So...where to start. It started a few years ago when I was stationed in Guam. While I was there I decided to take a diving class. Instantly I was hooked. The feel of being underwater. The silence of the ocean. After the initial class, I completely jumped into full dive mode and started learning everything I could. I was diving so much that I could tell you exactly how to find specific anemones with Maroon Clown Fish all the way to what time of day to go watch Nurse Sharks feed. Then, as with all things Navy, I transferred. Since I have been back in the states with where I'm stationed now, there isn't much diving around, so for a while, I lost that passion in my life. Then about 8 months ago, the wife and I decided to walk into Coral Logic Aquariums in Jacksonville. Now mind you, until now, I didn't know reefs tanks were a thing. The way that everything was bright and vibrant reminded me of diving back in Guam. So that's where we started looking at establishing our own tank. We started our research to figure out what our budget could allow and where we could put it, however every time we get close, we back off due to the initial start up investment. Well our anniversary is coming up and the wife has told me to go ahead and take the dive. So since I have not done this before, I've decided to do this build thread. I can read all that I want, however until I've done it, I'm not completely sure about what is necessary. With all of that, I'm asking for good feedback and any suggestions/advice from the experts of R2R.
First I have to give you guys the tank that I'm planning on assembling. I'll try to stay organized with this to help out.
****EDITING TO ADD:****
A couple of things I wish I'd picked up in the beginning that would have saved me some flushes:
- Grounding rods for display and quarantine tank (fish will jump out of the tanks if they're getting shocked by residual electricity)
- Flow pump head covers (made a huge difference with our suicidal anemone)l
First I have to give you guys the tank that I'm planning on assembling. I'll try to stay organized with this to help out.
- Tank: Waterbox Reef 100.3
- I chose this tank is for the dimensions and size. I've physically compared this tank with Red Sea tanks and feel that it is good quality for the price.
- Skimmer: NYOS Quantum 160
- This was the most recommended skimmer on almost every build thread that I read for this tank size.
- Lighting:
Kessil AP700**UPDATE** 2x EcoTech Marine Radion XR30w G4 ProOf the lights that I have seen in person, this definitely gave the best lighting effect for the tank.- I made this switch based off the recommendations that I received and after seeing them in store.
- Return Pump: EcoTech Marine Vectra S2 DC
- This was the most recommended pump that I could find.
- ATO: Tunze Osmolator Universal 3155
- Once again, this was the most commonly used ATO for this tank on the build threads.
- Powerhead:
Maxspect XF330 Gyre Pump**UPDATE** EcoTech Marine VorTech MP40For this pump, I like the idea of the pump being more of a "bar" than a "button", but I'm still open to suggestions.- I made this switch based off the recommendations that I received and after seeing them in store.
- The magnetic mount is definitely a plus.
- Sand: 80LBS CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade Reef Sand
- For me, this was more of a perfect color choice from a reputable brand; feel free to suggest something else.
- Heater:
Finnex HMO 300Watt Titanium Heater with Digital Controller**UPDATE** 2x Finnex HMO 200 Watt Titanium Heater with Digital ControllerThis was the heater that was rated for my tank size, does anyone have any recommendations?- I took your guys recommendations and went with 2 smaller heaters for redundancy.
- Rock: **UPDATE** 100 LBS STAX Rock Flat Aquascaping Rocks
I haven't decided which rock to go with. Some local brick and mortars have recommended LIFE rock, while others have recommended LIVE rock. I don't really understand the difference between the two. This is something I need some help with.- The wife and I have some great ideas for the aquascape that we are going to do with this. I haven't really seen it on here yet, so I look forward to showing you guys that.
****EDITING TO ADD:****
A couple of things I wish I'd picked up in the beginning that would have saved me some flushes:
- Grounding rods for display and quarantine tank (fish will jump out of the tanks if they're getting shocked by residual electricity)
- Flow pump head covers (made a huge difference with our suicidal anemone)l
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