T-Man's new 50 Gallon Drop Off

[ReefKeeper09]

I just purchased a 20g IM Abyss Peninsula. If I may, Could I ask what lighting you have over your 20G? What circulation pump & where do you have yours placed within the tank for good circulation?

 

[Mark Teitelman]

On the 20 gallon that is at the top of the thread I have an AI Prime mounted to the back. Seems to be plenty of light and I have it about 14 inches above the tank. I used the stock pump right in the chamber, it's ok but if u are keeping coral that needs lots of flow you will definitely need a powerhead added.

On the 50 that I have in the thread the flow is a lot better, but it's an actual sump and 3 times the volume. Plus I added an Aqamai powerhead to that so the water has better flow all around.

 

[ReefKeeper09]

Great! I appreciate the information. Sorry to defer the topic for a moment. Love your tanks by the way. I look forward to following them.

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Thanks! Feel free to reach out on the Abyss. It's a cool tank but there are some things I have found that worked for me, they might help you too. The only skimmer that truly fits it is the IM Ghost. It is very mediocre but if you keep the water level pretty consistent it will pull some stuff out. I use both socks and the custom caddy with Purigen, Chemipure Blue and Phosgard because I didn't like the IM reactor that fits in there. Too finicky for my taste.

Also battled microbubbles for a couple weeks but that goes away. Overall I'm quite happy with the tank. Got a pair of Banggais and a Clown in there plus a pistol, peppermint, emerald crab and tons of coral. I do weekly water changes on it and maintenance so far hasn't been too bad.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

Excited to watch this fill in!

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Thanks you and me both! Been going at a relatively slow pace, but going to add a couple corals tomorrow. Pics coming!

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Nice looking setup so far. I'm really liking the drop off tanks I've been seeing as of late. The one thing about your stand that would drive me nuts is the uneven gaps between the various parts... but I dig the clean white look. Complete opposite of my dark wood stand.

I'm sure there is some time gaps between photos and posts, but how long did you cycle the tank before adding the clowns?

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Thanks. And yeah, the drop off look and this particular stand is not for everyone. I didn't want to go the more traditional route and my wife and I really like the way it all blends into the room. Works better for our aesthetics than the traditional wood stands. Plus it was already assembled for me upon delivery and that helped

This is the 3rd tank I've cycled with live rock, live sand and Dr. Tim's One and Only. Put the clowns in 4 days after setup. Have always had great success. So far only battles diatoms for about 4 days, other than that the biological filter seems to be progressing well.

 

[Beckbacca]

Thanks. And yeah, the drop off look and this particular stand is not for everyone. I didn't want to go the more traditional route and my wife and I really like the way it all blends into the room. Works better for our aesthetics than the traditional wood stands. Plus it was already assembled for me upon delivery and that helped

This is the 3rd tank I've cycled with live rock, live sand and Dr. Tim's One and Only. Put the clowns in 4 days after setup. Have always had great success. So far only battles diatoms for about 4 days, other than that the biological filter seems to be progressing well.

Great looking tank, t-man! I knew your name, looked familiar. I used to work at MRB many years ago. Had I known you were a reefer I am sure we would have become friends. Working on setting up a 450 gallon right now in my house. Your tank has inspired me. I hope to replicate your success on a larger scale.

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Wow great to hear from a former MRB colleague!!! 450 gallons now that is something I hope to do one day...but we have been moving a lot so I decided since we are renting this house I would try to keep a smaller footprint. But hopefully one day soon I can replicate your upcoming tank!

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Added another coral today...nice looking Zoanthid colony...looks happy so far...

 

[Oberst Hajj]

Thanks. And yeah, the drop off look and this particular stand is not for everyone. I didn't want to go the more traditional route and my wife and I really like the way it all blends into the room. Works better for our aesthetics than the traditional wood stands. Plus it was already assembled for me upon delivery and that helped

This is the 3rd tank I've cycled with live rock, live sand and Dr. Tim's One and Only. Put the clowns in 4 days after setup. Have always had great success. So far only battles diatoms for about 4 days, other than that the biological filter seems to be progressing well.

Wow, 4 days. Do you even get spikes?

 

[Mark Teitelman]

No it's been remarkably stable. It's still a very low bioload, and I have a lot of siporax and marinepure in the sump which I seeded with bacteria before I put it in. Done 2 water changes so far and skimmer working well so far. I'm following the same blueprint I used on my other nano at the top,of the thread, just taking it week by week and being alert for spikes.

 

[kciNFL]

This tank is super nice but it is just hard for me to want to spent over 2 grand on the tank + stand + sump for only 75 gallon total system. I really am looking forward to this build and how it progresses!

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Yeah I totally get it...it's definitely not for everyone. It just happened to be something I had my eye on for quite some time...it is pricey no question but I think in the end it will pay me back exponentially more in satisfaction! I do love the hobby!

 

[kciNFL]

I am in the same boat as you, I have had my eye out for something like this for a long time. I love the drop off tank look and would like to maybe get one on a larger scale someday. If not I might just have to settle for this one. I do love the low iron glass on all 3 sides.

 

[kciNFL]

Any updates?

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Will be posting some in next few days. Been out of town for 2 weeks, and letting biofilter settle in. All is well so far!

 

[kciNFL]

Awesome! looking forward to it.

 

[Mark Teitelman]

Hello all...got a couple pics to update the progress on the Drop Off...will be adding some more stuff on Wednesday...been out of town for a bit so just let the tank chill and so far so good...Yesterday I added an adorable Randall's Goby and his pistol shrimp buddy. they were attached at the hip when I saw them at the LFS and I couldn't resist. Also plopped in a yellow frogspawn and trumpet colony.