Hello!
I'm Joe. I grew up in Plymouth but moved down to Daytona Beach, FL for college. During my last year or two down there, I decided to set up a 90 FOWLR. Which soon escalated to reef status. I rushed into things and made all kinds of mistakes that I could have easily avoided had I taken more time and researched a little more thoroughly. Luckily, I didn't kill any animals... I just made things a bit harder on myself (Lots of algae, leak in the plumbing, horrible rock and not enough of it). So just as I began to get things right, I got hired for my dream job in Warwick, RI. I sold the tank and hit the road to begin the training process.
Now I'm all done training and I'm settled in RI. It's time to start planning my new tank!
My original idea was a 20 x 20 x 18 rimless cube with starphire glass on 3 sides, but it turns out that I could only get this custom made and $700 (Miracle aquariums) is more than I'm willing to pay. I found a 25 x 18 x 18 rimless tank in starphire for $189 from greenleaf aquariums. I think it's going to be the one! The only problem is that it's not drilled and I'll need to install an overflow as well. Are there any locals who would do this for a price? Or for some frags down the road or something? I'll drive up to Boston or wherever necessary.
I'm going to light the tank with a DIY LED fixture, as documented on several of the major forums. I think I'll try and incorporate the new Cree XP-G LEDs. I'm undecided as to how many LEDs I'll need for full coverage
The stand will be custom built as well. I'm not so skilled with woodworking, but my grandfather is fantastic and has all the tools I could ever need. I want a very simple, clean look. It will probably be all black and completely smooth, no handles. The two side panels and the front will be held on by magnets; that way I can remove them for easy maintenance.
For flow I'm gonna go with an MP20. Anyone know of a good return pump for a tank of this size? Stand height will be 35'' plus 16'' or so to the top of the overflow... +/- 50'' vertical travel.
Skimmer of choice at the moment is the Vertex IN 80, might change by the time everything is put together.
Rock's probably going to come from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Anyone have experience with them?
Thats all for now. I'll be sure to start a build thread when I start the ball rolling! Glad to be a part of BR, I've heard good things
I'm Joe. I grew up in Plymouth but moved down to Daytona Beach, FL for college. During my last year or two down there, I decided to set up a 90 FOWLR. Which soon escalated to reef status. I rushed into things and made all kinds of mistakes that I could have easily avoided had I taken more time and researched a little more thoroughly. Luckily, I didn't kill any animals... I just made things a bit harder on myself (Lots of algae, leak in the plumbing, horrible rock and not enough of it). So just as I began to get things right, I got hired for my dream job in Warwick, RI. I sold the tank and hit the road to begin the training process.
Now I'm all done training and I'm settled in RI. It's time to start planning my new tank!
My original idea was a 20 x 20 x 18 rimless cube with starphire glass on 3 sides, but it turns out that I could only get this custom made and $700 (Miracle aquariums) is more than I'm willing to pay. I found a 25 x 18 x 18 rimless tank in starphire for $189 from greenleaf aquariums. I think it's going to be the one! The only problem is that it's not drilled and I'll need to install an overflow as well. Are there any locals who would do this for a price? Or for some frags down the road or something? I'll drive up to Boston or wherever necessary.
I'm going to light the tank with a DIY LED fixture, as documented on several of the major forums. I think I'll try and incorporate the new Cree XP-G LEDs. I'm undecided as to how many LEDs I'll need for full coverage
The stand will be custom built as well. I'm not so skilled with woodworking, but my grandfather is fantastic and has all the tools I could ever need. I want a very simple, clean look. It will probably be all black and completely smooth, no handles. The two side panels and the front will be held on by magnets; that way I can remove them for easy maintenance.
For flow I'm gonna go with an MP20. Anyone know of a good return pump for a tank of this size? Stand height will be 35'' plus 16'' or so to the top of the overflow... +/- 50'' vertical travel.
Skimmer of choice at the moment is the Vertex IN 80, might change by the time everything is put together.
Rock's probably going to come from Tampa Bay Saltwater. Anyone have experience with them?
Thats all for now. I'll be sure to start a build thread when I start the ball rolling! Glad to be a part of BR, I've heard good things
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