Florida checking in! 29g reef build..

Hey all!

So here I am finally registering and posting after much reading and learning on this great website.. It's awesome to be here!

I had previously had a 14g biocube a few years ago which I unfortunately had to dismantle and sell due to moving. Fast forward a couple of years and I've decided to get back into this wonderful hobby that I love! It's been a costly..time consuming adventure, that my girlfriend has rolled her eyes at many times.

Anyhow, my tank is currently cycling and I'm still in the process of getting my sump built (baffles, piping..etc).

Here is what I currently have as far as equipment.

- Aqueon 29g DT
- Aqueon 10g Sump
- Aqueon 5.5g QT
- Hydor Koralia 3 (850gph) powerhead
- Rio 1700 Sump Return Pump (~300gph at 4' of head)
- LFS Overflow box
- Odyssea 24" 198w MH+T5 fixture (1x150w 14,000k MH + 2x24w Actinic T5HO)
- 35lbs AragAlive Livesand
- ~5lbs LR + 10lbs florida reef base rock
- Red Sea Coral Pro Salt Mix

Tank is currently cycling and already saw a spike in ammonia, and now nitrites, both are currently high. Hopefully I'll see a reduction in ammonia soon.

Not sure at all what my stocking will be in this tank but I know I want a lemonpeel and I will be attempting clams and SPS with enough tank maturity. Perhaps a pair of clowns..

The things I have not yet decided on:

- Sump design/what to keep in it
- Protein skimmer?

Really excited to be back! Any and all input greatly appreciated.

 

Everything looks good can't wait to see your progress! I'm in about the same spot you are in the cycle

 

Thanks! I'm really excited to see it come together, as well. Definitely been a tiring week getting all this planned.

 

Hello and welcome to the 3reef fam. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

Thanks! Finally got my baffles siliconed into the 10g.. Letting it dry overnight and hooking it up tomorrow.

 

Hello and welcome to 3reef

 

Welcome to 3reef i too am kinda new to the site.Tank looks like its going to be a nice display.I love those 5.5 tanks they look awesome when likely stocked.

 

Thanks.

I got some more progress today..sump is finally functional! Wwooh...all the plumbing was easy and I'm happy to say it's working 100% as intended. I have a first of chaeto in there but not sure what else I'm going to be doing in the realm of filtration..any ideas?

 

Welcome to 3reef, nice start.

 

Thank you.

Water cleared up big time as of today. Trying to decide on a RODI unit.. Was looking to spend less than $180, any suggestions or personal experiences?