60g Rimless Cube Build

[dt204]

Well, I got a new cube and I'm in the process of setting it up. Still new in the hobby and will take any advice anyone has to give! I've kept a 12g nano cube for about a year now, and can't wait to get this rolling.
340102

This is the cube as it sits now
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I've got it plumbed down to my existing fish room in the basement
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The tank has a 1/2" return and 1" drain. It's unioned at the floor and again before the ball valves at the sump. It ends up being a head height of close to 8'. I've got a Mag 12 return pump, and I'm hoping to get the flow I need from it. Calculating about 600-700 gph from what I can figure.

[dt204]

The sump is a 20 gallon tank I got on Kijiji. 340107

You can see the lines ran almost to it. That's the rodi line as well for an ATO at some point.

I've marked where I'm planning to install baffles to separate the intake/skimmer section from return in the middle, and /refugium on the left. Planning to tee off of return line with lower flow back to the refugium. 340108

I'm planning to keep a bit of LR and chaeto in the refugium section. And to run some type of light above it at night for pH stability. The skimmer I've picked for it is the Reef Octopus 110INT. Waiting for it to come in at my LFS. I'm new to skimmers, and look forward to learning how to operate one efficiently. I have yet to pick up any filter socks, but planning to go that route on the return line. I do not have a heater yet, but planning on putting the proper wattage heater in the return section. Does anybody have any suggestions for my sump design?

I've picked up about 40 lbs of dry Marco rock. I've setup a measured section in my garage and am practicing stacking them in the design I like. This is what I got340109

Not sure if I will try an acrylic rod or epoxy/glue to hold the tall part up. I like the layout as it gives me a few sections to work with, as well as open sand. I like how some corals just pop in the sand or small piece of rubble.

I'm hoping to have a mixed reef. I prefer LPS and softies, but wouldn't mind trying a few SPS up high. Basic reef friendly fish, hoping around 6-8 fish.

My light is a bridgelux LED 340110

I'm planning to suspend it above the open water tank from the ceiling. I also just picked up a Reef Keeper Lite plus, and looking forward to hooking it up! First controller of my fishdom and I can't wait for what it can do for me. I'm not positive how I'm going to run it upstairs, and in my fish room with pumps and lights etc being on different floors. Thoughts?
It also comes with some moonlight pods I will probably incorporate some how.

I am going to wrap the 2x4 cabinet with cabinet material. You can see my kitchen in my first pic of my nano. It will look exactly like that with a door on the kitchen side. Hopefully should look like its always been built in! It's an off white. We did our kitchen a couple years ago.

I've recently upgraded my rodi system and changed from a 5 gallon pail for premixing to a 30 gallon brute bin. I've got a pump for that as well. I'm using red sea coral pro salt so far. My fish room is originally for my 240 gallon Tanganyikan cichlid tank with 70 gallon sump. But I've managed to repurpose as dual fish room now [emoji1]

Haven't gotten power heads yet.
Not positive plan for filter media/reactor yet. Thinking GFO and GAC, maybe purigen.

Soon as my skimmer gets in I will be finishing the sump build, and getting my rock and sand into tank. Finish some plumbing, and get that tank wet!

Hoping to hear any suggestions or questions from everyone to help me out. I've done a fair amount of fresh water before, and after reading hundreds of hours online about reefing, and keeping a nano, I know I need some more practical experience! Thanks!

[Greybeard]

Nice start! I recently put together a 60g cube, as well... build thread linked to below. Not so different from your plan, really. Having a remote sump seems a nice way of eliminating the space issue common to these small footprint tanks.

Open top makes fish choice a challenge. I know, folks are going to jump in here and say all fish can jump... they're right, but that doesn't change anything. I like the open top, and I'm keeping it. I've got a smith's blenny and a pair of snowflake clowns, so far so good. Not sure what else I'm going to add, but it'll be slow, and careful.

[dt204]

Hey! Thanks. My first real salt build, and I'm enjoying it. I'm lucky to have an existing fish room already to run the sump to. Should all but eliminate all noise from display tank. Although I have yet to hear this drain in action!
I also like the look of fully open top. We'll see, if I have a couple casualties I may change my tune.
I haven't seen too many tanks with the netting on them. It's got to be a bit of a pain in the *** to open all the time, no? Just to flip over a snail or something quick.

I just got the call that my skimmer is in! My seller upgraded me to a space saver now. Once I get it, I'll be altering my sump design a bit, and hopefully building it asap.

[Greybeard]

I've got a Reef Octopus SRO1000sss, picked it up used. Doing a great job for me. It's a bit bulky, but not bad.

I've seen several screen tops. If they're done right, they look OK. Just lift it up to feed or whatever. Set it to the side for full access. I picked up a set of clear plastic clips that support a top just below the top edge of the tank. Tried cutting a piece of eggcrate for it. Works, but the light reflection into the surrounding area is more than I can stand.

[dt204]

Skimmer got upgraded to a new Octo 110INT Space saver! Here's a pic of it in the sump
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160204/8de2b26df6b7a151703b79251a190a95.jpg
The space saver will save me a bit of space (imagine that lol) and hopefully I can make my return chamber as big as possible. You can see a new 200 w cobalt heater in there too. Going to slide in under the small stand I'll have the skimmer on. You can see the reef keeper probes and switches as well. This sump is gonna be a busy place. Going to install the baffles this wkend

[dt204]

Bam. Got some baffles done today.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160206/9030517c1588f2fe94507b53219e5407.jpg

Going to put it left to right- refugium, return chamber, drain/skimmer chamber. Doing over-under baffles on both sides. Will return a small amount of flow back to fuge from return pump. Do the rest of baffles soon. Seems easier to get a couple set in place, then get the others in.

