]

First fish into the tank! Jk lol! Don’t mind the mess. Currently plumbing the dual returns and the tank should hopefully be operational first week of December

I think it needs a little water for your clown but I’m not positive because I’m a noob. Nice tank, I’m following and OH!

 

[MegabiteOG]

Great work on the house customization for the tank and living area. That's going to be a sweet tank and space. Following.

 

[GarrettDie4U]

Amazing LOVE the stand !!! also there's not wheels under that is there ?

 

[GarrettDie4U]

I edited the last post that stand doesn't have wheels does it ?