Starting a journal

[Cmyk rgb]

over the last 4 month I decide to start a new tank and thought it would be cool to document some of the photos of the progress here.

Here is a photo of the tank as it is shaping up. I just started putting in a few frags to start it out

 

[Srt4eric]

What size tank is that?

 

[Cmyk rgb]

What size tank is that?

24 x 24 x 12. About 40 gallons with the sump

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Couple of random photos from yesterday

 

[Cmyk rgb]

A little update, first tank is post crash from the move. Now back up and running. Also set up the 65 gallon from storage and plan to plumb the to tanks together in the garage.

Would it be smarter to use 2 return pumps, one for each tank or or one with valves? I originally planned one with valves but recent realized that the second pump I have is in great condition

 

[Coral reefer]

Use two I say

 

[Darkxerox]

Heaters and return pumps are the biggest points of failure so this is good advice:

Use two I say

 

[H2OPlayar]

If it is possible, also keep a backup in the house ready to swap in quickly, especially in the case of the main pump. It doesn't need to be the most expensive since it is a backup, but spending the time ahead of time to add a union to make a "quick swap" possible will save some panic later on.

For the heaters, the most robust combination I have found is to run a titanium heater with a separate thermostat like the inkbird.

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Heaters and return pumps are the biggest points of failure so this is good advice:

Yes they are

 

[Cmyk rgb]

If it is possible, also keep a backup in the house ready to swap in quickly, especially in the case of the main pump. It doesn't need to be the most expensive since it is a backup, but spending the time ahead of time to add a union to make a "quick swap" possible will save some panic later on.

For the heaters, the most robust combination I have found is to run a titanium heater with a separate thermostat like the inkbird.

Great idea. I will plan on running 2 return pumps (1 for each tank0 and 2 heaters with 2 different heater probes (1 built into 1of the heater and the other is going to be the apex.) I keep hearing about this Inkbird. Might have to put it on the long list and get another back up pump too. After crashing in 10 hours. heater failures are not fun.

 

[rdriggett]

Great idea. I will plan on running 2 return pumps (1 for each tank0 and 2 heaters with 2 different heater probes (1 built into 1of the heater and the other is going to be the apex.) I keep hearing about this Inkbird. Might have to put it on the long list and get another back up pump too. After crashing in 10 hours. heater failures are not fun.

I’d use a inkbird controlled primary heater and an apex controlled backup heater set just below the main heater. That way you can set an alarm if your backup heater ever turns on.

 

[Kensington Reefer]

A little update, first tank is post crash from the move. Now back up and running. Also set up the 65 gallon from storage and plan to plumb the to tanks together in the garage.

Would it be smarter to use 2 return pumps, one for each tank or or one with valves? I originally planned one with valves but recent realized that the second pump I have is in great condition

Yes
Keep it simple and somewhat independent.
Each tank has its own pump
It is “my way” with far more tanks than there
Below is a system of 4 tanks, each has a small Sicce pump
The sump in common has the heaters and skimmer

 

[Cmyk rgb]

I Managed to get the tanks plumb together over the week. Next up, tightening up the controller, wiring and lighting. A fun weekend. Almost ready to start picking up some fish and corals

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Really happy with how this is shaping up. Had a slight algae bloom after the rebuild. Now we get to start adding frags

 

[Kensington Reefer]

I see the makings of a true addict
welcome to the madness!

 

[Cmyk rgb]

I see the makings of a true addict
welcome to the madness!

Thank you. I figured I had a problem when I dedicated a room to the chaos

 

[Kidrock]

Very cool. I'm following.

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Happy to see the tank has fully stabilized and getting some growth after the crash. Colors are bit dull but it has full incased the printed plug

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Plumbing in this AIO Fluval tank into the system. This was one of the first tank I owned and for the last few years was a quarantine tank. Now the conversions is happening to plumb this guy into the main system. Its actually a really cool tank an has a nice stand. It also had a water change drain in the back of the tank that is going to make it real easy to convert and not have to drill. well... I hope..

 

[Cmyk rgb]

Tank 3 is up and running! now to fill em all and leave them alone