It’s not the destination, but the journey right?

[sangria517]

In it for the long haul. Found this 180 gallon used tank stand with sump for 500. Decided to jump on it because I want a massive tank but don’t have that much expendable cash for a brand new one. This is going to be a nice slow paced journey.

 

[gbroadbridge]

In it for the long haul. Found this 180 gallon used tank stand with sump for 500. Decided to jump on it because I want a massive tank but don’t have that much expendable cash for a brand new one. This is going to be a nice slow paced journey.

You know how much it is going to cost to light and get flow going in that tank right?

And running costs?

You may want to sit down and write out some costings before you get in too deep.

 

[sangria517]

Weekly build update that is a tad late.
Spent the week cleaning the thank and getting the sump put together. Still need to put some silicone down to help hold the sock tube holders.
But it’s slowly coming together.
Some other stuff that was purchased was a big old box of reef crystals for when I go to cycle. Also, got lucky and found 50 gallon food grade barrells that were used to ship garlic gloves. So they are a bit smelly but with a could rinse from the pressure washer and some white vinegar, they will be perfect for mixing salt water. They were only $20 each! Worth a shot anyway!!

 

[sangria517]

So things I am currently getting ready for this tank.
Ordered my RODI unit. Hopefullly, I will get to install it this weekend.
So far I have 60lbs of sand, with 60 more being delivered this weekend. Think 40lbs more should do it.

Will need to buy a skimmer but I figured it’s probably best to wait till after the tank is cycled and it has some fish in it.

Starting to researched more fish. For my stock I am thinking
1 pair of clowns
1 fire fish
1 goby ( haven’t decided which one yet)
1 blue hippo
1 emperor angel
Hermit crabs
Snails (troch, Nass, and maybe a conch)
Cleaner shrimp
Skunk shrimp

One day wishlist
Clam

Fantasy wishlist
Porcupine puffer

None of these all at first of course. Just one a month maybe. Again, journey, not the destination.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Following along!

 

[parclife]

Good luck and enjoy!

 

[sangria517]

Assembly day!!!! Got everything up and running.
I will add more photos as the cloudiness goes away but I was too excited to not share!

Welp, I guess it does not like my photos so I will try again tomorrow!!

 

[sangria517]

Picture as promised

 

[sangria517]

One of my lights came in. I have more coming. I did a bit of variety until I find one I like.

 

[sangria517]

More lights came in!

Has anyone done a cycle with coral but fish less? Any tips or tricks?

Tank was started with live sand and live rocks from another tank. There is a few dry rocks in there with supplementation.

 

[sangria517]

It’s been a hot minute but! Tank is thriving. So far 4 clowns, 1 royal gramma and a 6 line! For inverts, I have a Halloween hermit!

 

[sangria517]

It has been a minute since I have updated.

The uglies are here!! Not really too bad. My PO4 topped at 1 which got some diatoms and is not coming down very nicely. This is my favorite stage in the beginning- clean up crew!!!

So far we got
2 Halloween hermits
1 pin cushion
2 zebra turbos
4 nass
10 certs
10 astreas.
1 troch.

There is a little starfish in there but she is more decor than CUC.

Fish are as follows
2 long fin clowns
2 mocha divinchi clowns
1 diamond goby
1 6 line
1 royal

All in all, it is coming along nicely. Going to give myself a little pat on the shoulder.

A frag swap is coming up in a couple weeks and hope of have the PO4 down a little bit more so I can get some Zoas and Shrooms. There is technically a little raspberry paly in there. LFS over stocked and had no room for him so they sold him to me at cost. But he looks to be a fighter.

 

[sangria517]

Ahhhh! I never updated since my first frag swap!!

I did add a cleaner shrimp and some more snails and hermit.

I did find my starfish had perished. Fed it Sunday morning like every other morning and came down Monday to find it scattered all around the tank.

But other than that, the tank is doing good.

Just slowly starting to add some corals as I find them on sale or get a good deal on them.

Did my first water change and it wasn’t as bad as I thought. But at least for now is def a 2 person job. Did get an ATO set up.

Hoping to add a blue hippo tang in the future.