FINALLY MY TURN!....225g build thread...(Lots of pics)

[mcliffy2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11745901#post11745901 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tangwich
Spongebobby, I too have narrowed it down to either Octo Pro, Asm or Euroreef for my upgrade after tax return ; ) .....as for the pump, upgraded to Iwaki.......can't wait to see your build thread and new skimmer.....so now onto some updates...the tank is doing really great and all levels have stabilized so here are the updated pics of coral as I have transfered some pieces from my nano into it and bought some new pieces this week.

I would kick the ASM off that list - the Octo Pro and ER are definitely better (and of those I think the Octo will give you more bang for the buck. If you are willing to go a little more tho, definitely give the reeflo 200 a look (its 850)...I just got the 250 today, and it is a BEAST! (click my red house for some pics) when I was doing my first tank I didnt like the idea of external, but Im really glad I went external this time, and long run I think it makes maintenance, etc. much easier.

 

[FOSELONE]

hah...thats funny...:thumbsup:

 

[aspinn]

love the tank man i cant wait till u stock it... its going to look amazing... nice job on the rockwork btw =) well done!

 

[kar93]

looking good, ill be taggin along

 

[Harleyguy]

Looks like your nano is going fine now.

 

[Tangwich]

Ok, so its been a while since I update my build thread so here are the updates. I took the advice that many of you suggested which was to do some upgrades on the tank. I upgraded to a bigger sump, having to re plumb everything was a pain but so rewarding and satisfying once we were done. Next upgrade is the new skimmer this coming weekend either at CFM (Coral Farmers Market) or ordering it online. It's between the Bubble Master 250 or the Octo Pro 250. After that I will upgrade my UV as I was told that 18watts will not suffice, so any of you have any suggestions or recommendations on what UV to get? After that I will be upgrading my lighting as well. Anyway, enough chat, here are the pics.

My temp sump while I replumb things...lol..

There's a skimmer, refugium and return pump in there..lol..
ok, ok, here is my new sump

After everything was replumbed

 

[Tangwich]

Another piece of advice that I took was to get the chiller completely out from inside the stand and here's what it looks like. I will be making some sort of nice cover for aestetic purposes.

Ok, here are some of the residents of my tank.. my RBTA with no clown since my Black and white won't host as of yet : (

My new Yellow Belly Hippo Tang and my Purple Tang, he's the original "Tangwich"..that's his name, I just borrowed it. He's a punk, a bully, but I love how great he looks and how healthy he is..

 

[Tangwich]

 

[Tangwich]

Now some coral pieces...very nice colors and healthy..

and lastly my tang family...

 

[aspinn]

simply beutiful... well done bud love the tanks! would love to see a full tank shot if ya get a chance good job!

 

[mcliffy2]

Looks good but a word of caution - you are adding a lot of fish really fast. Especially with no good skimmer yet. I would be ready to do water changes every few days until your skimmer comes to keep ammonia down as the tank adjusts to the bioload. I think you'll be ok, but I would be diligent and monitor all levels on a daily basis.

 

[Tangwich]

Thanks Aspinn, I'll work on a FTS sometime tonight if my schedule allows.

McLiffy2, very good observation. I have been monitoring and all levels are stable. I'm guessing that since the previous owner had approx. 25 very healthy fish (including Vlamingi Tang), and the tank has been established for about a year prior to me purchasing it, the bioload isn't negatively affecting parameters. But you are very correct, I won't be able to feel at ease until I get my new skimmer and for now I must continue using the current one that I do own and hope for the best...at least for the next 3-4 days.

So far everything looks very healthy and I see my Mandarin pecking up a storm anytime he makes himself visible...so I know that's definitely a good sign.

 

[JazzZero]

Nice fish and i have never seen a person put a golden angelfish in a reef tank but tell me how it works out b/c im thinking of getting one myself.

 

[Tangwich]

I actually got the idea from 2 local fish stores. One store has had a Golden Angel in their main reef tank for the last 6 years and it hasn't bothered any coral at all. At least from what I have seen and what the owner tells me. The other store has had a Golden in their 240gallon display tank for about a year with the same results. So I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. But I will tell you this, the times that I have seen it cruising through the LR, it is a nice surprise and puts a smile on my face every time : )

 

[Bender]

How is the powder blue getting along with the other inhabitants?

 

[Tangwich]

All tangs with the exception of the Yellow Belly Hippo were added at the same time and so everyone gets along great. Funny thing, the Powder Blue is more relaxed and laid back then all the other tangs COMBINED..

 

[warriorss08]

i like your tequilla selection

 

[Tangwich]

Here is a bad FTS...will work on better shots soon.

 

[dan10342]

looks good! i love the euphyllias

 

[Tangwich]

thanks, I took the picture about 20 minutes after the lights had come on, so nothing was extended at that point. can't wait to take pictures with corals fully extended. hopefully this weekend.