ThanhReef's Custom 108 Gallons

thanhreef · Dec 7, 2012

I have created a build thread on my Atlanta Reef Club a few months ago. I want to share my build on here too. Hope you like it.

My current tank (Oceanic) is 36"x18"x25

this is a two years old picture of TOTM:

I am upgrading a bigger custom tank to cover more space of the corner above.

New tank:
Tank: Custom Acrylic 40"x25"x25" with Left Corner overflow made by MRC

Stand & Canopy is made by David (local reefer)

Here is the equipments that I am going to use on new tank:

Lighting: 2 AI Blue Sol with supplementation 4 T5 bulbs
Skimmer: ATB Medium Cone
Circulation: 2x MP-40w, ATB flowstar 1500 for return
Top off: Tunzee osmolator
Custom 30 gal Reef Sump
Reactors: 2x Two little fishes reactors(gfo & carbon)
TECO Seachill TR15
Dosing: I am debating between GHL Stand Alone Doser and Vertex Libra

08-01-2012
Pick up a tank at LFS

Got home safe

09-07-2012
I went back and forth between Marco and BRS Pukani. I decided to go with Marco and ordered 75 lbs of Key Largo Rock this Labor Day (15% off & free delivery). I received my rock about 83 lbs. It looks great. Now comes the fun part... aquascaping. My approach to aquascaping would be probably bonsai minimalist aquascaping look.

09-29-2012
Stand and Canopy delivery

10-17-2012
Clean up the dry rock

Wash it off with a hose
Soak rock in tap water/distilled vinegar bath (2:1) for approximately 3 hours
Wash it off with a hose again
Rinse off rock in cold tap water overnight
Wash it off with a hose again
Dry it in sun for days and then rock aquascaping

10-19-2012
Dry rock is clean, looking great and ready for aquascaping

10-30-2012
I am going to use the method of reef building guru, AndrÃ© Silvestre. His aquascaping is simply one of my favorites and his masterpiece is just so well done. A large island surrounded by a smaller island gives this tank a very unique look. With many nooks for fish to swim through and hide in and there are spaces for corals to sit on.

E-marco-400 Mortar from MarcoRocks is great. I really love it. It's very to easy to use. I mixed a small amount of mortar to glue some rocks in the small islands. Within 15minutes, the rocks are adhered together very well.

thanhreef · Dec 7, 2012

11-12-2012
While I have been waiting for new return pump arrival, I moved sump out of the closet and cleaned up the space. The closet will be the storage for Chiller, ATO water bucket, Dosing pump, Controller, etc. Use 40 gal Rubbermaid as temporary sump & running backup skimmer so I cleaned the sump and skimmer . Made a stand for skimmer. They are ready for new tank.

11-26-2012
I have never done plumbing before so it took me forever. Finally...Finally... I got RO/DI water in my tank yesterday to test the plumbing and tank. I am so excited as well as nervous for leaking. Big Relief... no leaks.

Splitting return pump (ATB flowstar 1500) into a manifold which will feed the multiple reactors.
Feeding the refugium from the drain.
Add 2 bags (20lbs/each) of Seaflor special grade reef sand. It's about 1 inch of sand bed.

11-27-2012
No leaks have been found. So I did pour Salinity Reef Salt in tank... Let the cycle begin

11-28-2012
Tank is looking great now. Water is clear. Added Seachem Stability to display tank per instruction. There are no additional equipments (skimmer, carbon, GFO, lighting) running during cycle. Let's see how Seachem Stability helps to speed up the cycle time.

cdrewferd · Dec 7, 2012

I really like the scape. Can't wait to see updated pics, maybe even some with fish or corals.

zoous · Dec 7, 2012

Very nice aquascaping. Tank looks great too.

swannyson7 · Dec 7, 2012

Aquascaping looks great, can't wait to see this tank come to life!

MarvinsReef · Dec 7, 2012

wow! that's one awesome looking scape. great job! 1smile1

guichi1210 · Dec 7, 2012

Great job with the aquascaping and plumbing! Can't wait to see the livestock .

revhtree · Dec 7, 2012

WOW awesome tank and aquascape! Please keep us updated!

