First Foray into Reefkeeping

[AnomMatty]

I've always loved reef tanks, and finally started putting together my own first build. This may not be the fastest build thread, but wanted to get it started.

Equipment:
Display: Aqueon 40 Breeder
Sump: Aqueon 20 Long w/FijiCube Baffle Kit
Overflow: FijiCube 600 gph
Lighting: Kessil A360X Tuna Blue (x2)
Protein Skimmer: Reef Octopus 110SSS
Return Pump: Jebao DCP-2500
Flow: Icecap 2k gyre(x2) & Tunze 6025
Heater: 200w titanium
Cooling: Amazon Desk Fan
ATO: Hydros ATO
ATO Reservoir: Reefcan 40
Reactors: BRS Mini Reactor (Rox 0.8)
Controllers:
Helios
Hydros Control 4
Hydros Xp8
Hydros Waveengine LE

My goal is to start with softies/LPS and eventually work towards adding SPS as well. My only livestock interest other than corals is some nems. I have kids and grandkids though, so we'll inevitably end up with several fish as well.

Stock:
Derpy Derek (Flame Hawkfish)
Spot and Speckle (Mocha Storm Clownfish, Bonded Pair)

CUC:
Cortez Cerith (3)
Dwarf Ceriths
Trochus (3)
Nassarius (4)
Blue legged hermits (4)
Turbos (3)

Corals
Laser Eye Blasto (QCC 6/14/24)
Blowpop Zoa (QCC 6/14/24)
Milka Stylo (QCC 6/14/24)
Torch (LFS RG 6/19/24)
JF Buzzkill Cyphastrea (TSA 6/26/24)
Alveopora (LFS RG 6/28/2024)
Forest Fire Rhodactis Mushroom (QCC 7/9/24)
Pandora Zoa (QCC 7/9/24)
Ponape Birdsnest (QCC 7/9/24)

Losses:
Remy Jr. (Purple Firefish) (7/18/24)

7/12/2024

6/14/2024

 

[tzabor10]

Good luck

 

[AnomMatty]

Aqueon 40 gallon Breeder and 20 Long arrive near their new home

Stand arrived, built, and leveled prematurely

The ugliest and prettiest baffle install I've ever done.

 

[AnomMatty]

The most nerve wrecking experience yet, cutting a brand new aquarium up.

 

[AnomMatty]

Test fitting bulkheads and painting the back wall

 

[AnomMatty]

Up to date as of today. Plan through this weekend is:
- The shelf area behind the doors of the stand prohibits any kind of internal protein skimmer in the sump, so I'll be routing part of it out
- My overflow hole is about 1/8-1/4 inch too high for the rim of the display, so I'll be *carefully* notching the rim
- Attaching overflow, bulkheads, and getting all the plumbing sorted and fixed into place.

Still putting together how I want to source rock. Couple of LFS relatively close and I may price out picking pieces out in-store vs buying a bulk box of dry rock.

Next purchase will either be RODI system or skimmer.

 

[AnomMatty]

Good luck

Thanks! Definitely feels daunting.

 

[strich]

Maximum DIY, I like it!

You planning a sand bed?

 

[tzabor10]

If it were me, I would cut a hole for the skimmer. It’s 90% of the reason I have a sump. Good luck

 

[AnomMatty]

Maximum DIY, I like it!

You planning a sand bed?

Yes, plan is to startup with live sand and dry rock. I was considering bare bottom, but ultimately decided against it.

 

[AnomMatty]

If it were me, I would cut a hole for the skimmer. It’s 90% of the reason I have a sump. Good luck

That's the plan for today when I get home from work. Going to rout out enough of that shelf that a skimmer won't be hindered and uncover the top of the area next to it which will eventually be the refugium.

 

[tzabor10]

Where are all the power bricks going to be?

 

[AnomMatty]

Where are all the power bricks going to be?

Back side of the stand. Hope is to get them all floor level, if I have to keep some raised I'll probably affix them to the back of the cabinet area.

 

[strich]

Dunno how much research you've put into this, but I have come to believe skimmers are quite optional and there is debate if they're a net positive depending on how you setup your ecosystem.
If space is tight you could go without one for now.

 

[AnomMatty]

Dunno how much research you've put into this, but I have come to believe skimmers are quite optional and there is debate if they're a net positive depending on how you setup your ecosystem.
If space is tight you could go without one for now.

I've considered going without, but should I wish to have one the shelf would have to be cut - and that's an easier ordeal before water is in the tanks than after. I will most likely startup with one and remove it down the road if I can keep stability without it running.

 

[strich]

Gotcha.

Well I'm excited to see how the overflow works!

And yeah good call on the sand btw. I really think bare bottom is not a good look.

 

[AnomMatty]

Gotcha.

Well I'm excited to see how the overflow works!

And yeah good call on the sand btw. I really think bare bottom is not a good look.

I really like the bare bottom look in some instances, I just don't feel it's the look I'm going for. Plus I'd prefer to have the added filtration sand provides with my first setup.

 

[AnomMatty]

Today's progress: Stand routed, cleaned up, and touched up.

Before

During

After

 

[esquare]

Coming along great, I really like the 40 breeder size.

Just a suggestion, that last pic makes it look like you could benefit from some additional sealing of the edges you cut for the skimmer. That area will see a lot of moisture and it looks as though the cut edges aren't completely sealed. I can't tell from the pics whether the material is solid wood, plywood, or particle board but if particle board it's even more important to seal it well. One way to approach it is to use something like Kilz oil based to get a good base coat then top it with black latex. You can tape off the top and bottom to keep it neat when applying the finish.

If it is already sealed well then please disregard.

If you have grandkids then a pair of nemos (clownfish) might be a good addition and a BTA (Bubble Tip Anemone) since you have expressed an interest in "Nems". There are an endless variety of captive bred clowns available. Captive breeding, in my experience, results in a fish that is easier to acclimate to tank life. The main thing to watch out for with most anemones, BTA's included, is they have the potential to pick up and move around the tank which makes mesh covers (or something similar) for your powerheads a good move.

I'm looking forward to following your build!

 

[AnomMatty]

Coming along great, I really like the 40 breeder size.

Just a suggestion, that last pic makes it look like you could benefit from some additional sealing of the edges you cut for the skimmer. That area will see a lot of moisture and it looks as though the cut edges aren't completely sealed. I can't tell from the pics whether the material is solid wood, plywood, or particle board but if particle board it's even more important to seal it well. One way to approach it is to use something like Kilz oil based to get a good base coat then top it with black latex. You can tape off the top and bottom to keep it neat when applying the finish.

If it is already sealed well then please disregard.

If you have grandkids then a pair of nemos (clownfish) might be a good addition and a BTA (Bubble Tip Anemone) since you have expressed an interest in "Nems". There are an endless variety of captive bred clowns available. Captive breeding, in my experience, results in a fish that is easier to acclimate to tank life. The main thing to watch out for with most anemones, BTA's included, is they have the potential to pick up and move around the tank which makes mesh covers (or something similar) for your powerheads a good move.

I'm looking forward to following your build!

Thanks! The stand is metal framed, with MDF making the cabinet area. The edges of it were cut, shellac, then painted black with acrylic. I think the last pic looks that way due to a combination of flash and it being 1-2 coats from completely covered.

I've been made well aware we're expected to get a 'Nemo fish' - and it'll probably be the first addition honestly. I'm on pretty much the same page with clown and bta I think. Do clowns typically do better in pairs?

Plans for the rest of the weekend are plumbing and maybe sorting out hellos and pump controller placement if I get froggy.