Igarc009's CADlights 45 Shallow Build

So I finally pulled the trigger today at RAP :marchmellow:, This will be my first build so hopefully you guys will enjoy it. After having two "beginner" tanks, I think I am ready to set up a bigger tank, I didn't want to set up something to big because I plan on moving in the next year or two so this 45 gallon tank will be perfect. I decided to go shallow because I think they look really cool. I plan on making this a mixed reef, but mostly softies and LPS maybe throw in an anemone or two. I should be picking up the tank sometime next weekend. This will be my first tank with plumbing so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Heres the Specs:
Stand: 36x24x30
Tank: 45g 36x24x12 Starfire on all sides
Sump: 20g, 4 chambers


Skimmer: CADlights PLS100
Flow: Mp10 and a 425 hydro nano
Controller: Reef Keeper Lite, (Only have the temp probe but will get the PH probe soon)
Light: AI Hydra mounted with the (AI Rail System)(AI controller)
Sand: 60 pounds of Fiji Pink
ATO: JBJ w/ toms aqua lifter (I've been using a 1 gallon container on my 22g last me about three days, will probably have to get a bigger one.)

As far as live rock goes, I plan on transferring it from my 22g about 40 pounds. I ordered a couple pieces of Cerameco Vida Rock so that will be in the display with the live rock going in the sump. Well thats my plan, again any advice would be appreciated

Almost forgot, huge thanks to Tony (OCreefmadness) great guy to work with and would highly recommend him.

Your set up comes with all the plumbing.

I know but setting up will be confusing haha. It looks so complicated.

not too bad once you get started! subscribed!

I wanna see pictures even if it's empty haha

Sounds like an awesome build! I think I'm getting a tank tomorrow at rap to

UPDATE: I picked up the tank Friday afternoon. Built the stand on Friday, did the plumbing along with the electrical wiring (still kind of messy). Two questions, my first question, the tank has an overflow and its noisy, its not super loud I just want to know if thats common, I don't think it is. Second, Ive been trying to turn on the skimmer but every time I do, it just blast water through the top, Im trying to figure out how to adjust it and I can't figure it out.


Here are some pictures, Im gonna wait a little on a FTS (haven't decided on the scape yet.

Friday Night.

Here it is next to the old 22g (anyone looking for an AIO? ill give them a great deal)

Saturday getting filled up with water! (I used NitroMax and MarineMax too speed up the cycle, shouldn't be too long of a cycle I'm using rock from the 22g)

Looks nice.

Check to see if something is blocking the air line on the skimmer.


Hot Dogs are GOOD!

Thanks for the response. I've checked and this thing is still blasting water, I think I'm gonna call CadLights tomorrow. Maybe it's broken.

Nice tank! Seriously

What skimmer did it come with?

The cad light skimmers are adjusted by twisting the body of the skimmer. It will also be hard to dial in on a new tank as you will have a lot of stuff from new sand

Not his. He has to turn the white pvc. Twisting the body is for the pipless ones

Aaaahhh I was just guessing that he had the new style since it's a new set up. Hope he got it working

Yea there should be a piece of pvc sticking up on the side. Should be a dot a few inches down from the top. Start with that facing you then turn the dot right to lower the water level and left to raise it.

Thanks Jesus!

I believe is a TIA skimmer.
I'll give another try I feel like I've tried everything haha.

I believed it was supposed to come with the new skimmer but I opened it up and it came with this one. This one is rated for more gallons though so I don't mind.

Clear your inbox

Got the skimmer to work! only took about three hours, with that and trying to make sure the cabinet doors were even I probably spent around 5 hours. Anyways heres my planned lighting schedule let me know what you guys think.

lighting schedule

CW V DR DB RY UV G
11am 10k 50 30 25 30 30 30 25
12pm 12k 75 50 45 50 50 50 25

1 14k 100 75 50 75 75 75 50
2 14k 100 75 50 75 75 75 50

3 16k 75 100 75 100 100 100 50
4 16k 75 100
5 16k 75 100

6 18k 50 75 50 75 75 75 25
7 20k 35 75 50 75 75 75 25

8pm Moon 0 3 5 5 5 0
12am all lights off

inbox cleared haha, sorry about that.