My very first saltwater aquarium - 190 gallon

[Marsh980]

oh and a free stomatella snail that fell out of one of the corals when I took them out of the bags. Result haha

 

[Marsh980]

My new workforce plus the free stomatella. I hope to have enough now, well for sometime anyway.

 

[saltwater60]

I love blastos and acans. Post pics of the corals please. That’s the best part.

 

[Marsh980]

I love blastos and acans. Post pics of the corals please. That’s the best part.

Here you go, not the best pics

 

[Marsh980]

I may have also bought another 4 corals this morning.... I saw them a few days back but wanted to wait to see what my usual fish store had in stock before pulling the trigger. These came from a fish store literally an 8 min drive away.

1x Light white/yellowish Alveopora (so that's 2 now as I really like them)
1x Neon Green Duncan (again i have 2 of these but right now they're arguably my favourite coral
1x Green Hammer
1x Short Tentacled Fungia

I dipped them in Coral RX Pro this time as it wasn't from my usual fish store who dip all their corals twice in differing treatments before selling.

I find the placement challenging as don't glue or putty them in until I know they're happy where they are. What do you guys do to prevent them falling over/off the rockwork or getting knocked off by fish and snails?

Pictures to follow.

 

[MomeWrath]

I may have also bought another 4 corals this morning.... I saw them a few days back but wanted to wait to see what my usual fish store had in stock before pulling the trigger. These came from a fish store literally an 8 min drive away.

1x Light white/yellowish Alveopora (so that's 2 now as I really like them)
1x Neon Green Duncan (again i have 2 of these but right now they're arguably my favourite coral
1x Green Hammer
1x Short Tentacled Fungia

I dipped them in Coral RX Pro this time as it wasn't from my usual fish store who dip all their corals twice in differing treatments before selling.

I find the placement challenging as don't glue or putty them in until I know they're happy where they are. What do you guys do to prevent them falling over/off the rockwork or getting knocked off by fish and snails?

Pictures to follow.

I love all those corals too! Man, you are making me want another reef tank.... NO girl NO!! No more tanks...Just one? NO! No! Placement is not something I can really advise you on. The best you can make is an educated guess and try to find a spot to prop the coral in until you figure out whether that's a good spot. Of course I had less than half the tank volume to monitor and it's a lot easier to reach into a 75 and pick up your duncans out of the floor when the urchin tosses them down... ugh my urchin would pick up my frags and tote them all over the place. You have a lot more work to get to the floor of your tank!

 

[Marsh980]

I love all those corals too! Man, you are making me want another reef tank.... NO girl NO!! No more tanks...Just one? NO! No! Placement is not something I can really advise you on. The best you can make is an educated guess and try to find a spot to prop the coral in until you figure out whether that's a good spot. Of course I had less than half the tank volume to monitor and it's a lot easier to reach into a 75 and pick up your duncans out of the floor when the urchin tosses them down... ugh my urchin would pick up my frags and tote them all over the place. You have a lot more work to get to the floor of your tank!

haha the devil on your shoulder is telling you to either buy another one or replace your existing tank with a larger one.... I'm thinking having two would be the best solution. I would love a large FOWLR tank so i can finally get my puffer.

That's what I've been doing and closely monitoring the corals behaviour. The Goni is becoming the most difficult as I have a moderate to high flow in a lot of places. Ready for the SPS. It just would be easier to be able to secure them first before the bulldozers get them.

I want to get an urchin but might wait till I have all my corals (well the majority of them) in and secured.

I thought having a 2 foot deep tank would make it easy for me to reach to the bottom, especially being 6ft 1" with arms like an orangutan haha. I still need to use a small fold away step....

 

[Marsh980]

Updated pics of the tank

 

[MomeWrath]

Updated pics of the tank

Beautiful... I miss my firefish - I think they are my favorites. And that elegance coral is bonkers I love it.

 

[Marsh980]

Beautiful... I miss my firefish - I think they are my favorites. And that elegance coral is bonkers I love it.

Cheers, it’s certainly a work in progress with a long way to go. That elegance gets huge and takes that corner.

In my opinion firefish get a bit of a bad rep but my purples and oranges are great.

