So, aesthetically and plumbing wise the tank is done. The stand skirt turned out very well, though it still needs to be leveled. The plumbing isn't pretty, nor how I wanted for the initial run of the tank, but it's functionally plumbed. I went long on some runs, or put unions in places where the next portion of the run will be re-done in the new year. I need to make up some mounting brackets and get the piping rigid, hang the mini BRS reactor and then figure out the best way to hang the H150 for the refugium section.
Tomorrow the tank is going to get wet and spend a few days running with some vinegar, then it's a final rinse and RO refill. I'm not sure how quickly I should shut down the 20 and move everyone over once it is running, and if I should do a couple large water changes on the 20 first to get it as close to what the new tank will be parameter wise to lessen the transfer shock.
New sand and additional Marco rock were just ordered on sale, but I probably won't see those till the new year either. Ended up going with a 50lb box instead of piecemeal as noted earlier, and will try and make a "SPS" arch to go between the two existing rock pieces I have in the 20. It will have to be constructed using hydraulic cement, so that will take a week or so of cure time and then I like to soak the rock anyway for about a week in RODI water. I'm thinking by the end of January the tank should be 100% setup, as the T5 fixture still isn't available North of the border, nor do I really feel like paying a $130 mark-up after taxes and currency conversion are done. How $300 US becomes $500 CAD, pre-tax really is magical indeed.
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