New-Cadlights 8 w/Kessil a160

[steste1122]

So some may remember I started off building a Mr Aqua 22 long tank several months back. I had everything I needed to get it up and running, but in the end I never could get the tank and sump fixed the way I wanted it. Time went on, and plans have changed. Its probably a good thing I downsized anyway as in a year I will probably finding a new place. Here is the equipment list so far

 

Tank: Cadlights Mini 8

Light: Kessil A160 w/DIY stand

Return Pump: Marinland Maxijet 160

Powerhead: Vortech MP10w

Controller: Apex

ATO: Smart AutoMicro

Heater: Cobalt Neotherm 50

Skimmer: Mame

Sand: Arag-alive Fiji Pink

Rock: KP Aquatics cured live rock

Salt: Aquaforest Probiotic

Test equip: Salifert for Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite so far.

 

A couple things I noticed about the Cadlights tanks that I did not see in other peoples descriptions. One is the lower drain to the back compartment has been sealed off with a piece of acrylic and silicon. Which is fine, I was gonna do that anyway. Only downside of that is there was too much flow into the main compartment. It was pushing more water in than could fall back into the back part. I drained the tank and used my dremel to extend the overflow drain, and at the same time picked up an Maxi Jet 160. Best part of switching to the MJ160 is that it has the deflector and now my sand isnt flying everywhere. Another thing is the light seems to be a different model. It has 36 white led and 12 blue. I don't know how well it would work but doesnt matter in my case anyway as I am using the Kessil.

 

 

 

 

The sand and rock have now been in the tank for about 24 hours and the water is starting to clear up nicely. All I have in the back so far is the black sponge it came with to help filter out the loose sand and stuff coming off the rock. My only question so far is should I take the rock out and scrub the loose stuff off? There seems to be a good amount of stuff hanging off the rocks.

[steste1122]

 

Slight update to the rockscape. Moving that one rock top middle gave it an extra 2 inches height and helped create more levels. Much happier with it now, and the colors are really great. KP Aquatics has some really nice colors. The pictures really aren't doing it any favors, stupid iPhone 5. My work phone is due for an upgrade so maybe soon I will have something that can take better pics.

[SantaMonicaHelp]

Your rockscape looks awesome! It reminds me of a castle. I'd like to see some better pictures.

 

- C. Smith