ETBReefer's GBI (Getting back in) Reef

[ETBReefer05]

Ladies and Gentleman,
Reformatting this post so that its a little more organized. I will also be posting some designs, such as live rock layout and plumbing design so you can see some of my plans, here goes:
Display Type: Mixed Reef with Clowns, Wrasses, and other smaller fish
.
Display Tank: 75 Gallon Glass (48x18 footprint) DIY Drilled Overflow (Glass-holes) and Return (3/4 inch PVC)

Live Rock: 45lbs in the show, perhaps more in the sump

Live Sand: Tropic Eden Reeflakes

Sump: 29 gallon (possibly changing to a short tank depending on stand)

Lighting: 6 Bulb T5 Fixture with LED Moonlights

Skimmer: Bubble Magus or Reef Octopus rated for around 150 gallons

Powerheads: Probably Koralias or Jebao WP40 Wavemaker for a total of about 1700GPH (going for 20-25x flow for return pumps and Powerheads combined)

Return Pump: Going for a 900GPH for 10x turnover (Love the Eheim pumps, so I'll go for one of those as my dream pump)

[ETBReefer05]

After doing some research I've decided to either do the reef breeder photon or just DIY. Do you guys think I could get away with the 36 inch model of the photon for a mixed reef at 26 inches deep?

[ETBReefer05]

Drawing up some ideas for rock and sand. I think that I will go light on the rock, make 3 or 4 distinct islands. If anyone has ordered from Marco rocks, is the Key Largo rock something that I could get away using 25 lbs in my display? I would also like to get a moderate sand bed, maybe 2 inches, I'm thinking I'll do two 30lb bags...any input is appreciated since I haven't done this in a minute...:highfive3:

[ETBReefer05]

The following is a preemptive fish list and includes a few more fish than I intend to keep, I will narrow it down when the time comes and obviously, I will probably be a little more spontaneous in my selection, however this gives me some guidelines!

Rhomboidalis Wrasse
Lemonpeel-Halfback Hybrid
Neon Blue Damsel OR Orangetail Blue Damsel
Psuedochromis
Cardinal Fish
Firefish
Flame Hawkfish
Kole Yellow Eye Tang
Midas Blenny
Mystery Wrasse
2 Clownfish (Probably Tal's Black Occelaris)
Solon Wrasse
Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
McCosker's Wrasse

[schminksbro]

Drawing up some ideas for rock and sand. I think that I will go light on the rock, make 3 or 4 distinct islands. If anyone has ordered from Marco rocks, is the Key Largo rock something that I could get away using 25 lbs in my display? I would also like to get a moderate sand bed, maybe 2 inches, I'm thinking I'll do two 30lb bags...any input is appreciated since I haven't done this in a minute...:highfive3:
I would strongly recommend live rock. I have had several customers use dry rock and had continuous problems with cyano and diatoms. The customers who cash in a switched to live rock had the problems go away almost immediately while the more stubborn are still fighting the problems. Dry rock is cheaper but it isn't better.

[ETBReefer05]

I would strongly recommend live rock. I have had several customers use dry rock and had continuous problems with cyano and diatoms. The customers who cash in a switched to live rock had the problems go away almost immediately while the more stubborn are still fighting the problems. Dry rock is cheaper but it isn't better.

Thanks Andy, I will definitely consider this. My first two tanks were live rock to which I added some DIY rock that Chris made. I have never used Dry rock, and it seems now that I've looked around the interwebs that live rock is the way to go so that I don't leach tons of phosphates.


I would suggest not adding these fish:

Lemonpeel-Halfback Hybrid Very high risk of picking at pretty much all types of corals
Neon Blue Damsel OR Orangetail Blue Damsel Highly aggressive, especially as they grow.... and when it is harder to get the out of the tank
Flame Hawkfish will perch on and irritate corals, can become aggressive as well
Mystery Wrasse aggressive, especially towards other wrasses

A couple fish to consider IMO:

Lyretail Anthias Nice color, add alot of activity to the tank, hardier then many other anthias
Leopard wrasse nice colors, decently active, will help protect corals from pests, just all around cool fish IMO
Yellow coris wrasse hard to beat color, active reef guardian

Also, adding a couple flasher wrasses instead of just the one would make them flash more, the Dot dash/line spot flasher and/or Yellow Fin flasher would be nice additions with the McCoskers IMO.

