My 264 gallon A.G.E. rebuild

[CAreefer]

As some of you may know, my 225 split a seam some 4 months ago.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Open.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Trussed-up2.jpg

Well, thanks to Invincible and Naka (thanks guys, we ever get together, first round is on me), I got hooked up with A.G.E. and set out about designing and ordering a replacement.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/TankExtEnd3a.jpg

Well it's Funny how the lines of communication get screwed up sometimes. My wife's cell was given to the carrier as the primary contact number for the driver (he didn't even have it) and mine as a back up as I can't carry my cell at work. I got home from work to 4 messages on my cell from a panicked truck driver. "If this crate has to go back to the depot, there is a $200 re-delivery charge for Monday delivery". I got ahold of him before he left town, "I got a couple more deliveries and I'll be there in an hour. How are you going to get this 625 lb crate out of my truck?" he asks. On the lift gate (I had A.G.E. specifically order) I replied. "No lift gate here" he says. Hmmm. 20 minutes and several phone calls later, I have 4 muscle head buddies on their way. 2 of them had to sneak out of work, but I'm not saying anything.

Anyway, the tank was crated perfectly and arrived without so much as a dent in the wood. Only one of the 4 shock stickers were activated. Not bad for traveling 2000+ miles in 3 days.

Without further adieu-

625# barely out of the back of the semi. No pics of the process, it was all hands on deck.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4451.jpg

Starphire left end, float glass rear panel
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4457.jpg

One of 2 return holes that were "keyholed" to allow any powerhead wires to exit the tank
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Keyhole.jpg

[CAreefer]

For you boys out in Texas, that thing around the top is called a brace!?:lol2: Overall shots of the 3/4" acrylic, one piece, CNC machined eurobracing.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4452.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4459.jpg


From this view, it looks too much like a coffin for my taste. But then again, one less thing to pay for later on in life. Dual duty so to speak. My wife ever finds out what it cost I will be buried in it sooner, rather than later.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4462.jpg

I've got a forklift coming tomorrow to get it off of the table it's currently on and onto more stable ground. At that point I'll uncrate it further and take some more pictures.

:dance: :dance: :dance:
After 4 months, Finally. I'm a bit stoked, can ya tell?

CAReefer

[invincible569]

Hey Marshall!

I heard about your tank leaving a few days ago to your place. Glad to see you got it in. I cant wait to see what you have planned for this tank. It looks great so far. Now comes the fun part!

[Elliott]

that tank looks very well made, how are you going to make the switch?

[dbg7798]

Nice looking tank. Do you have a web link to A.G.E. ?

[90reefernyc]

Wow great tank!! Did you order directly from them and what is the Tunze divider? Thxs looking for a new tank also..

[new_world_disor]

oof. that tank is gorgeus

[CAreefer]

Thanks everyone, I've been really anticipating it's arrival. And now the fun begins.

Invice You probably knew it was getting shipped before I did. But either way it's all good. :smokin:

that tank looks very well made, how are you going to make the switch?
Elliot That decision was made for me when the seam split. Everything is in a temporary 200 gallon bin and my frag tank at the moment. All in the garage, plumbed into my sumps in the house.

dbg7798

http://www.acrylicandglassexhibits.com/

90reefernyc The Tunze divider was a fleeting thought that didn't work out when it came time to actually build the tank. It was intended to be a partition to hide the Tunze's in the rear corner of the tank. It was just too flimsy without massive supports that made it too visible, defeating the purpose. Contact Tom via E-mail in the above link regarding ordering a tank. SOP is to order through a LFS or dealer.

CAReefer

[jnarowe]

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Trussed-up2.jpg

And you still wen t with glass? And in Kalifornia? You have nads. That pic make me want to hurl.

The new tank is really sweet. I wish I had gotten glass myself. :)

[Jar*Head]

Very nice tank Marshal.... You make me wanna drool....

[hawaiianwargod]

Marshal,

Congrats on your new tank! Very nice indeed! I guess you are going CL as well...not seeing PH's would be awesome. Is this tank going to house pure sps or mix?
GL!

[CAreefer]

And you still wen t with glass? And in Kalifornia? You have nads
What's a little rocking and rollin every now and then? :D I've had tanks for years with no issues. My 75 bounced about 8" away from the wall and only splashed 5 gallons of water out the last decent quake we had. My stand for this one is lag bolted to the wall every 12". It ain't goin nowhere. Nads? nah, wifes got 'em on an oak plaque on the wall. Been there going on 20 years.

