Build is complete!!! Finally!

WisconsinReefing · Jan 28, 2020

So after changing my mind multiple times I finally have my new (used) tank in my house. I found what I think is a smoking deal. Tank is acrylic, I am aware of the challenges that acrylic can bring, but feel good about it overall.

6ft x 2ft x 2ft
Sapphire sump 39
Temp pH apex controller, with 2 wave makers
Reef octopus skimmer
Steel stand with reclaimed barnwood skirt

For $900!

I just bought 2 AI Hydra 32

There is what I’m sure is a nice fake coral insert, which I have been trying to take out for 3 days. Really really difficult and I’ve almost given up, but I keep trying new tools.

Here are the pictures of just after arrival. It’s not a brand new state of the art system but I’m super excited! This will be a FOWLR system

I’ve done and redone my stock list about 300 times. But feel like I have it solidified now.

Orange back fairy wrasse
Exquisite Fairy wrasse
Longfin fairy wrasse
Scott’s fairy wrasse
Blue head fairy wrasse

1M and 6F Lyretail Anthias

Purple tang (already owned)
White Tail Bristletooth Tang

Stars and Stripes puffer

Emperor Angelfish

Copperband butterfly fish

Magnificent Fox Face

Sargassum triggerfish

WisconsinReefing · Jan 28, 2020

I ommited:

Plumbing will take some creativity. There are 4 holes in the bottom center. So it doesn’t have a traditional overflow. I think I have to seal those and drill the back.

Also, it’s 180 gallons

Dystinction · Jan 28, 2020

Sounds like it was originally drilled/setup for a closed-loop system.
Have you considered this instead of sealing, and drilling new?

Dystinction · Jan 28, 2020

....also....looks like it will be a nice setup. The stand has a nice look to it!
Good luck with it all.

WisconsinReefing · Jan 28, 2020

I have, my concern is a big black column right in the middle of the tank.

WisconsinReefing · Jan 28, 2020

Dystinction said:
....also....looks like it will be a nice setup. The stand has a nice look to it!
Good luck with it all.

Thank you very much!!

WisconsinReefing · Feb 14, 2020

Update. It took me soooo many hours to get that dang coral insert out. It was so dense but mailable. Had to use a hand saw for most of it. BRUTAL. But so glad it’s done. First picture is after getting it out and vacuuming out all the debris. Then I used novus 1 with a buffer. And ta da picture 2. Ready to move on to plumbing!

WisconsinReefing · Feb 16, 2020

I’ve decided to cap the bottom 4 holes and put an overflow on the back. Doing that tomorrow. Then giving it 48 hours until the sand and then water go in!

WisconsinReefing · Feb 21, 2020

Asking a question that I suspect I know the answer to.

The stock list above is ordered and paid for. Is there any type of coral that is worth trying? I’m set for it to be a FOWLR tank, but if there is some sort of nasty tasting corals or ones that the above fish won’t eat.

WisconsinReefing · Feb 21, 2020

Bumping for a busier time lol

WisconsinReefing · Mar 18, 2020

Tank is up and plumbing today!

Sump placement then finishing plumbing, putting black background in today. Hopefully and and dry rock plus water tomorrow.

WisconsinReefing · Mar 19, 2020

Here it is!! Water on the way in. Sand made the water very cloudy lol

10 hours today. Plumbing , sump, setting the apex up.

Ready for bed. But excited!

WisconsinReefing · Mar 20, 2020

Sprung a leak in my plumbing. But resolved it quickly. Salt in today.

Found out my fish are delayed to at a minimum 45 days from now. Should I start ghost feeding?

WisconsinReefing · Mar 22, 2020

Are these tiny bubbles normal for a larger new tank? Want to make sure it isn’t a sign that something is wrong.

vetteguy53081 · Mar 22, 2020

WisconsinReefing said:
Are these tiny bubbles normal for a larger new tank? Want to make sure it isn’t a sign that something is wrong.

Bubbles normal and youre off to a nice start. Gotta love acrylic !

WisconsinReefing · Mar 22, 2020

vetteguy53081 said:
Bubbles normal and youre off to a nice start. Gotta love acrylic !

Thanks! Wouldn’t have been my ideal choice, would have preferred glass, but it was such a good deal and about the only one my wife would approve of and let me get. Lol

WisconsinReefing · Apr 2, 2020

Finished scaping today. Fritz turbo start is in, If I ever get nitrates I’ll add my first fish!

WisconsinReefing · Apr 2, 2020

Here’s a better picture

WisconsinReefing · Apr 3, 2020

Added some fish today!!!

Stars and Stripes puffer
White tail bristletooth tang
4 anthias
Copperband butterfly

Also bought a gem tang. Letting the tank settle a bit more before adding a 800 dollar fish lol.

So happy!