My CADE 500 S2/N Build

[gooning2hannari]

Hi everyone!

Excited to start my first build thread. I had a tank before college, but this will be my first “serious” reef since then. The plan is a softie and LPS-focused build that I can enjoy for my last two years here in college. Being in an apartment limited my size choices, but I’ve always wanted to try a CADE — so I went for the 500 S2/N as a little present to myself after getting into grad school.

I saw the new S3 line just dropped for preorder, but didn’t want to wait. The tank is arriving Tuesday, so I’ll update with unboxing pics, aquascape, and cycling progress soon!

Equipment list

• Tank: CADE 500 S2/N
• Skimmer: Curve 5 Elite
• Light: Radion XR15 G6 Blue
• Return: Sicce 1.5
• Powerhead: Vortech MP10
• Filtration: ReefMat Nano

Planned stocking

• Pair of designer clowns (leaning Wyoming White or Black Storm)
• Black cap basslet (Biota)
• Misc. inverts (harlequin shrimp, crabs, pom-poms, etc.)
• Possibly a goby/blenny or mandarin later on

Planned Coral Stocking

• Anemone: Hoping for a nice CSB to pair with the clowns
• Torches: Torch garden centerpiece on the main shelf
• Mushrooms & Zoas: For the lower islands and shaded zones

 

[ndrwater]

Looks like you are off to a great start!! I like the plan! Keep the posts coming!!

 

[Texag0842]

Any updates?

 

[gooning2hannari]

Just a small update, currently day 8 in the cycle, wanted to do a higher more complex rockwork, however messed up with the mortar so keeping it simple and will add some magnetic racks in the future for coral that would benefit.

Did have to replace the return with a syncra silent 2.0, the 1.5 nozzle is too small for Cade's 1inch included hose. Waiting on an ammonia drop will probably update when cycle is completed and start adding livestock