Thanks Chris, always appreciate the input. I knew that the smaller angels picked at corals, but is the lemonpeel much different from a Coral Beauty or Flame Angel? I've had a coral beauty before and he picked at a particular soft coral in my tank for a few weeks and then stopped once he acclimated to the feeding patterns.
I had heard that damsels were agressive, but I thought only toward each other (more research required)
Hawk fish I had not thought of as being a problem in a reef, but when you put it that way, I will reconsider, last thing I need is my corals being bumped around the tank. Also, I know certain wrasses are aggressive toward other wrasses. IMO, I would rather have the more tame wrasses, but I seek after wrasses that will also add flair and color. Most wrasses fit the colorful bill so I will research compatibility and after looking a little, will highly consider the yellow coris!

[ETBReefer05]

I've never made any DIY rock, I have a few pieces that I think were man made but not by myself.
Yeah, that, I know you had some shelf pieces that you had given me.

[binford4000]

I would strongly recommend live rock. I have had several customers use dry rock and had continuous problems with cyano and diatoms. The customers who cash in a switched to live rock had the problems go away almost immediately while the more stubborn are still fighting the problems. Dry rock is cheaper but it isn't better.

Ah not sure I agree with that one. Dry rock done incorrectly is harder I would agree with. My newest system I used all Marco rocks dry rock. I have yet to have diatoms,alge ,really any issues and the system will be a year old soon.If you want to avoid hitch hackers and start with solid parasite control I.e. red bugs,flat worms,AEFW and the list just goes on and on start with dry rock . The key to starting with dry rock is to use a quality enzyme treatment as soon as you get the water salty and let it cycle for gods sake !! I even used dry rock in my fuge this time. I used enzyme 9 and just followed the instructions and waited for the ammonia spike... It takes patience but is well worth it. I personally will never use live rock from a LFS or another reefer to start a tank again !! Just my .02 tho. Oh yeah the Marco rock is sweet,very porous and works great for making islands. My tank is nothing but islands. Best way to get good flow IMHO.

[ETBReefer05]

Thanks Binford, I have been debating this since Andy made his post and I know you can be successful either way. In all truth, this will be my third tank, I have the patience to do anything I want. The liverock I used before was easy and fast, but honestly, Algae, Cyano, whatever, can happen in any tank. Certainly phosphates don't help, but I've read horror stories from the live rock and the dry rock camps. My decision certainly isn't going to be an easy one.

[schminksbro]

Ah not sure I agree with that one. Dry rock done incorrectly is harder I would agree with. My newest system I used all Marco rocks dry rock. I have yet to have diatoms,alge ,really any issues and the system will be a year old soon.If you want to avoid hitch hackers and start with solid parasite control I.e. red bugs,flat worms,AEFW and the list just goes on and on start with dry rock . The key to starting with dry rock is to use a quality enzyme treatment as soon as you get the water salty and let it cycle for gods sake !! I even used dry rock in my fuge this time. I used enzyme 9 and just followed the instructions and waited for the ammonia spike... It takes patience but is well worth it. I personally will never use live rock from a LFS or another reefer to start a tank again !! Just my .02 tho. Oh yeah the Marco rock is sweet,very porous and works great for making islands. My tank is nothing but islands. Best way to get good flow IMHO.
The risk of pests from liverock in my experience is wildly overblown. The risk of a never ending cycle, perpetual diatoms, dinos, and cyano with dead rock is pretty high based on the experience of every customer I have who has tried it. There are exceptions to every rule of course but your actually the first person I have heard from who has had a good experience. Most can't even grow coraline even after a year! A pest free reef is easily achievable with live rock.

[ETBReefer05]

Just an update: Going to pick up 75G standard tank, Stand, canopy, Aquatic Life 6 bulb T5 fixture, and Powerheads tomorrow. Will update with pics once I get them home. We're one step closer to seeing things get wet!

[MizTanks]

Love the Dry Pukani from BRS ;) Good luck with whatever you choose! Looking forward to seeing your build.