[dt204]

There we go. Rest of the baffles are in. I'm hoping the over under will be enough to deal with micro bubbles. If not, I have some backup plans 😃
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160206/35f36f23cadfdaea1413656899ac7d94.jpg
I went with 1.5" gap between and under baffles on drain side, and 1" gap on the fuge side (less flow).
Soon as it all cures, I have a bit of plumbing to do at the sump to hook up to drain and return, and then shall commence with a freshwater test of the system.
Through a few calculations I've estimated that when the pump shuts off, I will have approx 5 gallons return to the sump. I have left room for 7 gallons at capacity. Let's hope. We'll soon see. 😁

[dt204]

Rough mock uphttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160207/d613f620373a02f5df3e5b5a56e2e001.jpg

[Greybeard]

Hm. Odd to see a return compartment in the middle. How are you going to feed flow to both ends?

If all else fails, a bit of filter pad in the baffle will shut down the micro bubbles. I didn't end up needing it... my skimmer just doesn't release that many micro bubbles.

[carpediem_dc]

I agree with Greybeard. Far better with return at one end and skimmer in the middle if it fits.

[dt204]

Feedback! Awesome, thanks guys.

I've seen this style of sump a few times in my searching when I was originally planning it.

For the flow, the return line will tee off with a ball and return back to the sump on the fuge side. That way I can isolate flow. Have full strength flow on the drain side, and be able to dial back the flow on the fuge side. This will also be finalized after my fresh water test.

From what I understand, this is a hotly debated topic. General consensus seems to be that lower flow is better. But for no clear reasons lol. I've read about pods liking lower flow. Chaeto having 'longer' for nutrient absorption. More anaerobic bacteria growing in live rock for nitrate removal. And things to the contrary like detritus build up. All taken with a grain of salt. [emoji2] This is my first salt sump, so I'm curious to see how it works in actual application.

On another note, I realized I had a metal fitting on my RO/DI line
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160210/d97b25d2b800adb759269afb668692eb.jpg
I've since changed it. And picked up (hopefully) all my parts.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160210/62ad146352bee3237075dfd402dd75d1.jpg
Someone's got some plumbin' to do [emoji1]

[bklynreef123]

I would get rid of all the metal hose clamps. just my .02. Good luck with the build.

[dt204]

I won't have any clamps submersed at least. Are there better options for my other fittings?

[Greybeard]

Several places sell ratcheting plastic hose clamps. Much safer. They're used in home brewing, as well.

My sump has two paths through it, half (or so) goes through the fuge, and half through the skimmer compartment. Rejoining in the return compartment. There's nothing wrong with what you're wanting to do, being able to control flow through the fuge is great.

One thing you should be aware of: A Herbie or BeAnAnimal type overflow system, with full siphon, gets real complicated if you're T'ing the outlet. If you plan on a standard Durso standpipe anyway, no problem.

[dt204]

Thanks for the input. I'll look for those ratchet straps.
My tank came with a durso, and that is also what I set up in my freshwater tank/sump. So hopefully no worries with the siphon

[dt204]

Got started on that plumbing tonight. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160211/04a56d7ca27450348e4d5d806de79640.jpg
Nothing is glued or threaded yet. I'll replace metal clamps with plastic ones once I can locate some. Anybody have any thoughts before I put them together permanently?

After the fresh water test, and finding out exactly where my levels will be, I can finalize a few things:
- length of feed to refugium (I'll dry fit the final chunk until it's determined)
-length of drain line
-skimmer chamber level
-skimmer stand height
-valve settings

And if anything leaks [emoji16]

[Devaji108]

looking good!
just wondering why, if you have the fish room in the basement you only went with a small (ish) sump? is that a 20H? with that size I would have just put in under that tank or made a bigger sump like a 40br, 55 or something.

aslo, and I am sure you calculated for head loss but with that amount of head + a T off that one big pump = lost of heat and energy.

I personally would have just went with a smaller quieter pump and put the sump under the DT and called it a day.
or if I had the fish room ( someday i just might) would have went with a external pump on a rubber made stock tank or a 40br to give more volume and justification for the big pump.

dont get me wrong I do like what you got going on and in no way I am telly you its wrong, I just would do it different that all.

I am curious to see how the T on the return line works out for ya. I do understand the concept and its nice to Dial it in.

keep us posted :)

[dt204]

Hey thanks for the interest Deva. Yes, that is a 20 gallon sump. That is the biggest sump I figured I could fit! Lol My fish room is great, but most of it is taken up by my 240 g in wall Tanganyikan tank with 70 g sump. I'll take a pic of my room and post it when I get home later. I've also just added a 30 gallon brute can for mixing.
When I got the tank it came with a 12g sump that fit underneath the DT. That one definitely wasn't going to work 😃
Another thing I considered when running sump in basement is noise, as my DT is in my kitchen area. Also I have a ton of power in my fish room already, and I would have had to run a new circuit upstairs. And finally for water changes. I can just pump mixed saltwater up as opposed to any pails etc.
I'm really curious as to how this pump and flow will work too! I'm hoping with length of lines and sump in basement that pump heat won't be a problem. But we shall see 😁

[dt204]

Here is my room.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160212/d53637c964b3d6ca367e79689fff9bdf.jpg

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160212/e4a2dea8b699cba08ed4cf2e061945ac.jpg

It has the tank viewing to my basement living room. A rounded wall curves around to a bi-fold door for the entrance. It has a laundry sink. An extra drain. Hot and cold lines. RO and RO/DI lines. A few circuits. Decent amount of storage. Very happy I included it when I gutted and redid my basement. If/when I sell my house, it can be converted into a pretty killer bar!!

[Devaji108]

OH nice fish room!
looks like you will now have to make that 12 gallon in to a nano tank...haha

[kcinnick]

Working on my fish room now... Doing similar design to yours with the flow split between the fuge and entry compartment with another compartment for the skimmer. After the skimmer there is probably another 40 or so gallons of sump left for the return pump area. I do have a 90 gallon sump to hold all my equipment and a 150 gallon rubbermaid trough for extra volume and it will get a frag rack on top. I also plan to expand to two more frag grow out systems to grow out frags before I try to place them in my Display.

[dt204]

Sounds like you got your hands full!

[csb123]

Looks great!

[dt204]

So today is the day this thing gets wet. I threaded and glued all the pvc by the sump this morning. And figured out that a garden hose from my garage was the easiest way to fill this thing with freshwater.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/525d91524326ab06de01eabfc807a722.jpg

So we turned on the water! My father in law was here and gave me a hand. Here it is filling up.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/32092a410c1187bdd682ced699b74783.jpg

And here it is draining again.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/a1f3cda7cc192f8c1b5ccda8426a00d1.jpg

Note to self. When double checking plumbing, remember to check the bulkheads in the bottom of the tank. Whoops.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160214/81c1f1d30f15f929476c295a1863eb52.jpg

So it wasn't a flood by any means, but more of a disappointing drip lol. Had to drain tank so I could pull it away from the wall and tighten the return line bulkhead. Sure enough it was hand loose already. I've tightened it up and filled the overflow box. Looks good!

I'll try again later tonight to fill the tank. Good news is that the rest of the drain system to the sump seems to be fine.

[dt204]

Alright it's running. All the plumbing looks good.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/c54db00bffe73a7ceb96b0cae56f9861.jpg

I hooked up the skimmer as well. This Mag 12 pump is silent. I was surprised. The return back to the fuge is working.

I am concerned with the pump and flow though. I'm pretty sure I am not getting enough. Here are a couple pics. You can see the stream of water in the clear pipe, no where near full.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/8eef6ceb05bed58cca6faa044f4932c7.jpg
And you can get a bit of an idea of flow looking at the nozzle.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/6452c4af2307d9831251b5d791ba848d.jpg

I did a head loss calculation. Here is a screen shot. The only thing I'm not sure about is the pipe diameter. Is it inside or outside? I ran it at .75. All my return line is 1/2 inch I/S.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/9d0dedcf013468e1c8ef7865a3561cc9.jpg
With those numbers I'm only at 400 gph... the water is barely a trickle all the way around the overflow teeth. I'm thinking I need a stronger pump. 😑

I do have this one running in my freshwater sump.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160215/f46c22e214e84c1c2235ea785993f87b.jpg
I'm not sure the rating on it. It's about 25% bigger than my Mag 12. It's actually a little restricted on that tank, as full blast is too much for it. It also only has to go 5'. I'm thinking I may have to switch the two pumps, redo a bit of plumbing.

Anyone know what that big pump might be?

[dt204]

Got my own answer. It's a pond master 2400. Twice as powerful as my Mag 12. Crazy, who'd a thunk it. It has a 1" outlet. Today is a holiday, so no parts place open. I'll grab a 1"- 1/2" threaded reducer tmrw and give it a try. If I like it, I'll have to re-plumb my fresh sump for my Mag 12 too. Lol this is getting fun 😁

[golferbud101691]

ditch the cobalt heater and get a jager. the possibility of something exploding just isn't worth it.

also use stainless steel hose clamps on your connections..zip ties are iffy

[dt204]

I had heard about past Cobalt problems, but had thought they had fixed all of that. I'll look into it again.

Ya, zip ties aren't permanent lol just a quick mock up. There will be ss or nylon hose clamps when it's tank time

[dt204]

Hmm. I've had a thought now that my entire return line being half inch is a problem. Restricted flow. Especially if I'm looking at a pump with a 1 inch outlet stepping it down to half. Crap. I'll have to look again at the bulkhead on the tank, and see what I can figure out. Might have to route some new plumbing 😓

[golferbud101691]

unfortunately not. check out joey's channel, king of diy on youtube. he just lost his fw stingrays to cobalts

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EzObDTkwQk

there you go..


I had heard about past Cobalt problems, but had thought they had fixed all of that. I'll look into it again.

Ya, zip ties aren't permanent lol just a quick mock up. There will be ss or nylon hose clamps when it's tank time

[dt204]

So, I redid the plumbing. Removed the half inch line almost all the way to the tank, and replaced with 1 inch. Swapped in my pond master 24.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160220/727e207da966ec6348c0b59a98ee6fde.jpg
Fired it up and I got tons more flow than last time. Here's a pic, I'm not sure how to upload video.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160220/f25b80e214b8e77df827280be86d9516.jpg
I'm happy with my freshwater test. Here's a shot of my flow the best of my ability.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160220/89f81b4753180c942b08c656daca66a3.jpg
Between having a bit of half inch on the tank, and redirecting a bit back into my fuge, I think I should be hitting the 600gph or so I was hoping to.

I guess next is to build a small stand for my skimmer. It wants the water level to be at 7.5" or so, and the chamber sits at 10". I'll build one out of pvc/eggcrate like I've seen before.

I also need to finish running my ro/di and ATO lines to my mixing container and tank.

And design some plumbing for my mixing barrel to mix, as well as have the ability to pump into my sump so I can pump it to the DT.

I think it's about time to get the rock and sand into the tank too!

[Ohioreef1700]

i would definitely change to a wager heater i have had two eheim glad heaters blow up in my tank and caused it to crash. Trust me it will save you a ton of money and headaches in the future.

[dt204]

Quick update. Ordered some more stuff. Got some epoxy for my rock scape. Some marine pure for the sump. In line TDS meter. New probes for my references. Still got some plumbing to do 😃
Hopefully it shows up in a week or so! Anxious to get the water in and cycle started

[dt204]

Got my mixing/filling station plumbed.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/b5ede4b5502c128f7566bc5adea78eb7.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/79e467717a3a8dabef1a81a11b423cb2.jpg

I've got it plumbed so the bottom section will sit in the Brute can with the lid on. It will circulate/mix new saltwater when I plug it in. Then I will attach the top piece via a union, hit a couple valves, and pump into the sump. This will then pump it to the display.
I still have to finish running the ro/di lines to the can, and ATO.

