Duckhams' 75G Reef Build - Eurobraced/BeanAnimal

Duckhams · #1 02-22-2015, 10:01 PM

We did a full test run of the whole system before setting up in the office. All worked well, silent overflow, quiet pump, it worked like a charm!
With tank level and in place, it was time for water, rocks & sand! The rockscape changed quiet a bit before I was happy with it. This is my favourite part of the setup, playing with the rockscape! So much potential! The 'high-hat' rockscape was a bit weird, but led to something better later on.

Tn23 · #2 02-22-2015, 10:44 PM

Sweet build thread. Following along, love the removable overflow area and the rounded arch rock scape.

Bugger · #3 02-22-2015, 11:55 PM

I'd cut holes into the sump and run that pump external.

Duckhams · #4 02-23-2015, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bugger

I'd cut holes into the sump and run that pump external.

As the system is running in my office, I ran the return pump in-sump to reduce the chances of water reaching my floor. It's an extremely quiet pump, so it's perfect as an in-sump return.
That being said, I've run several external pumps on other systems and never had an issue, but better safe than sorry.

Bblinks · #5 02-23-2015, 08:59 PM

Very nice!

Duckhams · #6 02-23-2015, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bblinks

Very nice!

Thanks! Your 300DD is beautiful, well deserving of TOTM.

Duckhams · #7 03-04-2015, 03:05 PM

Added a nice big bag of mysis to get the cycle going.

The rocks started to get a nice green colour to them. (watched this carefully increase hair algae was about to take over, thankfully it didnt).

Then gradually, after about 2 months when the nitrates were down (ammonia and nitrite at zero) I started to add a few pieces I saved from the old setup.

Then added 3 Lyretail Anthias and 2 Clownfish. The rockwork got a bit of a readjustment and added another 150w halide for a total of 300w of 14k Phoenix halides.

crimper · #8 03-04-2015, 03:19 PM

Looks very nice and sleek, can't wait until its filled with corals.

What brand/model is that light fixture? I love it!

Duckhams · #9 03-04-2015, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crimper

Looks very nice and sleek, can't wait until its filled with corals.

What brand/model is that light fixture? I love it!

Thanks! It's a JBJ K2 Viper Halide Lamp. They're not the easiest to find these days, but they're great lights for smaller tanks. I actually swapped them out for 2 x Kessil A360WE LED pendants, and I have to say, while I love the JBJ 150's for a smaller tank, the Kessil A360WE are incredible on this system. I love being able to control the colour intensity and the dusk/dawn effect gives great shimmer, just like a halide but much more blue!

Duckhams · #10 03-04-2015, 03:21 PM

A few more creatures! These yellow sponges really take over with the right care, they do an amazing job of natural filtration. And the Scarlet Skunk Cleaner shrimp is a must have in every reef tank, they are great 'Parasite Guards' for your fish. This is a great article documenting their effectiveness:
http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/...20Videocontent

This Electric Blue Hermit got a little destructive with the snails in my last tank, but he's just so beautiful I couldn't bring myself to give him away. He's quite the character. I really love these little guys! I have found that the Scarlet Hermits are much less destructive on my snails and stay a bit smaller, its always a gamble with these tiny little scavengers though!