Planet Aquarium Reef Tank 94 Gallon Matrix

[BBGoby]

Well,
After a 30-year hiatus from fishkeeping, I am trying my hand at another reef tank. What started in high school as a 10g with fresh water, moving to cichlids, then salt, then a little live rock, and some leathers has evolved into this tank for my office. After months of looking online at Red Sea, Waterbox, and Cade, I ended up pulling the trigger on a Planet Aquarium Matrix 94g. I am embarrassed to say that the center of my focus was to use a roller mat, specifically the Red Sea model. The second item I was focused on was a solid stand preferably metal but as costs mounted I had to cross off the CADE and WB Infinia. I also have some space limitations in the office so the dimensions of the Planet tank were a good fit for me. Unfortunately, the stand that I ordered was not in stock so now I get to wait for a couple of weeks before I can get things up in running.

Here is what I have for the build so far:

94G Planet Tank 48.5"x18.5"x25"
36" White Stand
29g Tank for Sump with baffles purchased on ebay to configure as I see fit and save some $
Red Sea Reefmat 500
Reef Octopus Skimmer Regal 150SSS
Apex Controler
Lights: NooPsyche K7 PRO III V3 x 2 Total gamble here but it was cost-effective and I can always switch if they don't work like I hope they will
Vortec MP40 x 2
Return: Vectra S2 & Battery Back Up
Adaptive reef Controller Board
80lbs of Aquaforest Synthetic Rock

I am looking forward to putting together the aquascape with the Aquaforest Rock and I love the idea that the tank will be right next to my work desk. Technology has changed so much and much of the excitement has been walking through all the new options. As a diver and a family of divers, I am excited for the journey ahead and hope to enjoy the tank with my family as well. Hopefully, I will be able to provide a space where my tank's inhabitants can thrive.

More to follow

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Well,
After a 30-year hiatus from fishkeeping, I am trying my hand at another reef tank. What started in high school as a 10g with fresh water, moving to cichlids, then salt, then a little live rock, and some leathers has evolved into this tank for my office. After months of looking online at Red Sea, Waterbox, and Cade, I ended up pulling the trigger on a Planet Aquarium Matrix 94g. I am embarrassed to say that the center of my focus was to use a roller mat, specifically the Red Sea model. The second item I was focused on was a solid stand preferably metal but as costs mounted I had to cross off the CADE and WB Infinia. I also have some space limitations in the office so the dimensions of the Planet tank were a good fit for me. Unfortunately, the stand that I ordered was not in stock so now I get to wait for a couple of weeks before I can get things up in running.

Here is what I have for the build so far:

94G Planet Tank 48.5"x18.5"x25"
36" White Stand
29g Tank for Sump with baffles purchased on ebay to configure as I see fit and save some $
Red Sea Reefmat 500
Reef Octopus Skimmer Regal 150SSS
Apex Controler
Lights: NooPsyche K7 PRO III V3 x 2 Total gamble here but it was cost-effective and I can always switch if they don't work like I hope they will
Vortec MP40 x 2
Return: Vectra S2 & Battery Back Up
Adaptive reef Controller Board
80lbs of Aquaforest Synthetic Rock

I am looking forward to putting together the aquascape with the Aquaforest Rock and I love the idea that the tank will be right next to my work desk. Technology has changed so much and much of the excitement has been walking through all the new options. As a diver and a family of divers, I am excited for the journey ahead and hope to enjoy the tank with my family as well. Hopefully, I will be able to provide a space where my tank's inhabitants can thrive.

More to follow

Congratulations! Looking forward to reading updates

 

[Susan Edwards]

Nice! Can't wait to see what you do

 

[ChiReefGuy3]

I just ordered the same tank! Can’t wait to see your setup!

 

[BBGoby]

I just ordered the same tank! Can’t wait to see your setup!

Almost there, the stand is holding everything up. However, it is probably a good thing as I have been changing my mind throughout this process.

 

[BBGoby]

The stand came today and I got the Noo-psyche lights up. Will start the plumbing and undercabinet lighting over the weekend.

 

[dstockwell]

Welcome to the Reef

nice setup

 

[BBGoby]

Welcome to the Reef

nice setup

Thank you!

 

[BBGoby]

So just a quick update, not so good at this. Got the tank leveled, plumbing done, most of the control board, and some storage solutions, and getting ready to start the aquascape. I have some cable management to do in the sump today but then I can move on to the rockwork project in the garage. Have a station set up and I am a little apprehensive about starting it as I think it will take the weekend....

 

[dstockwell]

Where did the piece's with shelves hanging off it come from?

 

[BBGoby]

Where did the piece's with shelves hanging off it come from?

Ikea

SKÅDIS Pegboard, white - IKEA

SKÅDIS Pegboard, white. Great next to your carpenter’s bench but serves just as well in the bathroom, entrance or office, keeping smaller items close at hand. Add SKÅDIS accessories to create the best storage for your needs.

www.ikea.com

 

[dschuffert]

Welcome, that is a great-looking setup! I look forward to seeing how it progresses.

 

[BBGoby]

Well, it has been fun so far but also nerve racking. The aqua forest rock 40 lb boxes are limited in that they are mostly flat shelf pieces but I think you can just break them and make what you want. Starting to get the hang of it now.

 

[BBGoby]

And done, I think. Going to put the sand in and cycle in the upcoming days.

 

[BBGoby]

Forgot about the euro bracing and started to panic that I wouldn’t be able to fit the rock work in. Starting to come together.

 

[Schweezy]

Is that stand from Planet too? How do you like the construction?

 

[BBGoby]

Yep, I am a fan so far. Solid wood and I like the wrap around ledge in the front/sides but I do think it will be a bit annoying to try and keep water from spilling between it and the tank. Been vigilant about putting a rag between the two when I do maintenance.

 

[dracogrey]

So just a quick update, not so good at this. Got the tank leveled, plumbing done, most of the control board, and some storage solutions, and getting ready to start the aquascape. I have some cable management to do in the sump today but then I can move on to the rockwork project in the garage. Have a station set up and I am a little apprehensive about starting it as I think it will take the weekend....

That is gorgeous. Love the scape and your organizational skills are on point! Where did you find the tech board for your side setup?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Tank looks really good so far, love the scape design!

 

[BBGoby]

That is gorgeous. Love the scape and your organizational skills are on point! Where did you find the tech board for your side setup?

Thank you, I am due for an update and will post some pics of the current livestock and my gsp frags I put on the overflow box. For the gear on the right side, I bit the bullet and purchased the adaptive reef board. I recommend purchasing the hinge kit as it makes adjustments much easier than pulling the unit off the wall. For the inside, I added some ikea peg board mounts. Also purchased a 20g ato reservoir which has been great! I can go close to 4 weeks without needing to refill.