SPS and Damselfish 60g Cube Build

[rockskimmerflow]

Hi all, I've lurked the forums for a little while and figured it was time to share my reef aquarium obsession with the community now that I'm starting a new build.

After 10 years of exclusively freshwater aquariums, about 2.5 years ago I suddenly stumbled headlong into the incredibly addictive marine side of the hobby. My first saltwater tanks refined not only my reefkeeping skills but my specific interests in corals and fish. And as a result, the build I will be documenting here is a distillation of what is currently captivating my aquarium imagination. I'm certain I will assemble new concept tanks in the future, but for now this is the idea that's been burning a hole in my consciousness- and of course my wallet.


The concept: Create a miniature community of damselfish and branching shallow water sps in association with one another.

Materials:Reef ready 60 gallon cube (24in x 24in x 24in) aquarium. Minimal, single bommie style aquascape constructed of PVC pipe, epoxy, and rubble rock to allow ample room for coral branch growth and swimming space. Mixed coral rubble and sand substrate.

Livestock: 20 to 30 three-stripe damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus), 3-6 shallow water corals (exclusively Acropora and Stylophora species), one maxima or crocea clam, and potentially an encrusting chalice or montipora species placed beneath the coral bommie. Additionally, trochus snails and small hermit crabs will be added to graze the rocks, substrate, and display panels.

Equipment: 8x24w T5HO, 2x tunze 6025 (possibly upgraded to 6040s when they become available in the U.S.). The remainder of the equipment is as of know undecided. I will update as the build progresses.

 

[Reef Fever]

cool idea, following along. I love damsels. So many hate them but I have a big list of "rare" chromis and damsels I'm trying to track down

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Thanks for checking it out Reef Fever. I agree that damsels get no love in this hobby. Well, maybe some love, but not nearly as much as such a diverse and personable group of fish deserves. I am specifically going with one of the common beginner/infamously aggressive damsels (3 Stripe) for this build to showcase a species that is rarely given the spotlight in a tank. They fit the bill for the shallow water Acropora bommie vibe I'm attempting to capture.

I'm finishing the tank polishing process currently and hoping to have more pics up soon.

 

[Reef Fever]

I've got a list of "rare" damsels and chromis I'm trying to track down. any reason on the 3 stripe rather than the 4?

 

[kevantheman35]

Hey looks like a great plan, following along! I'm setting up a 60 cube right now as well check out my build if you want, maybe we will be getting wet about the same time.

 

[rockskimmerflow]

Reef Fever - What's at the top of your rare damsel and chromis list? And as far as the 3 vs 4 stripe debate goes, I prefer the 3 stripe solely for aesthetics -the odd numbered barring looks better to my eye. And since this is going to be a minimal build the fewer stripes appeal me.

kevantheman - Thanks and I'll definitely have to check out your build. I always enjoy seeing the diversity of designs and ideas that can be used for a reef built on the same size and dimension tank.

I think I'll be adding water if all goes to plan this coming weekend/early next week. I'm done polishing the tank and ready to go so we're due for an update quite soon here. In other news, my original reef pictured at the end of the first post was finally broken down yesterday. I was going to wait til this tank was running for a bit, but I had the time and there was no putting it off. Had to do it quick just like the proverbial band-aid. Sad to see my first saltwater tank finally go away, but it feels good to continue evolving and growing in the hobby.