Jasons 75 gallon tank build (New

[jrobin4776]

I posted in different area of site and thought this was more appropriate.

Hello and thanks for helping! I am starting a 75 gallon reef build. I had a FOWLR tank several years ago and have forgotten everything.
Here is what I have today:
- 75 gallon tank and stand. I have no idea on the brand, but only bottom is tempered
- 20L tank that MAY be used as sump
- Simplicity 120DC Skimmer
- Marine Aqua DC 12000 return pump

Thats it!

What I want:

- Clean, silent running reef tank
- Happy fish and coral
- User friendly

What I Don't want:
- Need to live off Ramen Noodles when tank is complete$$$
- Dead fish. I can buy those at the store.

 

[jrobin4776]

I'm already frustrated with the question of sump size. 50/50 on if 20 gallon long is enough. I think I get it. It will work, but more is better. However, other than the 29 gallon, nothing else will fit in the cabinet. 29 gallon is only taller, so I don't gain anything other that extra back drain space. As I posted in the last thread, I'm trying to stay enthusiastic. I know it will be worth it in the end. I was hoping to start pluming this weekend, but I'm caught in the staring at it stage.

 

[jrobin4776]

Mocking up the baffles. Hopefully can get glass cut and silicone today. Dogs apparently didn’t like me leaving a 40b on “their” couch. Another lesson learned.

 

[jrobin4776]

Ordered the EMS 20" overflow. at $179.99 the price was up there, but I think I will be happy with it. I wanted a small looking footprint in the tank. I also wanted to make sure my water line didn't show. Seemed to be a little confusion on this while working with a rimmed tank. The EMS install video addresses this and seems simple enough. I had some great suggestions like the Modular Marine overflow. The MM seems to be sold out everywhere except ebay (and more expensive). I still need to figure out what bulkheads to buy. I want returns on both sides of the tank.

20" Overflow Kit

This is our smaller 20" overflow kit. It has smaller 1" drains, which allows us to create a smaller external box. The weir openings are only .5" tall, with a total distance from the top of the box only 1". It is designed to flow between 1 - 1200 GPH. The system includes: (1) - Black 20"...

www.exoticmarinesystems.com

 

[jrobin4776]

No glass getting cut this weekend. I wanted 1/4” glass and Lowe’s only has wafer thin. Local glass companies open Monday. Checked a few places on plumbing. As this will be visible from some areas in the living room, I need it to be pretty. Only white plumbing in this town. Really think I want blue. Back to the inner webs to order everything on line. I really like touching before I buy.

 

[jrobin4776]

So...it took a few minutes of staring at my broken tank to think “ can I cut my own baffles out of that?”

 

[jrobin4776]

Baby steps. Baffles are in. Sump is curing. Turned the past 24 hour of horror into a win!!

 

[jrobin4776]

Anyone have ATO's that they recommend or warn against?

 

[jrobin4776]

I hated the thought of buying so much rock on line. I think it was worth the premium price to go to the LFS and KNOW what I’m getting. Even was able to do some design before I bought. Was even able to get military discount. What do you guys think of this?

 

[jrobin4776]

I have decided I would like a very clean minimal look to the plumbing. for me, that means minimizing angles, turns or using any unions. Yes, I said it. no unions. I understand the "what if", but I will deal with that when if happens. The cost is not a lot, but I think all those unions can take away from a minimalist, clean look I would like. I am going with a blue PVC and grey joints. two check valves (for each return) and 1 gate valve.

 

[jrobin4776]

Today I received some pluming I missed and the Tunze Osmolator 3155 ATO. As soon as I get the overflow, I will drill the tank. Should be here soon!

 

[jrobin4776]

Drilled tank today!! Easy as pie. Now on to mock up the plumbing!

 

[jrobin4776]

Ok, been a minute. I have plumbing complete. Tested for leaks and function/ failure over two days. Drained, Aquascaped and filled with saltwater. Has been running for two weeks

 

[jrobin4776]

Lighting is the next big hurdle to overcome. I have no idea what to get. I am planning on a mixed tank. As far as budgets go, I'm not restrained, but would like everything for nothing just like everyone else. Less than $500 would be nice
I know nothing about lighting and have given myself a headache twice trying to educate myself. I assume some auto-timing and color adjustments would be nice. Any help would be appreciated!

 

[jrobin4776]

Decided to go with two Kessil A160we LED lights. They look amazing.
After running the tank for two weeks, I decided to throw in some Fritz-Zyme turbo start to kick this into gear. Who knows, maybe I can throw in a Damsel pretty soon

 

[jrobin4776]

Trying to cycle the tank. Seems every store is out of ammonia (or any cleaning supplies). having to go with a shrimp. I was excited to try the ammonia, I need to see what I can order on line. Ordered the Kassil A80 refugium light. Should have it Thursday.

 

[MERKEY]

How did I miss this one, great build thread and can't wait to see it full of corals and fish!

 

[fishlover1478]

this looks a lot better then my 75

 

[Jeffcb]

Looks really good.

 

[jrobin4776]