That didn't take long... 60G -> 90G

ricksmithsdca · Oct 11, 2020

So I am new to saltwater. I bought a used setup from OfferUp that needed some work so I have been working on it (stand had water damage, black back needed to be scraped, light connectors corroded, etc.).

As of today, the stand is done and the back is scraped. I have the material to fix the lighting. Next weekend it gets moved to the condo. Attaching photos from the OfferUp add and of the tank plus stand today. Will update this as I continue to get it going.

alveopora guy · Oct 12, 2020

congrats on getting into this, and welcome to R2R! Definitely my favorite hobby

ricksmithsdca · Oct 14, 2020

alveopora guy said:
congrats on getting into this, and welcome to R2R! Definitely my favorite hobby

Thank you. I have been so excited about it. I realize I am not going to have much available money with this hobby lol

MERKEY · Oct 14, 2020

Excellent starting point into the hobby, R2R is definitely the right place to be.

Ask lots of questions as there are at of knowledgeable people here!

flyfisher2 · Oct 14, 2020

ricksmithsdca said:
So I am new to saltwater. I bought a used setup from OfferUp that needed some work so I have been working on it (stand had water damage, black back needed to be scraped, light connectors corroded, etc.).

As of today, the stand is done and the back is scraped. I have the material to fix the lighting. Next weekend it gets moved to the condo. Attaching photos from the OfferUp add and of the tank plus stand today. Will update this as I continue to get it going.

View attachment 1827474 View attachment 1827475 View attachment 1827476 View attachment 1827477 View attachment 1827478 View attachment 1827479 View attachment 1827480 View attachment 1827481 View attachment 1827484 View attachment 1827486

Looks like you got some key components
Enjoy the build

ricksmithsdca · Oct 21, 2020

Okay, so now I need help with my build... What's the best way to determine bulkhead sizes and pipe sizing? Where can I get this stuff at a reasonable price?

Miguel Negron · Oct 21, 2020

Welcome

ricksmithsdca · Oct 21, 2020

Miguel Negron said:
Welcome

Thank you!

OREGONIC · Oct 21, 2020

ricksmithsdca said:
Thank you. I have been so excited about it. I realize I am not going to have much available money with this hobby lol

Not having a ton of extra money for this hobby is a good thing, it will force you to stock the tank slowly. To many people get in, stock heavy and quickly and fail. This hobby is best when you take it slow and allow things to settle in. Welcome to the addiction.

ricksmithsdca · Oct 21, 2020

OREGONIC said:
Not having a ton of extra money for this hobby is a good thing, it will force you to stock the tank slowly. To many people get in, stock heavy and quickly and fail. This hobby is best when you take it slow and allow things to settle in. Welcome to the addiction.

Thanks... I planned on starting slow. I am already looking at 18 months down the road though for when I can get a mandarin goby lol

ricksmithsdca · Nov 16, 2020

Update: tank is in the condo and plumbing has started. My LFS, Aquatic Warehouse, was amazing helping figure out plumbing. They were missing a couple of things so ordered them from Amazon. I am starting the plumbing today. Wish me luck!

ricksmithsdca · Nov 25, 2020

ricksmithsdca said:
So I am new to saltwater. I bought a used setup from OfferUp that needed some work so I have been working on it (stand had water damage, black back needed to be scraped, light connectors corroded, etc.).

As of today, the stand is done and the back is scraped. I have the material to fix the lighting. Next weekend it gets moved to the condo. Attaching photos from the OfferUp add and of the tank plus stand today. Will update this as I continue to get it going.

View attachment 1827474 View attachment 1827475 View attachment 1827476 View attachment 1827477 View attachment 1827478 View attachment 1827479 View attachment 1827480 View attachment 1827481 View attachment 1827484 View attachment 1827486

UPDATE: plumbing is done! My ghl controller arrived yesterday but I am not going to open it yet. I am waiting on my Kessel light before I get too much further. Super excited I'm in the home stretch.

ricksmithsdca · Dec 1, 2020

So I was able to leak test the tank this past weekend. It mostly was successful. There is a drip from a connector at the bulkhead for the return that drips in to the sump so, not the end of the world! I am changing out the return pump to a

Seltz D 1000 DC Controllable Aquarium Pump (1000 GPH) - Hydor USA

I also bought a Nero 5 with a second Nero 5 on order. I will be looking at a narrow cabinet for next to the tank to house my electronics. My GHL arrived last week (I won the partner raffle!!!). I refuse to open it until I am ready. The Kessil AP9X shipping yesterday (yes, I won that too) and will be here tomorrow. So, going down the check list:

-Tank In Condo
-Tank plumbed
-Tank leak tested
-Lighting enroute
-Filtration figured out
-Live Rock (Oh, yeah, I have it in storage with powerheads and heaters... bought it two weeks ago in anticipation from someone that broke down a setup)
-Test Kits (Thanks again Secret Santa!!!)
-Corals (People have offered to start me off when my tanks ready)
-Fish (Clownfish will be the first to make my partner happy)

I think I am off to a good start. Is there anything I am missing???

ricksmithsdca · Dec 7, 2020

It's up and running!!! The live rock has been in storage for a few weeks with a heater and powerhead. Once I got it in the tank, I found what looks like a conch and an asterina. I removed the asterina.

ricksmithsdca · Dec 11, 2020

Progress has been made... The tank has been running for 5 days and the live rock I bought had friends on it. Treating with Aiptasia X for the 10 little guys that have popped up. I also have asterinas and a hermit crab. I know everyone sees these as pests but I see it as a reef tank that's supporting life already!!!