CW`s Saltwater Reef

[CW]

Hi there ppl.

Got a tip from Falcon to start a new thread and post all my pics of my SW reef since I’ve started.
And then i will only update it as i go along.

Thanx Flacon

Lets start then.

My name is Chris Whiteman (CW)
I’ve started with the reef hobby in December 2010.

About September i started buying a tank, sump and frame. (Second hand from a friend)
Slowly i started buying some equipment as well.

Then on the 13th of December 2010 i started the tank to cycle.
And on the 13th of January 2011 i got my first 4 hermits, 2 flash opercula clowns and one Midas blenny.

But let me show you some pics where i started.

1x Return pump
1x 300w heater
1x 3m rubber tubing
1x Fish net
1x Digital thermometer

1x Plastic bin (for washing sand, mixing salt, preparing RO water for water change and keeping RO water in)
3x Reggie’s play sand (For DSB and substrate in tank)

1x 10KG Read Sea Salt

Put Reggie’s play sand in bin and start washing

Wash sand about 15 times until clean

Im submitting this thread then ill add more pics on a quote, cos if im not mistaken you may only add 5 or so pics at a time.

 

[mandarin]

Nice going so far, keep posting the pics.

 

[CW]

My 1200mm x500mm x600mm Tank
Black part in the back is the overflow and return chamber

Back panel of tank, overflow and return chamber outlet and inlet.

Tank, frame and sump.
Sump size - 1000mm x330mm x400mm

Multiplug.
Trust me, 5x two points and 5x three point will not be sufficient.

Tank filled with RO water.
The only water you should use.
NO TAP WATER PPL, NO TAP WATER

Mixing salt in bin then add to tank.
Use power head to help mix the salt.
DONT MIX DIRECTLY INTO TANK.

Reeftek TS2 Skimmer.
DO NOT RUN SKIMMER WHILE TANK IS BEING CUCLED.

Untill next time ppl...

 

[CW]

Im back...

My verry first live rock.
6.8KG

You need about 1kg per 10L of water.
Its a 300L tank so i need about 30kg

My first scaping.
You will change your scaping a few times.

Got a Light unit.
4x 54w bulbs
(2x white bulbs 20 000k and 2x actinic 40 000k)
I’ve also rescaped the LR

Olny actinic lights on.

Moonlight LED`s (Represents moonlight)

Until my next reply.
Cya

 

[sweetnsour]

Very nice start man , may it be all you expect and more

 

[clinton stanford]

looks like you off to a great start well done.

 

[CW]

Hi ppl

I’ve decided to build a canopy cover which will hide the water level at the top of the tank.


(please ignore the date, was wrong on camera)

Skirting strip. 2400mm x 65mm
I got 4 for only R48

This is what’s left after i finished the canopy cover.

Varnish used to varnish wood after it has been stained with gripseal.
I’ve used pine for all the wood work on the tank.

Testing the fitment of the cover.
GREAT

Stained and varnished.
Caps cut into sides to make light unit clamp onto glass.

And whla.

Until the next reply...

 

[CW]

looks like you off to a great start well done.

Thanx u guys. But keep watching.
Iv done alot more
Just putting everything on one post.

Cw out

 

[Junz]

nice start, keep the pics rolling

 

[CW]

Side panels.

At least I’ve sorted out the date on my camera

The side panel size must me 660mm
But didn’t get any 660mm pine shelving.

So i got 610mm and added the leftover skirting boards on the back to make up 660mm

Also made a bottom peace of skirting so my doors will not open up close to the carpet. Otherwise doors will get stuck.

Silicone works wonders.
Only stuck the side panels with silicone to the rank frame.
Didn’t want to drill holes into the frame.

And whala.

CW out

 

[Dane]

Fantastic, detailed build thread

Tank is looking great so far! I know you putting up more pics but you are going to need a tonne more live rock! ;-)

Also, and maybe this is just me... but this really bothers me

Surely the sump should be on a board rather than resting only on the two metal slats??? Wont it crack like this??


Wait... that looks like the white is a board... in which case - why no polystyrene? For both the DT and the sump??

 

[Mekaeel]

Very nice and neat dude! I agree with Dane. That sump should be placed on a board.

 

[CW]

Pics will keep on coming.
Trust me.

Hears more

Added:
4x hermits
2x fals apercula clowns
1x midas blenny

Cw Out

 

[CW]

Hi ppl

I got a big fright one morning

Then i realized, he only shed his skin.
What a relieve.

Cya

 

[CW]

Very nice and neat dude! I agree with Dane. That sump should be placed on a board.

Already done that.
You will see in other pics

 

[Boegie]

Great thread.

 

[Q89]

Really nice!

I got the same light unit, just the 24W

 

[CW]

Fantastic, detailed build thread

Tank is looking great so far! I know you putting up more pics but you are going to need a tonne more live rock! ;-)

Also, and maybe this is just me... but this really bothers me

Surely the sump should be on a board rather than resting only on the two metal slats??? Wont it crack like this??


Wait... that looks like the white is a board... in which case - why no polystyrene? For both the DT and the sump??

Both the DSB and tank is on polystyrene.
Ive inserted two peaces of wood under the dsb on left and right sides.
It has 3metal slats underneath.

Cya

 

[CW]

Im back, back again...

More equipment
1x 5000L power head
1x spare 300w heater
1x small rubber tubing

Some tools i used to make all the wooden side panels, doors and so on.

Left over wood from doors.

Whala.
I already got solid brase handles as well.
Just need to put them on.

Cw out

 

[CW]

My DIY chiller unit.
Not done yet but here’s some pics.

I had a temp problem the other day then a had this idee

400w pc power supply.
Giving the current 6x 12v fans power.
Will add another 2 fans. The bracket can take 8 x 12v fans.
Steal frame, will be powder coated later.
Control box needs to be concealed in a wooden box.

Will be fastened properly later as well.

There we are.
What’s the verdict ppl?
Cw out