Jump to content

ValaWan's 280 Gallon Reef


Recommended Posts

brings back memories for me,  i slid my tank down the stairs too using 3/4 plywood instead of 2x4 and used a winch from my truck.  i was curious to see how you were going to do it.  looking forward to the build!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 70
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

  • 1 month later...

ValaWan's Reef is due for an update.  After taking a couple weeks away from the build, I finally started plumbing the overflow and return. The sump is a 120 gallon Pure Reef System from the original breakdown. I'm going with a herbie overflow. 20220518_194958.thumb.jpg.9134590043cc8cda98ac833a0e83c8f8.jpg

20220516_201245.jpg

20220604_182858.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ohh, the tank finally got wet this evening. No leaks so far! The next phase will be the aquascape!

20220604_191459.jpg

20220604_200746.jpg

20220604_214833.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Looking great! Will you be able to clear a skimmer height wise? It seems tight, but maybe that’s bc the tank is so big!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

17 hours ago, YHSublime said:

Looking great! Will you be able to clear a skimmer height wise? It seems tight, but maybe that’s bc the tank is so big!

 

It was close but just enough room to get it in. 

20220604_142141.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, monkiboy said:

Sand/no sand?

No sand, I'm planning on going SPS dominant.  I glued ABS board to the bottom.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Live rock in! I performed a separate bleach and acid bath back in November 2021. I started curing and seeding shortly after. If you choose to accelerate the curing process with bleach and acid bath yourself,  make sure all the precautions are taken to ensure your safety!

 

 

20211023_140033.jpg

20211023_102249.jpg

20220615_195950.jpg

20220615_195942.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

ORA premium black snowflakes will be the first introduced to ValaWan's Reef. 20220623_194442.thumb.jpg.8cf32d32c06a25a4eb7484d2ceec4707.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

A few buddies stopped by this afternoon to help me hang the lights. With all of the available options, I decided to go with Phillips Coralcare LEDs. We also started the canopy.

20220717_142556.jpg

20220717_142707.jpg

20220717_180534.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 7/18/2022 at 6:51 AM, lynn.reef.nerd said:

Those two dudes look familiar :tongue:

They've been super helpful throughout this process, as have you, Lynn.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 11 months later...

Wow, it's been almost a year since my last update. Jhay and Ariel have been back to help me finish the canopy. Special thanks to them again. 

20230702_133737.jpg

20230703_195145.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, YHSublime said:

You just cycling rock for now? 

I've had rocks in for about year. It's a mix of bleached/acid washed rocks from Tony's breakdown, marco rock from BRS, and real reef rock from PEA. As soon as I added fish and turned the lights on about 8 months ago, I've been dealing with a killer GHA infestation. Check out how much I pulled out last week 😳

20230708_155146.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, monkiboy said:

Yay! We will get you posting updates again! 

 

2 hours ago, stank said:

Very Nice build

Love the Clownfish too

 

I added a flame angelfish,  splendid pintail fairy and, and talbot damsels recently to finalize my fish stocking. Marcos was a big help. I'll turn my attention towards maturing and stabilizing the system for corals.

20230717_184326.jpg

20230705_181029.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Flame angel in an SPS dominate tank could be an issue. I know they are beautiful but the nipping at SPS polyps is a big no no for me. Hahah. 
 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 hours ago, epleeds said:

Flame angel in an SPS dominate tank could be an issue. I know they are beautiful but the nipping at SPS polyps is a big no no for me. Hahah. 
 

 

I'll cross that bridge and make a difficult decision with the queen if we get there 😅

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I’ve had 2 flame angels. The first did pick at corals to the point of irritation, but no damage. I sold it. The second never touched my corals, but died after 8ish years. Like many fish they are hit or miss.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

15 hours ago, RW09903 said:

I've had rocks in for about year. It's a mix of bleached/acid washed rocks from Tony's breakdown, marco rock from BRS, and real reef rock from PEA. As soon as I added fish and turned the lights on about 8 months ago, I've been dealing with a killer GHA infestation. Check out how much I pulled out last week 😳

 

 

You're growing algae nicely! I know somebody who also had this issue, and UV has started to noticeably clean it up within 24 hours. 

 

14 hours ago, epleeds said:

Flame angel in an SPS dominate tank could be an issue. I know they are beautiful but the nipping at SPS polyps is a big no no for me. Hahah. 
 

 

 

I have one in my mixed reef currently. In smaller tanks I've been more coral vs fish focused, but it came with a bundle of fish from a break down. There is also a lemon peel in there. If they're nipping, I'm not noticing, zoas, clams, lps, sps. This is the first time I've added "with caution fish" that have not gone to the buffet immediately. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

×
×
  • Create New...