Maple Reef’s 80 gallon shallow build

MapleReef · Nov 12, 2017

I prefer the KISS principle. I'm using one Vectra M1 as my return pump and it will feed the main display as well as the bio pellet reactor through the main manifold. This principle really interested me in that they have no moving parts and consume no energy in randomizing flow in the tank.
I guess ill know if my thoughts are correct in a few weeks, when I add water to the system.

MapleReef · Nov 13, 2017

So had a few min today and tackled a small project I’ve been thinking about over the past week. I really think I should incorporate a overflow cover, stops light from growing algae and keeps critters out. All that’s left is to give it two coats of marine clear epoxy.

Decided to go with the 3/4 ply I’ve used on most of this project.

Also and update on lighting. Placed my order today on two kessil 360we and two ATI coral + bulbs and two Blue+ bulbs.

Tigweldpro · Nov 13, 2017

Looking good. What's the fill with water date?

MapleReef · Nov 13, 2017

Tigweldpro said:
Looking good. What's the fill with water date?

So the stand top went out this morning for the wood trim to be added. Went with Ash.
Should be done in a week or two. Then it’s water time. Still aiming for the end of the month. I’m beginning to really look fwd to having water in the system. This week I’m gonna have to focus on mounting the t5 hybrid.

Vivid Creative Aquatics · Nov 13, 2017

MapleReef said:
Also ordered a set of random flow generators, from vivid aquatics
https://vividcreativeaquatics.com/shop/34in-random-flow-generator-rfg075/

Lots going on. This coming week I hope to have the lighting hung. And need to decide on my four bulb t5 combo. Will be using Kessil 360’s aswell.

Also and anyone recommend a dosing unit? Thinking of going with a bubble magus doser.

Your tank build is looking fantastic. Thanks for including the Random Flow Generator in you build. The M1 is a great pump to pair with the RFG nozzles - it's controllability and it's range can really help you dial the RFG in for the perfect randomized flow pattern.

Following this thread to watch this tank progress

MapleReef · Nov 13, 2017

Vivid Creative Aquatics said:
Your tank build is looking fantastic. Thanks for including the Random Flow Generator in you build. The M1 is a great pump to pair with the RFG nozzles - it's uncontrollably and it's range can really help you dial the RFG in for the perfect randomized flow pattern.

Following this thread to watch this tank progress

I’ve been tracking the package u sent me, looks like it should arrive early this week! I can’t wait to try the RFG’s out!

Clayton Jessup · Nov 14, 2017

I am looking forward to this build progress as well .. I am really interested in trying out the RFG nozzles by Vivid Creative Aquatics ... I think it might work well for my 75g build as well with my Sicce Syncra 5.0 pump

!

MapleReef · Nov 14, 2017

Anyone grow mangroves in their display?? I just picked up 2 mangrove shoots and am debating with adding these to my main display. Was looking for a way to mount them. Found these? Anyone’s thoughts? Is this worth trying?

https://aquariumledmounts.com/produ...lic-clip-on-mangrove-holder-3-for-lg-mangrove

JoeIII · Nov 15, 2017

I tried, they grew incredibly slowly and were pretty finicky in my experience. I collected three and they all eventually died and rotted.

I know others have had better luck than I

litenyaup · Nov 15, 2017

Nice build!

MapleReef · Nov 15, 2017

JoeIII said:
I tried, they grew incredibly slowly and were pretty finicky in my experience. I collected three and they all eventually died and rotted.

I know others have had better luck than I

From what I’m reading, yes growth is extremely slow. However I’m hoping root growth, and establishment is faster. I hope to position the pods slightly over the rocks and have the roots work downwards. That’s the idea anyhow. I’ve wanted to incorporate mangroves in this tank from the beginning, and hopefully I can have some success.

Daniel@R2R · Nov 15, 2017

Beautiful stuff! Looking forward to watching this one develop!

MapleReef · Nov 16, 2017

Today was a big mail day. I received the AquaticLife 48” t5 hybrid and wonderful package from Vivid Creative Aquatics or VCA for short. It arrived well packaged and I’m very impressed. The 3/4 nozzles are larger then I expected. Though they are smaller then the CPR educators I have on my other tank, and they have the wonderful benefit of randomizing flow.

Vivid Creative Aquatics · Nov 16, 2017

Nice!
Glad they made it to you safely. How long did that take to reach you in Ontario?

MapleReef · Nov 16, 2017

Vivid Creative Aquatics said:
Nice!
Glad they made it to you safely. How long did that take to reach you in Ontario?

I’m thinking about a week? It wasn’t long at all!

MapleReef · Nov 16, 2017

Ok so I’m pretty sure I no longer have warranty on my AquaticLife t5 hybrid

My intent in disassembly of this fixture and re wiring it. I’d like to route the electrical upwards to the ceiling.

To be continued.................

ewelch · Nov 16, 2017

MapleReef said:
Anyone grow mangroves in their display?? I just picked up 2 mangrove shoots and am debating with adding these to my main display. Was looking for a way to mount them. Found these? Anyone’s thoughts? Is this worth trying?

https://aquariumledmounts.com/produ...lic-clip-on-mangrove-holder-3-for-lg-mangrove

Beautiful system ! Looking forward to seeing this thing get wet .

I have been growing Mangroves for awhile . They grow much faster in freshwater so I typically start them and grow them out in FW then aclimate them over to SW .

Here is one of mine in a Mangrove specific system plumbed into another DT.

MapleReef · Nov 16, 2017

ewelch said:
Beautiful system ! Looking forward to seeing this thing get wet .

I have been growing Mangroves for awhile . They grow much faster in freshwater so I typically start them and grow them out in FW then aclimate them over to SW .

Here is one of mine in a Mangrove specific system plumbed into another DT.

I never thought of the difference in growth rate from freshwater to salt.