Shane's 5x2.5x2 SPS Reef - Back to basics

[ssbk23]

Introduction:
After having my 4x2x2 going for a year and a half I came across a great deal on a tank from a fellow MASQ member.
Thought this would be a great inbetween upgrade before I get the big one in a few years
I will be doing a hybrid Zeo system with vodka as the carbon source. Will try to match everything I am doing to my current SPS tank.

System Objectives: What is the end result going to be?
Intense coloured SPS reef tank, more grow out space for some of my current prize pieces

System Type: SPS with a few select LPS

Display System:

Strike up Date: 30/03/2013

Display Tank: Dennison built 5 x 2.5 x 2 peninsular style, viewable from all 3 sides.

Display Lighting: ATI Powermodule 6x80w

Stand: Dennison made steel stand 1mtr tall

Hood: No hood

Sump: 1000x650x500 racetrack style, will be bare apart from pump, heater, skimmer.

Refugium: No refugium, will be carbon dosing

Refugium Lighting: See above


Support systems:

System Water: Natural salt water

Display Water circulation: 3x Ecotech Vortech MP40WES

Return Pump: Waveline DC-10000

Skimmer: KZ Revolution Medium

UV: Aqua UV 25w

Evaporation Top Up: Gravity fed ATO for now


Chemical Support:

Calcium Addition: Randy's recipe #1

Alkilinity Addition: Randy's recipe #1

Other Chemical Maintenance: Randy's recipe for magnesium. Vodka for nutrient control and large variety of Zeovit products

Current Water Chemistry: If applicable
Nitrates:
Phosphates:
Alkalinity:
Calcium:
Salinity / Specific Gravity:
Magnesuim:


Images:

[ryanrid]

Awesome! Think u need to get a dslr before ur allowed to go ahead with this build.

[ssbk23]

Awesome! Think u need to get a dslr before ur allowed to go ahead with this build.

yes I think you are right, I will get one soon I promise

[ssbk23]

I plan to start this tank fresh with new rock. Main reasons being is the rock in my current tank has an aiptasia problem which is getting better with time with the peppermint shrimp, but the main reason is the damn pocillopora that spawned a year ago that has ended up everywhere causing problems with all the other corals. It's literally everywhere you look

This tank will be pocillopora free

Here is the first pic of the tank. I will be cleaning it up during this week and giving the stand a rub back and new coat of paint. Tank will be turned around when on the stand with the weir end against the wall.

I also plan to drill a water change hole in it and have it plumbed into an outside down pipe.



Will be putting up pics as it progresses

[JonH]

Nice size tank mate, will be amazing if it turns out half as good as the last. Any plans for the scape and new fish additions yet?

[ssbk23]

Nice size tank mate, will be amazing if it turns out half as good as the last. Any plans for the scape and new fish additions yet?

Thanks mate

I have a few ideas on the scape, whether or not it comes together the way I plan is another thing. Rock will all be in the centre so it's viewable from all 3 sides. Higher against the weir with a possible space in the middle with an island towards the opposite end.

Fish will be all the fish I have in the current tank except for the six line wrasse. New fish I'm undecided on. I'm tossing up the idea of trying another school of Anthias. My ultimate dream fish is an Achilles tang but I think I will have to wait for the bigger upgrade for that one.

My current 4x2x2 will still be running once this tank is ready but will be changing it to an anemone tank with a few angels

I plan to cycle this tank for around 3 months before any fish or coral go in

[Bandit]

YEAH BABY!!!

Good work Shane, this will be a killer build... 4 Radions will be wicked

[jayellul]

tagging along :-)

[CBrian]

Definately following this!

[greeni]

Nice size tank! will be tagging along

[Rod the Reefer]

Cool.

Rod.

[ssbk23]

Cheers for following everyone

Will be updating every step of the way

Started cleaning down the sump and the main tank today. Got some supplies to sand and repaint the stand so will start on that tomorrow. Hoping to have it ready to piece together by this weekend

[cody.sheridan-2008]

How'd i miss this for a whole 2 days!! Will be mad i'm sure! Tagging along!

[Bandit]

Hoping to have it ready to piece together by this weekend

Damn I wish I could move as fast as you Shane

[ssbk23]

Hoping to have it ready to piece together by this weekend

Damn I wish I could move as fast as you Shane

It's hard not to work on it when it's all sitting here. Working arvo shift this week also helps.

Got most of the main tank cleaning finished this morning, just the weir to go.
Sump had a soak in a vinegar mix yesterday and a hose out. Just needs a scrape down to get rid of the last of the coralline.
Little bit behind schedule with the stand but should get that at least sanded back tomorrow.

I have 2 weeks off work after the end of this week so the goal is to get the water change hole drilled and tank running by end of next week

[ssbk23]

Stand is now ready to paint
All it needed was a quick rub over with wet and dry. Would of got the first coat done this morning but it started to rain. Hopefully I should get it all painted tomorrow

[CBrian]

Looks great Shane, are you going to clad it?

[ssbk23]

Looks great Shane, are you going to clad it?

Thanks mate

Yeah it came with 10mm black acrylic panels all round

Really looking forward to getting it all in place so I can start on the plumbing.

[rodneyri]

Radion pro I guess Shane

[ssbk23]

Radion pro I guess Shane

That's what I was thinking as I'll use the 3 I've already got and buy one more.
I will however wait and see what the pricing is like for the pro upgrade kits, if its something silly then I'll probably go for the Mitras instead

[Bandit]

if its something silly then I'll probably go for the Mitras instead

Do it do it

[peekandboo]

if its something silly then I'll probably go for the Mitras instead

Do it do it

Don't listen to Jamie get a ATI PM light

[CBrian]

Don't listen to either, get a power module LED combo...

[ssbk23]

Haha thanks for the suggestions guys. I have been tempted to get a PM but I'm happy with the results I'm getting with LEDs.
Since I will be running multiple tanks, any power savings I can get the better.

First coat of paint went on the stand today

[ssbk23]

After a lot of vinegar, scraping and hosing the sump is now clean



First coat of paint on the bottom of the stand.
One more coat all over and I can start setting everything up

[jason angel]

tagging along

[ssbk23]

Stand painting is all done and is now now position



Measured my skimmer and it will need raising in the sump to have a 9" water depth.
With the skimmer on a stand it will only just fit and the stand is 1mtr tall.
Was hoping for easier access with this tank but not much I can do unfortunately

[CBrian]

How long till its up and running? It looks great Shane!

[rodneyri]

Can u cut out the baffles and reconfigure your sump that way you don't have to raise the skimmer. Worth it in the long run if u can

[ssbk23]

How long till its up and running? It looks great Shane!

Thanks Charlie, I'm hoping it will be ready by the end of next week

Can u cut out the baffles and reconfigure your sump that way you don't have to raise the skimmer. Worth it in the long run if u can

It would mean cutting all the baffles out and starting over. The main middle piece that runs lengthways is the one that determines the height in the first 2 sections. You're right it would be worth it in the long run though.
Might not be ready next week after all.