Very nice tank Marshal.... You make me wanna drool....
Thanks Steve, hopefully it all works out as planned. If it does it will be a stunner.

I guess you are going CL as well...not seeing PH's would be awesome. Is this tank going to house pure sps or mix?
I debated the CL for a long time. Read lot's of horror stories against, changed my mind several times, but in the end I decided to put one in. I REALLY don't want to see power heads. I had 3 Tunze's visible in my 225 and that is the first thing I saw every time I looked into the tank. I'm confident that with proper planning and quality pieces, (Hayward Schedule 80 bulkheads everywhere and Spears TUBV) I will be fine, at least to the ball valves, where I can bail on it if need be. This will be a 95% SPS setup. I'm way over the whole softie thing. No zoas, rics, xenia, shrooms etc. Might try a Micro or Acan, and maybe a duncan, but that's about it. I'm going to stick to hard to come by acros and keep the numbers down. I've got a few things in mind as far as coral placement and overall look for the tank. I'm not good at building the suspense like Invincible, but I'm not going to spill all the beans just yet. Moreso because if it doesn't work out, I don't want to look like a chump. :worried2:

Better to remain silent and thought a fool...

CAReefer

[majesticangelfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11062046#post11062046 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CAreefer
For you boys out in Texas, that thing around the top is called a brace

:lol2: :p

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11062046#post11062046 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CAreefer
From this view, it looks too much like a coffin for my taste. But then again, one less thing to pay for later on in life. Dual duty so to speak. My wife ever finds out what it cost I will be buried in it sooner, rather than later.


:lolspin::lolspin:

These AGE tanks are just beautiful! I'll need to get into the club eventually. :D ;) ... However I prefer the 'Texas style'. :thumbsup:

Once again, looking forward to the rebuild Marshal :celeb1::celeb1: Goodluck mate.

[naka]

Marshal, congratulations on your new tank! I can't wait to see your new aquascaping.

[jnarowe]

Last big quake I was in, the floor in my house in BH rolled like a tsunami. No way a tank would have survived that!

[Jar*Head]

Marshal, I will be stunning. It takes you almost a year for planning, i know it will be very nice tank.

I am working on my future tank for my future house in Colorado. Im looking at 84x48x24 Acrylic 1" all around. Im in the same boat with you on the CL... I have 3x6200, and two waveboxes... Please let me know how the CL work out for you. I have heard a few story about the ocean motion got stuck

[clownnrnd]

Tank looks beatiful Marshal.........So, has the forklift showed up yet :D ?


Chad

[i2ik]

beautiful tank! :)

[GMFett]

very nice. hope you never have to bust out the tie downs again!!! :lol:

[[__--MUD--__]]

FYI- general public misconception.... Coffins are tapered like in the old dracula movies, caskets are rectangular ;)


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11062046#post11062046 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CAreefer

From this view, it looks too much like a coffin for my taste. But then again, one less thing to pay for later on in life. Dual duty so to speak. My wife ever finds out what it cost I will be buried in it sooner, rather than later.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4462.jpg

CAReefer

[ConcreteReefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11065602#post11065602 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
And you still wen t with glass? And in Kalifornia? You have nads. That pic make me want to hurl.

The new tank is really sweet. I wish I had gotten glass myself. :)


WOW- I've never seen Eurobracing like that!! :lol:
Where's the duct-tape? :eek1:

[CAreefer]

Did a bit more uncrating after we got it onto more solid ground.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4463.jpg

3/4" acrylic overflow drilled for 2- 1 1/2" and 1- 1" bulkheads
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4464.jpg

Overflow teeth set in the end pane of glass.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4465.jpg

This view shows the upper, right front corner. Starphire front, blacked out float glass end, 3/4" acrylic eurobrace, 3/4" black acrylic overflow. I love the mix of materials A.G.E. has been able to incorporate into building their tanks. Soooo, much design flexibility.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4466.jpg

Left end
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4467.jpg

The next 2 shots shows the "end grain" from the 72"x25" Starphire front, and 72"x25" float glass rear panes. Huge difference in clarity.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4468.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4469.jpg

And my recently reworked water processing station, complete with pressure activated delivery pump and dual float top off for the reservoir. Just need to get a bigger pressure tank so the delivery pump cycles less frequently. Not really a huge issue, it only draws 4 watts.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/RO_DI.jpg

One of the local maintenance service techs called me the other day and told me about some Alk and Calcium post filters for RO he's been trying. They're designed for drinking water systems to buffer the product water and restore the ph above the neutral point. He claims his animals are "really stoked" after a water change it is doing "wonders" for his personal tank. I don't know how much stock to put in this as his water change method is to take 30 gallons from his 300 gallon system, let his top off reservoir refill in a few minutes and then add 11 cups of salt, then test s.g. I haven't been able to find much information about these via Google, but they certainly have my interest piqued.

