First Post/First Reef/SW Build

[BlitzCreations]

Hello everyone, I’ve been a longtime lurking admirer of all the beautiful setups and healthy marine life.

I have finally gotten an opportunity to get my own aqua-paradise established when I came across an older stand with a “65gal” acrylic tank on marketplace for $80. Obviously I hopped on that deal as quick as I could.

The dimensions (60x18x16) indicate it is a 75 gal. I have a 20long and acrylic sheets to make a sump.

That being said, I’m looking for any tips, tricks or suggestions along the way. I’m trying to be as budget conscious as possible, but I figured it would be good to start documenting my build here as this place is my inspiration.



I hope to do a bean animal style overflow, but other than that I’m unplanned.

 

[JumboShrimp]

Beautiful... I hope you have the time of your life.

 

[BlitzCreations]

Starting this thread with the first update of the adventure.
I’ve got the pump ordered, a jebao MDP-10000.

Got the light ordered that I wanted to test out, according to price/reviews. Also the PAR graph they have works well considering the tank is relatively shallow. A glowrium WiFi 48-60” off Amazon.

Eshopps Large Overflow. It came in today and I promptly began the installation.

(Pardon the messy garage, spring cleaning is just around the corner….)

 

[BlitzCreations]

Also, with it being braced on the top, I should be able to run it with no wooden topper, right?

 

[BlitzCreations]

Starting the cycling process. Getting 70-110 par on the sand bed, 110 being directly under the light. 300 par 3” under water surface. Gives me room to tinker to get mixed reef eventually.

 

[BlitzCreations]

Took way more limiting and adjusting, but I’m getting virtually no noise whatsoever at about 1100 gph