First Saltwater Aquarium Build - HelloReef 15 Gallon AIO

[ChazzFalcon]

Hello! I recently purchased the HelloReef 15 gallon kit from my LFS and wanted to document my build process for my first saltwater experience. I spent quite a number of hours on YouTube researching options and for my current situation, settled on the 15 gallon kit for my first saltwater tank. I've had a number of freshwater tanks and currently have a 16 gallon freshwater set-up running.

Currently, I plan on keeping a pair of clowns, a cleaner shrimp, and an appropriately-sized CUC. I want to add one or two nems after the tank is established.

As for the kit itself, I found it to be very welcoming and appreciated all of the resources and videos online that came with it.

Starting with the hardscape, I used four of the included rocks from the kit to create an overhang and used a generous amount of epoxy to secure the rocks.

Any suggestions on this hardscape? It takes up the bottom 1/3 of the tank and I'm wondering if I should add a bit more height with an additional rock or two.

Current Equipment:
- Lighting: AI Blade Coral Grow
- Filtration: Included filter sock, coarse sponge, bio-media, carbon
- Heater: Sicce Scuba Preset (100W)
- Return Pump: Sicce Micra (90 GPH)
- Powerhead: Sicce Voyager Nano (270 GPH)

Planned upgrades:
- N-clear Nano Fleece Roller
- N-fill ATO
- Helio PTC 100W Heater w/ Controller
- MiniQ Nano Skimmer
- AI Axis 20 Return Pump
- VCA RFG Kit

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I think you would be good to add a little bit more height to the scape!

My 20g Nano the rock was about 3/4th's the height of the tank, and I never had issues with it. I did it so that coral that needed higher light could sit higher in the tank.

 

[kevgib67]

Congratulations and welcome, glad you are here! More rock is always a bonus since it’s your primary biological filtration.

 

[get-salty]

Howdy from Texas

what about the light?
which brand are you going with..?

 

[ChazzFalcon]

I think you would be good to add a little bit more height to the scape!

My 20g Nano the rock was about 3/4th's the height of the tank, and I never had issues with it. I did it so that coral that needed higher light could sit higher in the tank.

Thanks for the advice! I'll play around with some of the extra rocks to see how it looks, could also create another place or two for a nem to stick.

 

[ChazzFalcon]

Howdy from Texas

what about the light?
which brand are you going with..?

The kit came with an AI Blade Coral Grow. Was planning on sticking with that for a bit, may consider either a second Coral Glow or another LED solution down the line.

 

[ChazzFalcon]

Part 2: Upgrades, Filling, and Cycling

Hello everyone! I've made some progress since my initial post and wanted to share what I've done so far.

First, I ended up adding an additional rock to the hardscape to give the structure a bit more surface area. I was pretty pleased with the result.

Next, I went to my LFS and picked up some premixed saltwater and a five gallon RO/DI bucket. I didn't want to start with distilled water in the tank like the HelloReef kit recommends and I'm fortunate to have a few options close to me for reliable saltwater. Eventually, I'm planning on an RO/DI system for the house but haven't gotten to that point yet. I filled the tank, hooked up the equipment and added the included bottle of Dr. Tim's nitrifying bacteria. Currently running for the next 48 hours with no fleece roller and no skimmer for the cycle.

Upgrades installed so far:
- N-clear Nano Fleece Roller
- N-fill ATO
- Helio PTC 100W Heater w/ Controller
- MiniQ Nano Skimmer
- VCA RFG Kit

Some extra under-the-hood shots for my controllers and ATO system:

I've also hit my first snag. I ordered the AI Axis 20 and it arrived... deceased. I tried everything the manufacturer, forums, and YouTube suggested to revive it, but I've made the decision to let it go back to its original home for a refund. So, for now, I'm running the Sicce Micra and plan on upgrading at a later time.

More updates to follow! Thanks!

 

[kevgib67]

Part 2: Upgrades, Filling, and Cycling

Hello everyone! I've made some progress since my initial post and wanted to share what I've done so far.

First, I ended up adding an additional rock to the hardscape to give the structure a bit more surface area. I was pretty pleased with the result.

Next, I went to my LFS and picked up some premixed saltwater and a five gallon RO/DI bucket. I didn't want to start with distilled water in the tank like the HelloReef kit recommends and I'm fortunate to have a few options close to me for reliable saltwater. Eventually, I'm planning on an RO/DI system for the house but haven't gotten to that point yet. I filled the tank, hooked up the equipment and added the included bottle of Dr. Tim's nitrifying bacteria. Currently running for the next 48 hours with no fleece roller and no skimmer for the cycle.

Upgrades installed so far:
- N-clear Nano Fleece Roller
- N-fill ATO
- Helio PTC 100W Heater w/ Controller
- MiniQ Nano Skimmer
- VCA RFG Kit

Some extra under-the-hood shots for my controllers and ATO system:

I've also hit my first snag. I ordered the AI Axis 20 and it arrived... deceased. I tried everything the manufacturer, forums, and YouTube suggested to revive it, but I've made the decision to let it go back to its original home for a refund. So, for now, I'm running the Sicce Micra and plan on upgrading at a later time.

