First Reef 65 Gallon Build Thread

[bmoore92]

Hey everybody, I've been researching reefs somewhat ever since getting my first freshwater tank about 10 years ago. I'm now 22, in college and out on my own so my girlfriend and I decided it was time to take the plunge. We found a great 65 gallon setup on the forums and just recently finished plumbing and filling it. We plan to keep a mixed reef with mostly softies and lps but hopefully once we learn a little more about the reefing way of life we can move on up to some more challenging sps. We are ready to learn as much as possible from the other reefers on the forum and are open to any comments,advice,or suggestions. Well I think that is enough with the introduction so I'll get on to some pictures.

The tank came brown but we decided on a simple gloss black. Simple sump with a reef octopus 110 and a triton 3 return pump. The lights came with the tank and are ecoxotic panoramas. We plan on upgrading light a little later on but for now they look pretty nice. I will keep the thread updated as the tank progresses. Happy reefing everyone!

 

[jpines]

Good looking tank! I've got a 65 myself..perfect size (for me anyway)

 

[bmoore92]

Rescaped the tank. I'm trying to sell it on my local forum at the moment to downsize. Gf wants a bedroom tank and between work and school I don't have the time/budget to keep up two tanks. If it doesn't sell then I will keep it and move forward.

Future plans for the tank are as follows:
1) The rock that is slightly to the left in the foreground I plan to let some neon gsp take over since it's an island.
2) plan to keep a euphyllia "garden" I'm the left front corner
3) zoa/ ricordia garden around the mound to the right.
4) probably let zoas populate the tonga branch pieces
5) gotta put some sticks and caps somewhere so probably on the rock mound.

Thinking about building a rock wall to help with bio filtration since the minimalist look has grown on me.

Any comments/ advice will be appreciated!

Britt