SRusso's 29 Gallon jump back into the hobby

[srusso]

Hello all! Figured I would post my build thread and journal my progress of this tank. I have a larger tank that most or some of this will be moved to once that's setup. This tank is also to help me work out all the kinks and get the cobwebs out of my head! [emoji13] [emoji12]


Specs:
29 Gallon - Standard Glass Black Rimmed
Apex Classic EB8
AquaClear 70 w/ DIY Algae Scrubber mod
Black box LED "AZMean" 165w
Air pump/CO2 scrubber
BRS Reactor - Carbon and Floss

Most of the equipment is all stuff I had from reefs past. Got the light for $80 on Amazon.

 

[srusso]

Photos!!

 

[srusso]

Tank is setup as a peninsula.
Reactor is setup but I haven't decided how I was going to mount it yet so it's just sitting on the top of the tank.

 

[srusso]

Fan worm decided to finally finish putting on her face and allowed me to get a photo.

 

[srusso]

And that's my cyano algae patch... [emoji28]

 

[srusso]

View from the other side

 

[Scotty Buttons]

Nice setup, i like that carpet nem,keep us updated and lots of photos!

 

[srusso]

More random shots

 

[srusso]

I have three firefish and small yellow tang in QT. (Before the tang police show up, I have a 70 gallon that he will be in about a year from now).

 

[srusso]

Standard 20 gallon QT,

 

[srusso]

Standard lamp on a plastic bin lid lighting...lol

 

[srusso]

Tank was setup about 4 months ago in July. Fish into QT about 2 months ago, put the clowns in last week. I can catch them rather easy if any problems come up. May move the firefish this weekend. And tang will remain in QT until that ugly thing goes away.

 

[srusso]

Test results this morning.

Salinity 35ppm
pH 7.95 - 8.2
Temp ~78F
KH ~9 (API)
Ca 475 (Expired Salifert) [emoji57]
PO4 0.24 (Hanna)
NO3 ran out...[emoji51]

 

[srusso]

There is a mod I found that would allow my Apex to dim the LEDs, if the monkey in my head won't keep quiet tonight, I am liable to attempt the DIY as soon as tonight.

 

[Maritimer]

Tank looks good!

I like the minimalist 'scape, with that big carpet at the back - will you have compatibility issues with the tang and the dragon's breath?

~Bruce

 

[srusso]

So I took my boy to the beach, inspired by threads by threads from Paul B. We set out to make our tanks much more like him. If I fail, lesson learned. But at this point the man has some proven results. Looking to increase bio diversity.

Oh and moved the firefish like I mentioned before.

Warning photos not for the faint of heart.

We inspected for crabs, put them in QT. Collected different macros.

So follow me while I do the things most of us don't have the gustso to do!

 

[srusso]

We found a really cool red sponge!

 

[srusso]

Here is come cool stuff I am finding in the QT tank which got most of what we gathered.

This tank it teaming with pods!
Tang going nuts eating the macros I gathered! Things that I have no idea. We got live snails, I took a big chunk and smashed some meat out, the carpet anemone loved every second of it!

 

[srusso]

I think I am going to go back lol... Tomorrow morning. First I want to test the sea! Then I want to bring something that will hold some water. This QT has so many pods in it right now, it looks like I just dumped ten bottles in it... Like a perfect tank for a mandrian instantly.

 

[Maritimer]

Looks like you got plenty of slipper shells, and a red-beard sponge. Do keep an eye on these guys long-term. Long Island Sound's waters are significantly chillier than the temperatures your tang and firefish are used to, which may cause some stress for the new critters.

Will follow closely, 'cause this looks both fun and educational!

~Bruce