75 gallon process

[mauls]

Hey everybody I'm new here and fairly new to salt water so cut me some slack

This is my 75 gallon tank i'm setting up.

**I'm a college student on a budget so I know I don't have the best equipment available but I purchased what I could with my funds. I do/will plan to upgrade equipment later.**

Here we go:

I've always wanted a marine tank above my bed so I figured less talk more action and I built one.

The tank has been up for 2 weeks now, there is about 10lbs of live rock, and 20lbs of lace rock (base) I plan to purchase some here and there as I go on. I plan to have around 50-60lbs of live rock. The tank is cloudy because I added live sand when I took the photo's and re-arranged the rock for now, just a temp setup.

the tank

Stand I built for my bed (reinforced bed stand with 2x4's for added support)

Overall pic

Equipment:
I run a rena 200watt heater, which I keep at 78degrees
Also running the cpr+ bak Pak bio filter system and skimmer w/ acua pump
Rio 600 power head

Pic of the bio filter / skimmer (just cleaned the collection cup)

This is skimming really well, and so far I like it, it isn't even broken in yet.

Ammonia .25
PH 8.2
Temp 76-78

I've ordered a t5 lighting system, and two hydro level 3 pumps. They will be here any day. Also awaiting my 50lbs of live sand in the mail.

I use Instant ocean salt mix.

Still not sure on fish I will decide later on what I should stock it with

How am I doing guys/gals

Remember I'm on a budget but I'm always open to listen to opinions or criticism.

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[jun_celis]

You are going to get that bed wet! I don't care how carefull you are but somehow it will be a problem. Otherwise, you're off to a good start. Goodluck!

 

[mauls]

I threw out a tarp last time and it worked pretty well. I'm real careful but like you say it will get wet no matter what.

Atleast I can blame it on the fish tank now..... hahah (jk)

 

[greencardgraphics]

lol.

so far so good. I like the idea of seeing the tank right before you sleep.

 

[new_world_disor]

looking good .wahts the blue stuff in the sump:S ?

 

[mauls]

It's Bio Bale, just a type of filter media.

The tank is cleared up, ammonia down, here's some pics

Still saving for more live rock.

50lbs of sand and t5 lighting system should be here wed/thurs

 

[mauls]

Got the new light today, looks a little better

 

[BLKTANG]

Looks great so far.

 

[mauls]

Couple of updates. I'm picking up about 10lbs of live rock tomorrow.

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 20
Ph 8.2
Ca 340
Temp 79deg

Something bright green growing, sponge?

Some pic's of the live stock

 

[Cramz07]

75's are great tanks...when i started out i started with a 55 i love my tank but wish i had the extra width....I'd take that rock and keep it a little farther from the side glass expecially on the side away from the wall just so you can clean the algae off easier but other than that great start...watch out for that bio media in your skimmer it could potentially down the road start some problems but if you keep it clean it should be no problem at all...Looks Great and Keep going with how you feel you should do it after you reseach...i've found that's the most satisfying way to do it...Everything you can build yourself do it and every idea you read about find what fits you and go with it no matter what some of the hardcore critics say is wrong and right because there are always the opposites who will tell you another thing