My 600 Gallon FOWLR Build Thread

[Alex240]

Hello everyone. I figured I would post a build thread of my 600 gallon to-be FOWLR. We don't get to see a ton of build threads on here of nice FOWLR setups too often, so I thought why not.

Where I am right now in the process:

I have the tank set up, with rock and sand, no water yet.

Overview:
Tank- 8'x4'x30" acrylic aquarium.
Lights: some kessil 360 pendants, and an 8 bulb sunpower if I wish to really light up the room.
Rock: couple hundred pounds of various types of dry rock.
Sand: around a 1.75 inch sandbed. Used to cover the bottom of the pvc structure I used to build my rock formation.
Sump: 150 gallon rubbermaid
Skimmer: have not bought this piece yet. Most likely a RO Regal 300 internal with neck cleaner.
Return pump: around 2500 gph submersible, through 1" black hose.
Flow: 2 jebao wp60, 2 jebao wp40

Other goodies: I have an apex controller, tunze ato, next reef monster media reactor, bio pellet reactor, and dosing pumps. Will either use the biopellets or the dosing pumps with vodka to control nitrates if/when it becomes a problem.


Pictures to follow!

[Alex240]

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/0FA94FCB-DDCA-406E-B78E-D1F4B2DC303E_zpsk7ikbhhv.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/0FA94FCB-DDCA-406E-B78E-D1F4B2DC303E_zpsk7ikbhhv.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/E9236285-0232-458A-B6F1-AABAA4C7D93F_zpszndwnkka.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/E9236285-0232-458A-B6F1-AABAA4C7D93F_zpszndwnkka.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/990FA860-21B3-47BE-8EB5-CBD1BE4BA311_zpsjlre5tvq.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/990FA860-21B3-47BE-8EB5-CBD1BE4BA311_zpsjlre5tvq.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/8DEC4BF7-4F1C-4326-B001-36708109EA7D_zpsfw53aytd.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/8DEC4BF7-4F1C-4326-B001-36708109EA7D_zpsfw53aytd.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/3F55A9CD-3B10-4EA3-9705-ACCBB0ED719D_zpsccmeehsd.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/3F55A9CD-3B10-4EA3-9705-ACCBB0ED719D_zpsccmeehsd.jpg.html)

PS I'm trying to decide if I should keep taking the black paint off the back or just go back to the black background and save myself the hassle.

[Alex240]

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/54831559-4C26-445D-881D-B0AFCE9E45D9_zpsf0ar8bsq.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/54831559-4C26-445D-881D-B0AFCE9E45D9_zpsf0ar8bsq.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/3E16AFF1-B461-400F-AA26-B8F3DB204D64_zpsncxaakfw.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/3E16AFF1-B461-400F-AA26-B8F3DB204D64_zpsncxaakfw.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/ECB456E5-6E76-4404-94B5-15912492853A_zpszkxf32zc.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/ECB456E5-6E76-4404-94B5-15912492853A_zpszkxf32zc.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/1CC1087A-8E2D-4DFE-8010-7D3A03F62E8C_zpskxq1vrfh.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/1CC1087A-8E2D-4DFE-8010-7D3A03F62E8C_zpskxq1vrfh.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/1DC6284C-1E6C-4197-9E53-A98AAC92C92F_zpscsuzbfce.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/1DC6284C-1E6C-4197-9E53-A98AAC92C92F_zpscsuzbfce.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/D9BB1E6C-613E-49D7-8497-62EDEF1364B2_zpsbzrkxagv.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/D9BB1E6C-613E-49D7-8497-62EDEF1364B2_zpsbzrkxagv.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/E67B014D-73A4-4105-97C4-AAC9EB2B643C_zpspts1bqnm.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/E67B014D-73A4-4105-97C4-AAC9EB2B643C_zpspts1bqnm.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/21C15E01-E001-4577-9D56-A912FB6D10AB_zps9xv5x90c.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/21C15E01-E001-4577-9D56-A912FB6D10AB_zps9xv5x90c.jpg.html)


It is very hard to photograph this scape, it does like nice in person. Many good caves and hideouts.

[moriarty]

Wow!! Very very nice!! Can't wait to watch this progress!

[Alex240]

Thanks buddy!

