Chrissreef's - 280 A.G.E. Treasure Chest (60x36x30)

[chrissreef]

Hi all, I’ve frequented RC over the last few years off and on and have thoroughly enjoyed looking at everyone’s tanks and seeing the hobby evolve. I have since graduated from high school, college, graduate school, lived in two states and gotten engaged! I hope you all enjoy the story of my tank and hobby as much as I will!

My story: As a diver for 18 yrs now and an environmentalist, I’ve come to greatly appreciate and respect the planet we all share. One Saturday I was “bored� and thought I’d take a drive to all the lfs’s in the area, including the one I worked at in high school. I checked out Melev’s website and found stores in the Dallas area. At my third stop I came to an empty building – apparently the fish store had burned down a few months earlier and was about a month away from re-opening… I was offered a part time job on the weekend! (I already work 8-5 m-f elsewhere). I thought this would be a good opportunity to “get my feet wet� without actually having to get into the hobby ($$) and was urged to jump in by my fiancée.

This soon changed and I ordered a 280 gallon A.G.E. Starfire aquarium! (60x36x30) After looking at the support of my apartment complex, I became nervous (4k lbs) and thought we probably shouldn’t live on the second floor! We quickly moved downstairs to a larger apartment (housing is too much $$, especially with wedding/aquarium planning and college debt payments going on) .

My responsible environmental side of course kicked in – we changed over to 100% wind electricity, I set up my first quarantine tank (avoid unnecessary losses), will utilize low wattage pumps (Tunze/ReeFlo) and I have pledged to purchase 100% aquacultured (not maricultured) SPS, 50% aquacultured Fish (ORA, Rod, Sustainable Aquatics, other?) and will use caution on any LPS aquacultured “claims� but will purchase what I can find. I was not able to find “branchy� aquacultured liverock unfortunately. I also didn’t want the tank to be “to big� and so felt the ~300g size was neither too big, nor too small.

Tank:
- 60x36x30 A.G.E. Starboard base, 1/2� Starfire front/sides, acrylic euro bracing, angled overflows, mirror back (I really enjoy mirror backs, they can often make the tank look twice as deep) I also went with these dimensions because I enjoy cube and “tall� tanks… I may have trouble with the depth and my arms but I’m hoping the view will be worth it.
- Bare bottom (yellow polyps, green star polyps, zoa’s and SPS stags to grow up from base
- 2x 400w Reeflux w/ Lumenbright large reflectors (high to avoid needing a chiller)
- ReeFlo Orca 250 skimmer, Octopus dual chamber Ca Reactor, Aqua Controller 3, ReeFlo Dart return
- 2x Tunze 6101, 7095 controller and still thinking on either 2x 6055 or 2x 6101 – will see based on rock layout
- Sump will have separated Chaeto, DSB, rubble areas (maybe miracle mud too)




I’d like to give special thanks to the following; they’ve provided enormous help in helping me get this dream tank up and running!

Dallas Fort Worth Marine Aquarium Society members
Reef Specialty
Zoanuts
Oceaninabox

[john37]

sounds like a great build. Very nice tank dims. dont forget to post pics as you go along please. gluck

[Jflip2002]

Nice story, and awesome sized tank. all you guys with your 60x36x24+ tanks make me envious. Im only 20" tall =\

Should be an awesome build. Ive seen the GSP bottom, along with zoas on rocks on the bottom... But Im yet to see stags grow from the bottom. Very intrigued on how this will turn out.

As far as your rock, have you checked into the Walt smith rocks? Theyre harvested from land, and simply put into the ocean to cure and become live. that would be a little pricey, but an environmentally friendly way to go. You can also make some branching rocks out of portland cement and salt, and Im sure there are other ways to make it.

GL with the build.

[patmack]

wow that looks sweet! How is the quality of the tank? I am looking for a custom tank, and i really like the a.g.e. tanks but they are expensive!! That will look awsome with the zoas on the bottom! more pics of the tank please!!

