So I finally made it to the point where I was able to start my first ever Reef Tank. I have been in fresh water for years and the idea of a reef tank was always something I wanted to do but I didnt have the funds or knowledge. About a year ago, while in my LFS, I decided to give it a go. I knew from there I had a lot of research to do first so the next 6 months was simply that, spending time online watching videos (mostly #AskBRSTV) and reading about the different aspects of building a marine ecosystem in my home. At around 6 months I started buying components starting with a gift. 20L for the sump for my birthday from my girlfriend (little did she know what this would turn into). Next was the 40b, plumbing, sicce syncra 2, tunze nanostream powerhead, 2 125 watt Ehime Jager heaters and some testing equipment. I also decided I would build my own stand. Tonight, I finally put water in the tank! Here are a some progression pictures of getting to this point.
First attempt at the stand. I was not comfortable with how sturdy it was.
Thought I likes this aquascape but after I finished the stand it changed significantly.
The tank in place and stand mostly finished. The stand needed some touch up and final trim attachment after tank was in place on stand.
Better picture of the aquascape. Lots of caves and tunnels. I really like the large canyon in the middle.
And finally tonight with water and sand finally in the tank. Second batch of water is being made now. Def decided im going to upgrade my water mixing to have capacity for 100% water change. Currently just have 1, 38 gallon brute fed by a BRS 5 stage RODI. Tomorrow will finish the fill and start the cycle with biospira and fed with Dr. Tims ammonium chloride dosed to track better. Tested with redsea test kits.
Next purchases will be 2 AI primes, 20 high for quarentine, and a full redsea marine care test kit.
First attempt at the stand. I was not comfortable with how sturdy it was.
Thought I likes this aquascape but after I finished the stand it changed significantly.
The tank in place and stand mostly finished. The stand needed some touch up and final trim attachment after tank was in place on stand.
Better picture of the aquascape. Lots of caves and tunnels. I really like the large canyon in the middle.
And finally tonight with water and sand finally in the tank. Second batch of water is being made now. Def decided im going to upgrade my water mixing to have capacity for 100% water change. Currently just have 1, 38 gallon brute fed by a BRS 5 stage RODI. Tomorrow will finish the fill and start the cycle with biospira and fed with Dr. Tims ammonium chloride dosed to track better. Tested with redsea test kits.
Next purchases will be 2 AI primes, 20 high for quarentine, and a full redsea marine care test kit.
