SCA 120 Gallon Reef | Ep.35 | Recapping my first Year - Tips and Mistakes

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Just some random thoughts on the first 12 months of my reef tank! All footage is gathered from videos that are already on the playlist. Check it out here : bit.ly/2k98khi Looking forward to what year 2 has to offer.. stay tuned... thanks for watching!

[@alexman5203]

How often do you do waterchange on ur 120?

[@richardhawk2918]

great tank, very beautiful. wish mine look like that

[@roryfletcher1124]

You probably dont give a shit but if you are bored like me during the covid times you can stream all the new movies and series on instaflixxer. I've been streaming with my brother for the last few weeks :)

[@ronaldzain6759]

@Rory Fletcher Yea, been watching on Instaflixxer for months myself =)

[@billr6280]

The truth!! Love the tank and how you tell it like it is. Everyone wants a nice tank but doesn’t understand the work. Love your channel.

[@fvnt4533]

I really respect on how you started your tank with not quarantined your fish. I did the same on a all fish tank and over 2 years it’s been fine. Thank you for your videos.

[@playinragz]

New guy, I binge watched and subbed. What a tremendous series you put together. I owned reef 25 years ago with great success. You’ll cherish the record you created,25 years ago we didn’t have YT or social media. I lost out on memories you’ll have forever! Your a pro reefer now, even though you have doubts. Thanks Man, keep up the good work!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

playinragz thanks for watching.. it’s very time consuming recording editing and documenting my entire tanks progression over the year. Mistakes were made and success also happened in ether case not many are brave enough to share both sides. This tank is being shut down prematurely as I take a break from the hobby. Next system will be better and practice avoiding mistakes I made with this one. Keep doing what u do! Be easy! 😎💪🏾

[@emmahilliard3149]

I love how real this dude is. He shares all his deaths and all the struggles as well as the success. Most KZbinrs would try to lie and just give an update about how beautiful and successful they are so that they don"t get any backlash from the comments. This is a very tedious hobby, and to get everything 100% right the first time is nearly impossible. Good job CJ and keep up the videos! As far as my own tank, I bought all live rock, live sand, and already filtered water from my local fish store Glass Aquatics, so even though it was a bit pricier, I didn't have any of the same algae issues (highly recommend). Only have one clown fish death so far (my salinity was really high at the time so that's probably why), and possibly a pom pom crab death... haven't seen the dude since the day I put him in my tank 3 months ago, but I know they're good at hiding so idk.

[@megansharp3241]

I saw your channel by chance a few days ago... I don't even like reef aquariums but you swayed me. Your soothing voice and the ambiance.😍😍😍 Miss u

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

check recent videos I started a new build :)

[@kapliger]

I just love your style! Calm voice, nice music and good, quality content. Very entertaining. This has become very rare on YT.

[@nikhiljsingh]

Need you back bro , it was you who inspire me in hobby with 120 gallon , 3 Tangs , 9 wrasses rest all are all set in my tank . Will wait for update ... do what you do and come back ...

[@tattookaleo]

Big respect to you. Like you said it, most wont admit all the wrongs they did, nor would they even show it in a video. This video should be on every beginners “must watch” list. You said everything as it is, the truth, you didn’t sugar coat anything.

[@navasreef1418]

Getting back in to hobby after running a successful 75g mixed reef 8-10 years ago. Found tank I wanted which is the sca120 and came to KZbin and found your channel...binged watch all episodes today 😁. Great job, great tank, and subscribed. Looking forward to new videos.

[@onlyphins]

Thank you for showing us the growing pains!

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Going through and re watching some of these gems you have made. We sure do miss you and hope to see you back soon. Im coming up on the one year mark on my 75 reef, and have recently set up another tank. Its not as big as the 75, but its nice.

[@clairestone8218]

CJ, I just wanted you to know how much I love all your videos, great quality and content. I have learned so much from you and it inspired me and gave me a great knowledge base to start my own tank. I started a jbj 45 reef tank about a month ago and modeled my aquascape off of yours. I love how much thought you put into everything and how honest you are about all your trials and tribulations. Keep up the great work!

[@filastyle84]

Thanks for documenting the good and the bad, the ups and downs us hobbyists experience!

[@davidbarata4997]

I've watched I think everything you have put out since I started researching for my first reef tank almost 6 months ago. You've done an excelent job with your tank, deffinately an inspiration.

[@cannondale97]

It's been great following this tank from day one till now. I really love watching how this tank has evolved. The scape, mix of fishes and corals are simply BEAUTIFUL!

