I know I can't be the only one tired of the smell that comes with cleaning skimmers, so I started this tank with the intent of never needing to run one. I decided to instead run just an algae scrubber, the only methods of filtration will be it, (a Clearwater scrubbers mini model scrubber) and filter socks.
The itself tank is a custom peninsula from aquarium masters measuring 36x24x18, the stand was made in the wood shop of a local store, and the color was decided without my approval or ability to argue. As far as equipment goes, I decided on a skimz sumpro 36 sump, a vectra M1 return, two vivid creative aquatics random flow generators nozzles for the returns, a radion G3 pro for the light, and two mp10qds which I plan on putting on should I need additional flow.
So let's get into things!
First off, the overflow sucks, I forgot how large aquarium masters overflows were, I love the tank, but with an over flow that size I expect at least 1.5" and 1" holes, not a 1" and a 3/4". I ended up using both of these holes for a bean animal style overflow, and running my returns up over the back.
Second, the sump, normally I build my own sumps or have them made locally, unfortunately my buddy who does acrylic was too busy, and I was too lazy, so here we are. I really don't have anything negative to say about the skimz sump, it looks good, and does it's job. The only room for improvement in my opinion is the top off section, it's comically small. Unboxing it was definitely fun though!
Now let's talk about the big part, the scrubber, I have Clearwater scrubbers on all my tanks, and all my clients tanks, I love them, and from personal experience, they work better than the two other brands I've tried, which is why I assume brs carries them. I plan on stocking this tank pretty heavily, so I'm excited to see how the new mini model of scrubber I am testing out performs, it's model number is CW-50, and I have no problem bragging about the fact that even BRS doesn't have them yet! The mini one is aptly named, measuring just 6x6. It is pretty though! I jumped for the optional light covers, because no one likes purple rooms.
Plumbing was uneventful, if you've plumbed one tank you know how it's done, 4 unions, 3 gate valves, flex line, and sch80 return lines up over the back. Nothing special. Oh and sand, I added 60lb of sand the day I plumbed and filled, leaving it looking like this! (Stickers have since been removed)
Well, that's pretty much it for setup, all I'll add in is that on every tank I do, I fill and stock lightly day 1, it's probably been 5 years since I've actually "cycled" a tank the "right" way. The tank had 30lb of live rock added day one, and had pro bio dosed daily to make up for this.
Next post will detail stocking and future plans!
The itself tank is a custom peninsula from aquarium masters measuring 36x24x18, the stand was made in the wood shop of a local store, and the color was decided without my approval or ability to argue. As far as equipment goes, I decided on a skimz sumpro 36 sump, a vectra M1 return, two vivid creative aquatics random flow generators nozzles for the returns, a radion G3 pro for the light, and two mp10qds which I plan on putting on should I need additional flow.
So let's get into things!
First off, the overflow sucks, I forgot how large aquarium masters overflows were, I love the tank, but with an over flow that size I expect at least 1.5" and 1" holes, not a 1" and a 3/4". I ended up using both of these holes for a bean animal style overflow, and running my returns up over the back.
Second, the sump, normally I build my own sumps or have them made locally, unfortunately my buddy who does acrylic was too busy, and I was too lazy, so here we are. I really don't have anything negative to say about the skimz sump, it looks good, and does it's job. The only room for improvement in my opinion is the top off section, it's comically small. Unboxing it was definitely fun though!
Now let's talk about the big part, the scrubber, I have Clearwater scrubbers on all my tanks, and all my clients tanks, I love them, and from personal experience, they work better than the two other brands I've tried, which is why I assume brs carries them. I plan on stocking this tank pretty heavily, so I'm excited to see how the new mini model of scrubber I am testing out performs, it's model number is CW-50, and I have no problem bragging about the fact that even BRS doesn't have them yet! The mini one is aptly named, measuring just 6x6. It is pretty though! I jumped for the optional light covers, because no one likes purple rooms.
Plumbing was uneventful, if you've plumbed one tank you know how it's done, 4 unions, 3 gate valves, flex line, and sch80 return lines up over the back. Nothing special. Oh and sand, I added 60lb of sand the day I plumbed and filled, leaving it looking like this! (Stickers have since been removed)
Well, that's pretty much it for setup, all I'll add in is that on every tank I do, I fill and stock lightly day 1, it's probably been 5 years since I've actually "cycled" a tank the "right" way. The tank had 30lb of live rock added day one, and had pro bio dosed daily to make up for this.
Next post will detail stocking and future plans!