[RJT]

That's an excellent use of space in a room.

I really look forward to this build. What's your planned fish list?

[airplanes1016]

What was the purpose for the PVC glue on the exposed PVC?

[Alex240]

That's an excellent use of space in a room.

I really look forward to this build. What's your planned fish list?


That's a tough question. In a nutshell.... Tangs, angels, wrasses, gobies, butterflys.... No theme, just a bunch of cool fish I like. Trying to stay away from anything too aggressive though, in case I want some shoals of anthias or chromis.

[Alex240]

What was the purpose for the PVC glue on the exposed PVC?

Just for gluing the structure pieces together, so they don't twist or fall out when adding weight.

[Dr Colliebreath]

Will the sump go in the stand?

I like the rockscaping.

[Betta132]

Don't get a school of chromis, they'll whittle down to one. Get threadfin or blue-eye cardinals.

[jjk_reef00]

Nice tank! I like the black background but it depends on what type of fish you keep.
Don't forget to QT all new fish :)

[Dmorty217]

Alex, can we see some more pics of the girl in the size comparison?... But in all seriousness I like how you used the PVC to build the rock structures. I was thinking about something like this in my tank but with 3" PVC so fish can swim the throughout the PVC structures. What are you planning on putting in there

[Alex240]

Will the sump go in the stand?

I like the rockscaping.

Yes, it's under the stand.

Here's a pic. My stand is 40" high, so it gives me some nice room to play around down there.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/6E9C4A54-630E-4FC0-8806-0655B8854463_zpsrkkqx2yx.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/6E9C4A54-630E-4FC0-8806-0655B8854463_zpsrkkqx2yx.jpg.html)

[Alex240]

Don't get a school of chromis, they'll whittle down to one. Get threadfin or blue-eye cardinals.

I actually had great luck with a group of 6 in my last tank. But I do love blue eyed cardinals :)

[Alex240]

Nice tank! I like the black background but it depends on what type of fish you keep.
Don't forget to QT all new fish :)

Yeah I will prolly ending up using a 46 bow as a qt tank. I still have more research to do on myethodology there. Some people don't treat, just observe, some people treat everything, etc.... Idk

[ace_92101]

Nice dimensions. How thick is the acrylic?

[Alex240]

Nice dimensions. How thick is the acrylic?

1" all panels

[SDguy]

Nice!! Looking forward to watching you fill it!

[Alex240]

Alex, can we see some more pics of the girl in the size comparison?... But in all seriousness I like how you used the PVC to build the rock structures. I was thinking about something like this in my tank but with 3" PVC so fish can swim the throughout the PVC structures. What are you planning on putting in there

I like the idea of using the 3" pipes for fish to swim through, as long as you use live rock to cover as much of the exposed pipe as possible.

I have some tips and tricks when building the pvc structure.

1. Build the structure outside of the aquarium and make sure it will fit in the tank from the top.
2. Glue pvc pieces together so they don't twist when adding weight to the structure.
3. You can use purple primer to color the pvc like coralline for better blending.
4. Drill your holes in the pvc appx every inch up and down the vertical pieces.
5. Use smaller pieces of rock when attaching them to the pvc, so it is not as heavy when moving and positioning the structure. Once in the tank, you can use those little pieces as perfect ledges for placing the long flat pieces and creating the bridges and caves.
6. Don't worry about trying to zip tie too many rocks on the structure when building it. Once you have some secured, it's very easy to wedge pieces in between the gaps.
7. Use great stuff black pond foam for "gluing" in small pieces of live rock to finish of any gaps or odd looking holes.

Let everything cure for a few days**

[Dmorty217]

I like the idea of using the 3" pipes for fish to swim through, as long as you use live rock to cover as much of the exposed pipe as possible.

I have some tips and tricks when building the pvc structure.

1. Build the structure outside of the aquarium and make sure it will fit in the tank from the top.
2. Glue pvc pieces together so they don't twist when adding weight to the structure.
3. You can use purple primer to color the pvc like coralline for better blending.
4. Drill your holes in the pvc appx every inch up and down the vertical pieces.
5. Use smaller pieces of rock when attaching them to the pvc, so it is not as heavy when moving and positioning the structure. Once in the tank, you can use those little pieces as perfect ledges for placing the long flat pieces and creating the bridges and caves.
6. Don't worry about trying to zip tie too many rocks on the structure when building it. Once you have some secured, it's very easy to wedge pieces in between the gaps.
7. Use great stuff black pond foam for "gluing" in small pieces of live rock to finish of any gaps or odd looking holes.

