First Reef Aquarium

[seamcintyre]

Hello everyone my name is Chris and I've been lurking on this forum for a long time, however just recently registered. I really want to express how thankful I am from this wealth of information. I've been able to research on this forum and then start creating one of the most beautiful and most enjoyable things I think I ever have. So thanks, sincerely.

I've been keeping freshwater aquariums for quite a good amount of time but only four short months ago did my 240 (8x2x2) finish cycling after a decision to take my first venture into marine aquaria.

At the time I didn't think to make a build thread considering I did quite a bit of diy work. My first time doing any retrofit lighting, making a sump, doing electrical work or anything more than really simple plumbing.

For lighting I have x4 54w ATI Blue+ and x4 54w ATI Aquablue Special with Tek reflectors running off of two Workhorse 7 ballasts. I'm not planning on doing any SPS or anything so I figured they would be fine since they're mounted just 4" above the waters surface.

For the filtration I have a 40G sump and a 40G refugium. The overflows are herbie style (they really are absolutely silent ) they drain into two 100 micron filter socks which I swap out everyday. In the drain chamber of the sump there is a BRS reactor running GAC and a Coralife turbo-twist UV sterilizer. Also a Skimz 161 which I obtained for next to nothing. Although I imagine is not exactly the proper size for my water volume however I will upgrade it however once I increase my bioload.

For returns I am running two mag 18s that I've had sitting around forever, they're able to be throttled back (which they are) and are teed to control the flow to my fuge which then returns to my drain chamber via u-tube. There is also two Koralia 1200 in the tank for circulation. Since none of my aquascape is touching any walls I seem to get a really good circulation and some current bouncing all over in the display with just the combination of the return pumps and the Koralias.

I have everything in the tank controlled by a Digital Aquatics Reefkeeper Lite v3. Returns, lights, circulation, skimmer, heaters, and a float switch/ATO combo that I don't have completely set up yet because I just have not got around to finding a reservoir that I want to use yet. I'm sure there is much more that I will be able to use the controller for in the future but I'm still playing with it.

Here are some pictures of stuff sorry but I only have a cellphone camer the tank is still very empty but over the next 8-12 months I'm sure that will change

[Nonameben]

That aquascaping is sweet Chris! I'm really loving it. What sort of fish are you planning on adding?

[seamcintyre]

Thanks i like the way it looks as well. Im planning on keeping an emphasis on smaller fish.

I already have;
4 Green Chromis
4 False Percula Clowfish
1 Firefish
1 Banggai Cardinalfish
1 Golden Midas Blenny
1 McCosker's Flasher Wrasse

I probably will end up doing a group of anthias maybe Bartlett's? For sure some more wrasses, a couple tangs. I'm still reading a lot about livestock so any suggestions would be great.

[daplatapus]

Very nice tank and aquascaping. I'm trying to get my wife to let me upgrade from my 80 to something like yours. Keep the pics and progress coming.
I couldn't imagine my tank without my skunk cleaner shrimp. He's got tons of personality and acts more like your favourite dog than a shrimp.
I've also heard very positive things about yellow eye kole tangs. Some have said they're the most under rated fish you can get for your tank. I've got mine ordered and should have him Thursday night.
I've also been looking at the Bartlett's Anthias but my LFS has been out. They seem like a really nice fish also.

[seamcintyre]

Today I obtained

1 Royal Gramma Basslet
1 Falco Hawkfish
1 Six Spot Sleeper Goby
1 Cleaner Wrasse

1 Trachyphyllia
1 Caulastrea
1 Chalice
1 Hammer

They all look great

[Nonameben]

Let's see some pictures when you get a second!
The midas blenny will be my first fish, I'm excited to add him soon!

[Sonny408]

nice set up. nice mixer of fish.