SharkAttack06
Community Member
First off, let me start by saying Hello and Thank You! I started this build at the beginning of October 2017, and this site has helped me with most of it. I am learning new stuff about our hobby every single day, and I couldn't be happier. With that being said, here is my build! (and my first post)
"plug n play" seemed like a no brainer when it came to jumping back into this hobby. I did my research and came across SCA. After looking over the setup, price, and some member's builds I pulled the trigger on their 50 Gallon Starfire PNP System. Great looking tank, sump, and cabinet for the price.
Initial cabinet setup. I wanted a nice clean look so i added the tracking and a light so I can see what I am doing.
I changed out some of the plumbing that was sent, added some shut off valves.
I am using an Ecotech Marine Radion XR15W G4 Pro. I filled the tank up with freshwater and flushed it out for a couple hours. No leaks and everything seemed to running fine.
I swapped out the filter media/ bio-balls for a filter sock setup.
For live rock I decided to go with "Dry Base Rock" from ArcReef.
During the setup of the tank, I also installed a RODI system in my garage. I'll post a picture of the setup asap. For the sand bed I used Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Sand. I laid the rock down and added the saltwater.(Red Sea Salt) Now it was time to wait for the cycle. I added a piece of raw shrimp in the sump, and also used Microbacter 7.
Now, the build itself was finished somewhere towards the end of October. The cycle was done the second week of November. I continued to watch all the levels and decided it was time to add a "cleaner crew." The cleaning crew consisted of snails, hermits, and 1 emerald crab. They were doing extremely well. After another couple weeks I introduced 2 clowns to the tank.
Now, the next pictures were taken 01/20/2018....
The tank looks great and all the levels seem to be on point. I got rid of the original return pump (PH2500) and put in the Syncra Silent 3.0. The PH2500 was a little loud and bulky for my liking, so I keep it in my premixed saltwater tank. Everything else seems to be working great.
Next move?!? I'd like to start adding some corals to the tank. Possibly another fish. I've really been trying to do everything by the book. Should I setup a refugium in the sump? Any input would be much appreciated. This site has helped me with my entire build. Please feel free to ask any questions! And thanks for looking!
"plug n play" seemed like a no brainer when it came to jumping back into this hobby. I did my research and came across SCA. After looking over the setup, price, and some member's builds I pulled the trigger on their 50 Gallon Starfire PNP System. Great looking tank, sump, and cabinet for the price.
Initial cabinet setup. I wanted a nice clean look so i added the tracking and a light so I can see what I am doing.
I changed out some of the plumbing that was sent, added some shut off valves.
I am using an Ecotech Marine Radion XR15W G4 Pro. I filled the tank up with freshwater and flushed it out for a couple hours. No leaks and everything seemed to running fine.
I swapped out the filter media/ bio-balls for a filter sock setup.
For live rock I decided to go with "Dry Base Rock" from ArcReef.
During the setup of the tank, I also installed a RODI system in my garage. I'll post a picture of the setup asap. For the sand bed I used Nature's Ocean Bio-Activ Live Sand. I laid the rock down and added the saltwater.(Red Sea Salt) Now it was time to wait for the cycle. I added a piece of raw shrimp in the sump, and also used Microbacter 7.
Now, the build itself was finished somewhere towards the end of October. The cycle was done the second week of November. I continued to watch all the levels and decided it was time to add a "cleaner crew." The cleaning crew consisted of snails, hermits, and 1 emerald crab. They were doing extremely well. After another couple weeks I introduced 2 clowns to the tank.
Now, the next pictures were taken 01/20/2018....
The tank looks great and all the levels seem to be on point. I got rid of the original return pump (PH2500) and put in the Syncra Silent 3.0. The PH2500 was a little loud and bulky for my liking, so I keep it in my premixed saltwater tank. Everything else seems to be working great.
Next move?!? I'd like to start adding some corals to the tank. Possibly another fish. I've really been trying to do everything by the book. Should I setup a refugium in the sump? Any input would be much appreciated. This site has helped me with my entire build. Please feel free to ask any questions! And thanks for looking!
