fort's 57 gallon Rimless Reef Build

[TLTGF]

It's so clean! Is a 5 gallon fuge area going to be beneficial? I had heard before, but never confirmed, that unless you have a "Large regfuge area", then it is pointless. But as of typing this, I am now seeming to recall maybe it was the benefit of a small refuge vs. adding a skimmer... hmmm.

Anyway, I'd love to add a satellite refuge in the future, but wasn't sure it would be worth it. Any comment, or idea?

 

[Ziggy953]

It's so clean! Is a 5 gallon fuge area going to be beneficial? I had heard before, but never confirmed, that unless you have a "Large regfuge area", then it is pointless. But as of typing this, I am now seeming to recall maybe it was the benefit of a small refuge vs. adding a skimmer... hmmm.

Anyway, I'd love to add a satellite refuge in the future, but wasn't sure it would be worth it. Any comment, or idea?

Typically a 10% of the main display is beneficial. So he is in good shape with a 5g fuge. I prefer a larger fuge but having at least 10% of the display as a fuge is good.

 

[TLTGF]

Thanks!

 

[fort384]

My base rock is out for delivery today. I hope to be filling this tank tonight!

 

[fort384]

I just went to set up my pH meter, and realized the probe didn't survive the move. Probably just as well - those things don't last forever anyway. Will have to order a new one.

 

[fort384]

Rock is here. I think I need more. I am seriously considering just buying 5-10 pounds of cured rock from my LFS. Their Rock looks wonderful. Just not sure if it is worth the risk of introducing something bad to the tank. I am gun shy about it.

Please critique the current rock work if you have an opinion on it.

 

[fort384]

Getting a little better....

 

[Ziggy953]

How many pounds is that??

 

[fort384]

54 lbs

 

[mfdrookie516]

Personally, I don't think you want anymore. Once you play around with what you've got, you'll find something that just hits you. IMO, especially with SPS, less is more. Granted, I don't have much experience with reefs yet, but I know that I have seen some stunning tanks that had very little rock. At first, I wanted to just cram mine full because people always say the more the better... now I'm finding myself wanting less and less.

 

[Ziggy953]

hmmmm....I would go with about 40lbs more...

 

[Belladog0]

You need a top for the tank or else you can't have a tank!!!

 

[fort384]

I don't need a top. Plenty of folks run open top tanks.

 

[fort384]

Do I need to wait for sand to add water?

 

[melosu58]

No top needed unless you have some jumpers but I run an open top on my 125. When I did mine I put the sand in and then put the rock in and then added the water. This is a classic build thread. I really like the progress.

 

[Ziggy953]

Do I need to wait for sand to add water?

You can go either way...you will end up with cloudy water for a day or two either way.

I'm filling my tank making SW in the tank and then putting the sand in... After the water clears I will put the rock in.

 

[Ibrahim]

I'd break up a few pieces. Pieces the size of a hand or a little bigger are good. It looks like a little because they are all tightly packed next to each other. Remember youll want alot of caves and those take up space too.

 

[fort384]

Cool. Thanks guys. I put one of my 12 gallon RO tanks in. It is going to take awhile to fill. I suppose I will continue to fill it. I hope the sand comes in this afternoon.


I am happy with the rock work for now.

 

[fort384]

I'd break up a few pieces. Pieces the size of a hand or a little bigger are good. It looks like a little because they are all tightly packed next to each other. Remember youll want alot of caves and those take up space too.

Thanks Ibrahim. I am going to pick up some fist size pieces of cured rock to finish off the scape and seed the rest. I think 5-10 more pounds (maybe 3-4 fist sized pieces) will complete it nicely.

 

[fort384]

So, do you guys use the little sticky clips to attach your vortech wires to the tank? I don't really want to put that sticky stuff on my tank glass and I also like the idea of having the ability to move my power heads without having to pull those clips off. Am I living dangerously by not affixing them? I guess the danger is if they somehow become detached, it could bang against the glass or something?