Matt's natural reef

Matt Carden · Oct 28, 2018

I am relatively new to Saltwater fishkeeping. I had a 36G FOWLR I had setup for about 6 months before I had to tear it down for a move. I have been researching this build for about six months. I decided to go with the 150 SCA tank which I purchased back in May. I built my own stand out of 2x6, 2x4, plywood. I am planning as much of a natural ocean balanced system as I can achieve. I have a 50G standard for my refuge/ sump with only 2 chambers to maximize my fuge area. There will be a 6"-8" sand bed with Cheato in the fuge. I have a Jaebo DCP 8000 pump to recirculate water back to my DT. I just ordered Instant Ocean salt, a 6 stage RODI from pure water club for $100 delivered and 150# of dry rock from Billy's Reef Connection. Once I have everything up and running I going to order 10# of KP Aquatics live rock to seed bacteria coralline bugs etc. I plan on using a 2" sand bed in my DT and to create aquascape with my rocks. This startup will be focused on emersion time and the ability to hand clean rocks and all wet surfaces to get through the ugly stages of cycling.

I plan on building a reef-pi to monitor temperature water level and to control 3 SB reeflights 16 basics. I have 1 reefbreeders RP-M for DT flow. I will definitely need a second. I have 2 - 200w Finnex titanium heaters. I will end up getting a doser to dose 2 part once I have a need.

Salahunreal · Oct 28, 2018

Nice build. What about the skimmer?

Matt Carden · Oct 28, 2018

Thank you.

I'm not planning on using a skimmer at this time. I have room in my sump if I choose to add one later.

Salahunreal · Oct 28, 2018

Planning to have same sump setup as yours but with adding the skimmer. My idea is to adapt Triton method. So fuge first then skimmer then return.
Good luck

Matt Carden · Oct 28, 2018

Yeah you too

NY_Caveman · Oct 28, 2018

Looks great! I really like a tank that separates and is viewable from two rooms.

Matt Carden · Oct 29, 2018

Thanks

Matt Carden · Oct 29, 2018

Oops!

Matt Carden · Oct 29, 2018

Now I have to cut in a coupling

Matt Carden · Oct 31, 2018

I finished my plumbing today. At least until I figure out if I have to adjust my herbie overflow pipe lengths. I am planning on leaving all 3 pipes in my overflow unglued for easier future maintenance.

My RODI maker, salt, and rock are enroute. Hopefully I will be filled by Sunday!

I would also like to show my future plans for ventilation in my DIY stand.

fishybizzness · Oct 31, 2018

I can't really tell from the picture but do you have a guard on the top of the main drain?

Matt Carden · Oct 31, 2018

On the main yes but not on the emergency

fishybizzness said:
I can't really tell from the picture but do you have a guard on the top of the main drain?

fishybizzness · Oct 31, 2018

Thanks. Going to be setting up my 120 and I'm getting tips anywhere I can

Matt Carden · Oct 31, 2018

Here's a close up of my main drain

fishybizzness · Oct 31, 2018

Nice! I'm not going to be able to get mine set up until early next year because of house renovation. I'm getting all my info until then. Thanks for the info!

Matt Carden · Nov 1, 2018

Well I finally finished my stand by putting the doors on today!

Matt Carden · Nov 1, 2018

Wired my GFCI outlet box and mounted it today.

Matt Carden · Nov 1, 2018

Matt Carden said:
Wired my GFCI outlet box and mounted it today.

Giddyup · Nov 1, 2018

Nice setup and beginning of what should be a great journey... I was fortunate enough to be one of eight people flown in for the 2nd round of the 1996 Masters

We pulled up 20ft behind Davis Love III’s jet, arrived at rental house with Masters carved in Ice, Steaks, Cigars... Southern breakfast on Friday, all day at course... Feel blessed for the once in lifetime experience... Greg was near lead that day

Now, back to reefing ... The good news, you can later beg the wife to convert one of those beautiful rooms to your fish wet room, Egads!

Cheers!