Akwarius
New member
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Stats:
Volume: 125g display tank (24x72), 55g sump, 30g frag tank
Lighting: 30x3w Cree LEDs, 6x39w T5 (4x Actinic 420nm, 2x Geismann Actinic+, yes-I like purple!)
Flow: Vortech MP40 and MP10
Skimmer: Reef Octopus DNWB200 recirc plumbed directly into overflow
Bio Filtration: 40-60lbs LR (display), 100-125lbs LR (sump), 25lbs sand (frag tank), 500ml Warner Marine EcoBak
Overflow: Calfo-Style with BeanAnimal fail-safe standpipes
Automatic: Reef Keeper Lite with temp control, Aquamedic Reefdoser trio, ATO w/ 10g reservior
Additives: B-ionic two part, vinegar, mag as needed
Livestock: LE sps, chalice, 200+zoa mini colonies, and cheapo fish (for movement)
view from side
Well, the system has been stable for a couple of weeks now after our move just over a month ago. The project was immense, but totally worth it. My goal for this tank first and foremost was stability, which the water volume, controller, ato, and doser have covered. Secondly, I wanted sparse, visually appealing rock-work that could be viewed from both sides of an open top tank. A departure from my past setups which have just looked like a pile of rocks in a corner with corals sticking out. For this display, my intention was to feature sps corals mid-way up where the par from the leds would be higher and the full beauty of the corals could be appreciated. I was very pleased with the arch effect, which was constructed out of 3/4" pvc, waterfall foam, and dry rock. I then added additional live rock with epoxy putty once the tank was filled. I am already seeing some spots of coralline forming on the ugly gray foam. The bottom is covered with eggcrate raised about 1" off the bare bottom. On top of the eggcrate is my zoanthid collection spread out over 200+ 1.5" square aragonite tiles. This will allow me to move my zoanthids very easily for propogation, treating for infection, photography, etc. I've wanted to do this ever since I read a thread where someone was attempting to cover the entire bottom of their reef with zoa gardens.
Future Plans:
I initially intended to add more LED lights, but that has so far been unnecessary. I may need to increase the light as the sps grow larger and more are added. I would, of course, like to expand my zoanthid, chalice, encrusting monti, and sps collections. Specifically, I have fantasized about a large efflo colony atop the bare rock island on the right. Eventually I may attempt some "show" fish, though I am hesitant because of my awful track record with them.
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