75g In Office Build

[Bax]

I have a lot of mixed emotions about tearing this 75 g down, although I am excited to upgrade to a 120, the system is really running well

Here's my prostrata I bought as a mature colony in March right after I added it:

Here it is today:

Here's a close up of the blue tips .... I love this coral!

 

[Bax]

Here's the 75 g just the other day...

You may notice that ten months after starting this tank, I am still using the makeshift canopy that is held together with now rusted QuickGrip clamps, hey! it worked!.

My wife would call that classic Baxter. Sooo..., in the move project, the new canopy for the 120 is top on the list

I'll be reusing all the lighting - 2 x 175 MH w/ 10K Ushios & 4 x 54w T-5 and I'll be adding my LED moonlights from my original 26 g set up.

I will also continue to use the PanWorld PX-50 on the CL manifold, a Tunze 6000 on a 7091 controller, and a VorTech for flow. I will be using an external return pump though to reduce heat, a Little Giant MDSQ3X.

I am definitely adding a chiller, I have a 1/4 hp that I will feed with the return pump.

I have really loved my Euro-Reef ES5-3 skimmer, but I just don't know if it'll handle the 120, so I picked up a ASM G4x to handle the skimming. As a result I'll have to put together a new sump configuration, but ... canopy first

 

[BV4fish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7614611#post7614611 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bax

That said I would strongly recommend a long soak before using any dry base rock. Although I washed the base rock, I belive it contributed to my algea troubles to some extent. I would also look at ReeferRocks for base rock they have real nice looking shapes. The Hirocks are very cheap, at $85 shipped for 60 pounds, it's hard not buy a box and deal with preparation.

I was just curious, I am thinking about getting base rock from hirocks and if I do, should I soad the rock in saltwater or RO/DI water? How long of a soak is sufficient?

Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[Bax]

If I were to get Hirocks again, (and I would) I would flush them real well in tap water, just lay'em out and spray'em down real well.

The I would place them in a tub and run tap water slowly, just allowing it to overflow until it is clear.

Finally, I would use old tank water in a dedicated tub with a skimmer and "activate" it that way.

If you use a lot, percentage wise, expect a long cycle. It takes a while but it'l look just like $5 to $15 a pound rock in six months.

 

[Bax]

HEY!

My clowns spawned

Very cool!!!!

Too bad I have to move them but I am still very happy about it.

 

[Bax]

Here's a link to the 120 build thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=909942

Happy Reefing!!!