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

[Etaloche]

Originally Posted by Myka

Make sure you have enough volume in the sump without the check valve. It will fail at some point - usually when you're not home. Murphy's Law.

You mention the return chamber was overfilled in your leak test photo, but it's actually at the level where it should be - it should be about 1/4 - 1/2" higher than the last baffle so that there isn't a waterfall into the return chamber. If you have a waterfall that makes the baffles a moot point.

Looks like it's time to get salty!

When I ran the test in the previous picture the return nozzles were placed high enough and when the pump was turned off they weren't submerged so didn't even use the check valve.

I never thought of that in terms of the water level in the last chamber. Totally makes sense though.

[Etaloche]

I think it's safe to say at this point that this build is proudly sponsored by Anthony

Had a post up looking for some rock and he was quick to contact me and give me a deal I couldn't refuse
Got them sitting in some water for now to get some of the debris loose



Got a refractometer in the mail but it's taking longer than I had hoped, luckily I was able to borrow one from him



Also a 50g bucket for the initial mixing and filling



Without the help from Anthony this build would've been much more difficult and time consuming. Can't thank him enough!

[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!