Let everything cure for a few days**

Thanks for the tips.

[Alex240]

Nice!! Looking forward to watching you fill it!

You're the reason I made this thread. Love looking at your progress and pics.

[SDguy]

Well thanks!! I hope my posts are informative and help with your tank build.

[Alex240]

Plan for today:

1. Fill tank with dechlorinated tap water. I will run the system like this for a few days maybe a week. Rocks are a bit dirty/dusty, sand will create some dust etc...

2. Then I will drain it, and refill with dechlorinated tap water and add the salt.

3. Will do a fish-less cycle with the pure ammonia method, first dosing the tank up to approximately 4ppm of ammonia.

4. Once I see a nitrite spike, I will add a few drops of ammonia per day until my tank processes this amount and keeps ammonia and nitrite at zero. Hopefully my nitrates won't be terrible, water changes on this tank will be tough.


Will most likely take 5 weeks. At that point, will add some azure damsels or something similar.

[jjk_reef00]

Since you are going for 4-5 week cycle I'd skip step 1 but that is just me.

[Alex240]

Since you are going for 4-5 week cycle I'd skip step 1 but that is just me.

Okay, so I will fill with water, run for a couple hours, then drain and add saltwater! :)

[clekchau]

the rockwork looks great, looking forward to your progress.

[spznm]

Wow. Wish I could have a tank that huge! All the possibilities! specially since I love tangs :)

[Alex240]

the rockwork looks great, looking forward to your progress.

Thanks so much!

[Alex240]

Wow. Wish I could have a tank that huge! All the possibilities! specially since I love tangs :)

Haha, some big tangs swimming around will be awesome!

[Alex240]

Tank has water in it!


http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/8C35C04F-3E12-4B36-91F2-F783CA72D57D_zps1ok1uwwn.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/8C35C04F-3E12-4B36-91F2-F783CA72D57D_zps1ok1uwwn.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/0E49AE91-A778-4653-82C0-2C6C20D6676C_zpssjj1vfcd.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/0E49AE91-A778-4653-82C0-2C6C20D6676C_zpssjj1vfcd.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/6A1BC95C-CA67-4809-BF75-CB9C8F6E12D3_zpsdrbdusck.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/6A1BC95C-CA67-4809-BF75-CB9C8F6E12D3_zpsdrbdusck.jpg.html)

Turn on the flow!

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/296B4D3C-51EC-49B3-8780-2990253AE4F5_zpszu4vlqt5.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/296B4D3C-51EC-49B3-8780-2990253AE4F5_zpszu4vlqt5.jpg.html)

Say hello shimmer :)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/AFC84D70-9EE7-453D-ABEA-2C85A6E7CDED_zpsb7fthsvi.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/AFC84D70-9EE7-453D-ABEA-2C85A6E7CDED_zpsb7fthsvi.jpg.html)


Notice the black background grew with the water level haha

[Alex240]

Time to add some dechlorinator.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/D30573FE-A75F-43EC-BF24-19CFDF05C76F_zps16ck8cqc.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/D30573FE-A75F-43EC-BF24-19CFDF05C76F_zps16ck8cqc.jpg.html)

Monster filter sock... Stuffed with polyester pillow stuffing, my little secret ;)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/76C47E58-3413-48A2-837A-C6785D1D5B9B_zpsblnooqoc.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/76C47E58-3413-48A2-837A-C6785D1D5B9B_zpsblnooqoc.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/7B4B6C0F-5D4E-41BC-B291-139A962C04AD_zpssbnb57c8.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/7B4B6C0F-5D4E-41BC-B291-139A962C04AD_zpssbnb57c8.jpg.html)

[Dmorty217]

How often do you change out the pillow stuffing?

[Alex240]

How often do you change out the pillow stuffing?

When the sock starts to overflow. It may be in my head, but i think the sock lasts longer before it overflows with the stuffing due to increased surface area, more area to clog before it resorts to overflowing.

