zach0660's 65 Build Thread

[zach0660]

Hey guys!
I am finally going to take the plunge and start a build thread on my 10 month old reef aquarium. I have been on RC for awhile but never had a chance to start the thread.

This my first reef aquarium!

Tank Info-

Tank- 65 gallon AGA w/pine stand.

Lighting- Coralife 36" Aqualight Pro, 1x 250W HQI + 2x 65W Actinic + 2 Blue Moonlight LEDs

Skimmer- CSS 125

ReturnPump- Rio 3100, it works for now!

Sump- 20gal Long customized to fit needs

 

[zach0660]

10/09/07
full tank shot

sideshot

 

[zach0660]

I completly plumbed this tank and had a 1" hole drilled in back and bulkhead installed by LFS owner. I got the hole drilled for free because I know him pretty well.

Here are some pics of the plumbing and sump,

 

[yellowwatchmen]

Nice tank. How do you keep your sand so clean? Wish my sand was that clean.

 

[zach0660]

thanks,
as far as the sand being clean I would have to say thanks to my goldenhead sand-sifting goby.

Here are some pics of my current tank inhabitents,

Feel free to comment

clown & pj cardinal

sand-sifting star

got hair algae?

 

[zach0660]

Zoo's

Electric Crocea

Orange-Monti Frag

Acro Frag

Colt Coral

Galaxea

 

[zach0660]

Does anybody have any suggestions on a replacement powerhead for my Aquaclear 50? And does anyone recommend any submersable return pumps that can be pvc fitted?

thanks

 

[reeferaddiction]

the gold head goby is a cool fish i have one in my 72 and he deff does an amazing job keeping the sand clean but i am currently trying to catch him to put him in my 125 fowlr because i cant have any corals low or on the sand be he dusts them with sand and i lost a clam to him. i really likr this fish full of personality i wish he just stayed close to the sand bed insted of dusting the lower portion of my tank. as for the power heads some people swear by the tunze but personally i cant bring myself to spend that kind of cash , i have been using seios without all of the attachments and get great flow from them, but you may want to invest i a magnetis mount for them or whatever powerhead you go with

 

[mile sq. reefer]

Looks good but please take out the sandsifting star and replace it with nassarius and cerith snails. That star will decimate your sandbed.

 

[GatorWPB]

Nice tank!

In my 65 I use a Mag Drive 7 as my return. Its easy to plumb the pvc.
Also, if you are looking for flow, I recommend the tunze 6025 nanostreams modded (which is easy to do there is a thread on RC about it) or the sure flow 1600 maxi-jet kit (many threads about them too)
I have 2 of the 6025s (1000-1200 gph each) and a sure flow MJ1200 (1600 gph). My sps love the flow.

 

[yellowwatchmen]

I love the hydor koralias. That yellow head goby does an awesome job!

 

[zach0660]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10949630#post10949630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GatorWPB
Nice tank!

In my 65 I use a Mag Drive 7 as my return. Its easy to plumb the pvc.
Also, if you are looking for flow, I recommend the tunze 6025 nanostreams modded (which is easy to do there is a thread on RC about it) or the sure flow 1600 maxi-jet kit (many threads about them too)
I have 2 of the 6025s (1000-1200 gph each) and a sure flow MJ1200 (1600 gph). My sps love the flow.

Thanks for all the comments!

I will consider the Tunze Nanostream modds, do you remember were you purchased your Mag Drive 7? I have been looking around but don't know whats reasonable.

thanks

 

[zach0660]

I have decided to downgrade to a 40breeder. I like the height of the 40 and it will be easier to aquascape with my new rock that I am ordering.

Anyways I will transfer everything from my 65 to the new tank as soon as it gets drilled. As far as the sand in the 65, should I put the sand from my 65 into the 40 or... should I get new sand and seed it with the old?

I will start a new thread once I get the tank back..

thanks for the replies!!

 

[zach0660]

Does anyone have an idea on what to do with the sand??
Please!

 

[yellowwatchmen]

oops I didn't mean to post this

 

[lvpd186]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11009206#post11009206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zach0660
Does anyone have an idea on what to do with the sand??
Please!

You could probably do either IMO. Moving the sand over would be a little messy but it would help get your tank going and you wouldn't have to buy new stuff. As for the mag 7 they are about $60 bucks at Premium Aquatics .

 

[zach0660]

Would moving the sand over cause any nitrates to get stirred up by chance?

 

[yellowwatchmen]

Are you going to start a new thread for your 40.