Would appreciate some feedback...

[MotivatedReefer]

Hello all. I am new to this hobby and would appreciate some feedback (good or bad). My setup is a DB 75 gallon Rimless. I am going with an Evergrow IT2080 for my lighting. I have a 600 GPH used pump a friend of mine picked up for me. I have live sand from a tank just broken down, as well as the live rock and a refractometer. I will hopefully be filling the tank next weekend and needed some advise.

First, I was looking at using Kent salt mix. I have read only good reviews about this salt. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Second, I was also looking at all the different test kits and would love some feedback on which ones are easiest and most accurate to use.

I do not believe there would be anything else that I would need right away since I will be cycling the tank, but is there anything else that someone would recommend me getting? I will be purchasing a TDS meter, as well as a thermometer before actually filling the tank.

Thank you in advance for any advice for me since I am so new to this hobby.
I have included some pictures of the stand we just finished. The doors will be going on in the next day or two after getting the hinges.

Happy Reefing!

 

[Cymonous]

Nice looking tank. Not to make it sound bad, but the stand/tank kinda looks like a fireplace at the table. It looks cool though.

Suggestions: Get a RODI unit to make your water. Do not start with Tap water. I highly recommend a refractometer to measure salinity.

I have not used Kents salt myself. Just do some tests to see what kind of results you will be working with. I would suggest to use either Salifert and/or Red Sea for test kits. I use both myself and are pretty accurate and easy to use.

Are you adding a sump?

What kind of tank are you going for? FOWLR? Reef?

 

[tylr9m482]

That stand is pretty cool so good job on that! I use Reef Crystal salt mix from instant ocean. I would recommend it if you are looking to keep a reef. If it is a fish only tank the cheaper Instant Ocean salt mix would work just fine. I don't have experience with kent salt so I cant speak on it but the reef crystal works fine for me.

I would also suggest getting an rodi unit to make ur own water. It is much easier than lugging around 5 gallon buckets. (I know from experience). Also if you wanted, an ato (automatic top off) unit would be a great investment. These tanks evaporate so much water you will be topping off your tank everyday. The ato takes that problem away and does it for you, not only eliminating a chore but also helps the keep a stead salinity level.

As far as test kits, I have used API in the past, they are simple and the cheapest option, I now have a hanna phosphate kit which is awesome but expensive and they only make alkalinity, phosphate, and calcium that I know of. I would get the red sea test kits as mentioned above, the api are fine but if you want better quality go red sea for sure.

And again as asked above, Is this going to be a reef or fowlr. I would recommend a sump either way. I think a 55 gal or 40 breeder would be perfect to make your own sump with. I made a sump out of a 20 long for my 40 gal DT by adding pieces of acrylic or plexie glass, (I cant remember haha) and used that to make baffles to create a overflow section with skimmer, refugium, and return pump section.

 

[MotivatedReefer]

Cymonous: Thank you for the feedback. The wife wanted the stand to look that way (colors and design), and also wanted it to be the accent of that wall. I think she did it Happy wife, happy life! lol. I was thinking about the RODI unit, and was told I could go to my local grocery store and get a gallon for $.30, so in the beginning I might just do that to try and save a little money.

What salt mix do you use?

Yeah, my friend and I are actually building a sump. Its out of acrylic. The dimensions are 35 1/2W x 17 1/2D x 18T. We cut the acrylic out using a CNC table. We created the dimensions we wanted on the computer and let the table do the work. We just need to assemble the pieces now lol.

I only have one picture of the sump on my phone, so I included it. I do have a refractometer that was given to me from someone getting out of the hobby. Im getting impatient but from what I have researched, I just need to take it slow and steady lol.

I will be "trying" to do a reef tank. I'm sure with the help of my local group and this group I have a good chance of succeeding.

Thank you again! Any other suggestions are much appreciated!

 

[MotivatedReefer]

tylr9m482: Thank you for your feedback as well! The red sea test kits seem to keep being mentioned to me so I might just go with them. I know lugging the water around will be a PITA! but after all the money that just went into the tank, stand, paint, stainer, lights, and everything else I still need to buy, I might just hold out on the RODI, although the wife did just get her tax return

I really do appreciate taking the time and giving me your 2 cents. I have a feeling this will be a long road, and without people willing to help me, this could get bad and even more expensive then what it will be lol.

