Clowndude's New SPS Tank Build

[clowndude]

So quick question to all the sps lovers out there. I've narrowed down my skimmer choices to the following two.

-SWC 160 (non-cone model) I can get this skimmer used for a good deal.
Or
-Reef Octopus 6 model with new style gate valve.

Question is which skimmer will be better for a heavier load?

 

[clowndude]

Well today I've made a few steps forward to getting all parts needed to get the tank running. I purchased a skimmer today and a used wet/dry yesterday. I'm hoping to have the tank running this Sunday.

I'm getting a mag drive 7, bulkheads and other misc stuff tomorrow. I can't wait to get my new tank running. Old tank has a million sps frags waiting for their new home.

 

[aquasport24]

So far so good there Nick, glad you got the skimmer already.

 

[clowndude]

I set up that stand with sump and skimmer today. I also hung and leveled the light. I was thinking I could get water in the tank today, but forgot I hadn't siliconed the overflow in, so I did that today. Will water test the tank tomorrow and get some pictures of the setup.

 

[clowndude]

Here are some pictures of the tank today. As you can see the tank is now half way full.

Hopefully by tomorrow it will be fully running with salt.

 

[sahin]

Wow that's a sweet tank. Love the dimensions of it. Awesome work. Cant wait to see this in a years time.

 

[clowndude]

Well today would have been the day I would have had the tank running, but I get a call saying the tank was leaking. My first thought was oh no the tank seem is leaking, but turns out it was the bulkheads. After messing with the bulkheads for a bit, I took one out and realized that the tank was drilled for savko sch 80 bulkheads so it has bigger holes. So I am trying to track down a 1" and 1.5" Savko Bulkhead. I found their website and I'm going to have them next day me some bulkheads hopefully. I move Friday so I really need the new tank running or else I'm going to have to do double work.

 

[clowndude]

I finally got the tank full of water, aragonite flooring in and rocks. Tank has been running for two days now and the water is almost clear. I just gotta figure out some sort of ATO system for my tank now. Been trying to think up something, but nothing is coming to mind.

Here is a picture taken yesterday of the tank.

 

[mark54321]

Looking good so far,can you show a picture of your sump set up? What kind of ATO are you thinking about?I have very simple set up with 5 gal.plastic bin and Aqua-Lifter pump on timer set to match evaporation rate.So far it is working great and cost about $30 to set up.

 

[clowndude]

Looking good so far,can you show a picture of your sump set up? What kind of ATO are you thinking about?I have very simple set up with 5 gal.plastic bin and Aqua-Lifter pump on timer set to match evaporation rate.So far it is working great and cost about $30 to set up.

Do you think you could take a picture of your setup for me? We are still unpacking stuff and not really sure where the camera is. I have about 10-12 inches in front of my sump to add something. I want to be able to have a ATO with kalkwasser in it to keep the calcium/alk stable. Later on down the road I want to add a two part dosing system to the mix.

On another note, I wanted to ask you if you were doing iodide?

 

[mark54321]

Hi,no problem ,here is picture of my sump.As you can see on the right is black 5gal.plastic bin with fresh RO water with Aqualifter pump.Behind the container are two plastic bottles for ALK and CA hooked up to BRS dosing pumps.I recently (about 1 month) started to dose Lugol's Solution,Strontium and Coral Amino from Brightwell and see positive results

 

[clowndude]

Hi,no problem ,here is picture of my sump.As you can see on the right is black 5gal.plastic bin with fresh RO water with Aqualifter pump.Behind the container are two plastic bottles for ALK and CA hooked up to BRS dosing pumps.I recently (about 1 month) started to dose Lugol's Solution,Strontium and Coral Amino from Brightwell and see positive results

what are the dimensions of that black container and where did you buy it from? I think my LFS has the aqualifter pump. You think kalkwasser will mess up the pump?

 

[mark54321]

it is 8x12x15 tall,I got it from Container Store (that is the actual name of store).I don't use Kalk so I don't know if it will mess up this pump or not.

 

[clowndude]

Meant to ask you Mark, what kind of timer or setup do u have for the aqualifter?

 

[mark54321]

It is on digital timer from Target (about $12),set up for 6 dosing every 4 hrs.You have to see what is your evaporation rate in 24hrs. and then figure how long each cycle will be to match closely evaporated water.It is not perfect but works very well for me

 

[clowndude]

Went shopping for some fish today and found a pair of naked clown's. Wanted something different you don't see everyday. I also bought a male lubbocks wrasse. Got a picture of the clownfish pair, but the wrasse is hiding so couldn't take a picture of him.

 

[mark54321]

You got fish! Great.

 

[clowndude]

Took some pictures of the tank. I have been battling sps color issues and I have a few sps that are going pale. Started dosing lugol's yesterday in hopes the it will help the milliporas that are turning pale on me. Will post more in a few weeks with results.

I apologize, I don't have all that great of a camera... yet.

FTS:

Pale Milli:

Right Island:

Left Island:

Please let me know if you have any comments or suggestions.

 

[mark54321]

Very nice tank.I like your aquascape.Just be patient with dosing and pellets,it should turn out ok.Get few more fish,maybe few Anthias? Great job so far.

 

[clowndude]

Very nice tank.I like your aquascape.Just be patient with dosing and pellets,it should turn out ok.Get few more fish,maybe few Anthias? Great job so far.

I've been trying to find a really nice pair or trio of anthias. Just haven't really found any yet. My wife likes the squareside anthias.