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[ETBReefer05]

Thanks to @TropicalBuff, went and picked her up today. Shes not much to look at right now, but I will go in with a fine toothed comb (Vinegar Water, and a spackle knife and scrape off the old coraline algae.) The plan is to drill for an overflow box and go from there! I want very much to just continue progressing with this aquarium, but there are so many obstacles in my life that I'm pretty sure its going to be winter before this thing gets wet. :snorkel:

First FTS (lol)
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/75_FTS_1.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/75_FTS_1.jpg.html)

End to End
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/75_End_shot_1.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/75_End_shot_1.jpg.html)

Jebao WP40 Powerhead
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/Jebao_Wp40.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/Jebao_Wp40.jpg.html)

Koralia 1050 and Jebao WP40 w/ controller and power cords
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/Power_Cords.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/Power_Cords.jpg.html)

[ETBReefer05]

Took the tank out today and scraped all the old crusties off, then filled her up just to check that she held water. I'm beginning to think the stand I bought isn't going to suit my needs so I'll probably build another, I'll post a picture of what the tank looks like after cleaning it so you can get a before and after.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130726_162501.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130726_162501.jpg.html)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130726_162454.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130726_162454.jpg.html)

[ETBReefer05]

It held water, siphoning/bailing the water back out was the fun part since I don't have any pumps yet lol.

[ETBReefer05]

Little update on equipment. Picking up a Bubble Magus NAC6 skimmer this weekend. I like this skimmer from what I've read so far and I know they're a very popular step-up skimmer. I am also fortunate that this skimmer is rated for double my total water volume (at low livestock levels, probably about 60% more than my total water volume at high livestock levels) and so I can rest assured that my skimmer is plus one. I am also looking at picking up a reef octopus Water Blaster, 5000 model I believe (1300 GPH), so I will have enough flow from my return for some SPS, which along with my "overkill" skimmer, I should be great for some sticks!

[MizTanks]

Wow that tank came out clean!! Great job!

[ETBReefer05]

Thank you. All it took was a paint scraper and some elbow grease. Just had to be careful around the silicone.

Sent from Tapatalk 4 on my Galaxy S4

[ETBReefer05]

Picked up the skimmer on Saturday and cleaned it up. binford4000 has a return pump cooking in vinegar that I can pick up at the end of the month. After that, I will build a new stand, order a glass holes overflow kit and drill, Build my sump, Get plumbing then order sand and rock. Still have a little way to go.

Sent from Tapatalk 4 on my Galaxy S4

[ETBReefer05]

Sweet, which return pump are you going to go with?? I hope it won't be sitting in vinegar for that long, I have seen different reports that show some of the epoxies different brands use to seal the pumps have been breaking down with longer exposure to even mild vinegar solutions. Binford has been around and knows alot (and I don't see a reason why it would need to soak that long anyway) so I doubt it will be a problem but just a little note of info ;)

Its a Reef Octopus Bubble Blaster, the 1300GPH model. I'm sure Chuck will only soak it long enough to burn off most of the organics. He knows what he's doing for sure!

[ETBReefer05]

Water Blaster, sorry, its a return pump, heh. Also, have to call BS on the vinegar thing. I mean, vinegar is a weak acid at best and most of us use food grade vinegar which is diluted to boot. Add that to the fact that most of make another solution by adding RO/DI and what you've got is a solution that will dissolve some organics and soft minerals (calcium). Rubber could break down, but plastic won't even blink at vinegar.

[binford4000]

Bubble blaster or water blaster.... the bubble blasters are skimmer pumps, water blasters are return pumps. I don't remember which ones were specifically called out on using the lesser epoxy that broke down easily, but it didnt take much vinegar or a long soak to start to effect the ones that are effected which was why I wanted to bring it up, not even just for you/chuck but anyone who "soaks" pumps as I believe powerheads were susceptible to this failure as well.

Water Blaster5000' which is a return pump rated for 1300 gph roughly. It is a spare that I have laying around. I only soak pumps for a few days then run them for a few hours then disassemble them and clean em up. Afterwards it ran for a few hours in tap water. I have not heard of vinegar effecting plastics or epoxy resigns breaking down in distilled white vinegar. I do know if left exposed to long it will culture mold in the water solution which can cause real problems if not totally cleaned properly. I also make it a practice to check for stray voltage when running the pump in just water with a multimeter. Something I learned when Korillia's first came out.Old habits are hard to break. Thanks for the info tho. :oldman:

[ETBReefer05]

Fair enough lol

Sent from Tapatalk 4 on my Galaxy S4

[binford4000]

Yeah definitely don't blame you on checking for stray voltage at all on any pump.

