GBs 210gal Reef

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 10-28-2011, 12:29 AM

I actually didn't add those, the previous owner had them in case he added reactors. lol

Cliff, the feeding tube is very easy. Basically, you add a piece of PVC with a 90 degree elbow at the end, and a screw in cap. You drop the food in the tube, screw the cap on good, and then open the valve. The food is sucked into the water stream and into the tank. It's a bit of overkill for this size setup (really useful for those monster tanks that you need a step ladder to reach the top) but it is a nice option for frozen foods. It distributes the food really nicely so that all the tank inhabitants have an equal chance at the food.

**hockeyhead019** · 10-28-2011, 01:22 AM

That's cool plumbing man! and that feeding idea is pretty cool too!

Love watching tanks come together looks like you've got things pretty figured out ILMGB!

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 10-28-2011, 01:46 AM

In case anyone is wondering, the return lines on this tank were setup to be able to handle 2 return pumps, however my Ocean Runner 6500 is plenty pump for the system.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 10-28-2011, 10:58 PM

Tonight is substrate night. I have 80lbs of crushed coral to start with, and I have another 60lbs coming tomorrow. I'll post pictures tomorrow when it clears.

**ILuvMyGoldBarb** · 10-30-2011, 05:08 PM

Ok, so substrate is in and water is clear as can be. Here's what I ended up with.
FTS:

Small portion of the left side to give a better idea:

Finally, here's an up-close shot of the substrate:

I did go with a very course substrate. It is a bit more work to keep it up as stuff can fall between it, but there is a huge benefit to it. Since it is a course crushed coral, it is a porous material thus it acts similar to live rock. I used 80lbs and it was very much like adding 80lbs of dry rock to the tank. Is is definitely a different look, but a look I very much like. If the tank was going to be a reef tank, I likely would not have used this material, but since it is going to be FOWLR it's not a major problem. Because of my planned stocking with multiple herbivorous Tangs, I will actually welcome some additional algae growth.