dbetts' 55 gallon reef

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dbetts

New member
I started my saltwater journey in July 2016, and this is my tank as of now. I have:

Reef Octopus Classic 100 HOB Skimmer
2 Aquatop 660 gph powerheads
2500K Fluval Sea Pro Full Spectrum LED Marine and Reef Light
60 lbs live rock
80 lbs live sand

1 Green Chromis
1 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Blue Hippo Tang
Green Star Polyps
Finger Leather Coral
CUC of various snails, hermits, an emerald crab, and brittle star

In order to put my light on a schedule, I need a WiFi adapter that Fluval makes, so I think that will be my next investment. At some point I would also like a torch coral, I think they look so cool! Any suggestions on other critters would be appreciated! I also would like to hear ways to possibly camouflage the ugly HOB skimmer and heater if anyone has any. And before it's said, a sump is not in the budget right now, unfortunately. :( haha.

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Unfortunately the Hippo tang will soon outgrow your tank. As far as camouflage goes you could build a hood rather inexpensively. I'd also advise you slow down on livestock until the tank has a chance to mature. Patience is key in this hobby.


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[MENTION=3446]11fishjones[/MENTION] Yeah, I knew that about the tang :( My wife really wanted one, and she's the boss. Lol. I'll look up building a hood. Does it basically just hang from the back and "contain" the pieces of the skimmer that are in the water? And yes, I got caught up in the excitement and bought too much too fast! I am slowing down and letting the tank do its thing for a while :) Thanks for the response and pointers!
[MENTION=3688]Illinijoe[/MENTION] I was thinking about that for the heater... I'll try it out and see what I think. Thanks!
 
Another option to camoflauge is to add black or blue vinyl to the back of the tank, that is if you can get behind it. Spray paint is a better option as it lasts longer (vinyl can peel due to salt creep) but once a tank is full, you can't paint it easily.
 
Paint the outside black. Heaters keep it in a corner or low.
As for sumps now being an options.
Theres some in the market...it doesnt have to be fancy. Can be wet dry for now and upgrade later.

Once nutrients go up. One of the best algae control fish...is a yellow eye kole tang.

Once you see one going 100 at algae in a tank. Youll want one.
 
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DIY Basic Aquarium Canopy Plan
saltaquarium.about.com › sbsdiybasiccano

Here is a plan for constructing a Basic DIY Aquarium Canopy. You can use plywood (1/2" or 5/8" ...


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So I’ve been MIA for a long time. But I thought I’d post updates on the tank! These photos were taken in the last couple weeks. Enjoy!

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