[chrissreef]

Jflip2002
Good ideas =) I really like Tonga Branch/Fusion rock and didn’t see anything like that… but Walt has some great aquacultured rock that looks like Fiji rock. I bet with time we’ll get more options if we all support the aquaculture business =)
Patmack
Thanks! Well the tank came about 3-4 weeks late but I was VERY impressed with the silicone job and quality of the glass cuts so there was no way I was going to give them a hard time. I’m curious to see GC and AO silicone jobs… as far as the glass edges - I thought AGA/Oceanic tech tanks cut glass nice but this AGE just bested them in my eyes. It’s a lot more $$ but for anyone that wants a Ferrari, AGE is the way to go. I also paid the extra $$ because I plan on keeping this tank for a looong time.

[vetdog]

can't wait

[mcliffy2]

Looks really nice. My 60x36x26 just arrived this weekend (click my little red house), and like yours will be skimmed by the Reeflo 250.

Can I ask why no T5s from the environmental perspective? I just powered up my Sfiligoi Stealth 12x54w and it looks like it will be awesome...I'm combining it with a Xenus wavemaker for surface agitation and hoping this will create ripples so I won't miss one thing about halides. Hopefully I will be able to have an SPS dominant reef with 650w of lighting vs. the 1000w+ I would need from halides and supplementation.

[JRaquatics]

Looks like a good start. Can't wait to see this build progress.

[chrissreef]

Originally posted by mcliffy2

Can I ask why no T5s from the environmental perspective?

First off... your setup looks great! I saw it a few months ago and have taken several ideas from you =) The thread is a LOT longer now so I have some catching up to do. Oh, nice Mermaid as well! haha

Great question! I originally planned for LED’s but due to my tanks 36� width, I would have needed 3 fixtures! (they are very directional, I didn’t realize “how� directional until I saw some first hand. I also just don’t have THAT kind of money =( Both HID (MH)/T5’s can have mercury in them and require either recycling or proper disposal so from that perspective, I didn’t see much difference. From aesthetics, replacement cost and open tank top from the lighting fixture MH won – T5’s won the heat fight and both were about the same in wattage/utility bills for coverage of my tank except the MH would be more due to the chiller. I was left with weighing in on 3 250w Lumenbright minis with chiller (2 in front, 1 in back center) or T5’s without a chiller and the RC experts suggested I get 2 400w in Lumenbright LARGE fixtures and hang them up high to avoid the heat. Since 3 people told me the same thing, I figured I’m not one to argue so went that route. I sold a used 3/4 chiller I had and will cross my fingers that fans will be enough. Looking at the fixture over the tank, I’ll likely have to raise it several more inches… but I need water in the tank to test for sure =)

[mcliffy2]

chrissreef - thanks much, I do like the mermaid

As for T5s, if you are doing 2x400w and no supplement, then that really is about the same wattage as T5s. Are you going to use 12k reeflux bulbs? (those seem to be very popular for those going MH-only, no supplement)

[chrissreef]

yes, about the same watts unless I need a chiller (crosses fingers) and yup, no supplement, just 12k Reeflux (I have thought about supplement as I like the "blue" look... on one hand I don't mind adding a supplement as I have wind electricity... but I'm not keen on a higher electric bill... my fiancee doesn't get how I go all out on some things but want to be frugal on some of the "small" stuff lol)

[BreadmanMike]

If you want blue, then try the 20k Helios when it's time to replace the Reeflux.

Do you have a pic of the CaRx?

[Rickyrooz1]

Can't wait to see water in it.

[SPDU4RIA]

I am intrested to see this up and running with a mirror'd back, should be interesting.

Bring on the water!!

[chrissreef]

