Rainbow Archipelago 1.0 Reef Journal

[naterealbig]

Hi everyone, this will be my official journal for my 180 gallon tank build. I would like to use this thread as a tool to document my progress, a sounding board for my ideas, as well as a place to discuss the methodology I will use for what will hopefully one day will be a spectacular reef tank.

I actually began a different thread several months ago with the hopes of beginning a 180 gallon display, but alas, life has gotten in the way of this particular aspiration. I will be getting back into the hobby after a 2 year hiatus with something a bit more humble; a 65 gallon rimless display.

I have been collecting equipment over the past 6 months or so, and have also been curing live rock.

Here is a list of some of the equipment I will be utilizing for the build.

Tank: 65 gallon 36x24x16(h) Display by Glass Cages
*2 Sides Starphire
Sump: A baffleless 20 long PetSmart special
Lighting: 1 x Radion XR30W Pro (Gen 3) By Ecotech Marine
Flow: 2 x MP40wES By Ecotech Marine
Substrate: Barebottom: 3/4" white HDPE
Supplementation: Calcium and Alkalinity via Geo Kalkwasser Reactor
Return: 2 x Eheim Compact 2000+
Control: Apex By Neptune Aquatics
Skimmer: Currently a ReefDynamics INS150. Currently am looking at the Vertex line of skimmers, and am considering the purchase of their Omega 130.
Overflow: Internal, Herbie. 2 x 1" drains, and a single 3/4" return

 

[naterealbig]

Rainbow Archipelago 1.0 Major Influences

Rainbow Archipelago 1.0 Major Influences

Most will find very little about this aquarium unique, and I must admit, as an engineer by trade and an artist by talent, I find this idea to be a little disappointing. This aquarium and the methodology behind its systems are merely replications of a large handful of others ideas and work, and only a small handful of my own.

I have found the process of developing and maintaining a beautiful reef is a very fine combination of art and science, and the most stunning tanks have owners who boast an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the biology encompassing this hobby. In addition to this (and just as importantly), they have a true sense of art, combinations of colors and shapes, and the vision and patience to help nature paint the canvas we call an aquarium. I would like to take just a moment to recognize some of the people and tanks that have been and continue to be an inspiration; not just in regards to this build, but to me.

Something that you will find in all of the systems below, is a simplistic approach; using the minimum amount of equipment and harnessing the power of biology. These tanks are not only beautiful to my eye as an artist, but appealing from technical aspects as well. Albert Einstein said it best: "Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius -- and a lot of courage -- to move in the opposite direction."

My Brother Danny and his beautiful 110 gallon aquarium (dantdodge):











Denadai's Beautiful Rimless Bare Bottom

Ormet's "Lazy Reef"

littlewhite's 300 Gallon Barebottom

Invincible569's Gorgeous Rimless

 

[naterealbig]

We are having some counters put into the living room so that we have more storage. We just decided to put the tank on top of them, so that I don't have to build a stand.

This is where it will sit on the counter:

 

[sahin]

Subscribed. This looks like its going to be a great system.

 

[naterealbig]

Hi Sahin, it's really good to know you are on board! Add your tanks to my list of inspiration .

 

[naterealbig]

A Preliminary Aquascape..... Thoughts?

A Preliminary Aquascape..... Thoughts?

I am thinking of supplementing nitrifying bacteria by adding live rock to the sump, perhaps in a large TLF reactor.

Here are some pics of one layout. I'm open to suggestions, as long as they support bare bottom methodology and a minimalistic ambiance in the display.

 

[naterealbig]

Thoughts on Lighting

Thoughts on Lighting

The use of LED lighting can be complicated, and there seems to be many more hobbyists that switched and became frustrated with the technology, than there are that are satisfied with it. I believe that there are many reasons for this, most of which are user error. Learning from those I have watched on the boards and in real life, I am taking preemptive steps to prevent my own frustration.

1. I am going to directly replicate the lighting schedule from a tank that I like, using the exact lighting that I have.

2. The schedule will not be changed or "fine-tuned" until the corals have completely acclimated to it. I am anticipating a length of 3 to 6 months for acclimation, and I am prepared to wait!

3. I will begin the acclimation period at ~ 40% intensity, and increase the output as the corals become accustomed to it.

Here is the tank and lighting schedule I have chosen to replicate:

 

[maxxII]

Subscribed for additional updates.

 

[sahin]

With regard to the rocks, if you go minimal, it would definitely be a good idea to have additional rocks in the sump. I have some siporax in my sump and a piece or two of rock.

The LED light profile you are going to follow is a good idea. His sps have nice colours.

All in all, from what I see so far, you seem like you have thought of the different aspects very well. :beer:

This is going to be a nice system for sure.

 

[naterealbig]

Subscribed for additional updates.

Thanks Max!

