Tiki Reef nano mangrove/macro build

[Tiki_Reef]

Well I have been out of the hobby since 2014 and got the itch again so it is time for Tiki Reef v2! This time it will all be custom from the sump to the tank to some other goodies. Here is a list of stuff I am using most of it has arrived but some stuff is still filtering in. Total system volume is 48 gallons.

 

Tank: Micro Reef custom peninsula with external overflow, Tank dimensions 26x14x11¾  

Sump: Micro Reef 28 gallon refugium

Display Lights: Kessil A160 Tuna Sun, Kessil A160 Tuna Blue.

Refugium Light: Kessil H80 Tuna Flora

Skimmer: Deltec 600i

UV sterilizer: Aqua UV Classic.

Return Pump: Reef Octo Varios 2 

Controller: GHL Wifi Mini

Dosing pumps: Ecotech Versa

 ATO: Avast 

Powerheads: 2x AI Nero 3 from my existing 15 gallon.

Avast Davey Jones Skimmate Locker medium size.

 

[joshthebox]

That's going to be one nice tank! Following along! 

[Tiki_Reef]

4 hours ago, joshthebox said:

That's going to be one nice tank! Following along! 

Thanks for the follow, hope it will be a fun journey, it should be. 

[debbeach13]

Welcome back. Good luck with the new system.

[Sturgi_0225]

Looks awesome following along! 

[Tiki_Reef]

6 hours ago, debbeach13 said:

Welcome back. Good luck with the new system.

Thank you, hope it turns out the way I have it planned

3 hours ago, Sturgi_0225 said:

Looks awesome following along! 

Hope you enjoy the ride, should pick up in the next couple months just waiting on some of the last bits and the stand.

[Sturgi_0225]

21 minutes ago, Tiki_Reef said:

Thank you, hope it turns out the way I have it planned

Hope you enjoy the ride, should pick up in the next couple months just waiting on some of the last bits and the stand.

I totally get it, I’m going a similar style tank when it comes to inhabitants. This is how it sits at the moment. Waiting for a few things to ship and I’m super excited to see micro-reef tank! I didn’t know he was still making them. 
This is an Ada 60p don’t want to drill so coming up with other alternatives. 

[Tiki_Reef]

2 minutes ago, Sturgi_0225 said:

I totally get it, I’m going a similar style tank when it comes to inhabitants. This is how it sits at the moment. Waiting for a few things to ship and I’m super excited to see micro-reef tank! I didn’t know he was still making them. 
This is an Ada 60p don’t want to drill so coming up with other alternatives. 

Oh yeah Micro Reefs is still at it he isn't making glass tanks anymore he is strictly acrylic now. I like that stand what are the dimensions and where did you find it, or is it diy?

[Sturgi_0225]

Stand is from home depot believe it or not, it’s pretty solid 24x16. Open middle. Not sure what weight the middle can hold but I’m confident it can hold a small refugium. I’ve reached out to Micro-reef to ask about their 5-7gal refugiums they used to make still waiting to hear back. 

[Tiki_Reef]

Message them on their website it was a quick response from Mike. My 10.2 gallon fuge cost around 200 bucks. 

[Tiki_Reef]

Some more pics of the tank should have it Thursday Mike is finishing up and water testing it tomorrow. Really love the external overflow box looking forward to being able to use the whole tank.

[kimdawg]

This going to be a great build.  Following along as you go.

[Sturgi_0225]

Looks great!! 
You setting it up Thursday? Or are you still piecing equipment together? 
 

I know for myself I’d love to see the entire design process from sump to reef. I feel too often no one ever posts or talks about their filtration setups and I think that would help answer questions for newbie’s or newbs like my that haven’t had a tank in years. 

[Reefkid88]

That looks absolutely amazing !!! I have had Mike make me stuff in the past,and he just jam up work. 

[Tiki_Reef]

7 hours ago, Sturgi_0225 said:

Looks great!! 
You setting it up Thursday? Or are you still piecing equipment together? 
 

I know for myself I’d love to see the entire design process from sump to reef. I feel too often no one ever posts or talks about their filtration setups and I think that would help answer questions for newbie’s or newbs like my that haven’t had a tank in years. 

Still piecing it together, the stand is the problem I am running into right now looking at buying a Wayfair kitchen island and reenforcing it a bit not sure yet. Most definitely this thread will be from start to finish and the progress of maintaining it test results you name it I will post it.

[Tiki_Reef]

Question for anybody following this thread, so Mike is making these removable panels should I leave the whole thing clear or use the panels. I think it looks awesome completely clear, what do you guys think?

[Ratvan]

I mean both look so crisp and clean but I do like those panels 

[Reefkid88]

I definitely like the black panels. I feel like once algae starts to grow in the overflow it will be a sore on the eyes. 

[Sturgi_0225]

Personally like the clear but I’ve never been a fan of the black back. 

[Tiki_Reef]

7 hours ago, Sturgi_0225 said:

Personally like the clear but I’ve never been a fan of the black back. 

Yeah I might just cover the overflow box and leave the tank wall clear.

[Tiki_Reef]

Picked the tank up today, now I just need to iron out a stand plus waiting on a few more small pieces. Thanks again to Mike at Micro Reef aquariums.

[Sturgi_0225]

Any progress? 

[Tiki_Reef]

On 5/30/2022 at 2:15 AM, Sturgi_0225 said:

Any progress? 

Just waiting on the stand to be built.

Other than that everything else is pretty much here oh waiting on some blue pvc pipe and some other plumbing odds and ends.

[Reefkid88]

Awesome I am glad you have the tank. I will tell you if you are needing unions and stuff,Lowes or HD has them for cheap. And CoralVue has double union full port pvc ballvalves for cheap as well as double union check valves. 

 

 I got a bunch from them,but I ordered 1/2" and should have gone half 1/2" and half 3/4" but I am an idiot lol. 

 

 Where in FL are you located,I am assuming southern FL ? 

[Tiki_Reef]

On 6/2/2022 at 9:13 AM, Reefkid88 said:

Awesome I am glad you have the tank. I will tell you if you are needing unions and stuff,Lowes or HD has them for cheap. And CoralVue has double union full port pvc ballvalves for cheap as well as double union check valves. 

 

 I got a bunch from them,but I ordered 1/2" and should have gone half 1/2" and half 3/4" but I am an idiot lol. 

 

 Where in FL are you located,I am assuming southern FL ? 

Appreciate it, I pretty much have the plumbing worked out ordered color PVC from BRS also some 90s/45s Cepex ball valves and 15 unions just waiting on some reducers for my flow meter. I live in Tampa.