J/W but why do you soak them for a few days anyways, even some of my pumps that I have left for longer then I should have come clean with a few hour soak and a quick hit with a cheap scrub pad or baby bottle brush (great for cleaning inside of the skimmer as well ;))

I am old and get lazy so why rush it! Besides in 48 hrs everything is just mush cleans up a breeze

[ETBReefer05]

So, my T5 fixture is probably a knockoff. Was on the phone with aquatic life for the last 30 minutes and we couldn't find any of the identifying marks of the company or ANY type of branding (Stripped it down to the ballasts and wires). A little irritated that I was told I was getting an aquaticlife fixture and got this Chinese ripoff. Gonna think about what I should do.

Sent from Tapatalk 4 on my Galaxy S4

[ETBReefer05]

It works, but I feel like it's more trouble than its worth. I'll either sell it darn cheap or keep it for emergencies. Probably going to retrofit

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[ETBReefer05]

Several endcaps are burnt out because they arced. Ive ordered replacements. There are also no active cooling solutions and I took it apart to see what I could do for fans which is when I realized it was a no name. Putting the thing back together was a nightmare because the metal panels didnt want to slide back together. I'm just frustrated I guess. It's a decent fixture with a built in timer.

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[ETBReefer05]

Could you just take it apart and use it as a retro-fit and get good waterproof endcaps?

That's what I would do really if your thinking about going retro.... you already have the guts just got to modify it a little and it would save you a bit compared to trying to sell that cheap then buy the stuff and do it. I'd also use the silicone/waterproof wire nuts, along with the end caps ;)

Yeah, I could do that, but I think I'll just use the fixture as is and try to find a way to mount it in my canopy. I could cut holes in the top and run computer fans for cooling. If I run into a problem with it, I'll gut it and convert to retrofit. I guess the thing that worries me the most is the ballasts. They literally are a cream colored box with no markings whatsoever on them. In their defense, they are electronic ballasts and I think they're 175w (I see 2 ballasts for the t5s and a ballast for the LEDs) and the timer gives me independent controls for each ballast. I will just go ahead and use the fixture. I'm already going to have to replace at least 3 of the bulbs because two are older and one is an aquasun...I want all ATI, KZ, or Geismann bulbs (call me a bulb snob). So, by the time I buy a new retrofit and buy replacement bulbs I could by a new fixture. Besides, I could just use this fixture and then save up for some LEDs :redneck:. I know its not always the best to switch, but I think if I start the LEDs low and slowly power them up over a few weeks, I'll be ok.

[ETBReefer05]

Worked on the Stand this weekend. Got the frame put together, but I think for weight's sake, I will put the plywood and doors on when I put the stand in place. Planning on hardwood plywood on the outside with a red cherry wood stain and some nice trim to make this stand "furniture grade." Will end this post with some pics.

My Lovely Assistant/Fiancee who helped me, along her brother, get this thing square.
http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130818_2106271.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130818_2106271.jpg.html)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130818_2106391.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130818_2106391.jpg.html)

With the tank sitting. There is a small gap at one end that will be taken care of with some Owen and Corning foam insulation.

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130818_213146_RichtoneHDR1.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130818_213146_RichtoneHDR1.jpg.html)

http://i992.photobucket.com/albums/af44/Avatar587/20130818_213206_RichtoneHDR1.jpg (http://s992.photobucket.com/user/Avatar587/media/20130818_213206_RichtoneHDR1.jpg.html)

[binford4000]

God progress !! Looks like your ready for water soon

[ETBReefer05]

The following is a preemptive fish list and includes a few more fish than I intend to keep, I will narrow it down when the time comes and obviously, I will probably be a little more spontaneous in my selection, however this gives me some guidelines!

Rhomboidalis Wrasse
Lemonpeel-Halfback Hybrid
Neon Blue Damsel OR Orangetail Blue Damsel
Psuedochromis
Cardinal Fish
Firefish
Flame Hawkfish
Kole Yellow Eye Tang
Midas Blenny
Mystery Wrasse
2 Clownfish (Probably Tal's Black Occelaris)
Solon Wrasse
Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
McCosker's Wrasse

Been thinking and looking about revising and narrowing my fish list, here is what I think I will be looking at:
3 Misc Flasher Wrasses (Carpenter's, McCoskers, Line Spot/Dot Dash, Yellowfin)
2-3 chromis
2 Purple Firefish
Yellow Eye Kole Tang
Christmas Wrasse
2 Leopard Wrasse (I like any of them really, probably a bipartus, ornate, or potters, but like the black ones too, heck any ole' leopard wrasse is awesome to me, did I already say that?)
Yellow coris wrasse
Solon or Exquisite Fairy Wrasse
2 Black and White Occellaris Clowns

