50 gallon Starfire rimless build

[kevin_e]

So I'm moving upstairs at my apartment complex (notice the clutter?) and downsizing to a 50 from a 120. I didn't want to cut corners on this build. I wanted new equipment and a sleek look.

Lighting is a 24" Giesemenn Infiniti with 1x 150 watt Phoenix bulb, 2x ATI.

Skimmer is a Skimz SM123. I considered the Vertex Omega 130, but the reviews sounded like it was a frustrating piece of equipment to tune.

Flow will be from 2 MP10QD positioned on the back wall.

I have two BRS peristaltic pumps installed for future dosing.

The ATO is a JBJ, but I may upgrade to the new Smart ATO nano.

I am using the mini reactors from BRS to add GFO and carbon media T-d off from the overflow. I sectioned it off to allow both media's to be run together. The water feeds up. There is a space between the GFO and overhead foam bad to allow it to boil. The carbon is pack in to prevent tumbling. The water flow upwards should only pack it tighter.

I'm hoping to start up the tank tonight. Lights two screws away from being hung.


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[Scorpius]

Nice setup. The only issue I had with my Skimz skimmer was the air adjustment barrel was not sealed so anytime I adjusted airflow it wouldn't hold the adjustment because of the air leaks. After I sealed it no issues.

 

[kevin_e]

I'm sure it will take some time to tune, but the way ppl were talking about the Vertex (not the 150, it's great from all accounts), it never tunes.

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[kevin_e]

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[henelay]

Nice build! Thank for the ideas, I have the same tank

 

[kevin_e]

Nice build! Thank for the ideas, I have the same tank

Thanks! And good luck. I got water in and running. We're up in action!

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[kevin_e]

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[kevin_e]

Made the transfer, now we pray.

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[kevin_e]

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[kevin_e]

I'm amazed at how well the corals transfered. Not a single loss. In fact, the birdsnest has started multiple new nubs.

 

[Wrangy]

Looks good matey and glad to hear there were no losses

 

[kevin_e]

Looks good matey and glad to hear there were no losses

Thank you. I set up my dosers yesterday. I didn't realize they needed to be on outlet 1 and 4. The switch didn't trigger the doser off and it dumped alk in for 9 hours. That's almost 600 ml of 2 part recipe. My alk shot up to over 300 ppm, 17 DkH and 6 meq/l.

I didn't lose anything. I did several water changes throughout the day yesterday and brought it down to 245. Corals aren't stressed, but I'll continue slowly getting it down.

 

[Radioheadx14]

Thank you. I set up my dosers yesterday. I didn't realize they needed to be on outlet 1 and 4. The switch didn't trigger the doser off and it dumped alk in for 9 hours. That's almost 600 ml of 2 part recipe. My alk shot up to over 300 ppm, 17 DkH and 6 meq/l.

I didn't lose anything. I did several water changes throughout the day yesterday and brought it down to 245. Corals aren't stressed, but I'll continue slowly getting it down.

I had that problem and just bought an outlet splitter and hooked both in the same port. I guess the splitter puts enough resistance to properly shut the dosers off.

 

[sahin]

Its a nice start and I like the simple but very effective scape. Can you shed some details on the tank transfer? I want a new rockscape but am putting it off due to potential losses. Thanks.

 

[kevin_e]

I had that problem and just bought an outlet splitter and hooked both in the same port. I guess the splitter puts enough resistance to properly shut the dosers off.

Thanks. I move the to 1 and 4 and the issue seems to be gone. Knock on wood.


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[kevin_e]

Its a nice start and I like the simple but very effective scape. Can you shed some details on the tank transfer? I want a new rockscape but am putting it off due to potential losses. Thanks.

Sure. I actually started with something called smart start, but any bacteria in bottle should work.

I transfered a lot of live rock. Put a bunch in the sump and tank. I started with new sand and water. If I wasn't moving up stairs, I probably would have moved the water too. Obviously I matched the big 4 constituents.

Any questions, feel free to ask.

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[kevin_e]

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[Wrangy]

Looks to have settled nicely matey

 

[sahin]

Looking good. How you finding the Skimz SM123? Any chance of a photo to see whats it pulling out?

 

[Scorpius]

I like your aquascaping. Makes me want to setup my 25 gal cube nano.