75G Tank Build Reef Structure
Printed From: Utah Reefs
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Forum Name: Tank Threads
Forum Description: A place to show off your tank build.
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71376
Printed Date: June 25 2026 at 11:54pm
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Topic: 75G Tank Build Reef Structure
Posted By: JBlaze31
Subject: 75G Tank Build Reef Structure
Date Posted: May 16 2014 at 4:58pm
Here are some pics of my current project. It is going to be what I hope is a 75 gallon Reef Tank. I have added 3 live rocks and am going to add more over the next we weeks. I hope you enjoy the pics, and if you have any advice I am totally open to all help. This is my first decent size tank, my first tank was a 20 gallon trial but I had to give it up after a few months due to moving.      |
Replies:
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 16 2014 at 5:02pm
| My first pic is my leak test after buying the tank. The second, third, and forth pics are after I made my own built stand. The last one is from the other night just after I got the pump, heater, and power head installed. I just added 3 live rock today and hope to add pics of them along with sand in the next few days. |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 17 2014 at 7:48am
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I am also keeping a journal of all of my testing and anything that I notice, as I build my tank. I am going to use this to establish my baseline and hopefully, be able to assist with anyone else that might join the hobby as I did. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 17 2014 at 4:07pm
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Here are the updates for today. I started out testing this morning, and received unexpected results. My tank had already "cycled" one time and was stable. I have only had the pump running for 4 days. This afternoon and this evening I will be adding some new renters to the domain. We will be adding a large piece of live Red Reef Rock, 1 coral banded shrimp. We replaced the lights to meet the specs needed for the live coral rock. I also placed sand into the bottom of the tank to give to give it some cushion. Will be adding more decorations tonight, but have to clean them very thoroughly. Will post pics of that later. Hope you guys enjoy the photos.  Coral Banded Shrimp and 4 Red Cortez Hermit Crabs.  a shot of the old live Fiji rock in its new location  My piece of Red Reef Rock ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 18 2014 at 7:55pm
 This is a shot of the tank after letting it settle for 24 hrs. Sand looks awesome, reef setup still needs some more rock but is building nicely, all 5 crabs and the coral banded shrimp settled in nice. They have found homes right on the center section of red reef rock and live rock I was given last night. Ran all of the test today and they came out with the same results as yesterday. It appears that I just need to trade some water out in the next few weeks to get the alk down and it will be a super happy place. Hope everyone is enjoying following. I will post pics of fish over the next couple of weeks. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 19 2014 at 12:55am
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It is looking good. Patience as not much good ever happens fast in salt water / reef tanks. It was great talking with you the other night. I hope your wife didn't put you out on the couch lol jk. |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 19 2014 at 2:25am
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Nope, everything is good. Enjoyed visiting with you guys. Your tank looks awesome. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 12:26am
So we took the time today to add on some new friends to the tank. Hope you guys enjoy. Full shot with add corals  Typical but its Dorie... my daughter named all the fish.  Elsa and Nemo the Clown Fish  A better shot of a couple of the new corals. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: tink
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 3:07am
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"The tiniest Dorie" she was so cute carrying the fish around. They look good ------------- Creating my own ocean |
Posted By: Mike Savage
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 7:23am
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Wow, she is cute and tiny too! -------------  |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 3:50pm
| It looks really good. Is that frogspawn I see a head or 2 of. I have to find a little Hippo now too jees you could have warned me before my baby saw it lol. Awesome job and say hi to the family. |
Posted By: tink
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 3:56pm
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We still have some at Aquatic Dreams and we are running our sale still ------------- Creating my own ocean |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 4:38pm
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It is a double head of frogspawn and yea a Dorie to go with it lol... Got her at aquatic dreams.... Was well worth it.... My daughter was so happy.... And thanks for all your help at AD over the last few weeks.... I know we have been in there a lot.... ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 4:43pm
 Putting the canopy together. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Cody
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 5:53pm
| Please put vinyl on the back. It hides wires and makes your tank look a million times better. |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 5:55pm
| Lol he did say please :) |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 6:49pm
