Budget doesn't exist in this hobby: Brian's 45g Build

[Etaloche]

Can't believe my tank is finally up and running!
5 years of wanting to get into this hobby and well worth the wait so far!

Here's a light fixture I whipped up from 3/4" polycarbonate



Figuring out the aquascape. Anthony told me that he never epoxied any of his rocks together so I did the same and simply piled up the rocks where they were structurally sound



I shipped one of the PC4 modules that wasn't working in for repairs so I couldn't finalize the wiring so it's a little messy but this is what it looks like



Tank finally filled with water!!



After the water has settled a bit and cleared



Sitting at 78 degrees F and pH of 7.80 for now



Day 1 of reef keeping and I couldn't be more excited!
I want to thank everyone that gave me great advice and help. Couldn't have done it without the help of this great community

[The Guy]

Wow looking awesome Brian.

[Etaloche]

Day 2, water has completely cleared and finalized the installation of the lights

Been just sitting in front of my tank staring into it wishing I had some livestock to make it more interesting and exciting

I guess now's a good time to think about livestock as I wait a while for the cycle to finish

[Myka]

Looking pretty stellar Brian!

[WarDog]

That came together quick and looking awesome!

I've got some bubble algae you can have, free!

[Myka]

Also, your cycle won't take long with dry rock. If you want to speed it up, add Prodibio Start Up. I add this to all new tanks that are started with dry rock. Really seems to help establish the good bacteria (rather than bad). I just add one pack (I think it has 6 or 8 vials in it) as directed until it's gone. I know the instructions say to use it longer, but one pack sure helps.

[Etaloche]

Originally Posted by Myka

Also, your cycle won't take long with dry rock. If you want to speed it up, add Prodibio Start Up. I add this to all new tanks that are started with dry rock. Really seems to help establish the good bacteria (rather than bad). I just add one pack (I think it has 6 or 8 vials in it) as directed until it's gone. I know the instructions say to use it longer, but one pack sure helps.

I assume these are what you're referring to?

I actually picked up one of these and been planning to dose it daily starting tonight, are these similar products? If they aren't could I use both to help or should I just stick to one.

[Etaloche]

Originally Posted by WarDog

That came together quick and looking awesome!

I've got some bubble algae you can have, free!

How generous of you kind sir , sounds good! I think I've spent a good 2-3 hours staring into my empty tank so far, even a bit of bubble algae to add some movement would be an improvement hahahaha c'mon do something interesting!

[Fishy!]

Originally Posted by Etaloche

How generous of you kind sir , sounds good! I think I've spent a good 2-3 hours staring into my empty tank so far, even a bit of bubble algae to add some movement would be an improvement hahahaha c'mon do something interesting!

Looks good. Anyone remember when we used to cycle tanks with cheap fish like damsels?