TheWorldOfLC
New member
I would like to offer a brief introduction to this build.
I wanted to study marine biology in high school. I was very good at most sciences. I began a build with my father when I was in high school which started at a dream 180gal. Setup, but ended up being a 65 display, a 10 gallon tub for a fuge, and a 29gal. tall for a clown and an anemone. This all fed into a 20gal sump, scant equipment, yada yada yada... Long story short, it was essentially built to fail quickly. I ended up studying music instead. Now I'm a young artist who works very hard, and makes just enough to start slowly gathering things and gear in my reefer hoard! *cue the Wagner*
This brings us to this system. The equipment available now allows one to keep an extremely stable environment while not spending too much. So I am back in. I only want to spend money where it counts, I am taking my time, and i am doing a lot of diy. I have only reached this point after months and months of careful purchases and planning. I've changed my lighting design about 20 times until I came up with the final. I am only a month or two from my first saltwater set up and cycling time.
My plan is to post updates on here as I work through the process. I end up having a few questions that I just can't seem to find answers for through most available sources. Also I want a place where people may appreciate some pics of the set up and it's inhabitants.
My philosophy is pretty clear: I want this tank to be able to produce conditions where corals and other animals, and plants can thrive in a form factor that is simple, and extremely utilitarian, and diy. I want to grow a sps dominant mixed reef. Things such as quality tank, and quality essential gear construction is absolutely necessary to ensure a healthy system. But things such as a fancy stand, and 800+ bones for a controller just doesn't cut it right now (though I may get a cheaper controller in the future).
Anywho, I hope you enjoy my tank thread. I think it's kind of a neat project, a great distraction from the rat race, and yet another completely awesome demonstration of art meeting science, meeting mother nature.
Tank: IM 50gal lagoon
Fuge: standard 20 long I drilled for an overflow which goes directly into the main display.
I have the IM skimmer and media reactor for mid-sized tanks.
My lighting for the main tank is 2x 24" t5 ho (4 lamps total) lights slightly angled inward, and I plan on getting a hydra 26 HD in the middle of the t5s. The fuge will get a cheaper led fixture for now. I may upgrade later.. I plan on growing a mangrove at some point. I haven't given much thought to lighting periods yet.
I think the two return pumps add up to around 700 gph through the sump.
I'll have two of the 600 gph coralias for added flow (have one already). Not sure if that's enough. I want one on constantly, and one to alternate.
On top of that I have various other necessary equipment for water changes, testing, and the various other tasks that come along with the hobby.
I still need to get a few things before I am ready for aquascaping and cycling, but I am close enough to start this topic.
Pics are coming very soon.
Thanks
LB
I wanted to study marine biology in high school. I was very good at most sciences. I began a build with my father when I was in high school which started at a dream 180gal. Setup, but ended up being a 65 display, a 10 gallon tub for a fuge, and a 29gal. tall for a clown and an anemone. This all fed into a 20gal sump, scant equipment, yada yada yada... Long story short, it was essentially built to fail quickly. I ended up studying music instead. Now I'm a young artist who works very hard, and makes just enough to start slowly gathering things and gear in my reefer hoard! *cue the Wagner*
This brings us to this system. The equipment available now allows one to keep an extremely stable environment while not spending too much. So I am back in. I only want to spend money where it counts, I am taking my time, and i am doing a lot of diy. I have only reached this point after months and months of careful purchases and planning. I've changed my lighting design about 20 times until I came up with the final. I am only a month or two from my first saltwater set up and cycling time.
My plan is to post updates on here as I work through the process. I end up having a few questions that I just can't seem to find answers for through most available sources. Also I want a place where people may appreciate some pics of the set up and it's inhabitants.
My philosophy is pretty clear: I want this tank to be able to produce conditions where corals and other animals, and plants can thrive in a form factor that is simple, and extremely utilitarian, and diy. I want to grow a sps dominant mixed reef. Things such as quality tank, and quality essential gear construction is absolutely necessary to ensure a healthy system. But things such as a fancy stand, and 800+ bones for a controller just doesn't cut it right now (though I may get a cheaper controller in the future).
Anywho, I hope you enjoy my tank thread. I think it's kind of a neat project, a great distraction from the rat race, and yet another completely awesome demonstration of art meeting science, meeting mother nature.
Tank: IM 50gal lagoon
Fuge: standard 20 long I drilled for an overflow which goes directly into the main display.
I have the IM skimmer and media reactor for mid-sized tanks.
My lighting for the main tank is 2x 24" t5 ho (4 lamps total) lights slightly angled inward, and I plan on getting a hydra 26 HD in the middle of the t5s. The fuge will get a cheaper led fixture for now. I may upgrade later.. I plan on growing a mangrove at some point. I haven't given much thought to lighting periods yet.
I think the two return pumps add up to around 700 gph through the sump.
I'll have two of the 600 gph coralias for added flow (have one already). Not sure if that's enough. I want one on constantly, and one to alternate.
On top of that I have various other necessary equipment for water changes, testing, and the various other tasks that come along with the hobby.
I still need to get a few things before I am ready for aquascaping and cycling, but I am close enough to start this topic.
Pics are coming very soon.
Thanks
LB