[mgoulding]

Love the fish room/basement sump. Following along.

[dt204]

Welcome Goulding!

I've got a couple more steps complete. I built a stand for the skimmer

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/b74783808464fdb6a1298c91bba947be.jpg

I used eggcrate zipped to 1" pvc pipe. Added couplers to the bottom of them so I could level it. Skimmer is now sitting at the required depth.

I also completed running my RO/DI. I replaced that metal 90, and used all plastic/pvc.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160308/7b45c5adbe9b311fa54603f7f2467290.jpg

It tees off above the sump to
A)go to the mixing station.
B)go to the float switch for the ATO.

I have a thought about redundancy on the ATO. I was thinking of drilling the back of the sump as high as I can (under the rim) and putting in a 1/2" bulkhead. If the sump ever runs that high (ATO failure) it will drain out of the sump and into the drain or storage tote.
I have a 20 gallon expansion tank on my RO system, so that is the volume I would have to deal with in case of failure.

Any thoughts?

[dt204]

Been doing lots of reading on kalk, 2 part dosing, and ATS. Sure is a lot to take in! Still doing everything slow. Find out as much as possible about everything before pulling the trigger.
I've got things planned out pretty well for what I need now, what I expect to need later, and what I have no idea I'm going to need lol.
In the meantime, picked up a Kessil 360w blue tuna LED for the dt. 😁 can't wait to hook it up

[dt204]

Alright! Work has finally slowed down (construction), and I've got some extra free time. Got a new shipment of supplies in!

Got a dual line tds monitor and installed it today. One probe between ro and di, and second one after di.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160316/cdbfabb7f9426538bd7ec5be619a985d.jpg
Right now it's running 22ppm out of my ro and 2ppm after the di. Also got some more bulk di resin, and learned that it can be recharged eventually.

I also got some acrylic rod and landscape epoxy. So drilled some rock and got to work.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160316/fd6c6cf126f98aa4125d47f0f3080bae.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160316/10e91cfd0e539967451ec8023b2e89b6.jpg

Turned out OK. Got a couple more pieces to screw around with tmrw. First time using epoxy and rod. Added a bit of crazy glue here and there as well.

Going to get my mixing station filled and start making sw now!

[Devaji108]

nice! I was just looking at my tank and thinking about my soon to be aqua scape. I will be using LR so not sure I can drill it, or want do but you can get some really cool scapes if you do. I look forward to seeing your complete rock work.

[dt204]

Alright! The aquascaping is done. Tank has started to fill.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160325/b61f6f5b6109361ad6dcdb23cee4d7f1.jpg

It'll take me a few days to make enough saltwater. I'll take pics of aqua scape once it's full.
My filling station worked great.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160325/41c33cd59ef2ed9ad434c1dc15b700f2.jpg
I was able to match the flow in and flow out of sump to dt.
Ordered some ammonia online as the wife was not impressed with the idea of a dead shrimp floating around in the kitchen lol imagine that. Soon as it arrives, cycling will start.

[dt204]

Aqua scape done and tank almost full. Here is how it turned out
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/d7e6edc4c7e9dbd26d26458ff661cb2d.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/cbadd6c801a4c4bf945d4e583cd3ddc9.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160326/4786db7740b2eb4d70bc4069e3a9bf93.jpg

Hoping to have a zoa garden. Little acan section. Couple nems. Some sand corals. And eventually try a few sps and monti caps up high.
Livestock, I'm thinking a shrimp/goby pair. Normal clean up crew of hermits and snails. Blood red shrimp. Maybe a cleaner shrimp. A second goby/blenny. Other potentials are purple firefish, pair of onyx clowns, a few anthias, a wrasse or two, tang (yellow, kole, tomini), and an dwarf angel (flame, potters, bi color, lemon peel). Something along those lines anyways. Open to suggestions!

[reefervanwinkle]

Nice stuff, looking great so far!

[dt204]

Mixing up my last bunch of saltwater right now.
Been working on setting up my Reefkeeper lite, and redundancy on the fail safes.

Here is a float switch on the dt that will kill the return pump if ever tripped.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160327/0740371a091d04934a73d4a1ce8d94d0.jpg

I've got a float valve attached to the RODI for the ATO. This might get switched to a reservoir in the future. You can also see the float switch that will kill the return pump if the water gets too low in return chamber.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160327/c852eb807b2e6db6383a83f3de6adb79.jpg

I drilled a hole and installed a bulkhead high in the sump. So in the event of failure, any extra water will drain out the back. There is a vinyl line running directly to the drainhttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160327/a4f23be2bbd08eb4852a1ade3adc2210.jpg

I've got the probes mounted (ph, temp) and will calibrate as soon as system runs.

I've had to run wires from the RKL upstairs for the moonlight controller, and back down for the float switch. Note: telephone wires do not work. You need actual digital Aquatics bus cables. So I found out. AFTER running them... lol

The previous owner cut all my moonlight pods, so I have to splice them back together, and find an appropriate spot for them. Any ideas?
I was going to try on the back glass. Could use silicone to mount. Or on the bezel of my kessil I have seen as well. I'll experiment when the MLC is ready.

[dt204]

Finished filling the system. Everything seems to be running smoothly.

Realized I had a noise issue with my durso. I added some pipe to make the level in the overflow higher. That got rid of my water noise. Got a new cap for my standpipe. Drilled the smallest hole I could, and Voila! It's quiet! Happy I didn't have a bigger issue there.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160329/8536533c82b88dd5cf1abb6db4f1268c.jpg

Now the only noise I have is at the floor where the flex drain hits the hard pipe. I think a little insulation in the stand should take care of that. I have the stand wrapped in drywall right now until my cabinetry is ready.