More to follow

Marshal

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by naka
Marshal, congratulations on your new tank! I can't wait to see your new aquascaping.

Thanks James, me either! :rolleye1:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Last big quake I was in, the floor in my house in BH rolled like a tsunami. No way a tank would have survived that!

We got a bit of that standing on the raft thing for about 60 seconds after the San Simeon quake took out most of the older masonry buildings in our town. We rattled pretty good too. I fully expected to lose mine as well but didn't. 3 of my buddies did.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jar*Head
I am working on my future tank for my future house in Colorado. Im looking at 84x48x24 Acrylic 1" all around. Im in the same boat with you on the CL... I have 3x6200, and two waveboxes... Please let me know how the CL work out for you. I have heard a few story about the ocean motion got stuck

That will be nice sized tank and an interesting build Steve, be sure and start a thread. Wish I had the room for that big, I would have in a heartbeat.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clownnrnd
So, has the forklift showed up yet

Yup, just got to figure out how to get the forklift through the front door now and I'll be styling. Trying to convince the wife that we need a double french door off the dining room :eek1: Not having much luck.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by i2ik
beautiful tank!

Thanks, I think so too. :D

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GMFett
very nice. hope you never have to bust out the tie downs again!!!

Amen Brother, you and me both.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by [__--MUD--__]
FYI- general public misconception.... Coffins are tapered like in the old dracula movies, caskets are rectangular

Casket, coffin, no matter, I'll still be buried in the darn thing. :fun2:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11068171#post11068171 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ConcreteReefer
WOW- I've never seen Eurobracing like that!!
Where's the duct-tape?

That's holding the glass to the pvc bottom. :eek2:

CAReefer

[invincible569]

marshall, are you getting any other new equipment? When do you plan on having this tank up and running?

[CAreefer]

E, I've already picked up a new circulation pump (Sequence 3200) to feed the tank, frag tank and chiller, and a Dart for the closed loop. The 3200 will replace 2 mag drive type externals, moves more water (~2600 gph after HL) at 170 watts vs the 2 (1 @1190@0 HL and 1260 @4') at 210 watts combined. Eventually I may replace the 2 tunzes I'll start with for Vortech's but I have to recover first. And then I'll just get one and see if I can work it into my flow scheme. I'm going to add a FanTech exhaust fan into the upper cabinet and vent it outside rather than into the garage as it my 4" box fans do now. Too much rust happening on my GTO and tools in there. Got an idea for some moonlights, but may be a bust so I'll keep that little jewel to myself for now, building a rack for the LAIII's/VHO's and putting it on a pulley system and losing the chains. Other than that, I got the skimmer, CaRx, ballasts and everything else covered.

Oh yeah,
Going for a complete replumb too!
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Plumbing-9_20_07.jpg

Marshal

[jnarowe]

Such a nice stack! :)

[corwando]

Marshal,

I sent you a PM about your old tank. I'm just interested in the old tank split seam story...

[wizsmaster]

tank looks very nice - can't wait to see the build.

[dogstar74]

I would really like to know the story of the seam split too. I am interested in the A.G.E tanks but if the seam split, then I'm not too convinced about this whole new technology they have and the mixture of materials. I was convinced that I wanted one with the PVC bottom, but if the seams can't take the pressure, then I'd quickly change my plans. Please link to the disaster thread if you have a thread on it. I'm sure that something like this didn't go unposted.

Thanks
Aaron

[rob408]

Hey guys,

I saw CA Reefers' other thread in the local forum (SoCal). The tank that split was his old tank made by Lee Mar. This AGE tank is replacing the old tank...or at least that how I understand it.

BTW, CA, if you haven't sold the old tank, PM me and we can talk...

[CAreefer]

NOT the A.G.E. tank that split. Here is the original thread to the split seam in the LeeMar tank.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1157582

The A.G.E. tank is built, well... like a tank. I have zero concerns over the PVC to glass interface. My biggest concern was the acrylic to glass bond on the external overflow, but after seeing it, no worries.

