new 120 ltr build after a break

[nealio992000]

After a break from marine, I have returned to rekindle the love for all salty things.

Previously I had a heavy DIY 350 ltr tank which unfortunately became a burden at the current time of my life, (young kids, work pressures and moving home) and I was sad to see it leave. I decided a break was needed before returning with a smaller tank which hopefully allows for less heavy maintenance regimes and more enjoyment.

I settled on a small cheap tank in the form of aquaone minreef 120, some may sneer but I had really good success with the aqauone range as my first tank and its simple but with flexibility for customising. I'm glad it doesn't come with the horrible skimmer it used to and plan for a roller mat to replace the need for a skimmer anyway (really impressed with my old roller mat)

I'm going for a lower flow euphilia, zoa and mushroom tank this time round with a few small nano type fish. I will be using equipment ive enjoyed and found reliable in the past.

current equipment is:
TMC return pump 1000
Turbelle nanostream 6015
D and D heater and controller
Stock light mariglo? comes with the set up- not a highly flexible light but actually found grows LPS and softies really well in first tank, I do want to replace this with a hydra when possible but no rush.

I want a roller mat directly plumbed into outflow, mightily impressed with the last one and found a skimmer was obsolete after I plumbed in the roller mat.

Method is Marco rock dry start with dry sand , food and bacteria added. Ive found this method good before and allows time for me to get some much needed supplies as the cycle takes its time. I will provide updates as and when I can and wish me luck

 

[Peace River]

Welcome back!!! It looks like you are off to a good start - congratulations on the new build!

 

[chk4tix]

Looks good

 

[nealio992000]

cycle completed, nitrates have remained relatively low at around 5, goldstreak blenny added after a month and now 3 weeks after a pair of clowns. Conch and some trochus snails are helping with the ugly stuff. I purchased a small candy cane to begin with to gauge water quality over the coming weeks and may invest in some zoas next month. I'll be keeping a close eye on nitrate and phosphate levels before I do

 

[nealio992000]

the blenny seemed abit lonely before the clowns arrived, he seemed to be trying to throw himself in front of the conch to end his loneliness

 

[nealio992000]

sorry for the long break, it's been a battle. Cyano and bacteria bloom took over the tank. Slowly but surely its back on track. Tried a few chemicals and water changes but the cyano would creep back. I added 6 bags of copepods and the little workers seem to be doing a good job. I've got some snails due this month and another fish, hopefully this will kick the tank back into some stability. fingers crossed

 

[Gumbies R Us]

sorry for the long break, it's been a battle. Cyano and bacteria bloom took over the tank. Slowly but surely its back on track. Tried a few chemicals and water changes but the cyano would creep back. I added 6 bags of copepods and the little workers seem to be doing a good job. I've got some snails due this month and another fish, hopefully this will kick the tank back into some stability. fingers crossed

Best of luck to you!

 

[nealio992000]

finally kicked cyanos butt. clowns are doing well, alongside some zoas which are growing well. I seem to have found a good healthy balance now. Copepods everywhere and clean up crew enjoying life. Tank was going to be euphilia, zoa and mushroom dominant and will continue to be. As the zoas are growing well ill be adding some more over the next few months to get some coverage

 

[nealio992000]

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