Fish Styx
In Cod We Crust
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Hey, all. I'm finally getting around to starting a build log for my system, which has been wet and running for two years now. I just spent the better part of the last three hours sifting through and organizing the photos that I could find and will try to assemble them here in a way that makes sense and keeps you engaged (hopefully). The goal is to get you caught up from where I started to where I am today, making note of the changes between then and now, and then continue to update this thread as a journal. So, I hope you'll come along with me for the ride and share in this journey.
Now that all of that is out of the way, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we...
After a brutal break up back in 2014, I was forced to tear down my system (125 gallon), rehome my livestock, and sell off my gear. That left me heartbroken (over the tank, not my ex) and tankless until the end of 2020 when I started putting this system together. During my dry time I saved and planned the build obsessively, resigning myself to stay dry until I could build a "dream system", if you will; and that is exactly what I did. It should be noted, however, that said "dream" had to be tempered by my budget, available space, and wife's (I have since remarried) patience. lol
Anyways, it is a 260 gallon total system volume (TSV) comprised of a 180 gallon display tank (DT), a 20 gallon (breeder) remote display refugium, and a 60 gallon sump. The DT is a Mega Matrix from Planet Aquariums in Texas, and I had it built and subsequently shipped to me where I currently reside, in the DC metropolitan area. The build is intended to be an SPS dominant reef, with some LPS peppered in for good measure. A caveat issued by my wife, hereafter referred to as "The Dainty Dictator", is that it must have an anemone and "Nemos" <groan>. So in addition to the stony corals, her highness must be appeased with the addition of a nem. I went with an RBTA, but more on that later...
Equipment and stocking list will be discussed as this thing unfolds. Shall we get started? Alright then, buckle up. Here we go!
Now that all of that is out of the way, let's get down to brass tacks, shall we...
After a brutal break up back in 2014, I was forced to tear down my system (125 gallon), rehome my livestock, and sell off my gear. That left me heartbroken (over the tank, not my ex) and tankless until the end of 2020 when I started putting this system together. During my dry time I saved and planned the build obsessively, resigning myself to stay dry until I could build a "dream system", if you will; and that is exactly what I did. It should be noted, however, that said "dream" had to be tempered by my budget, available space, and wife's (I have since remarried) patience. lol
Anyways, it is a 260 gallon total system volume (TSV) comprised of a 180 gallon display tank (DT), a 20 gallon (breeder) remote display refugium, and a 60 gallon sump. The DT is a Mega Matrix from Planet Aquariums in Texas, and I had it built and subsequently shipped to me where I currently reside, in the DC metropolitan area. The build is intended to be an SPS dominant reef, with some LPS peppered in for good measure. A caveat issued by my wife, hereafter referred to as "The Dainty Dictator", is that it must have an anemone and "Nemos" <groan>. So in addition to the stony corals, her highness must be appeased with the addition of a nem. I went with an RBTA, but more on that later...
Equipment and stocking list will be discussed as this thing unfolds. Shall we get started? Alright then, buckle up. Here we go!
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