Finally! Starting my way back into the hobby...

[young_reefer]

Hello dear fellow reefers,

So, after looking at different options, both new and used setups, I decided to go with a simple setup. I took advantage of a very well known pet store chain Black Friday sale and got myself a 75g tank and stand.

Only catch is that it's not reef ready. I thought about it and really liked the look of an unintrusive overflow box versus the reef-ready-bottom drilled tank column. I also bought the Synergy Reef Shadow overflow, which looks really nice. Now, all I need to do is drill the tank (if anyone in Dade or Broward has done it or knows someone who does, please let me know).:lolspin:

So... for now, I've been staring at an empty tank, imagining (and planning) what it will look like. Crazy, huh? :fun2:

Here's what I've bought so far: 75g tank, stand, overflow box, 30g sump/refugium, return pump, heater and two powerheads. This is going to be quite the journey for me, being my first new setup (previous was an established 72g bowfront bought from a friend). Thus, I'd appreciate any tips (or tricks) you can offer.

Happy reefing!

 

[jonnyu]

Glad to see you back.


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[young_reefer]

Glad to see you back.


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Thank you!

 

[young_reefer]

Here is a pic of what I've been staring at... Not a fancy tank, but I'm really excited about getting this one up and running.

 

[AquamanE]

reach out to Matt- MrRx on here. Im sure for a reasonable price he can set you up with overflow.

 

[young_reefer]

Got another question for you all... I'm planning on using dry rock. I understand it will take longer but I've got lots of patience. I am looking at Marco Rocks who sell Key Largo Dry rocks and they seem to be very good. Has anyone got any experience with them? Thanks for the feedback.

 

[young_reefer]

reach out to Matt- MrRx on here. Im sure for a reasonable price he can set you up with overflow.

Thank you! Will do.

 

[rovster]

Dry rock will test your patience. Congrats you can do lots with a 75! What do you plan for livestock? Filtration method? Good luck

 

[young_reefer]

Dry rock will test your patience. Congrats you can do lots with a 75! What do you plan for livestock? Filtration method? Good luck

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to the different stages, headaches, heartaches and all! I haven't decided on the livestock but will definitely be mixed reef. Although, I was also thinking anemones + clownfish and some hardy corals. But, I'm torn... since I've seen some amazing reef tanks in here. So, I will probably figure it out in the next couple of weeks. Hey, maybe I'll do a poll.:thumbsup:

As for filtration, I haven't decided how simple or complex I want to go. But, I bought a sump/refugium, since I'd like to have more water volume. I'm definitely going to get a good skimmer to start off, but beyond that, I'm still thinking. Any ideas based on your experience will be most welcomed.

 

[jonnyu]

reach out to Matt- MrRx on here. Im sure for a reasonable price he can set you up with overflow.

I would order synergy overflow. Less headaches and zero chance of any complications. Bulk reef supply keeps them in stock.


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[young_reefer]

I would order synergy overflow. Less headaches and zero chance of any complications. Bulk reef supply keeps them in stock.


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Hi. Yes, I agree. I just bought the Shadow 16" overflow box a couple of weeks ago. Now, I just need to drill the tank. Thanks.

 

[firemedix911]

I'm with JonnyU here. Go with a reputable Overflow builder. Those simply work. No headaches to deal with and the support is also great. My .02. As far as dry rock just make sure you "cook it" there right way.

 

[DRThompson]

Hi. Yes, I agree. I just bought the Shadow 16" overflow box a couple of weeks ago. Now, I just need to drill the tank. Thanks.

I just installed the 20" synergy overflow box for the Tank Rebuild at South Plantation High School. It is AMAZING; makes me want to redo my tank

I have some experience with drilling glass tanks if you want help drilling the holes. I live in Coral Springs though.

Dave

 

[Biggar]

reach out to Matt- MrRx on here. Im sure for a reasonable price he can set you up with overflow.

Avoid the headaches involved with saving a few dollars. I learned the hard way. The synergy overflow is the way to go. I had it on the acrylic tank the popped open inside my house.

 

[dadummy]

drilling glass isn't all that hard, but can be nerve racking. google search and check out some videos on it. Think glass hole dot com had some if they are still around? I made a template out of wood that was clamped to the tank so the diamond bit wouldn't walk when getting started.
Dry rock is good too, I removed all the live rock from the tank, gave it a bath in muriatic acid then bleach and let dry in the sun for some time. . I would treat the marco rocks the same way to help remove phosphate and any organics off it . Scraped some coralline off rock, snails, frag plugs, the glass from other tanks to seed the new tank. Took a few months for the tank cycle and be stable enough for sps, and a few more months for the coralline to really take off.

 

[young_reefer]

drilling glass isn't all that hard, but can be nerve racking. google search and check out some videos on it. Think glass hole dot com had some if they are still around? I made a template out of wood that was clamped to the tank so the diamond bit wouldn't walk when getting started.
Dry rock is good too, I removed all the live rock from the tank, gave it a bath in muriatic acid then bleach and let dry in the sun for some time. . I would treat the marco rocks the same way to help remove phosphate and any organics off it . Scraped some coralline off rock, snails, frag plugs, the glass from other tanks to seed the new tank. Took a few months for the tank cycle and be stable enough for sps, and a few more months for the coralline to really take off.

Thanks for the feedback on the rock. I have researched a bit on drilling the tank and it does seem pretty straight forward. But, yes... it's a bit stressful.

 

[young_reefer]

I just installed the 20" synergy overflow box for the Tank Rebuild at South Plantation High School. It is AMAZING; makes me want to redo my tank

I have some experience with drilling glass tanks if you want help drilling the holes. I live in Coral Springs though.

Dave

Hi Dave,

I'll pm you so we can talk. I'm willing to drive up to Coral Springs. Thank you!

 

[young_reefer]

Hi Dave,

I'll pm you so we can talk. I'm willing to drive up to Coral Springs. Thank you!

Got the Synergy Reef Shadow overflow box installed! Holes drilled and all. Thank you Dave for helping with drilling the tank. And, for sharing your experience. It was great meeting you. Have a great holiday!

 

[jonnyu]

Looks awesome


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[DRThompson]

Got the Synergy Reef Shadow overflow box installed! Holes drilled and all. Thank you Dave for helping with drilling the tank. And, for sharing your experience. It was great meeting you. Have a great holiday!

Looks great, cant wait to see it up and running! Was a pleasure meeting you.:fish2: