Mon Cala 2.0

ultraArcite · May 13, 2025

The Story

We "recently" moved across the state and it has been a nightmare moving my old tank. Closing on our new home got delayed after I had already purchased the new tank, SaltwaterAqarium.com was flexible and their customer service continues to be amazing, but long story short, I couldn't inspect the tank when it arrived. Even though they didn't disclose any water intrusion, the room that was going to house the new tank had some water intrusion

After 7 months, 4 contractors, and tens of thousands of dollars spent, we managed to fix all the issues. I had some friends and family help us move the tank from the garage to the recently fixed room, and when we opened it, the tank was shattered. I contacted Nyos and SaltwaterAqarium.com and they both told me to reach out to Bulk Reef Supply. After multiple attempts, I have received no answer from BRS. So I ran to Petco and got a 75-gallon tank as a replacement, surprise it leaked... They replaced it for free. After some DIY plumbing, I was able to use the original NYOS sump and stand.

The Tank

I'm using a lot of the same equipment and same fish from the previous tank, but I did get some new toys.

Fish

1x Banggai Cardinalfish
Bonded-pair of Percula Clownfish

Coral

JF Sweet Tooth Montipora Cap Coral
CB The Thing Anacropora Coral
TSA Green Pocillopora Coral
TSA Dragon Soul Favia Coral
TSA Green Birdsnest Coral
Biota White Polyp Toadstool
Some random zoas

Equipment

3x AI Hydra 32
XF 350 Gyre
EShopps PF-1000 Dual Overflow Box
Octo Varios-6
Hydros Automation System

ultraArcite · May 13, 2025

I saved a bunch of money purchasing a custom lid by 3D-printing my own with clear PETG.

Gumbies R Us · May 14, 2025

ultraArcite said:
I saved a bunch of money purchasing a custom lid by 3D-printing my own with clear PETG.

I love the way that lid looks!

ultraArcite · May 27, 2025

I've been struggling with keeping the siphon going on one of the U-Tubes of the Eshopps overflow box. I haven't had an issue with both going out at the same time, but I'm not sure I trust it at this point...

I've also setup the carbon reactor and ReefMat and I have to say that the ReefMat is a huge improvement over filter socks. It does seem to cause a smell in the sump though...

The tank seems to be going through its ugly phase, but the coral is thriving compared to the old tank. I need to work on getting the white balance correct since the FTS is still a little blue, but I'm getting there.