Reef Sanctuary - View Single Post

rmlevasseur · 01-18-2008, 05:38 PM

Decided to start my chronicle early, yea! After about 6 weeks of planning, everything (almost) is now ordered!

For the tank, I went with a custom 72x25x25 tank which I got through Jack. Three sides will be starphire. I also went with the euro bracing as I just love the look of that much better, especially since I'm not going to use a canopy.
Should be here in 4-6 weeks. One center overflow with two drains, 2 returns.

For the sump I went with the LifeReef. I also got the lighted fuge, skimmer, and Ca. reactor from LifeReef, so it should be a very clean integrated system. The circ pump is blueline. I'm a little hesitant with a venturi for the skimmer, but Jeff at LifeReef convinced me it was excellent and pretty much set and forget. JFK told me the same - and who can argue with his tank??? I did however have a hole drilled into the sump (and plugged) if I ever want to go to something external. Also ordered the PH monitor from Jeff.

I will likely order the Solaris for lighting. It's a mint but I just can't turn down the safety advantage. I have the cash for this project now, but over time I just couldn't justify the cost of MH. I've talked with enough owners now that I am satisfied that the Solaris is the best option for me.

Tank will be mostly softies but I will have the option to add stony as the tank progresses. I have ordered 50 pounds of LR from Marco, 60 pounds of Timora from Premium Aquatics, and 50 lbs of Fiji from Reefer Madness. I received the Timora and Fiji today and have it curing in a 45 gallon tank. I am very happy with the rock and would recommend both places. The Timora, however, is ESPECIALLY nice. Premium Aquatics got me some VERY nice large pieces. Reefer Madness, however, got me the package next day when I paid for for 2nd day. So kudos to both places. I will likely order again from Premium simply for the large pieces they were able to get me upon request, or pick up a few more pieces at the LFS (which is still 2 hours away, lol).

For the bottom I am going with aragonite sand, probably SSB. I just don't think reef tanks look natural bare bottom, but I can see why people do it. Ordered a refractometer and jager heaters, but still undecided on controller. I'll have the cycle time to determine whether one will even be necessary.

I'm having the stand custom built. I have a utility room on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be, and would love to get the sump and equipment in there. The only problem is, my house was expanded over time and the wall is actually cinderblock foundation. I may be able to safely drill some small holes however for tubing. If not, the stand will actually be about 3 feet longer than the tank itself, so there should be plenty of room underneath anyway.

Total cost so far (figuring in the Solaris, but not the stand):
$9750

Wish me luck!

01-18-2008, 05:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
rmlevasseur Acropora Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,849 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Tufa's tank!!! Decided to start my chronicle early, yea! After about 6 weeks of planning, everything (almost) is now ordered! For the tank, I went with a custom 72x25x25 tank which I got through Jack. Three sides will be starphire. I also went with the euro bracing as I just love the look of that much better, especially since I'm not going to use a canopy. Should be here in 4-6 weeks. One center overflow with two drains, 2 returns. For the sump I went with the LifeReef. I also got the lighted fuge, skimmer, and Ca. reactor from LifeReef, so it should be a very clean integrated system. The circ pump is blueline. I'm a little hesitant with a venturi for the skimmer, but Jeff at LifeReef convinced me it was excellent and pretty much set and forget. JFK told me the same - and who can argue with his tank??? I did however have a hole drilled into the sump (and plugged) if I ever want to go to something external. Also ordered the PH monitor from Jeff. I will likely order the Solaris for lighting. It's a mint but I just can't turn down the safety advantage. I have the cash for this project now, but over time I just couldn't justify the cost of MH. I've talked with enough owners now that I am satisfied that the Solaris is the best option for me. Tank will be mostly softies but I will have the option to add stony as the tank progresses. I have ordered 50 pounds of LR from Marco, 60 pounds of Timora from Premium Aquatics, and 50 lbs of Fiji from Reefer Madness. I received the Timora and Fiji today and have it curing in a 45 gallon tank. I am very happy with the rock and would recommend both places. The Timora, however, is ESPECIALLY nice. Premium Aquatics got me some VERY nice large pieces. Reefer Madness, however, got me the package next day when I paid for for 2nd day. So kudos to both places. I will likely order again from Premium simply for the large pieces they were able to get me upon request, or pick up a few more pieces at the LFS (which is still 2 hours away, lol). For the bottom I am going with aragonite sand, probably SSB. I just don't think reef tanks look natural bare bottom, but I can see why people do it. Ordered a refractometer and jager heaters, but still undecided on controller. I'll have the cycle time to determine whether one will even be necessary. I'm having the stand custom built. I have a utility room on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be, and would love to get the sump and equipment in there. The only problem is, my house was expanded over time and the wall is actually cinderblock foundation. I may be able to safely drill some small holes however for tubing. If not, the stand will actually be about 3 feet longer than the tank itself, so there should be plenty of room underneath anyway. Total cost so far (figuring in the Solaris, but not the stand): $9750 Wish me luck!