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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:22 PM   #1
jmc1974
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New 85g Rimless Tank Journal

Hello everyone, after several years of trying to get back to this hobby since mid 2000's that I was unfortunate to had been forced to leave this hobby, and for the 3rd time I attempted to get back in... I Finally got a tank that I think I can enjoy for many years to come, I had gotten a Nano Frag 20 gallon and then a Nano 30 gallon Cube couple of months ago, but it was to get my feet wet again and spark the flame or should I say spark the LED. Anyway, I want to share my build as I go, this time unlike the past where i had rushed to get it running and stocked, this time I will wait patiently , to get the hardware it needs that will work correctly to help me create a great Reef again!

this time I am beginning with a rimless tank from Aqua Japan, this is their 85 gallon 48" model, that comes with stand and glass sump, but I already have the sump for sale or trade as it is not what i envision for this build, IMO this original 35" sump is way too big and leaves almost no space for other equipment, as this system measures 48" long x 17 3/4" wide x 23 3/4" high. I know that this brand is not the best like the RedSea tanks or others; but it is what I can afford. So ahead of people tell me that I have commited a crime and wasted all my money and why I bought it, first i need to give you a bit of my history; my first tank was a JEBO 75 gallon, with the rounded corners, the built in PC lights on the hood and some weird filtration on the hood that used a pump to draw water in to a mini AIO/sump build on the hood, the it passed thru media, sponges, etc then back down. (mine had it, but it was also drilled and with a corner overflow, so that was never used. as for the lights, the 4 PC lights, eventually had it modded to T5 HO with better ballast, then removed the entire hood and had an ODDYSEA Metal halide fixture, yes another JEBO, and I had it modded also with CoralVue Ballast, Dual ended (HQI) Phoenix 14k and also moded to T5 HO and I never once had any issues , and I had that tank fully stocked for about 3 years until I upgraded to a 120g long. so I know this is not high end.

here are some pictures of the tank on its way to my house on Wednesday




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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:29 PM   #2
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Now let's see the new tank... sorry i didn't take pictures of the stand being assembled... but here it is

cabinet detail


I was told it was gloss black, but then seems they changed the finish


I guess that could be easier to hide imperfections or finger prints, specially from my 4 yr old


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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:30 PM   #3
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this shows the inside and the glass sump




that center brace it is removable to remove the sump if needed... too bad the center brace it is more for the doors to close than to hold weight, I would had loved not to have it, the 65 gallon does not have it, damn it!


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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:36 PM   #4
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here is the tank



sorry about the reflexion, you see my current nano 30g (for sale)


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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:50 PM   #5
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here is the close ups on the glass



no too bad, I think is good thickness (I hope)


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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:53 PM   #6
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a few more


a different angle




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Unread 11/29/2019, 09:55 PM   #7
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this is the sump... I am not too keen on this. I think a shorter one would be better




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Unread 11/29/2019, 11:18 PM   #8
Timmayyy
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New 85g Rimless Tank Journal

Nice build! What has your experience been with the aqua Japan tanks? I read somewhere that they can scratch easily. I’m wondering if the glass is starphire or something else.



Last edited by Timmayyy; 11/29/2019 at 11:23 PM.
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Unread 11/29/2019, 11:27 PM   #9
jmc1974
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmayyy View Post
Nice build! What has your experience with the aqua Japan tanks? I read somewhere that they can scratch easily. I’m wondering if the glass is starphire or something else.
I have not read anything good or bad... This has 3 sides of low iron glass... So I hope it is strong

My old Jebo tank I had it for 3 + years and hardly had any scratches, it had few little mainly near the bottom from when the pad pick-up aragonite while cleaning the glass. I will be very careful, thus creating a good question; should I go bare bottom or sand? I always had good luck with aragonite sand as it keeps the alkalinity and calcium more in balance. And thats also what I have always read, but I seen SPS dominated tanks with no substrate and they thrive

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk


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Unread 11/29/2019, 11:34 PM   #10
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a new delivery



5L bottles should last some time


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Unread 12/06/2019, 01:32 AM   #11
jmc1974
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I received more toys for my build. Yay!

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Unread 12/06/2019, 01:45 AM   #12
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And finally I got my new LED lights, I don't know why here in the US this are not popular, they are high power in range with Ecotech Radions, AI Hydras 52 and Kessil AP700. This are AQMAI LRM 100w, ultra slim.




Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk


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Unread 12/06/2019, 01:49 AM   #13
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This is the LED type and colors

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk


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Unread 12/06/2019, 07:03 AM   #14
spsfreak25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmc1974 View Post
I have not read anything good or bad... This has 3 sides of low iron glass... So I hope it is strong

My old Jebo tank I had it for 3 + years and hardly had any scratches, it had few little mainly near the bottom from when the pad pick-up aragonite while cleaning the glass. I will be very careful, thus creating a good question; should I go bare bottom or sand? I always had good luck with aragonite sand as it keeps the alkalinity and calcium more in balance. And thats also what I have always read, but I seen SPS dominated tanks with no substrate and they thrive

Sent from my GM1915 using Tapatalk
I’m pretty sure the people you got the tank from lied to you about it having 3 sides of low iron glass. I say this because in all of your pics of the tank show a greenish tint to the edges of the tank. Low iron/star fire glass will not have this tint at all. I have a low iron/star fire glass 50g rimless and it does not show any green tint in pics. I can share my tank edges if you would like.


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Unread 12/06/2019, 02:53 PM   #15
MarAquatic
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I'm going to look into these lights never seen them

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Unread 12/06/2019, 03:00 PM   #16
jmc1974
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spsfreak25 View Post
I’m pretty sure the people you got the tank from lied to you about it having 3 sides of low iron glass. I say this because in all of your pics of the tank show a greenish tint to the edges of the tank. Low iron/star fire glass will not have this tint at all. I have a low iron/star fire glass 50g rimless and it does not show any green tint in pics. I can share my tank edges if you would like.
I didn't know that, but strangely both the shop AQUALAB AQUARIA, and the Mfg. of this tank AQUA JAPAN, claim this has 3 sides LOW IRON.... either way I am happy with the tank.


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Unread 12/06/2019, 03:10 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MarAquatic View Post
I'm going to look into these lights never seen them

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

this are nice, they are ITALIAN, and the craftsmanship is in another level, completely silent, and seem to have good potential.

Features:
At Less than 0.80 inches thick, the Aqamai LRM LED Reef Light is the most compact high-powered LED light on the market
Dimensions: Length 14.1" X Width 6.3" X Thickness .78"
100 watts. 2 clusters of 15 LEDs.
LED colors: cool white, UV, indigo, royal blue, blue, green & two different reds
6 color channels (managed with the Aqamai smart phone App)
90 ° diffuser lenses
Almost completely silent (under 28 dB), thanks to innovative cooling system.
Hang with enclosed hanging kit or mount to the aquarium using the optional Hydor Aqamai Light LRM Aquarium Mounting Kit
The internal battery back up stores your settings in case of power outage




Here is a YOUTUBE Video

https://youtu.be/cr3oMY5WJXc

here is a Marine And Reef.com chart that listed the required lights, see how they are on the same category

https://www.marineandreef.com/Articles.asp?ID=121



Last edited by jmc1974; 12/06/2019 at 03:18 PM.
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Unread 12/06/2019, 04:49 PM   #18
Galantra
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Those lights look interesting. Can’t wait to see your build


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Current Tank Info: Working on a couple of things
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Unread 12/07/2019, 09:41 PM   #19
jmc1974
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Got another great addition to the build, this one I saved few hundred $, is new to me, but got it USED a SWC 160 Cone Skimmer




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Unread 12/07/2019, 10:25 PM   #20
hhaase
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Haven’t seen an SWC in a while; used to have one in my 90, same model/size. I remember being happy with it and having no issues. IIRC there was some stuff with the company that made a lot of people unhappy but the skimmer should serve you well.


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This hobby would be easier if my local stores had more fish.
https://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2701233

Current Tank Info: Slowly stocking up 150 gallons, only a little livestock right now.
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Unread 12/07/2019, 10:57 PM   #21
jmc1974
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hhaase View Post
Haven’t seen an SWC in a while; used to have one in my 90, same model/size. I remember being happy with it and having no issues. IIRC there was some stuff with the company that made a lot of people unhappy but the skimmer should serve you well.

I really hope so, I've seen several reviews and they always give a thumbs up this model.


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Unread 12/08/2019, 09:26 PM   #22
jmc1974
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today i got busy painting... I painted the back of the tank "BLACK" and currently painting the equipment cabinet for electronics. (pictures coming soon)

in the mean time here is the tank view so far





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Unread 12/08/2019, 10:26 PM   #23
hhaase
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What did you use for paint? I had plasti-dip on my 10 gal before it leaked out, and really liked the look. Nice to see alternate colors compared to the good ‘ole blue. The blue still looks good to me but I do like the black too.

-Hans


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This hobby would be easier if my local stores had more fish.
https://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2701233

Current Tank Info: Slowly stocking up 150 gallons, only a little livestock right now.
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Unread 12/10/2019, 08:42 PM   #24
jmc1974
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hhaase View Post
What did you use for paint? I had plasti-dip on my 10 gal before it leaked out, and really liked the look. Nice to see alternate colors compared to the good ‘ole blue. The blue still looks good to me but I do like the black too.

-Hans
I used just basic BLACK Acrylic paint, applied it with a fine sponge roller... applied about 4 coats. it turned ok I think


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Unread 12/20/2019, 04:42 PM   #25
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continuing with the build...

after few days waiting for parts, I have resumed the build.


a Yoga Mat?




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