The Unskilled Reef Build

Unskilled Reefer · Apr 5, 2019

So far so good with the new tank. Everything has been coming together and running smoothly.

I have lots to update but it will take me some time to put things together to post. To start here are some updated pics of my fuge and macro algae.

I have my fuge divided into 4 sections and have been testing the light with a few different macro algaes. Front is two different Chaetomorpha, back right is Dragon’s Breath and back left is Grape Caulerpa.

Here are some pics up close in natural light.

More info on fuge and light can be found here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/new-ai-prime-fuge-hd-light.541501/

Unskilled Reefer · Apr 26, 2019

For lights I ended up going with 3 AI Hydra 26. Value for the cost and the control via the app were my deciding factors.

High ICP · Apr 26, 2019

I like the sump

You have plenty of room to put an automatic toilet paper roller in there

Good silicone job

Unskilled Reefer · May 20, 2019

I’m a little out of order here but I want to make sure to include everything. Here are some pics from the initial tank fill up.

I just used the sump to mix the initial saltwater. I ran the output hose straight from my rodi to the sump (blue hose) and just dumped in the salt in. Every so often I would just turn on the return pump for a few seconds to fill the display tank when things got full in the sump.

More tank fill up pics.

Unskilled Reefer · May 21, 2019

I decided on the hanging bar mount.

Eventually I want to run the power up through the ceiling. For now draped over the back is fine, haha!

For now I just mounted two lights. They stay off during the tank cycle anyway.

Dr. Dendrostein · May 21, 2019

Unskilled Reefer said:
So after a lot of manual labor I finally have some progress on the new tank project. Part of this was due to needing to refinish my basement prior to getting the tank going. I still need to deal with getting the floor done but I have it far enough that I have been able to spend some time on the tank stand.

Here is the new home for the soon-to-be fish room.

And here is the stand I built for the DT. It still needs finish work done but I haven’t decided what I want to do yet. Figured this is good enough for now to at least do my build setup and testing on.

I went with the pink foam to help with and micro leveling and to eliminate any chance of pressure points on the wood below.

And here is the DT on its stand.

Awsome basement, more room than what I got. I like. Thanks for sharing, comrade
Tank setup nice too

Unskilled Reefer · May 24, 2019

I put together a simple storage container for my RODI System. It’s nothing fancy but serves its purpose.

I picked up a 2 heavy duty plastic bins with lids at my local big box store. One for rodi water and one for saltwater. The heavy duty thicker plastic helps it keep shape with the heated saltwater bin.