My first 75 gallon build

[stoned-reefer83]

So this past February I decided to start my first saltwater tank. Bad things happened rather quickly, I lost fish, coral, and an anenome. This was my own fault because I got to much, to fast and wasn't very educated in the hobby. I might add that all this happened in a 10 gallon aquarium. (Remember I wasn't very familiar with things) but still hopeful, I've tried to keep it running. It's been difficult to keep them water chemistry in check...I am now OVER IT! It's a constant battle to keep my ph in line while combating high alkalinity. Phosphates always on the rise, no matter what I do. I have been advised several times that a smaller tank is harder to care for than a larger system. So.....I'm taking everyone's advise. I finally started to build my 75 gallon I've had sitting for 5 months. I'm probably still about 2 months away before I start my cycle, but I'm looking forward to it! I have spent the past week
Planning and playing with my rock until I finally come up with an aqua scape I am in love with. I plan on taking it slow this, being patient and have learned to trust the process. I will keep everyone posted on my build that would like to see my process. I am also open to suggestions on things you all might have.

 

[tbaum101]

I got the exact same setup from Petsmart. You can cycle a lot faster if youndo a few things. Watch BRS Videos on cycling. I cycled mine in under a week. I would recommend using some actual live rock and definitely live sand. That Marco Rock has problems associated with it that just don't seem to happen much with live rock/sand. Just trying to help since you already had a bad experience with your first one. Get a skimmer. That's where I went wrong. I watched too many videos where people said they weren't needed. After 3 months of success, I had an overnight tragedy. There's some good info out there on startup. Good luck!

 

[stoned-reefer83]

I got the exact same setup from Petsmart. You can cycle a lot faster if youndo a few things. Watch BRS Videos on cycling. I cycled mine in under a week. I would recommend using some actual live rock and definitely live sand. That Marco Rock has problems associated with it that just don't seem to happen much with live rock/sand. Just trying to help since you already had a bad experience with your first one. Get a skimmer. That's where I went wrong. I watched too many videos where people said they weren't needed. After 3 months of success, I had an overnight tragedy. There's some good info out there on startup. Good luck!

I do plan on getting a skimmer. I'm looking at the reef octopus HOB BH90. I'm still probably about 2 months away from firing it up. I'm getting a couple tubs from Walmart and a couple powerheads so I can start to cycle my rock. I've definitely done more research and taking my time to make sure things are set for success this time. Definitely not trying to rush it

 

[stoned-reefer83]

I got the exact same setup from Petsmart. You can cycle a lot faster if youndo a few things. Watch BRS Videos on cycling. I cycled mine in under a week. I would recommend using some actual live rock and definitely live sand. That Marco Rock has problems associated with it that just don't seem to happen much with live rock/sand. Just trying to help since you already had a bad experience with your first one. Get a skimmer. That's where I went wrong. I watched too many videos where people said they weren't needed. After 3 months of success, I had an overnight tragedy. There's some good info out there on startup. Good luck!

What kind of live sand did you use? I'm kinda liking the Bahama oolite

 

[teleportinghere]

I've definitely done more research and taking my time to make sure things are set for success this time. Definitely not trying to rush it

Sounds like you've got this! Good call on the tub cycle, such an easy to way to get a head start. I would go larger tub vs multiple, just to simplify any work done.

 

[eliaslikesfish]

love this, following.

 

[stoned-reefer83]

Sounds like you've got this! Good call on the tub cycle, such an easy to way to get a head start. I would go larger tub vs multiple, just to simplify any work done.

And hopefully my wife doesn't mind the smell of my rocks cooking

 

[stoned-reefer83]

love this, following.

Thank you! I'll be keeping this thread updated. As I progress I will definitely be looking for advice on things such as lighting and flow! I kinda want to build a canopy for it, but not sure how to go about it seeing as how I will be utilizing a HOB skimmer

 

[tbaum101]

What kind of live sand did you use? I'm kinda liking the Bahama oolite

I have to be honest. I live in a small town in North Florida and I bought what the LFS had and was shocked to see it on the shelf. One bag was actually expired if that tells you anything. It had water in it. That I remember and it was aragonite.

 

[tbaum101]

I do plan on getting a skimmer. I'm looking at the reef octopus HOB BH90. I'm still probably about 2 months away from firing it up. I'm getting a couple tubs from Walmart and a couple powerheads so I can start to cycle my rock. I've definitely done more research and taking my time to make sure things are set for success this time. Definitely not trying to rush it

This is too much...that's the exact skimmer I got. It's awesome. Can't say enough about it. I'm without a sump for the time being and it seemed like a good option. DO NOT use the elbow in the intake pipe.

 

[stoned-reefer83]

Update:
So I decided to "dry fit" everything because on Thursday my Marco E400 morter will be here, and I wanted to make sure that everything was going to fit in place the same way I mapped it in my mind, and surprisingly I think it looks better than I had anticipated. I think one of my main concerns was being able to clean my substrate. And as you can see I have plenty of room! I'm getting excited guys it's looking a little more promising every day!
I have 3-4 inches of clearance all the way around to keep my glass clean, my highest shelf is 11" from the surface.

 

[Gumbies R Us]

So this past February I decided to start my first saltwater tank. Bad things happened rather quickly, I lost fish, coral, and an anenome. This was my own fault because I got to much, to fast and wasn't very educated in the hobby. I might add that all this happened in a 10 gallon aquarium. (Remember I wasn't very familiar with things) but still hopeful, I've tried to keep it running. It's been difficult to keep them water chemistry in check...I am now OVER IT! It's a constant battle to keep my ph in line while combating high alkalinity. Phosphates always on the rise, no matter what I do. I have been advised several times that a smaller tank is harder to care for than a larger system. So.....I'm taking everyone's advise. I finally started to build my 75 gallon I've had sitting for 5 months. I'm probably still about 2 months away before I start my cycle, but I'm looking forward to it! I have spent the past week
Planning and playing with my rock until I finally come up with an aqua scape I am in love with. I plan on taking it slow this, being patient and have learned to trust the process. I will keep everyone posted on my build that would like to see my process. I am also open to suggestions on things you all might have.

Off to a good start with the aquascape!

 

[stoned-reefer83]

This is too much...that's the exact skimmer I got. It's awesome. Can't say enough about it. I'm without a sump for the time being and it seemed like a good option. DO NOT use the elbow in the intake pipe.

Do you still have your system set up? I'd love to see it

 

[stoned-reefer83]

So , everyone....I'm still putting together a "parts list". My plan is for coral is going to be a mixed reef, Sps and softies on one end of me tank, and and Lps on the other side (Hammer garden)
My Question: until I believe my tank is cycled and ready for such corals, is it necessary to go ahead and purchase a dosing pump and have it set up and ready? Or should I wait until I have the coal added and measure the consumption of things such a calcium and other elements on a regular basis before adding this equipment?
Thanks!

 

[stoned-reefer83]

Now that the kids are back in school I've Finally found the time to get back to my build. Today I am adding Marco Mortar compound to the joints in my rockwork, as I've only tacked them in place with super glue.