50g Build

[GasGuzzler]

So after about a year since "getting back in" and setting up a FOWLR, I took the leap back into a reef tank. Mostly everything for this build has come from members here, so thank you all for that. It's a 36x18x18 rimless with an Emerald 26 sump, XR30 G4 Pro, Reef Octo 110, Sicce Syncra 3, an Apex A3 and a Kessil H180 for the refugium.

 

[DylanCameron]

Sweet tank, rock work looks nice! Looking forward to seeing this fill up

 

[GasGuzzler]

The metal stand is just for structure, I plan on making some wood "skins" trimmed out and stained all purdy to hide the frame. I'm hoping to counter sink some magnets behind the panels so the entire front can come off rather than do doors

 

[GasGuzzler]

This was when I finally got the rocks all put together. The small one on the right will be a zoa/shroom

garden

 

[GasGuzzler]

And today I've been working on a controller board...first attempt, don't laugh haha. Had to move the Apex controller because of the return line.

 

[ReeferSutherland]

Good start! Looks like theres going to be lots more on the board? Are you going to keep the wood finish or paint it after layout?

 

[GasGuzzler]

I painted it yesterday and just getting back to set it all up. Stay tuned haha

 

[GasGuzzler]

So after a lot of cursing, this is where it sits today. Not really happy with the mess in the back, but at least it's off the floor

 

[GasGuzzler]

Just need some clamps and a mount for the Kessil, then its time to fill it up!

 

[dilligaf29]

coming along nice

 

[BiGGiePauls33]

Looks great, thanks for sharing

 

[GasGuzzler]

Here we go....

 

[GasGuzzler]

I underestimated the water I mixed up so I don't have enough to get the sump running. I have the Nero and a backup heater in it for the night and I'll turn everything on tomorrow.

 

[GasGuzzler]

Got the cycle done with the Brightwell kit, and found some time today to get a pair of frostbite clowns and purple firefish settled in. Found a cool zoa combo rock too haha

 

[DylanCameron]

Now the fun begins, lol. I see some SPS in there, you’re brave!

 

[GasGuzzler]

Haha yeah I couldn't help it. They've been in a few days, doing well so far!

 

[GasGuzzler]

So after a very successful trip to Granite State Aquatics today, I got the tank filled out fairly well. I highly recommend the trip to see Josh and his farm! Today I got:
Purple stylo colony
Cherry tree monti cap
Meteor shower cyphastrea
Vivid confetti acro
Rasta zoas
Keds reds zoas
Once i learn to take better pictures and they settle in I'll get better pictures haha

 

[GasGuzzler]

Everything is settling in VERY nicely and coloring up with great extension. Thanks to @ReeferSutherland I will be PAR mapping the aquascape tonight to make sure they're all in the right place

 

[EarlZyrtek]

We started our builds around the same time! I really like your rock placement, is that the purple stylo at the top? It's beautiful. I bought this to help with the blue light on the phone camera:
https://www.amazon.com/ORPHEK-LENS-...2&sprefix=reef+tank+phone+lens,aps,81&sr=8-10

 

[GasGuzzler]

Thanks. I moved some stuff around after finding some surprising PAR dead spots last night, and everything is super happy today, even with the light only on 45%. I'm ramping it up 5% a week until I hit 70%. That's the intensity to get the acros at 250. Do you have a build thread?