Stax of Rocks in a Glass Box

[chefjpaul]

So, another build in the works, hopefully the last for a long while.

I had to break down my Elos 120 due to a flood issue and my wife and downstairs neighbor kind put the axe to a large aquarium with sumps, plumbing etc.. as well as the insurance company after the bill. (last build- https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/a-chefs-elos-120.295201/page-4 ).
LOL.... what can you do.................But Start an AIO.

Since I was able to sell off or trade most of my equipment, keeping most, I ended up in great shape.

Build:
IM 50 Gallon Lagoon (waiting on delivery Friday 4/6).
Hydra 52HD
Vectra S1 return
Arid N18
IM Carbon Reactor
MP 10QD
Gyre 130 ??

GHL Controller & Doser
30# of reef flakes
No Skimmer planned currently
Still going to run AF products as I am happy with them

Stocking list will be a bunch on nano fish and LPS minor SPS

I kept the Elos stand to set the tank on, actually converting the bottom into a bearded dragon layer, which will be run of the GHL controller as well, to utilize an extra power bar, Humidity and air probes, and my t-5 Retro lights that will be of no use to the tank.

The fun part, the aquascape.
All Marco Prime Cuts & Stax rock. These are extremely fun to work with, inspired by coral placement.... mainly my childhood fascination with Lego and Lincoln Logs since I get looks when I try to build with them these days.

 

[chefjpaul]

The start:

 

[chefjpaul]

.

 

[mahindra.dev]

.

I went thru your ELOS. Sorry for that lost. But this is going to be a even better build. Following along. The creativity is mind blowing!!! Good luck [emoji256]

 

[Mattres]

Loving the scape mate!

 

[jtietz]

The start:

E marco 400 is great stuff. The rock will break before the bond

 

[JoshH]

Definitely following along, VERY creative aquascape!

 

[chefjpaul]

E marco 400 is great stuff. The rock will break before the bond

Totally.
These were my last two scapes with E-marco.
Best stuff.

 

[Reef Doc]

You should post some of these pics on my thread about STAX rocks...I already posted a link there to this thread.

 

[chefjpaul]

You should post some of these pics on my thread about STAX rocks...I already posted a link there to this thread.

NP.

 

[jtietz]

Totally.
These were my last two scapes with E-marco.
Best stuff.

Here is my E-marco 400 build. 210 gallon mixed reef

 

[chefjpaul]

Filler Up.
Little Vectra S1 fits nicely.

 

[pompeyjohn]

looking great

I have never seen those dosing line fitting with john guest type connectors on it. That is genius.

I wish there was a shorter version of the IM reactor. I'll probably get the same model, it seems a shame that it sticks up above the tank line though.

 

[chefjpaul]

looking great

I have never seen those dosing line fitting with john guest type connectors on it. That is genius.

I wish there was a shorter version of the IM reactor. I'll probably get the same model, it seems a shame that it sticks up above the tank line though.

Thanks.

I've been contemplating the reactor myself. Its the only thing above the height. I'm only going to run carbon if that, so....maybe out and put sone AF stones or something for critters to live on.

 

[Dsnakes]

I love the stax. There are so many possibilities. Good job!

 

[Flippers4pups]

I'll second the aquascape is awesome!

Just read about the union failure. Man, what the heck!

 

[chefjpaul]

I'll second the aquascape is awesome!

Just read about the union failure. Man, what the heck!

Thanks.

Yeah it totally sucks, wife said no more sumps, never said how many AIO tanks I can have.....lol.

I think I can get a couple of those new water box systems in here.

 

[chefjpaul]

New Toy!!!

 

[mahindra.dev]

I know you say no plans at this time. But if you have to, is there a plan for skimmer?

also how many # of STAX? 30 or more??

 

[chefjpaul]

I know you say no plans at this time. But if you have to, is there a plan for skimmer?

also how many # of STAX? 30 or more??

No plan for a skimmer as of now.

Rock is:
20# stax
22# marco prime cuts

I moved my AF life fil and some sponges etc from my old sump into the bottom chambers by the return to start a mini cryptic zone.