 

[thegrun]

1. I haven't used Kent, so no comment.
2. For your cycle you will want to test for salinity, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. For salinity use your refractometer, but get some 35 ppt calibration fluid for the refractometer if you don't already have some. IMHO for the initial cycle you don't need a test kit that reads with a great deal of accuracy so the inexpensive API test kit will be fine. If you do want good accurate tests I would use either Salifert or Red Sea Pro tests. After the cycle if this is a fish only system you will also want to monitor your alkalinity and phosphates. I like to use a Hana Checker for both of these, but again the Salifert, Elos or Red Sea Pro tests are fine for alkalinity. I find the Hana Checker superior for phosphates. If you plan on stony corals or clams add calcium and magnesium to the list. Salifert is my #1 choice for these, but Elos and Red Sea Pro also work well.

 

[MotivatedReefer]

thegrun: I appreciate it! I am sure eventually i will want to add some more fish, but I really want to concentrate on corals at first. I will probably start off with 2 clown fish (the kids want nemo), and snails and crabs. I am being drawn to Zoa's. The bigger colonies I have seen just entertain me. I have been told to start with softies, and after the tank becomes established, and I become more comfortable and knowledgeable on keeping the tank within spec, to then start with some stoney corals.

I can't say enough how much I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[tylr9m482]

MotivatedReefer, not a problem I'm glad to help and will be tagging along on your build so I hope to see more pictures and progress. I too waited on the rodi after my build. Its alot of money to spend all at once so I bought things slowly to make it feel like I wasn't emptying my bank account as fast lol I bought a bulk reef supply 5 stage rodi unit after about two months and I love the purchase. Take a look at their website, bulkreefsupply.com its my favorite website for ordering equipment and hard goods. And I'm sure you will be successful with your reef! My tank is the first I have ever kept and I have been keeping my reef for seven months now with the help of my two good friends who are also in the hobby. I'm still a noob when it comes to alot of things but I do as much reading as I can on this forum. Its a gigantic library of information!!

 

[MotivatedReefer]

tylr9m482, not going to lie... It is very overwhelming how much information is out there, and how many different ways things can be done. I am like you, I have a very good friend, the same one helping me build the sump and stand, that is helping me start off.

 

[Mhay]

I think the API tests are okay to use while cycling and only while cycling. They just aren't accurate enough for much else. I personally use the Red Sea test and LOVE them! I am also going to encourage you get your own RODI unit. $.30 a gallong doesn't sound too bad but then the hassle of lugging water around from the store to your house sounds like a pain. If and when you do get an RODI brute garbage cans come in handy for storing the water.
ATO will be your best friend. I can tell you from experience topping off every day was such a nuisance. And now I don't have to worry if I missed a day or 2 that I would run my pump dry let alone the swings in SG.
I think for just starting out what everyone else has said has pretty much covered it.
Good luck!!

 

[MotivatedReefer]

Here are some pictures from start to where I am now....

 

[Cymonous]

I use Instant Ocean Reef Crystals since I have a mixed reef of softies and LPS. If you get water from the store, do some tests on the water before using. Make sure you get 0 ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and phosphates.

Another Pro Tip: Don't go on the cheap with equipment. You don't have to get the most expensive stuff, just don't get the really cheap stuff for your tank. Maybe the cheap stuff for mixing water, but no cheap stuff for your main tank (DT).

 

[MotivatedReefer]

The tank stand is 2 x 4's. For the skin we used MDF, that's why the inside is painted blue, so we could seal the MDF from moisture. We also cut the MDF into strips which formed the outside accents. On the inside I haven't yet, but I think I will be putting the waterproof mat used under tubs on the inside, so that if the sump leaks, it is somewhat contained. The doors are solid wood, and then framed to add an accent. I'll take some more pictures after I get the doors on and the polyurethane dries (hopefully tomorrow), but I included a picture of one of the doors after the first stain and before any polyurethane. I noticed after putting a few coats of polyurethane, the strain really becomes bold, thats why it might look a little off.

 

[MotivatedReefer]

Thank you again everyone! I really do appreciate it, and so does my wallet!

 

[sponger0]

After reading this, a few concerns or statements....

