New 225 Setup with Aquascaping Focus

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Andrew,

Everything sounds great so far. The theory is great. I can't wait to see it in action. The only thing that stands out with me is that you don't want a back wall covered in coralline because it's distracting which I agree with. But using a starboard bottom will also cover in corraline. Is that what you'd prefer or do you want a more natural sand look? Myself, I really enjoy the bright white look a sandbed displays in a reef setup but prefer the benefits of a barebottom tank. Since you're already putting a lot of time and effort into planning and building this system, you may want to look into a false sandbed by glueing sand down on to the starboard. Just a suggestion but if it's done right it can give you the best of both worlds. I look forward to seeing your progress on this since I plan on building a very similar system in the near future. Good luck.

Yes the barebottom vs sand is a big question for me. I agree about not wanting coraline on the bottom, but even if I do a fake sand bed that will get covered as well.

For now, I am going with starboard and if I hate it ill add a 1/4 inch of sand and perhaps a goby.

We will see.

[andrewsk]

Well, my live rock arrived today. I currently have about 70 lbs of Deep Water Tonga in my 90 gallon so I re-odered another 70 as I love the look of it over the standard Fiji. It is more expensive but well worth it. I also have another 50 of Fiji rock to go under the Tonga.

I took it out of the box and placed it in one of my barrels of salt water. It will stay in here until some of the pollution is gone from it. After a few hours in the bucket I am glad I did this because MAN DOES IT STINK! My wife is not pleased. Just look:



I will be changing the water daily until this clears up a bit.

I also found the strangest creature lurking near the surface of my smelly mess. Anyone recognize this?



I also replaced the foam to the thicker 3/4" pink styrofoam and cut it out as per Alberts help.



Now I just need to get someone to lift the tank for me! Any takers?

I also installed the bulkheads so that they can have a week to cure along with the tank.




The rest of the week will be plumbing the tank and refugium.

[Snappy]

This thread is timed beautifully as I am also in the process of getting ready to set up a new tank, quite by coincidence to those exact dimensions. I love the external overflow boxes, awesome idea; and those tunze powerhead rocks "rock". I will keep following your progress and may need to borrow a few of your ideas if you don't mind.

[albert_dao]

Hey Keith,

There's no silicone lubricating any of the O-rings is there? Cause if there is, you're going to have to cut it all out and replace the O-rings.