Jon's Tiki Lounge

[jgaepi]

Placeholder thread for my upcoming tank.

Few things exhibit a fun and funky blend of colors and tropical vibes more than Tiki. So, I want to create an underwater Tiki Lounge.

I've had 2 saltwater tanks in the past (15 years ago and 6 years ago). Neither would have won awards but they were fun. I learned a bunch. And, so begins my third tank. It will be predominantly LPS. Maybe a future SPS or two for texture (but not anytime soon).

I want a Mandarin Goby, so I will start my copepod population from the beginning. Relying on @AlgaeBarn for this.

I want as many "natural" features as possible so, for me, a refugium is a must.

I want to minimize the rock so I've decided on aqua-tecture for a few (albeit overpriced) pieces that will allow a unique growing space.

Most importantly, advice is always encouraged. Thank you

At Start Up:
Waterbox Marine 60.2g tank & sump.
Drop-in mini refugium into Waterbox sump (WB sumps are technically designed for skimmers not refugiums). Thanks @cromag27.
AI tank light and AI refugium light.
Neptune Systems COR 15 pump
Nero 5 flow pump.
16lb of Aqua-tecture ceramic rock.
20lb of tropic eden flakes.
Apex EL controller.

Fingers crossed.

 

[Peace River]

Sounds like a fun and interesting themed tank!!!

 

[jgaepi]

A few items arrived today. And I set up my acclimation tank - a 7g waterbox I bought off eBay. I will probably be turned into a hospital tank in the future.

But the big arrival was two pieces of aqua-tecture ceramic rock. The big piece is bigger than the sale photos did it justice. It’s big. There are limited placement options. Anyone want to offer advice?

The peak is 13” in an 18” tank.

 

[jgaepi]

Another arrival today. Received my sump-drop-in refugium from @cromag27. Came out perfect. Hoping the Waterbox arrives this week!

 

[jgaepi]

Waterbox arrived today. Waited forever. They gave my earmarked one away to another customer. Then only after I got frustrated, they found one for me. Freight driver was 2 hours late. Crate damaged. Tank shattered. Not amused.

 

[jgaepi]

Two months delayed. Thanks Waterbox ... but finally going to get this thing wet on Tuesday.

Prepped the sump for initial start up. Placed my ceramic rock (and one real rock) and everything is (hopefully) tightened.

Finally doing this.

 

[jgaepi]

I finally got water in it. Cycling with Fritz Turbo Start 900. And away we go ...