DonTavo’s newest tank build

[dontavo27]

What’s up reefers. Here’s my tank thread, that I probably should’ve started a while ago.

Current Tank
Acrylic Frag Tank, approximately 18 gallons
With built in center over flow.
I went shallow this time, for the simple fact that I like viewing coral from above.
I wanted to keep this build simple and affordable,
While also utilizing the stand I had from my previous DT.
The most expensive component was the Kessil a360x, which I’m really happy about. It’s currently running at 75% intensity, the newly added SPS really seem to be responding well to it.

For dosing, I’m adding Seachem Kalkwasser
To the ATO, about 3 tsp.
ATO is a smart micro.
For the skimmer, I went with the Tunze 9004DC,
I got an open box on eBay for $100.
Not bad, but I don’t really see a reason for DC controllable pump, on such a small skimmer imo.
I think I prefer the regular 9004, but it what it is at this point.
For the sump, I ordered a baffle kit from eBay.
Another member on here had mentioned this sellers
Baffle Kits, which seemed reasonbly priced, I bought a 20g long from petco as the sump.

It’s currently running as a mixed reef DT, with a mix of Vanuatu island and Tonga rock, this is all rock I have transferred through all of my tanks in the past 15 years of reefing. Some of the rock ended up in the sump.

As for Fish, I only have a pair of phantom clowns, a six line wrasse which for some reason still hasn’t jumped out, and a lawnmower Blenny.

Now for some pictures.

 

[dontavo27]

More pictures of the tank slowly coming together.
I started dealing with some hair algae issues, after I started up the Bio Pellet Reactor. I took it off line, but the left the inlet and outlet tubing sit in the sump, with the reactor hanging on the side, for like a whole month the hair algae issue kept getting worse, until I realized the water and pellets left In the reactor which where still hanging on the side of the sump was slowly leaking water back into the sump, in turn causing the hair algae issues, I guess that’s what happens when you get lazy!!!!!!
It’s been about two weeks now, and the hair algae is almost gone.

 

[dontavo27]

Here are some recent shots

 

[dontavo27]

Stuck at home Bump!

 

[dontavo27]

Fragged one of my plates today, and also got me a nice little mushroom.

 

[dontavo27]

With some much time spent at home, I’m sure some of us have more time to spend on our little reefs.
Cleaned out all the detritus in my sump, and built a live rock platform for all my regular frags, going to try and only keep all the nice stuff in my DT.
I hope everyone is staying healthy, and thank you to all the people in the medical field putting their lives on the front line, to help other humans, it must be a stressful time for you all.

 

[EyeReef]

Tank looking great! Lots of gems I see

 

[dontavo27]

Thanks @EyeReef its coming along, had some bad hair algae due to biopellets, but have since cleared out after Removing the reactor, and now that tank has passed its 4 month mark it’s really starting to settle down.

 

[dontavo27]

Momma JB keeps producing some good looking babies. Quick shot of my hungry scoly

 

[OsoreShirazu]

Very cool looking tank you have here. Love the shallow lagoon style. Always wanted to start one of those!


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[dontavo27]

Thank you. I always wanted one my self. Finally went for it. I think it’s my preferred way of gazing into my little piece of the ocean, currently getting ready to throw in a CSB nem. It also allows for better pictures, I just need to get me a better camera, currently using iPhone pro.
Be sure to post some more pictures, your tank is
Legit!!!!!!!!! Lol

Very cool looking tank you have here. Love the shallow lagoon style. Always wanted to start one of those!


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[barretojesse93]

Love your tank! That kessil looks really good on there! Are you using any of those filters to take the photos of your tank?


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[dontavo27]

Thank you. It’s been a great Light so far, the couple of SPS I have really colored up after a month of being under it, but of course I’m running it at 75% intensity. I’m using the Aquarium Cam App, I thinks it’s a little outdated, the pictures come out a little blurry compared to my regular iPhone pictures.

Love your tank! That kessil looks really good on there! Are you using any of those filters to take the photos of your tank?


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[dontavo27]

Added some new creatures to the DT
And participating in the SPS grow out contest.
hope you’re all having a great weekend so far.

 

[barretojesse93]

Wow those are beautiful additions! Definitely a nice investment in your livestock lol can’t wait to get a bubble nem in my tank. Currently only have a rock flower nem.


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[dontavo27]

Wow those are beautiful additions! Definitely a nice investment in your livestock lol can’t wait to get a bubble nem in my tank. Currently only have a rock flower nem.


Thanks Bud! Did you set up a ATO on your tank yet. I just went over your tank thread, and didn’t see you mention anything about it. Using the ATO to dose Kalkwasser might help you keep your parameters in check including your Salinity. It’s helping my tank stay pretty stable. Having salinity swings alone can piss off your coral. Look into the JBJ ATO, it’s a solid piece of equipment, specially when paired with a Tom aqualifter pump.

 

[dontavo27]

Thanks Bud! Did you set up a ATO on your tank yet. I just went over your tank thread, and didn’t see you mention anything about it. Using the ATO to dose Kalkwasser might help you keep your parameters in check including your Salinity. It’s helping my tank stay pretty stable. Having salinity swings alone can piss off your coral. Look into the JBJ ATO, it’s a solid piece of equipment, specially when paired with a Tom aqualifter pump.

 

[dontavo27]

Just added this 2” Uranium Bounce and it’s already splitting!

 

[orbela]

Thanks Bud! Did you set up a ATO on your tank yet. I just went over your tank thread, and didn’t see you mention anything about it. Using the ATO to dose Kalkwasser might help you keep your parameters in check including your Salinity. It’s helping my tank stay pretty stable. Having salinity swings alone can piss off your coral. Look into the JBJ ATO, it’s a solid piece of equipment, specially when paired with a Tom aqualifter pump.

I have had two jbj auto top of both failed on me. Within months of purchase

You don’t like the micro ato


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[dontavo27]

Courtesy of @drexel