~|~ Night-rida's New 55g reef tank #2 Build ~|~

This is awesome! It just connects directly to the return inlet? Wouldn't I need 2 inlets?

 

Well update: the tank water is clearing up pretty good. I stole some CUC and 1 powerhead from my other tank and put into new tank for now. Just order 25blue legs, 10 red leg hermits and a few netrite snails to go into there as well. Mh reflectors will be installed probly next week. My next purchase will be a mh ballast to get the lights going. Then I plan on getting a 10g sump, return pump, and overflow box next. Live Rock,skimmer, and t5 actinics will be last on the list.

How long do you guys think it will take for the tank to cycle.
I did use 15g of old reef tank existing water
4-5 cups of live sand
2 lbs of live rock
20 bioballs (stuck in HOB filter box)

I plan on moving my SPS corals over to this tank as soon as I can. might just build a frag rack for now until funds are available for live rock next month.

 

Heres a picture of the new tank cycling. sorry about the yellow tint to water.. its the crappy t8 lights I have on their right now..

 

Mr. Red Devil "Final Goodbye Picture"

 

Tank is turning out nice! Can't wait to see the final outcome. Keep up the good work!

 

Well its time for a little update on the tank process. I got my reflectors,sockets, and bulbs installed into canopy. Tanks been cycling for last 3 weeks. I added some base rock & cuc. I plan on ordering Mh ballasts tomorrow, so I should have lights going on the tank by the end of next week. As soon as that happens, I'll move some frags over to the new tank. here's some pics for everyone..

 

Well I finally pulled the trigger today and found 2 used ARO 150/175w electronic mh ballasts for $100 shipped. there are like these: ARO Electronic Ballast-250W - 61003

so hopefully should have the lights working by tuesday..

budget tally on mh lights so far:
2 new reef optix 2 reflectors: $60
2 new mogul socket w/ brackets: $30
2 used ARO 175w Ballasts: $100
2 new power/lamp cords: $10
2 new 10k Hamliton MH bulbs: Free (normally $80 each)
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Total: only $200.00

 

i would get those bioballs out of the filter there what i like to call "nitrate factories"

 

yeah, i was just using them for helping my mini cycle along. will be doing a sump/fuge combo probly next month.

well I just got some my first fish for the new tank.
its a clarkii clown and changed the background photo paper to reef style.

I post a pic in a little bit.

 

Here's the pic of the new clown and background I just added.. look a full stocked reef tank for $10 bucks. lol fish is towards the bottom of tank in the middle. sorry for the dark picture, I have no light over the tank!