New 65g Tank Build

dball711

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Just ordered a 65g tank from customaquariums.com, should be ready in about 8 weeks. It will be 18" tall with a 36" X 24" footprint. It will be an All-in-one (my design) with an external Skimmer. For now I am working on the rock scape. Typically I use only Pukani rock but thats getting harder and harder to come by. Last tank I used 2 45-50 lb pieces, this tank I'll have to use a bunch of smaller pieces, some super glue and Marco aquascaping mortar.

Here's some before and after pics.

1st structure, started with 7 pieces.
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After some test fitting, spot welding with super glue and solidification with the mortar her's the end result. One of two solid structures.
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For the second structure I stated with 9 pieces.
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And hers the result for the second structure.
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Thats it for this instalment, next up I'll start working on the filtration chamber.
 
Making your structure from multiple rocks is the way to go . Looking good can't wait to see it up n running
 
Rock scape looks awesome. I’m interested to see your AIO design. I’ve been book marking future tank ideas.
 
The rock scape looks amazing reminds me on an alien world.
I glued some rock once and I didn't like how the glue would shimmer under the lights. You seemed to hide it pretty well though.
 
A bunch of updates coming!

Had to refinish the top of the table the tank is being set up on.
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Tank finally arrived and worth the wait. Extremely well built, guess thats why they call them Lifetime aquariums.IMG_0614.jpg

Test fitting the rock structures.
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Finally designed and cut the acrylic panels for the internal filtration.

Some of the AIO specs...
  • 960 cubic inches of filter media space
  • True surface skimmer with diverse water induction
  • Using 2 power head pumps (650 GP)
  • Prefilter
  • Probe, ATO, dosing tube holder, and heater accommodations.
  • Skimmer pump and return (Reef Octopus Classic 110 EXT)
While siliconing the false wall in place, I added several blobs of silicon to keep the rock structures from sliding into and scratching the aquarium glass.

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That looks great! I'm interested in seeing how you plumb the skimmer.
 
Here's the stocking list...almost done, just a few more acros to add.

ASD Bee Sting

ASD Rainbow Sherbet Milli

ASD Rainbow Warlock Milli

ASD Red Rocket Tenuis

ASD Shadow Legend Milli

ASD Wonderland Milli

Ballz Coralz OZ Tenuis

Ballz Coralz Pink Rainbow Tenuis

Ballz Coralz Halloween Milli

Ballz Coralz Rust Milli

Ballz Coralz Tutti Fruity Milli

Ballz Coralz Xanadu Tenuis

BC Battle Stag

Big R Walt Disney

Big R Candyland

CC Voodoo Majik

Cornbred Beast Mode

Cornbred Candella Milli

Cornbred Fire Lemonade Milli

Cornbred Flaming Pink Lemonade

Cornbred Flaming Unicorn

Cornbred Hot Pink Pussycat Milli

Cornbred Rainbow Sugar Daddy

Cornbred Sin City

Cornbred Sunset Milli

JF Homewrecker

PC Rainbow

RR Pink Floyd

RR Pink Venom

TGC Mighty Thor

TSA Block Buster

TSA Fruity Pebbles

TSA Lunar Lemonade

TSA Mystery Acro

TSA Optimus Prime

TSA Princess Peach

TSA Spyro the Dragon

TSA Stan Lee

TSA Tesla

TSA Triple Sec

WWC After Party

WWC Orange Peel

4 - Various Color Millis

3 – Various Rainbow Indo Tenuis



10 – Various Rainbow Acans

18 – Florida Ricordia Mushrooms

4 – Various Rainbow Mini-Maxi Carpet Anemones

BG Butt Kisser Zoas

CB Atomic Space Monster Palys

Pink Rainbow Palys

Space Chaos Zoas

Time Warp Zoas





Gorgonians

6- Purple Feather - Pseudopterogorgia

1 -Purple Sea Rod - Plexaura flexuosa

2 - Spiny Orange - Muricea elongate
 
Wow 🤩 looks great! Not only impressive build and visually appealing, but you know the names of almost every coral you have in the tank!!!
 
Too many frags in the tank.. I’ll take some off of your hands to free up some room and “declutter” 😉

Looks awesome Dave!
 
Tank has only been up and running 3 1/2 months, grow out is doing well...lot's of encrusting. Everything is going better than I expected at this point. Snaped a few quick cell phone pics and Ill pull out the good camera soon.

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Very nice design and your corals as always Dave, really healthy and beautiful!
Have the skimmer decided to go nuts, how to handle it?
and
I don’t think the IM spin stream or the Hydor FLO water deflector would work for your returns because of the higher flow in your recirculating pumps but it could have been a nice option
I like the idea on the recirculating pumps, it reminds me the Red Sea Max S series, which I like better than the Reefer series.
 
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