How not to start a reef tank, my first reef tank build

[living_tribunal]

This was a pretty sloppy job lol, you have to move so fast with a 60 gallon tank.

The only thing I’m worried about are the corners. Getting the silicone running up the sides to blend with the bottom edges isn’t easy. The silicone is a pretty thin in a few corners.

I’m not sure if there is a way to remedy this?

 

[living_tribunal]

Here’s a picture of the front, I think I went a little too thick.

 

[Why-Me]

I like it, nice and uniform

 

[living_tribunal]

I like it, nice and uniform

Thank you sir!

Any advice on the corners?

 

[Why-Me]

Maybe there's a way to use that red plastic scraper as an applicator tool instead??

 

[living_tribunal]

Maybe there's a way to use that red plastic scraper as an applicator tool instead??

I was using some silicone spreader but my finger worked better.

Since you can’t really add more silicone to silicone, I’m stuck with this. The corners are way too thin, my gut tells me I’m going to have to redo this :/

 

[living_tribunal]

I’m definitely going to have to reseal this.

This edge came out way too thick and doesn’t stick to the side. I could try and trim it but that wouldn’t be smart.

 

[The1HunnT]

It will help, but you are going to get uglies. The tank is new and pretty sterile. It will take a while to find a balance. Months. Patience is your best friend. Just remember, it is natural. The tank will look ugly, you will think you have to do something, it may cause panic. If you wait it out, you will be amazed as the cycles of algae just correct themselves.

This advice would’ve been so helpful to me starting my tank about four months ago. It’s amazing that now I can’t seem to grow much algae but the seemingly endless cycles of diatoms then hair then diatoms then a touch of bubble with hair then....nothing. It’s been a great first month without that headache and I should’ve just let it run it’s course instead of trying to intervene at every “crisis”. Thanks for helping we n00bs!

 

[The1HunnT]

I've never heard that, but I'm also very focused on the health of SPS corals when I receive orders. If you see bad algae growth and don't want it - I could see only cutting off a good piece. If you are concerned about the coral surviving - leave it on the frag plug or snap it off cleanly. You really want them to heal.

The problem is you will be introducing all kinds of algae into your system which is completely brand new on a plug or disc. You could see an outbreak of competitive algae taking over your tank from dictoyta to bryopsis/hair algae. Also if there are any flatworms they will take over real quick.

It might help to dose some phytoplankton just to make sure a positive competitive algae will win the war on your tank.

I did this with phytoplankton from AlgaeBarn and think it truly helped outcompete some of the nasties—especially a shirt bout with fungus/slime on some rock that I didn’t anticipate. Was gone within 3-4 days after daily dosing with Ocean Magik but any live phytoplankton should do. Also boosts your copepods if you’ve introduced any. Just my .02 ; you’re doing great!

 

[The1HunnT]

It depends what shows up in your QT and what you are willing to deal with. The corals will be going through alot of stress by moving them twice, but I think they will survive.


If you do regular water changes that will supply enough alk and keep everything in balance. I recommend Aquaforest reef salt. You can also add spot feed some reef roids to supply them with food. Don't add too much though or you will feed the bad algae. After you feed, change 2-3 gallons every 3-4 days. Siphon out waste on the water changes.

You will eventually need a clean up crew, get astrea, trocus and/or cerith snails. You might also want some chaeto or macroalgae to keep your PH up.

I couldn’t agree more on the cleanup crew; it made an enormous difference for my 75g with 20g long sump. Trochus and ceriths seem to have to broadest appetites in my experience. My Chaeto and Red Oro effectively brought my nitrates to 0 within three weeks of rapid growing under actinic lights in the stand (for the refugium). They’ve both tripled in size in about 2 months.

 

[The1HunnT]

I will say, these clowns are lively.

They love this simple pump I have. They keep swimming to the top of it and then dive down shooting out of its stream blast.

They keep doing it over and over again. I wish I could add a video.

They look quite content; well done and welcome to the obsession!

 

[living_tribunal]

This time was better, I think it may work.

I pulled the tape a little late and some of the thicker edges pulled up a little.

One corner also looks weak.

I do think it may work and will give this one a water test.

 

[NY_Caveman]

This time was better, I think it may work.

I pulled the tape a little late and some of the thicker edges pulled up a little.

One corner also looks weak.

I do think it may work and will give this one a water test.

Third time is the charm, right? Good luck brother!

 

[living_tribunal]

Third time is the charm, right? Good luck brother!

I appreciate it! Hopefully, it ain’t clean but I’m hoping it does the job. I think it’s good enough that a little spot layer ontop will be good.

 

[living_tribunal]

Unfortunately, I spotted some bubbles in the seal. It looks like we are going to have to make it 4 times.

I’ve learned enough by now that I think I’ll be able to get it.

 

[Katrina71]

You'll get it!

 

[living_tribunal]

You'll get it!

I might do a little write-up on how to do a reseal on medium sized + tanks. I couldn’t find anything that covers the finer details that can make or break the job.

The biggest thing is completing everything and removing the tape in under 5 minutes.

It’s all in the tape job and spread technique.

Wax on, wax off.

 

[Why-Me]

That's a great idea, more knowledge to add to the R2R treasure trove!!
You write well, are witty and descriptive.
We all win.

 

[Katrina71]

Ha Ha! I say that all the time to Andrew! Yes, we do the famous Crane stance too.

 

[living_tribunal]

That's a great idea, more knowledge to add to the R2R treasure trove!!
You write well, are witty and descriptive.
We all win.

Even better, I made all the dumb mistakes that others won’t have to!

The best part out of all of this is my chicken legs were blessed with the best calve workout anyone has ever experienced.

I think I should write a work out book and run a company where we’ll promise you guaranteed weight loss as you reseal peoples tanks.

I’m like the best pet Guinea pig.