1st Reef tank 45 gal build

[cmoore1167]

My girlfriend and I actually started this tank 12/23/17. I have some catching up to do and will post as I have time. I'll show pics and describe my experience as we build our first reef tank. It's nothing fancy but hopefully will help some new people to the hobby and give perspective to others already in it. Hope you enjoy

 

[Dystinction]

Welcome to R2R.
Looking forward to seeing what you have going on....do we have to wait until the December date to get a peek?!

 

[cmoore1167]

Also excuse the house. It's new and I've been making improvements ha. Ok first I ordered my essentials.

First we bought the tank: 45 gal bowfront found on Facebook market used for $75. Wasn't perfect due to some small scratches and lime build up. Previous owners said it was a turtle tank. Also came with a HOB filter that was later filled with bio balls from fluval.

Stand: also located on Facebook market as used for $50. Nothing wrong with it at all and it was the $350 stand at the pet stores.

Light: Facebook market for $75 chinese black box, Galaxyhydro. Was used and not sure how long. Kind of important to know.... also came with some API test kits

Filter: Decided to go with a canister filter instead of a sump. The sump was a little intimidating me just getting into the hobby. Went with fluval 306 canister for $170 off Amazon. Set up was very easy.

Power head: At first one fluval cp3 $32 off Amazon. Later purchased another to get stronger gyre effect.

Rock: 40 lbs of 12 inch natures ocean base dry rock $45 off of Amazon. Very debated topic for live or dry rock. Went with dry for two reasons. Money and pests.

Sand: two bags of 20lbs carib sea live Fiji pink sand total $45 Amazon. Has good partial size. Doesn't blow in current, small enough for sand shifters and wrasse.

RO/DI: BRS 4 stage value 75 GPD 1 micron Facebook market $50

Salt: instant ocean reef crystal

Any questions just ask.

 

[cmoore1167]

Thank you Dystinction! Oh no typo already! 12/23/17!!! My bad. I just have to dig up the photos

 

[cmoore1167]

My girlfriend and I actually started this tank 12/23/18. I have some catching up to do and will post as I have time. I'll show pics and describe my experience as we build our first reef tank. It's nothing fancy but hopefully will help some new people to the hobby and give perspective to others already in it. Hope you enjoy

(12/23/17)

 

[Reefer Deez]

Hello and welcome to R2R
It's a pleasure to have you here with us

 

[NY_Caveman]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[cmoore1167]

Welcome to the forum!

Thank you! Excited to get some feedback and advice

 

[cmoore1167]

 

[cmoore1167]

 

[cmoore1167]

 

[cmoore1167]

 

[cmoore1167]

Cleaning used equipment

Due to used equipment and tank covered in white grime, I filled the whole tank with tap water and if I recall, around 3 gallons of distilled vinegar. Left running with hob filter for a couple days then scrubbed. Cleaned up nicely and sterilized with a fresh load of tap water and bleach. Washed out several times through out a few days until no signs of bleach.

Sorry no pics of this process

 

[cmoore1167]

Aquascape

The base dry rock came in big pieces and I pretty much left as is. Took a large nail and scraped out all the packed debris so the tunnels and crevices were exposed. That took some work. Then just put the pieces together. No curing just hosed off dirt.

This was before I read about actual aquascaping and the 1/3 theory. Think it still looks ok. Threw in some shells I found at the beach and some dead coral. As time goes the scape changes a little.

 

[cmoore1167]

Getting tank set and cycling

First I had to fill up whole tank with rodi water then mix in the salt. Next threw in both bags of pink Fiji sand with out rinsing. I did not want to get rid of all the good bacteria. Of course this made a cloudy mess and left me with around a 2 in sand bed. I then threw my scape together in the tank which was pretty hard with the cloudy water ha.

Placed the fluval cp3 powerhead on the right side, connected the fluval 306 canister filter, placed the hob filter with bio media, and turned it all on.

For cycling, I threw in a piece of raw shrimp and waited. No chemicals or additives. Left the lights off during whole cycling process to prevent algae blooms. Around two weeks later, bam! Cycled tank. Took a few days for sand to settle.

While waiting for cycle I painted back glass with black acrylic paint using rollers and small brush. Also built DIY light stand which I'll explain a little better later

 

[Fudsey]

Welcome to R2R ! ! !

Nice looking start

#welcometor2r

 

[SPR1968]

Great pictures and welcome to R2R!

 

[cmoore1167]

Thanks guys. I'm a little further along with some ups and downs. Just a lot to write all at once ha.

 

[saltyhog]

Welcome to R2R! Great start!

Ups and downs are integral to reefing....it's that challenge that makes it even more rewarding! You will find lots of sympathy and help when they happen on R2R!

 

[cmoore1167]

Thank you and yes love how there's always someone to help you with any crazy question you can think of. Has helped me before!