Duckhams' 75G Reef Build - Eurobraced/BeanAnimal

[Duckhams]

I actually started this build over a year ago, and will be doing lots of modifications and updates to it in the next few months. Including new plumbing!
But here is a quick overview of the journey so far:

Display: 75 gallon 48"x20"x20", Eurobraced Low-iron glass, External Beananimal overflow. (all by Miracles Aquariums).
Sump: 30x14x18 Rimless, 3 compartments. Drain (media-reactor), skimmer, return.
Stand: 48x20x40 for optimal viewing and inside tank reach. (I can touch all areas inside the tank without a step-stool).
Rockscape: 2 main structures based on high arches and off-centred caves for a 3-dimensional feel.

Current Equipment:
Lighting: 2 x Kessil A360WE LED pendants, 4 x T5 LET-MIRO retrofits with ATI Actinics and Blue Plus bulbs.
Return Pump: Eheim 1262
Skimmer: Originally a Reef Octopus NWB-150. Just upgraded to a Vertex Omega 130.



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[Myka]

I like the rockscape! Why don't you slide a piece of black acrylic in the overflow so the pipes aren't so obvious?

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

[Bugger]

Did you use rods for the rocks

[Duckhams]

Originally Posted by Myka

I like the rockscape! Why don't you slide a piece of black acrylic in the overflow so the pipes aren't so obvious?

Sent from my SM-G870W using Tapatalk

I do have an overflow insert that came with the tank, im just leaving it out for now so that I can play around with the flow settings on the Vectra M1 and I need to be able to see the water level in the overflow box. It will go in soon enough, don't worry!

Originally Posted by Bugger

Did you use rods for the rocks

No I didn't, it's only 2 pieces. The one on the left is almost 22" long! I got a couple of big pieces of Pukani and chiselled them with a hammer and screw driver to create the shapes, caves, ledges, etc.

[Myka]

[quote=Elliott@BigReefDepot.com;973486]I do have an overflow insert that came with the tank, im just leaving it out for now so that I can play around with the flow settings on the Vectra M1 and I need to be able to see the water level in the overflow box. It will go in soon enough, don't worry!/quote]

Oh good! I was like, "Woah, fail."

That sump setup is looking pretty slick too. I saw you have the colored PVC pipe - I might have to order some.

[Duckhams]

Originally Posted by Myka

Oh good! I was like, "Woah, fail."

That sump setup is looking pretty slick too. I saw you have the colored PVC pipe - I might have to order some.

Lol! Thanks! We have lots of the coloured PVC in stock, it's got a nice shiny finish to it, it looks so much better than the industrial stuff. All the fittings have tapered edges too which makes it look much more 'fitted' for lack of a better term. Im glad I redid the plumbing at the same time, it was totally worth it.

[Myka]

Thanks for the review on the Vectra! I like the feed mode and the tank flush sounds pretty cool too. I'm not a fan of Vortechs though so I wouldn't make use of that. Maybe the new QD will win me over.

I just downloaded that app too. I've been looking for an app to record params.

[Duckhams]

Originally Posted by Myka

Thanks for the review on the Vectra! I like the feed mode and the tank flush sounds pretty cool too. I'm not a fan of Vortechs though so I wouldn't make use of that. Maybe the new QD will win me over.

I just downloaded that app too. I've been looking for an app to record params.

The app is very handy! - The QuietDrive's definitely won me over. I traded my old Vortech's a few years back for Tunze's chasing silence (and liked them a lot on the APEX), but now switched back to Vortech's because of the QuiteDrive's, increased power and I find the wide flow on the Vortech's better for my tank dimensions/rockscape.

[Myka]

I just wish you could "point" them.

I can't get in to the app...it's asking for a username and password. No option to sign up.

[Duckhams]

Originally Posted by Myka

I just wish you could "point" them.

I can't get in to the app...it's asking for a username and password. No option to sign up.

That's kind of the point, it's such wide, turbulent flow, you don't need to 'point' them. I get full coverage across my 20" wide, 20" deep tank with the MP40QD. With 2 of them, I have them at max 55% and get strong wide, random turbulence, no pointing needed. I was constantly adjusting my Tunze's as things grew in or moving them trying to reduce detritus build up in low flow spots, the laminar flow was hard to control on my setup/rockscape. I just find the Vortech's so effective without much effort on my part. Win win.

I guess you have to sign up online first to use the app.