 Yep.I agree. Personally, I like a somewhat open back, without pictures or vinyl, but then I'm the guy with all the amazing Utah Rock that can be used not only to hide stuff, but to make the tank look more like a part of a reef. Utah Rock and Sand is awesome. The rock I have been collecting lately, colors up with green, pink and purple Coralline Algae in just a few months, faster than any Utah Rock I've used previously.  One more shameless plug for Utah Rock - it completely covers with beautiful Coralline Algae. LR from the ocean mostly just grows patches of Coralline.That said, I'd definitely gather all the wires together and put a nail/hook on the back of one end of the hood. All the wires would then come down one back corner. Of course, and you may have heard me say this before, I would also remove the canister filter which would, firstly, eliminate the green vinyl tubing. Secondly, canisters are great for freshwater tanks, but for saltwater they are, sadly, the source of excess Nitrates. Nitrate Factories, we call them. Not to mention how the water they move is almost nothing compared to a good powerhead, like a 1300 gph $20 MJ1200 placed down low to move the water up for that "invaluable gas exchange." The tank is taking shape and looking good.  "Please" add some pretty Macroalgae for color, food, movement, cover and variety. In case you haven't heard, I give away pretty Macroalgae. Yup, free.Mahalo, Mark  ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 7:08pm
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Mark do you keep macro algae in your display? I have several types now in my refugium as I am striving to make that also a nice looking part of tank although its in the base cabinet. Can you put up some pics of your setup for me. Thanks, Dennis |
Posted By: LakeCityReefs
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 7:58pm
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If you plan on having any Tangs I would get some calurpa going in the display now. The tangs will mow it down and help them acclimate to your system. I pull calurpa out of my fug and put it in the display for my Tangs at least once a week. In my opinion Plorifera macro algae looks great in a display. Unfortunately I can't keep it there because it's eaten overnight. |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 24 2014 at 10:11pm
| I know that feeling although it is great fun to give them a nice treat once a week or so. |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 25 2014 at 12:17am
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I am working on the wire issue. It is temporary. I am going to be placing a set of outlets into the canopy to clean up the wires coming down from the lights and that will take away all of the wires except the heater and the hoses for canister filter until I can get my refuge up and running. Thanks for all of the tips and pointers. I am listening and taking notes. Andrew ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 25 2014 at 9:07am
| You are the man Andrew and I like your plan. Live and learn as if there is anything I have learned in this hobby its not a one size fits all and because it doesnt work for someone else doesnt mean it would work amazingly well for you. Its looking amazing. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: May 25 2014 at 10:31am
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I was going to say, a power strip, fastened to the back of the canopy is an okay place to plug in, but I'd recommend against that. There are many things like powerheads, pumps and heaters that need to stay plugged in when the canopy is removed. If power cords are not long enough, use short extension cords. I've had power strips sitting on the floor near the stand that shorted out when salt water accidentally dripped. To keep water out, I have switched to fastening powerstrips on the wall or ceiling of the inside of the stand. Then I coil the power cords to keep them out of the way. Things can be unplugged with one hand or flip the switch and everything shuts off! Light timers plug in at the end of the power strip allowing access to all the other sockets. To fasten power strips securely anywhere, remove two screws on opposite ends, drill the open holes all the way through the plastic and use long screws to fasten to the solid wood/metal surface. Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: May 25 2014 at 11:20am
Rather than hijack this thread but because this may also help Andrew with his build and general reefkeeping, please go here. http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64260" rel="nofollow - http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=64260 Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Reefer4Ever wrote:Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: May 27 2014 at 2:00am
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So did some rearranging today along with starting the construction on my 10g refuge. Let me know what you think. Attached himself to the reef rock, and then decided to move underneath it... getting him out in the morning.  Coral shrimp decided to knock it over... so had to move it a second time.  Moved the other corals around as well.  Moved Mushrooms  Was taking pictures of the Frog Spawn that I moved from the rock to the sand and got this picture of the Clown Fish.  The start of the 10G Refuge.  Hope you guys enjoy. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: May 27 2014 at 6:20am
| Looking good Andrew. I really like the updates that you keep bringing. Enjoying the build and watching your tank come to life. |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 01 2014 at 11:10pm
 Canopy completed. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 02 2014 at 2:07pm
 Frog Spawn is recovering nicely.  Firefish has held strong. Rock still has a brown tint to it, but was scrubbed and soaked and dried out.  He isn't as pale and nasty looking as he use to be. Still coming back though.  Here is a pic of what took over my tank. Cleaned it up and will monitor to see what happens.