[pinnatus]

I do the same thing, except with quilting material. Works great, and costs little.

[SDguy]

Interesting! I hate how quickly my filter socks clog. May need to look into this.

[pinnatus]

I actually quit using filter socks altogether and just put the quilting into one of the two cartridges in my BRS Carbon/GFO reactor.

[SDguy]

That's a thought. I've been considering a large canister filter as well, simply plumbed into the sump.

[Alex240]

That's a thought. I've been considering a large canister filter as well, simply plumbed into the sump.

I have a fluval fx6 on hand in case I want to clear some particulates, but the sock does the trick for the most part. I have also stuffed media reactors with floss as well, you will just see flow slow down as it clogs.

[nirvanaandtool]

Amazing tank. That size is perfect. Living vicariously through you guys with these large builds til I can convince my wife on another upgrade lol

Gonna have to try that pillow stuffing idea. I use the same stuff in my power filters in my QT tanks but never had tried it in a filter sock on the DT.

[Dr Colliebreath]

Does the pillow stuffing reduce the amount of cleaning required by the filter sock? That is, does it absorb the particulates so you can just dump the pillow stuffing out or do you still have to clean the filter sock?

[pinnatus]

Does the pillow stuffing reduce the amount of cleaning required by the filter sock? That is, does it absorb the particulates so you can just dump the pillow stuffing out or do you still have to clean the filter sock?

Yeah, you still need to clean the sock, but not as often. That is why I changed to putting it in my cartridges, don't have to fool with the socks.

[Alex240]

Yeah, you still need to clean the sock, but not as often. That is why I changed to putting it in my cartridges, don't have to fool with the socks.

He's correct, you still have to clean the sock. You should get at least 7-14 days out of it, if not longer. Any less, and you need to switch to a mesh sock most likely, or maybe turn off your return when you feed. If you vodka dose or use biopellets the bacteria film can coat the inside of the sock in less than a day.

[Alex240]

Tank is at 1.018 right now, which is about where I will keep it. I ran out of salt anyways.
The cycle is most likely getting a start right now, as I dropped a few pellets in the tank yesterday.

I haven't decided if I'm going to program my auto feeder to come on once a day for a month or if I'm going to start dosing pure ammonia with my 1 ml dosing pump. Will need to do a little research on how many ppm that will push ammonia up to, may be better to hand dose every few days or so.

[Alex240]

Getting that temp up!!

It was around 55 or so from the hose :)

I keep my house at 70-72 degrees, and I kid you not my 250 watt jager heater will get this freakin tank up to 77-78 degrees... I think it's really important to have your heater in a good spot, like in the sump with a powerhead right on it.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/F476CEA0-64B6-4A73-9ED7-27402FAA0C16_zps4adjatxj.png (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/F476CEA0-64B6-4A73-9ED7-27402FAA0C16_zps4adjatxj.png.html)


Next apex accessories will most likely be salinity module and leak detection sensors. I love this dang thing :)

[Betta132]

You have a lot of space in there. Given that, you need a mandarin dragonet and/or a dragonface pipefish. Or a pair of said species. Or possibly both, depending on the competition you have for them. It's a well-known fact that any tanks suitable for the awesomeness of dragonets should have some.

[Alex240]

You have a lot of space in there. Given that, you need a mandarin dragonet and/or a dragonface pipefish. Or a pair of said species. Or possibly both, depending on the competition you have for them. It's a well-known fact that any tanks suitable for the awesomeness of dragonets should have some.

I may just try a mandarin :)

[Dmorty217]

What were "you" planning on putting in the tank?

[Alex240]

Update:

I put a matching wooden frame around the tank. It snaps together with magnets and is easily removable. My father came by today to help come up with some plans for a canopy. Should be really nice!!

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/8AFF073E-FD6F-44C9-9204-D373C9375BF7_zpsqaunt9xc.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/8AFF073E-FD6F-44C9-9204-D373C9375BF7_zpsqaunt9xc.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/507CC403-87D7-465C-B2DD-8BC560B88964_zpsmyntbadm.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/507CC403-87D7-465C-B2DD-8BC560B88964_zpsmyntbadm.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/1F41F939-B836-4BF2-9B86-04D400F4FBF2_zpsrvkd8ghx.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/1F41F939-B836-4BF2-9B86-04D400F4FBF2_zpsrvkd8ghx.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/F609EBD7-5B4E-4731-9AA0-2CABB7489076_zps69thf3eg.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/F609EBD7-5B4E-4731-9AA0-2CABB7489076_zps69thf3eg.jpg.html)

I also dosed 5 ml of 10% pure ammonia today from Ace Hardware. The fish less cycling calculator online says I need 90 ml to get to 4 ppm of ammonia but that seems way high based on my past experience. 5 ml gave me a couple ppm of ammonia it looks like and is enough to give the cycle a nice little jump. I will add another 5ml in a few days/week.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/0ECEB5CA-3DA7-425C-A3FE-1DCA6BF73DDA_zpsx7stjqjb.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/0ECEB5CA-3DA7-425C-A3FE-1DCA6BF73DDA_zpsx7stjqjb.jpg.html)

[Alex240]

What were "you" planning on putting in the tank?

Haha.... Tangs, angels, anthias, gobies, jawfish, hawkfish, blue spotted puffer, butterfly maybe, clownfish pair, bird wrasse, other wrasses.... It really comes down to what I like at my local store, they get great stuff in.

[cabinetman123]

What a dandy tank. How thick is the acrylic 1"?

[Alex240]

What a dandy tank. How thick is the acrylic 1"?

Thank you so much and yes.

[woodguy]

beautiful tank, like the aquascaping, not overdone.

[usingthejohn]

I love that scape. Makes me want to redo mine now.

Looking forward to more photos

[caribfan]

Love your stand, did you make it? Cherry?

[Alex240]

beautiful tank, like the aquascaping, not overdone.

Thank you, it is easy to have too much, tend to like a cleaner look.

[Alex240]

Love your stand, did you make it? Cherry?

I did not make the stand, the prior owner had it made by a carpenter. Not sure what type of wood it is but it is hard and heavy. Love it

[Alex240]

Today I hooked up something that I'm not sure I have seen done before. I mentioned earlier somewhere in the thread that I am doing a fishless cycle. Well I took one of my 1.1 ml BRS dosing units and hooked it up to my apex. I will be dosing a diluted ammonia solution with it. It is the standard 10% pure ammonia diluted 1:3 with water. I will start by running the unit for 3 minutes a day which will be equivalent to dosing 1 ml of the 10% solution a day but will allow me to spread it out a little more. hopefully I have that all figured out correctly haha

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/E92022CE-E710-4843-95FA-896A30D7083A_zpsbg3mehdz.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/E92022CE-E710-4843-95FA-896A30D7083A_zpsbg3mehdz.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/466AB6C9-D5ED-4157-B033-0CAA3C722D96_zpsopqwxkgj.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/466AB6C9-D5ED-4157-B033-0CAA3C722D96_zpsopqwxkgj.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/B9827E89-6B15-4996-AE77-D411FF166807_zpsqgdhaeih.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/B9827E89-6B15-4996-AE77-D411FF166807_zpsqgdhaeih.jpg.html)


I really think this will be a great way to cycle the tank with a constant source of ammonia (food) for the bacteria. It should closely simulate the bio load of a small fish population.

[Alex240]

I got the skimmer ordered last night!!!!! Excited, hopefully will have it by next weekend. It is the reef octopus regal 300, 12 inch skimmer.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/16A4173B-BAB7-45B3-BCAE-17D2C1098A73_zpskoxpdjrv.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/16A4173B-BAB7-45B3-BCAE-17D2C1098A73_zpskoxpdjrv.jpg.html)

[woodguy]

that skimmers a beast!!!

[tschwartzrn]

I would have ran a larger return pump and plumbed off it for skimmer and reactors back into the sump. I run the reeflo hammerhead gold on my 300

[Alex240]

I would have ran a larger return pump and plumbed off it for skimmer and reactors back into the sump. I run the reeflo hammerhead gold on my 300

Tank was made with a somewhat small overflow box and drainpipe, I have the return maxed out at around 2000 gph after head loss.
I had a friend that ran a hammerhead gold, through tons of pvc bends, and small tubing here and there, prolly ended up with abismal actual turnover. I try to measure actual gph that comes down the drainpipe and if I get 3 times volume I'm happy. But it would be nice to have a larger overflow box and be able to run a bigger pump if needed.