So I’ve been pretty busy wiring, plumbing (still not done lol skimmer/Ca reactor) and trying to get this up with everything else going on in life. I had a mishap this weekend… I wanted the ability to QT more fish at a time than my 30g can handle so I went out and bought a 55g and set it up in the living room. The store also had a very nice med/lg blue tang with a great personality that they’ve had for a while so I picked him up and decided the sm blue tang in QT I had at home I might give away (skittish little guy I’ve ever seen!). Well we were leaving town that evening and I thought I’d transfer some HOB filter media from the 30g, rock and some water into the 55g and everything would be fine. Well, I did just that and put the new med/lg blue tang into the tank and a small powder blue I also had in my 30g that the other small blue tang couldn’t handle – no way would he be able to push around a med/lg blue tang! I set the HoB filter up, UV sterilizer (I left it off for the moment, I just plumbed it) and we left town. Late the following evening we came home and my Fiancee opened the door… the first thing I heard was pumps running dry – one of the worst sounds a reefer could hear! The 55g had about 4� of water in it - apparently the UV plumbing had a leak and just pumped all the water onto the floor the moment we left! I quickly bagged up the stressed lg blue tang and floated him in the 30g – the powder blue was gone already =( I was sad because he’s been so strong in the 30g. Over the last few days the ammonia spiked slightly in the 30g and the lg blue tang has begun eating and acting like a normal hungry tang again. The sm blue tang also has a big buddy now so swims around – so now I may just keep him! I’ll get a picture of the two soon. I also steam cleaned the carpet – it began to smell and I can’t have that with a woman walking around! I’ll also re-set up the 55g again within the week so I can QT several more fish.

Tank status:
Wiring – done, I just need to mount the ballasts and power strips on the black wooden panels


Plumbing – I was missing a piece for the skimmer but Mike at Reef Specialty hooked me up so I’ll get the skimmer done this weekend. The Ca Reactor also needs to be plumbed – I’ve just been too busy!

Skimmer and Ca Reactor will be fed off the main pump – this is for electricity savings (yea, me with 2 QT tanks is talking about electricity! ( 55g is temporary though) and since pressure is more constant from this pump than a powerhead. We'll see if the Dart is sufficent to do this. There are 4 active ballvalves (skimmer, 2 returns, Ca Reactor) and 3 threaded openings available for reactors, chiller if needed (closed off for now)




Sump – Since I’m going bare bottom I decided to have a compartmentalized sump… rubble, Chaeto, DSB in separate sections. This is for easier maintenance and incase I want to take something out I can do so without disrupting several environments.



Ca Reactor for BreamanMike =)



Tank shot - almost there!

[Ed Reef]

Looking good....

[mcliffy2]

Looking really nice.

Just a heads up on the return plumbing. I had the same setup as you with the elbow before the inlet of the pump. This can result in cavitating and severely decreasing its output. The elbow limited the output so much, I was having trouble getting the proper flow through my skimmer from the overflow. While from a space perspective, it was less than ideal, putting a straight run to the pump, was a big improvement in its function (still didnt fix my noise problem, but thats another story).

[chrissreef]

wow, I didn't think it would be that big of a deal... what size piping did you use? This is 2"

Not sure how else I could put the pump b/c of space limitations. hmmm

[JRaquatics]

I wouldn't worry about the elbow as it is not directly infront of the inlet of the pumps. I would however place a ball valve on the inside of the sump also, and extend it out further. This is how I have mine set up.

[mcliffy2]

Originally posted by chrissreef
wow, I didn't think it would be that big of a deal... what size piping did you use? This is 2"

Not sure how else I could put the pump b/c of space limitations. hmmm

I was using 2" piping as well. it looks like yours is closer to the inlet than JR's? I would fire it up and see how it works, then you can redo it if necessary...you may not have a problem.

[chrissreef]

On Thursday the replacement Dart wet-end arrived (GREAT manufacturer customer service imo!) and on Friday my LR came in! It’s been a long journey and despite the day being exactly 365 days away from our upcoming wedding, my lovely Fiancee was wonderful and let me focus on the tank since I had been waiting so long for this day to come. 350lbs of 18-24� Tonga Fusion arrived at 11:30pm and I stacked until around 6am (I was sleep deprived and was barely functional at that point! lol). I pulled each rock from the box, looked into each hole for unwanted pests (I would shoot seltzer water in if I did – the rock is more of a fused branch with less holes for unwanted critters to be in). I came across about 4 dead crabs and 2 alien life forms… I have no idea what they were. Other than that, the rock was pretty clean.

I then dipped/rinsed each rock in a bucket of salt water and then sat them in the black tub of water while I decided which piece would go where in the tank – and then I just stacked away – focusing on large rocks on the bottom and having large openings. I’m happy with both the LR and stacking (I need to stabilize one rock better… and put more carbon/phosguard on the tank which has very green water right now… as well as block off ambient sunlight from the nearby window)

My next tasks will be to get all Tunze's on, mount the electrical on the black panels by the skimmer and get the Ca reactor up.








