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- Dec 7, 2017
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So I have commenced the build of two new tanks. The idea is to have one tank focused on SPS and the other on large fish such as tangs and Angelfish. The first is in place and cycling - a 420G FOWLR that as the name suggests will be fish only. The concepts for both tanks is to keep it simple and clean. I have used automation for both build designs but where possible kept it simple and not tried to over complicate it. I love technology but have found that there is a limit to the benefit of some tech in aquariums so I have resisted going all out. The aim is to only use technology that will stabilise and simplify the key aspects of this hobby. Don’t get me wrong I have got a KH Guardian to control alk in the reef tank and a Reefbot to provide improved monitoring of key parameters. I will also be utilising dosing to ensure the coral tank gets the supplements required as it grows. I am even going to utilise a refrigerated DIY setup to dose some products that require refrigeration.
Both tanks are glass build with 2 inch steel stands. This makes them heavy but much more resistant to scratching (plus in Australia this is the most common build method).
One extra thing I have done this time is to backup the circuits for the two tanks through my solar system. I have a largish LG solar battery that will power them if I get a blackout. This doesn’t happen often where I live and usually only lasts less than a few hours but it gives me some security.
So the FOWLR is in place and now cycling.The filtration is based on a large sump with a Royal Exclusiv Bubble King 250 skimmer, carbon reactor and algae reactor. It also has a Clarisea filter roll unit to help keep the water clean - I do have capacity to install filter socks at times but they wont be used continuously. I have used bio-blocks to compliment the rock in the display (which is CaribSea Life Rock) to keep it open for fish but maintain good levels of biological media. The controller is an Aquatronica which I have used now for the past 10 years. This controls the basis and monitors important things such as pH, sump levels, skimmate levels, and ATO reservoir levels. I also monitor temperature and regulate with a chiller or heater as required (mainly chiller here in Australia as summer where I live doesn’t get very cold). The tank has about 15,000G of water movement with in tank wave makers.
Lighting is currently an ATi Powermodule Hybrid but will be replaced with basic LEDs as I dont need to worry about coral growth just visual appeal and I dont need to draw so much power to achieve the look with LEDs.
My fish list is as follows:
Emperor Angel
Majestic Angel
Blue face Angel
Queen Angel
Scribbled Angel
French Angel
Gold flake Angel
Asfur Angel
Blue Ring Angel
Powder Blue Tang
Blonde Naso Tang
Orange Shoulder Tang
Dussumeri Tang
Lieutenant Tang
Achilles Tang
Niger Triggerfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Pear scale Butterfly
I would really like peoples opinions on this list. The plan is to build up the tank 4-5 fish at a time. Each batch will go through TTM and then sit in QT for a further month to ensure they are feeding and no other issues show up. I have already sourced a cabinet full of medication to cover any eventuality based on what I have read through the forum and learnt over the years.
The aim for this tank is to achieve a visual active looking tank with lots of movement dominated by larger fish than I have been able to keep with corals in the past.
FOWLR tank prior to getting water
Drop off coral tank - currently being built.
The drop off tank will use a large KZ Deluxe Skimmer with a carbon reactor. I am not sure what additional filtration I will need as I plan only have a single tang in this tank and a school of Azure Damsels. I will also run a calcium reactor to manage Ca and some Mg. As above this tank will also run the KH Guardian and Reefbot. It will also have an Aquatronica unit (this one will be the touch model). I will show more once I have the tank in place and together.
I will post some more pictures when I get home (I am away for work right now) and will try to maintain this tank journal as best I can. I will also get some photos of my QT setup as well. I would love feedback and comments especially on the fish list.
Thanks and welcome along on my new fish tank journey.
Both tanks are glass build with 2 inch steel stands. This makes them heavy but much more resistant to scratching (plus in Australia this is the most common build method).
One extra thing I have done this time is to backup the circuits for the two tanks through my solar system. I have a largish LG solar battery that will power them if I get a blackout. This doesn’t happen often where I live and usually only lasts less than a few hours but it gives me some security.
So the FOWLR is in place and now cycling.The filtration is based on a large sump with a Royal Exclusiv Bubble King 250 skimmer, carbon reactor and algae reactor. It also has a Clarisea filter roll unit to help keep the water clean - I do have capacity to install filter socks at times but they wont be used continuously. I have used bio-blocks to compliment the rock in the display (which is CaribSea Life Rock) to keep it open for fish but maintain good levels of biological media. The controller is an Aquatronica which I have used now for the past 10 years. This controls the basis and monitors important things such as pH, sump levels, skimmate levels, and ATO reservoir levels. I also monitor temperature and regulate with a chiller or heater as required (mainly chiller here in Australia as summer where I live doesn’t get very cold). The tank has about 15,000G of water movement with in tank wave makers.
Lighting is currently an ATi Powermodule Hybrid but will be replaced with basic LEDs as I dont need to worry about coral growth just visual appeal and I dont need to draw so much power to achieve the look with LEDs.
My fish list is as follows:
Emperor Angel
Majestic Angel
Blue face Angel
Queen Angel
Scribbled Angel
French Angel
Gold flake Angel
Asfur Angel
Blue Ring Angel
Powder Blue Tang
Blonde Naso Tang
Orange Shoulder Tang
Dussumeri Tang
Lieutenant Tang
Achilles Tang
Niger Triggerfish
Blue Throat Triggerfish
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Pear scale Butterfly
I would really like peoples opinions on this list. The plan is to build up the tank 4-5 fish at a time. Each batch will go through TTM and then sit in QT for a further month to ensure they are feeding and no other issues show up. I have already sourced a cabinet full of medication to cover any eventuality based on what I have read through the forum and learnt over the years.
The aim for this tank is to achieve a visual active looking tank with lots of movement dominated by larger fish than I have been able to keep with corals in the past.
FOWLR tank prior to getting water
Drop off coral tank - currently being built.
The drop off tank will use a large KZ Deluxe Skimmer with a carbon reactor. I am not sure what additional filtration I will need as I plan only have a single tang in this tank and a school of Azure Damsels. I will also run a calcium reactor to manage Ca and some Mg. As above this tank will also run the KH Guardian and Reefbot. It will also have an Aquatronica unit (this one will be the touch model). I will show more once I have the tank in place and together.
I will post some more pictures when I get home (I am away for work right now) and will try to maintain this tank journal as best I can. I will also get some photos of my QT setup as well. I would love feedback and comments especially on the fish list.
Thanks and welcome along on my new fish tank journey.
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