Catastrophi's first ever 75 gallon reef!

[Catastrophi]

I figured why not try and keep up a long and hopefully get advice and suggestions along the way.

This is my first reef tank. I bought it from a nice guy two hours form where I lived. He had it originally set up with a wet/dry. I scraped it for a skimmer. I've had it up for about 1 month now and have learned tons. Made a lot of mistakes...costly ones and most importantly..spent alotta money :lol: :lol:


Heres a quick update of my journey.

Everything packed up and ready to go!

The large amount of LR he had stacked in the tank.

Tank in position! Note the short..short..stand.

Aquascaped. With the oh so original. "Pile of rocks"

I then decided my stand was too short and built a new one with my dad..well he did most of it. I stood by and watched.

Here is where it is today! Well more like last week

And heres some specs.

75 gallon with corner overflow.
Custom built stand/canopy
30 gallonish Ecosystem sump
2x250watt PFO pendants with 10k HQI bulbs. (switching to Ushio 15k when these are done)
JBJ ATO
DNWB 150 Octopus recirculating skimmer.

Livestock:
Scopas tang
Two True Perc Clowns
Diamond Goby
Blue Watchman Goby

Coral:
Candy Coral
Torch
Duncan
Various Zoas and Palys

What do y'all think so far? I have an icecap 660 ballast. Do you think I should add two T5 bulbs for Acintics? Do they really help coral growth that much?

 

[Catastrophi]

No comments or suggestions?

Anyway. I just bought a AC Jr. Should be in Monday; stupid postal holidays!

 

[jimmycent]

Looks nice. Any clearer FTS pictures for us?

 

[sevendigitcake]

the new stand is really nice

 

[Catastrophi]

I'll get some up tomorrow. I received my AC jr. I think I must be the only person to ever have problems setting this sucker up!

I also added a yellow eye kole tang. I'm planning on running to the LFS and picking up a few frags tomorrow!

 

[Catastrophi]

Thanks alot! Heres an update and close ups of the corals..Fish are too hard to take pictures of.

Customary DT shot.

Heres a nice little long tentacled plate coral I just picked up. It was in the process of opening up when I took it.

Brain coral

Probably my fastest growing Zoa. I started off with three polyps.

Three headed torch coral.

Looks similar to Fire and Ice Zoas..

Another Torch

uhm..not too sure what kinda coral this is ID anyone?

Same with this coral. Its an encrusting coral.

I returned the AC Jr. i bought used from the seller. His DC 8 didn't seem to work. I just ended up buying a brand new one!

 

[gooyferret]

How long have you had your tank setup? Looks very good!

Lets see the stand and canopy look awesome, rock/corals awesome, tank in general AWESOME!

Congrats on your first SW tank, and let the dollars be spent!

 

[evogames]

Lookin good

 

[Catastrophi]

It's been up for about two and half months now.

Yeah I've spent way too much already! I do need a pair of vortechs though....

 

[sedor]

WOW! I wish I had been smart enough to get all the right equipment right from the beginning. I'm loving the tank man, your doing a great job! Can that blue watchman coexist with a yellow?

 

[kingsland]

Very nice. I like the new stand.

 

[Catastrophi]

ryandlf- Most gobies can get along, but some can get territorial. I have a friend who has two yellow watchman that share the same tunnel or cave they have.

kingsland - Thanks a lot. It was more work then I anticipated!

 

[Catastrophi]

Anyone know the ID for that last frag?

 

[Catastrophi]

I got a new camera so I snapped a few photos!

 

[Catastrophi]

I had a massive ich break out. I need to set up a QT ASAP.

Got some new toys and did some more work to the tank today.

AC JR!

Installed two 120mm PC fans in my canopy.

 

[tomasga]

tank is coming along nicely, I am assuming that you moved the water along with the tank when you bought it?

 

[cfarrow2]

Sorry about your ich problem. I would address it immediately as it can do serious damage to your fish. Do some research and you'll find treatments that will help. As to your ID question, I'd have to say you have a xenia there. Pretty but can become invasive, especially if there is any excess phosphates in your tank. Good luck!

 

[Catastrophi]

Yeah. I was away for a few days and ich got my two clowns and tang. I was going to try and set up a QT before I left, but didn't have time.

I just have a lone watchman goby in there now.