Gil&Fin Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 For those of you who have been following along, this is the final part of the 3-part build series. Part 1 chronicled the construction/remodel of the aquarium room. http://www.pnwmas.org/topic/38246-hollys-saltwater-haven-part-1-the-room/ Part 2 was all about the tanks and equipment. http://www.pnwmas.org/topic/38271-hollys-saltwater-haven-part-2-the-tanks-and-equipment/ In this final installment, I've included pictures of the room as a whole, and then the tanks and livestock. For aquascaping, I decided to go with Real Reef Rock. This is man-made live rock is eco-friendly and looks like coralline encrusted reef rock. I was first planning on doing the whole rod-and-cement thing. However, after stacking the rocks in various formations, I chose not to permanently affix the pieces. They are sturdy in how they sit, and I like the idea of being able to rearrange them over time. After trying many, many different configurations, I decided on two separate rock structures with a large shelf in between. I added a couple more shelf pieces on each structure. Because the tank is a "deep dimension," I had three feet front-to-back to play with, so unlike my last 20-inch deep tank, I was able to curve structures and play with the aquascaping from different perspectives. It was super-fun. Here's what I ended up with: Because I was breaking down two other smaller tanks (110 gallon and 36 gallon), I had a good head start on livestock. I also had accumulated a number of things in my frag tanks that were tagged for the new build. When I got everything moved over, 300 gallons didn't look so big anymore. Because a lot went in during a reasonably short period of time, I checked my parameters two to three times a day in order to avoid spikes and drops. Yes--two or three times a day. It was the work I was willing to put in to move everything at one time rather than slowly moving them over (which would have entailed keeping three other systems going while this one was acclimating). In any case, I had a blast putting things where I wanted them to go. It is an ongoing process, of course. So far, everything has fared pretty well. It's been a couple of months now. I still don't have my calcium reactor dialed in, and I'm still making adjustments to flow, lights, and placement. That's half the fun, though! I have been lucky enough to have good friends from this forum that have taken the time to come over and take a look, give advice, and share in the fun. I hope there will be more! Oh, and I took Rudy's advice and installed a refrigerator. The beer is cold, my friends. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisQ Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 (edited) Can't wait! Edited August 16, 2016 by ChrisQ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Emerald525 Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 You know you have a massive tank build when you need to post it in 3 threads. Three times a day? That's a lot of testing !???????????? If you get bored you can come over and check my water!???? I also had intended to glue or affix my aquascape but I have issues with committing to something permanently. Your system is awesome! It's like a little fish store in your home!???? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Incredibly beautiful!! ???????????? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisQ Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Ok Holly, look, i'm really small i'm sure i can fit in between the reservoir and frag tank, i'm sure i can fit a cot there and live happy! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheClark Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Really, that is something special you have going there. I am way impressed, that is the coolest room ever. High five, congrats, well done and enjoy! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil&Fin Posted August 16, 2016 Author Share Posted August 16, 2016 Ok Holly, look, i'm really small i'm sure i can fit in between the reservoir and frag tank, i'm sure i can fit a cot there and live happy! It was the beer that did it, am I right? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisQ Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 It was the beer that did it, am I right? In all seriousness, you did an amazing job and congrats! We are all incredibly privileged to be able to share in it with you. Thanks for that! Wish i made that meeting 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
softy Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Looks amazing Holly!! Great Job!!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PowderBlue Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 That is amazing! Awesome work! Sent from my SM-G928V using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Beautiful S. Gigantea! How long have you had it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertareef Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Wow - that is a beautiful tank and room all together. I love the aquascape - this turned out fantastically. Congrats Holly! Can't wait to see this in person some day... very inspiring. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil&Fin Posted August 16, 2016 Author Share Posted August 16, 2016 Beautiful S. Gigantea! How long have you had it?Thank you! I got her from Cuttlefish a year-and-a-half ago. She was in great shape when I got her so we had a good start. She has done amazingly well for a gigantea in captivity. She eats like a pig and is now about 20 inches in diameter. I'm very lucky to have her. Sent from my SM-G928P using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishboys Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 i dont remember being offered a beer? : ( 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishboys Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Your right to have not offered me one though. I would of never left. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashy Fins Posted August 16, 2016 Share Posted August 16, 2016 Holly! How am I just now seeing these threads?! I knew you had a few tanks, but wowza! Go you! Especially love the rhomboid wrasse! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youcallmenny Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 (edited) Whooooo!!! Amazing! I love that purple stylo! (I hope it's a stylo...) Also the sporadic Sunny D's spread out in there. Those are my favorite paly. Edited August 17, 2016 by youcallmenny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gil&Fin Posted August 17, 2016 Author Share Posted August 17, 2016 Whooooo!!! Amazing! I love that purple stylo! (I hope it's a stylo...) Also the sporadic Sunny D's spread out in there. Those are my favorite paly. Thank you! Yes, big purple stylo. I was given a small stick about a year and a half ago and it has blossomed. The mind-blowing palys keep trying to block out the sunny d's. It's kind of funny because I spot feed the sunny d's one-by-one to keep them going. So much for Survival of the Fittest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wmcbane200 Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 This is beyond beautiful. I hope one day I can have a setup as nice as this. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninjabeaver Posted August 17, 2016 Share Posted August 17, 2016 Looking very nice! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishboys Posted August 18, 2016 Share Posted August 18, 2016 I did forget to mention how nice your tanks looked and when you see them in person you can tell just how much thought and hard work were put into this fish room build. Truely is amazing to see in person. I am 100% sure you will have years upon years of enjoyment from your tanks. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bicyclebill Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 Just one chaise lounge? I recommend a comfy task chair like I have to roll around up close with too. What a beautiful setup! Wish I'd have been in town to come see that. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reefer503 Posted September 12, 2016 Share Posted September 12, 2016 Wow, very impressive... I wish I had room for something like that. Great job, I'm sure you'll enjoy all the time you spend hanging out in there 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishoutawater Posted September 13, 2016 Share Posted September 13, 2016 What an amazing set up! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zmcclinton63 Posted September 17, 2016 Share Posted September 17, 2016 Love this setup looks beautiful:) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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