SCA 50 gal build thread

[Philipgonzales3]

@Barrett ATO is next on the list.

This is the one I had my eyes set on.

https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/tunze-osmolator-universal-3155-auto-top-off.html

All set after my trip to Lowes this AM.

 

[Barrett]

Looks great, now for the long wait. The Tunze is good I just really liked that the smart took up so little room in the sump and the pump is a lot quieter. I have a Tunze on my nano and the pump can be heard all the way across the room

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Looks great, now for the long wait. The Tunze is good I just really liked that the smart took up so little room in the sump and the pump is a lot quieter. I have a Tunze on my nano and the pump can be heard all the way across the room

We just started cycling my son's freshwater tank a couple of days ago. No decorations or substrate yet. Going to let him pick out what he likes and get some easy to care for freshwater fish for him. Don't forget to post some pics on how your tank is doing!

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Water cleared up nicely. Dosed 4ppm ammonia and added Dr. Tim's one and only. I used API quickstart on my son's freshwater aquarium. It will be interesting to see which one cycles first.

Sorry @Barrett I was too lazy to do an actual build thread. That and my 18 month old daughter has been terrorizing me all day. Last pictures until after the cycle.

 

[Barrett]

New FTS

And some coral and fish shots, just did my weekly water change so stuff is mad

 

[Philipgonzales3]

Yes I swapped out my return pump and skimmer. I went with a reef octopus ss150 I believe and my return pump is a DC Jaebo. I will be replacing the return pump with a reef octopus various-6 after the holidays. The first thing I would get is definitely a ATO. I have loved mine, been working great since day one with absolutely no problems at all
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/smart-ato-micro-120p-auto-top-off-system-autoaqua.html

Why did you change out the return pump? You said the stock one was quite. Was it to lessen the flow from your return? Just curious as I always like to learn about new hardware and why to switch out hardware etc...

 

[Barrett]

Why did you change out the return pump? You said the stock one was quite. Was it to lessen the flow from your return? Just curious as I always like to learn about new hardware and why to switch out hardware etc...

I swapped it out for a DC pump so I could pause it for feeding and water changes. I also like the fact that I can adjust the flow to whatever I want it without using a ball valve to restrict flow

 

[Barrett]

Got my first BattleBox from @Battlecorals today, Adam really went above and beyond my expectations, his customer service is awsome, shipping and packaging was amazing. I will only be purchasing SPS online from him no doubt.

 

[Barrett]

I will get an updated FTS tonight and some pictures of the sticks when they settle in.

 

[Rjukan]

Wow man, tank looks awesome.

Are you still using the same reef octopus skimmer? Someone local was selling a used one for a good price, was curious to hear if you're still happy with yours.

Can't wait to see those new corals from BC, one of these days I'm going to go the same route.

 

[Barrett]

Wow man, tank looks awesome.

Are you still using the same reef octopus skimmer? Someone local was selling a used one for a good price, was curious to hear if you're still happy with yours.

Can't wait to see those new corals from BC, one of these days I'm going to go the same route.

Yes I am and love it, it is a beast.

 

[Barrett]

Ohh and thank you

 

[Rjukan]

Hey Barrett, what do you use to clean your glass? It looks pristine in every pic and it's motivated me to get a handle on my coraline algae.

 

[Barrett]

I use the original flipper cleaner it works great.
https://www.bulkreefsupply.com/flipper-magnetic-cleaner.html

 

[Barrett]

Time for an updated FTS

I got rid of the green pocilipora, moved the Duncan and 1 frog spawn and added a lemon lime torch from my frag tank. Also moved some Bam Bam zoas to a new location since they were being smothered by the pink zippers.

 

[Barrett]

The acros from My BattleBox are starting to settle in and color back up.
Bubble Bath Unicorn

Day-Glo Pink Milli

Sun-God

Lemon Hammer

Blue Matrix

BC Bliss

Adam Bomb

Copps’ Calacali Acro

 

[Barrett]

And now some other random pictures

And I’m not sure why but my favorite zoa the pink zipper

 

[Rjukan]

Great pics! Love the FTS. Cant wait to see those BC frags in a month or 2, the colors will be incredible in your system. Do you have other acros already?

What's your dosing schedule btw?

 

[Barrett]

Great pics! Love the FTS. Cant wait to see those BC frags in a month or 2, the colors will be incredible in your system. Do you have other acros already?

What's your dosing schedule btw?

Thank you so much I am still trying to figure out how to take decent pictures. I am currently dosing the Red Sea foundations alk and calcium. 15 ml of each. 3 doses of 5 ml staggered through out the day.

 

[Barrett]

First attempt at top down shots