Fluval EVO 13.5 build

[Aquavaj]

Just picked up this little guy today from the lfs. They had a pretty cool deal going on where if you spend $100 in store you get the tank for $90, down from the $150. I went with a gift certificate for the time being while I get the tank up and cycled.

So far I only have the sand in and my aquascape done. Couldn't get it wet yet since my RODI was at my brother's house and he wasn't home. Everything is stock right now but I'll see if I can work a Kessil a360 in somehow. For more flow I'm either going with a Jebao wp10 (yes it's still working) or a Coralbox RN-1 I still have laying around. Or maybe both if I can get them to fit. I have an Apex classic and Tunze 3155 that I may breakout as well depending on how much automation I want to go with. My plan is a mix reef but with the easier sps.

 

[JoshO]

I'm just starting an Evo build too! Looks like your rock is going to stick out of the water, that could be a seriously cool look if you end up removing the lid

 

[Peace River]

It looks like you are off to a good start and have a reasonable plan! It will be fun to watch this system mature!

 

[ISFNick]

This scape is sick! I recommend taking some off the top so you have more room for growth
I can tell this tank will go places.

 

[Aquavaj]

Just thought I'd update on the progress. I've since got an Intank media basket for the first chamber. I'm running Marinepure Gems, bio-rings, AC, and GFO. Ditched the stock lid and got an AUQA Gadget DIY mesh lid. It has a lip around the frame so it sits flush around the top. I'm running 2 Kessil a360 being ramped up and down by an Apex classic. ATO is handled by a Tunze with a 10g reservior. As for livestock I got a CUC, 2 chromis, and an orange storm clown. Unfortunately the clown came down with some kind of external infection and is in QT. It's healing well and hopefully will have it back in another week or so. Got about 30 frags of softies, lps, and sps too.
Also been battling a mild case of bryopsis and gha. A 3 day blackout along with peroxide dosing seem to have helped a bit but gonna try fluconazole.
I'll get a few pics up soon.

 

[Reef_Colors]

Wow 2 360's?! I run one at about 1 foot above the water and i have it max 30% intensity

 

[najer]

Nice scape.

 

[Aquavaj]

 

[Aquavaj]

Since the last update I removed all the old rocks, fully vacuumed the sand and put in new rocks. I aquascaped them and cooked them in a bucket with a pump and heater for 2 weeks prior. They were already glued together so I just dropped them in. I was using a Coralbox RN-1 wavemaker but it's too strong for this scape. Before it was behind the big rock and that helped block much of the flow. I ordered a Sicce Nano 1000 and have that one the center back wall.

4/27/2020

 

[JoshO]

Did you have too many algae issues?

 

[Aquavaj]

Upcoming plans: I have another Nano 1000 coming in this week. I plan to put them in the back corners criss-crossing and being oscillated by a Sicce Wavesurfer. This should give it not just more flow but more random flow.

For corals I would like a few more zoas and rics. A frog spawn or hammer would be nice but we'll see if I can make any more room for it.

 

[Aquavaj]

Did you have too many algae issues?

I had a mild case of bryopsis and dinos. I took care of the bryopsis with fluconazole. I beat back the dinos with a uv sterlizer and h2o2 dosing. Hoping it won't come back.

 

[JoshO]

Have you looked into the 4 month cycle?