More updates to follow! Thanks!

Looks good, just a suggestion, I would point one of the return nozzles at the surface causing agitation for better gas exchange.

 

[ChazzFalcon]

Part 3: Pumps, Powerheads, and Pain...

Two exciting upgrades and one tragedy.

I went to another LFS today after returning my defective AI Axis 20 and picked up a lovely little DC return pump. While I was there, I also pulled the trigger on a smaller powerhead for the the tank.

Aesthetically, I like the smaller powerhead and the new MightyJet Mini has been a great addition. I have it paired with a branched VCA RFG and took @kevgib67 's advice and moved one of the outflow arms to have some more surface agitation.

Now for the not so great part of this update... my AI Coral Grow decided to walk the plank. I was adjusting the outflow arms and casually knocked the light right into the tank. It sank faster than my heart and now, after a moment of silence for my wallet, I'm on the hunt for a new light. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Current Equipment:
- HelloReef 15g AIO
- N-clear Nano Fleece Roller
- N-fill ATO
- Helio PTC 100W Heater w/ Controller
- MiniQ Nano Skimmer
- IM MightyJet Mini DC Return Pump
- tmc Reef Flow 2.0 Powerhead
- VCA RFG Kit

 

[ChazzFalcon]

Part 4: The Cycle Continues... + Quarantine!

Ammonia - zero. Nitrites dropping. Nitrates present. We're almost there! I opted to go for the ghost feeding method outlined in the HelloReef videos and have been checking water both at home and weekly at my LFS. We're probably a few days away from being fully cycled!

I also upgraded the ATO reservoir to make filling a bit easier when I finally get an RO/DI unit working.

After multiple hours on YouTube researching whether or not to quarantine as a complete beginner, I decided to make the jump and get a quarantine system. Luckily, I randomly saw a deal on 10 gallon tanks at my local big box store and picked up a 10 gallon with the intention of turning it into a quarantine tank. A few amazon purchases later, the little TopFin tank is now a quaint little quarantine setup. I plan on running some copper (have the Salifert kit and a Hanna checker for levels).

Tank: TopFin 10g Starter Kit (50% off) w/ LED Lid
Heater: Hygger Pinpoint 50W with Digital Controller
Filter: TopFin SilentStream 10 (included in kit) w/ BioFoam for Mechanical Filtration
Powerhead: Sicce Nano
Hides: 1.5" PVC Connectors

I initially filled the tank with saltwater from my LFS, checked salinity, and added an ammonia alarm.

After setting up the tank, it was time to let the temperature regulate and, at my LFS, pick up our first fish! Huge shout-out to @WWC for helping with fish selection and making sure my stocking plan was appropriate for this size tank. I drip-acclimated the fish before adding them to the quarantine tank. I also replaced the carbon cartridge for BioFoam in the HOB filter and added a bottle of Dr. Tim's One and Only.

Current Stock:
- 2x Black Snowflake Clowns
- 1x Yasha Goby
- 1x Tailspot Blenny

Current Equipment:
- HelloReef 15g AIO
- N-clear Nano Fleece Roller
- N-fill ATO
- Helio PTC 100W Heater w/ Controller
- MiniQ Nano Skimmer
- IM MightyJet Mini DC Return Pump
- tmc Reef Flow 2.0 Powerhead
- VCA RFG Kit

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Part 4: The Cycle Continues... + Quarantine!

Ammonia - zero. Nitrites dropping. Nitrates present. We're almost there! I opted to go for the ghost feeding method outlined in the HelloReef videos and have been checking water both at home and weekly at my LFS. We're probably a few days away from being fully cycled!

After multiple hours on YouTube researching whether or not to quarantine as a complete beginner, I decided to make the jump and get a quarantine system. Luckily, I randomly saw a deal on 10 gallon tanks at my local big box store and picked up a 10 gallon with the intention of turning it into a quarantine tank. A few amazon purchases later, the little TopFin tank is now a quaint little quarantine setup. I plan on running some copper (have the Salifert kit and a Hanna checker for levels).

Tank: TopFin 10g Starter Kit (50% off) w/ LED Lid
Heater: Hygger Pinpoint 50W with Digital Controller
Filter: TopFin SilentStream 10 (included in kit) w/ BioFoam for Mechanical Filtration
Powerhead: Sicce Nano
Hides: 1.5" PVC Connectors

I initially filled the tank with saltwater from my LFS, checked salinity, and added an ammonia alarm.

After setting up the tank, it was time to let the temperature regulate and, at my LFS, pick up our first fish! Huge shout-out to @WWC for helping with fish selection and making sure my stocking plan was appropriate for this size tank. I drip-acclimated the fish before adding them to the quarantine tank. I also replaced the carbon cartridge for BioFoam in the HOB filter and added a bottle of Dr. Tim's One and Only.

Current Stock:
- 2x Black Snowflake Clowns
- 1x Yasha Goby
- 1x Tailspot Blenny

Good for you on setting up a QT tank!

 

[ChazzFalcon]

Good for you on setting up a QT tank!

Thanks! I think the investment in it now will definitely pay off in the long run.