[dt204]

My Dr.Tim's fishless cycle ammonia chloride came today! I added the dosage, and thus, my cycle has began! I'll be monitoring my levels and keep everyone up to date.

Still finalizing all of my RKL components, almost got it all dialed in.

[dt204]

Already starting with what I assume to be Brown diatoms.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/4cfe36dddea45742b464e165e55dc0cc.jpg

Got some weird bubbles on a chunk of rock
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160408/6d3be01ed0d37c545dba4680ea83f2a3.jpg

Tests are showing progress.

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

[dt204]

Ok, update. Cycle is continuing. I'm seeing ammonia dropping and nitrite and nitrate rising. Added prodibio the other day, and added some stability today. Diatoms are increasing.

Quick note. Rinse Sand!! I have a brown gunk film on absolutely everything in my system. All over the sump, the overflow, the plumbing lines. Argh! Most all be coming from my rock and sand. I've ran a sock a bit and that has helped. I'll clean a bit at a time and get it all gone by the time I have livestock.

In other news, I finished running wires for my RKL MLC module. Mounted 2 pods to the bezel of my Kessil.http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160412/296bb822aba81d25ccd926a1154703b1.jpg
Programmed lunar mode, so we'll soon see how that works. If I don't like the schedule, I may just have on every night.

Also finished programming the float switch in the display, calibrated ph and temp probes, and set alarms and overrides for heater.

My return pump (pond master 2400) has gotten too loud for comfort. I've ordered a Jebao 12000. I look forward to having a DC pump with slow start up. My tank explodes with bubbles and air everytime I turn my current pump on! The feed mode is a nice function too. The pond master will now be a backup.

Also ordered a new Jebao pp8 powerhead. This will be the main flow in my display along with the return. I have a tiny koralia I may leave in too.

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[dt204]

Things are progressing. Ammonia is consistently zero. Nitrates are rising and getting high. Nitrites have plateaued and looks like just starting to come down. I ghost feed the tank everyday.
I dropped a couple small chunks of live rock rubble from my biocube in. They are covered in coralline, hoping it will seed the new rock.
My new return pump and powerhead should be here first of the week, I look forward to getting them running!

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[Lilmatty5dimes]

Wow. Looks great and awesome build so far. Love the aquascape.

[Greybeard]

Those 'weird bubbles' looks like Dinoflagellates to me. I went through that stage for a while... don't panic, but it needs to go.

You asked about a shrimp/goby pair... I picked up a yellow prawn goby and his paired pistol shrimp a couple weeks ago. Neat critters. Note: They'll dig all that sand out from under your rocks.

Tank is looking good. Let me know how you like that Kessil after you've been growing corals for a while. I bought an Aquaticlife Halo LED for my cube. In most ways I'm happy with it, color is great, not worrying about temperature increases during the day is wonderful, but I'm not getting the growth rates I was hoping for. Some time down the road, I may hang a 250w DE pendant over it.

[dt204]

Hey beard. Those weird stringy bubbles solved themselves pretty quickly, only lasted a week or so.
I am still quite interested in a goby/shrimp combo! I put all my rock down first before the sand, so I'm not too worried about them digging. I'm more concerned if I have some LPS on the sand. I hope they don't get buried.
For sure I'll keep you posted on the light. Sure looks nice. If it grows corals half as good as it looks, I should be golden 😃.


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[dt204]

I tested everything last night, and my nitrites have dropped! Ammonia still zero. Nitrates around 80. Another couple days and my trites should be zero. Time to stress test ammonia, and a big water change to reduce these nitrates. It's not over yet, but I'm confident with my first saltwater cycle so far

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[Greybeard]

Sounds like you're on track, and you know the next steps... Just keep swimming :)

Putting the rock on the glass, or on something like eggcrate under the glass, should help keep gobies, blennies, etc. from drastically rearranging your rockscape.

My tank is still 'in progress'... but I've got a favites coral and a deresa clam on the sand. The shrimp actually shoved my 3" or so favites colony out of his way, but he didn't bury it, not yet anyway. My pistol shrimp doesn't blow sand everywhere, he kinda bulldozes it, fairly slowly. The goby filters through it, but it's the shrimp that most of the work.

[dt204]

Tank is cycled! Dosed ammonia today, confirming that it all disappears by tonight.
My LFS's are all about an hour away, and I got a chance to go to them yesterday. Picked up some CUC. Few turbos, nassarius, and cerith snails. And a few baby blue leg hermits.
The store had just received a new fish shipment they were unpacking as I was there! So I took the opportunity and picked up a yellow watchman goby. A large 3 head torch, and a couple green mushrooms. Everything got tossed into my 12 gallon for observation.
This wkend I plan on doing my first large water change to get nitrates down, and start adding the first life!
Happy times. Thanks all for following along 😁

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[dt204]

I got my screen top made.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160503/cf305e5a9fccc491bfd09994949806bc.jpg

There is a window and door manufacturer here. I'm in the trades myself, so I'm familiar with the guys over there. I brought them the mesh, picked my edging from their selection, and let them do it.
Wow. It was worth it! I have seen many DIY screen tops and kits, all seem like a hassle. Getting it 'professionally' done worked out great. And all it cost me was a box of donuts 😁 lol

I painted it black to match everything else.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160503/f0e7f30416d0e61688928964d1d1773d.jpg

I made it so it would fit inside the tank. Not positive how I will suspend it yet, but have a few ideas to think through. I didn't want it just sitting on top, kinda ruining the rimless look.

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[rum_pride]

That's a really nice setup, everything seems to be coming along quite well.

[Greybeard]

Not positive how I will suspend it yet, but have a few ideas to think through. I didn't want it just sitting on top, kinda ruining the rimless look.

