New Cadlights 70 gallon journey

[dstrickland]

My tank is one week old today. Looking forward to all highs and trying to use common sense and research to avoid major pitfalls. I'm sure this will offer a few laughs along my way and probably a few tears. All advice is welcome. I've really learned a lot since joining RC.

Tank info:
Cadlights rimless 70 gallon (36*24*18) okay maybe 67 gallon
Bubble magus NAC6 skimmer
Sump with cheato and clip light
Mp40 ecotech vortech
cadlights 120w led pendant

50 lbs dry rock
30 lbs live rock
40ish live sand

Haven't seen ammonia spike yet. I am using RO/DI water (lfs bought). Will get own unit soon. Have reactor for carbon/gfo ready but not in use yet. Starting to watch tests and saw a few diatoms today. Most likely because I had lights running most of the day being home from work. Here are some pics:

 

[chem-e]

That's a nice tank. I don't think I've seen one of these Cadlights tanks at this size.

Is it a brand new system (ie new rocks, sand, and water)? If so, take it slowly so that your system can stabilize. From your equipment list, it sounds like you've been doing your research and buying the right gear for the job. Can't wait to see how your tank progresses. I've always enjoyed the building and starting process.

 

[dstrickland]

Thanks and yes all new. I started it with 50 lbs of dry rock, 30 lbs live rock and live sand.

 

[dstrickland]

Current fish want list:
1 yellow watchman goby
1 tail spot blenny
2 assessor a gold and a blue
2 reef safe wrasses small 3 inch max

Anyone see any problems with this list? And do you think it be a full stocking list? I plan on mixed reef with zoas heavy. The only other fish I am thinking of is a purple firefish. This would all be added slowly in stages

 

[sporto0]

That stock list is Golden, if you can show restraint & not add 5 bigger fish, which is what most of us want to do, You will never have an overloaded sytem, thereby avoiding many issues in the future. You could add a firefish & a mandarin even & be fine. Good luck, that looks like a nice tank & set up.

 

[chem-e]

The list looks pretty good to me. It's actually close to what I have in my 55 gal. I have a yellow watchman goby, a tail spot blenny, a hectors goby, a mccoskers wrasse, and a small blue tang. I've been looking for one other small fish to add another a different color to my mix of fish, but I think you're list looks fine.

 

[dstrickland]

Still haven't seen ammonia or nitrites, trying some flake food

 

[Genin]

I'm digging the clean look. The aquascaping is nice as well.

 

[dstrickland]

Thanks Genin, still no ammonia spike. I tried flake food tested after two days and then tried brine shrimp and tested two days then three days after. no ammonia or nitrites, set up is about three weeks and guess wait another week. I do have a diatom bloom so i guess thats progress

 

[darthparj]

Tank looks great! I'm waiting for my 50 gallon to come in 36x18x18.

 

[GreenReefer77]

How do you like the light fixture? I'm thinking of ordring a 100 or a custom 120 from them and trying out 2 of the fixtures. Do you have any experience with other fixtures to compare it too?

 

[dstrickland]

No only had PCs on nanos. I wasn't planning to go with led but with package and talking with Eddie, I thought I would give it a shot.

 

[dstrickland]

current test results
sal 1.025
amm 0
nitrite 0
nitrate 0
calcium 460
alk 7
pH 7.8
phosphate .5

I did a 15% water change, angled the return nozzle to break water surface a bit, and started gfo in my reactor. Test again in a couple of days

 

[mordibv]

Nice tank .

Some people say they (CL suck on support ) . I find this odd as I called them today and got a quote on a 40 x 30 x 22 H rimless starfire all 3 sides . He went over everything . I just gotta to talk to my neighbor behind me who has a business addy so I can get it sent via commercial rates . :fun2:

How do you like the build quality ? Clean lines ? Beveled and polished edges ?

Subscribed...

 

[dstrickland]

Tank quality is great, and service was good. It took longer than estimated time to get it to me and the lamp tree was bent. But they sent me another lamp tree and float valve for the delays. Only thing I don't know is how well the lights will be, look good for now and with the package I felt it was worth a try

 

[mordibv]

Is the bottom euro-braced ? Please take some more pics soon .



TIA

P

 

[dstrickland]

i will get some pics up soon, don't know what euro base is. this tank is half inch glass and i hope some great silicone. no supports

 

[mordibv]

No worries . I hope it lasts you a good long time . I am pretty sure I will be getting a custom tank from them in the future .

 

[philosophish]

Tagging along for the ride, and it looks to be a good one

What are your impressions of the stand? Is it a plywood or mdf/particle board type?

Can you take a Full Side shot opposite the vortech? Love the depth of this tank.

 

[KA3PIT]

Tank looks great!