[@Fishyboy1998]

Great video!! I've certainly learnt over 9 years in the hobby that patience is key! Keep up the great work and can't wait for more videos!! Love from Scotland 🇬🇧

[@TheVranica]

Hey man, a nice hello from Slovenija. I started my tank 7 months ago with dry rock and dry sand, and man... had the same problems, things dying, cyano ect.... the filing when you wake up, get to the tank and another thing went wrong.. kinda depressing. BUT, things slowly started to go ok for me now :) And I appreciate a video like this that makes me think that I'm not alone in this. Tnx man for making my day :)

[@e.aparicio5935]

Nice video recapping the first year of your tank.

[@robenettportis]

Great knowledge and tips....learned a lot. Thanks for sharing and HAPPY REEFING!!

[@squeakysreef9163]

CJ - great videos man, I have watched every episode of every tank a few times thru now to prepare for my first reef tank build. Great Editing, thank you for not rambling on on about other topics which is pretty common on these sorts of videos. Most importantly thank you for sharing your defeats as well as your victory’s. I can go turn on a BRS video for the run down of how to do something, but yours is the only honest series where I can learn from your mistakes. Thanks for having the pride and self confidence to do that. So where is the update man???

[@myopinion6328]

Great video...nice to see tank from how it originally started 👍

[@SharbucklesReef]

I made it that far, and I did enjoy it. Well done my man, I remember when you started this up was around the time my 65 exploded. Happy to see a healthy thriving tank.

[@blasians3370]

Thanks for all the inspiration up to this point CJ! Whether it's a formal video or random live stream you always got some good content to enjoy. Appreciate the time and effort you've put into your videos!

[@sandrstudios]

Another great video!!!! Your videos inspired me to start my own saltwater take over a year ago....

[@louhollar7351]

Great video! Nice recap of the first year, I think you did a great job of condensing and hitting the highlights. I would also recommend that if people haven't seen your build from the beginning that they go back and watch. I have learned so much from your vids! 😊

[@joeygreear7099]

Inspiring tank CJ. Thanks for showing both the good and bad. Sets realistic expectations for when I start my tank.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

that is exactly what I wanted to hear.. glad the message was clear and concise. thanks for watching!

[@RogueAquariums]

Very nice evolution of your tank CJ. You’ve definitely had your trials and tribulations but your system is looking very nice.

[@modelrailwaytheeasyway9743]

Thanks C J. Really enjoyed this series it given me some great advice. I hope i can get my tank looking as good as yours.

[@ofishalreefer9703]

Great job documenting your build man, and as always, great job editing

[@coreymitchell2756]

Appreciate the vlogs. Recently got back into saltwater aquarium,...so much has changed since I were involved.

[@JheregCG60]

Good video man, patience is where it's at. Thank you.

[@TheWhitemike316]

Just came across your videos and just want to thank you they are truly inspirational and like how you give the good and bad. I have not been in the hobby long only about 4 months. Started with a 60gal and about 6 weeks ago jumped to a 120gal like yours. its always a succeed and fail trial but so far not to bad. l really enjoy your videos and seeing where this hobby can take anyone.

[@zacharydroy]

Looks great man. I'm glad everything came around for you.

[@vitaliyavr]

Awesome tank! Good job! Thanks for all information!

[@luismdeulofeu5771]

It’s how’s come along great can’t wait to see your sps take off. Your tank is amazing been watching sine the being!! Great work

[@scurvy3810]

Great recap CJ! Looking forward to year two as thats when things usually blast off! Thanks for doing what YOU do and sharing it with us!

[@JosePena-lk1gq]

Hi CJS.First, I want to say thank you very much for all the time and effort that you have put through all these amazing videos. Even when this is my first comment i have to say that I have watched all your post videos and I have learned a lot from them.Thank you so much CJS from a Cuban fan.

[@TheHobbyist412]

Hey Cj, I hope everything is going well with you. I saw a notification about you breaking down the reef. I broke down my 4 year old reef a few months back, due to a busy work schedule, hernia surgery, and plain old burnout. Keep your head up and looking forward to your update. Be blessed.

[@nickpont]

I miss you CJ! Sick shots, sick music, and sick commentary always!

[@CooLin1stPlace]

Awesome tips. Amazing aquarium.

[@careyedwards5662]

Usually your video are long. But enjoy this one wish it was longer. Thanks for info will serve me well as I set up my 180 gal reef.

[@GuruNick]

Love your videos man and the tank is looking amazing. Lots of good things to consider and just a real look at the excitement and expectations. Nice

[@WildHunter7]

Great job on this video. Very entertaining, informative and well narrated. I'm a fresh water guy but really enjoyed this vedio. Almost convinced me to turn my 220G into a reef.

[@Oscarin1467]

What's up CJ? I never really comment on any video, I always enjoy watching your videos and you always inspire me to keep going on my tank. Awesome work man.

[@joesreeftank22]

Good luck cj in your future endeavors keep missing your live stream so not sure what went wrong. Thank you for all your videos they inspired me to get back into hobby.

