Back into it

andrepeixoto · 02/05/2021, 02:28 PM

Hey everyone,

After been out of the saltwater for almost 3 years, I'm coming back with a new project.

The idea is to have multiple smaller displays (10-20 gal) all connected to one sump creating a higher volume system, that will allow me to create different aqua scapes and environment on each one.

The whole thing is going on 5 level metal shelve system, here is the project:

Here is what I'm planning for each display:

1. Couple clowns and anemones with minimal rock and sand.

2. Heavy on rocks, soft & LPS corals, mushrooms and minimal fish (nano fish).

3. Open concept, lots of sands, a couple isolated pieces rocks with some higher end coral potentially SPS, shrimps and mid water column fish.

4. (Sump) Almost like a display, lots of macro algae, cheato, sand and mangroves.

What do you guys think?
Any feedback good or bad will be appreciated.

swk · 02/05/2021, 02:31 PM

Sounds fun! I can see the advantage in being able to have a lot of variety which is not possible with one tank.

mav3rick478 · 02/05/2021, 02:44 PM

Nice! Excited to see how it comes along.

First pic isn't loading for me though

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andrepeixoto · 02/05/2021, 03:20 PM

Here is the link for the first photo https://drive.google.com/file/d/18yb...ew?usp=sharing

I will start to setup the tanks this weekend and will post the photos here

mav3rick478 · 02/05/2021, 03:54 PM

Make sure you enough space to work over the top of each setup with the lights there.

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Reef Bass · 02/06/2021, 06:29 AM

Hey Andre! Good to hear from you.

Neat idea what you propose.

I ran a common sump for a couple years with my 100g mostly sps tank and my 60g mostly lps flat. It certainly was more convenient than trying to maintain ideal water quality in two water systems.

I did have a nagging feeling that the common water was a bit too "dirty" for sps, and a bit too "clean" for lps. At the time I was feeding my lps pretty heavily, so likely my fault.

Looking forward to hearing how it's going. Please keep us updated.

I echo Yuri's thought about making sure you have enough space above each tank to be able to work comfortably.

woodnaquanut · 02/06/2021, 08:44 AM

Sounds like a cool build.
I've got tons of nems. If I can figure out how to get them out, you are welcome to several.

I've also been thinking about a macro algae tank. Perhaps we could purchase together???

mav3rick478 · 02/06/2021, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnaquanut

Sounds like a cool build.
I've got tons of nems. If I can figure out how to get them out, you are welcome to several.

I've also been thinking about a macro algae tank. Perhaps we could purchase together???

Ice cubes John, hold it on their foot and they eventually let go. If you can take the rock out of the water and hang them upside down or side ways while using the ice cube that will speed up the process.

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woodnaquanut · 02/06/2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav3rick478

Ice cubes John, hold it on their foot and they eventually let go. If you can take the rock out of the water and hang them upside down or side ways while using the ice cube that will speed up the process.

Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

Thanks Mav.
Not to hijack the thread but...
Most have their feet (foots?) buried deep in the rock. I'll see what I can do. My tank is becoming overrun with them.
I don't think removing rock is an option either because I can't tell exactly where they are attached. I'd hate to rip one up.

swk · 02/06/2021, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reef Bass

Hey Andre! Good to hear from you.

Neat idea what you propose.

I ran a common sump for a couple years with my 100g mostly sps tank and my 60g mostly lps flat. It certainly was more convenient than trying to maintain ideal water quality in two water systems.

I did have a nagging feeling that the common water was a bit too "dirty" for sps, and a bit too "clean" for lps. At the time I was feeding my lps pretty heavily, so likely my fault.

Looking forward to hearing how it's going. Please keep us updated.

I echo Yuri's thought about making sure you have enough space above each tank to be able to work comfortably.

My sps tank was *filthy* and they did pretty good. I think most people starve their sps.

But yes this is a good point.

andrepeixoto · 02/06/2021, 11:39 AM

Thanks for the feedback.mI will definitely keep everyone posted.

I started making holes on the tanks for the overflows and returns yesterday.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav3rick478

Make sure you enough space to work over the top of each setup with the lights there.

My goal this weekend is to put the empty tanks in place to figure out the spacing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodnaquanut

Sounds like a cool build.
I've got tons of nems. If I can figure out how to get them out, you are welcome to several.
I've also been thinking about a macro algae tank. Perhaps we could purchase together???

Yes and yes! I will reach out to you for some nems in the future. I used aquariumdepot com in the past for macro algae and inverts, it was a good experience.

