James404's 80G Reef Build

[James404]

Hi all I am new here and just starting out on building my 80g reef tank. A little background about myself, I am a saltwater/reef newb but have been keeping freshwater tanks for most of my life. I have wated to get into the saltwater side for quite a while but never had the guts or funds but now is the time. Well enough with the talk, lets get on with the build.

1. Heres the 80G when I first picked it up from a guy on CraigsList, got it set up doing a leak test on it.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0176_147.jpg


2. I really didn't like the oak trim on the tank so decided to do some painting.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0197_168.jpg

3. AHHH much better :)
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0202_173.jpg

4. Received a Sedona stand in black, beautiful but it came damaged and unfortunately has been discontinued.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0203_174.jpg

5. New Stand with the doors off until I get the fuge put in
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0023_192.jpg

6. Tank filled, got my lighting which is the Current USA Extreme Pro 48" 6x54 T5's with 45 LBS of LR and 70lbs of LS
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0059_204.jpg


This leads me up to where I am now, I have added another 45lbs of LR and have been cycling for just over a week. Just today it seems I have had a bad algae bloom, I guess I have left the lights on too long. The water went from clear this morning to very brown by 4pm. I am going to cut down the lights to less than 4hrs a day and do a small water change. More pics soon to come!

Current Water params (RO/DI)
SG - 1.026
PH - 7.8
Amm - 4.0 ppm
Nitrite - 5.0 ppm
Nitrate - 160 ppm

[cilyjr]

was that an All-Glass aquarium?

[James404]

was that an All-Glass aquarium?

yes it is

[James404]

Well its been three weeks since the tank has been filled up and it looks like we are on the tail end of the cycle. The water has cleared up for the most part and I have the following paramaters:
Temp 78-80 deg
SG - 1.26
Amm - 0
Nitrite .25
Nitrate - somewhere between 0-5

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0120_226.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0123_228.jpg

[shaggss]

1.26!!!!!!! WOW Better get that under control really fast!!!!!!

Just kidding. Looking good.

[James404]

1.26!!!!!!! WOW Better get that under control really fast!!!!!!

Just kidding. Looking good.

lol oops! I meant 1.026 haha

[James404]

Well the tank is finally cycled with a reading of

Amm - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate - 0

So I added 10 nassarius snails, 5 hermits and 1 Serpent Star

It's nice to see some livestock finally in the tank, theres plenty of diatoms that they seem to be munching on, the serpent star immediately went into the rockwork and has remained.

[James404]

Well I havent updated this in a bit so figured I would snap some pics, I been slowly adding livstock to the tank. Heres what I have currently.

2 Sebae Clowns
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0173_1.jpg

Frag of some Button Polyps
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0190.jpg

Galaxia
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0191.jpg

Torch Coral
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0192.jpg

Florida Red Ricordia
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0195.jpg

[James404]

Some new additions


http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0230.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0222.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0197.jpg

[James404]

Small updates. Bought a UV Sterilizer and went from this:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/80Gal072310.jpg

to this

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/80Gal072810.jpg

Skimmers been doing its thing:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0331_310.jpg

Will be taking the T5s off soon and replacing with 2 of these:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0357_317.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0358_318.jpg

Still gotta buy the 2nd ballast, 2 reflectors and bulbs. Also just ordered 55 more lbs of base rock from BRS.

[James404]

2 New additions from this awesome LFS I decided to check out,

Aussie Brain
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0367.jpg

Blue Tip Stag
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0374.jpg

[James404]

Received 55lbs of reef saver rock from BRS. Great stuff!!
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0375_319.jpg

[James404]

New Additions today:

Anyone give a proper ID to this?
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0377.jpg

Sea Cucumber:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0378.jpg

[phenom5]

New Additions today:

Anyone give a proper ID to this?
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0377.jpg



Looks to be a Pocillopora. Doesn't look to be in too good of shape unfortunately. Seems to be a fair amount of tissue recession/ bleaching.

[James404]

Looks to be a Pocillopora. Doesn't look to be in too good of shape unfortunately. Seems to be a fair amount of tissue recession/ bleaching.

Ah yes that sounds right, the store owner gave me a real good price on it and said if it doesnt make it he will give me some other frags.

