Nottingham’s Red Sea Reefer 350 G2+ Max Build

[Synthgp]

Here we go!

I will say I am excited and nervous! Been a while since I’ve had a tank (20+ years ago) and it was freshwater at that. This is my dive into the deep end with a reef tank.

I will update as I go, I was delivered to the curb this morning. Luckily there were a couple of guys in the neighborhood that helped me bring it into the house.

Good to know I have a weekend project waiting for me!

 

[TX_REEF]

Good luck, keep us updated!! I have a 350 myself, so far so good 8 months in

 

[Socalrob]

Thinking about a 250-300-350 myself. One concern I have is reach to bottom and rear of tank. Looking forward to your observations.

 

[Synthgp]

Thinking about a 250-300-350 myself. One concern I have is reach to bottom and rear of tank. Looking forward to your observations.

This one is as tall as an old 38 gallon tank that I used to have. I have had no issues reaching the bottom (I am 5’9”) but was also not concerned about having to put my arms in the tank.

That said, with reef tanks, the less you need to put your hands/oils, etc in the tank, the better, so I expect to limit this by using a variety of longer instruments for algae, coral placement, etc.

 

[dschuffert]

It looks like an excellent project that will end up with a beautiful tank. Please keep us updated on your progress.

 

[Synthgp]

it’s been slow going this weekend, but at least got the stand built. Next is leveling and then a water test…

 

[Synthgp]

It's been a slow go for me...learning everything as I go. Now working on the scape. I have the left and center sections almost complete (I think). Let me know what you think, any and all advice welcome!

 

[CasperOe]

Scape looks great! Are you building it with coral placement / stocking in mind?

It's a good looking tank, fits perfect in that space! Cant wait to see it wet!!

 

[Synthgp]

Scape looks great! Are you building it with coral placement / stocking in mind?

It's a good looking tank, fits perfect in that space! Cant wait to see it wet!!

Scape looks great! Are you building it with coral placement / stocking in mind?

It's a good looking tank, fits perfect in that space! Cant wait to see it wet!!

Ha! Can I say both, coral and for a fish heavy tank? As this is a first for me, I am planning to stick with softies and LPS. Would you change anything?

 

[CasperOe]

Ha! Can I say both, coral and for a fish heavy tank? As this is a first for me, I am planning to stick with softies and LPS. Would you change anything?

I wouldn't change anything, but I would consider which corals I want where based on their need for light and flow but all that I'm sure you can sort out down the line with powerheads placed where needed in the tank

 

[Synthgp]

Okay - so I think I am done with the scape - please do let me know what you think before I begin the transfer into the tank!

 

[CasperOe]

Looks great!! Is the inner or outer edge of the tape the glass? Make sure to leave room for a scraper

 

[Synthgp]

Looks great!! Is the inner or outer edge of the tape the glass? Make sure to leave room for a scraper

Thanks! The outer edge is the glass. Do you think it comes across as too busy?

I had cross posted on the aquascape forum as well, and there was a bit of concern that it might be too busy and might not be good for coral placement and bigger fish...which would destroy the purpose of this mixed reef.

 

[CasperOe]

Thanks! The outer edge is the glass. Do you think it comes across as too busy?

I had cross posted on the aquascape forum as well, and there was a bit of concern that it might be too busy and might not be good for coral placement and bigger fish...which would destroy the purpose of this mixed reef.

Not at all, i like it a lot i am interested in seeing how you're gonna manage the flow, some strategically placed powerheads and you should be good though!

 

[Synthgp]

Not at all, i like it a lot i am interested in seeing how you're gonna manage the flow, some strategically placed powerheads and you should be good though!

Out of curiosity, how do you check flow? Was thinking of a stick with a thread on it to visualize it once filled with water. Thoughts?

 

[CasperOe]

Out of curiosity, how do you check flow? Was thinking of a stick with a thread on it to visualize it once filled with water. Thoughts?

An air pump and an air stone will give you a good visual representation as to how the flow acts in your tank

Its a dance though that continues as your corals start to grow - and not a "set it and forget it" kinda thing

 

[Synthgp]

Based on some feedback, I reduced the scape a bit to open it up a little. I think it keeps the same theme, but should hopefully provide more space for corals and tang(s)?

Thoughts?

 

[dangles]

Tagging along! Eager to see what all you come up with!

 

[Synthgp]

So here is the scape in the tank. I feel it should go a bit higher. Thoughts? The highest point is at 12”. My assumption when full is that there will be 18 inches of water over a 1.5in sand bed. So the bottom 1.5 inches of scape will be covered by the sand.

Should the scape go higher? And if so, which part(s) would you increase height on?

 

[Hollywood_XL]

Beautiful scape with endless possibilities!! Height is spot on, don't go higher you reget it in the long term with corals growing, shading etc etc.....