NEW BUILD IN PLANNING STAGES...TIME FOR ANOTHER JOURNEY DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

Michael71

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I started this obsession with aquatic enviroments in 1981 at the age of 10 and have had some sort of aquarium running ever since. I blame my uncle for it. I would curl up and sleep below is 100gl freshwater L that fascinated me every time we visited and as good parents do, they supported my addiction at a young age. At 16 i learned a hard lesson when i decided to convert to a FOWLER and as most 16yo do, thought i new it all, ignored the advice from my lfs and after 9months lost close to $500 in livestock. Fast forward 20 years and the bug bit me again only this time it was a reef tank. Much wiser and humble i put 6 months into reading and researching...joined a club based out of Atlanta and took the plunge...bought a used Solana, scrapped all but the tank and stand and went to town refitting it with what i had learned. After a year i ended up with this.

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Michael71

Michael71

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Tank stats as follows:

30 gallon Solana
250w metal hailde sunpod with phoenix 14k bulb
AquaC Remora HOB skimmer
Two little fishies phosphate reactor
Sicce Return Pump
2x Koralia Power Head
4 stage RODI Unit
H20cean Reef Salt
No dosing, just weekly water changes

Unfortunately life changed work had me on the road and this little tank went to reef heaven while i was away. Tried a brief ressurection about 5 year later but unfortunately reef tank and 240 year old farmhouse just did not work well together. Fast forward another 10 years and i am now planning again. With a pending relocation to the Carolinas and a much updated home its time for my final build. Next post will list the start of the equipment i am considering...experience with the tank manufacturers and equipment both good and bad are welcome.
 
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Michael71

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The tanks...before joining this club i thought i had it figured out...Red Sea all the way...but after reading here and reviews unfortunately not for me so i am looking at 3 options. I definitely want a rimlees cube again or as close as possible. Love the 3 sided viewing

Innovative marine 112 ext
Cade Reef 900S2
Glass Cages Custom 90 cube

Lighting

Kessel A500x Tuna Blue
2x AI Hydra 32
Red Sea REEF LED 160

I have to be honest, Kessel is my hands down favorite right now. They seem to have mastered the shimmer given off by Metal Halides.

Skimmer - If i could find one, in good shape, i would jump all over one of Cobalt Aquatics remake of the Aqua C EV-180. The injection spray technology was so easy to maintain and tune in with my little Remora and the EV180 was a workhorse...alas discontinued again. So here are the 2 i am leaning towards.

Reef Octopus Regal 150SSS Space Saver
Bubble Magus Curve 7 Elite

This decision will effect my sump choices. If I go with the curve 7. It will need to be a custom sump as i am having a hard time finding what i want with a 9.5 to 11" water level in the skimmer chamber. If i go with the Reef Octopus, option open up. I need space for a fleece roller, skimmer, fuge, return and maybe a built in ATO reservoir but that last isnt a need to have.

More planning to do... on a last note, if anyone know any good literature that is recent on reef keeping both sciences and livestock, please recommend so far all i am finding that really looks good is Julian Sprungs 3 Volume Series.
 

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