Flex's Crystal Dynamic Build

[flex13]

Hello

I am going to attempt my first build thread. First let me apologies for my grammar or missing words. This will be my 3rd tank but I have been out for 15 years and wow things have changed. I have spent the last 8 months reading a shaking out all the dust in my brain. Through this time I have purchased all the equipment I need (I think) I also sold some because I changed my mind ☹… I just received my tank so let the build begin.

Specs:
Tank - Crystal Dynamics Aquarium - 60x25x20
Glass Sapphire 3/4
Stand - Crystal Dynamics Aquarium
Sump – Synergy TS-44
Lights – Radion XR30 G4 Pro (x3) with Diffusers and XR30 RMS
Computer – Apex 2016, EB382, PM1, BOB,WXM, ATK, FMM
Return Pump – COR20
Skimmer – Reef Octopus Elite 150Int
PowerHead – 2 MP40WQD
Heaters – 2 Ehiem Jager 150w
Fuge Light – Kessil H380
Doser – Jeboa DP-4 – this is temp. I ran out of money lol Not sure to get Apex or GHL

I think that covers it.

I will have the RODI, mixing station, Doser and Apex inside my office closet that is directly behind the tank. This will keep the sump area clean with not many cables. I can also do water changes without carrying a bucket. Well enough talk time for some pictures. I will upload some now.

Any suggestion along the way its greatly apricated.

Thanks

Flex

 

[flex13]

Here is the tank and stand that just came in. Incredible Packing by CDA. It could be a norm but for me, I was very impressed. More about them later. I was very impressed by the whole process.

 

[flex13]

More pictures of the stand tank and sump. Dont mind the mess in my garage. It usually very picked up. My father in law is moving and I have his stuff temp in my garage.

 

[PANONHAS]

very sharp. looks great so far. I am waiting for my Crystal Dynamics to arrive possible next week. good luck with the build. will be following

 

[JoshH]

That is one slick setup, congrats on the build! I'll be following along to see this one come together

 

[flex13]

Thanks Panonhas, do a build thread so I can follow you. Maybe steal some ideas.

 

[Just_Pete]

Clean looking setup! Following.

 

[PANONHAS]

I have a thread already “ 185 Gallon custom “ might take a while to update since I might be moving.

 

[LBReefer]

Following.

 

[flex13]

Here are some pics of the closet. Now I can make holes to the tank so everything lines up. I put a network drop and a separate 20 AMP GFI breaker for the outlets for the tank.

 

[PANONHAS]

I see you are going Triton. Will it be full Triton or other?

 

[flex13]

I see you are going Triton. Will it be full Triton or other?

Full Triton, The sump is a Triton Sump from Synergy. Will see how that goes...

 

[revhtree]

Oh wow! Can already tell this will be an epic build!

 

[flex13]

Oh wow! Can already tell this will be an epic build!

Going to try my best. I have stolen allot of ideas from the members here. I am glad I took my time reading and buying slowly.

 

[flex13]

Here are some pic of the IKEA furniture I made into a cable management with the APEX. Still allot of cleaning up to do. I have the Reeflink but I might end up selling it. I think it will be easier to have it all on Apex using the WXM.

 

[NY_Caveman]

Looks like a great start!

 

[flex13]

Ok first question, MP40 mounting. Not sure what looks cleaner? Top or Bottom... Oh I mounted the lights, they looks sweet. No power yet need to run through wall.

 

[HolisticBear]

Great tank and I love your wood floors.

If you are starting with dry rock, my recommendation is to start with Triton Other Methods and switch to full Triton after it's matured a bit. If you're starting with live rock, then starting with full Triton seems fine. I think D2Mini and a few other's crash-n-burn with full Triton + dry rock clipped a few people's wings. I'm running other methods FWIW.

Powerheads placement will probably depend on your rockwork. If you're running bare bottom, having MP40s in the back will keep detritus up front where it's easy to siphon out.

EDIT: I don't think it's completely clear, but regular Triton has more iron and iodine than triton other methods. I think trying to minimize fuge die-off is important in a new dry rock tank, that die off may spur more unwanted than wanted growth.

 

[flex13]

Thank you HolisticBear. I will be using live rock and 2 inch sand bed. My question for the mp40 is running the power cable. Either straight across to back or up to the edge of rim then straight to back.

 

[HolisticBear]

Thank you HolisticBear. I will be using live rock and 2 inch sand bed. My question for the mp40 is running the power cable. Either straight across to back or up to the edge of rim then straight to back.

Gotcha. I prefer vertical. On Amazon, you can find those same little clips that the MP40 comes with to hold the power cable. You can use some of those on the top rim to hold the cable nice + tight. I think it's a bit less of a pain with the algae magnet vertical. Super minor thou, pick what you like best.