Since your first starting out, any salt will do until you get the hang of it, Kent, Reef Crystals or Red Sea Pro.

Secondly, I see your sump. Did you figure out how much water would drain in the event of power failure? Does the sump have enough to hold the drain from the tank in such an event? Have you gotten a skimmer? Will it fit the sump?

On the stand, you better seal that MDF really good. Saltwater will ruin that stuff. Just fyi but Im pretty sure you know that lol

API test kits will do fine for testing while cycling. Red Sea Pro kits for later on.

Also consider setting up a quarantine tank. Read about diseases, specifically ich and youll understand why.

 

[MotivatedReefer]

sponger0, the sump will be enough just in case of failure. I was pre-warned about that by a few members in the local group around here lol. After I painted the MDF, I also went back with some polyurethane, just in case lol. I do not have a skimmer yet, and the reason is I was told that I wouldn't need one right off the bat.

Do you think I should get a skimmer? I saw a good deal on an Ehopps skimmer, but my friend said I would not need one right away. Do you have any recommendations on a skimmer?

I will definitely start reading up on a quarantine tank. I guess I will figure this out after researching it, but would I be able to take a smaller gallon tank (let's say 10 gallon), maybe add an air stone, and a small pump to circulate the water from the sump, and put it under the stand?

 

[sponger0]

sponger0, the sump will be enough just in case of failure. I was pre-warned about that by a few members in the local group around here lol. After I painted the MDF, I also went back with some polyurethane, just in case lol. I do not have a skimmer yet, and the reason is I was told that I wouldn't need one right off the bat.

Do you think I should get a skimmer? I saw a good deal on an Ehopps skimmer, but my friend said I would not need one right away. Do you have any recommendations on a skimmer?

I will definitely start reading up on a quarantine tank. I guess I will figure this out after researching it, but would I be able to take a smaller gallon tank (let's say 10 gallon), maybe add an air stone, and a small pump to circulate the water from the sump, and put it under the stand?

I would go ahead and get a skimmer. Youll want one later anyway so if you have the cash, go ahead and get one especially if you know of one with a good deal. eShopps is good but Im a Reef Octopus kind of guy. I have a Reef Octopus XS160 but they dont make them anymore. I got a good deal on it though.

For a quarantine tank, all you need is a tank, basic aquarium light, filter, powerhead and some PVC for fish to hide and a heater. I would go with at least a 20 gallon tank. Also you dont want the quarantine tank to be attached to the main system.

 

[Stolireef]

On a reef tank of that size, a skimmer is pretty much a 'must have' piece of equipment. You'll see some variation on this opinion, but not much.

I would also urge you away from supermarket water. Keep in mind that the basis of a successful reef is the water. A decent four stage RO/DI is relatively inexpensive, will definitely save you money over the long term, and will make your life dramatically easier.

You will definitely come across threads and comments that some have succeeded without the forgoing, but my bet is that 99% of the successful reefers out there have these two pieces of equipment.

IMO, I absolutely love how your stand looks. I wish I had the wood working chops to do such a great job.

I took a quick look at your lighting choice. I'm not familiar with the company but the fixture doesn't seem like a bargain. You may want to take a look at the AI Hydra 52. I think it's in the same price range and has been very well received by the reefing community.

 

[sponger0]

I took a quick look at your lighting choice. I'm not familiar with the company but the fixture doesn't seem like a bargain. You may want to take a look at the AI Hydra 52. I think it's in the same price range and has been very well received by the reefing community.

The IT2080 is an awesome light for the price. Full spectrum, dimmable and programmable with built in controller

 

[MotivatedReefer]

Stolireef, the reason why I was thinking about going with those lights is that my local club gets a discount and we get them for whole sale, so it saves almost $100 off of them.

I will do some more research on the lights you suggested as well, and I can't take all the credit for that stand. The wife chose the design, and my friend and I built it. Luckily we had a shop full of tools to use.

Here are the two skimmers I was looking at. The first one is less expensive lol. Let me know what everyone thinks, or has an alternate in the same price range.

Eshopps PSK-75 In-Sump Protein Skimmer

Reef Octopus NWB110 4” Pinwheel
In Sump Protein Skimmer

Thank you everyone! Its refreshing to see everyone wanting to chip in on what works for them and I'm sure with everyone's help this reef will be successful!