Grizz717's 75G Build

[Grizz717]

Well, Hello everyone. i've been asking questions, reading and surfing 4 different forums in preparation for my Build. My goal is a 75G mixed Reef. I have kept and still keep at least two freshwater tanks. A 40 gallon plant tank and a 56g african African Cichlid tank. i have taken down my 75g african cichlid tank (currently in shed). This was a condition for my 75g Saltwater. Equipment is composed of a 75g Marineland corner flow, Bubble Magus C5.5 skimmer, 2 Hydor pumps (1700 GPH combined) with controller, Jebao RW-8 with controller, Mag 12 return pump, Mag 7 backup, Proflex IV Sump, Finnex Heater with Controller, Hydor ATO (not set up yet), BRS 150 RO/DI water saver plus, 2 Ocean Revive 120 W lights(on the way), refractometer, 20G QT tank with Aquaclear 70.

I am in day one of cycling. Putting two shrimp and a piece of fish in tank tonight. i have 60 lbs of dry rock and 9 lbs of live rock purchased from my LFS two days ago. DIY stand and screen cover. Will post pictures as soon as I transfer them to the computer.


Wish me luck.

 

[Grizz717]

Tank on first day of cycling.

Tank on first day of cycling.

Stand is sans doors until I finish with sump area.

 

[Grizz717]

Shrimp and Fish

Shrimp and Fish

Put Shrimp and fish in bag to start cycle. I'll wait two days before I test the water parameters.

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Welcome and looking good so far. Caught up with you on Zee's build thread.

Here's my build thread...I've been a freshwater guy for over 35 years. Kept a couple non-descript FOWLR saltwater tanks, but this is my first foray into reefkeeping.

Lots to learn and I've been reading up on it for quite a while myself.

Best of luck with yours. I'll be checking back on your progress.

 

[ZeeSparrow]

Hey Grizz! Looking good so far.

I will definitely follow along here. Good luck and happy reefing!

 

[Grizz717]

Thanks Mark and Zee. Of course I'll continue to follow you guys also. I had to tear down the return plumbing last week, but got it going by last Sunday with the help of my LFS. Very knowledgeable. I also bought 9 lbs of nice live rock from him to start my cycle.

Today I'll be working on my canopy.

 

[Grizz717]

Went and picked up some more live rock. Another 5 lbs. also decided to take my parameters for the first time to set a baseline although I know I should have some ammonia with the shrimp and fish in the tank for a day.
PH. 8.0
Ammonia. .25
Nitrite. 0

 

[Grizz717]

I went to Jacksonville florida this weekend and stopped in to one of the shops. i have my first five corals picked out when i finish cycling. My Params tonight read:

PH - 8.0
Ammonia - <.25
Nitrite - <.25
Nitrates - 10

 

[Grizz717]

Got in my new lights on Wednesday. Ocean Revive 165w LEDs

 

[Grizz717]

FTS as of today.

 

[RingingEars]

Nice build.
I bought the OR lights the other day too.
All these new builds are making me antsy.

 

[mmittlesteadt]

I like your aquascaping. Very cool.

I'll be getting a Kessil A160WE on Tuesday for my tank. Patience is wearing a tad bit thin for me as it's been a long time from when I started this whole thing. But I'm close now.

 

[Grizz717]

Thanks! Lots of flat surfaces for corals and holes to swim through for the fish. Thinking of :
Pair of Occelaris
Starry Blenny
Fire Shrimp
Kole Tang
Wrasse (2) (Not sure what kind yet)

Possible corals:
Frogspawn
Hammer
Mushroom
Zoas
Dragons Breath Macro
Xenia or Anthelia
GSP

Mark,
Tomorrow will be here before you know it and you'll be saying "where did the day go?"

 

[Grizz717]

"Ringingears"
Thanks. The closer you get the more antsy you get.

 

[mmittlesteadt]

Mark, Tomorrow will be here before you know it and you'll be saying "where did the day go?"

But, don't you know? Tomorrow never comes. By the time it gets here it is today.

I'm just looking forward to chilling out at night in front of my tank enjoying the shimmer. Ah, the simple (yet costly) things in life.

 

[ZeeSparrow]

Thanks! Lots of flat surfaces for corals and holes to swim through for the fish. Thinking of :
Pair of Occelaris
Starry Blenny
Fire Shrimp
Kole Tang
Wrasse (2) (Not sure what kind yet)

Possible corals:
Frogspawn
Hammer
Mushroom
Zoas
Dragons Breath Macro
Xenia or Anthelia
GSP

Mark,
Tomorrow will be here before you know it and you'll be saying "where did the day go?"

That's more that 5 corals to start! I really like your aquascaping, Grizz. All the flat surfaces, varying levels... you'll appreciate having those options to put the coral on.

 

[Grizz717]

Thanks Zee and Mark. I was standing in front of the tank holding my granddaughter and thinking " I can't wait to show her the beautiful world of a Coral Reef" . Well, as much as I can show her in the house! I'm re-thinking the "Zoas". Keep thinking about the Palytoxin. We'll see.

 

[mmittlesteadt]

The toxic nature of a reef does have me somewhat concerned. I think I might pass on zoas for that very reason. There are so many beautiful corals to choose from that I'm not all that keen on having any kind of an accident.

 

[ZeeSparrow]

I decided to not have zoas. I don't find them particularly appealing, so that helps. The tales I have read about their toxicity sealed the deal for me.

 

[Grizz717]

We all agree on that!

WooHoo
PH - 8.0
Ammonia - 0
Nitrite - 0
Nitrate 5-10

Cycled!!

also got my fish list approved by snorvich!

Originally Posted by Grizz717 View Post
snorvich
new setup. 75G DT, Proflex IV Sump, 60 lbs dry rock, 15 lbs live rock so far. Should be done cycling by end of week. mixed Reef. Proposed Livestock list. Issues? Would like to start with clowns and Bangaii's.

Tailspot Blenny
Midas Blenny
Tomini tang
Occelaris Clowns (2)
Kauderns Cardinals (2)
Carpenters Wrasse
Mccoskers Wrasse

Tang will be added last.

Thanks.
I do not forsee any problems. Tang should be added at about six months of maturity.

Warmest regards,
~Steve~

Now need to find out where the wife will let me put the QT Tank!