I'm using the plastic clips I found on Amazon. They make several sizes, to fit different glass thicknesses. Works great.

http://www.amazon.com/Uxcell-Aquarium-Support-Holder-4-Pack/dp/B00LHY8MXA/ref=sr_1_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1462378665&sr=1-2&keywords=aquarium+clips

[dt204]

Is that what you used Greybeard? Snap me a few pics?

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[dt204]

I went back to your build thread and found your pics! Do those clips hold the screen top pretty much flush with the top of the tank?

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[homer1475]

Same clips I used, and yes they hold the frame flush. Just make sure you buy the ones for your glass thickness.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/homer1475/IMG_20160322_161014.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/homer1475/media/IMG_20160322_161014.jpg.html)
http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k23/homer1475/IMG_20160322_160951.jpg (http://s84.photobucket.com/user/homer1475/media/IMG_20160322_160951.jpg.html)

[Greybeard]

^^^ my pics would look much like his ^^^

Measure the glass thickness, and order the right ones. Oceanic has some that they sell with their glass tops for rimless tanks. The ones I bought from Amazon were quite a bit heavier and stronger.

[dt204]

I searched and searched and searched online for them. The only ones I could find that would ship to Canada I bought, and they will take a month to get here.... 😔 bummer. Guess I gotta wait.

In good news, my YWG seems to be doing great in QT. Eating. Swimming. Perching... lol

My LFS just got in some royal grammas, so I hope to grab one this week to put in QT as well.

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[Lilmatty5dimes]

Dang a month. Should have had someone in the states buy them and ship them up to you. Probably would have only taken 7-10 days. For both shipping Lol
Glad to hear about your YWG. I missed the one I had for my 150g cube.
http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l526/lilmatty5dimes/150g%20Cube%20Dream/67853474-D730-42B2-A575-69399C93D975-2941-0000026C30C451F3.jpg (http://s1122.photobucket.com/user/lilmatty5dimes/media/150g%20Cube%20Dream/67853474-D730-42B2-A575-69399C93D975-2941-0000026C30C451F3.jpg.html)

[Greybeard]

As I recall, they ship on a slow boat out of China, and yeah, they took a while for me too. Don't know that it was a month, but it was several weeks, anyway.

[dt204]

Ya I know! Unfortunately I don't know anyone in the states. I'm only about 2 hours from the border, North Dakota. It'd be great to know a reefer I could collaborate with.

Unfortunately our dollar is in the sh*tter right now too...

That's a nice goby Matt. What the heck is the red serpent?! Lol

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[Lilmatty5dimes]

Need to find so ND friends. Lol
What this lil guy. Lol
http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l526/lilmatty5dimes/150g%20Cube%20Dream/9D3D6A3C-778A-4DA9-A057-E2658F63BCF9-4806-000004675B245F1A_zps4fc2d785.jpg (http://s1122.photobucket.com/user/lilmatty5dimes/media/150g%20Cube%20Dream/9D3D6A3C-778A-4DA9-A057-E2658F63BCF9-4806-000004675B245F1A_zps4fc2d785.jpg.html)
That pvc is 1.5"
http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l526/lilmatty5dimes/150g%20Cube%20Dream/1DD9ADE0-D651-4272-99BB-288A3C1A7B73-4806-00000467509A52B7_zps1a55d7a3.jpg (http://s1122.photobucket.com/user/lilmatty5dimes/media/150g%20Cube%20Dream/1DD9ADE0-D651-4272-99BB-288A3C1A7B73-4806-00000467509A52B7_zps1a55d7a3.jpg.html)
Tank was 36" deep and he's half of it.
http://i1122.photobucket.com/albums/l526/lilmatty5dimes/150g%20Cube%20Dream/A960DA38-CC0B-4740-A6AB-E96BFF311714-1888-000003871BC3E5C4_zps7088152e.jpg (http://s1122.photobucket.com/user/lilmatty5dimes/media/150g%20Cube%20Dream/A960DA38-CC0B-4740-A6AB-E96BFF311714-1888-000003871BC3E5C4_zps7088152e.jpg.html)

[dt204]

Ha! That's awesome.

Any North Dakota reefers on the forum?! I guess we share a border with Minnesota too...

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[dt204]

Here is a current FTS. Just cuz 😁

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160511/efb92df6ebdb4fc2ea9d6b2767842f22.jpg

Soon to be home to my YWG and Royal Gramma!

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[monkeyruler90]

wow, great idea with that screen
looks very professional !

[dt204]

Thanks monkey. Ya, I'll suggest that route for anybody that needs a top. Why screw around with a DIY kit you might pay more for to begin with! Door and window place probably throws out chunks under 2ft anyways lol

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[Greybeard]

Is that FTS at normal water level? Mine runs high, to within 3/4" of the rim. Guess you don't have to worry about sloshing water out with a wavemaker.

[dt204]

Yes it is beard. I've got a full 2 inches. No worries about waves. Little easier with the glass magnet too.

Here's the other 2 sides
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/3c755254053b079446d7b4c063c3efc1.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160512/d8a48b4d700ecc0bda23c2cd4be3db77.jpg

I've moved most of my zoas over. Finger leather. Hammer. Chalice. Blasto. And favia. Everything seems happy!

I've reduced my photosynthetic period since cycling. I now run from 11 am to 10 pm. Ramps on with blues, and ramps down with blues. Run peak light for 4 hours in the afternoon. More white, and only running 30% peak on intensity.

My lunar pod moon lights are set to turn on at 10pm, and off at 7 am. They follow the lunar cycle, so some nights they are not on.

I have plans of a dual reactor down the road, but for now have a bag of Chemipure blue in the sump for filtration

[dt204]

Tank seems to be doing well. Have been adding a bit of Cal, and ordered some bulk 2 part and Red Sea pro test kit. Planning to start testing and dosing asap.

Skimmer is skimming.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160521/3db19a03352e58566ecadb14966814b3.jpg
I now officially know what skimmate smells like lol.

