- Joined
- Mar 24, 2019
- Messages
- 61
- Reaction score
- 195
Current tank shot:
Here is a quick (probably not so quick) summary of what I have running...
DT:
ReefBreeders Photon 48-V2+
(2) Maxspect Gyre XF330
RSR net top w/ Neat Aquatics feeding hole
Sump:
Octo Regal 150 INT protein skimmer
Syncra Silent Sicce return pump
(2) 300W finnex heaters
Side Cabinet:
Trigger 10g ATO reservoir w/ Tunze ATO
Other:
Hydros controller w/ 2 temp monitors (1 In sump return & 1 in weir); water leak rope detector (haven’t installed yet, but will likely go around the sump);and ph probe, currently in the sump, skimmer section
Livestock:
(2) Snowflake clownfish
Currently working on:
- being patient and waiting to add the next fish
- researching the best method/time to establish a refugium
----------------------------------------------
First post:
Hello everyone! I've patiently waited almost a decade to be able to build my tank. I've recently purchased my first home (yay to no more military travel/renting!!) and now I feel like I'm in a stable environment with enough time to contribute to successfully creating and maintaining an ecosystem in a glass box in my basement.
I've already ordered my tank/stand combo. I was originally going to purchase the 425xl. After a trip to a LFS where my husband saw the 525XL in action, it was pretty easy to convince of the larger size. My husband has been very supportive of my interest in this hobby, even with the price tag. I think it is in part because of how supportive I am of his, which you'll notice is pretty costly in a picture below. I ordered the tank/stand on March 23rd and the tracking says it should arrive at the destination terminal on April 4th, so I'll likely get a call for delivery scheduling on Thursday or Friday. Here's to hoping!
I haven't compiled a equipment list and have no plans on stocking. I'm trying to be patient and buy as I go in order to spread the build over paychecks so I can buy good equipment that I've researched and feel good about. I'm really interested in the Triton Method of reefing. I'll have to see the RSR tank in person to convince myself about the size of the v3 refug it has. I've also been looking into the possibility of including a SKIMZ MBR157 in the refug to make up for the lack of volume. I've read both sides stating that it could and couldn't help meet the requirements for Triton, but I'd need to make that decision before deciding on other equipment. So...to triton or not to triton? Not really sure yet, any input there would be greatly appreciated. #reefsquad
My main question for this post is where the tank should go. I've decided its going in the basement, but I have two possibilities for placement.
[Between the table top game shelves; that table there would be moved elsewhere]
This is the spot I'd love for the tank to go. I think the white cabinet would look great in between those shelves. There would be about a foot between the shelves and the tank/cabinet on either side. I'd actually like to leave a larger gap on the right side to fit an ATO container, but my husband keeps saying "it'll mess up the symmetric look." My concern is the evaporation of the tank water negatively effecting the games on the shelves. I plan on purchasing the RSR screen top, so that should prevent salt spray, but I'd appreciate any input from reefers that have their tank in between shelves containing games, books, or other sensitive to water items. Thanks in advance if you do!
[along the staircase wall; directly across from the 1st option... I was standing in front of the TV to take the first picture]
This is the only other spot I'd feel comfortable placing the tank, and I don't feel THAT comfortable about it. I fear my daughter might throw something from the stairs and hit the tank. You also can't see the tank from my husband's painting room or the other part of the basement around the perpendicular wall. There is a benefit to this spot though - The perpendicular wall is a utility room (houses the HVAC and hot water heater units) that I would be able to use to house an ATO or AWC system, run through the wall. I can even walk under the stairs from the utility room, so I can put those items there and access them from that room through a hole in the wall. It just seems like it'll be more of a centerpiece in the other spot.
There is a bathroom in the basement that I will be using to house my RO/DI unit. It's closer to option 2, but not difficult to reach option 1 since it's a drop ceiling.
Next purchase:
- 80 lbs of Reef Cleaner rock
- BRS RO/DI system
- 2 Brute trash cans w/deluxe dolly
Thanks for reading!
