Building My Dream Reef

[BriansBrain]

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!

IO! Thank you!

 

[BriansBrain]

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

no just leveling feet. I didn’t feel the need for casters on this

 

[kevgib67]

IO! Thank you!

 

[kevgib67]

IO! Thank you!

My wife and I are Ohio State grads, where are you at?

 

[BriansBrain]

My wife and I are Ohio State grads, where are you at?

I see you’re in Canfield! I grew up in Youngstown and went to YSU.

 

[BriansBrain]

Tank is plumbed and ready for water and checks! Some plumbing didn’t go as perfect as I planned, but it’s done. Biggest thing was I planned on dual returns but gave up on it lol. I’m pretty handy with most things, but “furniture grade” hard plumbing is not my forte. Hats off to the folks who are!

I’ll do some cosmetic wiping off barcode stamps on the white fitting with acetone to make it look better.

I’m liking the open sump with no restrictive chambers. New Varios 6 return, RO Elite 220-int and ReefMat 1200 are in! The largest skimmer I’ve ever had and its size out of the box was initially a bit intimidating. Beautiful well build skimmer!

Next step hanging lights and getting equipment running before the large transfers in happen.

 

[BriansBrain]

We have lift off!!

Fish and coral (except copperband) were movies in from my LPS cube. Don’t mind the mess, it’s been a ton of work! I still have a 130 gallon to break down!

These Straton lights blew me away. Simply beautiful look performance wise and aesthetically. Super happy with them

 

[BriansBrain]

All critters, rock and coral accounted for and moved in! A bit of a hodgepodge of coral and rock thrown around but it finally happened!!!

Still have to put all the equipment together and in its cabinet. I dread that more than anything lol

End of a chapter for my two reefs learned so much over the years from these two tanks and look forward to new beginning

Onto the new

 

[BriansBrain]

I think I have the rock scape figured out for the most part along with the equipment. Very happy with everything!

One thing though is I didn’t leave myself, design wise, to fit the dosing containers and Kalkwasser stirrer under the stand. I put the Kalk stirrer directly in the sump for now, though not ideal.

 

[BriansBrain]

Skimmer size journey over the years (2013-present) on my main systems. Just thought it was cool haha. All Reef Octopus workhorses.

Classic 110Regal 150Elite 220

I unfortunately threw out the old classic recently. It would’ve been nice to have them all side by side.

 

[BriansBrain]

A new firefish and Biota female mandarin for the current male. Wish me luck with so itty bitty she is. Hand picked by my reefer in training

Fish always photo bombing a side shot! Loving these ATI lights though! Nice crisp lighting that really also highlights the fish. No filter!

 

[MegabiteOG]

Tank is looking great. I run the same skimmer but it’s the 200. It’s been rock solid for me.

 

[BriansBrain]

Tank is looking great. I run the same skimmer but it’s the 200. It’s been rock solid for me.

Thanks! Very happy with the skimmer but it’s oversized and doesn’t always produce skimmate unfortunately. I was very hard pressed between the 200 and 220 leading up to Black Friday.

Maybe means I can get another fish or two

 

[zmanjr11]

Excited to announce my dream build has officially begun!

I will be consolidating my two aquariums into one. I love having them both, but I’m really losing interest in maintaining both and can use the extra space in my living area.

Placed an order with Glasscages with all the works! Silas over there was great to work with answering everyone of my questions. Planing on this being a 10 year reef. Incorporating the things I learned over the years into the design.

I’m definitely looking forward to this build

Current equipment and setup
As of 12/21/2025

Aquarium and Sump:
GlassCages glass aquarium 60”x28”x25”
GlassCages glass sump 48”x18”x18”

Stand:
Custom aluminum

Lights:
ATI Straton G2 204 x2

Wave makers:
Ecotech Vortech MP40 x2
AI Nero 5
AI Orbit 4

Mechanical Filtration:
Red Sea ReefMat 1200
Reef Octopus Elite 220 INT

Return Pump:
Reef Octopus Varios 6

Dosing:
Neptune Dos QD
Kamoer X1 x2
Avast Marine Kalk Stirrer
BRS 3-Part

ATO:
Tunze Osmolator

Heat:
Inkbird ITC-306A
BRS/Schego titanium 300w heaters x2

looks incredible mate! Keep us posted on how it's going! beautiful tank!

 

[BriansBrain]

looks incredible mate! Keep us posted on how it's going! beautiful tank!

Thank you! Still a work in progress and coloring up my stressed brown acros but everything’s moving along

 

[breathing underwater]

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!

Immaculate!

 

[BriansBrain]

Immaculate!

Seeing the pictures of your previous tank and new one definitely gives me some aspirations. I’ve always loved staghorns and seeing all the varieties of those colonies in your old tank is amazing!

 

[RMFREEF]

Would love to see a video walk through of your set up. I’m contemplating a similar build from glass cages. Does the 28” width seem necessary to you or would you change anything about the width or height?
Cheers and thanks for keeping us updated.

 

[BriansBrain]

Would love to see a video walk through of your set up. I’m contemplating a similar build from glass cages. Does the 28” width seem necessary to you or would you change anything about the width or height?
Cheers and thanks for keeping us updated.

I can possibly do a video.

I think 28-30 wide, for me at least, is perfect. 28” was also the max size I could get into my basement . I think width sizes 25”-30” were the same cost. Also above 25” tall was more expensive.

I don’t think I’d personally do over 25” tall. My stand is tall at 37” for main viewing while standing. I’m tall, and still need to have a step ladder to work on the tank but that’s the price I have to pay to get my tank nearest eye level.

I do have one complaint. I’m going to say it, the Synergy Shadow Overflow is trash. It’s very loud, EXTREMELY flimsy, and totally way over hyped. I hate it tbh

 

[RMFREEF]

Would love to see a video walk through of your set up. I’m contemplating a similar build from glass cages. Does the 28” width seem necessary to you or would you change anything about the width or height?
Cheers and thanks for keeping us updated.

I can possibly do a video.

I think 28-30 wide, for me at least, is perfect. 28” was also the max size I could get into my basement . I think width sizes 25”-30” were the same cost. Also above 25” tall was more expensive.

I don’t think I’d personally do over 25” tall. My stand is tall at 37” for main viewing while standing. I’m tall, and still need to have a step ladder to work on the tank but that’s the price I have to pay to get my tank nearest eye level.

I do have one complaint. I’m going to say it, the Synergy Shadow Overflow is trash. It’s very loud, EXTREMELY flimsy, and totally way over hyped. I hate it tbh

Great feedback thank you! I’m pulling the trigger. I’m doing the standard overflow box though.
Cheers