A splash in the right direction > Aquareef 275 Time-Line.

[Srb1n]

Over the last year I've been intrigued and infatuated by Marine tanks and their inhabitants, dreaming of one day owning a small eco system of my own. I started possibly at the wrong end of the spectrum by purchasing a 46L Fluval Edge, I could have done worse and purchased the 23L. Somewhat ignorant to the comments made by reef keepers on various Forums however I soon learnt how right they were. Don’t get me wrong the Fluval was not a disaster and it’s still going strong even after 12mths, but it’s limitations have restricted me in every possible format, thinking about it now I feel the Aquareef 275L will do the same in 12mths time. But that’s 12 months away so here is my “Tank Diary”.



Possibly not the wises thing to do but I have to consider certain other factors – I purchased the Aquareef from a Character and a half from Watford for £375, who enticed me into the underworld of aquatics, various power head’s, reactors and so forth, not to mention a garage at a another location “Fish”. To be truthful I just wanted to get away with just the tank which looked nothing like the picture. However prior to leaving I did manage to drum up a bargain “Bubble Magus Curve 6 purchased for £80 in mint condition.
Two weeks later I managed to sell a few items which justified the purchase of “Evergrow IT2060”. My first impressions are "I like it".



This is as far as I’ve got, my intensions are to purchase the follow in no chronological order over the next few months possibly after Xmas:
Wavemakers: X2 Jebao RW8's
Skimmer: Bubble magus curve 6 (Purchased £80).
Reactor: D&D Phosphate reactor or Bubble Magus
UV Light: Vecton V2 300
Live Rock: 27 to 35 Kilo's.
Live sand - Something suitable for a pair of Blue Cheek Goby's.

 

[wes1984]

Very nice start. I would personally add an auto top up unit to your list. I dont run any tank without one and makes life so much easier. As you have the light already, i would buy the LR and LS first and get that set up and the tank cycling. The longer the tank cycles the more stable it willl be long term so even if you cant buy any other equipment for a while at least the tank will be cycling and going through its stages. Good luck. with the tank.looks really smart.

 

[Srb1n]

[MENTION=22586]wes1984[/MENTION] - Regarding auto top up - Any preference? I will have a look to see what I can install in what seems a small amount of space; however I would like to obtain the components and use a container of my discretion suitable for the Aquareef. I've also purchased some solvent cement for the pipework and a Flipper scrapper magnet, it's made me consider producing my own RO & Salt water as the LFS (20 minute drive) ran out for some bizarre reason.

Updated list:
RO Unit - ???
LR & LS
Power head = Jebao RW8
Heater - ???

 

[jamesfirth1]

You've got a nice tank there I always thing the Aquareef 275 is a nice size tank, one of my friends has one. I also have the larger light unit so you won't have any problems with that either.

I wouldn't worry about a UV, seriously not that many people run them unless your going fish only.
With live rock I would go more on size and shape than weight, light live rock is always better than heavy stuff, so don't worry too much about the weight.
I also wouldn't waste your money on live sand, your live rock will soon turn any sand live, and how live can it be when its been stuck in a bag on the shelf for the last 6 months!
I would look at getting your own RO unit, speak with Toby [MENTION=11655]LittleOcean[/MENTION] he will point you in the right direction.
I haven't used the Jebao, but many people have if your buying after Christmas look at the Maxspect Gyre, their bringing out a smaller model next month.
Heater I would go with a controller and titanium heater, I must have had 5 different heaters on this tank until I changed to a titanium one. No looking back.

With regards to ATU I would consider something like the Reefloat, great piece of kit, and fantastic after service from Gordon on here.

What are you planning on keeping in the tank?

 

[Srb1n]

@jamesfirth1 - I’m so relieved to hear that about the lighting Unit as I feel it’s another one of those topics people have such a wide opinion and preferences. Regarding the UV – I’m now beginning to agree as it’s only required if the tank develops such things as white spot, or is that possible in a marine tank! (Need to read-up more). How strange it now feels having a larger tank that something as LR has stopped me in my tracks, the LFS has LR but it doesn’t appeal to me as it looks more like building site rubble then something able to sustain life.
I have been in communication with Gordon since purchasing my Fluval edge and him starting the Facebook group “Fluval Edge Enthusiasts”.
Q. What are you planning on keeping in the tank?
A. 12 months ago I made a simple mistake and choose clowns thinking of my children, only to be slatted by the Fluval edge group, my understanding and knowledge now knows that the common clown requires a minimum tank size of a 100litres and since those days I’m looking to either populate a variety of smaller or specialise in a few. It does sound like I’ve made up my mind yet and I’m not prepared to run into it. However I’ve made some notes regarding the following:
(These are fish I’m considering but other factors will have to be taken into consideration and the list might grow)
Percula clownfish – Either a pair or small group
Blue-green chromis – minimum tank 50ltrs - Group
Blue Cheek goby – Definitely a pair to increase survival
Blue damselfish – minimum tank 50ltrs – Male-dominated harem
Fireball dwarf angelfish – Minimum 125ltrs – Pair
**Love the Cherub, or pygmy, angelfish - minimum tank 100ltrs – pairs or small group
*Coral beauty – Tank too small for 2.
**Flame firefish – minimum tank 75ltrs – Pair
*Midas blenny – Minimum 150ltrs – Unfortunately singly
Arabian, or orange, dottyback – Minimum 150ltrs – Pair
***Kole, or yellow-eyed, tank – Minimum 250ltrs – Unfortunately singly due to the tank.
And so the list goes on…… What about you?