[James404]

Picked up a Reefkeeper L3 with float switch:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0404_320.jpg

And a skunk cleaner shrimp:

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0392.jpg

[James404]

Added 55lbs of BRS Reef Saver Rock.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0407.jpg

[sjmantis]

Lookin nice so far. I love the line on the box "Faster growth, Bigger harvest"

[James404]

Lookin nice so far. I love the line on the box "Faster growth, Bigger harvest"

Haha yea I guess they aren't exactly marketing those ballasts to reefers, well actually they are just not our type of reefer :P

[James404]

Update: Decided to ditch the pocillipora since it was pretty much dead and I noticed at least 4 aiptasia and vermitid snails on it. Rather toss it than deal with aiptasia forever.

[James404]

Sorry to say that it looks like my Florida Riccordia is about to die, my fiance messaged me today at work and told me that my Green aussie acro fell from the rocks and landed straight on my ric, It is now very shrivled up and really not looking well. I dont think its going to make it

[joemelo]

It's a mushroom
I'm sure it will make it.
I've seen then stress out and shoot their white stuff everywhere and still open up the very next day.
I'd just leave it be for now and see how it does in the next few.

[James404]

Update:
Added a Purple Acro:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0438.jpg

Blue tip stag is coloring up nicely:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0439.jpg

Green Acro has some new growth:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0440.jpg

[James404]

Tank is now running under 2x250w MH. Bulbs of choice were 20k Radiums. The colors really pop on these.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0477_335.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0468_326.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0470_328.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0474_332.jpg

[James404]

Update: Got a Maximas clam and a beautiful Swallowtail Angel.
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0478.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0480_336.jpg

Best pic I could get of the angel unfortunately she's been a little shy.


I also just got a Tyree $500 Efflo that is coming on Tuesday, a ORA pink birdsnest coming on thursday and got a great deal on a Vortech MP20 that I will be converting to a MP40wES. Will post pics as stuff comes in

[James404]

Swallowtail Angel has been coming out slowly, still a little shy. One of my favorite fish for sure:

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0494_346.jpg

[James404]

Added ATL Intense Purple Efflo and a Vortech MP20 (soon to be MP40wES)

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0504_348.jpg

[James404]

Got a nice size monti and a tri color millie coming tomorrow can't wait!

On a side note why does noone ever comment on my build, feel all alone here :(

[blackizzz]

looking good ;)

Love the swallowtail, one beautiful fish for sure!

[James404]

New Additions

ORA Green Capricornis Monti
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0527.jpg

Bali Tri-Color Mille
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0522.jpg

[dfd189]

Nice start.

Good looking Bali Tri-Color Mille frag.

[shaggss]

Looking good. The MH are certainly better. Great additions too. What the growth like on your SPS and are you dosing anything ATM?

Keep it up!

[James404]

Looking good. The MH are certainly better. Great additions too. What the growth like on your SPS and are you dosing anything ATM?

Keep it up!

Thank you, so far the growth has been good. I have noticed it the most on my green mille and blue tip stag but they have been in the tank the longest. I am currently not dosing anything yet but will start 2-part soon. I have been able to keep up with the demand from water changes weekly with Oceanic salt but I know soon that won't cut it. I will be using BRS Calcium Chloride and baked baking soda along with BRS Mag when needed.

[James404]

Picked up a nice red monti for $15 from a fellow LIRA member!

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0529_349.jpg

Current FTS:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0531_351.jpg

[James404]

New frags added:

Pink Birdsnest:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0532_352.jpg

GARF Bonsai
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0534_353.jpg

$500 Efflo
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0004_360.jpg
Tyree Tri-Color
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0541_356.jpg

Brain:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0544_358.jpg

Pink Lemonade:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0003_359.jpg

[travis442]

I really like the looks of the rock that you got from Bulk Reef, I definitely think I'm going to go that route.

Tank is looking good, keep it up. Haven't seen a pic of the sump what all do you have in it?

[James404]

I really like the looks of the rock that you got from Bulk Reef, I definitely think I'm going to go that route.

Tank is looking good, keep it up. Haven't seen a pic of the sump what all do you have in it?

Thank you, I am very happy with the BRS rock.

The Sump/Fuge is a 30g with a SRO-1000INT skimmer, 9w UV, BRS Dual Carbon/GFO reactor and a mag 9.5.

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0009_361.jpg

[James404]

Heres a little video of the tank as it is now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPijHpbmpqc&hd=1

[James404]

Added a Vortech MP40wES:

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0012_377.jpg

Pink Lemonade is encrusting nicely as well as the Tyree Tricolor:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0014_379.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0021_386.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0025_390.jpg

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0015_380.jpg

[RotaryGeek]

Looks really good man. You have made a lot of improvements since you first got it. Its really coming along.