None of my bigger fish wanted to be photographed haha

 

[saltwater60]

Dude looking good!! I love seeing those hawk fish just sitting there and staring out into space. Fire fish look happy and out. That’s a good sign.
Tanks looking great. I’d say that elegance looks like it might be getting too much flow.

yes coral placement is one of the hardest things. I place them where I think they will like it and look good then watch to make sure they open up all the way. If they open all the way and look happy I leave them. I never glued anything down but never really had small frags. I had a pincushion urchin and it wasn’t really an issue.

 

[Marsh980]

Dude looking good!! I love seeing those hawk fish just sitting there and staring out into space. Fire fish look happy and out. That’s a good sign.
Tanks looking great. I’d say that elegance looks like it might be getting too much flow.

yes coral placement is one of the hardest things. I place them where I think they will like it and look good then watch to make sure they open up all the way. If they open all the way and look happy I leave them. I never glued anything down but never really had small frags. I had a pincushion urchin and it wasn’t really an issue.

The hawkfish is certainly a character especially at dinner time when he launches himself off the rocks to grab mysis and krill. I would definitely recommend one, depending on the tank size. I have many snails and shrimps and he hasn't bothered them at all. He must be being well fed enough haha.

The two orange and one purple firefish are very happy, the other purple hides with the sulphur goby. He's a little coward and takes time to get his confidence back whenever new fish and corals are added.

The elegance is getting moderate flow and thankfully seems to be very happy and opening up to the size of a dinner plate, especially as that's the only place i can put it in the tank. It certainly didn't look that size at the LFS, which isn't uncommon.

That's what i'm doing now but finding it harder and harder to find places on the rock for large corals, it will be easier to place frags, be patient and watch them grow and fill the space.

 

[MomeWrath]

Real estate....there is never enough of it for all the corals you want!!

 

[Rcslade124]

I'm already trying to plan placement of corals. I want anemone also plus a torch so I need secluded space for them. Idk if I will venture to sps. I like the movement of softies. That being said I'll get some lol. I'll be renting a par meter next month probably so I can test my par

 

[Marsh980]

I'm already trying to plan placement of corals. I want anemone also plus a torch so I need secluded space for them. Idk if I will venture to sps. I like the movement of softies. That being said I'll get some lol. I'll be renting a par meter next month probably so I can test my par

It’ll be very difficult to plan your coral placement if you intend to get an anemone. That can and will move around your tank until it’s found it’s favoured place. It could then still move stinging every coral in its path.

I made the decision not to get one for that reason. If it was static and never moved then maybe yes, it’s a shame as would be awesome to watch my clowns inside it (if it hosted them of course)

 

[Rcslade124]

They also like to host hammers I have read

 

[saltwater60]

I had bubble tipped anemones for years and had very few issues. I had one issue and most corals recovered from the stinging. I had 5-6 BTA at one time once.

 

[Argos]

Love your tank! Definitely following this thread.

 

[Marsh980]

I had bubble tipped anemones for years and had very few issues. I had one issue and most corals recovered from the stinging. I had 5-6 BTA at one time once.

That’s very positive to hear. I would love to have one but I may get myself another a tank. A small one with just a pair of the fancier clown fish and a BTA.

 

[Marsh980]

Love your tank! Definitely following this thread.

Cheers, it’s a work in progress but am massively enjoying the hobby. I also enjoy updating my thread with the highs and lows I’m having

 

[Marsh980]

Just a quick update. Installed the chiller and moved the auto dosers to accommodate it. It’s a pretty big unit

I now have piece of mind no matter how hot it gets here.

Also grabbed another 8 bags of live Copepods.

 

[Marsh980]

Latest pics of the corals

 

[Marsh980]

Last one

 

[KribensisLover1]

That's lovely and I hope the same happens with my son. Aquariums can be such a bonding experience. I loved my fresh water planted aquarium but felt it was time to step up. Lets hope your son doesn't continuously keep asking for a reef tank again...

So an update

I have ordered the below equipment for my tank:

3x Radion XR15 Lights with brackets
1x MP40 Powerhead
1x Vectra M2 Pump
1x Barb Kit
1x Heater
1x D-D Heat Controller
1x G9 Skimmer
1x UV 39 Watt Sterilliser
1x Smart ATO
1x Bubblemagus Roller
1x Continuum BAC Brick for my sump
1x Reeflink

Can you pls let me know the costs for all the things you got combined? Like pre fish the costs? Bc I’ll be forty this summer hahaha

 

[Marsh980]

Can you pls let me know the costs for all the things you got combined? Like pre fish the costs? Bc I’ll be forty this summer hahaha

Happy 40th birthday for this year.

