after running my 40g for nearly 2 years, I have run out of space and finally convinced my wife to let me upgrade. I wanted to go with a 120g but just couldn't get her approval for it so we settled on the 75g.
It took me some time to get all the hardware and some of what I have isn't the best but when you have a very tight budget and have an expensive hobby like ours, you make due with what you can and upgrade later.
I started with a used Marineland 75g tank that I picked up locally.
Step 1: drilling it.
I went with a custom made internal weir box and EShopps Eclipse L external overflow box and twin 3/4" returns. Drilled all 4 holes by hand, and let me tell you that it took a while.
The rest of the setup is as follows.
Custom made stand from local hobbyist.
Precision Marine R24 sump.
Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 skimmer. (picked it up 50% off at Reef Currents)
Current eFlux 6010 DC return pump.
All plumbing is 1" Sch. 80 pipe and fittings.
A pair of Jebao PP-4 power heads.
2 - 3/4" loc-line with Y adapters, a pair of broad fan tips and a pair of VCA Random Flow generators.
50 lbs of reef-saver rock and 20-30 lbs. from my current tank once it's cycled.
40 lbs. crushed coral base with an additional 20 lbs. Carib Sea Fiji Pink live sand (all new)
1 Brightwell Aquatics ceramic slab and a 2qt box of spheres for the sump.
Lighting is the 48" Reef Breeders Photon V2 (upgraded to the V2+ .
It took me some time to get all the hardware and some of what I have isn't the best but when you have a very tight budget and have an expensive hobby like ours, you make due with what you can and upgrade later.
I started with a used Marineland 75g tank that I picked up locally.
Step 1: drilling it.
I went with a custom made internal weir box and EShopps Eclipse L external overflow box and twin 3/4" returns. Drilled all 4 holes by hand, and let me tell you that it took a while.
The rest of the setup is as follows.
Custom made stand from local hobbyist.
Precision Marine R24 sump.
Reef Octopus eSsence S-130 skimmer. (picked it up 50% off at Reef Currents)
Current eFlux 6010 DC return pump.
All plumbing is 1" Sch. 80 pipe and fittings.
A pair of Jebao PP-4 power heads.
2 - 3/4" loc-line with Y adapters, a pair of broad fan tips and a pair of VCA Random Flow generators.
50 lbs of reef-saver rock and 20-30 lbs. from my current tank once it's cycled.
40 lbs. crushed coral base with an additional 20 lbs. Carib Sea Fiji Pink live sand (all new)
1 Brightwell Aquatics ceramic slab and a 2qt box of spheres for the sump.
Lighting is the 48" Reef Breeders Photon V2 (upgraded to the V2+ .