[reddhaus]

As of 6-2-03 my tank was born.

It is an AGA with dual overflows and Durso standpipes. My sump is a 20 long and my refugium is a 22 gallon.

My hood is DIY with 4 160 watt VHO's. 2 10k and 2 actinics. I have my reflectors installed and waiting for my 3 250 watt 10k bulbs and Blueline E-ballasts. My refugium is being lit with a 65 watt PC fixture from Coralife.

I am using a Mag 18 running wide open for my return pump and a Mag 5 running at about 1/2 throttle (for now) to feed the refugium.

I am using 4" of Pure Caribean Aragonite for the main tank and about 5.5" in the refugium.

I have a My Reef Creations MR-1 skimmer but it is not in service yet.

Here are a couple of pics that were taken on Monday. Since then i have added another piece of rock to the main tank and a piece to the refugim.





Now i just need to sit back and let the cycle begin!!!

[Chris Lakies]

Post a pic when the sand clears. Keep up the good work.

[Reefland]

Boy I know your thrilled to death, I sure would be!

Be sure to post some pics when you get your halides on there.

Regards,

[reddhaus]

I am going to post some more pics but like Chris said, i think i am going to wait until the sand calms down alittle more.

[Poseidon]

just curious as to why you chose a 20 long for the sump and not something larger? was it space or weight or both?

All looks Great though where are you going to get your livestock from? Somewhere local? When you are ready if you want some Star Polyps or anthelia let me know and you can have some.... Darn things grow like weeds!!!

Mike

[reddhaus]

Originally posted by Poseidon
just curious as to why you chose a 20 long for the sump and not something larger? was it space or weight or both?

I decided to go with the 20 long because i still wanted to have some room leftover in the stand to place my calcium reactor and CO2 bottle when i get it. Also need room for my waste collection container for my skimmer. Thought about using that area for some sort of container to replace evaporated water until i can purchase a Reef Filler.

I will more than likely buy most of my livestock locally or get it from frag swapping and such. Thanks for the offer, i will let you know once everything is cycled and ready to go.

[mrok12]

I think the 20 is a good idea for the space reason as well. I like the configuratoin

[reddhaus]

thanks!

[reddhaus]

Here is a newer pic where the sand has settled down.

[zhenya]

Scott,

It is a nice looking tank. Are you planning on getting more LR or just keep it wide open? I like your sump/refugium combo as well,nicely put together if you ask me

Good luck with it!

[reddhaus]

Thanks Zhenya!

Yes I do plan on adding more live rock but i think i will add it slowly. I am going to do it this way so it is easier to absorb the cost and because I don't really have an exact vision of how i want it yet.

I am thinking of having three peaks with the center being alittle lower than the outside two. Each peak will be directly under the MH lights when i finally get them installed. This will allow more choice of coral placement. I do want to have some areas of bare sand to place clams and some open swimming area for the fish. Well, that does sound sort of like an exact vision.

The hardest part is remembering the "go slow" approach that i am trying to stick to. I am constantly having to fight off the "I will take 4 of those and 7 of these" urge.

[zhenya]

Originally Posted by reddhaus

Thanks Zhenya!

Yes I do plan on adding more live rock but i think i will add it slowly. I am going to do it this way so it is easier to absorb the cost and because I don't really have an exact vision of how i want it yet.

I am thinking of having three peaks with the center being alittle lower than the outside two. Each peak will be directly under the MH lights when i finally get them installed. This will allow more choice of coral placement. I do want to have some areas of bare sand to place clams and some open swimming area for the fish. Well, that does sound sort of like an exact vision.

The hardest part is remembering the "go slow" approach that i am trying to stick to. I am constantly having to fight off the "I will take 4 of those and 7 of these" urge.

Scott,
I know the feeling . I think taking the time and go slow approach will pay off in the long run. Those three peaks idea sounds very interesting and hopefully you will not forget to post some pics when its all done If you stick to your design it should be a very nice looking reef.