30 gallon AIO build

[kaxt]

I've been interested in setting up a saltwater tank for years. Over that time I have done a ton of research and reading, I finally feel as though I'm in a place where I can start my tank!

I decided to take a 30 gallon freshwater tank I had and turn it into an AIO reef. I ordered black acrylic sheets online and cut them to size and taped them up to silicone into the tank.

This is the finished product... not the best picture but you get the idea. There is an overflow on either side with the return pump in the middle. The section in the back of the tank will be for the HOB skimmer and the heater. I plan to build media baskets for the front chamber and maybe put a little light in there so I can also grow some cheato.

I also painted the back of the tank black. Here's the tank as it is now, waiting for my dry rock to be delievered... it's supposed to be here by the end of the day.

 

[kaxt]

Got my rock. I'm sure this won't be my final aquascape but this is the best I've come up with so far.

I added sand, and I'm starting to make water. The infamous cloudy water shot.

I'm going to try and find some pure ammonia to feed my cycle, and I might go pick up a piece of live rock tomorrow as well.

 

[john miller]

Looks like Macro rock.

If you have an Ace Hardware store around you they are the only ones I found that still have the pure ammonia. It's Ace brand janitorial strength.

 

[kaxt]

Yup, it's Marco. There is an Ace near by, I'll try there tomorrow- thanks for the tip.