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Documentation of my first new aquarium build. Upgrading to a 55 gal Clear for Life Uniquarium from a 28 gal Nano Cube after 1 yr, 9 mos. as a reef tank owner!
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Sorry for the delay!!

Posted 11/11/2012 at 05:17 PM by sweetyness (55 Gal Uniquarium Build)

I am so behind on my tank build!! I've been busy and trying to find time to get caught up-getting the photos reduced and on my server seems to be the biggest time-hog

But I'm tackling it now since I just swapped tanks and have the new one set up. Wish me luck! ~Jana
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Days 1-4: Rocks, Sand & Water, Oh My! Filling the Tank

Posted 09/26/2012 at 09:03 PM by sweetyness (55 Gal Uniquarium Build)

I placed a couple dry rocks in the bottom of the tank, then scooped cups of rinsed sand around it:
[IMG]http://janayeakel.com/graphics/Reef-Tank/063.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://janayeakel.com/graphics/Reef-Tank/065.jpg[/IMG]
Then I added the new live rocks I brought back from the LFS and filled with 15 gals. of Catalina Sea Water:
[IMG]http://janayeakel.com/graphics/Reef-Tank/066.jpg[/IMG]
I only wanted an inch of sand, but it came out to almost 2" using...
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Let's Get It Started! Test tank & Clean Sand 09.16.12

Posted 09/25/2012 at 12:25 AM by sweetyness (55 Gal Uniquarium Build)

OK, I finally have the time to get this baby going!

1. I took off the protective plastic on the new tank and removed all the bio balls in the back area. I will replace with live rock & chaeto algae to use as a rufugium. I also removed the filter sponges on the right back.
[IMG]http://janayeakel.com/graphics/Reef-Tank/045.jpg[/IMG]

2. I took the tank outside to test with water & power. No leaks, pump works great...Quiet! (I'm sure the rubber feet...
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New Tank Purchases & Plans

Posted 09/20/2012 at 04:58 PM by sweetyness (55 Gal Uniquarium Build)
Updated 09/20/2012 at 06:10 PM by sweetyness (Add photos)

Time to get going! I initially purchased the following:[LIST][*]55 Gal. Clear for Life Uniquarium, black bkgd (36' x 18"d x 20"t)[*]Rio 1700 642gph Pump (included with aquarium)[*]40 lbs. CaribSea SeaFlor Special Grade Reef Sand[*]Live purple rock from LFS system (2 lg, 2 sm)[*]Live rock rubble for refugium[*]36" Current TrueLumen Pro LED Lightstrip Kit (1-12,000K white/453nm Actinic strip & 1-453nm Atinic strip plus dimmers, splitter, brackets & power)[*]45 gals Catalina...
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Why the Upgrade to Clear for Life Uniquarium?

Posted 09/20/2012 at 03:45 PM by sweetyness (55 Gal Uniquarium Build)
Updated 09/26/2012 at 09:09 PM by sweetyness

The 2 main reasons for upgrading from a 28 gal Nano Cube to a 55 gal Uniquarium are more gallons (Nano is busting at the seems with coral!), and having a fresh new start (no inherited problems). Plus I want to switch to LED lighting, the Metal Halide I have now runs my electricity up & is too hot, so my air conditioning and fans run more. During these So Cal hot months this year my 2 mo. Electric/water bill went up from $320. to $717.! Ouch!

Reasons for the Uniquarium choice:[LIST][*]I...
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