Here is a quick (probably not so quick) summary of what I have running...
DT:
ReefBreeders Photon 48-V2+
(2) Maxspect Gyre XF330
RSR net top w/ Neat Aquatics feeding hole
Sump:
Octo Regal 150 INT protein skimmer
Syncra Silent Sicce return pump
(2) 300W finnex heaters
Side Cabinet:
Trigger 10g ATO reservoir w/ Tunze ATO
Other:
Hydros controller w/ 2 temp monitors (1 In sump return & 1 in weir); water leak rope detector (haven’t installed yet, but will likely go around the sump);and ph probe, currently in the sump, skimmer section
Livestock:
(2) Snowflake clownfish
Currently working on:
- being patient and waiting to add the next fish
- researching the best method/time to establish a refugium
----------------------------------------------
First post:
Hello everyone! I've patiently waited almost a decade to be able to build my tank. I've recently purchased my first home (yay to no more military travel/renting!!) and now I feel like I'm in a stable environment with enough time to contribute to successfully creating and maintaining an ecosystem in a glass box in my basement.
I've already ordered my tank/stand combo. I was originally going to purchase the 425xl. After a trip to a LFS where my husband saw the 525XL in action, it was pretty easy to convince of the larger size. My husband has been very supportive of my interest in this hobby, even with the price tag. I think it is in part because of how supportive I am of his, which you'll notice is pretty costly in a picture below. I ordered the tank/stand on March 23rd and the tracking says it should arrive at the destination terminal on April 4th, so I'll likely get a call for delivery scheduling on Thursday or Friday. Here's to hoping!
I haven't compiled a equipment list and have no plans on stocking. I'm trying to be patient and buy as I go in order to spread the build over paychecks so I can buy good equipment that I've researched and feel good about. I'm really interested in the Triton Method of reefing. I'll have to see the RSR tank in person to convince myself about the size of the v3 refug it has. I've also been looking into the possibility of including a SKIMZ MBR157 in the refug to make up for the lack of volume. I've read both sides stating that it could and couldn't help meet the requirements for Triton, but I'd need to make that decision before deciding on other equipment. So...to triton or not to triton? Not really sure yet, any input there would be greatly appreciated. #reefsquad
My main question for this post is where the tank should go. I've decided its going in the basement, but I have two possibilities for placement.
[Between the table top game shelves; that table there would be moved elsewhere]
This is the spot I'd love for the tank to go. I think the white cabinet would look great in between those shelves. There would be about a foot between the shelves and the tank/cabinet on either side. I'd actually like to leave a larger gap on the right side to fit an ATO container, but my husband keeps saying "it'll mess up the symmetric look." My concern is the evaporation of the tank water negatively effecting the games on the shelves. I plan on purchasing the RSR screen top, so that should prevent salt spray, but I'd appreciate any input from reefers that have their tank in between shelves containing games, books, or other sensitive to water items. Thanks in advance if you do!
[along the staircase wall; directly across from the 1st option... I was standing in front of the TV to take the first picture]
This is the only other spot I'd feel comfortable placing the tank, and I don't feel THAT comfortable about it. I fear my daughter might throw something from the stairs and hit the tank. You also can't see the tank from my husband's painting room or the other part of the basement around the perpendicular wall. There is a benefit to this spot though - The perpendicular wall is a utility room (houses the HVAC and hot water heater units) that I would be able to use to house an ATO or AWC system, run through the wall. I can even walk under the stairs from the utility room, so I can put those items there and access them from that room through a hole in the wall. It just seems like it'll be more of a centerpiece in the other spot.
There is a bathroom in the basement that I will be using to house my RO/DI unit. It's closer to option 2, but not difficult to reach option 1 since it's a drop ceiling.
Next purchase:
- 80 lbs of Reef Cleaner rock
- BRS RO/DI system
- 2 Brute trash cans w/deluxe dolly
Thanks for reading!
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