Are you sure you want to know haha.

Bear in mind I’ve been saving for my system for many many years and have an emergency fund. That fund has been crucial because I’ve had to dip into it many times for unexpected costs like two extra MP40s and the chiller to name just a few lol.

I’ve spent not including fish, corals or inverts approx $14-15k. Converted from GBP (£) as I’m based in the UK.

I’m sure you can do it for so much cheaper if you’re handy at DIY or an experienced SW hobbyist.

 

[Marsh980]

Oh I forgot, I did an ammonia, nitrite and nitrate test and my ammonia and nitrite was at 0.25ppm so just completed a 20% water change. Nitrates was 0-5ppm

I was told I could get a little ammonia spike when the system stabilises.

The tank is 12 weeks old tomorrow.

 

[Rcslade124]

Looking great! I'm about to head to a lfs in a few. Hopefully finding a few hermits and a couple more snails. Added 2 clowns an a diamond goby. No qt so there goes preventing disease. I'm looking for a fox face and some small shoalers chromis, anthias, Cardinals. I will probably wait for foxface until algea starts to get bad

 

[Rcslade124]

Can you pls let me know the costs for all the things you got combined? Like pre fish the costs? Bc I’ll be forty this summer hahaha

I'm at a much lower cost about 3k. But Marsh had all live rock and great equipment.

 

[Marsh980]

Looking great! I'm about to head to a lfs in a few. Hopefully finding a few hermits and a couple more snails. Added 2 clowns an a diamond goby. No qt so there goes preventing disease. I'm looking for a fox face and some small shoalers chromis, anthias, Cardinals. I will probably wait for foxface until algea starts to get bad

Cheers and exciting times. Fingers crossed they have the CUC you need. I still have just the one hermit crab. Good choice of fish, can’t go wrong with clowns and a goby. I don’t QT as don’t have the room or ‘allowed’ another tank. That might change if something wipes out the tank!

Love my foxface even though he can still be a little skittish, well until dinner time. He eats like he’s not been fed in days...

I was talked out of chromis and cardinals as groups can fight to the death and you end up with just one. Fingers crossed that won’t happen to you. Anthias though, great choice.

 

[Rcslade124]

Yes I hear they can be a pain but aren't all saltwater fish just a pain lol. I'll see what the store has. 2 clowns and a hobby aren't much bioload to my system so maybe a few more to get some nutrients.

 

[Marsh980]

Yes I hear they can be a pain but aren't all saltwater fish just a pain lol. I'll see what the store has. 2 clowns and a hobby aren't much bioload to my system so maybe a few more to get some nutrients.

 

[Marsh980]

Oh yes, many can be a pain or not compatible for my reef. Fingers crossed they have some great stuff. Keep us updated.

 

[Rcslade124]

It's a 1 hr drive but the best around this area so we will see. Figure a good time to get out and get kids out of the house. The second time in months for them.

 

[KribensisLover1]

Happy 40th birthday for this year.

Are you sure you want to know haha.

Bear in mind I’ve been saving for my system for many many years and have an emergency fund. That fund has been crucial because I’ve had to dip into it many times for unexpected costs like two extra MP40s and the chiller to name just a few lol.

I’ve spent not including fish, corals or inverts approx $14-15k. Converted from GBP (£) as I’m based in the UK.

I’m sure you can do it for so much cheaper if you’re handy at DIY or an experienced SW hobbyist.

So about 180000 right now (checked the pounds on my converter). TY for the BDay wishes!! I’m not handy in the slightest lol. Nor have I ventured into SW. I’m coming up on my first complete year of freshwater, so I’m a definite newbie. Luckily this site has been super helpful, and angelcraze has saved many fishes lives, as well as my own mental state. LoL. Yet, I truly truly admire you for waiting to do it right. That’s the only way, IMHO. That’s what I want to do in the future, so it’s worth the wait. ESP with fishkeeping, w so many unexpected costs. My largest investment was MUCH smaller, my SeaClear acrylic tank, yet I love it so much. I have a class at my future home (my fiancé’s house), and when I can afford to do it right, I’ll get a much larger acrylic here. Sorry if I derailed, it’s great info tho, and pls keep sharing! The bottom line is that IMHO, the way to have a beautiful freshwater is the live plants, and since I’m not there yet, I got what I think is a beautiful tank. That way, it looks great even without live plants!! Not saying mine looks great, just mean that I think the tank alone is so nice that it helps the overall look quite a bit.