 

[powderbluetang]

Hi Srb1n, the tank will be really nice. You've done piles of research too. As mentioned above, Definitely get the tank up and running sooner rather than later if you can - live rock and dry coral sand works and will save you cash. The LED is fine, got the same myself and Jaboe will also be fine, for the money, they're brilliant speaking from experience. Keep updating here, lots of pickiest please and just keep asking the guys on here if you're not sure about something.
PBT.

 

[Srb1n]

[MENTION=22586]wes1984[/MENTION] [MENTION=12924]jamesfirth1[/MENTION] [MENTION=12903]powderbluetang[/MENTION]
I need to know whether or not to place this object in the tank - Picked up from the brother in-law from Cornwall. Obviously the IPhone 4S is for size comparison purpose.

 

[jamesfirth1]

@wes1984 @jamesfirth1 @powderbluetangI need to know whether or not to place this object in the tank - Picked up from the brother in-law from Cornwall. Obviously the IPhone 4S is for size comparison purpose.

View attachment 121431

Don't put that in!!

If I was you I would sort out the RO unit, and then get the tank filled up with salt water, heated and then you can sort out live rock. If you not happy with the rock in your local shop then you might need to travel further afield. Your going to have it for a long time so make sure your happy with it.

Are you wanting corals or just fish? Looking at the list above, I would hold off the blue damsel as they can be very aggressive to other fish. Bare in mind the suggested tank size is only a guide, and you will not be able to keep all the fish you have listed there in your tank. You will end up overloading your system I would expect.

 

[wes1984]

I can't see any reason not to place in the tank however it would purely be aesthetics as it wouldn.t be any good like Live rock. Something to consider is why you want to put it in? Only asking as once it goes in and algae starts growing on it and then coraline algae after that it will eventually be covered in all sorts etc and will not look as pretty. However if thats what you are after then yh go for it just make sure its clean.
As for the auto top off, i have the hydor one, its a laser one and works pretty well. no issues so far. You can use whatever pump and container you want with it.
Heaters: as you like research, have a look into a STC1000 teperature controller. They are self builds but very easy to do and great bit of kit.

 

[Srb1n]

Don't put that in!!

If I was you I would sort out the RO unit, and then get the tank filled up with salt water, heated and then you can sort out live rock. If you not happy with the rock in your local shop then you might need to travel further afield. Your going to have it for a long time so make sure your happy with it.

Are you wanting corals or just fish? Looking at the list above, I would hold off the blue damsel as they can be very aggressive to other fish. Bare in mind the suggested tank size is only a guide, and you will not be able to keep all the fish you have listed there in your tank. You will end up overloading your system I would expect.

Sorry - I should have made it clear in the first place, these are fish I can consider for the size of tank, they wont all be my inhabitancies (LOL). I'm going to do fish only for now with a few corals that are present in my Fluval. Regarding the shell it's more aesthetics as suggested by [MENTION=22586]wes1984[/MENTION].

 

[Srb1n]

Company projects and network cabling have taken up some of my weekends, if that wasn't bad enough Office 365 research has zapped my mental strength. Still looking for LR around Coventry area.

 

[Srb1n]

Company projects and network cabling have taken up some of my weekends, if that wasn't bad enough Office 365 research has zapped my mental strength. Still looking for LR around Coventry area.

I need some help in choosing some LR - can somebody please tell me if this is suitable for now - Fish only tank (OCEAN ROCK MARINE REEF MALAWI).




20KG OCEAN ROCK MARINE REEF MALAWI HARD WATER FISH | eBay

 

[jamesfirth1]

I would say not, not very good filter. Even though your only wanting fish only I would still buy proper "live" rock as the basis of your filter system

 

[Srb1n]

[MENTION=12924]jamesfirth1[/MENTION]
Just a quick update - If all goes well I'm hoping to purchase 30 kilo's of LR this Saturday, which intern means I can start my long awaited cycling process. With no fellow reefers in my vicinity for assistance it makes these simple steps nerve racking. With still no plumbing in place the weir system will need to be addressed sooner then later.

 

[jamesfirth1]

Yeah get the weir sorted first, you need the tank up to temp and salted before you even look at getting the live rock.

 

[Srb1n]

Yeah get the weir sorted first, you need the tank up to temp and salted before you even look at getting the live rock.

[MENTION=12924]jamesfirth1[/MENTION]
Thanks for that I haven't even thought of that (Temperature) - Will need to buy something quick to use in the sump - Any suggestions?

 

[Srb1n]

[MENTION=12903]powderbluetang[/MENTION] [MENTION=22586]wes1984[/MENTION] [MENTION=12924]jamesfirth1[/MENTION]
Quick question as to which make of heater to purchase (300W) that will fit inside the sump?

 

[jamesfirth1]

I personally use a titanium one with a separate controller.

 

[Srb1n]

I was just looking at a Titanium heater with a controlled and independent controller unit like the STC1000 or is this overkill?

 

[Srb1n]

or ViaAqua titanium heater 300 Watt for around £59.41