Simple but already over budget 40 gallon apartment reef ;)

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

New build thread:

Build Thread - Red Sea Reefer 350 Build

Jeez, this is like my 4th build thread in 2 years. I've moved twice and hopefully will be settled down for a while at my new place so no more tank purchases and transfers! The tank is a RSR 350. Equipment: RSR 350 150 SSS Skimmer Simplicity return pump Aquatop 400w titanium heater w/ probe...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[mmw64]

Got the tank up and running after a lot of trouble. The original tank I purchased had warped trim, making one end of the frame not completely touch the stand (even when filled). The store I purchased from accepted the return, but not without the guy going "I've never seen one of these fail, ever" -- that stuff just makes my blood boil. Like, how would you know? And also have you been on the internet where people actually report this stuff? He then went on to say "I guarantee you all these tanks are like that" -- yeah right! I brought my 4' level and went through two tanks before I found one I felt safe with. When I returned the warped tank he asked for the warranty card. I threw it out. Thinking about that on the way home, I realized he asked because he was probably planning on selling that tank. Man that grinds my gears! Also my aquafuge came broken but that was a blessing in disguise as I found the Aquamaxx version which looks significantly better so now that's hanging off the tank

Getting the tank set up was a pain as a one man job. I bought six buckets and mixed them each individually (took hours lol), then pumped the water into the tank, etc. My impatience at this point was flaring up as I had planned to have the tank setup long ago before the setbacks. All good.

Oh yeah, I decided to plasti dip the tank and left side black to look nice (and help with ambient light), and I also went through with my plan to cut the canopy and rest the fixture on top. It looks pretty good, but definitely was a hack job on my part.

Pics!
Poor UPS guy. 40lbs sand, 40 lbs dry rock + a ton of equipment.
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

RODI station (need to clean it up and get it looking nice). The Y with valves is nice for apartment life where I don't want to modify anything.
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Painting the back and side
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Test fitting the Aquamaxx HOB fuge
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Before filling
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Filled!
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Time for a beer (edit I realize I took this pic earlier... must have had two beers today lol)
Untitled by Andrew English, on Flickr

Cute dog

 

[i_declare_bankruptcy]

Cute dog

Thanks! He will be mentioned more in the new build thread too ^^^