Upcoming 36 gal Bowfront reef build

[rmcrom]

I am also shopping for an affordable ato so any recommendations there would be great. Thanks in advance!

I have the same tank and stand that you have and I use the Tunze nano ATO. I found a standard 5 gallon bucket just barely fits inside the stand with the door closed.

 

[bigjepp]

I have the same tank and stand that you have and I use the Tunze nano ATO. I found a standard 5 gallon bucket just barely fits inside the stand with the door closed.

Thanks for the reply! I have been contemplating between the reefbreeders and tunze nano ato, but now am leaning towards tunze. Looking forward to seeing how our very similar builds turn out and it will be nice to help each other out along the way.

 

[bigjepp]

Update: Tank is all set up and ready to go, picking up some premixed water and Dr. Tim’s tomorrow. Hoping for a quick cycle so I can get some fish in there. Not in love with the way my rockscape came out but I will be moving the tank in a few months so I’ll see if I can do anything better then. Any tips for the cycling process or livestock would be great.

 

[bigjepp]

Update: The cycle has officially begun! Decided to use Dr. Tim’s and BioSpira to ensure a good population of nitrifying bacteria. The tank is already starting to clear up! I add one cube of frozen mysis shrimp to begin the cycle and will start testing for ammonia tomorrow. If anyone has cycled with frozen mysis I’d love to know the proper amounts. Need to order an ATO soon and I have been leaning toward the Tunze Nano. Hoping to add a clown in about a week. LFS is going to let me borrow the par meter so I can dial this T247 in. Any advice or comments appreciated!

 

[bigjepp]

UPDATE: It has been 24 hours since I started the cycle and we are already reading Nitrites and Nitrates! Using API test kit which is a bit difficult to read.

Day 1:

Day 2:

 

[bigjepp]

UPDATE: Tank has finished cycling and I will be going to the LFS tomorrow to purchase my first livestock for the tank. I am thinking of getting 2 clownfish but have not made up my mind yet. Added an Inkbird heater controller as I was having issues maintaining a steady temp. Any suggestions for steps to take on adding livestock or any other things to do after the cycle has finished would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Oldsman]

Beautiful tank !

 

[bigjepp]

UPDATE: Just got the two clowns acclimated and they seem very happy!

 

[bigjepp]

UPDATE: I added two more fish the other day. 1 Yellow Watchman Goby and 1 Firefish. I’m hoping to get a pistol shrimp for the YWG at some point but the LFS was out of them at the time. The fire fish is very scared of my clownfish and spends a lot of time hiding but will come out occasionally, I’m really hoping he’s not too stressed. I added one trochus snail as well to start dealing with diatoms and algae but he has been moving along the waterline since I put him in, hopefully he will acclimate soon. In about another week I’ll be looking to add a pistol shrimp, a cleaner shrimp, and I want to test my first cheap $10 frag to see if the tank is stabile enough for corals.

 

[Kinjirra]

Hi just saw this thread....tank is just like mine!! Watch that firefish if you dont have a top...they will jump out. If your still looking into an ATO I picked the Reefbreeders and a 13 buck 3.5g acylic tank from petsmart for the reservoir,,,fits right into the stand no issues

 

[bigjepp]

Hi just saw this thread....tank is just like mine!! Watch that firefish if you dont have a top...they will jump out. If your still looking into an ATO I picked the Reefbreeders and a 13 buck 3.5g acylic tank from petsmart for the reservoir,,,fits right into the stand no issues

Hey there! Thanks for the warning on the firefish, Ive heard they are prone to jumping. Luckily this little guy has found a spot in the tank to retreat to when he gets startled so I don’t think he is as at risk for carpet surfing. I am still looking for an ato and the acrylic tank for the reservoir is a great idea! Could you share some pics of the setup so I can see how it fit?

 

[Kinjirra]

Hey there! Thanks for the warning on the firefish, Ive heard they are prone to jumping. Luckily this little guy has found a spot in the tank to retreat to when he gets startled so I don’t think he is as at risk for carpet surfing. I am still looking for an ato and the acrylic tank for the reservoir is a great idea! Could you share some pics of the setup so I can see how it fit?

 

[Kinjirra]

I have the same Canister filter on the opposite side along with the UV sterilizer

 

[rmcrom]

Nice goby. I want to get a YWG and pistol shrimp combo at some point as well.

 

[bigjepp]

I have the same Canister filter on the opposite side along with the UV sterilizer

I have been considering adding the UV sterilizer, you have the fluval in-line UVC correct? How are you liking it?

 

[Kinjirra]

I have been considering adding the UV sterilizer, you have the fluval in-line UVC correct? How are you liking it?

Ya I added it into the canister outflow...seems to work but I have no basis. I know when I added it and changed my carbon/did maintenance my water was almost invisible the next day...clearest I've ever seen it honestly.

 

[bigjepp]

UPDATE: Just finished using the par meter on the tank the other day and added my first coral! I got a green purple tipped hammer coral. The coral opened right up within 10 minutes which I am taking as a good sign!

EDIT: Seems like video is not working, first pic is of when I first added it. I will add more pics/vids of the coral open later on.

 

[rmcrom]

Great looking hammer. Those are one of my favorites. I'm supposed to be getting delivery of a purple tip today. Your video is working for me.

 

[bigjepp]

Great looking hammer. Those are one of my favorites. I'm supposed to be getting delivery of a purple tip today. Your video is working for me.

Where have you been ordering corals from?

 

[rmcrom]

I ordered from Tidal Gardens.