JD's 58g Reef

JDavis · Sep 2, 2012

I've stared at this empty tank long enough... Time to get started. Yesterday I built a "Split Return" styled sump/fuge from a 20L donated from a friend. Glass for baffles.. another donation. My glass cutter was dull, so the glass shop got $20 from me for the cuts. Turned out pretty well.

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58g RR Glass box....

Don't count as an aquarium until it has H2o! I'm having an enternal debate about what equipment I'll be using. I have excellent equipment running on my 30g Cube and planned to break it down for this build. But, this is a REALLY nice set-up. I've got some time yet before I have to decide. Along with deciding about equipment, I really need to decide the direction I want to take. Reef is obvious... SPS? Or simply a Zoa & LPS. I'll mull that over too.

ritter6788 · Sep 2, 2012

That sump is clean! Nice job.

uall8up · Sep 2, 2012

Very nice!

skinz78 · Sep 2, 2012

Looking good so far, what equipment are you debating on?

JDavis · Sep 2, 2012

Now it's a Saltwater aquarium.... DOB 9/2/12

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JDavis · Sep 2, 2012

Thanks Gabe / 8up

skinz78 said:
Looking good so far, what equipment are you debating on?

Well my fellow Clam Nut... right now all I have is a Mag7 for a return & a 4bulb T5 fixture with 2 bulbs. I'm debating on breaking down my 30g Cube & using the equipment from it. It's "Fully Loaded" w/ RKL (3) PC4's, LEDs, ATO, good skimmer, ect... Don't really want to at this point. It's just a beautiful set-up as it is. May just wait a little while to decide.

Skimmer has changed to a SCA-80.

revsgirl · Sep 3, 2012

Lookin' great!!

revhtree · Sep 3, 2012

Can't wait to see the new tank take shape. I like the color stand you have.

skinz78 · Sep 3, 2012

Nice looking Derasa! I say leave the 30 up and going and just build the 58g new, sure it will cost more but you'll have 2 awesome tanks when you are done.

Is your T5 an individual reflector unit?

JDavis · Sep 6, 2012

"Is your T5 an individual reflector unit?" Yes it is, but I'd really consider replacing it with an LED fixture. I've been very successful with the Evolution Series fixtures... probably will go that direction.

I had something unexpected had shortly after the tank got "Salty"... no leaks, nothing major.. just unusual. Overnight I developed rust like residue on the sandbed and overflow. It's been so long since I've delt with Diatoms, I wasn't sure. Thinking it might have been an issue with my Reef Crytals??? Some of my Reefer friends thought it might have been something with the sand so I decided to start over from scratch. Still using the same Lot # of RC, just no sand. It's filling up as I type. Side Note: Yes, it's Zero TDS RO/DI H2o. (Would have been my 1st question

)

Here's a couple of pics showing the problem...

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JDavis · Sep 22, 2012

Well after the minor initial set-back, everything started coming together. Finished up the sump area today. Pukani Live Rock coming tomorrow.

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More pics to come when I can start aquascaping.

ritter6788 · Sep 22, 2012

JDavis said:
Well after the minor initial set-back, everything started coming together. Finished up the sump area today. Pukani Live Rock coming tomorrow.

Where in the world did you find a place to get Pukani rock on a Sunday?

Nice job on the sump. Neat and organized.

JDavis · Sep 23, 2012

"Where in the world did you find a place to get Pukani rock on a Sunday?"...... Got the hook-up. See you in a few hrs.

strange33w · Sep 23, 2012

lookin very nice

JDavis · Sep 25, 2012

Helped a friend go breakdown and move a complete 120g SPS dominate system this past Sunday. He mainly bought it for the coral. An hour after he dropped me off... we both had the same thoughts. I needed the 120! Worked out some trades.. 120 arriving today! Sorry 58g..shortest build thread ever... will be starting another build thread!