 

[KribensisLover1]

I'm at a much lower cost about 3k. But Marsh had all live rock and great equipment.

Oooo that’s more doable!

 

[Rcslade124]

Oooo that’s more doable!

More doable but it's still alot. I also got my tank used. A new one would've been double the price. And also got the lumber for stand for mostly free. But Marsh tank is beautiful. Stand tank lights. He has Soo much care and thought into his tank. My next one if there will be a next will definitely be atleast 4k for tank and stand. Plus Marsh has corals and more fish. I just spent 200$ on 2 clowns a gobby and 4 snails. I need 3 more testers for corals so that's another 150. The list gets longer lol.

 

[Rcslade124]

Also research and more research. I have been planning and reading since January. I have learned all aspects of the system and what each part does. Weeks of research on each topic. First research fowlr, mixed reef, sps reef, Lps reef styles then decide what you want. Then research overflows, sump, skimmer, refugium, plumbing, return pumps, lights, and powerheads/wavemakers. Thats equipment. Then research water chemistry, nutrients, live rock/dry rock, fish disease, clean up crew, and coral care.

 

[Marsh980]

I already converted it into dollars so $14-15k so less in the GBP.

Me neither and thankfully I have an awesome LFS who helped me build the system and who have continued to support me.

I was a SW newbie too and learned loads from here and other forums plus YouTube. My LFS has also passed their experience and wisdom onto me. I’ve still made errors but thats the hobby.

It was right that I remained patient and bought the tank and equipment I wanted. It was to remember by late father plus have a reef that my son and I could enjoy and bond over. Thankfully he loves it and tells me its his tank haha.

In regards to the unexpected costs, that was due to be inexperienced and thinking 2 MP40s would be enough for a 2.1m long tank and having SPS in the future. The chiller was genuinely unexpected as I nor the LFS expected the tank to reach 28 degrees centigrade. I‘m sure I could‘ve left it and hoped that it wouldn’t rise above the 28 degrees but that’s not what I want. I want a tank that is as automated as possible and one that can ease my mind as there are plenty of other things in the reef that needs attention for example coral husbandry and a happy tank.

You’re tank looks great, there’s something beautiful about a planted FW tank. I had one 10 or so years ago.

So I hope you venture in SW whether it be a reef or FOWLR and you love it as much as I currently am.

 

[Marsh980]

It's a 1 hr drive but the best around this area so we will see. Figure a good time to get out and get kids out of the house. The second time in months for them.

Great idea, two birds one stone.

 

[Marsh980]

More doable but it's still alot. I also got my tank used. A new one would've been double the price. And also got the lumber for stand for mostly free. But Marsh tank is beautiful. Stand tank lights. He has Soo much care and thought into his tank. My next one if there will be a next will definitely be atleast 4k for tank and stand. Plus Marsh has corals and more fish. I just spent 200$ on 2 clowns a gobby and 4 snails. I need 3 more testers for corals so that's another 150. The list gets longer lol.

Thank you so much for the kind words, I’m so impressed with what you’ve done with yours and how much you spent. You’ve put a lot of love and care into the building of yours. I can’t wait to see the journey it’ll go on and when it’s finished.

 

[Marsh980]

Also research and more research. I have been planning and reading since January. I have learned all aspects of the system and what each part does. Weeks of research on each topic. First research fowlr, mixed reef, sps reef, Lps reef styles then decide what you want. Then research overflows, sump, skimmer, refugium, plumbing, return pumps, lights, and powerheads/wavemakers. Thats equipment. Then research water chemistry, nutrients, live rock/dry rock, fish disease, clean up crew, and coral care.

