Puff's New 50 Gallon Breeder Reef Build

[Puff]

I've decided to start a thread in which i can document the setup of my 50 gallon reef tank. Over the past few weeks I have bought a new skimmer and tank, and today I took the next step. This afternoon I went to my friend's house and I helped him build me a stand for my tank. Im a horrible wood worker, but I learned a lot from him today. The stand isnt exactly "fancy", but it does its job. I will be covering up the sides in the coming weeks and adding some cabinet doors to the front. My friend also drilled a hole in the tank for my overflow, which was a pretty cool thing to see IMO.

my plans for powerheads right now are either 2 Koralia 2s, or one Koralia 3 to accompany the Koralia 1 that i already have. the plan is to position them in the two back corners, but im not 100% sure, as i will have the overflow to contend with!

I want to thank Anthony (aka Seahorse_Fanatic) for all the help that he has graciously given to me. he built the stand for me and also drilled the tank. not to mention all the tips and input he has given to me. i really appreciate having a guy like him to talk to. GREAT guy!

Equipment so far:

- AGA 50 Gallon breeder tank (36"x18"x18")
- Euro-reef RS100 protein skimmer
- 250W Visi-therm heater (might upgrade to a 250W Ebo-Jager)
- Mag 7 pump (will most likely sell and downgrade to Mag 5)
- 1" bulkhead

Equipment on order:

- Sunlight Supplies 6x39W Tek Light
- 2 ATI 39W Blue Plus T5 HO Fluorescent
- 1 ATI 39W True Actinic 03 T5 HO Fluorescent
- 1 UVL 39W 10000K AquaSun T5 HO Fluorescent
- 1 ATI 39W 12000K Aquablue Special T5 HO Fluorescent
- 1 ATI 39W Pro Color T5 HO Fluorescent
- SLS Tek Light Bracket/Legs Support System

Equipment needed:

- 20-30 gallon sump (will build from existing tank)
- plumbing supplies (pvc, valves, etc for overflow and return)
- 30-50lbs Carib Sea Arag-alive sand
- 50+lbs of live rock (not sure what type yet. i might order it from a place in the US)


As for livestock I have no major plans as of yet. I want it to be a reef tank, so obviously I will be focusing on reef safe fish. I might try a dwarf angelfish, maybe a pair of black percs. Other than that I have no real plans for stocking.

Now on to the pics!

Tank on top of stand


Tank


Euro-reef RS100 skimmer (really pumped about this skimmer)


Hole drilled for overflow


I will keep this thread updated as I modify both my plans and any equipment I feel needs modifying. I hope you will enjoy being along for the ride!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

You're very welcome Puff. Looking forward to seeing how it all turns out.

[BC Mosaic]

Nice work - both of you!
Hey Puff where did you get the skimmer?
I'm setting up a 90g so I'll be closely watching this thread of yours.
Cheers

[Puff]

Originally Posted by BC Mosaic

Nice work - both of you!
Hey Puff where did you get the skimmer?
I'm setting up a 90g so I'll be closely watching this thread of yours.
Cheers

i got the skimmer at J&L Aquatics. I think i might have picked up the last one though. hopefully they will be getting more in soon!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

If you're setting up a 90g, you might want to get a bigger version of the Euroreef skimmer. He's only doing a 50g display plus 33g sump? so that size works for his system.