New 125 gallon tank build!

[Fishflakes]

Its finally starting to come together. My first saltwater tank and i decided to go big with a 125 gallon build. Have a 55 gallon sump underneath in my stand as well. (Eshopps ADV 300) I used mostly dry pukani rock, which i cured in a brute can in my garage to keep the smell out of my house. (Wife would have killed me) I seeded with a couple big chunks of live fiji rock from my LFS. My phosphate levels are low due to the series of water changes i did in the brute can. Im thinking thats why i havent gotten any algae yet in my display. I dont want to add a CUC until i see some algae because theyll starve! Ive been running my lights for about 6 hours a day during my cycle but im thinking i should up it?

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Its finally starting to come together. My first saltwater tank and i decided to go big with a 125 gallon build. Have a 55 gallon sump underneath in my stand as well. (Eshopps ADV 300) I used mostly dry pukani rock, which i cured in a brute can in my garage to keep the smell out of my house. (Wife would have killed me) I seeded with a couple big chunks of live fiji rock from my LFS. My phosphate levels are low due to the series of water changes i did in the brute can. Im thinking thats why i havent gotten any algae yet in my display. I dont want to add a CUC until i see some algae because theyll starve! Ive been running my lights for about 6 hours a day during my cycle but im thinking i should up it?

Congrats on your first saltwater tank! Start a build thread and let's see some pics! How long have you been cycling?

https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/member-tanks.52/

 

[Fishflakes]

Heres a pic of the display. The system has been running just shy of two weeks.

 

[Fishflakes]

Couple pics of the sump underneath.

 

[hdsoftail1065]

Nice looking tank, I really like the rock. Have you already been through your amonnia cycle? How did you start your cycle?

 

[Fishflakes]

Im testing 0 on ammonia now. I used aquavitro seed bacteria to jumpstart the cycle. My LFS touted it. I think im gonna ghost feed some to see if ammonia levels fluctuate and how long it takes to go back to 0? Im pretty green with this. I appreciate any advice. Online everyone seems to use different methods to cycle. Shrimp, Dr tims etc...

 

[Fishnut]

Six hours is fine. What type of lightning & what are you using to cycle?

 

[Fishflakes]

I have a current orbit ic led light.

 

[Fishflakes]

I know ill probably have to upgrade the light when i get heavier into corals. I figured id start with softies and some mushrooms

 

[SPR1968]

That’s a very nice looking tank, I really like the rock work

Welcome to R2R as well it’s great to have you with us!

 

[Fishflakes]

That’s a very nice looking tank, I really like the rock work

Welcome to R2R as well it’s great to have you with us!

Thank you very much! Im really excited as this has been a couple years in the making

 

[dylana407]

Nice, congrats.

 

[Captain Quint]

Congrats and I'm happy for you Fishflakes. Everything looks really great. Often one does not need to run lights during nitrogen process but it doesn't hurt if one does.

I really like how you're planning for its future. Thanks for joining and sharing the pics. You are doing a great job.

~Cheers~

 

[reacclimating 2 the hobby]

Welcome to R2R! I would agree with a lightless cycle as it only grows nuisance algae. Great looking start though!

 

[dylana407]

I would like to recommend covering the back blue or black.

 

[Fishflakes]

I would like to recommend covering the back blue or black.

I agree. Im kicking myself for not painting the back prior to filling it. No going back now. Gonna have to get a background