My first saltwater tank owned/built. Here we go!

[hdmike444]

So I am finally doing it. Been talking about it for 25 plus years. I ordered my tank which comes in Friday. This is what I’m starting with

Red Sea g2 300xl
bubble magus curve 5
reef mat 500
pro clear 6 gal ATO with auto aqua nano
Red Sea 160 lights
barracuda 5 stage RO/DI system
vectra s2 pump
red sea reef wave 25

since I don’t have the tank yet, I set up my rodi in my basement bar area on slides so I can pull it out for watermarking time or maintenance and slide back in when not in use. I have a 50‘ python cleaner hose set up so I can reach the kitchen sink for cleaning and basement for water changes
im on the fence whether I should buy the Red Sea slide out control panel or build my own.
also have two 7 outlet power strips but they are metal and I’m wondering if I should stick with plastic for corrosion sake.
also wondering where’s a good place to find the mounts for the various controls to the panel.

does anyone have any tips on setup in the cab or any plumbing tips. I’m doing everything my self.

I’m also planning on running three 1/4” lines through the basement to the wall behind the tank so eventually I can have controllers and a true ato system and a water change set up.

can’t wait to get started!!

the pics don’t show the finish tubing set up but you get the idea

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Following along... off to a good start!

 

[Cthulukelele]

Looking good thusfar! Good luck!

 

[mtraylor]

Looks good. I would say if you have space for water storage container....like 40 to 50 gallons say 2. One for fresh and one for salt. I would go for it. Would make your life easier. Your basement looks finished out so not sure you have an area you could use.

 

[hdmike444]

Looks good. I would say if you have space for water storage container....like 40 to 50 gallons say 2. One for fresh and one for salt. I would go for it. Would make your life easier. Your basement looks finished out so not sure you have an area you could use.

I have 2 33 gallon barrels I can definitely keep one in the unfinished area but 2 might be tough, but probably doable

 

[nuxx]

Good luck

 

[mtraylor]

Very nice. Well its something to think about in future and nothing to rush into. I think your total volume is around 80 gallons so water changes shouldnt be too bad when needed. Convenience is Great when doing tank maintenance.

 

[hdmike444]

On a side note do you guys glue/epoxy your rocks or just stack?

 

[mtraylor]

I have did both and I have to say after redoing my display this last time. i prefer gluing. I actually used E-macro and glue to put rocks together just like I wanted them. Chisel them up and make it like you want. You can make anything without the worry of them toppling over. However I did go with minimalist rock work to give fish more room to swim and corals room to spread out. Not to mention. My design I have was for water movement 360degress around the rock work.
So far so good.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Best of luck with your tank!!

 

[hdmike444]

So my tank was supposed to be in today but it’s delayed until Tuesday

so I picked up a bunch of rock and I’m designing my reef.
Any thoughts or suggestions on my first attempt?
I’m honestly pretty happy with how it turned out
Also wondering if I can use real dried sea fan in the tank? Is that ok?

 

[hdmike444]

 

[hdmike444]

Can’t get the video to load
But this is where I think I’m keeping it
What do you think of the brain coral in the corner

 

[mtraylor]

Looking good. Personally. I would not start your aquarium with that dead sea fan in there. As the tank goes through ugly phase etc. the algae is going to be all over that thing and just a mess. If you really like it. Just save it for later to put in there or put in the sump no lights until tank is ready for it. I would just wait to get a real one TBO.

 

[hdmike444]

Wound up going kitty corner in the family room so it will definitely get mor viewing than the other location we planned
At least with the sun direction it won’t be in direct sunlight
Setting up the slide out panel now then the final plumbing and then the fun stuff

 

[hdmike444]

Making progress
Got the cab and tank in place and all plumbed and wired
Now to rinse and start scaping
Wiring is still in need of some fine tuning to neaten it up but so far I’m happy

 

[hdmike444]

Ok water is in and I added my bacteria and first dose of ammonia, let the games begin!

 

[hdmike444]

i learned right away I need to raise my skimmer, so I ordered a base. I also want to get the lights set up on the app. I know they will be off for a while but just wondering what I should be aiming at for general lighting. No corals until I’m stable water wise.
Also how often should I be testing my tank once the cycle has started?

 

[hdmike444]

Day one teat after 24 hours for a benchmark
Any thoughts?

 

[hdmike444]

So here I am a couple months along
Everything is doing great
I have one question, what is picking up sand and dumping it on my rocks shown in a couple pics
Here is what’s in the tank
2 clowns
Blue/green chromis
Midas blenny
Flame hawk
Black cap
Possum fish
Couple small hermits
Couple small snails
Tiger conch
Plus some corals