75 Gallon Tank Build

[Lou City Reefing]

Hello Everyone! I'M BACK - Follow me on Instagram @loucityreefing to stay up to date with photos!

I started a 20 gallon build thread that did not last long due to planning this upgrade within a year ... I should've known better than to start small ... While it was easier there were definitely some challenges in the smaller system with no sump. I am now upgrading to a 75 gallon with a 20 gallon sump!

I would love some advice on stocking ideas! (This will be a reef tank so reef-friendly occupants would be ideal lol)

Equipment:
Lighting - Ai Prime 16hd x 2 (will be getting 2 more later on)
Powerheads - Ai Nero 3 x 2
Skimmer - AquaMaxx ConeS-Q1
Return Pump - Jeboa MDP 3500
Heater - 350 watt Helio PTC Smart Heater (Innovative Marine)

I built my own stand, which is not completed yet as I still have to wrap it. It is 49" L x 19" W x 36" H. If you have any suggestions on how to wrap it please let me know!

I'm looking for a rail system to hang the 16hds. I may have to DIY a solution together!

I am not done aquascaping but please let me know what you think so far!

 

[ShepherdReefer]

Hey there, great start. I am looking forward to more pictures and updates. As for advice on ideas for the build, I would recommend looking at other builds and searching the internet to see what you like.

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Hey there, great start. I am looking forward to more pictures and updates. As for advice on ideas for the build, I would recommend looking at other builds and searching the internet to see what you like.

Yeah I’ve taken some inspiration from other builds on the forums. This is my first “big” aquascape build so I was a little intimidated but I think it’s turned out decent so far! My biggest this was wanting a “tier” layered scape for different corals. I really appreciate the compliment, and I will be posting more picture in the near future!

 

[OldRed1]

Looking forward to seeing your progress! On a tank this size, do you think it’s worth it to go for the Nero 5s?

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Looking forward to seeing your progress! On a tank this size, do you think it’s worth it to go for the Nero 5s?

Yeah - the Nero 5s would totally be worth it, but I’m just using the Ai products from my old tank to this one. I have seen 75 gallons run off 2 Ai Nero 3s, usually pushed to about 80%, but I do plan to upgrade at some point. I’m not sure whether that’ll be the Nero 5s or maybe some MP40s

 

[OldRed1]

Yeah - the Nero 5s would totally be worth it, but I’m just using the Ai products from my old tank to this one. I have seen 75 gallons run off 2 Ai Nero 3s, usually pushed to about 80%, but I do plan to upgrade at some point. I’m not sure whether that’ll be the Nero 5s or maybe some MP40s

Makes sense! Is that why you’re using the 16hds, too?

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Makes sense! Is that why you’re using the 16hds, too?

Yup! Which, really, I may just add 2 more 16hds. I’m not really sure I want to go spend a bunch of money on a whole new lighting system, but that’s up in the air too!

 

[OldRed1]

32s would look great on this tank but, yeah, another deep investment haha.

 

[Lou City Reefing]

A little update on the 3rd and final piece to the aquascape ... I'm not sure I'm in LOVE with it I think the bottom left piece needs another small stop to make it look layered. The ridge on the right looks unique. I would love to get some HONEST opinions on it! (I know it's ultimately what I like and want, but I love people's feed back)

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Going to practice drilling into a smaller tank or two this weekend and will drill my main tank and start plumbing!

any recommendations on ball valve vs gate valve?

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Got all of my plumbing equipment to finally drill and plumb! Honestly, I never would've guessed this would be the most fun part for me! I have never plumbed anything and it was super fun just learning something new! I'll post some pictures next weekend when it's all completed!

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Plumbing done! It's been running 3 days with NO leaks finally! (There were a few leaks from the beginning)

Although, I messed up pretty bad! I don't want to paint the back black. I was going to use window tint but now everything is hard plumbed in and I won't be able to apply the tint ... Any suggestions on how to hide the pipes in a clean way?

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Plumbing done! It's been running 3 days with NO leaks finally! (There were a few leaks from the beginning)

Although, I messed up pretty bad! I don't want to paint the back black. I was going to use window tint but now everything is hard plumbed in and I won't be able to apply the tint ... Any suggestions on how to hide the pipes in a clean way?

Bump to see if anyone has suggestions!

 

[Lou City Reefing]

Stocking Idea:
2 Clowns
1 flame hawk (I've never kept one, but they look awesome! lol)
1 Yellow Tang (Getting from Biota, yes, yes I plan to upgrade in the future)
A goby (I haven't decided which one?)
1-2 Wrasse (Also, haven't decided which one. I believe 2 may be too many)

SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED. YES - I'VE ALREADY DONE RESEARCH AND MY LFS KEEPS 1 YELLOW IN A 75 AND HAS HAD IT THERE FOR YEARS!

 

[Lou City Reefing]

I'm really looking forward to this BRS Black Friday sale! I was contemplating getting a BRS mini reactor so I can run carbon from day 1, but wasn't sure if I should start it out so early or wait a little while? Anyone have any advice here?

 

[Lou City Reefing]

It’s been a little over a month since the last update, but I plan on sharing some pictures soon!

I have a few coral in the tank now and plan to add a ton more to come! Current stocking list is 2 clowns, 1 flame hawk, and 1 Melanurus wrasse.

I plan to add some sort of Gobi or Blenny, a mandarin/red scooter (when my pod population grows!) and a tang of sorts.

All parameters are looking good, water is crystal clear, and corals are growing like crazy!!! I do ~25% weekly water change now that the tank has cycled.