[@jakedominguez2475]

I’ve been waiting for an update from you! but mainly on that 9G nano!!!!

[@oscarazaria2141]

Jake dominguez yessss

[@jeffsreeftank]

CJ congrats on one year. Thanks for documenting so much for the hobby man. 👍🏾

[@stewartchambers7377]

That's awesome I am a fresh water guy my self but I love the tank

[@Reefkpr1]

Great video CJ! I can't believe its already been a year since we both setup our tanks. I remember on the live stream when we were setting up the tanks. Time sure flies. I released a short video yesterday of my 1 year update. This next year is going to be exciting!

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Time flys man... gonna be a boring year two for both of us. Just boring growth and no drama. Sounds good 🥃😎

[@BriansAquariums]

Very nice update CJ. I love long videos from you. They are so creative and I love looking at ypur tank!!

[@thereefrookie7320]

Good video CJ very inspiring as I start my 150 gallon build. Keep em coming!

[@krypt-oaquatics7883]

New Sub. Thanks for your update and for your videos. Im brand new will be watching all your videos. Appreciate your information

[@Austin-ts2jg]

that flame fin tang is amazing!

[@d-rob4582]

Thanks for the video cj and amazing tank.

[@shoregun103]

Looks great CJ 👌

[@tinabloomfield7228]

Great video CJ!!! Love how you share everything, good and bad. Keep being eazy

[@danosnanos1817]

Congrats! I did the diluted bleach cure the rock method in the Bulk reef supply video. It has been my only tank to never get algae. I have learned soooooo much from your videos. Thanks!!!!!! Love them

[@cre863Designs]

Hey bro, tank is looking amazing!!! Thanks for the recap and I think you should do more of these. I just started my sca 125 tank and hopefully I will get some videos up soon!

[@monkey76kerr]

Great video. You clearly got love for the hobby. It's good that you share the things that can go wrong or cause frustration in new tanks. Good to know how to avoid these cycling probs. Your pipe work in sump looked a bit of a mess around. Not much room to work in under your tank so I think that would cause me stress.

[@InfamousAquatics]

Memory lane. Crazy to see how far everything has gone.

[@hhinojosareef1]

Great video! The tank has came along ways. Definitely learned a few things from your videos. Keep up the great work!

[@DwightMcCharles]

Great to see the evolution of your tank. Thanks for sharing it👍

[@dwaynejones8456]

Man great video. Ever has a saltwater tank just a 80 fresh water. I just got my first 120 gallon corner flo marine land tank just finished plumbing yesterday. I’m excited but very concerned. I am going to be buying my first house about a year and a half and will have to move this tank. But could not pass but the deal. A saltwater store was closing so I got tank stand hood bashsea protein skimmer, bashea sump and pump all 70% off. Your video has been so inspiring. Would love any advice on getting started with corals without fear of the move.

[@lillybain8799]

Great video CJ. Like how detailed you was and how u planned it so well. Nice to see. Wish i seen this video before i set up my tank would of done some differences from my current set up. Live an learn. Keep up the good work 👍

[@Pocketguyful]

Really enjoy these videos makes me want to start a salt water tank

[@DCALLUS23]

Man that must have been an editing logistical nightmare 😂 but quality as ever cj. Keep them coming brother 👍👌

[@hdjksa52]

That is a beautiful tank. I am trying to get into the hobby. I really want to have a room dedicated to my tank. I have a _LONG_ way to go.

[@drewslagoon]

Great vid man, good to hear the raw truths of the hobby...I've deff all killed lots of coral in my time as well xDD

[@tylerjaax4917]

One of your best videos.

[@callmenemo491]

Great video CJ ! Congrats on the 1 year mark... look forward to the years to come! In terms of the fish stock... would you have changed them if U had the chance to do the tank again?

[@frankcastle3520]

Awesome video CJ 👍, I agree with you 100%. Each tank is different and all corals will react differently in every system. I've lost a lot of 💰💰💰 learning this wonderful hobby. Good thing is that it's not all for nothing because it teaches us how to better take care of the wildlife in our lil glass boxes..at least that's what I tell myself 😂. Patience, research,trial and error are the norm in this hobby. Can't wait for the next update CJ👍.

[@williamwiese9963]

Love your videos. I've had a small 36 that's over grown, getting my new 120gallon tomorrow really look fort to setting up and getting it ready. It'll be a big change but we learn a lot in this hobby. You have a wonderful tank! 🔥 Just curious why you didn't go cato instead of an alge scrubber? ✌️ Ps I subbed

[@jeffstevens763]

Missed your live stream CJ and reasons for the strip down going to miss your vids and you man all the best to you and your family be easy

[@modernanteros3801]

Loved every minute of the video. Had to pause it because it was distracting me from testing my parameters lol. My tank is around the six month mark. Nothing too too cool yet in the system, but I've figured out the most inexpensive way to do things and have healthy corals. I think I'm gunna do a quick video on my sun coral soon!

