Greetings everyone!!
Here is my build thread as I convert my 55G tank from fresh to salt/reef.
First, let me show you my existing freshwater tank. The tank is made by Aquarium Design, purchased used wayyyy back in 1990. The stand is custom built by me (I was a custom cabinetmaker in my late teens thru mid 30s and ALL of the woodwork is my own hand).
Now, the hardware...
55G glass tank with custom stand
Rena filstar canister filter
2 Aquaclear 20 powerheads for current
I don't recall the size of the heater but it is a Marineland submersible heater, rated for tanks up to 100g
Nicrew 48" LED light
This setup has served me well for many MANY years in my FW tank. That said, if I have learned nothing else in my research, this is absolutely archaic when it comes to a reef system.. (I might as well have a door in the side where I shovel coal into it to keep the power on)
SO... I have a bunch of new goodies on the way...
First off, 5 stage RO/DI water system
2x Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker 1300 GPH
JBJ Automatic Top Off Water Level Controller for Aquarium
Instant Ocean SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer (I may or may not keep this. If I decide to install a sump, I will probably exchange this for a different model.)
50 Lb dry rock (I watched an awesome video from BRS on a DIY NSA aquascape project that I think I am going to go with)
One piece of tech I decided to splurge on is the SENEYE Reef Aquarium Monitor and Par Meter Yes, it is pricy, but I like the idea of real time, full spectrum water parameter monitoring.
Those of you paying attention will undoubtedly have noticed a couple glaring omissions in that list... Substrate and lights!! I simply have not decided yet what I am going to go with in those areas. Since I have some time before I am ready to actually launch the actual build, I am not too concerned about this yet.
I will be updating this thread as I move forward with this project.
Until next time..
Happy reefing,
Steve
Here is my build thread as I convert my 55G tank from fresh to salt/reef.
First, let me show you my existing freshwater tank. The tank is made by Aquarium Design, purchased used wayyyy back in 1990. The stand is custom built by me (I was a custom cabinetmaker in my late teens thru mid 30s and ALL of the woodwork is my own hand).
Now, the hardware...
55G glass tank with custom stand
Rena filstar canister filter
2 Aquaclear 20 powerheads for current
I don't recall the size of the heater but it is a Marineland submersible heater, rated for tanks up to 100g
Nicrew 48" LED light
This setup has served me well for many MANY years in my FW tank. That said, if I have learned nothing else in my research, this is absolutely archaic when it comes to a reef system.. (I might as well have a door in the side where I shovel coal into it to keep the power on)
SO... I have a bunch of new goodies on the way...
First off, 5 stage RO/DI water system
2x Flexzion Aquarium Circulation Pump Wave Maker 1300 GPH
JBJ Automatic Top Off Water Level Controller for Aquarium
Instant Ocean SeaClone 100 Protein Skimmer (I may or may not keep this. If I decide to install a sump, I will probably exchange this for a different model.)
50 Lb dry rock (I watched an awesome video from BRS on a DIY NSA aquascape project that I think I am going to go with)
One piece of tech I decided to splurge on is the SENEYE Reef Aquarium Monitor and Par Meter Yes, it is pricy, but I like the idea of real time, full spectrum water parameter monitoring.
Those of you paying attention will undoubtedly have noticed a couple glaring omissions in that list... Substrate and lights!! I simply have not decided yet what I am going to go with in those areas. Since I have some time before I am ready to actually launch the actual build, I am not too concerned about this yet.
I will be updating this thread as I move forward with this project.
Until next time..
Happy reefing,
Steve
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