Paratore

Thank you!

Today I started on the light. I wanted a T5/LED combo. Plan is to run the LEDs for most of the day with the T5s on for only a few hours to provide color/growth. I love the shimmer/pop with LEDs but you can’t beat the growth and color of T5s. Plan was to buy an aquatic Life Hybrid fixture but I hate spending money. So I decided to DIY it. I grabbed my old 8bulb off brand T5 and started playing doctor. Keep in mind I know the basics of electricity and that’s it! Underneath the reflectors was nothing lol. These fixtures are pretty simple, I was surprised! Started cutting things up and reattaching then to a 1/2” piece of plywood. Attached some wires here, a couple there and boom we have light!!! Not gonna lie, I was super surprised when the light turned on [emoji23] Attach the other set of reflectors, some more wires and this is the final product. Plan was to place radions down the middle but there isn’t enough space... gonna go with Hydra 26Hds instead she may not be pretty but it will work and I saved a few hundred bucks! Oh and it’s either going in a floating canopy or a full canopy so it will be hidden Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Definitely hard to aquascape lol. Here’s about 10 minuets if messing with the rocks.... gonna need some work [emoji23] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Been messing with it for a little while, and it definitely is lol. But I love how open it looks Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve never worked with Tonga branch so I’m excited to see how it works out. It’s gonna be a totally different look I think! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It’s like Christmas! 75ish pounds of Tonga Branch and other items for the build. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I totally get why it seems flooded, and I agree there is probably a way to fix it. [emoji4] but it’s super nice having access to sweet deals that outsiders don’t. Helps keep pricing down for locals. So in reality, Rudy is doing everyone a favor lol. And I would be interested to see any solutions that come up. If we find a solid way to do this that helps keep thing “clean” I would consider posting my own auction also [emoji4] Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

When you decide on a price for the JF Jack o lantern pm me, I’m interested Also pm me prices for the MP40s please Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I think I have your number still, let me check and I’ll text you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just shoot me a pm and I’ll see what stuff I can hold for you. I should be able to House the clowns if you want. I’m holding fish for my build in a 40b but the 4x2 frag tank only has a yellow tang right now. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dude tank was looking awesome. Sorry it’s gonna be coming down :/ I will also be looking for your sale thread, lots of really nice stuff in there. Also I’m not far from you, so I can always hang onto a couple coral frags for you to put back into your Nano if you would like. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks good so far!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

True lol!

It’s crazy how we are both building a 75 at the same time! Currently writing up about all the pictures on my laptop. Soon there will be words! And I appreciate the offer! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

As I mentioned in my first post, the wall I want to put the tank on has no power outlet. So, I needed to make one. Here are the crazy steps I took to install this outlet. Keep in mind I have very limited experience with electrical work. Step one: Suit up Our attic if full of insulation padding and shredded insulation. Anyone who has crawled around in this stuff before knows it is from the devil himself. So, to avoid hours of itching I borrowed a protective suit from work, and face mask for breathing and put on my boots. I also wore rubber gloves and duck taped the connections so there was zero chance insulation would get in my suit. Step Two: Climb into the super creepy, dark attic This step is pretty straight forward lol. I needed to find the wall where I wanted to add electricity. This is much harder than one would think. As you can see in a later photo its like a sea of insulation which makes it almost impossible to tell where walls begin and start. Let alone finding the exact wall/part I need. Step Three: Drill a hole in the top of the wall As you can see I finally found the correct wall Next, I used a 1.5" drill bit and created a hole to push the new electrical cable through....Wait......this whole only goes down 4 feet and my wall is 8 feet......(pause for quick call to my dad)......Learned that there is a fire break half way up the wall to prevent fires from racing up inside the walls. So I have a new problem, how to I drill a hole through the 2x4 fire break using this 1.5" hole........? I don't have a picture of my "super fancy" tool but I made a DIY drill bit extension. I welded a 1.25" drill bit to the end of a 5' piece of rebar I had laying around. Stick that DIY extension down the hole and pray it works otherwise I'm out of luck for this build. Well the first weld broke so now there is a drill bit in my wall but the second try worked perfect! Last, I just needed to thread the electrical cable though the two holes and out the bottom. Step four: Find Power I lucked out and was able to see a junction box about 8 feet away from the hole I drilled. I climbed over to it and proceeded to step five. Step five: Actually acquire power Yet another thing I had never done before but hey, I watched lots of Youtube videos! If you ever do this, make sure to turn off the house power lol. After a few calls to my dad to make sure I didn't burn down the house the connection was ready. Connect black to black, ground to ground, and white to white. Step Six: Cut outlet hole Measure up from the carpet to match it with existing outlets around the house and then cut! Pull the power cord through, insert blue box, attach all the wires, and then put it all together. LET THERE BE LIGHT (or just power) Now I am ready to begin building the stand. Hopefully my roommate and I will be able to get that done tomorrow!

