Orion

Full tank shot. Holding off on putting the trim up in case an issue develops in the near future. We are really happy with the way this turned out. Both ammonia and NO3 are present in the tank. I placed a frozen shrimp under the sand bed for ammonia and used Dr. Tim’s for the nitrifying bacteria. The Avast CS1 skimmer is overflowing like crazy with the gate valve wide open. I even swapped the recirculating pump from a MJ1200 to a MJ600. I’m thinking it’s because of all the epoxy I used on the rock work.

I’m having to relearn everything again. Glad to see yours is still up and running!

Tank is wet, rock and sand are in, and a fish-less cycle has begun over the weekend. Now working on setting up the apex and getting the wires sorted out (not fun).

Tank is in. Still need to work on the drywall.. paint and trim. Then need to figure out plumbing... ATO, mixing, etc.

Resurrecting this thread as I have restarted this build. Stand is built. A few things need to be done still but it’s just about ready for a tank. Most of my supplies come in later next week. I kept all my old equipment so this shouldn’t be too painful on the wallet.

Tank and sump have been picked up and currently doing a overnight leak check/vinegar bath on both. After 5 years in storage they were a little dusty.

Would like to go bigger but space behind the wall is limited. I could probably fit a 75 gallon there so the tank would take up more of the wall.

LOL! Good to hear from you too! Trust me.. the thought crossed my mind but there is not enough room on that side of the wall due to the HVAC equipment being in the way.

Thinking of doing a in-wall build this time using the Deep Blue 57 rimless I had before. It would be located next to my bar. Here are a couple of pictures with painters tape on the wall showing what I am thinking. The other picture shows what exists behind the wall. Would need to build a sink back there to make RO water and make it easy for tank maintenance.

Thanks all, I should probably just hook up my RODI first and see what happens. FWIW it’s a BRS model.. I believe a 3 stage. I never changed the membrane on it.. and it’s over 5 years old (hasn’t been used). Is it still good?

It’s been about 5 years since I took down my tank and my family and I moved to a new home out in Warrenton, VA. I had intentions of putting it back up or even going with a bigger tank but that never happened. Running out of projects to do being quarantined around the house and I am starting to get that itch again... Good news is I still have most of the equipment from the previous build including a controller, RO, skimmer, ato, dosing pumps, etc. Trying to think of some questions to ask the group.. One issue I can think of is we are on well water where I live. From what I remember this can play havoc on a RO membrane. We also have a water softener for the home. Is this a huge deal? Ryan

Wow. It has been almost two years to the date when I first started this build. It really has come a long way since then, and I have learned a lot. Unfortunately this weekend I will be starting the process of taking it down in anticipation of moving to a new home early next year. Bigger home = Bigger tank right?? At least that's what the boss has told me!

Dave, Thanks for checking them out! If I had to guess, they are from the Pacific. As any coral I have added in the last 4-6 months has been from that part of the world. As I told Dave when meeting with him the population over the last week or two has declined quite a bit. Many of them were in my filter sock as they have a lot of trouble hanging onto the glass and rock with the fast current in the tank. We will see if they come back.

Must be the slugs.

No macro algae at all in the system. I have no idea how they even got in there as I haven't added anything new in a long time. Unable to post a bigger photo as I don't have a macro lens unfortunately. You don't live too far from me want me to bring you a few? It looks like they eat the crap out of algae that's for sure... I suspect as the algae gets depleted so will their population?

Been noticing these little buggers start to multiply over the past 2-4 months. Any idea what kind of slug they are? I see them on glass occasionally, but mostly on the rock. Between these guys, my tang, and foxface - I have no algae. Corals look great so they don't eat those...

That you did. The bonsai has really taken off now, and still maintains a very deep purple base. My favorite.

Video taken today! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MMqPRnSNaU

I have had success with a tomini tang and one spot foxface combo. Tank is completely clean of bubble algae!

Put me down as a maybe for now. As we get closer ill be in touch!

Lots of changes happening at the Orion residence lately. I'll try to take some pictures in a few days. Tank is doing really well!

Make one yourself. Much cheaper and its not that difficult at all.

Which test kit are you using for nitrate? For Phosphate I recommend a Hanna ULR Checker. I agree the API test kits are not very good.

Looking great Tricia, I agree with Isaac though that the colors look pale. Although I don't think it's your lights at all. Nutrients are too low (PO4 & NO3 = 0). If you are running carbon and GFO stop the GFO. Cut carbon in half. Colors will be like Isaac's coral in few months!

I have a xf150 on a 57 rimless. Absolutely love it, and highly recommend it. There is a great article on Advnanced Aquaria about it. The author has some great tips on cleaning it as it definitely has to be cleaned every 3 months.