My new tank

Zoacoral · Jan 25, 2012

I am placing my order tomorrow for my tank.. Im going to get it from Deep Sea aquatics. Dimensions will be 48 x 24 x 21. This tank will be a mixed reef.

My equipment list and such

Sand: Im going to start with 80 pounds of Caribsea dry special grade reef sand. I dont like alot of sand but if I dont feel this is enough ill add another 40 pounds or so.
Rock: I have a bunch of dry rock that im going to start cycling.
Light: This is where I have no idea. I was thinking about an ATI sunpower 6 bulb, or wait for some AI vega's to come out.
Return pump: mag 9
Flow: I have an mp40w es, and im going to add a mp10w es on the opposite side eventually.
skimmer: Leaning towards the SRO 2000Int.
This will all be controlled by my apex (once the display gets fixed)

Now. Im here to take suggestions before I order things. Would you use a different sand or would you go with what I picked out? I have always used aragonite and i didnt like that my powerheads blew the sand everywhere.

Fish wise: I want a tang or 2, pair of clown fish. goby, blenny. Theres more I just havent picked them all out yet.. Anything you would do different with my build?

revhtree · Jan 25, 2012

Sounds like it's going to be a great tank!

The only thing I would do is maybe change the sand to Tropic Eden Reef Flakes which is awesome!

Will your pump be internal or external?

Aquaph8 · Jan 25, 2012

It all sounds pretty good to me. I think you'll like the sunpower, T5's are great and ATI makes a nice fixture. The mag pumps are very reliable, Ive used them for years but just FYI they produce a lot of heat and use a lot of electiricity. What Tangs did you have in mind?

Zoacoral · Jan 26, 2012

Im not worried about the heat, as It shouldnt be enough to matter.. I keep my house on the cooler side.. What would you recommend for a return pump that doesnt break the bank that uses less watts?

As for tangs.. Kole tang

Aquaph8 · Jan 26, 2012

Im not sure if these break the bank but Waterblaster or eheim are both great pumps.

Zoacoral · Jan 26, 2012

Ill check them out.. How much flow do I really need though? I'm pretty sure the tank has 2 1 inch drains and 2 1 inch returns.. I have a 40 gallon sump that ill be using.

KSzegi · Jan 26, 2012

+1 on the Tropic Eden Reeflakes! I went with a deep sand bed and their fine sand - but with some reef flakes on top and they are great - won't blow around everywhere on you.

skulls_and_sparrows · Jan 30, 2012

looking forward to pics!

Zoacoral · Jan 31, 2012

I will definitely get some pictures. I have built the sump already. Which will be a 40 gallon breeder. Divided into 3 sections with the return pump in the middle.

bucksfan1976 · Feb 2, 2012

Congrats on the new tank, get us some pics when you can

Zoacoral · Feb 2, 2012

Will do, I didnt get my order placed when i said I would.. But It has been ordered. and should be ready for pickup in a week or 2. In the meantime, Im going to build a stand for it. I already made the sump. Now, I need to decide on a light and a skimmer. Hopefully the tax money will be in soon!

Justdrew · Feb 2, 2012

Zoacoral said:
This will all be controlled by my apex (once the display gets fixed)

No need to wait. The latest firmware allows all operations to be handled through the webserver. Apex Jr is sold without display even.

Later
Drew

Zoacoral · Feb 3, 2012

I dont have my apex setup threw the web. Its clear on the opposite side of the router in the house. I am going to buy a wireless adapter sometime though.

I received my sand, salt and test kit today. Hopefully the tank is here next week.

Hopefully I get the taxes done tonight, so I can decide which lighting I want to go with.!

Zoacoral · Feb 3, 2012

got the taxes done.. must say, im shocked n the outcome, and im ready to but lights...

how would you light your 4ft x 2ft tank,?

Aquaph8 · Feb 3, 2012

I would go 8x54watt T5, depends on what your keeping though.

Zoacoral · Feb 3, 2012

Im not planning for any SPS... I would say, the most light demanding coral Ill have, Anenome or Clam.

Zoacoral · Feb 23, 2012

So I received my tank, and I am very impressed with it.. Deep Sea aquatics did an EXCELLLENT JOB. I want to post pictures of it, but my camera isnt a good one. In person the tank does not look green, but in the pictures it does.. The tank looks really clear.. I dont have starphire glass..

I have an old Oceanic tank that is a 110 gallons, and That sucker is green but this DSA isnt.. IF anyone is looking for a new tank, I HIGHLY suggest them!