300g tank build

[cellingson]

Worked on the sump today. First removed all the equipment (lights, calcium reactor, circulation pump). There were a few corals growing in it and chaeto.

I chose the Iwaki MD100RLT for its head pressure and durability. But man this thing is loud! I was able to use a submersible pump to pump water into the Iwaki pump and empty my sump into the above tank.

The Iwaki pump was then attached to my sump through the predrilled hole.

As you can see I share the basement with my kids lego area. Don't mind the mess. It will get cleaned up once this project is done.

 

[cellingson]

Some shots of the tank filling with water.

 

[cellingson]

And I found a leak. It is dripping where the flex PVC enters the elbow. I hope that is all that is leaking!

 

[BlennyfromtheBronx]

This is finishing off amazing! I like the rustic shelf below.

 

[mtnbike101]

Looking at purchasing a protein skimmer.

I honestly haven't been big fans of these in the past. If I understand their purpose is really to remove organic material to decrease nitrate and slow algae growth. If I am able to control algae with chaeto in my sump do you guys think a protein skimmer offers any additional benefits?

IMO, it isn't absolutely necessary. However, I choose to run one 24\7\365 as it pulls out so much from my water, helps keep it very clear and helps stabilize pH. I think YMMV with your setup. My tank also uses an algae turf scrubber. I'm heavy in and heavy out with an Acropora dominant tank. You will need a fairly robust protein skimmer for your setup. You can always allocate for one and add later, if needed.

 

[mtnbike101]

Been busy and had little time to put towards this tank build, and I like to take things slow.

Alaska is amazing in the summer. Lots of rafting, sea kayaking, and hiking.

View attachment 32372531View attachment 32372532View attachment 32372533

Thanks for sharing these...fantastic pictures and I can live vicariously!

 

[cellingson]

Thanks for the suggestion.

I likely will get one. It does seem that everyone who has a great tank uses a protein skimmer.

 

[cellingson]

The sound of the iwaki pump is so load that I have decided to go another route. Purchased a used abyss a400. Shipping out of Colorado

I also purchased a used octo 5000. Shipping out of Florida.

Both should be coming shortly.

Worked on the sump and finished it off, once skimmer arrives.

 

[cellingson]

The 6 gallon bucket will be filled with ceramic media blocks for added filtration

Here is the cheat that I have kept alive for the last 6 months.

 

[cellingson]

Now you can see the 6 gallon bucket is filled with ceramic media, and live rock. Cheat is next to it. It has a small light on it. I have tried red light but this works best.

I have a Jeboa DCT 4000 pumping water to my calcium reactor. A GEOreef nano, which I will have to upgrade once corals start to grow, and 2 UV lights. A 57w and a 25W.

The output of the UV light runs through an algae scrubber, DIY.

 

[cellingson]

and a little something to increase ammonia and improve my filtration

 

[cellingson]

I made a divider to keep Chaeto and algae out of my pumps and return pump. Not sure I like it. May have to try something different.

 

[cellingson]

Tank has been running for a couple of days and is starting to get brown algae. Will plan to throw a few snails in there. I used to buy large clean up crews. But found they would eat all the algae and then die. So now I just buy a few of what I think I need and go from there.

Also plan to throw an order at BIOTA and get some captive bred fish. Tend to be. hardier and cleaner.
Looking at yellow tangs, anthias, majestic angel, coral beauty, and goby

 

[Vinny Kreyling]

Also look @ ORA from Florida.
Biota's fish are small so don't be surprised.

 

[cellingson]

Also look @ ORA from Florida.
Biota's fish are small so don't be surprised.

Looks like just clowns right now.

 

[cellingson]

I got four fish from another reefer.
2 chromis
1 tomini tang
1 yellow watchman goby with a pistol shrimp.
Been in his tank for 6months
What would your quarantine be.
I was thinking TTM for the fish and just toss the shrimp in the tank.

 

[cellingson]

Well I went against my own plan and bought a clean up crew.
reeftopia had clean up crews for so cheap.

 

[cellingson]

Got a whole boat load of astrea, turbo, cerith snails, some emerald crabs, and hermit crabs

 

[cellingson]

They have been in about 5-6 days and the tank is looking nearly algae free.

 

[cellingson]

This is a photo from tonight, tank is looking spotless, even ate the hair algae (emerald crabs?) that was there on the right hand side in the earlier photo.