Just bought 65 gallon used tank

[gidelgadojr]

Bought a 65 gallon tank that was running for a year, but the owner got a bigger one and gave me this with everything included, but lights and stand. I build my own stand replaced the piping because it needed a touch up. I filled it with freshwater everything runs smoothly. I’m putting in the 36-48 IC Loop Pro Dual LED Marine Complete System for lighting. I know I need an ATO and I believe I am ready to cycle the tank. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[glb]

I’d get a Tunze Osmolator ATO. They’re the best.

 

[mike550]

Nice looking stand! Agree on the Tunze.

 

[gidelgadojr]

I’d get a Tunze Osmolator ATO. They’re the best.

I’ve heard Tunze are the best

 

[gidelgadojr]

I’d get a Tunze Osmolator ATO. They’re the best.

Any tips on what to use in sump, I’ve heard live rock, chaeto and carbon

 

[glb]

Any tips on what to use in sump, I’ve heard live rock, chaeto and carbon

There’s lots of different kinds of filtration. In my sump, I have a skimmer with a co2 scrubber, live rock, and a carbon/gfo reactor. Lots of people use chaeto, but I’ve never tried it.

 

[gidelgadojr]

Tank is up and cycling, having an issue with one of the wave pumps in the Current USA Marine Loop System, but working on it. I think the other two wave pumps will suffice for now.

 

[gidelgadojr]

Some different pictures of the stages of building the stand and setting everything up.

 

[Rjukan]

I love the dimensions on that tank. I have a 60g cube and would trade it in a heartbeat for that tank.
Looking like a good start, enjoy the process!

 

[gidelgadojr]

Thoughts on Aquascape while tank is cycling? What else can I add?

 

[Rjukan]

Just my opinion, but with a longer tank like you have I would consider trying to do 2 separate structures on either side with sand between. If you go for a bit of height on one, and keep the other lower it might have a nice look that accentuates the dimensions of the tank.

 

[Bryknicks]

I would add more rock if you're able to. I did like Rjukan said in my 65 gallon and have two tall rock structures with a middle shelf connecting them

 

[PatW]

A skimmer is nice to have. You get any soaps or oils in the tank and a skimmer will clean it right out. It also removes large bio molecules. Not essential but good to have.

Filter socks are good at removing particulates from the water and making the water clearer. They do need frequent cleaning... once or twice per week.

An RODI system is great to have. They pay for themselves pretty quickly. No going out to buy and tote water home. You control the quality and can make it at any time. Plus, you mix up your own saltwater.

 

[gidelgadojr]

A skimmer is nice to have. You get any soaps or oils in the tank and a skimmer will clean it right out. It also removes large bio molecules. Not essential but good to have.

Filter socks are good at removing particulates from the water and making the water clearer. They do need frequent cleaning... once or twice per week.

An RODI system is great to have. They pay for themselves pretty quickly. No going out to buy and tote water home. You control the quality and can make it at any time. Plus, you mix up your own saltwater.

I have a reef octopus Skimmer in my sump, will look into the RODI and Filter sock when I am done cycling

 

[gidelgadojr]

Just my opinion, but with a longer tank like you have I would consider trying to do 2 separate structures on either side with sand between. If you go for a bit of height on one, and keep the other lower it might have a nice look that accentuates the dimensions of the tank.

That is a great idea, unfortunately my LFS has run out of live rock so I took all they had left. But I will go back soon for more to try to do this. Thanks!

 

[gidelgadojr]

Just my opinion, but with a longer tank like you have I would consider trying to do 2 separate structures on either side with sand between. If you go for a bit of height on one, and keep the other lower it might have a nice look that accentuates the dimensions of the tank.

Any advice on how to do two taller structures, I am new when it comes to this longer tank. Previously, I have not had to go do high.

 

[Bryknicks]

I used hydraulic cement to do my structure. Other options are e-marco 400, super glue and accelerant, epoxy, drilling holes and using fiberglass rods, drilling holes and using zip ties. I'm sure there are other options as well.

 

[Rjukan]

I dont know if you would really need more rock, maybe take the largest piece and have it stand alone, then use the rest in a solid stack on the other side?

I used a drill and 1/2" PVC pipe to stack my rock, but since I have a cube I needed to go higher than normal. You might be able to get away with stacking them without pegs, but the reef safe epoxy could be a good option to secure them.

 

[Homebrewer]

Any advice on how to do two taller structures, I am new when it comes to this longer tank. Previously, I have not had to go do high.

First, nice work thus far. Impressive.

As for this question, my tank looks to be about the same dimensions. I have old-school natural reef rock and basically built two mounds with a valley in the middle (see pics). If I was starting today, I’d probably start completely dry and sculpt something more creative, but I got mine to about 50-60% of the way to the top with some thoughtful stacking.

 

[gidelgadojr]

First, nice work thus far. Impressive.

As for this question, my tank looks to be about the same dimensions. I have old-school natural reef rock and basically built two mounds with a valley in the middle (see pics). If I was starting today, I’d probably start completely dry and sculpt something more creative, but I got mine to about 50-60% of the way to the top with some thoughtful stacking.

This looks awesome, did you use glue at all or just stacked carefully?