80g DBP shallow reef build

[David M.]

So I thought I'd document my progress here. First off let me say I love the dimensions of this tank. I upgraded from a 40b so it's a world of difference. I used all cured rock and sand so my cycle was nonexistent. It's been up and running for a week or so and has had livestock since earlier today. Equipment list and pictures below cause that's what everyone really wants!

Tank: 80g Deep Blue Professional RR shallow 48x24x16
Sump: 30g DIY w/ 3 baffles and filter sock holder
Return: 855gph Deep Blue Professional
Lights: 165w Mars Aqua China led box (soon to be replaced by a 6-8 bulb T5)
Skimmer: eshopps HOB psk-100 (looking for tips on how to convert this to in sump version)
~120 lbs cured rock
~50 lbs cured sand

Stock list
-Fish
Green Chromis x5
Ocellaris x1
Cardinal x1
Royal gramma x1

-Coral
2 head hammer
4 head frogspawn
2 rockflower nem
1 bta
1 large H. Malu
Goniapora frag
Green slimer frag
2 sunny d frags
Dragon Eye colony
No name Brown zoa colony
JF Lepto frag
Cyphaestra frag
No name acan frag
20 head duncan
I'm sure I missed something...




Sorry for the bad phone pictures I'll try to get some better ones later

 

[bigdeb]

Good looking tank. Keep us posted.

 

[David M.]

Thanks! Will do, trying to figure out how to take better pics with my phone right now.

 

[David M.]

Added a 48" T5 today, just boring bulbs for now but we'll be picking up ATI bulbs soon. Also got a large green haddoni in the works! Hopefully that works out.

 

[David M.]

Going to get the haddoni tonight! Really excited, the owner said it's 8-9 inches and vibrant green. I usually don't like to discuss prices but... I paid $31! Won an auction on the local club page and he didn't set a reserve. Got SUPER lucky. He said he paid well over 100 for it. Pics to come after I get it.

 

[David M.]

Still settling in but this thing is awesome. Took me 1.5 hours to get it off the side of the bucket I transported it in, I was afraid I had really stressed it out but it seems fine for now.

 

[David M.]

Not much to add. Getting a big skimmer tomorrow. Here's a new pic.

 

[Bo N Rachel]

Hey that carpet looks happy! Should be closer to 12-13" across when fully open!

 

[Bo N Rachel]

 

[David M.]

Haha hey Bo/Rachel. It should open up more when my ATI bulbs come in, ordered them a few days ago. I think my H. Malu took almost a month to fully settle in and open up.

 

[David M.]

Some updates. Got a cool torch, leather, rainbow Monti, and on the way is a new bubbletip and Gold torch.

 

[Lilmatty5dimes]

That carpet looks awesome. He's going to love the new bulbs. Your tank looks so much better after the switch to t5. Are you feeding that carpet? I would take some time and read up on the care for one if you haven't yet.

 

[David M.]

Thanks! Actually I just fed it some fresh shrimp a few minutes ago. I switch between mysis and frozen grocery store shrimp usually. I've got ati bulbs coming in but they keep breaking during shipment.... Should look a lot better after

 

[David M.]

Torch and new bubbletip didn't work out... Hopefully next weekend. Meanwhile my carpet nem is on the move, I messed with the flow and it no longer liked its spot. I'll post pics in a few.

 

[David M.]

Hopefully it will come back out once I get the other 3 ATI bulbs in the mail.

 

[David M.]

So not only has the haddoni moved over to that corner, but my Malu moved to the SAME spot last night... Super weird. Did some tests:
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Phos 0-.03
Calcium 410
Alk 8dkh

All my other corals/Anemone are happy and haven't moved at all. Really confused why both my big nems like that corner. The Malu is on top of the carpet at the moment... Hoping one moves soon.

 

[David M.]

The Haddoni is putting up a good fight. Slowly getting his own space. Still trying to decide if I need to manually move one...

Hopefully this weekend I'll be getting a gold torch and ATO. I'm leaving for 2 weeks soon and it's making me crazy nervous. I have a local club member coming by to check on the tank but I'm still expecting the worst.

 

[revhtree Verified Admin]

Looks great and glad you shared!

 

[David M.]

Looks great and glad you shared!

Thanks! Glad you liked it

 

[David M.]

Some pics to keep y'all entertained. Not much going on in the tank right now. I got 3 ATI blue plus, and waiting on a coral plus to be delivered. I've had over 7 bulbs shipped to me broken already. It's becoming quite the hassle.

Sorry about the blue pics, I need to get some gel filters, or even a real camera.