First Reef Tank Venture

[PNWRich]

About 10 years ago I had a successful fish only saltwater tank. Today I started the journey back into saltwater and ordered a new Red Sea XL 300. I was going to order from a big online retailer and instead decided to give the business to a local fish store. Dealt with the owner and he was great. ETA is a couple of weeks on everything I ordered. Stay tuned.

 

[blaxsun]

Exciting!

 

[william Lutman]

Nice

 

[LBReefer]

Good luck with the build man. You are off to a great start.

 

[PNWRich]

About 10 years ago I had a successful fish only saltwater tank. Today I started the journey back into saltwater and ordered a new Red Sea XL 300. I was going to order from a big online retailer and instead decided to give the business to a local fish store. Dealt with the owner and he was great. ETA is a couple of weeks on everything I ordered. Stay tuned.

First step complete. Some pre-tank arrival aquascaping. About 65 pounds of loose rock.

 

[death-by-reef]

scape looks great and following this build, would love 2 hear more.

 

[PNWRich]

Finished my aquascape today. Made some changes to make sure I had good surface area for future coral placement. Used glue and mortar extensively. It’s built in three sections so it can be moved around. Great family project. Had my son mixing the mortar, daughter rolling it into shape and I did the filling. It will take time to hide the mortar with growth, which is fine as I’m approaching this build slowly and patiently.

 

[dstockwell]

Lookin good

 

[death-by-reef]

nice

 

[sticksxx84]

About 10 years ago I had a successful fish only saltwater tank. Today I started the journey back into saltwater and ordered a new Red Sea XL 300. I was going to order from a big online retailer and instead decided to give the business to a local fish store. Dealt with the owner and he was great. ETA is a couple of weeks on everything I ordered. Stay tuned.

Did the same Rich. I ordered from the local guy I have always worked with. Even drove from Phoenix to Albuquerque to get it. Same tank reefer XL 300 G2. Up for 3 weeks now and still cycling.

 

[PNWRich]

Did the same Rich. I ordered from the local guy I have always worked with. Even drove from Phoenix to Albuquerque to get it. Same tank reefer XL 300 G2. Up for 3 weeks now and still cycling.

Good luck! I’m still waiting on my tank. Should get an updated ETA tomorrow. Can’t wait.

 

[death-by-reef]

ok

 

[PNWRich]

Next project while I wait for my tank, which is scheduled to arrive Wednesday. My RODI setup. 4 stage RO system from Amazon and it was priced right at $69.98 I tested the water and it shows 0 PPM. The setup is in the basement bathroom, in a shower that is never used.

 

[PNWRich]

Progress shots. Red Sea Reefer 300XL (80g);Apex EL; Reef Mat;Skimmer; Heater. Cable cleanup starting tomorrow.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Best of luck on your tank!! it is looking great so far!

 

[PNWRich]

Progress shots. Red Sea Reefer 300XL (80g);Apex EL; Reef Mat;Skimmer; Heater. Cable cleanup starting tomorrow.

Cord management complete.

 

[Lex_510]

Cord management complete.

How is the reef mat working for you, how long does a roll last?

 

[PNWRich]

I wouldn’t be a good reference as I’ve been cycling my tank and haven’t added fish. It was pretty easy to setup. I only had one issue, which was my fault. I didn’t put the roll down far enough and it kept giving me an error. With no fish it’s been averaging 2.5 inches per day. Mostly due to debris from the sand and rock. I’m glad I got it though. The automation is great.

 

[PNWRich]

Well the day finally came. After 25 days of cycling I started with two clowns, a royal gramma and a $10 GSP. The gramma came out this morning but after eating, found a tiny cave and is hanging out. Picked up three little hermits to pick up any missed food.

 

[PNWRich]

It’s been a while and my tank continues to grow. I’ve added several fish and had success with the exception of losing a watchman goby during a 10 day vacation. I suspect it didn’t get enough to eat from the auto feeder.
I’ve also added many small corals and had many challenges adjusting the lights. I would never recommend the Maxspect brand to anyone.