Aquamannytv
Community Member
Hi. My name is manny, Fifteen years ago, I packed up my 180-gallon tank and stepped away from the reef-keeping hobby. Back then, I promised myself that if I ever returned, I’d build my dream tank: a sleek, rimless 24x24x25 setup. Well, after all these years, I’ve finally decided to take the plunge, and wow—how things have changed in the reefing world!
With so much new equipment and technology available, I spent months planning and researching, asking myself, “What would I do differently this time?” Initially, I decided to ease back in by finding a smaller, used tank. I landed a 35-gallon for a great price, but almost immediately, I felt it wasn’t enough. Just two days later, I found a 60-gallon rimless tank online at another amazing deal. That sealed the deal—I knew I had to go all-in and build my dream setup around it.
Here’s where I’m at so far:
• Controller: I’m going with a Hydros controller for flexibility and reliability. From everything I’ve read, it seems like a solid choice with great features, and I’m excited to see what it can do.
• Stand and DIY Projects: I’m building a custom stand and many of the tank components myself. I have access to a laser cutter, 3D printers, and a small hobby shop, plus years of experience working with acrylic to build sumps and reactors. The plan is to keep the design compact and efficient, maximizing water flow and incorporating a small refugium.
• Custom Roller Filter: One of my big goals is to design an automated filter roller system integrated with the Hydros controller. It’s an ambitious project, but I’m confident it will help streamline maintenance and improve filtration efficiency.
This build is already shaping up to be an exciting adventure, and I can’t wait to see it come together. I’ll be sharing updates along the way—everything from equipment choices to stand designs and some of the unique DIY touches I’m adding to the tank.
For those who’ve returned to reefing after a long break, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. What would you do differently now with all the new tech available? And if anyone has tips for working with the Hydros controller or ideas for a 60g rimless setup, let me know—I’m always open to advice!
Stay tuned, and let’s build something incredible together!
Here is a video update
https://youtube.com/shorts/twlA150mnCg?si=fs2mKSsOE2980n1g
With so much new equipment and technology available, I spent months planning and researching, asking myself, “What would I do differently this time?” Initially, I decided to ease back in by finding a smaller, used tank. I landed a 35-gallon for a great price, but almost immediately, I felt it wasn’t enough. Just two days later, I found a 60-gallon rimless tank online at another amazing deal. That sealed the deal—I knew I had to go all-in and build my dream setup around it.
Here’s where I’m at so far:
• Controller: I’m going with a Hydros controller for flexibility and reliability. From everything I’ve read, it seems like a solid choice with great features, and I’m excited to see what it can do.
• Stand and DIY Projects: I’m building a custom stand and many of the tank components myself. I have access to a laser cutter, 3D printers, and a small hobby shop, plus years of experience working with acrylic to build sumps and reactors. The plan is to keep the design compact and efficient, maximizing water flow and incorporating a small refugium.
• Custom Roller Filter: One of my big goals is to design an automated filter roller system integrated with the Hydros controller. It’s an ambitious project, but I’m confident it will help streamline maintenance and improve filtration efficiency.
This build is already shaping up to be an exciting adventure, and I can’t wait to see it come together. I’ll be sharing updates along the way—everything from equipment choices to stand designs and some of the unique DIY touches I’m adding to the tank.
For those who’ve returned to reefing after a long break, I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. What would you do differently now with all the new tech available? And if anyone has tips for working with the Hydros controller or ideas for a 60g rimless setup, let me know—I’m always open to advice!
Stay tuned, and let’s build something incredible together!
Here is a video update
https://youtube.com/shorts/twlA150mnCg?si=fs2mKSsOE2980n1g
