Freshwater enthusiast convert...my Mini build

[TighTT]

Hey all,
I'm new around these parts. I have owned a few fresh-water tanks over the years but this is my first forte into saltwater. I started by reading the forums for a few months to get some insight into the reef world and gain as much knowledge (still not enough) before I dove in. Well...with my friends help (long-time reefer) I purchased and set-up an Elos system mini over the weekend. I opted for the whole kit (complete with E-light) and then added a 100w heater, Vortech MP20 pump, and obviously sand and cured live rock. I'm still waiting for my Digital Aquatics Reef-Keeper Elite and Tunze Osmolator auto top-off unit which should be here shortly. I plan to keep just the sand and live rock for quite some time before adding any livestock. From what I have gathered, time is your best friend in this hobby....and I'm in no rush. Oh..some pics of the current setup:

Before setup:

After setup......
Whole room shot:

Tank:

 

[ed4]

Ah good times putting together the Mini at my place before we trucked it over back to yours.

It was a snap to build, with the exception of the of stand that didn't come w/ instructions.

The tank looks a bit unassuming in all its pictures I've seen. It looks killer in person

 

[ed4]

... one more thing - I strongly feel that the tank looks better at my place than yours

 

[TighTT]

... one more thing - I strongly feel that the tank looks better at my place than yours

While that may be true....I would feel bad when my livestock committed suicide because they had to live with you.


(I keed, I keed):kidding:

 

[ed4]

Buy my ETSS skimmer from me when the ATB shows up. Arguably, you'll have the cleanest water w/ it.

 

[SIReefer]

Welcome to MR. I see you are off to a good start. Good Luck in this hobby.

 

[jejton]

Looks nice. I dont know anything about the Elos so forgive the stupid question but does the tank have to be assembled by the purchaser?

 

[ed4]

The stand requires assembly and the equipment in the sump has to be set up, of course.

 

[TighTT]

Looks nice. I dont know anything about the Elos so forgive the stupid question but does the tank have to be assembled by the purchaser?

As Ed said, Cabinet needs to be assembled (5 to 10 minutes) and the sump/skimmer needs to be setup and tuned.

 

[jejton]

Oh ok gotcha. From the post it seemed like the tank needed to be assembled.

 

[Zoous]

Welcome to MR. Nice tank.

 

[SeaIsle]

Nice looking setup. Quality start thats for sure.

 

[TighTT]

Thanks for the nice words fellas. I just re-did the aquascape this evening. Im sure it wont be the last time...might take a few tries to get it right.
Anyone else in the area running the Elos system mini??

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Very nice looking tank and light.

Please let us know how you like the LED as I am also LED fanatic and feel that ELOS know what they are doing with LED too.


Thanks for sharing

 

[Pinkheine]

I have a soft spot for Elos tanks:inlove:, gorgeous. Good luck with the first steps in your new found addiction. (We all really need to start a support group:lol

Be sure to post LOTS O' PICS!!

 

[TighTT]

And a few more tank shots. I have a slight micro bubble problem but nothing Im too worried about. I plan to let the tank/skimmer break-in before I try any of the "fixes".

The Vortech MP20 pump....great for the Mini!

And no, its not off-center....just looks that way in the pic.

 

[skene]

blast from the past.......

Funny to find you over here now.... what are you doing? Following me from AW and AZ... now MR?

What's going on?

 

[SeaIsle]

I notice you have the solid plastic to the side on the wet portion of the vortech. Is the vortech pulling down any air as it is relatively close to the surface?

 

[TighTT]

blast from the past.......

Funny to find you over here now.... what are you doing? Following me from AW and AZ... now MR?

What's going on?

LOL...funny seeing you here! How have things been??

I still have my white A4....although its a bit more beefy these days:

Whats crackin' with you?? Still talk to Tony and Jeremy at all??

 

[TighTT]

I notice you have the solid plastic to the side on the wet portion of the vortech. Is the vortech pulling down any air as it is relatively close to the surface?

I aligned the pump in its current configuration in accordance with the directions from Vortech. I was getting a bit of vibration and the directions tell you to turn the fan unit until it smooths out. I have the throttle set to about 1/2 and it seems to be doing well. No huge ripples on the waters top and no major disturbance of the sand bed.