New 225 Setup with Aquascaping Focus

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by Jaws

Andrew,

Everything sounds great so far. The theory is great. I can't wait to see it in action. The only thing that stands out with me is that you don't want a back wall covered in coralline because it's distracting which I agree with. But using a starboard bottom will also cover in corraline. Is that what you'd prefer or do you want a more natural sand look? Myself, I really enjoy the bright white look a sandbed displays in a reef setup but prefer the benefits of a barebottom tank. Since you're already putting a lot of time and effort into planning and building this system, you may want to look into a false sandbed by glueing sand down on to the starboard. Just a suggestion but if it's done right it can give you the best of both worlds. I look forward to seeing your progress on this since I plan on building a very similar system in the near future. Good luck.

Yes the barebottom vs sand is a big question for me. I agree about not wanting coraline on the bottom, but even if I do a fake sand bed that will get covered as well.

For now, I am going with starboard and if I hate it ill add a 1/4 inch of sand and perhaps a goby.

We will see.

[andrewsk]

Well, my live rock arrived today. I currently have about 70 lbs of Deep Water Tonga in my 90 gallon so I re-odered another 70 as I love the look of it over the standard Fiji. It is more expensive but well worth it. I also have another 50 of Fiji rock to go under the Tonga.

I took it out of the box and placed it in one of my barrels of salt water. It will stay in here until some of the pollution is gone from it. After a few hours in the bucket I am glad I did this because MAN DOES IT STINK! My wife is not pleased. Just look:



I will be changing the water daily until this clears up a bit.

I also found the strangest creature lurking near the surface of my smelly mess. Anyone recognize this?



I also replaced the foam to the thicker 3/4" pink styrofoam and cut it out as per Alberts help.



Now I just need to get someone to lift the tank for me! Any takers?

I also installed the bulkheads so that they can have a week to cure along with the tank.




The rest of the week will be plumbing the tank and refugium.

[Snappy]

This thread is timed beautifully as I am also in the process of getting ready to set up a new tank, quite by coincidence to those exact dimensions. I love the external overflow boxes, awesome idea; and those tunze powerhead rocks "rock". I will keep following your progress and may need to borrow a few of your ideas if you don't mind.

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by Snappy

This thread is timed beautifully as I am also in the process of getting ready to set up a new tank, quite by coincidence to those exact dimensions. I love the external overflow boxes, awesome idea; and those tunze powerhead rocks "rock". I will keep following your progress and may need to borrow a few of your ideas if you don't mind.

Not at all. Who is making your tank?

[niloc16]

where are you from? i'm in mission bc, i can help lift it if you are near by

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by niloc16

where are you from? i'm in mission bc, i can help lift it if you are near by

I am in Calgary, but thanks. I am going to have a few buddies over this week to lift it so I should be ok.

But if your ever in Calgary

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by andrewsk

Not at all. Who is making your tank?

Last time I was at Gold's Dennis said he would put a quote together. He needed to check on the starfire glass pricing I think. I will be going starfire on the front and sides. I will also get a quote from Wais, which is where I bought my present tank, Danny treats me pretty good; although so do Dennis & Albert. I never thought I would outgrow my 130 gallon in 18 months. Maybe you can come over some time and give me some ideas.

[andrewsk]

Originally Posted by Snappy

Last time I was at Gold's Dennis said he would put a quote together. He needed to check on the starfire glass pricing I think. I will be going starfire on the front and sides. I will also get a quote from Wais, which is where I bought my present tank, Danny treats me pretty good; although so do Dennis & Albert. I never thought I would outgrow my 130 gallon in 18 months. Maybe you can come over some time and give me some ideas.

Sounds good to me. Feel free to let me know if you want to check anything out yourself. What size are you going for?

[andrewsk]

Here is a picture of me with my new skimmer that arrived today.






Just kidding.

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by andrewsk

Sounds good to me. Feel free to let me know if you want to check anything out yourself. What size are you going for?

I mentioned it earlier in the thread, but it is exactly the same size as yours. 72x30x24
I might be able to go 31 deep, but any bigger and I can't get it downstairs unless I move (which I just might)
I would love to come and take a look. I think when the time comes to switch tanks I will be in a bit of trouble as there is a lot to move. I doubt I will need much if any new live rock as I have a tank full now. Encrusted corals and where to put the corals while I aquascape is what worries me.

Wow that is a big honkin' skimmer. Was that at some kind of a aquarium show or something?