[T Diddy]

Yeah looks almost too good LOL! Where's all the hair algae??!!

:rollface:

[crodger]

looking really good, how hard was it to update the vortech?

[James404]

looking really good, how hard was it to update the vortech?

Thank you very much. The upgrade was very simple, just had to pop open the mp20 driver, disconnect the power plug and plug it into the new one. Took about 5 mins. Couldn't be happier.

[James404]

Picked up a few frags at the LIRA meet tonight:

Purple Stylo:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0135_498.jpg

Green Hydnophora:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0137_499.jpg

Orange Digitata:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0141_503.jpg

[James404]

Purple and Green Acans:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0145_510.jpg

ORA Red Planet:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0148_511.jpg

ORA Blue Echinata:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0151_514.jpg

[James404]

Picked up a Hanna ULR Phosphorous checker and ran a few tests, I was shocked to see my PO4 is only about .01-02. I was expecting more then that although I have been running GFO, actually just replaced it a few days ago.

[James404]

Added:

Derasa Clam

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0166_515.jpg

Purple Alien Eye Favia

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0168_516.jpg

ORA Borealis

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0169_517.jpg

Current FTS

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0174_522.jpg

[James404]

Correction:

The coral I had listed as being the Blue Echinata is actually an ORA Ice Tort.

[Nexenn]

tank looks great...
its phosphate, not phosphorous that you are checking
And how on earth did your tank get so GREEN before you added the UV? ive never seen anything like that before :dance:

[James404]

tank looks great...
its phosphate, not phosphorous that you are checking
And how on earth did your tank get so GREEN before you added the UV? ive never seen anything like that before :dance:

Actually it is the new checker from hanna that measures phosphorus, you then convert it to phosphate by multiplying by 3.066 and then dividing by 1000. It is a little more accurate then the regular checker they have.

The green you see was from a massive phyto bloom I had for some reason.

[James404]

Well it looks like an upgrade is in the very near future. I have just purchased a new house and will be buying a 4x2x2 120g. After I make the move and everything gets stable again I am planning on going full ULNS via ZEO. Will be updating through everything.

[reefsurfing]

I like the dimensions of the tank and everything looks really nice. Nice score on converting the mp 20 to an mp40W; keep the updates coming.

[James404]

I like the dimensions of the tank and everything looks really nice. Nice score on converting the mp 20 to an mp40W; keep the updates coming.

Thank you very much, I think the new 120 will be much better with the added depth. I will keep updating for sure.

[Eel-byte]

Added a Vortech MP40wES:

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0012_377.jpg

Nice looking setup by the way. One suggestion, you need to fix the wires going into the driver. If you look at the instructions that come with the driver it shows you how to tuck the wires into the driver properly. I'd hate to see you pull one of these wire out by mistake.

[James404]

Nice looking setup by the way. One suggestion, you need to fix the wires going into the driver. If you look at the instructions that come with the driver it shows you how to tuck the wires into the driver properly. I'd hate to see you pull one of these wire out by mistake.

I actually tried multiple times to get the grommet to stay in the unit but it appears to be somewhat damaged from the previous owner and just comes right back out. I'm not overly concerned, all the wires are zip tied and no one goes near that area.

[James404]

Was able to snag up 2 frags of Yellow Acropora Caroliniana, can't wait for these to color up

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0218_531.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0220_532.jpg

Also started getting some of my stuff to start Zeovit, The Zeobac and Carbon are backordered though

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0221_533.jpg

[James404]

New Frags

Superman Monti:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0245_536.jpg

Sunset Monti:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0249_537.jpg

Green Fuzzy Acro? (Thats what it was labeled):
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0250_538.jpg

ORA Purple NaNa:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0255_539.jpg

[James404]

Added ORA Green Birds Nest:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0261_540.jpg

Purple/Red Scoly:
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0264_541.jpg

Green Fungia
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0266_543.jpg

[James404]

Tank is just moving along while waiting for 225g to be delivered. Successfully moved it to my new house. Current FTS:

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0334_587.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0335_588.jpg

[James404]

Added a Niger Trigger, love these fish.

http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0372_617.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0370_616.jpg
http://i1010.photobucket.com/albums/af223/TheDJ404/DSC_0368_615.jpg