SupraSaltyReefer: Crystal Dynamics Aquarium 90G Lagoon

SupraSaltyReefer

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Finally starting the new tank journal. Got the CDA 90G tank back in January, but have been slowly building the stand and collecting equipment for this project. I wanted to take it slow and customize it to my goals since I haven’t started a new tank from scratch in such a loooong time.

Photo dump of my progress so far. Follow my reef Instagram, SupraSaltyReefer for more pics! Link in signature.

Tank Specs:
Crystal Dynamics Aquarium (CDA) 90G Lagoon
48" x 24" x 18"
Eurobraced
1/2" Starphire glass

Delivery day: 01/12/2021
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SupraSaltyReefer

SupraSaltyReefer

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DIY stand I got from a local reefer. Re-skinned and painted with Rust-oleum appliance epoxy.
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Rust-oleum Appliance Epoxy. Ended up using 6 cans.
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Added Carrera Marble peel and stick vinyl flooring tiles to the bottom of the stand for a nice smooth surface and help with water drops.
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SupraSaltyReefer

SupraSaltyReefer

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Found a good deal on a networking cabinet for $50 so I’ll be using it to store my controller board and electronics. I’ve been told it may rust, but crossing my fingers there’s enough ventilation in the house that it won’t. I can alway get it paint it or get it powder coated later on.

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revhtree

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Sweet tank!!
 
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SupraSaltyReefer

SupraSaltyReefer

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Who needs Shiba to go to the moon when you can have a Shiba go in your aquarium?! She wasn’t too amused. lol
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Took awhile to plan out the plumbing, but turned out pretty decent for my first time with fancy colorful schedule 40 pipes and gray fittings. Did a lot of price comparisons and BRS ended up being the least expensive and had the most variety. Neptunes also carried a lot of schedule 40 pipes and fittings for when I was missing parts and needed them right away.

I ended up going with the Synergy Reef 16” Shadow V2 overflow. I was a bit let down by the flimsy plastic quality but was already committed since I glued the unions and reducer on already. If I could choose another overflow I would have went with Modular Marine, FijiCube or Exotic Marine since they are made with cast acrylic. Also used the single step Oatey Fusion PVC cement to make things easier.

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Plumbed my Innovative Marine 25EXT 24x20x12” to the system with soft tubing so it’s easier to move. This frag tank will be used for frags and anemones.
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SteveMM62Reef

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Hi, I’m doing a CDA 120 Build, from a used Aquarium bought on Facebook. Picked up the Tank and Cabinet in January. Just got Saltwater in it last week.
 
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SupraSaltyReefer

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Wow 9 months and no updates. I’m kinda bad at updating. Lol. Here’s a photo dump of some of my progress.

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Real Tonga branches I’ve been hoarding for this build. Took awhile to balance all the branches to create the long overhang look I was trying to achieve.

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Time to glue and cement it all together. I used BRS’s method with their thick super glue gel, Insta-Set accelerator and mortar mixed with sand. This was my first time building a aquascape. Was easier than I thought. Pretty fun getting your hands dirty and sculpting a piece of art.

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Sand and water time! I used 5 bags of 20lbs CaribSea Arag-Alive Special Grade sand since I prefer the bigger grain size. Also broke in the BRS 5 Stage 150g Water Saved RODI unit. I used Tropic Marine Pro salt initially, but have since switched to Red Sea Pro.

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Check out my mobile RODI unit. Lol

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Finally full after 3 days!

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Mounted my 48” AquaticLife White T5 Hybrid fixture with their stand mounts. T5 bulbs combo are 2x CoralPlus and 2x BluePlus. Also added two Radion XR15 G5 Pro for more color pop and PAR.

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Added 2x MP40QD for flow. Now it’s the waiting game for the tank to cycle. I used a bottle of Brightwell MicroBacter7 to speed up the process.

To be continued….
 

Mastering the art of locking and unlocking water pathways: What type of valves do you have on your aquarium plumbing?

  • Ball valves.

    Votes: 47 48.0%
  • Gate valves.

    Votes: 52 53.1%
  • Check valves.

    Votes: 22 22.4%
  • None.

    Votes: 26 26.5%
  • Other.

    Votes: 9 9.2%
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