Corals seem happy! Some zoas that had their color completely washed out in the last tank are now coming around, sunny d's and rastas.
My fire and ice chalice I had almost lost seems to be growing new flesh as well.
My hammer was close to losing a head or two also has made a marked improvement.


No real uglies to report yet. No green. No purple. Bit of brown on the rocks.



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[homer1475]

Now I remember your build thread!

We may have setup around the same time, but I had a ton to move over from my biocube, so mine looks a little more "mature". lol

Your water level does look a little low, mine sits about 1" from the top edge. Measure your water height x length x width, I'll bet you have a lot less water then you think! I never owned a rimless tank so I didn't know about losing tank volume due to the water not being right up to the rim.

Usually your water height is set by your drain line. Without reading back, not sure if your running a durso setup(one drain, one return), or a herbie setup(2 drains, and one return). If it's the latter, extending the drain pipe will raise your water level. If it's the herbie setup, then increasing the height of your emergency will work.

Edit:
Went back and read the thread. You have a durso setup. Not only will raising the standpipe up increase the water volume in the tank, but you'll hear less water "crashing" noise when it enters the overflow.

[dt204]

Sweet!
That's funny, I'm moving stuff over from my 12g nanocube. Mainly just frags though.

With my aquarium calculator app, 24x24x24 is 60. x22 high is 55 gallons. Crazy eh? You think you have a 60 DT and a 20 sump. Runs more like 70. With rock and sand probably like 60 gallons of actual water. I like it being low. Gives some margin for error with accidents. And my glass cleaner or wave maker doesn't splash my floor! 👍

Ya it's a durso. So no control over DT water height, just based on height of weir. When I first fired it up it was def a waterfall lol. I've since put in an extension and it's silent now.

Actually the loudest part is the drain at the floor. Just running water sound. I'm planning to cover gaps and sound insulate the cabinet when it is ready. Have my cabinet makers coming over after the long wkend to have a look. My greasy handprint covered temporary drywall stand isn't cutting it anymore

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[Greybeard]

raising the standpipe up increase the water volume in the tank

In this case, I think it's the overflow box that appears to be a bit short. If you look at the photo showing the overflow weir and water level, you couldn't really raise it much without cascading over the top of the weir. Just how they built the tank, I guess. My 60g rimless cube has a normal water level that's quite a bit higher, about a half inch from the top edge. Honestly, wish it was a half inch or so lower. I have to limit my wavemaker to keep from sloshing it out of the tank.

Looking good!:dance:

[dt204]

Yup that's right beard. Thanks!

In other news, I just put my entire 240 gallon freshwater tank setup up for sale. That's right. Nothing but salt from here on out for this guy.
I considered using the 240 as a FOWLR, or somehow tying it into this build. But the cost of lighting, sand, rock, media, filters and salt is too restrictive right now. I'd rather have the space back.

The sump from my 240 is a 70 gallon tank, only 16" high. Did someone say FRAG TANK?! With the extra space in my fish room, I can easily put the frag tank, a full time QT, and my current 20 gallon sump with room to spare. Another brute can? A clown tank? Seahorses? Breed great white sharks? Who knows!?! Lol

In reality I will probably start a thread and ask the forum for suggestions. ATS? Turn my current sump into full fuge? Etc.

In the meantime DT tank is good. Lost my YWG in QT due to an unknown mouth injury. Royal gramma and firefish are happy and healthy. Not looking forward to trying to catch them...

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[dt204]

Acquired a few new corals. Ordered some acans, a new blasto and some zoas. Picked up a couple candy canes from a tank shut down. Moved over a few more from old tank. Here is a FTS.

http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160605/6e265dde0072e4bede493894867be043.jpg

Royal gramma has been missing for days... I hope he is good still.

Screen top clips still not here 😔

Working on getting 2 part dosing started. Got some bulk materials, acquiring jugs etc. Keeping a much better eye on levels with my new red sea test kit in the meantime




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[dt204]

My screen clips finally showed up. Fits great! I made some eggcrate and glued some screen on them to fill in the back around the light and float switch.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/633cca6d2bd50e11ed8a7a49c795394e.jpg

I picked up a orange spot goby, who quickly found a home under a rock. He perches out in front most of the time.

Went on a 10 day vacation, left a sitter with the tank. Hopefully all goes well while I'm gone.

[Rakie]

My screen clips finally showed up. Fits great! I made some eggcrate and glued some screen on them to fill in the back around the light and float switch.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160702/633cca6d2bd50e11ed8a7a49c795394e.jpg


Very slick, haven't seen that before

[dt204]

So I've decided to split the thread a bit. Here you can find a detailed build of my new fuge/frag/sump setup.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2585610

I'll touch on it here, but this will remain DT based and chronicle the life of the tank.

Picked up some nice bam bam zoas yesterday!

[dt204]

It's time for more fish.

After having issues with my previous QT, which was actually just my previous running 12 g reef, I've decided to set up a permanent (for now?) QT.

I had an old 10 gallon sitting around. I vinegar bathed it, and bleach bathed it. Got a new bio wheel HOB filter, and a preset heater. I plan on cycling it, and using it along with the TTM. I will run it bare bottom, and would like to keep a fish in there full time.

I made a lid from eggcrate and screen.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160719/c6b703a99908f71c53bb6205f607cb7f.jpg
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160719/6f935d7984489cc89ad4d7c424485ec3.jpg

I'm hoping the overflow light from the frag tank will illuminate this tank as well.

I'll keep a piece or two of PVC pipe in there for hiding spots. I'll also keep a tiny bag of ceramic in my sump in case I need to transfer more bacteria.

Hoping to fill it up and start cycle asap! Am I missing anything?

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[dt204]

Looking closely at my DT, I see pods have exploded! I see them all over the glass, and crawling on the rock. I had added some a while back, and assume some came on my chaeto.

