Helloreef build

[Foxy-88]

I started this build for 2 reasons. The simple reason is to teach and do something with my kids who are 8 and soon to be 6. I wanted to teach them all about reefing with and with the step by step process it helps me let the videos do most of the explaning instead of myself. I am by no means new to this hobby but this kit makes it super easy to start a new tank given that it comes with everything.

The second (more complicated) reason for the tank is so I can tear down my 90 gallon that is currently running and restart it. I have been in a losing battle with aiptasia, algae and because of all of that motivation. I still currently have 3 fish in my 90 and a floor anemone. My clown fish Ive had for about 10 years, my damsel and fire hawk fish ive had for about 5 years. I had been kicking around the idea of getting rid of them but I couldnt part with them especially my clown as he started every tank Ive ever had and this helloreef is about to be his 4th (temp) home while I rebuild my 90. Canxt part with that kind of time.

So with that a temp/permanent tabk idea was born. I have been using everything that came with the tank but i also have been throwing in upgrades as well. Currently the tank has been cycling for about a month and has finally established its biological filter. Yesterday i started the transfer and ended up putting my damsel in it and will slowly start transferring the last 2 fish and anemone into the new helloreef tank.

Even if this post gets no follows or comments my hope is that by adding to it will help me get back to the motivation and pride that I had when I built my 75 gallon that I had at my old house prior to moving everything into my 90 in my new house.

 

[Foxy-88]

The photos below are the from the day we received the tank and stand. Unfortunately the stand that arrived had duplicate pieces and did not come with the bottom and top of the stand. Bulk Reef supply was quick to correct this and sent me out a new one free of charge and letting me keep the old just in case for extra parts. We were able however to get a rockscape built with the help of my excited kids.

 

[Foxy-88]

About a week later the new stand arrived and I was able to get home and have it built with the tank on it before i had to go pick up my kids from school. Needless to say they were very excited to see the tank in its final resting spot prior to getting the rock scape and water in it.

 

[Foxy-88]

With the stand now in a location I believed would suit it the best ( and my kids home from school) I still had to get my wifes approval all because I set it right next to here computer. With her being a photographer, the lights from the tank(s) can really mess with the editing process. I showed her how the lights would look and most importantly when they come on. Plus it gives her something to look aside from the wall. With her approval (not that she wasn't going to approve of its location) it was time to get the rock in. I also got some glory shots of the rock with the lights on.

 

[Foxy-88]

 

[Foxy-88]

 

[Foxy-88]

With all that information, I figured now would be a good time to explain my current tank setup.

When we built this house, I did not want the basement finished so I could built it myself. Where I placed my 90 gallon tank is right where a closet was planned so it worked perfectly for a fish tank closet. I also wanted a movie theater which led to a bar with a sink/ my way of cleaning fish stuff downstairs. The challenge was building the entire basemnt around my water change setup especially while it had an auto water change setup using a DOS. While I tried being as mindful with my change tank for my 90, construction dust regardless has its way of sneaking into stuff including tanks (no metter how well sealed) which I have a feeling is a reason why my 90 is going through its demise. I set my bathroom next to my fish closet so I ended up having a water source for my RODI. I also had to move the drain for my shower and needed one for my bar thought it a great idea to cut a floor drain in under my water change tank in the event my display tank or change tank leaks won't destroy my hard work in the basement.
With all that said here is some pictures of that setup along with the unfortunate state of my 90 gallon

 

[Foxy-88]

 

[Foxy-88]

 

[Foxy-88]

Knowing now where everything stands between the 2 tanks it was time for sand and water. Fortunately had enough(more than enough) salt water already premade on hand to get this little tank started. With the rock already in the tank all we had to do was add the sand and then the Dr. Tims nitrifying bacteria that came with the helloreef kit. The kids were super pumped to finally see this tank in action after 2 and half weeks

 

[Foxy-88]

The tank took about 3 days to finally clear up with some moving of the powerhead to establish good flow in the tank. Normally I have my powerhead(s) on a timer but I have been leaving it on all time with no issue and the flow is dialed in perfectly. In the pictures i have installed an IOAOI skimmer. While I know a skimmer isn't necessary with excellent water changes on nanos I figured id give it a try. Skimmer took about 2 weeks to break in but for a little 40 dollar skimmer it is working quite well as I write this post. I grabbed this skimmer from Amazon and the seller even provide start up instructions with it as well which was quite nice. Its very difficult to get it tuned but not impossible. The build of the skimmer is also meant for rimless tanks and fits perfectly in the second chamber of this tank

 

[Foxy-88]