Reefing8EZ · Dec 7, 2012

Whoa! Everything looks amazing, great job!!

mjaustin22 · Dec 7, 2012

One of the best scapes I've ever seen, looking forward to this build.

reeferman · Dec 7, 2012

Looking great Thanh.glad to see you around.

thanhreef · Dec 7, 2012

Tank cycle update

Thank you very much for all your compliments. Man, I can't wait until tank finishes the cycle.

Temperature: 76.5F
Salinity: 1.025
pH: 8.3

All tests below are done with API test kits.

Day 1 - 11/28/2012
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 2 - 11/29/2012
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 3 - 11/30/2012
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 4 - 12/01/2012
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 5 - 12/02/2012
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 6 - 12/03/2012
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 7 - 12/04/2012
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 8 - 12/05/2012
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 9 - 12/06/2012
Ammonia: 0.25
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 10 - 12/07/2012
Ammonia: 0.5 (woohoo, it is going up)
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

revsgirl · Dec 8, 2012

Your first tank is beautiful!! Can't wait to see how this one turns out!! Beautiful set up!

thanhreef · Dec 11, 2012

Day 11 - 12/08/2012
Ammonia: 0.5
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 12 - 12/09/2012
Ammonia: 0.5
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: 0

Day 13 - 12/10/2012
Ammonia: 0.5
Nitrite: 0.1
Nitrate: 0

MarvinsReef · Dec 11, 2012

I commend yah for testing daily. that's pretty awesome. I'm trying to document more of what happens with my tank to look back on a few months/years from now. anyway, I can't wait to see what you come up with.. with this tank.

zibba · Dec 11, 2012

This is the part that really tests your patience, right!?! Not much longer now though!

Your eyes are better than mine, I have a hard time reading those API test kits. This is going to be such a beautiful tank. Have you had an acrylic tank in the past? I'm constantly worried about scratching mine, but I love how clear it is.

Reefing8EZ · Dec 11, 2012

Loving your aquascape, cant wait till this thing is stocked up!!

thanhreef · Dec 11, 2012

MarvinsReef said:
I commend yah for testing daily. that's pretty awesome. I'm trying to document more of what happens with my tank to look back on a few months/years from now. anyway, I can't wait to see what you come up with.. with this tank.

There is no way I will test every day afte tank is filled with the livestock. I have not tested the water for current tank for six months... This is my first time to cycle the tank with dry rock so I wanted to see how it process. Yes, I can't wait what I come up neither :smile:

zibba said:
This is the part that really tests your patience, right!?! Not much longer now though! Your eyes are better than mine, I have a hard time reading those API test kits. This is going to be such a beautiful tank. Have you had an acrylic tank in the past? I'm constantly worried about scratching mine, but I love how clear it is.

haha... I can't wait any longer :smile:. People have the mixed view of SeaChem Stability which speeds up the cycle. I want to test it out so I record data daily. It is my first Acrylic tank. I decided to go with Acrylic: scratchs can be repaired. I saw you repaired yours. My current is starphire glass and it has many scratches that I cannot remove them. Acrylic is light weight and very clear. So far, I really love it.

Reefing8EZ said:
Loving your aquascape, cant wait till this thing is stocked up!!

thank you

zibba · Dec 11, 2012

thanhreef said:
haha... I can't wait any longer :smile:. People have the mixed view of SeaChem Stability which speeds up the cycle. I want to test it out so I record data daily. It is my first Acrylic tank. I decided to go with Acrylic: scratchs can be repaired. I saw you repaired yours. My current is starphire glass and it has many scratches that I cannot remove them. Acrylic is light weight and very clear. So far, I really love it.

I've read similar reviews on the SeaChem products and read the reviews for the Dr. Tims. I'm sure they work to some degree but, in the grand scheme of things, a 2-week delay in cycling is de minimus. I'd ride out the fishless cycle now that you're seeing nitrites. Yeah, fixing the light scratched on the outside was easy-peasy with Novus. The Mr. Clean "magic eraser" is great for cleaning the inside of the acrylic too, so be sure to check that out. I have a starphire tank too and, you're right, it can scratch and it's still not as clear as acrylic. Pros and cons with both, I guess. Keep us posted!