A reef from the PNW!

[Sonn]

Hello everyone! This is my first build thread on R2R. I've always been more active in my local forum. We have great reefer here around the PNW but i want to share this build with the R2R community and please feel free to give me any advices and suggestions. My first tank was 55g, then i upgraded to the DSA 105 rimless. I sold the dsa tank and purchase a used acrylic tank from a local reefer back in June. Here's my build specs

Tank: 3/4" Envision acrylic tank 72x36x25 with external coast to coast over flow
Stand: 72"x36"x34" steel stand with black power coating build by a really good local reefer
Sump: 55"x22"x16" 4 chambers acrylic
Return Pump: I went with the Ecotech Vectra L1
Circulation: 4 Ecotech MP40 QD
Skimmer: Reef Octopus Regal 250sss
Calcium Reactor: GEO 618
Lighting: 60" ATI Powermodule Hybrid

My last two tanks, I was using both AI hydra and Radion. The colors were good but I always feel like something was missing. For this new build, i decided to go t5/led (best of both worlds like they say lol)

Here are a few cell phone pictures of the build since early June.

The old owner had the tank deliverd to my garage.

Tank and rocks were soak in vinegar/water for almost three weeks then i took the rocks out, cleaned it, dried in 100 degree weather and soaked them in rodi water.

Took a couple days to buff out the tank and sump but they look good again lol

This tank gonna be heavy so i decided to reinforced my floor for a peace of mind.

The steel stand is done and he did a great job. Had him installed the tray and siliconed around all the edges.

I also used a piece of wood cut to size of the sump and siliconed it down so water doesn't get under the sump if i spilled something in the sump area.

 

[Chrisfish]

Welcome, you've picked a great place to be

 

[Sonn]

The tank came with three 1 1/4" drains and severals 3/4" for return. I used the bean animal in the past and i loved it so i'm gonna stick with that drain type and only use two 3/4" on each corner for return. Here's the plumbing done. I opted to use red/gray to match the reef octopus skimmer!

The control Panel

The Aquascape

 

[Sonn]

Welcome, you've picked a great place to be

Thanks! R2R is a great community! i've learned alot from here!

 

[Sonn]

I filled up the tank on Monday 7/25 and let the cycle begin. The light came a couple days ago but the bulbs are not here yet. Hopefully they will be here next week.

 

[Sonn]

For the bulbs combo! i plan on using all ati bulbs 4b+2attinic,1 corals + and 1 purple +. Any suggestions??

 

[Chrisfish]

I filled up the tank on Monday 7/25 and let the cycle begin. The light came a couple days ago but the bulbs are not here yet. Hopefully they will be here next week.

Very nice , I really like your rock scape.

 

[Sonn]

Thanks! I tried to go with the minimalistic this time but 36" deep just gave me alot of options and i ended up with more rocks than i wanted to lol

 

[Pruett-nc]

What about the sun coming in the window . Are you worried about algae growth in that area ? Very clean neat job . Well done . I like the idea of the tray bottom for water spillage.

 

[Sonn]

What about the sun coming in the window . Are you worried about algae growth in that area ? Very clean neat job . Well done . I like the idea of the tray bottom for water spillage.

Thanks! The sunlight is not that bad when i close the blind! I never had any algae issue in the pass ) fingers crossed!

 

[Sonn]

Hooked up the calcium reactor yesterday so i can calibrate the pH probe! Also modified the vertex media reactor and use it as 2nd chamber! That reactor was not good for gfo anyway!

 

[Sonn]

Set up the brs dual reactor to run some gfo for now! I might stick with this set up since i can take if offline easily using a push connect from the manifold!

 

[Sonn]

Installed a valve with apex breakout box so when i open my magnetic door panel the sump led will turn on!

 

[Sonn]

Full sump shot

 

[Sonn]

I picked up a couple tanks from petco for QT! Time to think of livestock list!

 

[revhtree]

Wow great job! Keep us updated!

 

[Afishionado]

awesome set up!

I think we have similar taste in builds. I went red and white to match my reef octopus things, you went with red and black. Very nice!
I will be implementing the breakout box like you shortly. Very well done!

 

[Sonn]

Wow great job! Keep us updated!

Thanks! Not much to update atm! Tank's been cycle for a week and i notice some diatom bloom today on the rock and sand! I've been ghost feeding the tank for a few days now! Time to check for amonia and bring home 2 marine pure block i sat in my friend's tank few months back!

 

[Sonn]

awesome set up!

I think we have similar taste in builds. I went red and white to match my reef octopus things, you went with red and black. Very nice!
I will be implementing the breakout box like you shortly. Very well done!

Thanks! I looked at your build thread today! Very nice build! The break put box is nice and convenience! You will love it!

 

[Afishionado]

Thanks. What other application are you using for the break out box? Trying to utilize it to its full potential but drawing blanks after the LEDs haha