CAReefer

[dogstar74]

Whew, Thanx! I was hoping to get that clarified! I'm sure it was a fluke on Lee Mar's tank. I've heard some pretty good things about them.

[CAreefer]

Well, the tanks on the stand in the house! Biggest catastrophe of the day was we ran out of beer afterwards . More help than anticipated showed up. It helps when it's perfomance appraisal time at work and you're the boss.

I had concerns over laying the tank on it's back on furniture dollies to roll through the door, so I called A.G.E. this morning and was told it won't be a problem. Edward's 72x40 rimless was done that way. Even with that, I minimized the time spent on the furniture dollies. That was the best $22 I have ever spent . Those 2 little beauties worked like a charm. Rolled right over the threshold and we were home. Didn't have to carry that 580lb beast a single foot. Rolled it in, put it back on it's bottom on the dollies, and up she went. With 7 guys it was a breeze. The only way to move a big tank!

Seems as if all the God's smiled on me today, nothing got broke, chipped, scratched, herniated or pulled. Even the plumbing God's smiled on me for a change, as I got a bit of that done too. All of the holes lined up for the CL bulkheads and I had 1/4" to spare between the wall and the overflow. One lesson learned however; Don't try to make the bulkhead holes as small as possible. I used a 3 3/4" hole saw for the 1" and 4 1/2" for the 1 1/2". There wasn't enough room to get the channel lock pliers on the nuts to tighten them the requisite 1/2-1 turn after hand tight. I sacrificed an old 16" set the the bench grinder and now have a custom bulkhead wrench. The Hayward bulkheads are the only way to go guys, especially for closed loop applications. High quality pieces.

On to the pics.

It's hard to get the scale/size of the tank in pictures, but anyone that's seen a BK skimmer knows how big they are. The collection cup on my 300 Internal is as big around as a 5 gallon bucket and nearly 1/2 as tall. I'll get a better pic tomorrow with something else to better show the scale.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4477.jpg

Aaah, it fits!
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4475.jpg

Barely
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4476.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4479.jpg

Start of the return plumbing. This 1 1/2" line comes from the garage where my Sequence 3200 resides. Initially to be fed through an OM 4 way, but I gave the wrong dimensions for the holes in the bracing, so I'll split it into 4- 3/4" lines that are full open continuously, or something along those lines. I could enlarge the holes since the bracing is acrylic, but they're just so pretty and polished, I hate to.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4480.jpg

Starting to plumb the CL return lines. I have to yet move the CaRx into the garage and feed it from the chiller/frag tank line to make room for the Dart under the stand. I thought about putting the Dart in the garage and leaving the CaRx where it is, but I want to optimize flow in the CL.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4483.jpg

More to come.

CAReefer

[jnarowe]

nice job!

[jknecht]

Very nice build. The tank looks great!

[ooja3k]

Can't wait to see how this turns out!!

Is the arc in the bulkheads on the bottom a clue as to what the aquascaping might look like?

[ycnibrc]

wow congratulation what a tank?at least California have something to compete with Texas where all the high end tank reside.

Are you going to transfer all the rock,water and corals over or start a new cycle? I assume the Leemar tank is still running...

[chainsaw5vent]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11065602#post11065602 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
And you still wen t with glass? And in Kalifornia? You have nads.

I think that most wives call them the 'klick-klack toy' :mixed: :love2: :thumbsup: lol

[LA-Lawman]

great build.....

[CAreefer]

Thanks all. I appreciate the positive feedback and encouragement.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11087735#post11087735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ooja3k
Is the arc in the bulkheads on the bottom a clue as to what the aquascaping might look like
Yes, kind of the general outline, but more to promote the CCW flow pattern.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11087735#post11087735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ycnibrc Are you going to transfer all the rock,water and corals over or start a new cycle? I assume the Leemar tank is still running...
The LeeMar tank is not running. All of my livestock has been struggling to survive for the last 3 months in a 200 gallon bin and my 90 gallon frag tank.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Temp1.jpg
I will fill the new tank with fresh ASW and start a cycle of sorts as IMHO, 240 gallons of water is too much to add to an exsisting system. I've lost too many pieces already to risk anymore by getting in a hurry at this point.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11087735#post11087735 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chainsaw5vent

Thanks for the belly laugh! :beer:

As a general update, I finished the CL plumbing yesterday and put enough water in the tank to run a leak test. After glueing the one return leg I completely forgot to glue, d'oh, CL work liked a charm. I do have one minor leak at one of the 1 1/2" valves to address. I'll take some pics this afternoon and update then. I'm waiting on some plumbing bits and pieces from USPlastics and 2Part Solution before I can start on the return and overflow sections. Those should be here Monday.

