55G Sumpless Build

Vogg · Oct 17, 2019

Hi folks! Long time lurker, first time poster.

After weeks/months of reading and procrastinating, I’ve finally taken the dive into my first set-up. I decided to go with a BB sump-less 55G using the LASSE Method.

I have ordered the following equipment/supplies:

Tropic Marin Pro Salt
Jebao PP-8 Powerhead
Maxi-Jet 900 Powerhead
Current USA Orbit Marine LED Light, 24 to 36-Inch
Fluval Sea PS1 Skimmer
BRS Value Plus RODI system
2x 100-Watt Cobalt heaters
Digital thermometer
40lbs Dry rock
JB Waterweld
Sodium Nitrate
Dr Tims nitrifying bacteria
Tetra StartZyme
Other odds and ends like nets, specimen container, refractometer etc..
The tank was free from a buddy of mine

I am planning to buy LR from as many LFS around town as I can and will be adding a pair of clowns with a large CUC per the LASSE Method. I will eventually add corals and more fish to the tank.

A lot of my inspiration was taken from these two posts, and dozens of others...

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method

15 Steps to Starting a Saltwater Aquarium: The Lasse Method Display Tank. Photos are all courtesy of Lasse Forsberg. ©2019, All Rights Reserved. INTRODUCTION There are many methods to start a saltwater aquarium--each major aquarium product manufacturer has its own. Common to most, however...

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Build Thread - Mallette's Sumpless 55G

Been lurking around Reef2Reef for a while and i figure now is as good a time as any to start documenting my tank on here. So first things first ive been in the hobby for about 10 years possibly 15. Fish only systems up until about 6 years ago. My current tank is an upgrade from a 30g which was...

www.reef2reef.com

Vogg · Oct 17, 2019

As I mentioned, the tank was free, but was a little rough. I decided to re-caulk it even though it didn't leak previously.

Supplies.

If I had to do it again....I'd buy a new tank.

Magellan · Oct 17, 2019

Small recommendation: Live Rock has an inherent risk of stowaways, especially if you are going to purchase from multiple locations. Get live sand instead, put dry rock in your tank and it will soon be live rock but without anything extra. (This route is also cheaper, and there are some really fantastic options that will let you get more creative with your scape)

Edit: saw you already purchased the dry rock, you should be good to go with some live sand.

Vogg · Oct 18, 2019

Magellan said:
Small recommendation: Live Rock has an inherent risk of stowaways, especially if you are going to purchase from multiple locations. Get live sand instead, put dry rock in your tank and it will soon be live rock but without anything extra. (This route is also cheaper, and there are some really fantastic options that will let you get more creative with your scape)

Edit: saw you already purchased the dry rock, you should be good to go with some live sand.

Thanks for the suggestions. I was looking to do a bare bottom set up though

Vogg · Oct 18, 2019

Tank is caulked and curing. Moving on to the stand which I will build out of pallet wood.

Vogg · Oct 20, 2019

MERKEY · Oct 20, 2019

Looking good! And welcome!

Auquanut · Oct 20, 2019

Welcome to R2R! I like the weathered look of your stand. Are you going to seal the inside?

Vogg · Oct 20, 2019

Auquanut said:
Welcome to R2R! I like the weathered look of your stand. Are you going to seal the inside?

Thank you! I wasn't planning on sealing the inside.

Vogg · Oct 20, 2019

Stand is done except a quick sanding. Leak testing the tank

Vogg · Oct 20, 2019

MERKEY said:
Looking good! And welcome!

Thanks!

Auquanut · Oct 20, 2019

Really looks great. I noticed the lock. You must have little ones. Good idea.

Vogg · Oct 21, 2019

Auquanut said:
Really looks great. I noticed the lock. You must have little ones. Good idea.

I do have little ones. Very curious too! lol

Malifry97 · Oct 21, 2019

following

Vogg · Oct 22, 2019

The tank held water for two days with no leaks! Next is to paint the back glass, make a top, and the stand still needs sanded. Today most of my goodies should be arriving! It's like Christmas!

Vogg · Oct 22, 2019

I went with spray paint for the back glass. I figured it would be cheap and easy, and I had read others who use spray paint. In hindsight, I think brushing acrylic would have been easier. I'm getting a lot of runs and I can still see through areas that will need sprayed again.

Also got the stand sanded.