Let the INSANITY begin - Gabriel’s 650P Nemo & Dory Tank!

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Well as always with me it starts out with the right intentions and a simple plan.

But unfortunately somehow this gets out of control and pretty quick!

A little about me, I have been in the hobby for the past 35 years. Started out with Siamese Fighting fish when I was 4 years old... It’s been chaos since!

When I was 16 I converted my community freshwater tank into a saltwater. That was back in 1988 and continued till 2015 at which time we had our first child, had to take a break from the hobby at that time.

Said when I sold it - I was done, never again...

Rewind to January when I was at my buddy’s sons birthday party and my friend shows my “SON” his 90 gallon tank with a couple clown in it.

Gabriel was in total awe, good old victor asks him if he wants a fish tank..

Gabe replies, Yaaaaaa........

So a well used 18x18x18 gets pulled out of the closet... And madness falls upon our family once more..

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Rob.B. said:
Well as always with me it starts out with the right intentions and a simple plan.

But unfortunately somehow this gets out of control and pretty quick!

A little about me, I have been in the hobby for the past 35 years. Started out with Siamese Fighting fish when I was 4 years old... It’s been chaos since!

When I was 16 I converted my community freshwater tank into a saltwater. That was back in 1988 and continued till 2015 at which time we had our first child, had to take a break from the hobby at that time.

Said when I sold it - I was done, never again...

Rewind to January when I was at my buddy’s sons birthday party and my friend shows my “SON” his 90 gallon tank with a couple clown in it.

Gabriel was in total awe, good old victor asks him if he wants a fish tank..

Gabe replies, Yaaaaaa........

So a well used 18x18x18 gets pulled out of the closet... And madness falls upon our family once more..

So as I stated “Insanity” because that’s what comes over us “Reef Junkies” once we catch the bug..

No I said to myself why am I going to set up an 30 gallon - very unethical.

This poor fish would have no room, we have to show some compassion for these creatures in the captive ecosystem done we?

So the misses said to me, we can do a Nemo & Dory tank.. I’m like sure..

No we all know you can’t put a Tang in a 30’gallon cube don’t we?

So I did some thinking, took the ball and ran with it... As most guys do!

So I made the ethical decision to upgrade to an 80 gallon deep blue frag Tang with Starfire Glass.

It was the right thing to do right? Tangs need room...

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

So the misses was not crazy about the new tank or placement...

She said well if we can move it over here it would look better. I made the suggestion of turning it long ways and running it out from the wall.

She said that looks great, but what that she says? That looks like crap, a woman’s never wrong is she? NEVER!

I aid that the over flow, but I can totally fix that.. She says ok, I’m like you happy with the placement here? She says yes it’s like a small divider...

** Obviously this is where I get the itch **

I see my opening and I’m taking it!

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Did I mention I’m a genius? I don’t think I did but in my mind I’m thinking I’m pretty slick...

I make move!

I talk to my LFS and work out a return and decided to go a little bigger!

It’s all for Nemo & Dory right [emoji6]

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

This kid just loves his clowns, and is soaking up the knowledge for his new tank..

It is his tank! FO REAL!

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

So now that we have established that it’s his tank..

In introduce him into other sea dwelling critters... That are pretty kewl...

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

So now that we have established a story line.. And how quickly things get out of hand in this hobby..

We have to start the base design of the aquarium, and what we plan on keeping.

Nemo & Dory lives on a reef, so reef aquarium it is...

So the exciting time begins, we start to pick up equipment..

No I was pretty excited to pick up a used water change station off a
Local Reefing Forum..

And Also a new RO/DI unit off eBay from a pet store that was going out of business...

And a pre filter to boot off eBay as well..

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Now I’ve got a little time, so I’m hunting for good deals... And trying not to jack up the credit cards..

Was able to snag my MP40’s off this site, and also snagged a Vectra off eBay for NIB

Also found a great deal in a Reef Octopus Reactor. I may try the GFO/Bio Pellets combo...

Was also able to snag a ATI Powercone.. NIB

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

So we finally got the tank home two weeks ago this past Saturday..

And as many of you know heavy tanks can be horses to move..

The ultimate destination was the basement..

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

I though I was being clever....

In the sweet smell of salt and dirty filter socks my senses became dull..

I played right into her hands!

She was playing me the whole time..

“NO TANK TILL THE BASEMENT FLOOR GETS REPLACED”

How could I be so careless and let my guard down..

I didn’t realize this would take sweat equity...

I’m getting old - this about killed me!

Viner87 · May 7, 2018

I love this story, great read!! I also have the 650P and can guarantee you’ll love it [emoji1303]

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Ok so here we are today, she’s finally decided on a floor and it will be installed in 2 weeks..

So the tank will probably go pretty good with the flooring...

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

Viner87 said:
I love this story, great read!! I also have the 650P and can guarantee you’ll love it [emoji1303]

I hope I will too..

I mean Gabriel [emoji12]

Rob.B. · May 7, 2018

First upgrade ... Vivid Aquatics XXL random flow return...

After watching the review from Devin on “Reef Dudes” looks like these work pretty good..

And “ Vivid Aquatics” better throw Devin Rich a bone his review sold this product for you!