90 G Refinish

[mphammer]

Well after almost 10 years away from the hobby, I figured with all of this free time on my hands it was a good time to get back in. I started the process about a month ago but will start from the beginning with this thread and post updates with pics.

On a side note, I was stoked to see that ARC was still around and thriving! This place was essential for me when I started and could not imagine trying to pursue this hobby without this community. Anyways, hope you guys enjoy the process with me!




Found this 90 gallon and stand for a great price, just needs a little restoration. Came with a sump too!

 

[mphammer]

First step was to beef up the stand with some interior support





Removed all the old facing/molding and added new trim

 

[mphammer]

Little bit of putty, some primer, and some paint...

 

[mphammer]

I ended up using flex seal for the inside of the stand and canopy. I used 3 coats and I am hoping this gives me a good barrier from any type of water damage. If anybody else has used flex seal, I would be curious to hear how it has held up for you?

 

[mphammer]

Next up was a vinegar bath and scrub for the tank itself. This thing cleaned up great!

 

[ZapataInc]

Welcome back and looking great.

 

[mphammer]

The plumbing mess and the race to finish before it fills up

 

[mphammer]

I got a great deal from a member here on basically all equipment for tank

RO 152-S
Current USA eFlux DC Return 3170gph (this thing is amazing. Michael if you are seeing this post, thanks again man)
Current USA DC Wavemakers
Current USA 48" LED fixture X 4

One challenge to the entire Current USA setup is the extra wiring. I am typically OCD with cable management but I had a very difficult time making this nest of wires manageable

 

[mphammer]

All of it came together, although not as neat as I would have liked

 

[mphammer]

Was simultaneously building this in the closet right next to the tank!

 

[mphammer]

Back to tank- Got lights installed up top, rock and sand added, and doors back on stand. Now we wait!

 

[bhodges82]

That's a nice looking setup, your hard work is only beginning though LOL, lol, rofl

 

[kullas]

Welcome back. Looking good so far

 

[Steve Burton]

Great thread, thanks.

 

[mphammer]

Sump light installed, macros and copepods too

 

[ZapataInc]

As

Sump light installed, macros and copepods too

View attachment 23509

A word of caution...I wouldn't run your refugium yet. You have a brand new tank and you can run into some issues if you run it to early.

BRS did a video on Refugium Mistakes.
I would suggest taking a look at it.

 

[mphammer]

As

A word of caution...I wouldn't run your refugium yet. You have a brand new tank and you can run into some issues if you run it to early.

BRS did a video on Refugium Mistakes.
I would suggest taking a look at it.

Great video, thank you. I was getting ready to post my link for the ULM method which recommended fuge on day 1, created by BRS team. Then in this video by BRS, they reference the ULM method and they say it actually did not work!!!! A little frustrating that they keep the ULM video out there if it did not work lol

 

[ZapataInc]

Great video, thank you. I was getting ready to post my link for the ULM method which recommended fuge on day 1, created by BRS team. Then in this video by BRS, they reference the ULM method and they say it actually did not work!!!! A little frustrating that they keep the ULM video out there if it did not work lol

Yeah i has a case of Dinoflagellates because I ran my refugium way to early. And I had no detectable nutrients. I battled with dinos for about 2 months...with serveral 3 day black outs. The dinos irritated my corals and they are just now looking like they are recovering and that was about 3-4 months ago. So when i see someone run a fuge on a new system I try and steer them away from it because of what I had to go through.

 

[mphammer]

Yeah i has a case of Dinoflagellates because I ran my refugium way to early. And I had no detectable nutrients. I battled with dinos for about 2 months...with serveral 3 day black outs. The dinos irritated my corals and they are just now looking like they are recovering and that was about 3-4 months ago. So when i see someone run a fuge on a new system I try and steer them away from it because of what I had to go through.

The tank/water had been up and running with rock for almost 3 weeks before the fuge went in, do you think that is still too early? If so, do you think killing the light will be enough or would you recommend pulling the chaeto as well?

 

[ZapataInc]

The tank/water had been up and running with rock for almost 3 weeks before the fuge went in, do you think that is still too early? If so, do you think killing the light will be enough or would you recommend pulling the chaeto as well?

I still think it is to early. You don't have anything in the tank to "feed" the fuge. I would say pull out the charro because it's going to die off.