**My VERY First Reef Tank**55G w/20L Fuge**

[bonzai888]

Hi Everyone,

After a month of research I finally decide to DO IT! I build the stand and the canopy. Made the hanging track for the Giessman. Drilled the tank 1 1/4" drain and 1" return.

Spec:

- Cut a long overflow box in half, cover the bottom with clear acrylic (Thanks Jose and Loud for the overflow(Beacon Aquarium)
- 1 1/4" Drain, homemade bulkhead, 1 1/4" spa flex tube. U tubes before the fuge to makes it silent!
- 1" return from the Fuge to 1" bulkhead into 1/2" custom split to 4 lock-lines. That S shaped 1/2" pipe right after tthe bulkhead took me a while to mod. a 1/2" tube run under the support bim into 2 lock-lines
- a 1" bulkhead was drilled next to the overflow for close loop ready.
- G2 skimmer

PUMPS:
Hmmmmm.....I have a Mag 9, mag 7, two Iwaki Japanese MD20RLT. I know 9.5 is too strong for the fuge might use the Mag 7. Don't know if the Iwaki is enough for the fuge. It should!!!

Still deciding on the close loop pump! Might use the Mag 9 split into 4 outlets or Iwaki into 2.

Iwaki are they loud??? Please tell me they're NOT!!

Well that's it, i think I got all the hardwares ready and undertstand their functions. Now I just need to learn HOW to start the tank!! I know how to build but don't know how to start and keep things alive but I do have a RO/DI system At least I know the water will be good ...oh ya! I have few bags of southdown too.

by the way, I did attend my first meeting and it was great and hope everyone can help me learn the correct way to start this tank.

Any comments will be greatly appreciated!!

sorry for the huge pix!

Thanks in advance!!

 

[bonzai888]

Pictures

 

[bonzai888]

More Pix!

 

[bonzai888]

last one!

 

[steevareno]

Howard, good job! Your tank doesn't look like a 55gal though. More like a 40 breeder possibly? I would go with seios/tunzes instead of a closed loop. Now just crank open the ro/di and fill it, add salt, heaters, powerheads for circulation; live rock and let it cycle. Get some test kits and in a couple weeks start to test for ammonia and nitrite. Enjoy!

 

[bonzai888]

it's a 50g 36x18x18

im designing NOT to use any powerhead!!

Glad you like it!

Thanx!

 

[dz6t]

Now AGA put a aweful center brace on a tank like this? Also the glass is kinda thin too.

Are those 250w or 150w MH?

 

[bonzai888]

Yes, unfortunately there is a brace!

Those are 150w MH 20k right now but thinking getting the 14k or maybe the 10K

No actinic at this moment! Either get the 10k and add actinic but that's not a closed canopy and if I mount it on the side it won't reflect downwards.

What do you guys think?

 

[scavdog]

Very nice and very neat. Good work!

 

[bonzai888]

Thank you so much scavdog!

 

[Moe_K]

I like it!

It's good to see another MetroWest reefer.

 

[bonzai888]

Thanks Moe_k!!

since this is my first salt tank I would love to meet some reefers around my area to get some advice, help if that's possible. Just want to see other reef tanks to get some ideas and get educated.

Thanks!

 

[scavdog]

Do I smell a tank tour....? It has been a while no?

 

[bonzai888]

Sniff Sniff!! starting at your place!! Hahaahaa!

 

[Lourdes]

Howard it looks great!

 

[bonzai888]

Thanks Lourd!

Sorry i haven't visited you guys for a while! Tell your dad I have few things to do before I can put in the water. He's asking me "What's holding you back?"

I will visit you guys next week. Happy Thanks Giving!