Even though it might appear that progress is slow, I'm absolutely thrilled about the direction this build is heading. There's a lot happening behind the scenes!
While I'd love to be showing off a filled tank, life's been a whirlwind lately. But things are finally calming down, and I'm diving back into the build! My rockscape is officially DONE! After a marathon weekend of heavy reinforcement, it's solid and ready for anything. Currently, I'm preparing a partial egg crate base to elevate the rockwork while allowing for a sand bed. Once the base is installed the tank will be filled, and my husband's being a hero and setting up the RODI.
So why the update? Fresh month, fresh gear!
Let's get into it!
Reef Octopus Classic 150S - Call me old-fashioned, but I often find older products more reliable. Plus, Reef Octopus is a respected brand, and parts are readily available. This skimmer's compact, plug-and-play design is perfect for a beginner like me.
Honestly, skimmers intimidated me. When I worked at my LFS (well over a decade ago) we did not use protein skimmers on any of the systems, and kept only one for the shark display (an incredibly messy eater.) Basically, I watched my old supervisor wage war against it daily. This experience led me to believe skimmers were overly complicated and I nearly swore off the idea of reefkeeping entirely, what a nightmare!
[However, I now understand that skimmers are only one optional component of a very customizable filtration system. While many reefers believe they're the be-all and end-all of filtration, they are not always a requirement if you're finding alternative methods to promote gas exchange and remove organics!]
With that said, I'm hoping the simple design and quality of this plug&play model will help me turn my skimmer-phobia into skimmer-fun, and maybe even help me learn some mechanical skills along the way.
Eheim 250W Heater - I've seen conflicting advice on cycling biological media with or without a heater. To play it safe, I'm using this temporary heater which will later be stored for emergencies or large water changes. While I'll eventually install the PTC Helio Heating System, I don't need a heavy-duty setup right now since I'll have minimal livestock.
For reference, my home's room temperature is consistently around 21°C / 70°F.
Reef Roids - I honestly don't know anything about this other than it is 'coral food'. It was included for free, how nice!
Brute Trash Can 33g - Happy to have this! I would like to pick up another one, as well as a dolly, to simplify water changes.
If wishes were fishes, I'd create a dedicated water storage and mixing station in the unfinished laundry/maintenance room directly below the tank. It's the perfect spot, with water, electrical, and drain access, making automation of water changes and maintenance a real possibility.
One day, I'll make it happen!
Fluval U4 Underwater Filter - Hear me out, I have a plan.
Since my sump won't be plumbed in immediately, I was curious to find a temporary solution for particulate and organic removal, to help me keep the space squared away between water changes. Eurobracing eliminates hang-on options, and popular sponge filters have mixed reviews regarding them being more useful for biological filtration, and not as ideal for mechanical.
I focused on my needs:
- Rapid removal of the inevitable dust storm that occurs when using dry sand and rock, even after rinsing.
- Remove accumulating waste, food, and other organic debris.
Basically, I just wanted a box of floss suspended in the water column.
The Fluval U4 fit the bill. 3 stage filtration with easy-access cartridges allows for quick filter floss changes, which is my intended use. The submersible design provides aeration, adjustable flow control, and can also be mounted horizontally or vertically. Rated for up to 65 gallons, I believe it will suffice as a glorified filter sock until my sump is ready. Afterwards, it will be cleaned and set aside to be used as a backup quarantine/hospital filter, with the biological media maturing in the sump.
And finally, the thing I'm most thrilled about,
Drum roll..
ATI Powermodule Hybrid 48", 8X54W T5 - 3X75W LED
Finding a Powermodule is a dream come true.
I hadn't planned on investing in lighting so soon, but with the popularity of LEDs, T5 hybrid systems like this are becoming increasingly rare. They are no longer readily available from suppliers and must be special ordered directly from the manufacturer. Knowing this discontinued gem originally cost over $3000, I felt like I'd won the lottery when the previous owner, sadly leaving the hobby, offered me an unbelievable deal. His generosity takes my reefing journey to the next level by opening the door to grow virtually any coral I desire. For that, I'm genuinely grateful.
The Powermodule is a game-changer. The combination of eight powerful T5 bulbs for consistent and even light distribution, and three LED clusters for mesmerizing shimmer, is everything I could ask for. I can't wait to see the vibrant colors and growth under this light.
My husband is helping me mount it securely to the ceiling, starting with a reinforced board attac
hed to the joists.