At some point as well I will need a piece of live rock to seed the tank, so if any of you have extra live rock laying around let me know.

andrepeixoto · 02/09/2021, 03:31 PM

Here how is shaping up.

Spacing is good on the top two shelves. I need a little more space on top of the sump, so I will move its shelve a couples inches down since the bottom shelve os only for RO freshwater and extra saltwater, I don't need much space there.

And yes I will get rid of all those bettas and only keep one or two.

mav3rick478 · 02/12/2021, 03:27 PM

Hey Andre,
I might have some live rock for you, I'll let you know after this weekend.

Yuri

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andrepeixoto · 02/12/2021, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mav3rick478

Hey Andre,
I might have some live rock for you, I'll let you know after this weekend.

.
Perfect timing! I will fill up the sump and the first display to start cycling this weekend. Thanks.

andrepeixoto · 02/17/2021, 11:42 AM

Does anybody has some extra rocks? Live or dry.

mav3rick478 · 02/17/2021, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrepeixoto

Does anybody has some extra rocks? Live or dry.

Sorry Andre, I didn't get to setup the tank last weekend. Hopefully this weekend. Even if I don't fully set it up, I will have at least 1 medium sized live rock for you. DM me and we can workout the details.

Yuri

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andrepeixoto · 03/01/2021, 04:04 PM

Things are moving well.

Got some ceramic filter media from amazon, I was very impress with the absorption and quantity for the price ($16), and created a filter media pads basket for the sump.

Also got some dry rocks from fellow reefer, and add a second display that i'm experimenting with different color background.

Last but not least, I converted a couple of mollies to saltwater and they are my cycling fish.

MarAquatic · 03/03/2021, 12:38 AM

Nice man I had a Molly till it died

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andrepeixoto · 03/31/2021, 04:29 PM

First two display are up and running.

This one is going to be the LPS soft corals with a dense look, my idea is to let the corals take over to see what happens. Since was the first one I set it up the algae is starting to show.

The second one is probably for anemones and clowns, and thats the reason it has a simpler aquascape, so the anemone can move around and find the spot it likes the most, hopefully will be on top of the big rock so I will have a nice cave with lots os flow around it.

I will get some clean up crew in the next few days.

Did anybody have been to the new store in Rohnert Park?

Reef Bass · 04/01/2021, 07:10 AM

Good job getting those set up.

Yes, I have been to the reef store on Commerce in RP. Bought a rock, a shrimp and some food. Was pleasantly surprised. Hope they can survive.

woodnaquanut · 04/03/2021, 04:16 PM

I've been to the RP store. Initial feeling was very positive. In the last few months I'm not so sure. They have switched over to the aquarium setup very similar to Petco where all the tanks in a rack share the same water. My last few visits almost all of the tanks were being medicated!
I would definitely do a rigorous QT of any fish from that store.

woodnaquanut · 04/03/2021, 04:20 PM

Considering the price of SW fish these days an all Molly tank might be the way to go.

02/05/2021, 02:28 PM	#1
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	Back into it Hey everyone, After been out of the saltwater for almost 3 years, I'm coming back with a new project. The idea is to have multiple smaller displays (10-20 gal) all connected to one sump creating a higher volume system, that will allow me to create different aqua scapes and environment on each one. The whole thing is going on 5 level metal shelve system, here is the project: Here is what I'm planning for each display: 1. Couple clowns and anemones with minimal rock and sand. 2. Heavy on rocks, soft & LPS corals, mushrooms and minimal fish (nano fish). 3. Open concept, lots of sands, a couple isolated pieces rocks with some higher end coral potentially SPS, shrimps and mid water column fish. 4. (Sump) Almost like a display, lots of macro algae, cheato, sand and mangroves. What do you guys think? Any feedback good or bad will be appreciated. Last edited by andrepeixoto; 02/05/2021 at 03:26 PM.

