08TRDOFFROAD's 45 Gallon Build

[08trdoffroad]

Now I am trying to figure out flow. I had two koralia 4's in there which was obviously too much. I have since unplugged them and added a power sweep 212 that is 125 gph, and Mini jet 404 pump that is 108 gph. This is almost enough but not a broad enough flow pattern.

I am looking at the Koralia nano, 225 or 425's. I will add two of them. Which of the two would be the best option for my tank. The 225 gph or 425 gph? The dimensions of the tank are 36"x13"x24".

 

[MaddMaxx]

Dunno about flow man, but I am really digging your layout! Got a good looking tank on the way!

 

[cockroach]

Nicely done.

 

[08trdoffroad]

Dunno about flow man, but I am really digging your layout! Got a good looking tank on the way!

Thanks! I am very pleased with the way it has come together so far too! Once I can get my flow situation figured out things will continue to improve.

Nicely done.

Thanks!

 

[BradT85]

Looking like you are off to a good start.

Dont worry about your green toadstool mushroom. If I move mine at all it gets mad and closes up for a while. I have even almost thrown it out once because it looked so bad and didn't open for several days but it always comes back and looks good.

I think a couple of the 425s would be fine for flow. I have 2 K3s and 2 K2s and an XP3 in my 72 and I dont think its too much flow so you should be fine.

 

[08trdoffroad]

The Toadstool seems to be coming around. The polyps have been extending further and further each day.

I also picked up a TINY Hippo Tang yesterday (smaller than a quarter)! I tried to get a picture of it this morning, but it is better at hide and go seek than I am. It was tucked into a nook in the rock that I couldn't get a decent picture! I will try to get some tonight when it is out and about.

 

[mos90]

seem like you have most everything covered. i like the way the rockwork turned out.

how long did it take to cycle?

i would start using some phosphate media if u havent already.

 

[08trdoffroad]

It took about 21 days to cycle. Waiting for the cycle is always the worst part of setting up a SW tank from scratch!!!

I am going to drill the tank in the near future to add a 10-15 gallon sump. I will run a TLF Phosban reactor once the sump is set up.

 

[mos90]

why not just use a hob overflow rather then drill.

 

[08trdoffroad]

I personally feel like a HOB overflow is asking for trouble...if the power goes out or the suction gets broken, then you have a wet mess. I am just more comfortable with a drilled tank, especially while living in an apartment...But I have never had any experience with a HOB overflows, just secondhand on the forums.