------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 02 2014 at 3:59pm
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You said, "Rock still has a brown tint to it, but was scrubbed and soaked and dried out." That rock looks totally normal. Doing that to it actually hurt the good life that was just starting to grow on it. I'm just an old hobbyist but as one who has helped an awful lot of new hobbyists, I believe you are worrying about and trying to control things that are actually a necessary and natural growing process of every reef aquarium. I have a suggestion and offer for you before I finally shut up. Please come see me and get some Macroalgae for this tank. Aloha, Mark ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: June 02 2014 at 8:26pm
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Mark is spot on Andrew, nothing good happens fast in this hobby. Your are almost going to be starting over in your tank with cycling it with your 100% water change and scrubbing of rocks. If you cant get down to see Mark shoot me a text or something and I will head down for you as the macro algae will help significantly reduce your "N" Also since your using a cannister filter this will also help as you know those Nitrate farms. Let me know and I can get with Mark as im going to get some as well. Thanks guys |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 03 2014 at 12:13am
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Dennis ad Mark, Dennis, if you do get the chance to head that way, that would be great. I would trust that this was a necessary life form in the tank if my levels didn't take a drastic change over night. Not only that but all of this brown showed up just as quick over night. Noticing small changes are the reason I look at my tank for almost 1 hour everyday. Looking for changes in the fish behavior, rock looks, and anything else that might change. I do appreciate the advice and I hope I didn't wipe this life form out if it was necessary. I also, have seen many pictures of others tanks, and I don't notice any brown algae growing in any of them. This is another reason it drew my attention. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 03 2014 at 8:34am
 Are you kidding? Sorry for the drama, but I urge you to get more information about how to start up and maintain a reef. Do a search here for brown algae and for Diatoms. You should find plenty of discussion and pics. The brown algae is normal. It is one of the steps of a reef aquarium coming to life. Depending on tank setup variables it disappears somewhere between 2 days to 2 weeks. In your other thread, you revealed that you are using an Ammonia Detox chemical product. OMG, that is confusing the hec out of the life in the aquarium. In some ways it is starving every living thing in the aquarium and in other ways it is screwing up the water chemistry. I would strongly urge you to get some Macroalgae ASAP and stop using the detox chemical. Sorry, but one more thing. As I look at the pics, they look kind of dim. Maybe it's just the camera, but what is the lighting over this tank? Sorry, I hope I'm not going overboard in trying to help. Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 03 2014 at 2:11pm
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The light I have is a T5 HO 2 bulb system. One Actinic and the other is a white light. I forget the exact brand but I picked them both up from Aquatic dreams. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 04 2014 at 8:39am
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Just barely enough light for soft coral and LPS coral. Take notes when ReefdUp/Nikki visits and follow her advice. Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 20 2014 at 2:10am
 Well after about 7 hours of straight work, and 2 weeks of acquiring parts.... it is up and running... not turning the amount of water that I wanted... but that is going to be corrected in a few weeks.... hope you guys enjoy the update... ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: June 20 2014 at 6:22am
| Looks good, the live algae will help alot with your Nitrates. Make sure and get clamps on the hose ends. One of those ends pops off and your wife wont be happy and again can cause big ole problems. Keep the updates coming. We are here if you have questions. |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 20 2014 at 8:57am
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What kind of light is that? A strainer is needed for the return pump. Otherwise it easily clogs with small algae strands, for example. I have a strainer that will work. I'll give it to you for free. What's the stuff in what looks like a back left corner compartment? I'm confused. It looks like the drain is on the left but what's that it's going through? This new sump/Refugium is at the side of the tank, right? May we see a pic of the complete setup? Sorry for all the question. I'm just trying to get a clear idea so I can give better advice. Aloha, Mark ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: June 20 2014 at 11:04am
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Mark, the Input hose is leading into filtration... some ceramics, some polyester filters, and some carbon. It then leads into where I have the Live rock, Live sand, and Macro. After that it leads up to the tank. The light I am still trying to find a proper one. It is a basic "daylight" bulb that puts out about 2700K. You can ask Dennis, day before yesterday I was on the phone with him trying to find the bulb I need. Plan is to make a 2 part run today to Lowe's and Petco. Also, it is next to the tank due to a slight height miscalculation on my part when I built my stand. The return pump is only pumping out to approx. 4 feet. so I had to place it next to the tank to get the height. My plan is to build a small stand to place under the tank in the bigger stand to place the tank on and run all of the hoses up behind like I use to have. But, that will just have to wait until money becomes a little more available. Dennis, Its not a great shot but I have clamps on any and everything I could add clamps too, to ensure I didn't have a pop off issue. Hope this helps. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: June 20 2014 at 12:26pm
