Build thread

Woodchip · Feb 10, 2021

So I have had this tank for about a month now and it is most likely only a week away from being done cycling. It has very minimal rock work but there are quite a few hiding places including a tunnel I made. I built a custom lid (don’t laugh at it I know it’s ugly). I have messed with the rocks a bit and will probably keep going until I find how I like it. It has a custom 10 gallon sump and a prime 16HD light. For stocking I am getting hopefully:

1 pink streaked wrasse
1 saddle Valentini puffer
1 Midas blenny
And maybe one other fish not sure what maybe a goby but I know those can have problems with the blenny. I am up to suggestions on stocking changes or ideas. Here are some pictures at different stages. Hope you like the build.

lapin · Feb 10, 2021

Lookin good

You might add a bit more rock for improved filtration.

Woodchip · Feb 12, 2021

I know no one is following this thread by I will still update it. Changed my stocking list it now includes:
1 Saddle Valentini puffer
1 pink streaked wrasse
1 Hectors goby
1 starry blenny
Does this sound good or bad? For corals I am thinking
Some type of leather
Some type of ricordea
Some type of zoanthid
Done type of frogspawn
Some type of hammer and a metallic green starburst. Any recommendations on which of those types of corals would be appreciated. Thanks all.

Woodchip · Feb 17, 2021

Pretty much just bumping myself. But I got a flow maker and I redid the aquascape again. And my water parameters are perfect FINALY so I am on the hunt for a pink streaked wrasse and Hectors goby. I will be getting corals soon and will post a pic of the tank then. I will start out with a ricordea, zoa and hammer most likely. Expect posts soon.

brandon429 · Feb 17, 2021

This thread has utility in our visual cycling reference thread because updated pics for this reef show new growth patches on the sandbed (posted from another thread soon to be relayed here)

There are certain unmistakable visual cues that immediately confirm cycling. When this tank has a couple fish in it or some corals and snails and life that's the final proof of cycle status, not the test kits. We're beyond 30 days wait now, that's as full standard cycling chart time.

There are new pigmented growths on the right side sandbed in this tank now per recent updates those confirm all basal cycling ability is in place.

* what determines your fish carry isn't ammonia control ability that's set. It's fish disease protocol

Woodchip · Feb 18, 2021

Update. For some coral and a shrimp. My tank is starting the ugly faze but also starting to look better. I got a rainbow ricordea a branching hammer and a peppermint shrimp. Here are some pics. The hammer has not come fully out yet and the shrimp does not want to be filmed. Also tavern on iPhone so not great pics. Sorry.

Woodchip · Feb 18, 2021

Forgot the shrimp pic. It’s horrible I know.

Woodchip · Feb 26, 2021

I finally have fish! I got a Hectors goby and a pink streaked wrasse. The goby of already sifting sand and swimming around while the wrasse went and buried itself in the macro algae. I also added live tiger pods. Here are some pics the wrasse hasn’t come out yet but it has only been an hour and a half so I’m not worried yet.

Hopefully you can see this video

I know it looks dead but it is moving.

Woodchip · Feb 26, 2021

Here is the video again

Mike from TN · Feb 26, 2021

Nice looking setup.
Id like to make a suggestion. You need to put finer mesh on your screen cover. Gobies and Wrasses are known to be jumpers and can fit right through those holes. It’s heartbreaking when a fish jumps out and you’re not there to save it. Vinyl window screen works well and hardly effects light penetration at all.

Woodchip · Feb 26, 2021

Mike from TN said:
Nice looking setup.
Id like to make a suggestion. You need to put finer mesh on your screen cover. Gobies and Wrasses are known to be jumpers and can fit right through those holes. It’s heartbreaking when a fish jumps out and you’re not there to save it. Vinyl window screen works well and hardly effects light penetration at all.

Will do

Woodchip · Mar 4, 2021

Update I got another fish! It is a saddle Valentini puffer. He is about an inch and a half so he will grow and now I’m just hoping he won’t eat the coals in there. And yes I did do research and decided that I would try some cheap coral but I think it will be fine.