My First Build. 200 gal. Acrylic tank. Here we go.

[Texas Reefer]

Hi! Awesome build! I recommend doing a large water change in the rock barrels. If one barrel contained only dry rock, put some of the live rock in with the dry rock. If any rock has hairy alage on it , cover that barrel. Keep out any light and the algae will eventually die off.
In regards to the two sumps maybe drill holes and use bulkheads and connect them with pvc?
The stand should match your beautiful new bookshelves.
And... Congratulations on the Apex! I've yet been able to pull that trigger.

 

[PaPaX6]

Hi! Awesome build! I recommend doing a large water change in the rock barrels. If one barrel contained only dry rock, put some of the live rock in with the dry rock. If any rock has hairy alage on it , cover that barrel. Keep out any light and the algae will eventually die off.
In regards to the two sumps maybe drill holes and use bulkheads and connect them with pvc?
The stand should match your beautiful new bookshelves.
And... Congratulations on the Apex! I've yet been able to pull that trigger.

I am thinking two bulk heads one low for flow and a second high for emergency overflow.
The stand will match the entertainment center. The tank will be setting next to a staircase. I plan to use the walk in closet under the stairs to house the sumps and equipment for the tank.
The Apex was a big decision but I think I can build around the equipment that will work with it.
The rock was mostly live when I got it. It’s been in two barrels and covered most of the time. It smelled bad for about a week or so but now there is really no smell. So you suggest a big water change on them. I will do that then. I would like them to be as clean and live as possible when the tank is ready to fill.
Thanks for looking and for the advice.
William

 

[PaPaX6]

This is my rock that I have been curing for about a month. Tested Ammonia and it said O, I think I did it right.
My question is the green on the rocks. Is it algae? It is not on all the rocks. How do I make it go away?
Thanks

 

[PaPaX6]

Tank is buffed out. Now to build the stand.

 

[Texas Reefer]

This is my rock that I have been curing for about a month. Tested Ammonia and it said O, I think I did it right.
My question is the green on the rocks. Is it algae? It is not on all the rocks. How do I make it go away?
Thanks

I'm not sure what the green on the rocks is. You could try bleach, but that would kill all living things on the rock. You said the bucket has been covered? If you keep it covered longer green algae will eventually die. And I mean all light needs to be doused. Wrap the bucket in a trash bag. Or two.

 

[PaPaX6]

I'm not sure what the green on the rocks is. You could try bleach, but that would kill all living things on the rock. You said the bucket has been covered? If you keep it covered longer green algae will eventually die. And I mean all light needs to be doused. Wrap the bucket in a trash bag. Or two.

I will give it a try. Thanks.

 

[PaPaX6]

 

[PaPaX6]

While doing a water change on my rock I found some stuff. Did not know what it was. Found out it is a type of coral. Placed this rock in a 10 gallon tank with light and heater. Free coral I guess

 

[PaPaX6]

Also bought a Reef Octopus 150. Used but good

 

[PaPaX6]

 

[PaPaX6]

This one blew my mind. I thought OMG. What is this.....

 

[PaPaX6]

This what I see at 530 this morning.

 

[Aaron Hobaugh]

Look like free zoas to me!!

 

[PaPaX6]

Look like free zoas to me!!

Looks like it. When I first seen them I thought there were worms growing out of my rock.
Sure glad they’re great people out there willing to help you.

 

[Texas Reefer]

This what I see at 530 this morning.

Zoas can take over the rockwork quicker than you think. Make sure it's a zoa you realllllllly like before you glue your rocks down. Also, make sure they're not death palys.

 

[PaPaX6]

Zoas can take over the rockwork quicker than you think. Make sure it's a zoa you realllllllly like before you glue your rocks down. Also, make sure they're not death palys.

I know nothing of coral yet learning fast. Lol
I guess you can tell when they open up.

 

[PaPaX6]

Started building the stand as I watch BRS...

 

[ncaldwell]

The purple mat of coral looks like green star polyps. Very invasive on rocks, I wouldnt glue that one down, maybe put it in the sand by itself

 

[PaPaX6]

The purple mat of coral looks like green star polyps. Very invasive on rocks, I wouldnt glue that one down, maybe put it in the sand by itself

That is the plan after everyone helped me to understand. Right now it is in a ten gallon and the are starting to grow. Awesome

 

[PaPaX6]

The upper right rock Is it a rock or some kind of dead coral. Is this concrete Is this concrete