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WSI's New NPS tank Build

Hello All,

Here is my story and tank build for a NPS tank. Here is the story before I get into all of the details. I had a small nano (10 gallon) tank and it was 100% NPS. I had several species in the tank, such as Rhizo, Dendro, Balano, Sun corals(several species), Aussie Spider Sponge, Chili Sponge. I had a very light clean up crew only a few crabs, and my biggest cleaner of all my Orange spotted Goby. I had this tank running for about 1 year and 100% NPS for about 6-7 months. I was doing 10% water changes weekly to help with the nutrient export, as I did not run a skimmer. I sold my house and I moved my tank to the in laws for the month while awaiting my new house closing date. When I was moving my tank, my wife suggested I clean the tank one more time before I set it up and of course it dropped and cracked. I had a pico handy and put all of my corals in the pico. After a day I realized that I could not keep all of my corals, so I did the worst thing…I sold them super cheap to ensure they survive to a local reefer. I could have bought a new tank, but I did not want to make a mess in my in laws house. This gave me some time to research more into the setup I wanted. I was able to let me LR dry in the sun for a several weeks before I built my aquascape. I was going to use foam, however, I was not sure if I would be happy with the results, so I used epoxy(Aquastik) to construct my dream aquascape. I wanted to build an Island design, and I wanted to ensure I made it interesting. My goal was to ensure the least amount of the rock would be buried in the sand. I used a total of about 50 lbs of LR(35 lbs was in my nano). Once my LR was built, it sat curing for several more weeks, I focused my attention on my tank and return pump. I wanted a peninsula tank and picked up a 30 Gallon Breeder (36x18x12) drilled as a peninsula design. I also was designing my sump and wanted something to ensure if I lost power I would be safe and have no water on the floor. I went with a 20 gallon high glass tank, and got 6mm polished glass from my local glass store. I then built my stand, I built it slightly higher to reduce bending.

Old Tank Pics
http://s890.photobucket.com/albums/ac101/Timeless1483/

Here are the details of Equipment::celeb3:
30 Gallon Breeder 36x18x12- peninsula-Herbie Design overflow
20 Gallon High sump
Quite one 3000 return pump-780 GHP @ 0’ head pressure
Bubble Magus-NAC6A-a bit over kill for the tank.
2-Tunze Nanostream 6045
24” HOT5 48watts-mounted 20” above tank-fiji purple, actinic
40 LBs of LS

Now for the corals I would like to stock:
Rhizo
Balano
Dendro
Archohelia Redivia
Dendrophyilla SP.
Aussie Spider sponge
Chili Sponge
Assorted sponges
Sun Corals-variety of Species
Spiral wire coral

Tank inhabitants:
Not sure if I want to have a predator or not?

Painted Angler???
Sleeper Goby-Depends on if I get a predator
Clean-up crew: several species of snails
2-Cleaner shrimps
1-Camel shrimp-Fuge bound
Small school of Chromis-depends on if I get a predator?

I will start to post some pics of my build shortly. I’m open to any comments, or concerns.

tagging along
What where you feeding your old tank? Quantity?

I was feeding daily, 3-4 cubes of mysis, cyclopeeze, and brine. Also, phytoplakton.

Here are some pics of the new tank, water still needs to clear up. Once the water is cleared up I will upload some more pics.

http://s890.photobucket.com/albums/a...%20NPS%20Tank/

[IMG]http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2023.jpg[/IMG]

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2031.jpg

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2033.jpg

Looking forward to another Azoox tank build...keep them coming guys!

Mike

I just test the water and still not ready for anything. My PO4 is high 69, and my nitrates are high too. My ammonia is 0ppm. I hope to do a water change and retest. I don't want to rush, but it is hard to wait. I want to see some life in the tank.

So my levels are good. I added some inhabitants.

[IMG]http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2307.jpg[/IMG]
And here is my new Dendro Colonies-10-14 heads on both.
[IMG]http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2300.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2299.jpg[/IMG]

They were just added about 1 hour ago and already opening up nicely.

Nice shots. I bet it will not be long and the tissue that has receded will grow back. Dendros are one of my favorites.

I just uploaded a short video of the new Dendro colonies. I hope it works.

http://s890.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=MVI_2316.mp4

Yep! it does. They look good and there is plenty of flow in there :thumbsup:

Mike

Here are a few updates. I have added 3 new Rhizo's and few more colonies of Dendro, and a rescue Balanophyilla(with a few babies)

Rhizo
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2612.jpg
Balano
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2614.jpg
Small baby
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2599.jpg
Tunicate Hitchhiker
http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2526.jpg

Can't wait to add a tube sponge, sun corals, blue sponge, and a few more. I hope to add some more Rhizo's.

I just got a new tube sponge anyone know what the name of it is??

http://i890.photobucket.com/albums/a...k/IMG_2773.jpg

Looks like this is shaping up to be a gorgeous tank!

Thanks. I can't wait to sttart ading the caranation, and a few more corla next week. I'll post some pics when I get them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WSI2406 (Post 17893125)

I just got a new tube sponge anyone know what the name of it is??

:reading: with all you reserve it, but it can be a question of an Aplysina archeri
(Higgin 1875)

keep it coming i am thinking of starting a 30g. NPS tank next to my 125 reef...