[Alex240]

My tank is cycling nicely. Showing some nitrites now, and maybe a few diatoms on the rocks...
The most clear I have ever seen it... That is looking down the tank longways 8 feet!

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/446BE00A-A5C8-45C2-9551-4DCC06545422_zps3mypzu4a.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/446BE00A-A5C8-45C2-9551-4DCC06545422_zps3mypzu4a.jpg.html)

Here is the tank with the 8 bulb sunpower on, I could definitely grow some coral with this thing, but not sure I want to run the lights everyday. Ideally, for a fowlr I would just turn them on for my own viewing and others.

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/990AE1A6-ED1D-4CBF-9485-94E697DCDA9D_zpsynrgdp9m.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/990AE1A6-ED1D-4CBF-9485-94E697DCDA9D_zpsynrgdp9m.jpg.html)

[clekchau]

looking good bro!

[SDguy]

Lookin' great!

[jjk_reef00]

Really nice, great work!

[Alex240]

Thanks you guys.

Today, I placed an order for a reef octopus waste collector. Tomorrow morning I will be installing the canopy on the aquarium. Should be exciting

[maazreef]

Nice scape. I was wondering how you where going to fill those gaps in between the rocks and pvc. Looks awesome.

[Alex240]

Got my regal 300 skimmer in the mail!!

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/B3B51974-98D2-4293-8B90-284B619BBF99_zpssqmwidgj.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/B3B51974-98D2-4293-8B90-284B619BBF99_zpssqmwidgj.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/7106F1A7-B113-4ADF-9EA4-24118977F6CC_zps1iq2glz2.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/7106F1A7-B113-4ADF-9EA4-24118977F6CC_zps1iq2glz2.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/B1B2AF22-B94C-4DC6-AD36-500DD0A8D957_zpsffti17bj.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/B1B2AF22-B94C-4DC6-AD36-500DD0A8D957_zpsffti17bj.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/FA3BE4C3-E19E-4F1A-A552-47BF6C1F7ABD_zpscqzmdh5y.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/FA3BE4C3-E19E-4F1A-A552-47BF6C1F7ABD_zpscqzmdh5y.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/42DFEF75-5235-4DFF-AF78-AF3DEE11A215_zpsnpr3g4p1.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/Mobile%20Uploads/2014-05/42DFEF75-5235-4DFF-AF78-AF3DEE11A215_zpsnpr3g4p1.jpg.html)

[clekchau]

Nice!

[Dmorty217]

Nice skimmer. Any pics of the canopy?

[Alex240]

Nice skimmer. Any pics of the canopy?

Thanks! canopy is still in the working, getting the fitment right isn't easy work.

[woodguy]

gorgeous tank, coming along nice. It looks like there is a controller on the left front of your stand, are you using that just for lighting? or are you adding a few extras

[Alex240]

gorgeous tank, coming along nice. It looks like there is a controller on the left front of your stand, are you using that just for lighting? or are you adding a few extras

Thanks!
I am using the controller for lights, skimmer, powerheads, auto top off, skimmer neck cleaner, etc

[woodguy]

what controller do you use?, I like the idea of lights, powerheads and top off, I don't use a auto skimmer clean. Really nice setup you have there

[SDguy]

I love to see FO keepers get their tank a big skimmer! :)

[italquam]

Great tank

[Alex240]

what controller do you use?, I like the idea of lights, powerheads and top off, I don't use a auto skimmer clean. Really nice setup you have there

It's an apex. Thanks!

[Alex240]

I love to see FO keepers get their tank a big skimmer! :)

Nothing like having a big boy skimmer.

[Alex240]

Good news guys, initial cycle seems to be finishing out. Ammonia is nearing zero and nitrates are showing up. Will begin adding a couple hardy fish soon. First fish will be a female bird wrasse and 3 azure damsels. Both of these species are tough in my experience and should give a decent idea of water quality.

This week I will be connecting my octopus neck cleaner and waste collector after I get my skimmer stand in the mail. I need it to get the drain hose over sump wall so it will drain properly.