The tank took about 3 days to finally clear up with some moving of the powerhead to establish good flow in the tank. Normally I have my powerhead(s) on a timer but I have been leaving it on all time with no issue and the flow is dialed in perfectly. In the pictures i have installed an IOAOI skimmer. While I know a skimmer isn't necessary with excellent water changes on nanos I figured id give it a try. Skimmer took about 2 weeks to break in but for a little 40 dollar skimmer it is working quite well as I write this post. I grabbed this skimmer from Amazon and the seller even provide start up instructions with it as well which was quite nice. Its very difficult to get it tuned but not impossible. The build of the skimmer is also meant for rimless tanks and fits perfectly in the second chamber of this tank

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0CYPPXQL9?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

For any interest in the skimmer

 

[Foxy-88]

I always have an ATO on my tanks especially a nano to help maintain temp and salinity as they swing like crazy. Once I had the stand, I measured the inside to start searching for a tank to store all my water and came across one from Amazon.

I quite enjoy this storage tank for many reasons.

One is the size as it still hold 5 gallons and fits perfectly in the helloreef stand.

Second is it has marks on it to show how many gallons are in the tank( well actually be buying another for water changes moving forward)

Third is the lid. The lid has provisions for a thread 1/2" connection. You have to drill it yourself so if dont want it you dont need it. It also as a port in the back if you want to drill it as well to help with flow if you are pouring it.

I decided to go with the reefbreeders ATO. The pump fit perfectly through the opening of the tank and i drilled the hole in the lid to pass the power and fill hose through leading to the return chamber of the tank. The attachment for the hose also works as a great cord management for the return pump, powerhead and light as well as all the wires for the ATO.

I also had a float valve in the tank as well so I can attach it back into my RODI when I run out of water and just set it and leave. I have a 7 stage RODI and it fills the tank in about 15 maybe 20 minutes and works out well because I am not as fortunate as I am with my 90 where my ATO is plumbed straight into my RODI.

Link for the tank

FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage: Car Washing Buckets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

FastRack 5 Gallon Hedpak with Cap | BPA-free, Food-Grade, and Leak-Proof | White Water Container | Ideal for brewing, fermentation, or storage: Car Washing Buckets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

Link for float valve kit

Amazon.com: ESHIONG NSF Certified 1/4" O.D. Push to Connect Fittings for RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Filter（with water float ball valve）19 pcs+30 feet 1/4" Water tubing. : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: ESHIONG NSF Certified 1/4" O.D. Push to Connect Fittings for RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Filter（with water float ball valve）19 pcs+30 feet 1/4" Water tubing. : Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Foxy-88]

I also modified the stand so I could pass the power and hose through the stand and out to the tank itself. I also am housing all of my cords inside the tank to make it easier for maintenance
.

 

[Foxy-88]

The ATO showed up yesterday but another cool add to the tank the showed up yesterday was the addition of a filter roller from nature dimensions. I got over cleaning my 90s filter socks and will be implementing a roller into it when I rebuild it so the helloreef will act as a guinea pig for that. With the addtional part to install this roller into the helloreef it looks right at home in the first chamber plus they also have an auto refill for the rollers that I will be subscribing to as well. Its a good build and im very excited to its addition in this tank.

Link for the roller

Nature Dimensions | N-Clear Fleece Roller Filters for Nano Aquariums

Discover N-Clear automatic fleece roller filters—built for AIO and nano reef tanks. Reduce maintenance, eliminate filter socks, and enjoy crystal-clear water.

naturedimensions.com

 

[Sean Clark]

Coming along nicely.

 

[Foxy-88]

Coming along nicely.

Slowly but surely

 

[Foxy-88]

Last but not least to catch up to present day, been testing the tank the last few weeks. Started the tank with the fish food method. Everytime Ive started a tank I have used biospira and kicked my clown into the tank so definitely a different start than I am used too. I felt I didn't put enough food in on week one so i added a bit more. Tank started to stink so i knew it was enough this time. Ammonia kicked up the nitrite. Always a great sign. Checked yesterday no nitrate and a touch over Ammonia but have enough nitrate to be content with adding a fish knowimg the biological filter is established. First catch for the new tank was the damsel. Tried to catch him without removing the rock in my 90 and ya right. So I ended up moving the lights out of the way and pulling my entire rockscape out of my 90 giving the damsel no room to hide. My rockscape in my 90 fortunately is all mortar together but it isn't light. Got it out with minimumal damage to the rock scape and most important the tank. Got the damsel finally, got him acclimated and placed in helloreef. Was unsure for a couple hours but is swimming about today checking out his new digs.

 

[Foxy-88]

 

[RudeDawg]

Hear, hear! That cocktail bar is the real star of the show!