LukeyB's Cade Reef S2 600 - Mixed Reef

[shadyraro]

Looks good! I've seen people remove the 3 media baskets and just convert that area as a fuge and it seems to work well too. Where have you moved your heaters too?

 

[LukeyB]

Looks good! I've seen people remove the 3 media baskets and just convert that area as a fuge and it seems to work well too. Where have you moved your heaters too?

Thanks mate. I've moved the heaters into the rear overflow section. They seem to fit in quite well there and will always remain submerged even during water changes. Yea I did think about using the media basket section as a refugium, but I wanted something a bit larger for the Chaeto, and I'll be using the media baskets for live rock rubbles (makes it easy to take out the baskets and shake out any built up detritus during water changes).

 

[shadyraro]

Thanks mate. I've moved the heaters into the rear overflow section. They seem to fit in quite well there and will always remain submerged even during water changes. Yea I did think about using the media basket section as a refugium, but I wanted something a bit larger for the Chaeto, and I'll be using the media baskets for live rock rubbles (makes it easy to take out the baskets and shake out any built up detritus during water changes).

Fair call. I used to have my heaters in the overflow also but my temp was fluctuating too much so I moved them back to sump. But I've since bought a thermo control and my temp is now a very stable 25, so I might look at moving them back to the overflow and see if the temp still remains stable as I need more room in my sump for other things

 

[LukeyB]

Fair call. I used to have my heaters in the overflow also but my temp was fluctuating too much so I moved them back to sump. But I've since bought a thermo control and my temp is now a very stable 25, so I might look at moving them back to the overflow and see if the temp still remains stable as I need more room in my sump for other things

Suggest looking up the 'Inkbird Wired ITC-306A' temperateure controller. It's not too expensive and seems to hold the temperatures quite steady. Also has wi-fi and an app, so you can monitor temps from your phone and you get alerts if it goes outside of whatever range you set.

 

[shadyraro]

Suggest looking up the 'Inkbird Wired ITC-306A' temperateure controller. It's not too expensive and seems to hold the temperatures quite steady. Also has wi-fi and an app, so you can monitor temps from your phone and you get alerts if it goes outside of whatever range you set.

I have the reef factory thermo control which is basically the same thing, but I never had it when the heaters were in the overflow. As it’s keeping my temp on point now I’m hoping it’ll stay the same when I move them back.

 

[LukeyB]

The 3D printed shades for the XR30's just arrived. They really work well to cut down the light spill. Also, I've now got the little bracket for attaching the Blade LED to the Ecotech Rail.

 

[shadyraro]

It's starting to come together quite nicely, what size rail did you use for the radions? I have a second xr15 thats been sitting in a box for months and I'm thinking of adding it.

 

[LukeyB]

It's starting to come together quite nicely, what size rail did you use for the radions? I have a second xr15 thats been sitting in a box for months and I'm thinking of adding it.

Thanks mate. The Ecotech rail I used is 20.5in (52cm). Fits nicely. I'd definitely recomend you get that second XR15 mounted. You can spread them out on a rail and it'll really help cut down any shadowing you're currently getting.

Next up for me is I'm getting a black acrylic hood/visor made to go all around the rim of the tank, to further reduce the light spill into the room. My wife is still complaining it's too bright, even with the shades on the radions, haha. Also, first fish will be going in next week, so that'll be exciting not to just be looking at rocks anymore.

 

[shadyraro]

Thanks. I originally bought the second light for my future 900 upgrade, but I'm not sure if I'll do the side mounting of the brackets. I like the clean open look up top where the brackets are overhanging from the back to give unrestricted access to the tank.
I might add the second one to the back on the weekend and see how it looks lol.

 

[LukeyB]

A couple of updates whilst I'm still waiting for the cycle to complete...

1) Added a very shallow sandbed

2) My custom made acrylic parts arrived. These sit just inside the rim of the aquarium on the same clips as I use to support the lid. They completely stop any light spill into the room. Happy wife happy life

 

[wickedxreef]

Tank is coming along nicely. I just ordered the same tank and will be doing a build thread soon. I'm trying to figure out a way to get a reefmat500, protein skimmer and macro reactor all the fit into the stand area.

 

[shadyraro]

Hey mate where did you get the light shades from?

 

[LukeyB]

Hey mate where did you get the light shades from?

Hey mate. I ordered from a couple of different places, but these ones were by far the best in terms of quality...

XR30 G5/6 Shade

The 3DReefing XR30 shade is the ultimate accessory for controlling light spill and directing light to the desired areas in your reef tank. Specifically designed to complement the curves and angles of the Ecotech brand reef lights, this shade features beveled walls that effectively reduce light...

3dreefing.com

 

[LukeyB]

First living things are now in the aquarium. Some zoa frags and a ball of chaeto in the refugium. Hooray! Also, a pair of awesome looking clownfish are due to arrive tomorrow.

 

[shadyraro]

Hey mate. I ordered from a couple of different places, but these ones were by far the best in terms of quality...

XR30 G5/6 Shade

The 3DReefing XR30 shade is the ultimate accessory for controlling light spill and directing light to the desired areas in your reef tank. Specifically designed to complement the curves and angles of the Ecotech brand reef lights, this shade features beveled walls that effectively reduce light...

3dreefing.com

Thanks man just put in an order

 

[Gumbies R Us]

First living things are now in the aquarium. Some zoa frags and a ball of chaeto in the refugium. Hooray! Also, a pair of awesome looking clownfish are due to arrive tomorrow.

Nice looking frags! Best of luck with the clowns!

 

[LukeyB]

Meet Snowy and Stormy

 

[LukeyB]

Starting to look like a reef tank...

 

[LukeyB]

Some photos testing out my new orange & yellow filters for the camera....

Mint tip gold stem torch

Red and green Goniopora

Alveopora

Orange and toxic green Hammers

Bright red/pink goniopora

Green stem Hammer

 

[LukeyB]

Here's a little video tour of the aquarium. Recent additions are a nice Hulk Torch and some more snails. Rocks have turned green but snails are keeping it in check so far. There are heaps of copepods in the tank as well.