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Okay good. It's a very useful sump/Refugium. I have a couple ideas on how it could be tweaked to reach it's full potential. Please know that this advice is what I would do. Take whatever ideas seem to fit for you and discard the rest.  1. I would be careful with the inline ceramic/floss/AC canister. When, not if, it gets clogged, the drain will back up and cause multiple problems. It's much safer to have the drain come straight to the sump unrestricted by inline stuff. I assume there is an appropriate overflow that cannot flood the sump or lose siphon and stop flowing? (that's why a pic of the entire setup would be helpful. 2.There is no need for ceramic because all the live stuff in the system does an ideal job of filtration and will increase according to the need. In actual fact that ceramic will end up overproducing Nitrate so I'd remove that from the system altogether. 3. There is little need for filter floss. The stuff that comes down from the display feeds the Refugium. As a population of bugs (mostly Copepods, Amphipods and Mysid Shrimp) grows in the Refugium, their spawn feed the animals in the display. 4. Activated Carbon is always necessary in a marine aquarium. AC removes toxins that slow growth and impede biological processes. A loose bag of AC placed next to or draped over the return pump strainer(must be a strainer) will adequately pass water over the AC to remove toxins. An occasional turn of the bag changes the water flow past the AC pellets, extending its usefulness. 5, The light looks dim. I would get a larger wattage twist PC bulb of the Daylight color(>6000K), not soft white (which is what that kind of looks like). An appropriate daylight colored LED would also work but I believe they still don't last long enough to justify the cost. 6. For the sump/Refugium I would place and inch of Oolitic Sand in the Refugium because 1" of Oolitic does as much filtration as 3" of larger particle sand. I would also move the sand/rubble from the corner compartment into that main area. The drain hose could then be placed in the corner where it would not stir up the sand. 7. Evaporation will quickly drop the water level in the Return Pump area. For this reason I would remove the last baffle. I would place the return pump on a pedestal or hanger so it's off the sand and closer to the surface. This will make top-off less tedious and ensure that the Refugium does not run dry. I know this is a lot. Maybe I've have been at this hobby too long. Aloha Mark ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: July 13 2014 at 8:24pm
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I am not sure why but it keeps uploading pictures upside down. I apologize. But here is an update of what is going on. Full tank shot with the new background that I purchased today.  Here is a second shot of the tank.  Shot of the new sump set up. This is the first half of the sump.  Here is the second half of the sump.  I also have some corals that I am having a small problem identifying. They are pretty nice though. One is a little browned out but, coming back nicely.   All in all I think it is coming together nicely. I hope everyone enjoys this update.
------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: July 13 2014 at 8:33pm
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Its great to see an update. It looks really good. I see you have the sump and everything up and going. Thanks for the pics and update keep them coming. ------------- 90 gal reef w/refugium 24 gal softie tank 11 gal nano anemone tank 5 gal fresh water |
Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: July 26 2014 at 1:42pm
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Here are some things I have been working on. Rearranged Rock formation  Added a couple of new friends.   I hope you guys enjoy. I will have more posted later. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 26 2014 at 2:48pm
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Sounds like you are really enjoying your new tank and it's coming along nicely. I would really love to share some beautiful Caulerpa with you to make the fish feel more comfortable, give them something to nibble on and add variety to the tank. I'm bringing a tub of it to the next meeting. Hope to meet you there. Is Garlic Oil being fed from time to time? The Blue Tang is going to need it. Aloha ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: JBlaze31
Date Posted: July 27 2014 at 12:36am
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I am feeding a seaweed that is treated with a garlic oil. I am not sure if that is the same thing that you are referring to but, I hope so. It was recommended to me. And since I have a couple of fish that love to nibble on that type of stuff. It seemed like a good purchase on my part. Along with the different algae and things like that. ------------- 75G open canvas |
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 27 2014 at 9:33am
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There is something about live algae that is very beneficial to fish, even to those fish that don't eat much of it. I liken dried seaweed/Nori to fruit leather. It's delicious in moderation but definitely not as nutritious and good for the body as fresh fruit(fresh algae or even green leafy lettuce). As preparation for future, in case the Blue Tang does develop a case of Ich even while feeding garlic infused seaweed, be aware that not all garlic products work well in all situations. My advice regarding Ich treatment products is here, worth reading: http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71349&" rel="nofollow - http://utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=71349& Aloha, Mark ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member
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Posted By: Reefer4Ever
Date Posted: July 27 2014 at 10:50am
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Aquascaping the truly never ending battle in my head as I seem to always see something that I think would look much another way or in another place. Set it and keep your hands out of the tank (my motto). Being a bit OCD is a real struggle with reefing. I looks really good and patience is your best friend now. Keep the updates coming. ------------- 90 gal reef w/refugium 24 gal softie tank 11 gal nano anemone tank 5 gal fresh water |