More to follow and thanks for being here.
CAReefer

[CAreefer]

Well, here is the completed CL. I do still have a bit of seepage from the 2" nipple on the inlet to the Dart and the "T" above the pump and below the OM4 way is just temporary while I'm waiting for my order of gray PVC. So when the parts come in I'll address those issues. I also need to add the ball valves to 2 of the legs of the CL return. Somehow I only ordered 2 of the 4 needed, or I used them for the sump which I didn't plan on or whatever, I ended up short by 2.

Right side of the tank
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4495.jpg
OM 4 way and unions
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4500.jpg
Aahh, there they are
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4497.jpg
And an overall of the Dart and my cryin' towel
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4503.jpg
The ole BK300 48 hrs after cleaning, just chugging away. Pretty nasty for 290 gallons and 3 fish that get fed every 2 or 3 days.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/BK300.jpg

Ciao
CAReefer

[jnarowe]

RC members should start a plumbers union! :lol:

[CAreefer]

I can tell ya one thing for sure, I know the pvc and iron pipe aisle at the ACE, OSH and HD better than any of the employees. Plumbed the house for natural gas this spring and always playing with pvc. Hehe, I walk in, they ask me where things are :D

CAReefer

[jnarowe]

No doubt. When I walk in, they all run. I am always getting the, "you're building what???" :rolleyes:

[invincible569]

More pics please! :)

[CAreefer]

Invince, nothing really to update on, just waiting for PVC parts. I did get the "T" under the OM replaced with gray and the leak at the inlet taken care of. I'm still short 2 valves for the CL return that according to the frustrated football players at UPS, should be here tomorrow (so much for 2nd day air). I did get turned on to a local irragation supply house that MAY have gray PVC fittings, just getting ready to head over there to check out what they have.

I hope to have final leak testing done on CL and start filling by this weekend, then I can start work on the return line from the Sequence 3200 in the garage to the tank, and the returns from the overflow to the sump which will be simple.

CAReefer

[naka]

Damn Marshal, that's one clean plumbing job! Jaime and I are redoing my CL plumbing, and I just emailed him your pics :)

Awesome job bro!

[CAreefer]

Thanks James, LMK if you need any more pics or details of the CL. More than happy to send whatever you need.

[invincible569]

Marshall, I know you worked on it some more this weekend.. what's the status? pics, pics, pics! ;)

[90reefernyc]

Hey Careefer any full shots of the hole setup would really help.
thanks Jimmy.

[bigtyguyy]

keep the pictures coming! looks great so far!

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11157579#post11157579 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by invincible569
Marshall, I know you worked on it some more this weekend.. what's the status? pics, pics, pics! ;)

Not a lot of progress, I had to work the weekend but did make some progress. The tank is pretty much full at this point, up to temp and mixed to 1.025 sg. I'm going to move some rock over tonight or tomorrow to get some life going in the water. Return plumbing is just about where I want it and I have the feed line in place above the tank, I just need to connect it to the pump/chiller/frag tank. Not much really to get pics of, but I'll post up a few tonight.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11157579#post11157579 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 90reefernyc
Hey Careefer any full shots of the hole setup would really help.
thanks Jimmy.

I'll see what I can do Jimmy.

Thanks bigtyguy.

CAReefer

[CAreefer]

As an update-

The tank is full and up to temp and sg. I currently have it running through the smaller of my 2 sumps with a Mag 9 for return. One Tunze and the CL is giving lots of flow in the direction I'm looking for, more on that later.

I just about have the light rack completed, I still have to work out the bugs in the pulley system. Tired of the plastic chain set-up.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4525.jpg

End shot of the light rack. I'm going back to VHO's and adding 2 more for a total of 4- 160 watters for actinic supplementation. I wasn't happy with the T5's, just couldn't find the right color combination.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4530.jpg

The color difference in Helios 20k on PFO HQI vs Ice Cap ballasts. HQI is the far one. I never noticed it before, mostly because of the darker 1/2" float glass.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/DSC_4536.jpg

I still have to move more live rock over and start dosing ZEO to get a bacteria culture going prior to combining the 2 systems. Complete the return plumbing lines, but since it will be a week or two before I can combine the systems, it's not high on the priority list.

After a little clean-up of the sump area, I will get some pics of the equipment and how it's currently set-up.



