bif24701
New member
I've decided to post my system on this forum for two reason, first for inspiration to those that are working toward their dream systems (seams can come true!), second I need to learn the finer points of keeping an SPS coral tank. This is my family and I dream system. I've been working hard the last 8 month in accumulating the equipment I now have for this build. Knowing I would have to relocate at some point because the older housing on Eglin Air Force base was to be torn down and everyone relocated to new builds. The new house floor plan worked out well. The perfect spot for the 180 gallon display shared a wall with a storage area in the garage. I know them I would put all my filtration equipment there plumbed into my display through the wall. Moving the tank itself took days with the breakdown and setup. Completed just a week ago I'm very happy with it and glad I decided to go through with it.
Here is the display
Lighting: 2 each Kessil AP700
Flow: single MP60, with DIY battery backup, on NTM. This mode create a great back and forth flow through the whole display with no dead spots at full power. I will look into adding more flow when/if corals fill in the display.
Provides 4 days power in battery back up mode (calculated)
My filtration includes a SRO-5000 internal skimmer. It sits in a Brute 20 gallon tote and receives water directly from the display then drains into my main sump, 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank.
I just recently utilized my old sump (40 breeder) as my Cheato refugium. I am happy with this setup as it keeps the Cheato tumbling and has grown as fast is not faster then I've ever seen.
It is feed off my return pump (RO-DC-5500) manifold.
I like having a DC return pump for the control, though this one isn't APEX compatible, I can reduce flow for feeding or maintenance with a button push. I have plans to upgrade the controller and power supply turning this pump into the new VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH), APEX compatible!
Other equipment:
BRS Dual Reactor
800 watt titanium heater Finnex
APEX gold, with added EB8
Two part dosing BRS pumps and tanks (not needed right now)
32 gallon Kalk holding Brute
5 Stage RO/DI, 150gpd water saver
Jeabo RW-8 for flow within sump
Livestock:
Yellow Tang
Kole Eye Tang
Picasso Clown with helmet
2 red serpent star fish, love these guy but wife says they are creepy
Few snails
SPS corals mostly
GBTA
Acan LPS
I don't take many pictures of the coral because I'm not great at getting them to look right and well I'm just starting out so they are small and tiny.
Right now I add about 2.25 liters of saturated Kalk for my ALK and Cal needs. I use two part to make adjustments when needed like after a water change. I have all I need to dose two part automatically with my APEX however not needed as my Kalk provides all I need, for now.
For nutrient out put I employ several systems. MarienPure block, Cheato, NOPOX (2ml daily), large skimmer, and most over looked IMHO high quality large size Pulkani Rock.
Testing is mostly done with Red Sea Pro kits. However I use Hanna for ALK because it's fast and easy, very fast/very easy, and ULR phosphorus.
ALK: 9.5
Cal: 425
Mag: 1400
Only additive I use is the NOPOX and Selcon with feedings. I feed a lot! Nutrients in my system are low, NO3 is <.25ppm and PO4 is <.025ppm. I feed Nori, Hikari frozen and dry all types and some reef chilli from BRS.
I want to add more Tangs, possibly Blonde Naso, Powder Blue, and/or Regal (blue) tang. Also looking at a Magnificent Foxface. We did have a thriving Green Manderin goby until he was chopped in half my my MP60.
Also looking to add a Avast Swabbie neck cleaner and DIYing a skimate locker myself.
Now that we have moved and settled in I will look to stock for my display. I plan to purchase Battle Corals and/or WWC and what I can find locally from my club.
This is our first real effort to a full blown SPS coral tank and I am looking to learn as we go.
I also keep Discus, rift lake cichlids, high tec planted, Angles, and my son has a biocube with clownfish and few softies.
I have QT each for all fish and coral newcomers.
Aaron
Here is the display
Lighting: 2 each Kessil AP700
Flow: single MP60, with DIY battery backup, on NTM. This mode create a great back and forth flow through the whole display with no dead spots at full power. I will look into adding more flow when/if corals fill in the display.
Provides 4 days power in battery back up mode (calculated)
My filtration includes a SRO-5000 internal skimmer. It sits in a Brute 20 gallon tote and receives water directly from the display then drains into my main sump, 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank.
I just recently utilized my old sump (40 breeder) as my Cheato refugium. I am happy with this setup as it keeps the Cheato tumbling and has grown as fast is not faster then I've ever seen.
I like having a DC return pump for the control, though this one isn't APEX compatible, I can reduce flow for feeding or maintenance with a button push. I have plans to upgrade the controller and power supply turning this pump into the new VarioS-6 Controllable DC Pump (1720 GPH), APEX compatible!
Other equipment:
BRS Dual Reactor
800 watt titanium heater Finnex
APEX gold, with added EB8
Two part dosing BRS pumps and tanks (not needed right now)
32 gallon Kalk holding Brute
5 Stage RO/DI, 150gpd water saver
Jeabo RW-8 for flow within sump
Livestock:
Yellow Tang
Kole Eye Tang
Picasso Clown with helmet
2 red serpent star fish, love these guy but wife says they are creepy
Few snails
SPS corals mostly
GBTA
Acan LPS
I don't take many pictures of the coral because I'm not great at getting them to look right and well I'm just starting out so they are small and tiny.
Right now I add about 2.25 liters of saturated Kalk for my ALK and Cal needs. I use two part to make adjustments when needed like after a water change. I have all I need to dose two part automatically with my APEX however not needed as my Kalk provides all I need, for now.
For nutrient out put I employ several systems. MarienPure block, Cheato, NOPOX (2ml daily), large skimmer, and most over looked IMHO high quality large size Pulkani Rock.
Testing is mostly done with Red Sea Pro kits. However I use Hanna for ALK because it's fast and easy, very fast/very easy, and ULR phosphorus.
ALK: 9.5
Cal: 425
Mag: 1400
Only additive I use is the NOPOX and Selcon with feedings. I feed a lot! Nutrients in my system are low, NO3 is <.25ppm and PO4 is <.025ppm. I feed Nori, Hikari frozen and dry all types and some reef chilli from BRS.
I want to add more Tangs, possibly Blonde Naso, Powder Blue, and/or Regal (blue) tang. Also looking at a Magnificent Foxface. We did have a thriving Green Manderin goby until he was chopped in half my my MP60.
Also looking to add a Avast Swabbie neck cleaner and DIYing a skimate locker myself.
Now that we have moved and settled in I will look to stock for my display. I plan to purchase Battle Corals and/or WWC and what I can find locally from my club.
This is our first real effort to a full blown SPS coral tank and I am looking to learn as we go.
I also keep Discus, rift lake cichlids, high tec planted, Angles, and my son has a biocube with clownfish and few softies.
I have QT each for all fish and coral newcomers.
Aaron
