Rekindling the fire!

Toobs124 · 08/03/2016, 02:30 PM

Hello! I am new to the forum but I might as well introduce myself and tell my story.

Back when I was in college (about 12 years ago) I started a reef tank. Because I was basically broke, I had to choose budget options when purchasing equipment for my tank. I eventually ended up with a 40 gallon breeder with a 10 gallon DIY sump/refugium, a penguin HOB filter, and a seaclone HOB protein skimmer. I inherited a bunch of used supplies which helped me out alot: a heater, and overflow, and a return pump. After working countless hours of overtime, I was able to purchase about 40 pounds of Walt Smith premium Fiji rock and after it cycled I had a couple xenias and other soft corals. I loved my reef; however, I did not feel that it was operating at its full potential. After consulting with fish pro's on another web forum, I was able to determine that my tank was struggling because I was not able to afford proper lighting and I simply needed a better protein skimmer. After graduating, I was forced to sell my entire set up to my neighbor which devastated me. I remember telling myself,"One day, when I make some money, I will build myself an awesome reef tank." 12 years later that day has come!

I was working a late shift with my buddy who has a 35 gallon tank and we got to talking about my old reef tank. I remembered how challenging and intricate the hobby is. So just for kicks, I ended up looking at tank equipment on Amazon. I began adding items to my cart to see the total cost for a moderate reef build. It was alot more than I expected. I thought it over for a week and mixed/matched equipment on various websites until I got the price down to what I thought I could afford. I deliberated over it for a few more days and I finally decided to pull the trigger. I chose the following equipment based on my budget and spacial considerations:

-55 Gallon glass tank 55$
-Eshopps R200 sump/refugium 260$
-Bubble Magus Curve 5 protein skimmer 220$
-Kessil AW360E- tuna blue X 2
-Jebao PP4 wavemaker 60$
-Rio + 780 GPH return pump 60$
-Reef Octopus Media Reactor 100$
-250 watt Aqueon heater 30$
-cheap home depot 5k bulb with clamp on ballast 15$

I also bought a 6 stage RO/DI filter which I really wanted back in the day but I could not afford (no more fish store water!). Luckily I kept my Brute trash can that I used for storing emergency water.

I will try to post some photos when I can figure out how to do it on the site.

Thanks for reading this!

Toobs124 · 08/03/2016, 05:45 PM

Toobs124 · 08/03/2016, 05:55 PM

Here is the beggining of the project: Just after I cut the holes for the bulkheads, now starting the PVC return

Here is the tank after I drilled the bulkhead holes and sprayed the back with plasti dip

After installing the bulkheads and PVC fittings. I was a bit worried about leakage so I used PVC cement.

Cut holes in my brand new house for the overflows

And another hole in the return line. I was lucky to find this handy flexible PVC tube at HD, which would make life alot easier for me during tank maintenance.

I outfitted some of the holes with these covers, just to keep it clean

This is the inside of my storage closet. It's almost a perfect place for a sump, it takes up the dead space!

Well that's all for now, I am waiting on my live rock to arrive tomorrow. I am very excited.

NAClFiSHy · 08/03/2016, 05:56 PM

That's cool toss up some pic's along the way and welcome back.

Toobs124 · 08/03/2016, 07:28 PM

I absolutely will! I get my live rock tomorrow and I will post some pics.

NAClFiSHy · 08/04/2016, 08:52 AM

Looks good. The storage closet is a win. If we remodel our house rather than buy a new one I'm going to have to get a closet like that in a family room. My wife would love it....

Toobs124 · 08/04/2016, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NAClFiSHy

Looks good. The storage closet is a win. If we remodel our house rather than buy a new one I'm going to have to get a closet like that in a family room. My wife would love it....

Yeah I was really hesistant about cutting holes in my wall but then I remembered, that's what spackle is for!

Toobs124 · 08/08/2016, 12:13 PM

About 30 pounds of premium fiji and 40 pounds of fiji totoka. Water was cloudy for a day or so but it eventually cleared up. My skimmer is going crazy but I know it will eventually break in. Now to start testing the water.

Toobs124 · 08/09/2016, 12:58 PM

08/03/2016, 02:30 PM	#1
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0	Rekindling the fire! Hello! I am new to the forum but I might as well introduce myself and tell my story. Back when I was in college (about 12 years ago) I started a reef tank. Because I was basically broke, I had to choose budget options when purchasing equipment for my tank. I eventually ended up with a 40 gallon breeder with a 10 gallon DIY sump/refugium, a penguin HOB filter, and a seaclone HOB protein skimmer. I inherited a bunch of used supplies which helped me out alot: a heater, and overflow, and a return pump. After working countless hours of overtime, I was able to purchase about 40 pounds of Walt Smith premium Fiji rock and after it cycled I had a couple xenias and other soft corals. I loved my reef; however, I did not feel that it was operating at its full potential. After consulting with fish pro's on another web forum, I was able to determine that my tank was struggling because I was not able to afford proper lighting and I simply needed a better protein skimmer. After graduating, I was forced to sell my entire set up to my neighbor which devastated me. I remember telling myself,"One day, when I make some money, I will build myself an awesome reef tank." 12 years later that day has come! I was working a late shift with my buddy who has a 35 gallon tank and we got to talking about my old reef tank. I remembered how challenging and intricate the hobby is. So just for kicks, I ended up looking at tank equipment on Amazon. I began adding items to my cart to see the total cost for a moderate reef build. It was alot more than I expected. I thought it over for a week and mixed/matched equipment on various websites until I got the price down to what I thought I could afford. I deliberated over it for a few more days and I finally decided to pull the trigger. I chose the following equipment based on my budget and spacial considerations: -55 Gallon glass tank 55$ -Eshopps R200 sump/refugium 260$ -Bubble Magus Curve 5 protein skimmer 220$ -Kessil AW360E- tuna blue X 2 -Jebao PP4 wavemaker 60$ -Rio + 780 GPH return pump 60$ -Reef Octopus Media Reactor 100$ -250 watt Aqueon heater 30$ -cheap home depot 5k bulb with clamp on ballast 15$ I also bought a 6 stage RO/DI filter which I really wanted back in the day but I could not afford (no more fish store water!). Luckily I kept my Brute trash can that I used for storing emergency water. I will try to post some photos when I can figure out how to do it on the site. Thanks for reading this!

08/08/2016, 12:13 PM	#8
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0	Live Rock is in About 30 pounds of premium fiji and 40 pounds of fiji totoka. Water was cloudy for a day or so but it eventually cleared up. My skimmer is going crazy but I know it will eventually break in. Now to start testing the water.

08/09/2016, 12:58 PM	#9
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0	Tank cleared up, rock is curing

08/03/2016, 05:45 PM	#2
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0

08/03/2016, 05:55 PM	#3
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0	Here is the beggining of the project: Just after I cut the holes for the bulkheads, now starting the PVC return Here is the tank after I drilled the bulkhead holes and sprayed the back with plasti dip After installing the bulkheads and PVC fittings. I was a bit worried about leakage so I used PVC cement. Cut holes in my brand new house for the overflows And another hole in the return line. I was lucky to find this handy flexible PVC tube at HD, which would make life alot easier for me during tank maintenance. I outfitted some of the holes with these covers, just to keep it clean This is the inside of my storage closet. It's almost a perfect place for a sump, it takes up the dead space! Well that's all for now, I am waiting on my live rock to arrive tomorrow. I am very excited.

08/03/2016, 05:56 PM	#4
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	That's cool toss up some pic's along the way and welcome back.

08/03/2016, 07:28 PM	#5
Toobs124 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Posts: 0	I absolutely will! I get my live rock tomorrow and I will post some pics.

08/04/2016, 08:52 AM	#6
NAClFiSHy Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 61	Looks good. The storage closet is a win. If we remodel our house rather than buy a new one I'm going to have to get a closet like that in a family room. My wife would love it....