Oops [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23][emoji23] I honestly didn’t even read the posts. Just saw this one where he asked if it was a store and the picture of all the sps! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes! Rudy is mostly online based store. He does a lot of auctions on Facebook groups. But I believe he is open on the weekend for a few hours but can’t remember what time.... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Dude not fancy saves money for now and the equipment list is draining the fish fund lol. You gonna be at the meeting? If so maybe bring it With you and I’ll check it out Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wish I could could have it be a peninsula but the layout of our house doesn't allow it.... It crowds the room too much and makes walking around awkward. So it will go up against the wall! SPS are definitely in this tanks future, already working on a list haha.

Thank you I even forgot a couple fish haha! Once it gets closer to stocking time, I will have to thin my list a little so the tank isn't too crowded :/

Well its been over two years since I've had a true display! I'm beyond excited to say the least [emoji4] I moved into a house with three of my closest friends and they wanted a fish tank. Being the stand up guy I am, how could I deny them!?! So I picked up a 75 gallon from Greg and thus the build was born. The plan is to create a beautiful mixed reef with minimal maintenance (everyone has this goal haha). My goal with this thread is to document the equipment used so others may steal my ideas, and to see how my tank progresses [emoji4] I have spent the last few weeks planning out equipment and livestock. As of now, I only have the tank and some 2x4s! But I just placed an order for a bunch of stuff today. Three boxes totaling 100lb will be here on Thursday! Still need to place at least one two more orders to get all my stuff. For this build, I want everything to work good and to have zero issues [emoji4] Also I never buy myself new equipment so I'm treating myself a little. Here is what I've got planned for this build. Equipment: Lighting: Going with a T5/LED Hybrid. Either the AquaticLife hybrid fixture with two AI HD Primes or something similar. BRS put a video out about this setup and it would meet my needs/desire for the tank. Flow: Two MP-10QD (already have, just need to order new drivers since mine aren't working properly) OR one Gyre 230 if the MP-10s don't give me enough flow Skimmer: Simplicity 240 DC Protein Skimmer Return Pump: Simplicity DC 1000 Pump Overflow: Synergy Reef Shadow Overflow Rock: 70lb Tonga Branch (going for the floating overhang) Filtration: Pond Matrix and MarinePure block ATO: I'm still deciding but I'm leaning toward the new Apex ATK ATO or Tunze Osmolator 3155 Sump: Trigger Emerald 34 Heater: 200w Eheim Jager Stand: Custom made by yours truly [emoji4] Livestock: Fish: (Going for the Skittles look with lots of movement) Clownfish pair Blue Spot Jawfish Orchid Dottyback McCoskeri Flasher Male Brunneus Fairy Wrasse Male Lineatus Wrasse Male Ornate Leopard Wrasse Female Very small Purple Tang Flameback angel Midas blenny This fish list isn't final, just my thoughts thus far. I'm definitely open to other fish and ideas [emoji4] Inverts: 2-4 Cleaner shrimp 2 Blood shrimp Starfish eventually Urchin? Corals: Lots of Zoas and LPS with a few SPS. I'll list them all out as I add them to the tank. Here is how the tank sits right now. Wait....that wall doesn’t have a power outlet..... Up next: fix the no power issue!

Instant Ocean from Amazon.com lol. You can’t beat the price and they bring it to my door for free! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sending you a message Ron Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Really nice right up Brian! Looks like you are doing an awesome job covering all the bases. I’m excited to see how you aquascape it. That’s always the hardest part in my opinion! Oh also could you list your equipment when you get a chance? Curious as to your plan for flow, lights, return pump, etc.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Oh wow you’re just down the street! Well now I feel like an idiot but I’m horrible with names/faces! I look forward to meeting you “again” and to seeing pictures of your build Brian! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk