65 Gallon Build (First Tank)

Dhillon14

AC Members
Aug 10, 2008
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Well, I finally took the plunge and the following is my first salt water tank. Been doing lots of reading for the past 2-3 months, and just hope all goes well.

The tank is a 65 Gallon, (36 x 18 x 24) and I'm running a herbie. The sump is 30 x 12 x 12 split into 3 sections. Skimmer/Return/Refuge. DIY stand which was orignally metal tubing which I just ended up skinning and painting

I'm going to be sticking to most of the easier/hardier corals since I get the hang of things but eventually I'm hoping this can become a full blown Zoa/LPS reef.

Still need to paint the return all black, add a shallow sand bed..

Any comments/suggestions/questions would be great! (espically newbie pointers)

(Got a simple point and shoot camera so not the greatest pics ever)

Current Equipment List
Odyssea 36'' 250W MH
Ocean Runner 3500 Return
Coral Life Super Skimmer 125 (Will be upgrading later)
200W Heater, 100W Heater
Koralia 3,




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First Attempt at aquascaping..

Let me know what you think! (Suggestions/Comments)

The rock was all from an established system, from a fellow reefer.


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awesome tank.... just one suggestion-- if you have a sump there is really no reason to have any equipment up top accept the powerhead
 
Looks good. My only suggestion is to remember that you have 3 dimensions. Extend your structure forward a bit and try not to make it so vertical. Aesthetically, what you have looks very good. Practically speaking (and compared to nature) what you have is difficult to work with in terms of placing corals. I did notice that you did a good job keeping the structure open. Keep with that idea for any rock structure you make in a reef.
 
great lookoing tank! I'd love to see some pics of your sump...


We have very similar tanks... I liek the size.

As Amphi said, I would try to use the depth of the tank as well when working on rock placement. Keep in mind you'll need lots of areas to anchor your corals, so it doesn't look too one dimensional.

great looking tank! I also really like the simple clean look of the stand and lighting.
 
Thanks guys,

It's my first tank ever so I'm still trying to learn as much as I can all this input really helps, I'm planning on getting some more rock as I only have about 50lbs or so so I'll try to bring the aquascape forward a bit.

I'll also get a few pictures of the sump, I do however have all the equipment in the sump besides the thermometer which I just have in the main tank for a quick glance whenever, It'll go into the sump once I'm done the cycle
 
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