Boogy's Reef ~190g

[cramideas]

I just barely fit into the large reef tank forum with alittle over 190g total water volume. I have a 160g bow front tank, w/ a 30g tank for a sump. Im well on my way so ill back track alittle to catch you up.

Equipment list:
Lighting- aqua medic 3x 150w halides w/ 2x 80w T5 bulbs has the stocks aqua medic t5 ballast, ive bought on 150w galaxy ballast. Pending funds i'll buy a dual 150w ballast and 3x Phoenix 14x bulbs.

Flow- 2x MP40s (one is waiting on a power supply to arrive), currently using a mag 18 for the return pump but will be using a mag 7 instead.

Skimmer- i started w/ a vertex-100 but the pump crapped out (imagine that), it was to small for the tank anyhow unless i just wanted to keep one fish. So now im gathering the plumbing stuff for my Aerofoamer (600 series or something like that).

Sump- reg 30g i slapped some baffles in. Definitely very basic but suits my needs.

I have a decent amount of rock in there curing not sure how many lbs.

Livestock- 2 damsels & 5 crabs

Its been cycling for about 2 months but i keep adding dry rock.

Ill get a few more pics loaded tomorrow any advice or ideas are welcome.

 

[cramideas]

Skimmer:

 

[cramideas]

I hit a small bump, the aerofoamer skimmer isnt doing the trick, i think its because i dont have a large enough pump pushing it. So, i got to thinking and by the time i spend the money on a pump im pretty close to the cost of a new reef octopus, so i might go that route. While i wait for the funds to build for a skimmer im going to try and source a 40g breeder & redo my sump, and let my tank continue to cycle.

 

[cramideas]

I came across a great deal on a new Reef Octopus skimmer SRO 3000, so that takes care of the skimmer. Havent found a 40g breeder tank yet, i was too late to snag one from petco during their sale. I took some time this weekend & worked on the aquascaping not 100% satisfied yet but its getting there.

 

[romain]

Nice start!

 

[cramideas]

My poor attempt @ aquascapping still in transition

I know most dont like decorations in saltwater but like this little one and my fish do too plus im going to try to get some gsp to grow on it like hair lol

 

[cramideas]

Skimmer showed up today....

My son making sure i got everything out...

I promise he isnt under the influence of anything there just a bad pic

 

[maddmaxx]

nice build...that skimmer kicks arse too, youll be happy with it....

 

[cramideas]

Well i wired up my ballast to accept my lightings plug, plugged everything up looked great. But as soon as the bulb warmed up i heard a pop, the glass that covers the bulb shattered. So i have the aqua medic light and on there site its $25 for a replacement, think i could get a replacement cut of the right glass @ lowes or home depot?

 

[cramideas]

The broken glass shield

 

[bucky145]

If not at home depot or lowes you should be able to get a glass company to cut you one it shouldnt be a lot.