Yet another tank build...

[jonnosteams]

I figured everyone else is doing it nowadays, so why not me.

I wanted to show how not to hurry. Reefing is a constant hurry-up and wait process.

Here's what I started with...
2 old tanks and an old 2 bulb light.

Display tank is a 125g non RR I bought new in '99. The second tank (sump/refugium) is a 55g I bought with the light in '98.

[jonnosteams]

Here's what I've got so far...

The 125 has DSB, base rock, and 2 pieces live rock. There are 2 returns from the sump and 2 old power heads. There is a dreaded HOB overflow with a Tom pump to keep the siphon. The sump has a POS temporary skimmer in the return section and baffels on the right side, the refugium with sand a couple small pieces of LR and some macroalgae with $10 grow light on the right side and a new MAG12 return pump in the middle.

[jonnosteams]

pics as soon as I can get them shrunk down... I know how y'all love them.

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by jonnosteams

Here's what I've got so far...

The 125 has DSB, base rock, and 2 pieces live rock. There are 2 returns from the sump and 2 old power heads. There is a dreaded HOB overflow with a Tom pump to keep the siphon. The sump has a POS temporary skimmer in the return section and baffels on the right side, the refugium with sand a couple small pieces of LR and some macroalgae with $10 grow light on the right side and a new MAG12 return pump in the middle.

Sounds like an awesome start

[jonnosteams]

Here they are...
The tank
tank2.JPG
The overflow
overflow.JPG
The sump
sump.JPG
The fuge
fuge.JPG

[jonnosteams]

All was filled and and running for about 5 weeks now. It's not pretty, but it works for us.

So far, we've got hair and red slime as of today.

There are two clowns and 6 scarlet hermits in there. The 2 clowns are tank raised and they seem to like the far corner without rocks as to running and hiding.

[jonnosteams]

Marco in the fuge has already got some considerable new growth since Sat.

A list of things that have been purchaced for this build:
Mag12 pump
acrylic sheet
grow light
plumbing parts
sand
live sand w/mud

[jonnosteams]

Should I go hood or no hood? I'm looking at some T5s that I can hang. Also, is there a way to get around the 2 crossbars on the top?

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by jonnosteams

Should I go hood or no hood? I'm looking at some T5s that I can hang. Also, is there a way to get around the 2 crossbars on the top?

Not really. They are supports and keep the front/back of the tank from bowing from the water pressure. You will either have to go to a shorter light to fit in between them or go to a different style light all together. Don't remove the center braces.

[jonnosteams]

well, since there are 2 braces (every 2 feet), I guess I'll just leave it like it is. Don't see the point in 3 24" fixtures.

[dobejazz]

congrats on the re build ! looks good so far

[PowerManJ316]

Originally Posted by jonnosteams

well, since there are 2 braces (every 2 feet), I guess I'll just leave it like it is. Don't see the point in 3 24" fixtures.

A lot of people, myself included, cut these braces out (when there is no water in the tank) and then make new braces out of clear acrylic. That way it will still pass a good portion of the light and you can just put your lower light craving corals underneath. Basically cut a piece of acrylic about the same dimensions as the brace and then drill two holes in the ends and use nylon bolts to hold it in place. If you do a search, I am sure you can find several tanks with it. I could also post some pics if you need.

[Loverotties]

Looking good so far!

[jonnosteams]

Latest update...

Friday night we added another 6 hermits and 2 Green Chromis.

Last night I noticed my fuge wasn't holding water... Turns out the front panel and front of the bottom panel had bowed out enough to separate. There was more water leaking out the front than going in. Got it all drained and patched/rebraced and all seems to be working now.

Wife called this morning on her way to work to say she had heard a loud pop before she left. Looks like we lost the only light when the timer tried to kick on. It was a 10 year old light anyway. Told her I could probably scrounge enough for one new 36" T5 fixture ($200), but she said not to worry, she had some extra cash and we'll order one tonight. She also said she'd pay for the other one next month. Gotta love her.

Cyno seems to be waning and the hair is staying in control. Need to test water tonight.

[OneDummHikk]

Originally Posted by jonnosteams

Wife called this morning on her way to work to say she had heard a loud pop before she left. Looks like we lost the only light when the timer tried to kick on. It was a 10 year old light anyway. Told her I could probably scrounge enough for one new 36" T5 fixture ($200), but she said not to worry, she had some extra cash and we'll order one tonight. She also said she'd pay for the other one next month. Gotta love her.

That is how I got the two 36" T5 fixtures I have. I was looking at them and thinking "That won't work on my 90 (it is 48" long)" and left them. They were at a closeout sale from an LFS' closing. Next thing I knew, she bought them and said "You will need them". The only thing she knows about SW tanks is that I have one. Yes, gotta love them.