CAReefer

[jnarowe]

Very nice!

[FishyBiz]

Great build.
You should put some type of black acrylic sheet or something in your overflow so you cant see into it from the inside of the tank.

I may have missed this but where are you getting your grey PVC pipe? Is not schedule 80 right?

[CAreefer]

Thanks Jonathan, always appreciated.

FishyBiz- The black acrylic for the overflow is definitely on my list. I'm trying to find a source for it locally to avoid shipping costs, but so far I've only found clear and green. I may have to order it online after all. The grey PVC parts came mostly from USPlastic dot com, and a few of the fittings from TwoPartSolution dot com. The fittings are schedule 80, AFAIK, that's all that is available in grey. The pipe is all schedule 40.

CAReefer

[Brewen]

Any updates Marshal? What I have seen so far has been awesome. I need to come up and see it in person. Also to see what frags you have that your willing to part with.
Curious are you thinking about going to the Ventura swap on 12/1? Anyway keep the pics coming.
Gary

[CAreefer]

Not really much to update. Just letting things run in for the time being. Moved a little more rock into the display, but I'm still waiting on the OM omni-flex nozzles for the CL returns before I can do too much more. The CJ stand pipes should be here
Wednesday or Friday so things are finally coming together. I won't make the Ventura swap, my work schedule won't allow it unfortunately. Nothing for frags at the moment, but your welcome to come up and check things out any time Gary.

Marshal

[CAreefer]

To give my frag tank and temporary bin some elbow room I moved a few pieces into the display. 5 months in Purgatory has been hard on my larger colonies.

The good from the frag tank

A. vermiculata
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/vermiculata.jpg

Rainbow granulosa
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Rainbowgranulosa.jpg

Oregon tortuosa
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Oretort.jpg

A. nasuta
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/nasuta2.jpg

A. echinata
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/echinata2.jpg

The Bad, still some residual, occasional TN events.

A. navina
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/navini.jpg

And the REALLY Ugly

My A. loripes before
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Frags%20for%20sale/Starlight-7_5_07b.jpg

and after
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/loripes.jpg

Pokerstar Monti
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/pokerstar.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/pokerstar2.jpg

I've been trying to get a decent FTS shot, but the additional VHO, lack of upper cabinetry and the Starphire glass has added an entire new dimension to taking pictures. My camera just can't deal with all the blue. The white balance is way off.

I'm waiting (still) on the nozzles for the CL that go on the bottom of the tank. As soon as they show up (today with any luck), I can start aquascaping and shutting down the 180 gallon temp bin in the garage and get a better handle on temperature. It's been in the high 20's here already and tank temps have dipped to 74 despite a 500 watt, 2- 250 watt and a 300 watt heater. Currently net gallonage is approx 500.

CAReefer

[invincible569]

Very nice Marshall. Cant wait to see this tank aquascaped!!

[CAreefer]

Thanks E, I'm hoping to be able to get that done over my 2 days off, assuming the OM bits show up. I think I'm going to try a spray bar of sorts on one of the returns and have it flow from back to front across the bottom. Already having problems with "stuff" settling under the few pieces of rock in the tank even with 2 6100 Toon Zah's and CL running. Might have to upgrade to the 6201's since you seem to be so impressed with them. The Vortechs would be a better fit and the battery back up is a nice bonus as well, but then again, I looove my Tunzes.

[invincible569]

Marshall, i am VERY impressed with the 6201's. I just ordered another one. The 6101 has a great stream, but the 6201 has the wide power. If I would of known, i would of shipped the 6201 to your door so you can try it out and then you could of sent it to me. I really do feel it's like 2 Vortech's but with a stronger push across the tank. The 6101 with the 6201 shroud change feels like 1 Vortech. My 6201 coming across the tank would overpower the 1 6101 with this mod since it has such a stronger push.

[CAreefer]

Well, not exactly what I had envisioned, but close. I think I can live with it, I managed to achieve the objective of hiding all the CL parts and mostly hide the 2 Tunzes, so for that, I'm a happy camper. The structure isn't as open as I had hoped, but the pvc bottom is pretty slick and I was more concerned with getting it stable. I planned on BB, but the boss (aka Wife) vetoed that and now to get some aragonite for the bottom. But I'm in no hurry as the rock is shedding quite a bit and currently it all blows to the front and is easily removed.

On to the pics. I put in a set of 4 month old 10k Reeflux bulbs and don't mind them so much with the starphire glass and extra VHO tube.

