Chemjab's first mixed reef tank - Infinia Reef 150.4

[Chemjab]

Hi All. This will be the documentation of my reef journey progress. It is still very early days here, as my tank was ordered 1 week ago. I'm stoked to get started and have been scouring this forum for knowledge and "hopefully" retaining some of it. A shipment of Marco Rocks will be arriving today. I'm looking forward to playing around with the rock scape this weekend. It's going to be fun sharing this experience with you all. My first picture in this thread is the stock photo from Waterbox. I should have real life photos in 4-6 weeks from now.
Thanks for all your contributions to this hobby and helping to smooth the way for us newbs,
James

 

[AlyciaMarie]

Exciting! Can't wait to see some of your scaping ideas.

 

[Chemjab]

Well here are the results from day 1 of playing with the rocks. It is still a work in progress. I used the cotton cigarette filter and CA method to hold them in place then added epoxy for strength. It is in 3 pieces and will likely change a lot over the next few days. How do I glue the main pieces together in the tank?

The first arch with a future zoa garden spot.

Making some progress with a few more arches. A center sand courtyard?

Do I want to keep this "shelf" in the front??

And one last shot from the end.

 

[Chemjab]

Ordered the RODI today. Plan to put it in the basement and plumb it up to the tank on the 1st floor.

 

[Fishy Guy]

Well here are the results from day 1 of playing with the rocks. It is still a work in progress. I used the cotton cigarette filter and CA method to hold them in place then added epoxy for strength. It is in 3 pieces and will likely change a lot over the next few days. How do I glue the main pieces together in the tank?

The first arch with a future zoa garden spot.

Making some progress with a few more arches. A center sand courtyard?

Do I want to keep this "shelf" in the front??

And one last shot from the end.

Looks good! It’s tough to tell from the pictures but how tall is your scape. If I could redo my first scape I would’ve built it shorter to leave more room for coral growth.

 

[Chemjab]

Looks good! It’s tough to tell from the pictures but how tall is your scape. If I could redo my first scape I would’ve built it shorter to leave more room for coral growth.

That's a good consideration. About how high in the water column is a good recommendation?

Edit: I was able to go home for lunch and measure. At the highest point it is 13" tall, The average is about 10". The tank is 21.7" tall less substrate and water level drop.

 

[Fishy Guy]

That's a good consideration. About how high in the water column is a good recommendation?

Edit: I was able to go home for lunch and measure. At the highest point it is 13" tall, The average is about 10". The tank is 21.7" tall less substrate and water level drop.

You're probably fine then. It looked a lot taller than that in the pictures.

 

[Chemjab]

Was able to build a bit more at lunch today. I think it is coming along nicely.

 

[Fishy Guy]

Looking good!

 

[DD Corals]

Following Along!

 

[Chemjab]

Looking good!

Thanks. I'm trying to emulate somethings I've seen on here that I liked. Including yours.

 

[Chemjab]

Made a few minor changes. I'll check it with fresh eyes tomorrow before using epoxy on the rest of it. Here is a short video that shows the details better than pictures. I think it's getting close. One question about the back wall. I want to grow GSP or Clove polyps on the back wall. Will I need to have flat rocks leaning against the back wall or can they grow right on the glass?

 

[Fishy Guy]

Made a few minor changes. I'll check it with fresh eyes tomorrow before using epoxy on the rest of it. Here is a short video that shows the details better than pictures. I think it's getting close. One question about the back wall. I want to grow GSP or Clove polyps on the back wall. Will I need to have flat rocks leaning against the back wall or can they grow right on the glass?

They'll grow on the glass. I started mine by just placing a rock covered in GSP against the back wall.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Was able to build a bit more at lunch today. I think it is coming along nicely.

Love the aquascape!

 

[Chemjab]

Made a few minor changes. I'll check it with fresh eyes tomorrow before using epoxy on the rest of it. Here is a short video that shows the details better than pictures. I think it's getting close. One question about the back wall. I want to grow GSP or Clove polyps on the back wall. Will I need to have flat rocks leaning against the back wall or can they grow right on the glass?

I'd really appreciate any feedback on the video in post #18. Especially if you notice something that I may regret a year or two from now. I'd rather fix it now, than realize it's a problem once it will be a much bigger job to correct.
Thanks in advance,
James

 

[Fishy Guy]

I'd really appreciate any feedback on the video in post #12. Especially if you notice something that I may regret a year or two from now. I'd rather fix it now, than realize it's a problem once it will be a much bigger job to correct.
Thanks in advance,
James

I’m not able to play the video. Usually you need to upload to YouTube and provide the link.

 

[Chemjab]

I’m not able to play the video. Usually you need to upload to YouTube and provide the link.

Good to know. Will do that now.

 

[Chemjab]

Here is a link to the video on Youtube. Thanks! Please feel free to provide feedback before I put this thing in water.

 

[Fishy Guy]

I think it looks really good! If that back section is all one piece make sure you have some help placing it in the tank.

I may have missed it before but what are you going to be using for lighting?

 

[Chemjab]

I think it looks really good! If that back section is all one piece make sure you have some help placing it in the tank.

I may have missed it before but what are you going to be using for lighting?

Thanks Fishy Guy! It's actually in two pieces. I'm wondering about gluing it together in the tank?
This is the equipment I will be using:

• Radion XR15 G6 Blue LED lights (2)
  • LEDs
    4 Cool White
    16 Royal Blue
    16 Blue
    1 Red
    2 395nm
    1 405nm
    2 415nm
    6 430nm
    2 Warm White
  • Radion G6 increases output from an impressive 110.5 degrees in the G5 to a staggering 126.3 degrees. This improvement was achievable through a change to the primary optic on the LEDs which then integrates with the geometry in the existing HEI (Hemispherically Edge Illuminating) secondary optic (lens).The lenses on the G5 deliver more usable light area. This is accomplished by spreading light that would normally create an area of high PAR directly under the LED fixture and redirect it to a significantly wider optimal area of intensity for coral health and growth. This will reduce shadowing in the aquarium as well as increase usable space for coral at all depths.
  • For those who love Blue – we present G6 Blue! Bluer in every way and then some. Adjustments to the diode mix offer new depths of color intensity. With so much Blue, G6 now creates the opportunity to tune the Blue look between actinic and crisp. The addition of 395nm to the LED cluster pushes fluorescence in fish and corals to the next level.
  • Mind-blowing Spread
  • Ultimate Fluorescence
  • Intense Full Spectrum
  • Color Fully programmable
  • Wireless Control
  • Moonlight
  • Weather Simulation
  • Technologically Superior Design
  • Premium Quality Components
  • Unmatched Support and Service
  • Extensive Mounting Options
  • Optional Diffuser Accessory
• Radion RMS mount (XR15)(2)
• NYOS 160 protein skimmer
• Control Box
• SYNCRA SDC 7.0
• Mesh Lid System
• VorTech (MP40) powerhead (2)
• Osmo 3 Auto Top Off
• SCUBA Preset Submersible Heater 300 Watts (2)
• Red Sea 500 roller filter
• 6 stage RODI