TJ's Santa CADE REEF 1200 S2 Tank Build

DJTJ · Jan 22, 2021

Hey y'all the CADE 1200 came in today! I would like to give thanks to Algae Barn for this amazing opportunity and would like to personally thank each and every member involved in the special post. Also, I would like to personally thank Rudy, a fellow Niners fan, for helping me place the tank/ stand in my backyard. That made life a whole lot easier! Anyways, I can't wait to get this tank set up and will hopefully be able to show you my progress along the way. Let's get this started! - TJ

Kershaw · Jan 22, 2021

Following along. The only thing that is preventing me from taking a serious look is the weird ATO reservoir being built into display. So hurry up and open it!!! Please!
I would like to see good pictures of the ATO

Daniel@R2R · Jan 22, 2021

Excited to see how this one goes! Following!

Berlibee · Jan 23, 2021

Super! Congrats, I've just also stared my new build it's an exciting time for sure! ;Woot

Servopkg · Jan 23, 2021

Enjoy your build. Hopefully my future tank as well

AlgaeBarn · Mar 11, 2021

Hey TJ! Any updated photos of it running? ;Happy

ShepherdReefer · Mar 11, 2021

Awesome, going to be nice.

DJTJ · Mar 12, 2021

AlgaeBarn said:
Hey TJ! Any updated photos of it running? ;Happy

Oops, sorry for the delay! I've been swamped with work atm. I plan on saving up a bit more so that I can install all of the parts on my list at the same time. Cannot wait for the chance to do so!

AlgaeBarn · Mar 12, 2021

Can't wait to see it!

DJTJ · Mar 17, 2021

Here it is! The progress begins soon..... I can't wait

(ft. sleepy doge)

AlgaeBarn · Mar 18, 2021

This picture looks so great that it almost seems like a stock photo!

DJTJ · Apr 28, 2021

Update: Hey yall its been a minute! As of right now, I have bought 60 lbs of real reef rock and 120 lbs of aragonite sand to get the scape process started! For the return pump, I was thinking about installing either a VarioS or COR20. For the wavemakers, I am stuck between the MP40s, WAVs, gyres, and neros. Any recommendations?

ReefLaw · Apr 28, 2021

Get the MP40s and don’t look back. Put them on the back wall and get two spare wet sides so you can swap them out.

DJTJ · Apr 28, 2021

ReefLaw said:
Get the MP40s and don’t look back. Put them on the back wall and get two spare wet sides so you can swap them out.

I was thinking about that but realized the CADE has a back compartment for the ATO. I would have to put them on the sides!

Servopkg · May 2, 2021

DJTJ said:
I was thinking about that but realized the CADE has a back compartment for the ATO. I would have to put them on the sides!

Still have concerns over the gravity fed ATO failing on. How do you like it, any issues?

DJTJ · Jun 16, 2021

Servopkg said:
Still have concerns over the gravity fed ATO failing on. How do you like it, any issues?

Its perfect! It is very sleek, and I do not need a separate container with a loud pump when it gets low! Also, it comes pre-plumbed! I really think every reef tank should come with one of these. Super easy and super clean.

DJTJ · Jun 16, 2021

DJTJ said:
Its perfect! It is very sleek, and I do not need a separate container with a loud pump when it gets low! Also, it comes pre-plumbed! I really think every reef tank should come with one of these. Super easy and super clean.

Oh yeah, one more thing about the ATO. It has a perfect little hole at the top of the lid that allows you to run an RODI line into the compartment directly. I am thinking on leaving it in there so I can just turn on the RODI whenever I feel the need to do so.

DJTJ · Jun 16, 2021

Update (6/16):
I have finally added the skimmer, heater, return pump, lights, scape, and sand and I'm ready to fill 'er up! I have decided to go with the mp40s because I did not want to mess with any in-tank wires and the pre-existing lid. Additionally, I have been considering getting a UV filter and two media reactors and would love to know if anyone had any recommendations for either. The sides of the glass are covered with a bit of sand, so I'll send some more pics once it is all filled!

AlgaeBarn · Jun 16, 2021

The platforms you created are awesome! And not going to lie- I'm going to look for your sleeping dog in every photo haha

DJTJ · Jun 21, 2021

After filling the tank for approx. 3 days in a row, I have noticed a bit of an issue with the return plumbing. As of right now, whenever I turn on the return pump, there is a noticeable leak between the return plumbing and the flat bottom side of the tank (shown in the image). I have been trying to tighten the pipe with a wrench to ensure that it is sealed enough, but I am fearful of cracking the pvc and/or ruining the bottom covering of the tank. I am really surprised that there are no clear instructions for this, as I really wanted to know if there was an o-ring meant for this fitting. I tried to contact CADE support but the call dropped after being left on hold for a while. Does anyone have any recommendations?