In this FTS, the color is off, just couldn't get it balanced. Time to invest in a 16% gray card I guess.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/12-1-07FTS.jpg

End view
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/12-1-07End.jpg

I noticed some color returning to the PokerStar monti already
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/PSrebound.jpg

And the frag trays in the front corner of the tank
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Rebuild/Rebound.jpg

As soon as I get the approval from the Boss on the rock structure, I can start placing corals. I still have to figure out where the T. deresa is going to go, but I've got a plan.

CAReefer

[skey44]

who's the boss edward or the significant other? I'm just not sure who the "BOSS" of aquascaping is on reef central!

[Brewen]

Looking great Marshal. I like the open look to the tank. Thanks for sharing.

[CAreefer]

skey44, the Significant Other :love1: is the boss. I am nothing more than Edward's Danielson, for he is my Mr. Miyagi :lol2:

Thanks Gary, I plan on lot's of fish this time around so open swimming area is a must. The structure isn't as open at the bottom as I'd hoped for, but stability of the reef is important as well.

Marshal

[invincible569]

Looks great Marshall. Im sure with your SPS growing skills, you wont be able to see any rocks in a yr. :)

[Brewen]

Hey Marshal any updates how's the tank looking so far? Have you closed down your holding tub and transfered all of your livestock as of yet?

[CAreefer]

Thought it time for an update. Things are coming together, coloration is improving and growth is starting up again. I'll start off backwards from the normal trend. FTS first :D

Some are reposts from other threads.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/265/1-6-08FTS.jpg

A. cerealis
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-cerealis-1-6-08.jpg

A. echinata (Aquascenes)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Echinata-Naka-1-6-08.jpg

A. echinata (Bennett's)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Bennet-Echinata-1-6-08.jpg

A. echinata (**********s Dual Blue)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/True-blue-echinata-1-6-08.jpg

Rainbow granulosa (maybe A. rosaria)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Rainbow2-1-6-08.jpg

A. lokani (20k)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/20k-1-6-08.jpg

[CAreefer]

ORA Marshall Island green and purple
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/MI-1_6_08.jpg

A. turaki
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Turaki-1-6-08.jpg

S. calendria (Ponape torch)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Ponape-1-13-08.jpg

ORA german green with blue polyps
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/German-Blue-1-13-08.jpg

A. microclades
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-microclades-1-13-08.jpg

[CAreefer]

A. nasuta (Atlantis Raspberry Lemonade)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Raspberry-Lemonade-1-13-08.jpg

A. granulosa (on the comeback)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Granulosa-1-13-08.jpg
from this
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/TN/Gran2.jpg

A. exquisita (also on the comeback)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-exquisita-1-13-08.jpg
from this
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/TN/Navini1L.jpg

A. gemmiferra (I can do green too!)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Gemmifera-1-13-08.jpg

[CAreefer]

And lastly, a few of the inhabitants in their new home.

A. blochi
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Paellini-Tang2-12_07.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Paellini-Tang-12_07.jpg

E. navarchus
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Majestic1-12-08.jpg

C. kleini
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/KleinsButterfly1-4-08.jpg

A. leptacanthus (glass or threadfin cardinal)
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/GlassCards1-4-08.jpg

Z. flavescens
http://careefer.com/Yellow_Tang_1-4-08.jpg

And a few of the blue/green reef chromis in the still browned out A. loripes
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Chromisinloripes1-13-08.jpg

Thanks for looking and sticking with me.
Marshal

[invincible569]

Very nice Marshall! Great fish selection and corals! Still love that clam too!

[jnarowe]

yeah, nice pics. That clam is sweet. My ORA German is just about neon green so you will still see some improvement there. Very nice corals!

[Brewen]

Great looking Marshal, the colors you get as always awesome. Nice selection of fish I dig the E. navarchus.

[mpoletti]

Very nice update. The shot with the chromis is really cool.

I love the bennett echinata. Please keep me in mind when you break off a branch ;)

[rishma]

One of the local maintenance service techs called me the other day and told me about some Alk and Calcium post filters for RO he's been trying. They're designed for drinking water systems to buffer the product water and restore the ph above the neutral point. He claims his animals are "really stoked" after a water change it is doing "wonders" for his personal tank. I don't know how much stock to put in this as his water change method is to take 30 gallons from his 300 gallon system, let his top off reservoir refill in a few minutes and then add 11 cups of salt, then test s.g. I haven't been able to find much information about these via Google, but they certainly have my interest piqued.