All in all everything seems great. Still no algae or diatom blooms.

Slowly creeping up my Kessil intensity. Started at 30%, went for a month or so, 35% for a month or so, and just upped it to 40% the other day. Everything seems to like it!

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[dt204]

I've had an issue with chaeto making it into the DT from the fuge. So I made more eggcrate covered in screen!

I put a couple spots of silicone on the sides to make the 'grate' removable.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160805/ea8f955f20e70b16de39167d3059df7b.jpg

Seems to be doing the trick
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160805/a66d5cfcae79946667a8960f7705d959.jpg

[dt204]

So, all those brown uglies have finally arrived. My once white dry rock has now been covered in Brown spots. A little on the sand. Here's a couple shots http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/5283f03db611070b975517a67e68651c.jpghttp://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/d9985f8a1252ce6eda2dac95527caa71.jpg

I've replaced the little spotlight I had on the fuge with a bird lamp and a 6500k CFL.
http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160904/c4462102c3efde8f41ef0340bbf5c6a7.jpg
My Chaeto growth has exploded since! It's getting very thick and dense.

[dt204]

The QT finished cycling a few weeks back. I added the livestock rubble I had been seeding in the DT, and added 2 fish. A magenta dotty back and a carpenters wrasse.
Did not TTM. Did not treat the tank. I lost the wrasse after a week. He slowly ate less and less.
The dotty back hung out by himself for a week, and I added a bengai, and a blue filament wrasse. I treated the tank with general cure (metro & prazi) and they've been in there a week now. http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161001/f78bff8546158ddc046dfd5c45bb11d2.jpg

The rock in the DT is getting browner and a bit of cyano has started. I expected this to happen at some point [emoji3]

I've added a few more corals, snails and shrimp.

[dt204]

Wow. Where to start. I see now how these threads kind of drop off the face of the earth. Been 7 months since I touched my own thread!

There are so many things you can't really explain to someone about reefing until they experience it themselves. I consider myself a newbie still, even after years of freshwater, and about 2 years of reefing. I thought after hours upon hours of research on every topic available, it would make me educated. I knew a lot yes, but education comes with experience. There is a lot to be said for practical real life time with your tank.

I fought ca and alk for a while, never really reaching a balance. Adding kalkwasser to my ATO and testing more often has stabilized them comfortably. I'm at 420 CA and 10 alk steady.

I had corals slowly receding. Losing color. Lost some acans. Euphyllia would just shrink to nothing. I stack most of it to instability in my numbers.

My ph wouldn't budge from ~8, which isn't bad, but since adding kalk I'm at 8.3-8.4 which is better.

I'm adding fuel a couple times a week. Seems to help keep LPS juicy.

My zoa's would never reproduce. Some would shrink, lose color. I'm happy to say they are multiplying now.

I've got the following fish in there now. Small yellow tang
Black and white clown
Platinum clown
Purple firefish
Bengai
Midas blenny
Orange spot goby
2 lyretail anthias
Cleaner shrimp
Peppermint shrimp

The chaeto is growing well in the fuge. Rodi is working great, especially since the installation of a whole house water softener. I'm getting way more life out of my di resin.

I've gotten lots of corals, and thankfully only lost a few. Here's some tank shots nowhttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170501/606258a5063be3d864dd0ae48f43a3be.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170501/c89871802fa3290b6e4dd8e270af743f.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170501/70e12cfb52f7fc616bb9d962eaf71b6e.jpg

[dt204]

Shots are from a few weeks back. I've since removed the middle rock with the BTA on it. Another life lesson. 😀 They will move. And in a small tank, corals are never far off from being stung. Wasn't worth it to have a BTA in my cube. I'm more interested in a rock flower or two in the future

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[dt204]

Pulling trigger on adding exoanded sump tank with display fuge and frag tank. Check out my other thread for details!

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[dt204]

So, my Jebao dc12000 died. Lasted about a year, maybe more. I regret not cleaning it more often. I've upgraded to a Vectra M1, which I wish I would have invested in in the first place tbh.
Wow, it's great. Built in quick release. Quiet as hell. Looks nice. Great controllability. Compliments my MP10 I got recently for the frag tank. Only disappointment was that it did not come with any prefilter/screen protector for the intake. My experience is that all pumps at all times come with that stuff! Lol Luckily my screen from the Jebao screwed right on! Problem solved.
Tank is doing good. The expanded volume of my recent addition is really stabilizing things like pH and temperature. I do have a TON of evaporation throughout. My 5 gallon ATO kalk reservoir only lasts about 4 days. I'll take pics soon and post. Just got a show size aussie elegance coral I'm really pumped on.

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[dt204]

ditch the cobalt heater and get a jager. the possibility of something exploding just isn't worth it.

also use stainless steel hose clamps on your connections..zip ties are iffyAnnnnnnnddd. It happened. Should have never used one to begin with. Thanks for trying to warn me golf. Everyone, take note.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/87ec8edbbad7452b807d59fed6739634.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/4ed2292bd1d93a1ac0fc6f3575f08450.jpg

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[dt204]

Here is a tank shothttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171102/b01afa273cfedfdcc6a7ea843b456ab2.jpg

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[cellingson]

Looks amazing!!!

[dt204]

Crazy how the time flieshttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/4c414f710989239ccd58cca12ce857eb.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/96092a5e3b720eabb313e355a3f24342.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180123/1872782f4223006ddc7a342c90808109.jpg

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[cellingson]

how do the anthias fare in this size of tank?

[dt204]

I had 2. They were good for awhile, but eventually one grew faster, and would chase and beat up the second. Until it disappeared one day.
The one seems to be happy. Eats lots. Doesn't bother other fish.

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[dt204]

ditch the cobalt heater and get a jager. the possibility of something exploding just isn't worth it.

also use stainless steel hose clamps on your connections..zip ties are iffyDamn.

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Gets me every time