Newbie first reef build

[Bayareareefer18]

Hello everyone. This is my first venture into the reef world. I've been keeping discus for the past couple years and have decided to make the change.

I want to document this build and it's progress, mostly for myself, but would also love suggestions and comments.

The tank is a 75 gallon aqueon that I drilled. Installed an Eshopps eclipse L overflow. Plumbed overflow 1" bean animal.

Sump is a 40B that I set up with a Fiji cube baffle kit

Custom built the stand with pine 2×4s and 3/4" red oak plywood

Lights are the current USA IC pro 48" (×2)

2 current USA eflux wave pumps that run as part of the LOOP system (1050 gph)

Running a Jebao dct 6000 return pump since I had one sitting around in a box brand new. Will eventually change it to the current USA dc pump most likely. I like having control of everything with the LOOP system until I go full automation.

Skimmer is a skimz monzster sm161

Right now the tank is scaped but no water as of yet.

Waiting on my RODI system to arrive. I have ordered the BRS 150 GPS water saver system.

Once tank is full and cycling I will update

 

[Bayareareefer18]

And the plumbing and wiring

 

[JUNBUG361]

Welcome. Good build

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Welcome. Good build

Thank you I appreciate that. Has been a slow build but want to do things right.

I had stayed away from reef because I thought it would be "too much work" but after having discus for a couple years I have realized that the reef will be FAR less work

I'm anxious to get this tank cycled but really want to take my time with stocking

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Finally ready to make saltwater and get this baby cycling

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Finally have sand and now making salt water

Went with the samoa pink sand by recommendation of my trusted LFS

Rodi water and salt mix is heating.

Unfortunately I needed a booster for my 150 gpd rodi. I received it yesterday but sad to find out they sent a smaller model than ordered. Still making 6G+/hr with this one but hoping new one will be faster and less waste. Can't wait to get this tank filled and cycling.

Put in 30#s of sand. Need maybe 10# more for some areas in the back but overall the 30# was pretty close.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

And we have water.

Was quite pleased that mixing my first batch of rodi and salt resulted in a perfect SG of 1.026

Will look forward to seeing the tank once the cloudiness dissipates.

Very happy with these lights so far. Did so much research on lights and felt these were great for the price. Didn't want to go to crazy as a start. These actually produce a nice shimmer and no "disco ball" effect

 

[MyHouseIsAZoo]

Very nice! I like the rock work! Makes me even more anxious to get mine up and running.

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Very nice! I like the rock work! Makes me even more anxious to get mine up and running.

Thanks. I was pretty fortunate. I had a friend getting rid of his tank and picked up the rock for a good deal. Not being able to choose the rock I think it worked out nicely for the tank

 

[JUNBUG361]

the waiting game is on

 

[Bayareareefer18]

the waiting game is on

Sure is. Started dosing ammonia this weekend. Brought ammo level up to 2ppm

 

[Bayareareefer18]

Happy to say I have seen some good progress in the cycle. After adding MB7 for 9 days now I have a nitrite reading of 1ppm

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