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

[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!

[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 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!