I will be carbon dosing this system when nitrates climb a little higher. Even though this is a fowlr for now, my goals for carbon dosing are:
1. Keep phosphates and nitrates low for algae growth.
2. Overall increased water clarity and quality.
3. Be able to feed enough to keep the fish fat and healthy and manage waste.

[jjk_reef00]

I'd QT those fish before adding them to your DT but that is just me.

[Dmorty217]

I'd QT those fish before adding them to your DT but that is just me.

^This

[Fishnthecorner]

Nice, can't wait to see the canopy!

[Alex240]

Been a little while. I have my been adding fish for around the last 3 weeks. I have added quite a few, hopefully not too many too fast but everything is looking awesome. I do prazipro my fish, have never used copper but feel comfortable with it if I absolutely have to. Anyways here are pics!

Notice the canopy, love it!
http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/ACC89510-B803-40E7-AB51-9AA71C46510E_zps2qeldflt.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/ACC89510-B803-40E7-AB51-9AA71C46510E_zps2qeldflt.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/4003B234-CF34-45AB-A874-91BB993FE9AF_zpsahkcr2az.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/4003B234-CF34-45AB-A874-91BB993FE9AF_zpsahkcr2az.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/9CE7F278-88BE-43D3-AD2C-DE2B44EE25EE_zps8majziom.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/9CE7F278-88BE-43D3-AD2C-DE2B44EE25EE_zps8majziom.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/8F9F7E57-8FBB-4592-8666-E7C7582DE387_zpssa4iuqcj.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/8F9F7E57-8FBB-4592-8666-E7C7582DE387_zpssa4iuqcj.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/5EAA8973-2FF8-4CD3-898F-B12FC5398E83_zpsq08mf7gl.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/5EAA8973-2FF8-4CD3-898F-B12FC5398E83_zpsq08mf7gl.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/E46A2446-8BAB-4893-8E33-360DFBC4C006_zpslly6r8k9.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/E46A2446-8BAB-4893-8E33-360DFBC4C006_zpslly6r8k9.jpg.html)

[Alex240]

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/F7C020DA-6F96-46DF-8230-CE16017F751C_zpsuwj9jjoo.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/F7C020DA-6F96-46DF-8230-CE16017F751C_zpsuwj9jjoo.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/C01160B0-1404-40F2-B2DF-9B97136D55DE_zps0j3oayfp.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/C01160B0-1404-40F2-B2DF-9B97136D55DE_zps0j3oayfp.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/43AAB436-8C36-486F-9E97-9D5CEC67D702_zpsh6pf1bik.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/43AAB436-8C36-486F-9E97-9D5CEC67D702_zpsh6pf1bik.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/BBD25894-5D26-4083-8668-B84FBA5172B2_zpskt6pegw7.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/BBD25894-5D26-4083-8668-B84FBA5172B2_zpskt6pegw7.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/0F0C86A8-99CA-4860-81FD-436F6D1E79D8_zpsq3dcuief.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/0F0C86A8-99CA-4860-81FD-436F6D1E79D8_zpsq3dcuief.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/9F294525-AC27-4D50-B3EE-DE21F55BCBFF_zps8kufeyj6.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/9F294525-AC27-4D50-B3EE-DE21F55BCBFF_zps8kufeyj6.jpg.html)

[Alex240]