Here’s the Reeflow 250 skimmer 4 hrs into operation – it has not had a vinegar bath.

[chrissreef]

At 8 weeks and 2 days the tank FINALLY finished cycling. I had intended to turn the lights on a few hours each day for the last few weeks – but when I turned them on around the 4th week the water turned green. I decided to avoid algae and just left the lights off until the cycle was done.

When Nitrites were on the downswing I added 6� of sand to the empty fuge and added Chaeto to the other part of the fuge. I installed 2 T5’s here which for the time being I am keeping on 24/7 to grow the chaeto. I may also grow frags in the fuge since it’s literally set up perfectly for this.

I have not seen a single amphiopod, starfish or worm in the tank… since the rock was Tonga Fushion it has quite a bit less holes compared to other rock and is relatively "clean". The hard cycle probably also contributed to the lack of population right now. (or at least that’s my guess since I’m used to seeing at least a few critters somewhere at this point after setting up a tank – I’ve never “cooked� rock before however.

I also set up the calcium reactor – I love the design… but I’m not happy with the bubble counter. I see a lot of other Ca reactors with this style bubble counter so I may have set it up wrong. Basically I got saltwater into the bubble counter and I don’t know how to keep it from coming back in.

The Reeflo 250 has been rocking – I’m having trouble getting “wet� foam no matter what I do. The bioload may still be too small at this point.

Temp - I'm cycling between 80-83.3 with 3 fans blowing accross the surface of the water. Apartment thermostat is set at 80... I'm playing around with the AC now and looking at chillers. TX just gets too hot! =(

Tank - my wife/fiancee now thinks it's too small and that I need a bigger tank =P

Mirror - the fish haven't noticed/fought with themselves yet. I've never seen a fish fight with a mirror in one of my tanks, I'm not really sure why.

Tunze 7095 wavemaker, AC3, UPC are also all set up.

Finally, I had a 55g QT tank with all my fish in it. Exactly 1 week before the tank was cycled everyone stopped eating and started acting lethargic. The pyramid butterfly was breathing heavy so I moved him to a 30g QT I also had set up. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong. I lost the pyramid, the next day the tank finished cycling so I put everyone in it and crossed my fingers. I lost the Achilles the first night (he was doing GREAT in the QT for 6+ weeks), the large Blue and Spotted Cheek tangs didn’t eat for almost 2 days in the reef so I was really confused. Everyone finally started eating again 2 days later. I also lost a small blue tang in the 55. No idea – his right fin stopped working or something and he kept going in circles.

Aussie Elegance (skeptical – but he’s been at the LFS for weeks in a terrible spot – but looking good)
Aussie Hammer

Zoa frags and monti caps – once everyone shows growth I’ll move other corals over that my friend is currently holding onto.

Question: The current just seems VERY strong for the two LPS. I lowered the flow to 50% but it still looks like a bit much. Anyone have suggestions for powerhead location? These work quite a bit differently than the MJ1200’s I’m used to.

[mcliffy2]

Chrissreef - Its looking good. Nice to see it all coming together. I feel your pain on the fish, it sounds like you did everything you could.

I'm guessing the aquascaping is more dramatic in person because the photos lose the depth. If I might make a suggestion, try removing the 2 rocks in the upper right, and sliding the rock on the lower right with the flat rock to make a bit larger "island". This will give you more dynamics with height and open space. I think this pic shows what I'm thinking:

[JRaquatics]

Your bioload is too small as there may not be enough organics in your system yet. The Spotted Cheek is looking good. I like your aquascape but I do agree with ^Mike. You can add depth to your tank by doing as he suggested. You can then mount a few tables to the overflow to help hide them. It looks like you do have a lot of flow for LPS, and you will have to find spots of less turbulence for them. It is just one of those thing all us mixed reef owners face.

[chrissreef]

Thanks! Interesting idea... will be thinking about how to move it and the other rocks.

maybe I'll have to go the SPS route if these pumps continue to be to strong for my LPS =)