Thats really all I'm comfortable adding and I think I'll probably take a couple fish off of this list, or swap them later. I'm trying to get an idea of when to add the Leopard's and I'm thinking basically I'll probably add the Chromis and Firefish first, slowly let the tank develop, adding soft corals over the first few months. After 2 or 3 months I'll probably add the Leopard wrasses as the first wrasses in the tank, give them a few weeks to adjust and then stock the tank with the Kole Tang and the Clowns being absolutely last. Absolutely open to any criticisms of adding this many fish to a 75 gallon. I will be running a skimmer rated for 180gallons lightly stocked and 130 heavily stocked. Any feedback would be great! :thumbsup:

[ETBReefer05]

Had a small setback today. Went and picked up my old 30 gallon out of storage today and when I was unloading it from the car, my unloading partner wasn't ready to grab it as I pulled it out. We had it in the back of a two door and the tank fell and wedged between the front seat which was leaned forward and the back bench seat. Needless to say the back panel of the tank was toast and its now sitting at the side of the road for trash pickup. I AM very fortunate that this disaster happened during one of Petco's $1 per gallon sales and I will be hitting up my local store this week to get a 20 gallon long to use for my sump. I think this size tank will be easier to work in anyway.

[MizTanks]

Dang that sucks!! Thank the reefer gods for those $1g sales just when ya need it most-lol.

[ETBReefer05]

Went and bought a 20L for the sump. I think it will be okay, but, I'm wondering how much clearance there should be between my skimmer intake and the glass...right now its about 1/2 inch...any thoughts?

[ETBReefer05]

Got my sump going by drawing some mock up lines on the outside of the tank where I would like baffles to be. For the sake of my skimmer, I decided the baffles should be about 10.5 inches tall for the skimmer/drain/reactor section. In all likelihood, I will put my skimmer and Bio-Pellet reactor pump in the drain section, then one 10.5 inch baffle coming down from the bottom of the rim, followed by a 7 inch tall baffle on either end of of the return. I would like to keep it simple, but I would also like to run both a bio-pellet and a carbon reactor. I am a little miffed on the setup of pumps in the sump as I don't want four pumps in there. I have some extra flow from the return pump that I could pump into the carbon reactor so I could plumb that up, but I am also open to suggestions. Finally, I would like any fellow reefers in the Flint area to give me the skinny on a custom glass place at which I could get the baffles cut. My local hardware only does 1/10 inch thick glass, but I want at least 1/8 if not 1/4 inch. Please let me know!

[MizTanks]

Sorry I can't be any help but here's a BUMP for ya :)

[ETBReefer05]

Went and ordered some Glass today from a local glass shop. At first they guy thought I wanted them to make an entire aquarium and didn't understand the sump concept. I explained it to him and he quoted me 9 dollars for 56 sq. ft. of 1/4in glass...pretty good deal! I will attach the plan for my sump in this post, just made a quick sketch in MS Paint, lol. I want to keep my sump down to 3 pumps so I'm going to tee off my return line to run a carbon reactor and then run my Bio-Pellet reactor off of a seperate adjustable pump (Sicce Syncra). I believe I will be ordering a couple of the DIY kits from Avast Marine works. They make a reactor that comes disassembled which can be used for any media, including modded for Biopellets, all for the price of a name brand assembled media reactor.

[ETBReefer05]

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack. Same build going up, so won't start a new thread...It's been in storage all this time! I Can't wait!

[that Reef Guy]

Welcome Back Eric.

[Sir Patrick]

Welcome back man!

I just sent tropical buff a message saying his old tank is getting set up. Sure he will get a kick out of it.

Same fish list? I think its a good list, even these years later.

[ETBReefer05]

Welcome back man!

I just sent tropical buff a message saying his old tank is getting set up. Sure he will get a kick out of it.

Same fish list? I think its a good list, even these years later.


Welcome Back Eric.

Thanks guys, the fish list stands with maybe some minor edits. Not sure how much the market prices have fluctuated...but what the heck I know this ain't a cheap hobby haha

[MizTanks]

ETBReefer05 we want updates!! [emoji2]

[ETBReefer05]

MizTanks new thread inbound. Life threw some curveballs and I got rid of the old setup. New setup information coming shortly. With pics.

[MizTanks]

Looking forward to your build. [emoji1360]