JBJ 65 Build

[sailfish1095]

First time saltwater tank owner, figured I'd post start a build thread to document the progress so far and get some feedback.
Started the tank at the end of Nov 24.

Tank: JBJ 65
Lights: 2x SMATFARM 60W
Flow: Hygger 18w
Protein Skimmer: PLS Elite II Nano
ATO: AutoAqua Smart ATO Nano
Heater: EHIEM Jager 200w

Did a fishless cycle with Fritz Turbo Start and Dr Tim's Ammonia which lasted about 3 weeks.

Current inhabitant is just a Tailspot blenny, with two Black Misbar Clowns in QT to be added next.
I'm thinking for corals to do Euphyllia, or others with a good amount of motion.

All setup and and leak test completed, only one light at this point as the 2nd's arm arrived damaged.

Saltwater fill and waiting for sand to clear.

Lowes had stick on LED lights in the clearance section, couldn't resist.

Built my own lid with some leftover screen frames and netting from ebay.
The attachment to the tank needs some work/paint as it's currently extra gutter aluminum riveted to the frames.

The sole occupant currently, a Tailspot Blenny.

The next two inhabitants, 1 week in to their (planned) 3 week quarantine.

 

[glb]

This looks great! Can’t wait to see it progress!

 

[sailfish1095]

This looks great! Can’t wait to see it progress!

Thanks!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[RDMVann]

Can I see a picture of your back chambers? Mine water level is super low in the middle chamber for tank I set up this week. I can’t seem to find any documentation if that is correct or not.

 

[sailfish1095]

A bit difficult to make out where the level is with the flash, but I've found the 2 ways to adjust the level in that chamber (for ATO sensor purposes) are:
- Reduce/Increase the flow on the pumps (lower flow = higher level)
- Add more water to the system

Hope that helps!

 

[Marinus]

First time saltwater tank owner, figured I'd post start a build thread to document the progress so far and get some feedback.
Started the tank at the end of Nov 24.

Tank: JBJ 65
Lights: 2x SMATFARM 60W
Flow: Hygger 18w
Protein Skimmer: PLS Elite II Nano
ATO: AutoAqua Smart ATO Nano
Heater: EHIEM Jager 200w

Did a fishless cycle with Fritz Turbo Start and Dr Tim's Ammonia which lasted about 3 weeks.

Current inhabitant is just a Tailspot blenny, with two Black Misbar Clowns in QT to be added next.
I'm thinking for corals to do Euphyllia, or others with a good amount of motion.

All setup and and leak test completed, only one light at this point as the 2nd's arm arrived damaged.

Saltwater fill and waiting for sand to clear.

Lowes had stick on LED lights in the clearance section, couldn't resist.

Built my own lid with some leftover screen frames and netting from ebay.
The attachment to the tank needs some work/paint as it's currently extra gutter aluminum riveted to the frames.

The sole occupant currently, a Tailspot Blenny.

The next two inhabitants, 1 week in to their (planned) 3 week quarantine.

Looks great so far, I'm excited to see your progress!

 

[sailfish1095]

Some delayed updates, the tank is now in its 3rd month running and a lot has happened.

The clownfish have been moved in from quarantine and started the first corals with some Euphillia, Toadstools, and Zoanthids. The corals have been in for about a month now and seem to be growing well. The toadstools have closed up the past few days, but I have read that is normal for them. Any other's experience to chime in?

Over the past week the initial algae bloom that I've read all tanks go through arrived. It spread quickly and covered most surfaces within a couple days of taking this photo.

Thankfully the CUC arrived from @reefcleaners yesterday, and they've already made a noticeable impact!

There is currently only a Tailspot Blenny and a Clownfish pair for fish. Disease wiped out the Damsels I had in QT, unfortunate but certainly solidified the importance of QT.
After breaking down and recycling that tank, I'm wondering what fish to add next - Longnose Hawkfish, some sort of goby, or Six Line Wrasse have caught my eye, any suggestions?