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TheBigOs EVO 13.5g/20L DIY AIO - Rock Flower Garden


TheBig053

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DSFIRSTSLTWATER
On 3/22/2017 at 6:37 PM, TheBig053 said:

7-month FTS.... a little late again! I also uploaded a new video in a post on the thread. 

 

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Overdue 6-month FTS because of work travel...

 

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A crooked 5-month FTS...

 

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New FTS for the four-month mark... now with free Acro!

 

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New FTS for three-month mark:

 

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Updated FTS for the two-month mark:

 

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Man this tank has come a long way in two months!

 

Begin original post:

 

Hey Everyone, 

 

First time poster and first time Saltwater aquarium owner here.  I've kept a few small (20g) freshwater aquariums in the past and have always wanted a saltwater/reef aquarium, so here we are.  

 

My my wife got me the Fluval EVO 13.5g (I know, another first timer with a Fluval Evo!) for m bday about two weeks ago.  So naturally I began doing some research and when the tank was delivered, I immediately went to my LFS to get sand, rock, and water. I clearly didn't do enough research as I'm pretty sure I overpaid for Real Reef Rock cured live rock, CaribSea Arag-Alive live sand, NutriSeawater prepared saltwater.  They told me it would cycle the tank faster and I believe it has(?).  I set up on Friday 3/17, tested the water on Sunday 3/19 and found ammonia was at 0.2, nitrite at 0.5 and nitrate at 5.  I tested again last night (3/21) and both ammonia and nitrite were both zero, and nitrate held steady at 5 ppm.  Is it possible for the tank to have cycled that quickly just using these products?  

 

I purchased the fluval PS2 skimmer that fits in chamber 1 on the tank.  I've seen some negative  reviews/comments of this product but will reserve judgement until I have some live stock in the aquarium.  I also added a Hydor Koralia 425 for added circulation.  I am currently using the stock filter sponge and media but would to upgrade to a DIY media basket and some filter media.  If anyone have the dimensions for and egg crate media basket in chamber 2 and recommendations on media, it would be greatly appreciated.  Gonna roll with the stock LED light until I see a need to do otherwise.

 

I think I am seeing my first algae bloom on the rocks. Its golden brown. 

 

I plan on adding a clownfish or two, some hermit crabs, shrimp, snails, and coral.  I actually more excited about the corals than anything else at this point.

 

Anyways, here are some shots of the tank.  I am still toying with the rock/aquascape.  I think I might have a little too much rock in there that is crowding the space. Would appreciate feedback or suggestions.  Front and side view below.

 

 

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Wow your tank is awesome looking :smilie:

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  • 4 months later...
1 minute ago, TheBig053 said:

Wow. Long time since I updated this. Tank is still going. Here are some crappy cell phone pics.

 

 

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That wasn’t so hard. 😊

 

Corals look good. 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
2 minutes ago, fishfreak0114 said:

Glad to see this tank still doing well!

Thanks fishfrea0114! How’s your tank coming along?

 

one more little diddy for the people.

 

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These suckers spawn like crazy.  So many little baby RFAs in the tank.

  • Like 3
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  • 2 months later...

After almost 3-years is this hobby I’ve proven I can grow hair and turf algae like a champ. Minimal success of acropora though. Hah. Here’s some pictures.

 

 

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  • Like 2
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  • 10 months later...

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