Hey everyone, Im going to use this thread to document my first reef build. I made the decision to go for it and start researching a few months ago and have been reading AA non stop since.
Ok, well I first decided on a tank. I thought a 55 would be nice and when I found one on Craigslist I jumped on it. Here it is, still dirty but holds water. I thought initially an open sump would be a good idea.
So I started planning a 55g reef, but didnt like the depth front to back and started to think a cabinet stand would be a better idea. Just so happens that in the beginning of Dec my
LFS had a blowout sale and I scored this. An Aqueon 75G tank undrilled with stand. I know being compulsive in the pet store isnt a good idea, but what can I say. Wifes face was priceless when I walked in the door with another one. The 55 sold pretty quick on Craigslist and I broke even on it....phew
Now the planning comes. Forums are amazing for that. I worked in a
LFS shortly after high school while going to college in the late 90s and wow, things have changed. Fluval was the end all be all back then and possibly accompanied by bio balls somewhere heh, I sold so many of those....refugium skimmer combo is the way Im going now.
Ok so....issue. I dont like the stand. It just doesnt instill confidence. Im sure it would be ok, but I can do better. So next project, the stand. Here it is about halfway finished. Two large cabinet doors will cover the front, and painted black. I considered stain, but the cabinet doors are a recycle off an old project and wont take stain unless I want to refinish them.....we'll see. But stand should be done in a couple days.
Good news is that my
LFS agreed to take the old stand back in exchange for credit. Cool......was going to need to buy salt and a heater anyway.
Next I decided drilling was the way to go. So I ordered a 1500gph dual drain from
gl@ss-holes.com as well as a 3/4" return. I dont plan on running the return pump more than 700 but having dual drains gives piece of mind.
Drilling really was a piece of cake, just open up the fun dip that comes with your overflow and crack a beer.
Finally I ran across a great candidate for a QT on craigslist and brought it home tonight
I scored a Reef Octopus Extreme 160 for christmas that is going into a 20 long sump refugium which reminds me, I need to call the glass store for the baffles. Im in no rush and am taking my time on this one. But I'll post here when I have updates or questions. Thanks for looking.
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