Todd's Square 35g Reef Build

[TheTodd]

With my 240g FOWLR going fallow for the next couple months, I decided to start our bedroom corner tank. I had an acrylic hexagon that was used as a QT, but wanted to go larger, reef and square tanks have been catching my eye lately, so square it was. Here is what I came up with today. It is 24x24x14".

The stand is lower than I want, so I'm going to see if I can get another 8-10" added to the top, so it is more eye level on my side of the bed. I'm also going to build a simple hood. I am going to run a hanger off the wall for the LED panel.

I have not figured out filtration yet. Leaning towards a HOB skimmer and weekly water changes, but am going to look into something underneath. Not sure if there is enough height for a small sump and skimmer now, but will see once I add height to the stand.

I hope to get one that is 24" tall, so I'm watching CL to see if one comes up. This works for now, as I plan to add frags. The extra height will allow me to spread things out as they grow.

 

[TheTodd]

Here's what I've got in another tank waiting to go in...

Grandis Paly


Purple and Green Hammer


King Midas Zoas


Flamin' Punk Rockers (already doubled from 2 to 4 in just two weeks)


Superman Mushroom


Ricordia


Green Starburst Polyps (briareium)


St. Thomas Mushroom

 

[Oscarr19]

I too am upgrading to a 35 cube in my bedroom. Only my tank is 20x20x20. I was thinking for filtration an aquatop cf400uv + weekly WC/canister cleaning. Anyway, that might change and I'm following along for any ideas!

 

[TheTodd]

I kinda wish I went a little taller, but I think this will work for a while. I'm just buying frags to start. I think eventually I will go with a 24x24x24 as some things grow.

I'm still working on making the stand taller. Been busy with family on the weekends, so it's going slower than I had hoped. I grabbed a CPR BakPak skimmer on eBay. I figure between that and weekly water changes and light stocking, things should work out.

 

[TheTodd]

Almost forgot... The Flamin' Punk Rockers are up to 6 now!

 

[Fishman007]

Looking good! Any plans for fish?

 

[Fishman007]

I kinda wish I went a little taller, but I think this will work for a while. I'm just buying frags to start. I think eventually I will go with a 24x24x24 as some things grow.

I'm still working on making the stand taller. Been busy with family on the weekends, so it's going slower than I had hoped. I grabbed a CPR BakPak skimmer on eBay. I figure between that and weekly water changes and light stocking, things should work out.

I have a CPR bak pak on my 37g, works great, gives me half a cup a day.

 

[TheTodd]

I have a CPR bak pak on my 37g, works great, gives me half a cup a day.

That is good to hear. I got it used, but I figure for the price, it will do for now.

 

[TheTodd]

Looking good! Any plans for fish?

I gave plans , but never seem to stick to them 100%. As if right now, I am looking at getting a Rainsford Goby, Randall's Goby, either a Tanaka's Pygmy or White a Banded Possum wrasse and maybe a Lawnmower Blenny. Maybe add a shrimp to pair with the goby? Maybe some snails and an interesting crab or two (porcelain or something like that). I kinda want to keep stocking minimal and stay with fairly small fish. My longer term goals are to go taller (20" or 24") and I might add more at that point. We will see how much of this sticks with the plan.

 

[Sniperhank]

Small tanks are great for 'specialized' inverts. Porcelain crabs are awesome...but how about some pom poms in there?

 

[Fishman007]

I gave plans , but never seem to stick to them 100%. As if right now, I am looking at getting a Rainsford Goby, Randall's Goby, either a Tanaka's Pygmy or White a Banded Possum wrasse and maybe a Lawnmower Blenny. Maybe add a shrimp to pair with the goby? Maybe some snails and an interesting crab or two (porcelain or something like that). I kinda want to keep stocking minimal and stay with fairly small fish. My longer term goals are to go taller (20" or 24") and I might add more at that point. We will see how much of this sticks with the plan.

I have a starry blenny in all of my tanks big enough to have one, great fish. Everything else sounds good, but let me warn you! Feed your pistol shrimp nori twice a week, my pistol in my 20g has killed and eaten-

2 margarita snails
1 nassarius snail
1 banded trochus snail
5 dwarf zebra hermits

And has attacked-
Baby starry blenny (1")
Blue tux urchin
2" blue nuckel hermit

And the shrimp is only 2 1/2"!

 

[TheTodd]

Small tanks are great for 'specialized' inverts. Porcelain crabs are awesome...but how about some pom poms in there?

Yes, Pom Poms were the other I was thinking about. Never had them, but they sound interesting.

 

[TheTodd]

...but let me warn you! Feed your pistol shrimp nori twice a week...!

I will keep that on mind. My LFS gets pairs sometimes, so when I am ready, I will probably grab whatever I see first. The shrimp/goby relationship is interesting, so I'm not picky on the exact pairing.

 

[Fishman007]

I will keep that on mind. My LFS gets pairs sometimes, so when I am ready, I will probably grab whatever I see first. The shrimp/goby relationship is interesting, so I'm not picky on the exact pairing.

Yeah, its pretty cool, my yellow watchman and shrimp paired up a few months ago. But they have had some fighting so its every week they get in a fight and break up, then get back together. Wierd but funny!

 

[Fishman007]

Yes, Pom Poms were the other I was thinking about. Never had them, but they sound interesting.

Probably wouldnt ever see it, they stay really small right?

 

[TheTodd]

I think they get up to about an inch.

 

[Sniperhank]

Had 3 in my 55 and saw them here and there. It was a great treat to see them. Then I got a marine betta.

 

[TheTodd]

Would a Coral Banded Shrimp get along with a Pistol? They had them at the LFS today and I almost grabbed one, but then figured I would wait and be sure.

 

[Fishman007]

Would a Coral Banded Shrimp get along with a Pistol? They had them at the LFS today and I almost grabbed one, but then figured I would wait and be sure.

Ive heard of some fighting and killing. Dont have a personal experience.

 

[TheTodd]

That's why I try not to do impulse buys. . Anyone else have experience with those having issues with one another. I'm kinda leaning towards going with just the pistol if I have to choose between the two.