02/05/2021, 02:31 PM	#2
swk Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wine Country CA Posts: 2,593	Back into it Sounds fun! I can see the advantage in being able to have a lot of variety which is not possible with one tank. __________________ Member of Wine Country Reefers Current Tank Info: 75 gal SPS dominant reef. Geo calcium reactor with masterflex pump, Deltec 1455 skimmer, 2 mp40QD, mp10wes, lit by a 6x54 dimable ATI sunpower and controlled by Reef Angel

02/06/2021, 06:29 AM	#6
Reef Bass colors and textures Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 6,246	Hey Andre! Good to hear from you. Neat idea what you propose. I ran a common sump for a couple years with my 100g mostly sps tank and my 60g mostly lps flat. It certainly was more convenient than trying to maintain ideal water quality in two water systems. I did have a nagging feeling that the common water was a bit too "dirty" for sps, and a bit too "clean" for lps. At the time I was feeding my lps pretty heavily, so likely my fault. Looking forward to hearing how it's going. Please keep us updated. I echo Yuri's thought about making sure you have enough space above each tank to be able to work comfortably. __________________ The human desires for instant gratification and immediate problem resolution cannot be satisfied with this hobby. Former president and co-president of the Wine Country Reefers. Current Tank Info: 60 gallons of Scleractinia and Zoanthidae lit w/ LEDs

02/06/2021, 08:44 AM	#7
woodnaquanut Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 2,721	Sounds like a cool build. I've got tons of nems. If I can figure out how to get them out, you are welcome to several. I've also been thinking about a macro algae tank. Perhaps we could purchase together??? __________________ John DT 120G. mixed reef w/ lots of automation + assorted FW and SW tanks.

04/01/2021, 07:10 AM	#20
Reef Bass colors and textures Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Petaluma CA Posts: 6,246	Good job getting those set up. Yes, I have been to the reef store on Commerce in RP. Bought a rock, a shrimp and some food. Was pleasantly surprised. Hope they can survive. __________________ The human desires for instant gratification and immediate problem resolution cannot be satisfied with this hobby. Former president and co-president of the Wine Country Reefers. Current Tank Info: 60 gallons of Scleractinia and Zoanthidae lit w/ LEDs

02/05/2021, 02:44 PM	#3
mav3rick478 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: California Posts: 855	Nice! Excited to see how it comes along. First pic isn't loading for me though Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

02/05/2021, 03:20 PM	#4
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	Here is the link for the first photo https://drive.google.com/file/d/18yb...ew?usp=sharing I will start to setup the tanks this weekend and will post the photos here

02/05/2021, 03:54 PM	#5
mav3rick478 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: California Posts: 855	Make sure you enough space to work over the top of each setup with the lights there. Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

02/09/2021, 03:31 PM	#12
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	Here how is shaping up. Spacing is good on the top two shelves. I need a little more space on top of the sump, so I will move its shelve a couples inches down since the bottom shelve os only for RO freshwater and extra saltwater, I don't need much space there. And yes I will get rid of all those bettas and only keep one or two.

02/12/2021, 03:27 PM	#13
mav3rick478 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: California Posts: 855	Hey Andre, I might have some live rock for you, I'll let you know after this weekend. Yuri Sent from my Pixel 4 XL using Tapatalk

02/17/2021, 11:42 AM	#15
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	Does anybody has some extra rocks? Live or dry.

03/01/2021, 04:04 PM	#17
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	Things are moving well. Got some ceramic filter media from amazon, I was very impress with the absorption and quantity for the price ($16), and created a filter media pads basket for the sump. Also got some dry rocks from fellow reefer, and add a second display that i'm experimenting with different color background. Last but not least, I converted a couple of mollies to saltwater and they are my cycling fish.

03/03/2021, 12:38 AM	#18
MarAquatic Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Posts: 679	Nice man I had a Molly till it died Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

03/31/2021, 04:29 PM	#19
andrepeixoto Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: petaluma Posts: 128	First two display are up and running. This one is going to be the LPS soft corals with a dense look, my idea is to let the corals take over to see what happens. Since was the first one I set it up the algae is starting to show. The second one is probably for anemones and clowns, and thats the reason it has a simpler aquascape, so the anemone can move around and find the spot it likes the most, hopefully will be on top of the big rock so I will have a nice cave with lots os flow around it. I will get some clean up crew in the next few days. Did anybody have been to the new store in Rohnert Park?

04/03/2021, 04:16 PM	#21
woodnaquanut Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 2,721	I've been to the RP store. Initial feeling was very positive. In the last few months I'm not so sure. They have switched over to the aquarium setup very similar to Petco where all the tanks in a rack share the same water. My last few visits almost all of the tanks were being medicated! I would definitely do a rigorous QT of any fish from that store. __________________ John DT 120G. mixed reef w/ lots of automation + assorted FW and SW tanks.

04/03/2021, 04:20 PM	#22
woodnaquanut Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, CA Posts: 2,721	Considering the price of SW fish these days an all Molly tank might be the way to go. __________________ John DT 120G. mixed reef w/ lots of automation + assorted FW and SW tanks.