Next DIY phase will be to construct the new sump. I will take pics of this process because I have some cool ideas brewing using the 2 small tanks I have left over.
Tank will be growing out rock for now. Would like to establish a full 100lb wall eventually. I am out of cash so it could take a few months to grow some dead rock out.
Probably going to add a few more fish also (wife and kids request). My 4" rabbitfish looks like a mino in this thing....lol
Sump will be using bioballs until I can get enough rock to keep the nitrates low, then I will replace the balls with a refuge (mangroves, cheato, halmedia, caulerpa, misc micro algae etc). Then perhaps drop in some soft coral and a few lps and try my luck at reef.
Soon as my 72" light gets here, I will package up and sell the 75 gallon + stand and 48" light, and purchase a portable RO/DI unit to make my own water. Perhaps plumb it in later but for now keep it simple and manual.
The RO unit is top priority right now because I am sure as heck not lugging water from the LFS for this thing on a weekly basis...and any recommendations on a decent RO unit would be fantastic!
Although the glass cover that came with this tank was taken care of, it snugs a tight fit and I did not evap much at all yesterday. Woot!
For a 6 year old tank (luckily the PO only ran freshwater), this thing was VERY well taken care of. Got to love craigslist....