My Reef Journey Begins!

Brew12 · Oct 23, 2017

I know I've been neglecting my build threat. I have to admit that I am very discouraged with my current build and am just ready to tear it down.

On a positive note, my new custom tank just shipped. It wasn't supposed to be ready until after Thanksgiving. I still have to build the new stand before I can even think about working on the plumbing. Before I can build the stand, I need to build my wife a new armoire. I love woodworking but what she has asked for will be a challenge so I've been stalling. Need to get at it now.

Bronc · Oct 23, 2017

Well, you got to post pics of that armoire too!

FLSharkvictim · Oct 28, 2017

Care to share a pic of your entire plumbing with your Synergy box?

Brew12 · Oct 28, 2017

FLSharkvictim said:
Care to share a pic of your entire plumbing with your Synergy box?

Sorry, I don't have that tank yet. It is scheduled to ship next week so will be awhile before I get it set up and plumbed.

Brew12 · Nov 3, 2017

Hard to believe that this thread is only 14 months old. With a little luck, it has 2 months before I close it down. The new tank has shipped and will be here next week. If I can get the new stand put together in time I may try to shut this system down over the Thanksgiving holiday. The clock is ticking.

ksed · Nov 3, 2017

Can’t wait to see your new build.

Brew12 · Nov 3, 2017

ksed said:
Can’t wait to see your new build.

Started my new thread.
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/brews-187g-slice-of-the-ocean.334401/

Brew12 · Nov 23, 2017

With any luck, this thread closes in around 2 weeks. However, I did find something interesting out today. I had thought I was running 250 to 300 par at the level where my SPS were. I got a Seneye in today. My PAR at that level was only at 190.

I'm sure this has been a contributing factor to my poor coral growth.

I upped it to 230 PAR for the 4 hour peak window and will probably push it up again next week which will probably max out my current lighting. Good thing my upgrade is including new lights!

Bronc · Nov 24, 2017

I agree that PAR makes a big difference. That and stability are huge.

Brew12 · Dec 9, 2017

Today is tear down day. Time for my first aquarium to go away. It is being replaced with a system that is only possible because of everything I learned building this one. It seems like it is only fitting to take and post one last FTS before I start draining it to catch the fish in the next few hours. So, here it is. The final one.

Brew12 · Dec 9, 2017

And this is what is what the system now looks like.

Brew12 · Dec 11, 2017

This part of my reef journey has gone full circle. The old system is back on my driveway, exactly where it was when I started just over a year ago. This seems like a fitting time to end this thread. What a learning experience!

Obviously, I'm far from done in the hobby. I will do my best to keep the new system better updated than I did with this one!
My 187g slice of the ocean.