So here it is, my build off tank build thread. I am doing a 30 gallon oceanic cube. I have decided on a 150w halide with 2x24watt actinic, that I have also retrofitted some blue LED's to for a little more pop. This will be my first experience with halides so I'm looking forward to learning what I can from this experience. My plan was to go with a higher budget on the build itself over inhabitants. I wanted it to look good as well as try and make it as reliable as possible. My thought was that if I'm having equipment issues then fish and coral would be more of a problem. My equipment will be listed in the next post on my thread as well as the price I paid for everything so far. As for my stocking plan. I am planning on 2 or 3 fairly inexpensive fish, these were the ones I had thought about: Royal Gramma, Fire Fish, and maybe a Possum Wrasse. For coral, I am going to go with a simple mixed reef with mostly beginner corals. Everything from leathers, zoas, mushrooms, torches, hammers, montis, some easier sps, maybe a RFA or two, etc... You get the idea. I have always liked a good mix of everything.
I will be starting completely dry. Rock and substrate are dry. This will make the cycle take a little longer but one thing I've learned in this hobby is that taking your time is the way to go. To start the cycle I will probably just go the raw shrimp route. Sorry @Andrew_bram the wife and kids won't let me pee in it! I bought a smart power strip that I will be using as a phone controlled light timer. I don't have a place in the sump designated for macro of any sort so I'm going to go with marine pure balls to increase surface area for bacteria in hopes of not needing any sort of macro for nutrient export. I'm going to go with a crushed coral substrate due to sand storm experiences in my other tank. This will allow me to get max flow if needed without worrying about it getting blown around everywhere. Here are a few pictures of it just sitting in its corner waiting to be plumbed and and set up. I will add more photos as it comes together once we are able to get these things started. View attachment 14521 View attachment 14522 View attachment 14523 View attachment 14524
I will be starting completely dry. Rock and substrate are dry. This will make the cycle take a little longer but one thing I've learned in this hobby is that taking your time is the way to go. To start the cycle I will probably just go the raw shrimp route. Sorry @Andrew_bram the wife and kids won't let me pee in it! I bought a smart power strip that I will be using as a phone controlled light timer. I don't have a place in the sump designated for macro of any sort so I'm going to go with marine pure balls to increase surface area for bacteria in hopes of not needing any sort of macro for nutrient export. I'm going to go with a crushed coral substrate due to sand storm experiences in my other tank. This will allow me to get max flow if needed without worrying about it getting blown around everywhere. Here are a few pictures of it just sitting in its corner waiting to be plumbed and and set up. I will add more photos as it comes together once we are able to get these things started. View attachment 14521 View attachment 14522 View attachment 14523 View attachment 14524
