Pacific North Reef
Community Member
Hey all! In a previous life in the 90's I had a couple of tanks. I started with a 5 gallon tank, an 8lb live rock (Fiji), a HOB filter, light and sand. Had that running a couple of years and wanted to go bigger. Jumped up to a 20 gallon tank with the same set up and had that for a number of years. Things happen, you get married and life changes and you toss all your "stuff" with no thought to future reef keeping itches. Fast forward a few more years and now you have kids and they want hamsters. So you get a 55 gallon take to keep said hamsters in and kids are enjoying and watching and eventually learn about the cycle of life ( RIP Trixie & Ellie May). A year or so later the wife wants "something done with that tank and out of the way", as I procrastinate on what to do with it, I mean it was a cheap, perfectly fine 55 gallon tank. After some time, the light bulb goes off and I get the itch to start a reef tank, like, why did it take so long for it to sink in? Only this time I decide I'm going to jump in with both feet and adding some coral, and a sump/refugium! What I wasn't expecting was how much it has changed, the research is so much easier than it used to be. When I started, I walked into my LFS as they were pretty much on every corner where I lived and said I was interested in starting a reef tank. They guy handed me three books and said if you need any help or have any questions feel free to come back. I read the books and went from there. With YouTube and an endless supply of long BRS videos and everyday reefers imparting their wisdom and knowledge I have been brushing up on all that has changed! So here I am, with a 55 gallon tank, I've stripped the silicone, refurbished the tank, drilled holes for the overflow and returns, built the stand and working on the plumbing and sump. Its still a work in patient progress, much to the disappointment to my kids who really want to see it up and running, my wife is even on board, so I got that going for me! Progress pics attached - I changed the return to eliminate some of the corners/head pressure and fine tuning where the return pump and overflow are going to go! The only snag I'm running into so far is not being able to find 1/4" glass and having it cut to fit the sump (20gal Long). Any and all input is welcome as I attempt to take care of water! Cheers!
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