With regard to the rocks, if you go minimal, it would definitely be a good idea to have additional rocks in the sump. I have some siporax in my sump and a piece or two of rock.

I was thinking of Siporax, but I thought it was pretty expensive. Would small calcarous rocks perform the same task? I was thinking of using large calcium reactor media in a TLF reactor. What do you think of this vice the Siporax?

 

[naterealbig]

All in all, from what I see so far, you seem like you have thought of the different aspects very well.
This is going to be a nice system for sure.

Thank you for the words Sahin


I also just realized I didn't give any credit to the system mentioned in post #7. This is Schwing's tank. More on his system can be found here.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgBMhxn79zM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[naterealbig]

Just got the main sump and the top-off/water change container painted and did a quick dry fit. I will install the wire duct tomorrow, which will go directly above the sump. There will be a hole drilled and a grommet installed where I will run the wiring from the wet section to the dry section where all of the electronics will go.

 

[reefmutt]

Subscribed with enthusiasm!
I prefer my skimmate more woody, light on the spice and with hints of cherry on the finish.
I appreciate and respect your methodical planning and level headed approach. Two things I am not very good at!
I will watch and learn....
I have seen the best LED sps results with radions. And I would agree that user error is probably 80-90 percent of the problem with leds over sps..
I have always loved the look of the minimalist scape but always lamented the lack of coral real estate it provides. Your self restraint will help you here.. Again, alas, something I have in insufficient quantities..
So! I have many things to watch with interest here!!

 

[naterealbig]

Subscribed with enthusiasm!
I prefer my skimmate more woody, light on the spice and with hints of cherry on the finish.
I appreciate and respect your methodical planning and level headed approach. Two things I am not very good at!
I will watch and learn....
I have seen the best LED sps results with radions. And I would agree that user error is probably 80-90 percent of the problem with leds over sps..
I have always loved the look of the minimalist scape but always lamented the lack of coral real estate it provides. Your self restraint will help you here.. Again, alas, something I have in insufficient quantities..
So! I have many things to watch with interest here!!

LOL at the cherry on the finish! You are the first to ever say anything about my signature

There is a lot that I just can't afford to do with this set up that I would really like, however, I can make up for not having some of the nicest stuff by good planning and some small finishing touches that I feel make a big difference. I have been planning this for over a year now, so I have developed a sense of patience that I may not have had otherwise.

I hope to find that while the minimalistic approach to the aquascaping will reduce the sheer number of coral fragments I am able to pack onto the rock, it will encourage and support the unique growth of larger colonies within the "negative" space of the water column. I hope that it will also minimize the shading cased by the puck-style LED's.

Thank you for your kind words, and I hope to hear more from you with regards to critiques and compliments - if the set up is worthy, of course.

 

[naterealbig]

A quick sketch of what the wet section of the stand will look like

A quick sketch of what the wet section of the stand will look like

 

[naterealbig]

Purchased this beauty a couple months ago for this setup!

Purchased this beauty a couple months ago for this setup!

 

[reefmutt]

This is one beautiful Flame bubble tip!
It'll look great!
I assume that's a uv sterilizer up at the top of your drawing.
I've alway been in the 'they kill a lot of good stuff' camp. What are your thought on them?
I've never actually used one on a reef so I don't really know if they are a benefit or a detriment.

 

[naterealbig]

This is one beautiful Flame bubble tip!
It'll look great!
I assume that's a uv sterilizer up at the top of your drawing.
I've alway been in the 'they kill a lot of good stuff' camp. What are your thought on them?
I've never actually used one on a reef so I don't really know if they are a benefit or a detriment.

Hi Matt, yes, this anemone is absolutely spectacular!

You are correct about the UV sterilizer, I do believe that it will kill beneficial organisms.

I had had planned on installing this unit because it was the only thing that easily and quickly treated cloudy water due to algae blooms in one of my previous setups. It may be of note however, that that particular system had a minimum amount of LR.

I have planned on using extra LR or rubble in my sump or a reactor to allow extra surface for the appropriate amount of denitrifying bacteria to colonize, in hopes that the algal blooms are avoided. I was planning on using the UV sterilizer only if the extra LR didn't work.

My thought is, I can control the UV from my Apex, so I could use it if necessary, and turn it off when not being utilized. I will admit, removing it from the system would make for an easier plumbing install for sure. What do you think?

 

[maxxII]

Do you already have the UV Unit?

You want to plumb the UV into the return line of your system, put unions/union ball valves on either side for maintenance purposes. If you already have the unit, fab up a replacement section of plumbing the same length, with unions on either side.

When you need it, take out the replacement section and put in the UV Unit.

 

[reefmutt]

I had a bloody algae bloom that lasted a good 2-3 months when I re set up my current tank... It finally went away on its own, when the system stabalised. Mind you, had I had a uv, I probably would have used it happily.
If it is going to be difficult to install, I would wonder if it is worth the effort....