Spot on, research, research and more research. Then ask questions on here if needed

 

[Rcslade124]

And stick to your plan. Haha wanted hermits snails and peaceful fish. Ended up with hermits snails and a royal Gramma. Opps

 

[Marsh980]

And stick to your plan. Haha wanted hermits snails and peaceful fish. Ended up with hermits snails and a royal Gramma. Opps

Haha least you got your hermits and snails. I have a royal gramma and he has his moments. Smallest in the tank too!

 

[KribensisLover1]

I already converted it into dollars so $14-15k so less in the GBP.

Me neither and thankfully I have an awesome LFS who helped me build the system and who have continued to support me.

I was a SW newbie too and learned loads from here and other forums plus YouTube. My LFS has also passed their experience and wisdom onto me. I’ve still made errors but thats the hobby.

It was right that I remained patient and bought the tank and equipment I wanted. It was to remember by late father plus have a reef that my son and I could enjoy and bond over. Thankfully he loves it and tells me its his tank haha.

In regards to the unexpected costs, that was due to be inexperienced and thinking 2 MP40s would be enough for a 2.1m long tank and having SPS in the future. The chiller was genuinely unexpected as I nor the LFS expected the tank to reach 28 degrees centigrade. I‘m sure I could‘ve left it and hoped that it wouldn’t rise above the 28 degrees but that’s not what I want. I want a tank that is as automated as possible and one that can ease my mind as there are plenty of other things in the reef that needs attention for example coral husbandry and a happy tank.

You’re tank looks great, there’s something beautiful about a planted FW tank. I had one 10 or so years ago.

So I hope you venture in SW whether it be a reef or FOWLR and you love it as much as I currently am.

O yes! Reading skills (or lack thereof) by me. So just 12,000 pounds lol. Or about there. Right? I love converting, almost as much as I love London. That’s the only place I’ve been in GB, quite a few times though. People always say Oooo when you go away, meet a gorgeous Frenchman or Italian, tho I love the Brits the best! And the style in London! Anyhoo LoL. My tank is not planted, so I am thrilled if you thought it was, even if at a quick thumbnails pics glance!! I also know that at least around here, SW fish have no guarantee, and are super fragile, correct?! So even if they don’t acclimate well, a fish that is hundreds of dollars can’t be brought back if it passes. And sometimes that can happen through no fault of the fish owner!! It is awesome that you are passing on a tradition you had with your father. What a gift, and precious memory! And tho I don’t have kids, I’m sure it will teach them responsibility, bc I know a SW tank is hardcore. I don’t even know how tough a WC would be!! Plus I totally agree with your chiller purchase. You have been impeccable in your research and execution thus far, so best to keep it that way so you don’t kick yourself later. My dream one day is to convert the large acrylic I will soon get to SW. I always ALWAYS have this notion that people’s SW tanks are acrylic, yet I must be wrong?! The tanks probably look so great that I assume that. They aren’t usually always acrylic tanks right? Anyway, TY for your in-depth answers for your SW, and hopefully one day my fresh-water will be like yours!!

 

[Rcslade124]

Haha least you got your hermits and snails. I have a royal gramma and he has his moments. Smallest in the tank too!

I got a little one to try to keep the aggression down a little.still hiding in the corner of the tank. Clownfish are out much more today. Goby has his own little home already. I'm happy so far. Need a black cardinal, Coral beauty, foxface marine betta and maybe a yellow or blue tang and I'm done with fish. Also got another bottle of pods

 

[saltwater60]

I had about $8,000 in my 75 gallon reef with nothing automated and I made my hoods, lights, sump and stuff like that.

 

[Marsh980]

O yes! Reading skills (or lack thereof) by me. So just 12,000 pounds lol. Or about there. Right? I love converting, almost as much as I love London. That’s the only place I’ve been in GB, quite a few times though. People always say Oooo when you go away, meet a gorgeous Frenchman or Italian, tho I love the Brits the best! And the style in London! Anyhoo LoL. My tank is not planted, so I am thrilled if you thought it was, even if at a quick thumbnails pics glance!! I also know that at least around here, SW fish have no guarantee, and are super fragile, correct?! So even if they don’t acclimate well, a fish that is hundreds of dollars can’t be brought back if it passes. And sometimes that can happen through no fault of the fish owner!! It is awesome that you are passing on a tradition you had with your father. What a gift, and precious memory! And tho I don’t have kids, I’m sure it will teach them responsibility, bc I know a SW tank is hardcore. I don’t even know how tough a WC would be!! Plus I totally agree with your chiller purchase. You have been impeccable in your research and execution thus far, so best to keep it that way so you don’t kick yourself later. My dream one day is to convert the large acrylic I will soon get to SW. I always ALWAYS have this notion that people’s SW tanks are acrylic, yet I must be wrong?! The tanks probably look so great that I assume that. They aren’t usually always acrylic tanks right? Anyway, TY for your in-depth answers for your SW, and hopefully one day my fresh-water will be like yours!!

