Hi there! I'm Brad and I'm salty. I started my saltwater addiction a bit ago with a 2 gallon pico, then moved to a 20 long and I'm currently running a 40 breeder with the previous 20 long as a sump. I've been fighting off the itch for a 300 for some time simply because of the setup costs. So when a local guy had a 150 up for free because of a broken bottom pane, I had to jump at the chance.
First thing's first - A huge thanks to my MTRC and TSRC folks. The shared knowledge from local groups is positively invaluable.
That said, let's get started:
The Tank
There's some work to be done, but I'm a DIY kinda guy so I'm looking forward to it. First step is to strip off the bottom frame and remove the broken pane. I got a quote from GlassCages on a pane of 1/2 inch replacement so I'll be picking it up soon. For what it's worth, GlassCages (local to me) was far and away cheaper than anyone else. I'll be using the AGA silicone just for safety's sake as, from my understanding, it has better bonding properties than standard silicone. It's a negligible price difference, so I'll err on the side of caution.
The tank is drilled with 3 1.5 inch holes in the back. The previous setup was dual drain, coast-to-coast overflow with the center as a return. I'll be changing that over to a BeanAnimal setup then drilling two 3/4-inch returns. I'm torn as to the return setup. Part of me wants to build a new C2C using glass (the current setup uses plexi, with the 3/4 return drilled through it) and run the 3/4 return over the top of it. But the other side of me wants to run a long center overflow with the returns in the corners. I'll likely go the 2nd route rather than having the Loc-Line ramping up above the overflow.
The Stand
The previous owner has a rolled steel stand available for next to nothing. I like this idea a lot, but I also like the idea of building a bigger stand to allow for equipment. The steel stand is the 48x24 dimensions of the tank, which doesn't leave a lot of room for reactors, the ATO reservoir, etc. I'm tossing up the idea of simply building two small additions to the stand on the left and right sides but at that point I could just as easily build the single-piece stand that I want.
Equipment
SPS dominant, LPS present. I've also wanted a clam for a while, so that will help to dictate the lighting decision. I'm also planning on a carpet anemone in addition to my current RBTA.
Current stock is very light, and will probably only be moderate in the 150. Single clownfish, single firefish, mandarin, 3 chromis. I do know that I want to add a kole tang and a foxface. Beyond that I'm undecided.
Current Projects
First thing's first - I'm moving my RODI to the garage and setting up a water station. After that, it's on to replacing the bottom pane of the 150. This is going to be fun
First thing's first - A huge thanks to my MTRC and TSRC folks. The shared knowledge from local groups is positively invaluable.
That said, let's get started:
The Tank
There's some work to be done, but I'm a DIY kinda guy so I'm looking forward to it. First step is to strip off the bottom frame and remove the broken pane. I got a quote from GlassCages on a pane of 1/2 inch replacement so I'll be picking it up soon. For what it's worth, GlassCages (local to me) was far and away cheaper than anyone else. I'll be using the AGA silicone just for safety's sake as, from my understanding, it has better bonding properties than standard silicone. It's a negligible price difference, so I'll err on the side of caution.
The tank is drilled with 3 1.5 inch holes in the back. The previous setup was dual drain, coast-to-coast overflow with the center as a return. I'll be changing that over to a BeanAnimal setup then drilling two 3/4-inch returns. I'm torn as to the return setup. Part of me wants to build a new C2C using glass (the current setup uses plexi, with the 3/4 return drilled through it) and run the 3/4 return over the top of it. But the other side of me wants to run a long center overflow with the returns in the corners. I'll likely go the 2nd route rather than having the Loc-Line ramping up above the overflow.
The Stand
The previous owner has a rolled steel stand available for next to nothing. I like this idea a lot, but I also like the idea of building a bigger stand to allow for equipment. The steel stand is the 48x24 dimensions of the tank, which doesn't leave a lot of room for reactors, the ATO reservoir, etc. I'm tossing up the idea of simply building two small additions to the stand on the left and right sides but at that point I could just as easily build the single-piece stand that I want.
Equipment
- Return Pump: Jebao DC12000, to a manifold which will drive my reactor and some flow to the refugium.
- Powerheads: Likely MP40, but I'm holding my breath that the Maxspect Riptide will be out before I'm ready to get this thing wet.
- Skimmer: Eshopps S200. I'm running this now. With the stock that I'm planning, I think it will be fine on the 150
- Heat: 2x Jager 150w
- Reactor: Synergy SMR-2500 running Ecobak biopellets (bottom plate removed to assist with better tumble)
- ATO: Presently autotopoff.com float switch, but will likely move over to a Tunze Osmolator soon.
- Lighting: Completely undecided. I'm a T5 fan but I also can't deny what I've seen from Kessil and Radion LEDs. I won't be running MHL due to heat and electric costs. What I do know is that I want something that can be controlled via an Apex.
- Sump: Undecided. Considering picking up a used acrylic, but the 30 inch length means it's smaller than I want. I might modify a 40 breeder instead.
SPS dominant, LPS present. I've also wanted a clam for a while, so that will help to dictate the lighting decision. I'm also planning on a carpet anemone in addition to my current RBTA.
Current stock is very light, and will probably only be moderate in the 150. Single clownfish, single firefish, mandarin, 3 chromis. I do know that I want to add a kole tang and a foxface. Beyond that I'm undecided.
Current Projects
First thing's first - I'm moving my RODI to the garage and setting up a water station. After that, it's on to replacing the bottom pane of the 150. This is going to be fun
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