15 gallon desktop - First build

[Damion123]

I will be following your build to get some ideas, since I ordered the same tank as you

 

[feresadas]

I will be following your build to get some ideas, since I ordered the same tank as you

Sounds good! updates will be slow until I get the tank, but will keep my pre-cycling tests updated every couple days.

 

[kingoftheHiLLpeople]

Following!

 

[Damion123]

Sounds good! updates will be slow until I get the tank, but will keep my pre-cycling tests updated every couple days.

Did they give you an idea of when the tank will be shipped out. I know the website says late Oct.

 

[feresadas]

Following!

Thank you!

 

[feresadas]

Did they give you an idea of when the tank will be shipped out. I know the website says late Oct.

I checked my order confirmation and the website, looks like late October is as much info as we get right now.

 

[ShaunMc]

You might have the swap heater(s) location if they have to stay submerged.

 

[feresadas]

Update:

The tank arrived on nov 2nd, and I immediately started filling my brute 20gal with RODI. By that evening I had enough water to mix my salt, I put in a heater and my powerhead and got it mixed up and let it mix overnight to let it completely dissolve.

When I got home from classes today I put together the tank and transferred my aquascape from the small trash can were I had it cycling, into the tank and put in the sand and water.

I am going to let it settle overnight, and tomorrow does some ammonia and test over the next couple days to ensure the cycled rock survived the move, and get some clean up crew once done.

Here is a picture of it set up with the lights on (just for the picture)

To the right on the book shelf I have a 5 gallon jug for my ATO reservoir, and a hole drilled through the side of the bookshelf to route the tubing and wiring through.

 

[Aaron75]

here is a VERY rough markup of my plans with the back "sump"

You're going to want your ATO to be routed to the 3rd chamber

 

[feresadas]

You're going to want your ATO to be routed to the 3rd chamber

the third chamber is the one to the right? it is in the same chamber as the return pump as directed on the instructions of the ATO. As that is the only chamber that changes water level.

 

[feresadas]

Update: Day after setting up tank

So far so good! I couldn't be happier with how the tank looks (other than the pesky blue ATO clip, why is that not black?).
I have started another cycle of Dr. Tim's just to be sure that I'm good to go for CUC and fish within the next 2-3 weeks.

Here is the tank on day 2, all sediment settled out beautifully:

Lights are only on for the picture, all other times its lights out and blinds closed to let the bacteria really seed before promoting photosynthetic based life.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

Update: Day after setting up tank

So far so good! I couldn't be happier with how the tank looks (other than the pesky blue ATO clip, why is that not black?).
I have started another cycle of Dr. Tim's just to be sure that I'm good to go for CUC and fish within the next 2-3 weeks.

Here is the tank on day 2, all sediment settled out beautifully:

Lights are only on for the picture, all other times its lights out and blinds closed to let the bacteria really seed before promoting photosynthetic based life.

Sick scape... my scape seem lackluster comparing to yours lol

I thought rockscape gotta be like 2/3 of the water height max in order for coral st the top have room to grow as they get bigger

 

[feresadas]

Sick scape... my scape seem lackluster comparing to yours lol

I thought rockscape gotta be like 2/3 of the water height max in order for coral st the top have room to grow as they get bigger

Thank you! I definitely went more arts and crafts on it than I maybe needed too, but it was something to do while I waited for the tank.

The angle makes it look a bit taller than it is, but it definitely is a smidge too tall an I will be limited in what I grow up there. I think I can put some stuff there, just nothing that requires a good bit of height.

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

Thank you! I definitely went more arts and crafts on it than I maybe needed too, but it was something to do while I waited for the tank.

The angle makes it look a bit taller than it is, but it definitely is a smidge too tall an I will be limited in what I grow up there. I think I can put some stuff there, just nothing that requires a good bit of height.

My scape just sitting a little over 7" in height ... the scape seem alright ... feel like people put more rocks than me lol

 

[feresadas]

My scape just sitting a little over 7" in height ... the scape seem alright ... feel like people put more rocks than me lol

I had a mark for height at 15 inches and didn't really remember the water level would be lower...

 

[The Deaf Reefer]

I had a mark for height at 15 inches and didn't really remember the water level would be lower...

You measured 15" because thats outside dimension...inside the tank dimension touching the overflow bypass is 14.25"

 

[Retro Heat]

Update: Day after setting up tank

So far so good! I couldn't be happier with how the tank looks (other than the pesky blue ATO clip, why is that not black?).
I have started another cycle of Dr. Tim's just to be sure that I'm good to go for CUC and fish within the next 2-3 weeks.

Here is the tank on day 2, all sediment settled out beautifully:

Lights are only on for the picture, all other times its lights out and blinds closed to let the bacteria really seed before promoting photosynthetic based life.

Rock work looking sexy! =)

 

[feresadas]

Update: first life

four days ago my ammonia dropped down, so I stopped by the LFS and picked up a couple Astaea snails. This morning after another night of them wandering around the tank successfully I decided to add in some more life. I came home with two clownfish and a handful more snails. current enhabitants are now:

2 Ocellaris clownfish
2 astaea snails
3 Nassarius Snails
2 Trochus Snail

the clowns spent a good amount of time in the back corner of the tank when first added (I did my best to stay out of the room for the better part of 6 hours to give them space). then now have swam around to get a lay of the land and seem much more comfortable, but still preferring the safety of there corner.

here is a couple shots I got with a macro lens I had, hard subjects but I got a couple decent photos.

 

[Retro Heat]

Update: first life

four days ago my ammonia dropped down, so I stopped by the LFS and picked up a couple Astaea snails. This morning after another night of them wandering around the tank successfully I decided to add in some more life. I came home with two clownfish and a handful more snails. current enhabitants are now:

2 Ocellaris clownfish
2 astaea snails
3 Nassarius Snails
2 Trochus Snail

the clowns spent a good amount of time in the back corner of the tank when first added (I did my best to stay out of the room for the better part of 6 hours to give them space). then now have swam around to get a lay of the land and seem much more comfortable, but still preferring the safety of there corner.

here is a couple shots I got with a macro lens I had, hard subjects but I got a couple decent photos.

Beautiful fish!

 

[feresadas]

Beautiful fish!

Thank you! I am incredibly excited to have them, very happy they seem to be doing well.