2 years out of the hobby/starting from scratch

[yitbos]

Its been a long time. I pulled out of the hobby 2 1/2 years ago after the wife and I found out our unborn son, Liam, would need open heart surgery once he was born. Needless to say, my focus was diverted to raising a healthy boy and my 55 gallon reef and all things living within it were turned into pungent, salty, toxic soup........
2 years later, I have decided to introduce my boys to hobby that I hope they will love as much as I do. I am going bigger with a new 72 gal bow front, a new 55 gallon / 3 chamber fuge, a 110 reef octopus skimmer, a custom diy stand, and a reinvigorated thirst to selfishly spend my money!!! Pictures to come soon.
I look forward to asking many questions as I move a little closer to getting some water in the new tank.

Bobby

 

[wdebenedettojr]

Don't we all just love wasting our money on this hobby lol. Good luck!!

 

[jason401]

Welcome back Bob

 

[Flame Angel]

Welcome Back! Good to hear things are well.

See you around.

 

[yitbos]

Here are some pics from the DIY tank to now. Its been about a month and I am up and running.....

 

[yitbos]

Part Deux:

 

[yitbos]

So far, here is what I got:
72 gallon glass bowfront, DIY birtch stand, 55 gallon sump (33 actual gallons), 110 reef octopus, Mag 5 pump, 80lbs black Hawaiian live sand, unknown ammount of rock with about 25lbs of live rock. I have two old light fixtures, one with t5's and one with CFL's. Not sure what direction I am going to go with that. I am glad to be back and I would appreciate any feedback, tips, and constructive criticism.

 

[freakit]

Looks good!

 

[Flame Angel]

Man, you jumped right back in at full speed.

 

[CAPSLOCK]

That's a really sharp looking stand. It's going to be an awesome setup.

For my tastes, the rock is arranged a bit too linear/uniform across the top. I think it would look a bit more natural without the steady slope downwards. Otherwise I really like the black sand and the variety of rock types with the little shelf pieces.

 

[yitbos]

That's a really sharp looking stand. It's going to be an awesome setup.

For my tastes, the rock is arranged a bit too linear/uniform across the top. I think it would look a bit more natural without the steady slope downwards. Otherwise I really like the black sand and the variety of rock types with the little shelf pieces.

I was shooting from the hip without any plans for the stand. It is strong as hell and I like the way it looks so far. I still need to hit it wish some corner trim and moldings. I wish I would have painted the inside before I filled it up. With all the moisture, I am concerned about swelling in the wood. I will eventually build a matching canopy.
I have been playing with the slope. I have had the rocks laid out a few different ways. The big thing is that I am not sure what type of lighting i am going to use and I wanted several different levels for light penetration. But I will play with it a bit more while it cycles.

 

[yitbos]

Man, you jumped right back in at full speed.

Go fast or go home. I wish it would cycle fast. LOL.

 

[yitbos]

Looks good!

Thanks