135 in-wall tank build (1 Viewer)

[bkoppes]

UPDATE in red below

Wow, already a month since the last update. I am slow at this.

The stand is done.

Cooked the rock tonight.

Mag 12 and sand purchased today.
Picking up SWC 230 Cone Skimmer at swap.

Pretty much just need the tank on the stand(DONE), plumb(SOON), baffle the sump(DONE), drill rock(maybe), paint trim.

Will be wet within 2 weeks(I MEAN 2 MONTHS) and guessing I will be ready for corals in by the end of the year(2012 of course) at the latest, that should give it 4 weeks(9 months) to cycle :greenguy:

:greenguy::greenguy:

 

[RaysReef]

now that's a fast start

 

[bkoppes]

Guess its time for another update. I decided to go with a ATI 8 bulb fixture instead of the tek. Time for some pictures.

Filling up the tank

I put a piece of acrylic on the bottom of the tank so Tommy and I planned the rock work outside of the tank.

The rock scape has lots of caves

The rock in the back left of the tank will be dedicated to my RBTA and clowns. It will not be touching the main structure hopefully keeping the RBTA from moving. It is hard to tell the depth of this tank (30 inches) with a picture from the front so this is a shot from an angle.

Front shot. I am going to create a small bridge from the center structure to the structure on the right and plan on placing blastos/lps in front of right rock structure.

 

[Skip]

I like it! good work!

 

[noeldokken]

Looks very nice!!!!!! How do you like the ATI?

 

[bkoppes]

Love it so far. It is so bright.

 

[Matt D.]

Awesome, glad you got it filled and got the rock in place.

Any pictures from the closet and with the front door open?

 

[bkoppes]

Not yet. I will get some.

 

[bkoppes]

Moved corals over. Still have to hook up my ATO and Dosers then controller. After its all hooked up I will get some pictures from the back of the tank. Loving the ATI and 4 foot reefbrite for night viewing. Still trying to decide if I add a bridge to the back right side and another rock up front.

 

[Flounder]

Looking Good! Whats on the dream fish list?
What kind of sand is that?

 

[mnmuskyman2011]

Looks great. I love the in wall look.

 

[bkoppes]

Thanks. Dream fish list....

Want to keep the total fish around 20 or less!!

Have:
Pair of Mandarins
Pair of Clowns

For sure want:
1. Blue spot jawfish. Hoping he makes his home in the front center cave. Will do what I can to make that happen.

2. 2 Tangs for sure. Powder Blue is probably my favorite followed by Purple.

Others I have to figure out::
3. I have 3 Chromis in tank now, might add more for a school of them.

4. Wrasse trio?? Want smaller wrasses. Melanarus I am getting rid of got too big.

5. Anthias??

 

[Flounder]

What kind of sand is that?

......

 

[bkoppes]

CaribSea special grade reef sand bought from :fritz:

 

[bkoppes]

Been testing parameters daily to get ready to hook up my Bubble Magus 3 part doser.

Hooked up my tunze ATO this evening.

Things left to do in no particular order:
Mount corals.
Catch Mandarins and Clowns to move over from 75g.
Move clam over from 75g.
Move MP40s over from 75g.
Move AquaController over from 75g and reprogram it.

 

[Flounder]

CaribSea special grade reef sand bought from :fritz:

Thanks! It looks nice and I wanna know what kind to get.

 

[Nanofreak79]

Tanks is looking great!

 

[Adam G]

Very nice. An in wall sure is a nice clean set up. Lot's of open space in there for your tangs to swim around.

 

[bkoppes]

Thanks all. My other tank(75g) just got to packed. The rocks(too many) and corals took up too much of the tank not allowing for much swimming room.

 

[BashfulBacterium]

Looking nice!
I would personally say now bridge, but either way it will look amazing!
I envy you :swear: