New Reefer in Phoenix

Discussion in 'Say Hello!' started by finisproduction, Apr 16, 2014.

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  1. finisproduction

    finisproduction Plankton

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2013
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Phoenix, Az
    Hello all, this will be my first RT and only my second SW project. I have had all manner of FW aquariums and setups over the last 15 years or so since I caught the bug. In 2006 I had a 29gal FOWLR but it was quite a simple setup - more akin to FW equipment etc.

    Recently I have undertaken this project which is an Aqueon 36 bowfront, with DIY stand, 20gal sump with skimmer and refugium. I have added dry rock and shallow argonite and a few pieces of LR to start the cycle.

    During the construction of this tank I have used this and other forums and resources on the web as a guide. I have made mistakes, learned a lot, and am in the process of learning a lot more while I try to be patient and watch the cycle begin.

    I have also been documenting a lot of the process as I go and may eventually do a blog post with some more pics and the various steps of the process.

    Looking forward to learning and growing with the hobby and its great to be able to have a resource and community such as 3reef.

    -Cris

    [​IMG][​IMG][​IMG]
     
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  3. chris adams

    chris adams Purple Tang

    Joined:
    Oct 4, 2008
    Messages:
    1,828
    Location:
    Port Charlotte, FL
    looks good and welcome to 3reef(even though you have been here)
     
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  4. Marshall O

    Marshall O Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 19, 2012
    Messages:
    3,517
    Location:
    Central MA
    Welcome to 3reef! Looks like a nice little setup you have there :)
     
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  5. Todd_Sails

    Todd_Sails Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 3, 2011
    Messages:
    4,732
    Location:
    A Texan in S.E. Wisconsin
    Welcome to 3Reef.

    What's the big white pipe on the right in the first picture?

    That has a siphon break hole that will break the siphon and won't drain the tank way down to there to the sump in a power out- right?

    Is that the drain to the sump, of the return?

    The sump looks good- I think you need some macro algae in there- chaeto is my vote.
    And the egg crate top on the sump? To hold the light up maybe?
     
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  6. Av8Bluewater

    Av8Bluewater Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 27, 2008
    Messages:
    3,401
    Location:
    Dallas
    Welcome aboard!
     
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  7. Rob&Gab

    Rob&Gab Astrea Snail

    Joined:
    Jan 17, 2014
    Messages:
    63
    Location:
    whitestone, Queens
    awesome little setup! that is marco right ?
     
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  9. AZDesertRat

    AZDesertRat Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2009
    Messages:
    3,904
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    Phoenix has a very active reefing and saltwater community. Welcome aboard!
     
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  10. oldfishkeeper

    oldfishkeeper Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2012
    Messages:
    7,660
    Location:
    Cincinnati
    welcome to 3reef! Setup looks great!
     
  11. finisproduction

    finisproduction Plankton

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2013
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Phoenix, Az
    Tank Mechanics

    Yes, on the right is the return line which is drilled in 3 places for a siphon break. Also in the event of power failure the sump capacity is more than enough to ensure no flooding, and since this picture I have actually adjusted the return to be more parallel to the surface of the tank so that the return is providing some good surface agitation. (Since it is all but at the surface, any siphon would break almost instantly now anyways but it is something I definitely spent time to be sure of when setting up the system.)

    I actually do have a good clump of chaeto algae in there, in the pictures it is hiding behind the LR. I also ended up moving the LR from the sump to the DT so I can monitor it a little easier. And yes, the eggcrate on the sump is to support light but also helps with the cable management from the components in there which seems to work pretty nicely. Also I have a cat who is also a little curious and around that same height so I figure it is a good idea to have the fuge covered. ;)
     
  12. finisproduction

    finisproduction Plankton

    Joined:
    Aug 30, 2013
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    Phoenix, Az
    Yes, it was hiding at the time I took the photo.