Austin's Build

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I really envy you guys...you seem to have a much better selection and a lot more vendors to choose from in the states than we do here in Canada, I find it very hard to find good livestock even back in my freshwater days.

The grass is always greener...

You have access to my all time favorite fish in the world, Scleropages formosus

If you don't have the Sicce return yet I strongly advise looking into DC pumps, personally I'm a huge fan of the Reef Octopus Diablo line for affordability, durability and ease of sourcing replacement parts (if necessary). I've installed four of them, various sizes, and they're the best returns I've ever used. Incredibly quiet, very low energy pull and move a ton of water for their compact size. I'm surprised how much I actually utilize the control aspect of them... makes tuning your ideal flow rate and drain noise a snap.

 

[austinl]

The grass is always greener...

You have access to my all time favorite fish in the world, Scleropages formosus

If you don't have the Sicce return yet I strongly advise looking into DC pumps, personally I'm a huge fan of the Reef Octopus Diablo line for affordability, durability and ease of sourcing replacement parts (if necessary).

I do have the sicce already but I can return it. I was looking at the diablo pump first but size in my return section is limited and I don't think it would have for if memory is correct but I think I will recheck.

Nice fish choice, I didn't know you couldn't get that.

 

[austinl]

the sicce 4.0 has a flow rate of 951 gph and lets say 5 feet to the top of the return line as it enters the tank, you should have around 680 gph. that's like 10 times the volume of the 70 gal display tank you're having made. that's really on the upper scale of the 5-7 times return formula that everyone is throwing around as being correct. I thought it was 10 times the flow rate of your display with your return pump AND your power heads total. let me know what you think

That flow rate sounds right however my return will be split so I have two returns so that flow rate will be cut in half so to speak so I should have low flow through the sump.

I'm not sure about the formula your speaking of but I don't factor return flow into anything just the flow from power head in the tank and depending on the corals your keeping some people aim for more than 10 times turnover some I have seem go for upper 20's and 30's for sps if I'm not mistaken

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

I do have the sicce already but I can return it. I was looking at the diablo pump first but size in my return section is limited and I don't think it would have for if memory is correct but I think I will recheck.

They're pretty small, even smaller footprint than the Sicce 4.0 (7"x4"x5"). With that said I just tried to look up specs and Coralvue has 'retired' both smaller Diablo's... they've done this with some skimmers as well, including my POV-1 that I love. Trying to keep up the 'game', I guess. I'm sure you could find a Diablo from a stocking distributor. Don't get me wrong the Sicce 4.0 is one heckuva pump, I just didn't realize how much I would actually use the DC control function.

Nice fish choice, I didn't know you couldn't get that.

There's no CITES for them here in the US so they haven't been available to hobbyists for quite some time. I regularly visit a zoo about 45 mins from me, and know the aquarium curator so I get to feed the specimens he has... my excitement puts kids on Christmas to shame during feedings

 

[austinl]

That's awesome stunreefer I never had one but have seen a few around. Ver cool you get to feed them.

I will keep a look out for one of those dc pumps but I think I will try out the sicce first.

 

[austinl]

Hey all look for an update soon...went on a road trip pictures too follow

 

[austinl]

Hey Guys,

So as some of you know from previous post, I have had a hard time finding quality fish and corals in preparation for my new tank in my area and envy the diversity you guys have south of the border.

So I decided to embark on a journey to hunt and track down local vendors that not only had quality stuff, but understood and strived to keep there livestock in top shape. Well that journey will continue as I have a few more stops to make tomorrow but I am on the right path as I found one great vendor who currently stocks Corals only with Fish to follow in a few weeks as there huge fish wall gets completed.

The place "Canada Corals"

I have to say this place is hands down the best and cleanest shop I have been in ever. They built this place from the ground up all custom tanks built by themselves, two systems (SPS and LPS) that measure 16ft x 4ft. And all lit up with GHL Mitras LX6200 (24 to be exact)

I could go on and on but............


Onto the pictures

All i need now is someone to help me pick out some corals to go with my aquascape....who's up for the challenge?

 

[austinl]

Its getting closer

Just got word my tank should be ready and hopefully delivered in a week maybe 2 at the most!!!!


Some quick shots of the room the tank will be in and a cameo of the new cabinet I built to house all the electronics, just need to do the final buffing on the cabinet and find some acrylic for the door as i will use magnets to hold it up.

 

[austinl]

Well it looks like the day may have finally come......Delivery is set for TOMORROW!!!

 

[austinl]

Woohoo tank is at house.....I'm stuck at work

 

[austinl]

Tank has arrived let the fun begin.....will take better pictures tomorrow

 

[DSP]

Woot finally! I bet your stoked bro, Lookin forward to seeing it filled!

 

[austinl]

Woot finally! I bet your stoked bro, Lookin forward to seeing it filled!

Very Stoked.....plan is to get the plumbing done on the weekend so I can hopefully to a freshwater test, then start mixing up some salt.

 

[austinl]

Getting a little closer.... Plumbing is trickier than I thought

Had to start over when one of my bulkheads split when I was glueing the bottom pipe in for a bean drain.

Leak tested my over flow so far so good.

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Heck yeah, looks awesome man! The tank itself is stunning let alone the additional work you've put into the rest of the build.

Looks like you've found a heck of a store for livestock too, holy moly. Not sure if you've ever heard of N.A.F.B., but they used to be one of the top stores in your area. I visited them when Aussie coral was first getting imported as they were receiving picks of the litter, so to speak (much higher quality than US was seeing initially). It's been four or five years since I was in contact with them and a quick Google search didn't turn up a website but they were still actively posting on a CA forum:

North American Fish Breeders
2260 Kingston Road
Scarborough, Ontario

Telephone: 416 267-7252

 

[austinl]

Thanks stunreefer.

I actually went to NAFB and I was not impressed...very dirty tanks and store was quite run down looking. Not much in the way of fish or corals when I went and not sure I would go back.

I did find another store called Reef Boutique and they had great fish... They also do monthly custom orders from a sustainable and responsible breeder and all fish come quarantined and eating prepared foods from the start.

So fish from them and corals from canada corals is the plan.... Now just need to finish the plumbing so I can do the full water test

 

[austinl]

Last drain pipe being done today. Water test to start tonight/tomorrow.

Made the holes bigger for the pipes...didn't want to as the holes were great support for the gate valve weight but made it a little easier to plumb it.

 

[BlueZreef]

Tank is nice, gonna be a stunner when finished! That Canada Corals looks like an amazing shop!

 

[austinl]

Tank is nice, gonna be a stunner when finished! That Canada Corals looks like an amazing shop!

Thanks blue

Update..........

Tank got wet today...... No detectable leaks but need to fix vibration from return pump/lines. If all goes well hopefully salt water starts to get added tomorrow

 

[Davesgt]

Wow very nice I will be following this.