Stauchistory's 55g budget build

I decided to create a thread dedicated to my first saltwater build, where I am able to show the progress of it over time. I have posted and participated many times on 3reef, and have already learned a great deal. I will warn you that I can get wordy at times, but try to be as detailed as possible. For the record, I have chosen to start this hobby by using previously used equipment, which is a more economical way for me to learn the ins and outs of sw aquariums. If I decide this is not the hobby for me, I will not be out tons of money. Once I learn more, I will purchase new equipment as needed.

My tank was born on 7/31/10, and is comprised of:

55g tank and stand
Marineland Magnum 350 canister filter
Aqua Clear 300 power filter
40# of aragonite live sand
100# of Fiji rock
[STRIKE]1 Spotfin Squirrelfish[/STRIKE] (see post #7)
[STRIKE]1 Three Spot Domino Damsel[/STRIKE] (see post #7)
1 Turbo Snail

The rock was just added today after purchasing it from someone who tore their tank down. I was told I was getting 60-80# of formerly live Fiji rock, but when I weighed it, there was actually 145#!!! Not bad for $50. I washed the rock off before adding it to the tank, and had to remove some old coral that was glued to the rock.

I have inquired from Reefcleaners on getting a CUC, and will be purchasing one when my levels are more stable. I last checked my levels last weekend, and will again next weekend since I added live rock.
Below are some pictures of my tank with the original cheesy decorations I had in it, and after I added the rock to it today.

My BORING original setup BEFORE adding rock.


145# of formerly live Fiji rock that I bought from someone for $50.


AFTER adding 100# of formerly live rock. This ws my first aquascape attempt.


Lots of nooks and crannies for livestock to hide it.


The large rock I have does not sit completely on the sand, as it is shaped like a tripod, creating an opening underneath it.


This is an dried out piece of coral that was on the rock from the previous owner.​

 

looking really good so far.And nice score on the rock!I just scored 60lbs dry rock for $10 bucks myself a couple weeks ago.great start!

 

Great start.. I can't wait to see more..

 

I still have plenty of rock left over for another build. My daughter wants to set up a 10g for her bedroom. Not sure how easy it is to keep a smaller sw tank going, but maybe we'll give it a shot down the road.

 

Hi

The smaller the tank the easier it is to wipe them out. Simply the more volume of water gives you more time to deal with any potential issues.

Without starting a rant at 3am (my time ) this is a big problem in my eyes in the UK. Nano etc have become very fashionable and affordable, unfortuanltely LFS are targetting people new to the hobby due to the small size and relatively cheap setup costs. Obviously the downside is more often than not they end up wiping the tanks contents out, fishes and corals, which in my eyes is just wrong.

Anyway it looks like your off to a good start and wish you nothing but success in this great hobby.

Subscribed

 

Alfie, I agree. That's messed up that people would take advantage of newbies(even thought it happens quite often in the LFS's)to make money, in the long run, costing even more.

Good start, stauchistory

 

Had a set-back overnight. I started a thread about it as a lesson to others...

http://www.3reef.com/forums/new-hobby/hard-lesson-learn-1st-timers-should-read-94668.html#post964310

 

I agree 100%. I had freshwater and it took me 2 yrs to do a saltwater. I ended up paying $9 a lbs. for live rock at LFS. Now that i found 3reef i realize that im still a nubbie after a yr lol.

 

Hang in there! Everyone makes at least ONE big mistake. You're rock looks great!

 

Appreciate the support... and the compliment. This was my first attempt at designing a SW aquascape.