Louise's 1mx 600x 800 reef build + PICS

  • Get the NEW AquariaCentral iOS app --> http://itunes.apple.com/app/id1227181058 // Android version will be out soon!

louise01

AC Members
Nov 4, 2010
155
0
0
34
Northside Brisbane
Real Name
Louise.... hard to guess right?
System Objectives:
After keeping freshwater fish and finding that a total bore <insert yawn here> I have decided to take the plunge and try something a little out of my comfort zone. I still do have a 4ft American freshwater tank but did sell my 3ft African tank to clear some room. But my objective is to create an easy to maintain reef system with a wide variety of coral and fish. I'm not sure what I mean by 'easy' but Im sure this tank will be no walk in the park. So after rolling my sleeves up and loosening my purse strings below is what I have so far...

System Type:
Colourful mixed reef with SPS, LPS and some pretty fishies... eventually



Display System:
System setup date: Began in March 2011

Display Tank: Drilled 1m x 600 x 800 (LxDxH). 2 intakes, 1 outtake

Display Lighting: 4ft suspended from ceiling. 4x T5's (2 blue, 2 white), 2x 150w MH, 2x blue LED moonlights. Seperate switch for each lighting option

Stand: DIY made by my lovely partner. Fully enclosed but still to be stained. Doors yet to be put on

Hood: no hood, open top

Sump: 900x 450x 450 single chamber (lot of mixed opinions here). Macroalgae and DSB, some LR that wouldnt fit in tank. No sump light

System Water: Natural salt water

Top up: Weekly with tank water

Water changes: 100L monthly

Display Water circulation: 2x 5000lph wave makers

Return pump: 3500lph (WAYYY too powerful but have reduced return flow by adding a T-piece to run water through chiller as well, control valve also used)

Skimmer: AquaWorld

Cooling system: Resun C650

Other support:
TLF phosban reactor with 250mL RowaPhos
Denitrator sn400 (currently out of action as of today but will be back in the mix soon)
Had 9w uv sterilizer but have sold and buying more powerful one

Livestock
Fishes:
1x black occy
2x damsels (sold just awaiting pickup time/day from buyer)
1x lawnmower blenny

Corals:
2x open/flat brain
1x bubble
1x elegance
1x leather
2x red morphs
2x purple morphs
2x green morphs
1x duncan 7polyps
1x sun coral 12polyps
1x fungus

CUC/Inverts:
2x peppermint shrimp
1x elephant snail
1x cowrie snail
5x turbo snail
4x trochus snail
2x strombus snail
10x nassarius snail
1x blue linkia

Livestock yet to purchase

Fish:
1x yellow tang
4x despar anthias
1x black occy
2x scissortail goby (possibly although not certain)
1x physodelic mandarin (WAYYYY down the track)

Coral:
2x blue morphs
Zoa garden
Really very open to suggestions here...

Current Water Chemistry:
Nitrates: 2-5ppm
Nitrite- 0
Ammonia- 0
Calcium- 420
Copper- 0
SG- 1.024
Phosphates- yet to test as awaiting new kit
Temp- 24-26
 

louise01

AC Members
Nov 4, 2010
155
0
0
34
Northside Brisbane
Real Name
Louise.... hard to guess right?
Empty tank

Sump

In postion awaiting water. 20mm piping

Lighting

Water in with LR etc

Side view

Coral adjusting


Front shot

Spectators


MURKY WATER :furious:
8pm

10pm

Lunch the following day...

Side view

MORE TO COME!
 

TabisFish

AC Members
Jan 21, 2011
1,167
1
0
Loveland, Colorado
Real Name
Tabi Underwood
IMO, I'd advise against the open top. Clowns are known for jumping! I'd run to home depot, get a big ol sheet of plexi, and plop that sucker up there. Better safe than sorry (sorry=losing $60 of clownfish or any other type of fish you decide to purchase) Otherwise, BEAUTIFUL set up. A bit jealous!

Oh and, what stain are you going to use for the stand! I think a dark stain would look lovely
 

louise01

AC Members
Nov 4, 2010
155
0
0
34
Northside Brisbane
Real Name
Louise.... hard to guess right?
I dont have a home depot here in Australia but Bunnings will do the trick.Those scissortail's are known jumpers too!

It will be a dark stain :) My partner wants a lighter stain but.... Im providing the funds for this adventure and therefore I get the stain I want :p

Ive got a couple new corals since the last picture and the water is clear once more.. just need to hook up my camera to get the new pics on!!

Marine is so exciting!
 

greech

AC Moderators
May 13, 2009
4,193
1
38
52
Tallahassee, FL
Real Name
Graham
Very nice setup. Wouldn't worry about buying another UV but that's up to you.

Are you concerned about the sand getting into the return pump?

I'm an open top person myself too but definitely a risk.

The easy part goes out the window once SPS is mentioned :). Would give the tank a few more months before those go in. Maybe some nice chalices and acans?
 
Last edited:

Fishfriend1

Fishlover Extraordinaire
Dec 11, 2009
3,958
3
38
Southeastern PA
Real Name
Mr. Palmer
Question: How old is this tank? I don't think you gave that information anywhere in your posts yet.

Great looking tank, good luck with it!
 

the wizard

Is it really Niko's fault?
Jan 28, 2010
717
0
16
Real Name
David
Nice set up. If you are planning to put macros in the sump, you will need some light for them.
 

louise01

AC Members
Nov 4, 2010
155
0
0
34
Northside Brisbane
Real Name
Louise.... hard to guess right?
Are you concerned about the sand getting into the return pump?

I'm an open top person myself too but definitely a risk.
I prefer open top as well... There is corse sand/gravel near return pump to reduce the risk of any sand getting caught...
 
zoomed.com
hikariusa.com
aqaimports.com
Store