Yeah around £12k give or take. I live approx an hour drive from London and it’s a great place. Oh definitely, a Brit over a Frenchman or Italian haha but I’m biased.

SW tanks can be fragile but the larger and more mature the tank the better as you have more leeway with the parameters.

A good LFS should take it back if it passes but many Hobbyists also order online. However they should also have a returns policy. I find many LFS having differing experience and agendas and happy to sell things that aren’t suited for your tank.

Yes sometimes fish, corals or inverts just die for no reason whatsoever. Even if you did everything right and acclimated them perfectly.

I’m hoping the reef will give my son and I great memories and I’m having another son in August so hopefully he enjoys it too. It’s such a shame my father missed me getting my tank but it lives through him too.

I’ve just tried to make the right decisions in regards to equipment and inhabitants but it can be tough as there are so many ‘pretty’ things out there tempting me haha. I told my wife when I bought the tank that I’ll make it as automated as I can so it doesn’t take over my life.

My tank is made of glass and weighed a tonne (well felt like it) when we had to lift it onto the cabinet. The cabinet is surrounding a custom made metal frame.

Good luck with your SW dream and hope you get one in the near future.

 

[Marsh980]

I got a little one to try to keep the aggression down a little.still hiding in the corner of the tank. Clownfish are out much more today. Goby has his own little home already. I'm happy so far. Need a black cardinal, Coral beauty, foxface marine betta and maybe a yellow or blue tang and I'm done with fish. Also got another bottle of pods

Sounds like it’s going great already, I wish you could get multiple clown pairs without the possibility of all out war. I would get some black and white ones too.

I’m getting a coral beauty too and a red stripe angel. I love my foxface and betta. The betta has started to come out of the rockscape a bit more now he’s been in there for 2 weeks.

I’m going to buy 4 tangs and add at the same time. A yellow, purple, Naso and yellow eyed Kole.

What blue tang are you looking at? Becareful with the powder blue as they can be very nasty. A Carribean Blue is lovely.

Great idea with the pods. I added 8 bags of live Copepods today

 

[Marsh980]

Does anyone else find themselves pulling out larger stones from the sand bed? Each week more rise to the surface. It’s all my CUC’s fault haha. This is this weeks haul

 

[KribensisLover1]

Yeah around £12k give or take. I live approx an hour drive from London and it’s a great place. Oh definitely, a Brit over a Frenchman or Italian haha but I’m biased.

SW tanks can be fragile but the larger and more mature the tank the better as you have more leeway with the parameters.

A good LFS should take it back if it passes but many Hobbyists also order online. However they should also have a returns policy. I find many LFS having differing experience and agendas and happy to sell things that aren’t suited for your tank.

Yes sometimes fish, corals or inverts just die for no reason whatsoever. Even if you did everything right and acclimated them perfectly.

I’m hoping the reef will give my son and I great memories and I’m having another son in August so hopefully he enjoys it too. It’s such a shame my father missed me getting my tank but it lives through him too.

I’ve just tried to make the right decisions in regards to equipment and inhabitants but it can be tough as there are so many ‘pretty’ things out there tempting me haha. I told my wife when I bought the tank that I’ll make it as automated as I can so it doesn’t take over my life.

My tank is made of glass and weighed a tonne (well felt like it) when we had to lift it onto the cabinet. The cabinet is surrounding a custom made metal frame.

Good luck with your SW dream and hope you get one in the near future.

Thank You! And I lol’ed at it not taking over your life. I believe you COMPLETELY, I just know as a newbie of a year, my life is somewhat overtaken. Just as things are going ‘swimmingly,’ new ‘fish—ues’ (issues) arise. Yes, I’m a pun dork. I can’t wait to keep seeing more pics and living through you. What a way to honor your father and sons.