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/171E6FEC-149C-46C8-B83F-B0277468E599_zpsojpvpmrg.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/171E6FEC-149C-46C8-B83F-B0277468E599_zpsojpvpmrg.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/982739BB-94DB-4A97-9B35-026F9B7BA945_zpsmdwkgiwi.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/982739BB-94DB-4A97-9B35-026F9B7BA945_zpsmdwkgiwi.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/B05CB9F5-76E1-4C37-A470-478BD2D02611_zpsr7hapufz.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/B05CB9F5-76E1-4C37-A470-478BD2D02611_zpsr7hapufz.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/5C8F0B6C-3CD9-4F33-819D-98E7E596D06F_zpsuvayltkt.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/5C8F0B6C-3CD9-4F33-819D-98E7E596D06F_zpsuvayltkt.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/C76C5577-FC93-40F1-91EB-BA8AB4F0B9A2_zpsl0s4rbvz.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/C76C5577-FC93-40F1-91EB-BA8AB4F0B9A2_zpsl0s4rbvz.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/AEB7274B-E147-4469-9C0B-0E352D9C668D_zps3yn7mdqt.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/AEB7274B-E147-4469-9C0B-0E352D9C668D_zps3yn7mdqt.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/8032D5CF-0033-43C8-97CC-A85575E4B6A9_zpsqgqtz2yu.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/8032D5CF-0033-43C8-97CC-A85575E4B6A9_zpsqgqtz2yu.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/3DBCD80E-F77D-4440-BC48-C7DEA84A3B04_zpsjeiigdnj.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/3DBCD80E-F77D-4440-BC48-C7DEA84A3B04_zpsjeiigdnj.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/F0A38E5B-C6CA-472E-8773-8D8B0C10A9AF_zpsnhd0ujuo.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/F0A38E5B-C6CA-472E-8773-8D8B0C10A9AF_zpsnhd0ujuo.jpg.html)

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/D647E767-B851-4757-81FD-0118B3F5AE8B_zpsbd7ivb0g.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/D647E767-B851-4757-81FD-0118B3F5AE8B_zpsbd7ivb0g.jpg.html)

[Alex240]

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/82E87349-B636-4C30-8A96-1B9F6588A8B9_zpsyoagozpu.jpg (http://s1375.photobucket.com/user/coining1992/media/82E87349-B636-4C30-8A96-1B9F6588A8B9_zpsyoagozpu.jpg.html)

[jjk_reef00]

Looks great, and nice selection of fish!
Keep us updated on how the auriga behaves with the other BFs. Mine was a terror...

[cabinetman123]

You've got my dream tank! I just built one for a buddy that was 8x4 x24. I'm Going to tackle on this size real soon. Thanks for the inspiration

[Alex240]

All those fish and so much room!

[clekchau]

Looks great!

[rfgonzo]

Look good, how many fish are you planning on stocking? And how thick is your acrylic?

[italquam]

Looks good

[lionfish300]

Nice love that Queen Angel

[italquam]

Looking great

[Alex240]

Hey guys

I am growing out some gracilaria in a biocube by itself. I will used tank water to fill the tank but them what sorts of ferts or additives do you recommend to grow this stuff.

I was thinking kent iron and manganese, and maybe kent trace essential. I assume I should keep calcium and magnesium at normal levels. What can I add if the nitrates get to zero?

[jjk_reef00]

Get a pair of clownfish or some other small fish and feed them.

[caribfan]

You could use water from your fowlr...

[Dmorty217]

Hey guys

I am growing out some gracilaria in a biocube by itself. I will used tank water to fill the tank but them what sorts of ferts or additives do you recommend to grow this stuff.

I was thinking kent iron and manganese, and maybe kent trace essential. I assume I should keep calcium and magnesium at normal levels. What can I add if the nitrates get to zero?

The eventual water change and a good light the stuff will grow like crazy. I wouldn't waste your time/money on additives

[djtuzik]

wow, nice!

[Alex240]

Get a pair of clownfish or some other small fish and feed them.

I never thought of that but it is a no brainer. Any need to add rock and sand in this tank? I plan to not anchor the red tang heaven to anything let it tumble around the tank. Does this sound good?

[jjk_reef00]

Sounds good. You may want some small shelter for the fish in the corner or something but ultimately it is up to you.

[TheDouda]

Beautiful tank my friend!!!!

[Alex240]

Beautiful tank my friend!!!!

Thank you!

I set up a trash can with an air pump for the macroalgae. I have it so the water does have the algae tumbling a bit. Right now I just have a standard bulb on it. Do you guys think this setup will work for growing the gracilaria?

http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/th_DB145ABE-5BF8-4F05-8B9D-111EF709E271_zpsnado2zwm.jpg (http://i1375.photobucket.com/albums/ag469/coining1992/DB145ABE-5BF8-4F05-8B9D-111EF709E271_zpsnado2zwm.mp4)

[bryhan67]

Wow very nice

[jstephens24]

I love everything about this tank. great work

[bc1281]

Any updates?

[FinFollowerEd]

Very cool tank, envious of the dimensions.

[usmc1812]

Great looking tank.