Return to the hobby- New Reefer 170 - 34 gallon build

[danny325is]

Hello All!.

I have been away from this hobby for more than 20 years. I used to have a 70+ gallon fish only tank.
I have been playing with the idea of getting back in to the hobby for a some time, I wasn't ready yet, but another member posted a deal that I thought I couldn't pass up.

My goal is really a lower maintenance soft coral tank, who are we kidding, after a while I am gonna have 3 tanks spread around my house doing all kinds of different things.

Here is what I have:
Redsea Reefer 170
Ecotech Radion xr30 pro gen 4
Varios 4 return pump
Nyos 120 skimmer
Innovative marine ato reservoir , but I am pretty sure I am going to plumb in my R.O. water line.


Running a leak test (and there was) and learning these new to me lights.

 

[danny325is]

Starting to plan the Aquascape

 

[danny325is]

Here is my first draft.

 

[danny325is]

New Apex systems and ATK system installed on a board.
still have allot of wiring clean up to do.

Tank starting to cycle now.

 

[tanstrobels]

Aquascape looks good!

 

[danny325is]

Finally out of Quarantine

 

[astiesi]

Looks good! Any additional updates to share?

I'm getting back into the hobby after 5+ years away myself and I believe I'll end up with the Reefer 170 as well, as the footprint fits nicely where I'd like to put it. If you have any opinions on the lights/skimmer/etc for this size tank please share. Also, what are you using for flow?

 

[puckett26]

I really like that aquascape. Nice job.

 

[danny325is]

Looks good! Any additional updates to share?

I'm getting back into the hobby after 5+ years away myself and I believe I'll end up with the Reefer 170 as well, as the footprint fits nicely where I'd like to put it. If you have any opinions on the lights/skimmer/etc for this size tank please share. Also, what are you using for flow?

I like all the stuff I have. I feel the APEX, an ATO, and a refugium are the best investment if you want to do as little maintenance as possible.

I did the red sea reef mature startup and shortly after added a refugium to the sump and I never went thru the ugly phase.
My Nitrates and PO are near zero I over feed just to keep them not at 0

I did loose a Wrasse to infection/flukes with in 10 days of adding him to the tank.

 

[danny325is]

I only do water changes because they say it is good practice. My numbers looks good. I throw some carbon in the sump to keep the water clear. I went on vacation recently for 2 weeks the tank ran untouched for 14 days. the glass was pretty slimy, but other than that it was fine.

 

[astiesi]

I like all the stuff I have. I feel the APEX, an ATO, and a refugium are the best investment if you want to do as little maintenance as possible.

I did the red sea reef mature startup and shortly after added a refugium to the sump and I never went thru the ugly phase.
My Nitrates and PO are near zero I over feed just to keep them not at 0

I did loose a Wrasse to infection/flukes with in 10 days of adding him to the tank.

Didn't think the sump was big enough for a refugium sized/configured in a way that would be effective, really cool to see that is not the case.

 

[danny325is]

Just Some Growth Shots