MR/Middle school Tank build. If you build it..they will reef!

[yah-the submariner]

Hey guys! I'm working on a build for A middle school. It's school where i work and having been passionate about the Hobby for years Fresh an salt wise i try to pass on the passion as often as possible. I had to step away from the Hobby two years ago due to several unfortunate events. i donated everything from my 90 gallon tank to schools and one or two new reefers.It's been killing me to be out of the Hobby so when i was given the opportunity to set up a tank for a somewhat aesthetic but mostly educational purpose.(Mostly a chance for me to get back into the hobby even if somewhat remotely):thrash:

That said i'm very early in the build and it's mostly baby steps.Part of the Deal was i have to fund it myself so i have a limited budget and will be innovative as possible,which i've done in the past. I only have the tank and stand so far.So if anyone in Nyc has any Parts they want to get rid of or have stuff lying around that they'd like to donate, let me know.Whatever..canister filters,refractometers..lol..it's all relevant and will be made use of. I've been in the 'For sale threads' and talking to a few Reefers on good deals as well.:scratch:

Tank:I have to remeasure the dimensions. larger than a 90..maybe 100/110/120? I've cleaned it up.Not drilled,i'll probably have to do a hang on back overflow i guess. i have to take new pics.
Stand: oak stand needed some TLC,I cleaned and repainted it.

i'll add more info as i go and would like to link the tank to MR as well,since there's a wealth of info and amazing tanks on here.Re-establishing young people to their planet,oceans and our eco systems.

 

[yah-the submariner]

Thanks to Marrone,i just picked up a tank and stand from him that i'm going to connect with this project later down the line.

 

[Jlavine]

Good luck. I'm sure you'll get lots of support from the MR community. When the tank is up and running, reach out and I'll donate some zoas.

 

[prattreef]

I Have a sump and probably a bunch of other stuff. Let me know.

 

[yah-the submariner]

Jlavine I appreciate it. It'll be a little while but I'll hold you to that.:approve: and I agree this site and club is awesome.
Prattreef I DEFINITELY need a sump I hadn't come across any that was to size and affordable and was dreading having to make one. That's a lifesaver! Im sure I can use anything you have.I'm always humbled when people reach out in this hobby. I've been to two swaps,been on two clean up crews and still have never gotten around to a tour of the Pratt reef tank :frown:

 

[xobklynqt143]

i have an old (like 8 years old) skimmer if you want i used it on my 72 gallon, ill also have some corals for you when the time comes

 

[yah-the submariner]

xobklynqt143,I greatly appreciate it!I would not turn it down,I've made due with less on my own tanks in the past. I'm also impressed you got a lot into one handle for your name. Lol Sump and skimmer already. That's really awesome! And I just found out the sink has where I can use the faucet adapter for a RODI...that was a major concern for me. Great day so far!!

 

[yah-the submariner]

Also it goes without saying,any tips advice,opinion what ever are welcome. you can never know too much and this hobby is all about innovation. Also since i don't have to pay the electric bill should i go with Halides? lol people swear by them,i've always used t5's and had great results.

 

[yah-the submariner]

quick update

Finally got it to its place of residence. It was a one man job so it took a little elbow grease.give it a final thorough wipe down. i'm also considering painting the trim.i'm also getting a canopy. in the end i'm going to work hard to make this thing look cool. Function first of course.

 

[yah-the submariner]

Randy aka Prattreef just donated a dump to the build. As most already know a really stand up guy. He went out of his way amidst personal issues and having left the office to make sure I had the sump in hand,stayed to converse and give me some saltwater tips for running a tank in a school environment. I've done freshwater in schools but this is my first attempt at a Reef. I also scored a few extras as far as chemicals and such. I'll post it after I water test. Thanks again Randy. Every little bit is appreciated.

 

[albano]

Randy aka Prattreef just donated a dump to the build.

:scratch: :scratch: :scratch:

 

[yah-the submariner]

:scratch: :scratch: :scratch:

LOL ,that's a classic typo,thanks to the IPhone . I meant *Sump* the iPhone is infamous for making me seem illiterate

 

[yah-the submariner]

back on track

I got a little busy with school work and running around so i took a break from the build to gather supplies. i've had the buy them piece by piece. i bought some supplemental leds and i scrubbed and water tested the sump i got from Randy.

 

[yah-the submariner]

a few days later I went with a co-worker(him in the pic) and dropped some cash with Wingo aka aqua pro builder. Always cool and he cut me some sweet deals so i pretty much one stop shopped there. I picked up about 150 lbs of live rock,some dry,some more rubble. An 8 bulb t5. Eheim pump. i was only able to get one wave pro,i was over budget by then. a few other items. He threw in a few beginner tank items like net,additives ect. he didn't have any overflows available.
i was over budget anyway,so i'll work on the build but i still need an hang on overflow,plastic tubing for the return ect. Or pvc to build an overflow i guess.

It'll have to wait a while.

 

[ReefDiver]

I may have a HOB overflow for you. PM me your number and I'll try to send you a picture and details over the weekend.

 

[yah-the submariner]

Ok Reefdiver is giving me a HOB box which is fantastic,tracking one down was a headache.
i'll post it when i get it of course,but i really appreciate everyone who's making this build possible.I literally couldn't do without MR

 

[yah-the submariner]

idle hands belong on land!

I still need to get Pvc and tubing to connect. So In the meantime and in between time i haven't been idle. waiting for the salt to arrive (i have some but not enough to fill the tank yet) i cured the rocks and started the cycle. i'll transfer the rocks up as it finishes. I started a junior aquarist reef club.the kids helped me make water,check salinity,ect. while learned the chemical and technical side of reefing. i'll have a shot of them later on in the build.
connected the wavemaker,pump,the lights. Cleaned the tank finally.

 

[yah-the submariner]

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[yah-the submariner]

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[yah-the submariner]

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