For Real This Time, It's the Last Tank... I Promise! (Hidden Fish Room)

[Gumbies R Us]

***Cycle Begins***

As the title states, the cycle begins. Was able to get the tank full and running. I only have 1 return running at this point (still have to finish plumbing the 2nd that will run the chiller and UV), but for the purposes of cycling we are golden. I dosed Microbacter 7 and placed a raw shrimp in the tank for a food source. Obviously not running lights currently, but turned them on for a quick photo. I’ve also placed 2 of the 4 Gyre in the tank for flow during the cycle. First time using these and I really like the flow pattern, however they aren’t quiet. Hopefully once I finish the cabinetry and it’s covered I can ramp them up without much noise in the room.

Best of luck with the cycle!

 

[dustinc]

***Fish Stocking Plans***

I've not worked on the rest of the built in over the last couple weeks, been too busy with my business and family, however I plan to really hit it hard over the weekend with hopes of finishing it up. I have however spent some time thinking about my stocking plans for the tank, and believe I've decided what I want to do. I may add a fish or 2 here, but for the most part feel this will be a solid group for what I want in the tank. Let know your thoughts.

P.S. I'm working on some sort of container that is hidden for the wrasse sand bed, just not sure what I'm doing yet.

 

[dustinc]

***Cabinetry Complete***

Today I worked on finishing the cabinetry around the aquarium and closing in the fish room. I'm very pleased with how it all came together. I still have 2 pieces of trim to add on the base of the bookshelves, but other than that, I'm 100% complete. I have someone coming next week to do that painting (I love building, but hate painting!). I also added the first 2 fish yesterday as well (2 Tiny Neon Gobies). Things should start moving well now. Enjoy and would love any feedback you guys have.

Also, I purchased 4 XF 350 Gyre pumps for the tank to start, and I have 2 in, but am debating exchanging the other 2 gyres for 2 of the Octo 4+ pumps. I feel it may be best to mix those in with the gyre to have a couple different types of flow and to cut back on pump maintenance (everything I read is these gyres need a lot of it). Any thoughts on that? I've always been an Ecotech guy, but can't justify the price of the MP60s when I only have to go with those because of the thickness of acrylic. Thanks for the thoughts!

 

[dustinc]

***Paint***

First round of paint yesterday. Have some touch ups left, but overall, we are complete with the paint job. Absolutely love how everything came together. Can't wait to start growing some acros!

 

[polarbeard]

Looks great man

 

[EliMelly]

Ballsy to have a tank in the bed room. I feel like going through the ugly stages would be more irritating if I had to see it before bed.

 

[dustinc]

Looks great man

Thanks a lot! Now I have to finish plumbing my other side and hooking up the UV and chiller! Ha ha.

Ballsy to have a tank in the bed room. I feel like going through the ugly stages would be more irritating if I had to see it before bed.

Definitely understand that. Being there makes it that much more important I stay on top of my maintenance and ensure the tank is running at max efficiency. Will be setting up auto water changes and as much automation as possible. The fun is just beginning!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

***Paint***

First round of paint yesterday. Have some touch ups left, but overall, we are complete with the paint job. Absolutely love how everything came together. Can't wait to start growing some acros!

Man, I love the paint color of your tank and shelves. Is it more of a dark dark blue or black?

 

[dustinc]

Man, I love the paint color of your tank and shelves. Is it more of a dark dark blue or black?

Thanks man! It’s a very deep blue depending on lighting. It’s called Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. We’ve used it for several things over the years.

Our Old House

My Office in Our Back Yard

 

[dustinc]

***Quick Shot***

Just thought I would share a quick shot of the tank today and this evening after finishing the touch up paint and getting things in order. The 3 fish are doing well and can't wait to start adding more as well as starting to add corals. Reefapalooza is coming up in about a month, so definitely should find some nice corals there to start the process as well. Can't wait until it's really stocked up.

 

[Jimbo327]

Wow, it turned out really clean and like the color. Love the custom built in look.

 

[dustinc]

Wow, it turned out really clean and like the color. Love the custom built in look.

Thank you very much! I’m definitely happy with how it all came together. Our room definitely feels like it took a big upgrade. Now I just need to finish plumbing in the other return with the chiller and UV… can’t wait to share behind the scenes once it’s complete.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Thanks man! It’s a very deep blue depending on lighting. It’s called Benjamin Moore Hale Navy. We’ve used it for several things over the years.

Our Old House

My Office in Our Back Yard

I can see why you use that blue! It reminds me of the more nautical-style houses you see up around Connecticut!

 

[AlyciaMarie]

***Quick Shot***

Just thought I would share a quick shot of the tank today and this evening after finishing the touch up paint and getting things in order. The 3 fish are doing well and can't wait to start adding more as well as starting to add corals. Reefapalooza is coming up in about a month, so definitely should find some nice corals there to start the process as well. Can't wait until it's really stocked up.

Wow, this is a beautiful setup already. I love that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the room!

Glad you'll be going us at RAP Dallas! You'll have to swing by the R2R booth and say hi.

 

[dustinc]

Wow, this is a beautiful setup already. I love that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of the room!

Glad you'll be going us at RAP Dallas! You'll have to swing by the R2R booth and say hi.

Thank you very much! I’ll definitely swing by the booth there. Safe travels.

 

[dustinc]

***Adaptive Reef Controller Board V2***

Tonight I worked a bit on getting more cables organized and the behind the scenes setup better. I still have a ways to go, but I’m very impressed with this new version of the controller board. Much cleaner and better space than the older version. The lights are a nice touch as well. I still need to get my 2nd return plumbed (will run the chiller and UV), the Trident setup, my DOS setup for auto water changes, and the 4 head doser setup for elements. All in due time. Below are a couple shots of the control board setup as it is currently.

 

[dustinc]

***Brief Update***

The tank is coming together. Waiting on one plumbing part to finish plumbing in the UV and chiller. I’ve also ordered a calcium reactor, kalk reactor, and cryptic reactor from Geo’s Reef. So definitely looking forward to getting those up and running after they are built and shipped. I also added a tailspot blenny over the weekend as you can see below. Can’t wait until it’s filled to the brim with acros!

 

[dustinc]

***New TankMates Added***

Last weekend I added my first 2 acros to the tank. Both are doing very well and seem to be very content in the tank. Today I added an ORA Orange Storm Clownfish pair to the tank. I ordered from BRS and they shipped directly from ORA. They arrived well packaged and I think they are beautiful. They also have stuck with each other in the tank all afternoon and evening like a true pair.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

***New TankMates Added***

Last weekend I added my first 2 acros to the tank. Both are doing very well and seem to be very content in the tank. Today I added an ORA Orange Storm Clownfish pair to the tank. I ordered from BRS and they shipped directly from ORA. They arrived well packaged and I think they are beautiful. They also have stuck with each other in the tank all afternoon and evening like a true pair.

Nice looking clowns! Those have a really unique look to them

 

[dustinc]

Nice looking clowns! Those have a really unique look to them

Thank you! Definitely happy with the pair they sent. They are already at home.