[@southparkreefman4366]

Really looking forward to the Ocean Revive compared to the Radion video. Trust your opinion, thanks.

[@bearded-flipflop]

Fantastic recap and even showing the bad. Some people just want overnight colonies and in this hobby that doesn't happen fast. Only the bad happens fast. Give I another year and it will be completely different. My sps encrusted for 3 months before growing upwards.

[@jamesnicholas7078]

Yo CJ, when you get back in the hobby you should do a jbj build again. Bring back the love for it.

[@berniegrant2633]

ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING!!!!!! can you please elaborate if you haven't already on water changes.....do you not do them ...do you reccomend them? Yes the video is long but I'm enjoying every minute of it

[@luib1777]

Great video and beautiful tank, but can your next video be on the nano you have, I’m doing some research cause I want a nano reef tank and I really like what you got going on in it.

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Luis Miguel Betancourt nano was broke. Down sold months ago due to work policy change

[@truckersreef6369]

Good vid bra. You inspired me to get in the hobby at the end of the jbj's life. From your mistakes and solutions I've learned a lot from you thanks for sharing.,👍

[@tonys1289]

Great update CJ

[@freddybovenkerk6704]

Best video yet. Very awesome.

[@m_hall]

Thanks for the videos CJ. Just watched your whole journey over the last few days lol. I'm thinking about getting into the hobby and it's great to watch these videos to get a better understanding of the process and struggles. I'm thinking about going with a 112 gallon sc aquarium, but not sure quite yet. The Waterbox 135.4 and the Red Sea boxes are incredibly beautiful, but ridiculously expensive and honestly my biggest worry is that the sumps just aren't big enough for what I might want to do and add over time. When I start adding up the costs of everything to startup I'm at like 4-5 grand. Anyway thanks for putting the time to document, you do a great job with the video and narration. Keep doing what you do.

[@lewiscawood388]

Really like this tank man! Great job 👍🏻

[@schummelpilz]

Great recap! Where did you buy your Pukani from?

[@ZARA.is.a.dead.cokaroch]

Great review bro, been loving your work for a while now, loved your old tank! This ones getting there too, great advice in this clip, be easy! 🇦🇺

[@Banjofrog62]

CJ your video's are never to long, I always find them entertaining and I have loved watching your tanks grow over the years. You have given me inspiration and I have setup my first reef tank a 4x2x2 which I only put some fish in last weekend. Also what is your Radion schedule and colour settings to get the corals to Fluoresce or can I download it from some place. Keep your chin up mate you have done a fantastic job to be proud of and as you would say "be easy" :)

[@Jaguarboy11]

Epic video. One of your best, imo.

[@Kawwwman]

wow, its been a year already. awesome vid CJ.

[@ramonbrown7119]

Cj tank is beautiful bro I love your lighting I don’t know if you have a video on how you built it to hover over the tank.i just moved from Florida to GA we just got our place to settle in moving day is this weekend I can’t wait to setup back my 75 salt any advice on what type of low maintenance corals I can get

[@Reefgrrl]

I loved watching your journey over the past year! The tank is looking wonderful. This was a great video. And I’m becoming a little bit attached to that white vent cover now.....😈

[@RaleyWeGrind]

Find myself watching your vids over again.Definitely a void. Been watching for the editing tho now. Find myself using iMovie iPhone now for my tank. Blessings with everything man from Cleveland,Ohio

[@KlemmetsmoReefing]

I’ve been through every stage you listed. Including thinking only certain corals would grow in “my” tank. I think you’re close to the break through because you’re at your first boring/stable stage with the tank. Hang on to this stage as long as you can because you’re getting growth. Then when you loose it, it’ll be hard to find again, but when you do you should be there. At least this is how it went for me... great vid man.

[@matyas4878]

Great vid. Way to sum up the year! I thought i was tripping at 0:27 . lol always #notificationsquad

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

Matyas Castro lmao the wife thought she was unnoticed 😛

[@SimplyReefing]

Good video this tank has come a long way since you started it

[@oneilwiz]

Sweet tank as usual bro, any updates ?

[@jessesmith6977]

After you changed your lighting did you notice a difference? Better coral growth? Are you happy about the decision to change?

[@TheLisamac01]

Awesome Video! Loved reliving your build and progress! Thanks for sharing CJ 🤗

[@CJSAQUARIUMS]

next year your recap video should be interesting. starting with that hairy buddy of yours :)

[@arcynic7574]

I took some great advice away from this video, relating to reef keeping and otherwise. I've had an up and down year and wanted to find a hobby for some balance. I've decided to postpone my tank purchase until next summer to have a full plan and a budget to do it right. Love the videos, can't wait to see where your tank is at the year 2 mark.