I cannot find these filters either.

Hahaha...I think I'll start calling Rob the maintenance service tech, too.


Nice tank.

[reefmutt]

Careefer, those close up acro shots are like some sort of crazy candy store and I am a hungry sugar lovin' five year old!
I am very jealous!
I was also wondering if you know what type of glue AGE uses to bond the acrylic brace to the glass like that- I want to the same thing to my future tank.
Love those macro acros!

[jnarowe]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11619091#post11619091 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rishma
I cannot find these filters either.

Hahaha...I think I'll start calling Rob the maintenance service tech, too.


Nice tank.

Those may be re-mineralization cartridges (http://www.spectrapure.com/St_replac_p2.htm#REMIN).

[new_world_disor]

good work so far. tanks looking preety good. and if the old tank is anything to go by. this will be awesome !

[CAreefer]

Sorry for the extended absence and much overdue replies. I've been in and out of town and swamped at work. Anywho...

Thanks Edward, that T. deresa just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I'm glad it's holding color otherwise it would'nt be worth the real estate it takes up.

jnarowe- I can't seem to get that ORA to come back around just yet. I'm tempted to move it around a bit but I'm unsure which way to go. Right now it's mid level, directly under a 20k Helios that's 12" above the water. IIRC it did better lower previously. I may move it down a bit and see how it comes along. Where do you have yours lighting wise?

rishma- I take it you know Rob? Nice guy. Pretty laid back too. He's built some nice systems, very high end stuff. Talked me out of Starphire the first time around.

reefmutt- Thanks for the props. It has a loong ways to go, but coming along nicely. As for the adhesives, I really don't know what they are using other than it is some sort of heat set that they use UV lights to cure. Certainly not the typical Silicone.

jnarowe- I think you maybe right about the re-min carts, but he doesn't really know what they are. I spoke to him the other day and Ca was well over 500 in one of his tanks and alk was 14 dKH. So definitely can't use it for top off. I'll stick with what's working personally. It intrigued me at first, but I've lost too much in the last year to fart around with those.

new_world_disor- Thanks, I hope it meets your expectations in the near future :D Personally, the "young" reef look is driving me nuts. I can't wait for things to fill in.

I have a new set of pics "in the can" and hopefully will have time to post em up pretty soon.

Marshal

[jnarowe]

Why did he talk you out of Starfire?

[CAreefer]

Jonathan, I had never seen Starphire for myself. He went on to explain it wasn't worth the added expense, blah, blah, blah. I bought into it and didn't do the research myself. Shame on me. For some reason he's not a fan of the Starphire glass.

[CAreefer]

A couple updated pics

Atlantis "Cherry Bomb" prostrata
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/CherryBomb-1-20-08.jpg

M. spongodes
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Spongodes2-1-20-08.jpg

Tyree Purple monster gettin some color back
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/PM2-1-20-08.jpg

Garf bonsai
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Bonzai-1-20-08.jpg

vermiculata
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Vermiculata-1-20-08.jpg

Atlantis "Raspberry Lemonade"
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Raspberry-Lemonade-1-20-08.jpg

A. nasuta comin back from browndom
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-nasuta-1-20-08.jpg

[CAreefer]

My signature A. plana
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Plana-1-20-08.jpg

Its illegitimate twin brother A. desalwii
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-Desalwi-1-20-08.jpg

Another shot of the Rainbow granulosa. Quickly becoming my favorite.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Rainbow-1-20-08.jpg

And finally A. microclades. Another one of my favs.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-microclades-1-20-08.jpg

Marshal

[CAreefer]

My chromis school of 9 is down to 5. One at a time they developed lesions at the base of their dorsal fins and died off. The remaining 5 are fat and happy and appear to be doing well. I added 5 more Glass cardinals for a total of 7 and all are hanging together and getting along well. The Chromis will school with them on occasion which makes for a large grouping and a pretty neat look.The Majestic is eating everything from flake to Spectrum pellets, not an overly aggressive eater at this point, still pretty timid, but will come out to eat.

Nothing else really new to add at this point. Just trying to maintain status quo and let things settle in. Calcium and Alkalinity demand has risen substantially recently and I've been having to continually turn up the CaRx to keep up.

In processing the above pics I did spot a RB or two on a couple corals. Far from an infestation at this point. I dipped the affected corals, so maybe I caught things in time.

Marshal

[jnarowe]

corals look sweet. I would love to see a pic of the cardinalfish. I really want some red spots, but I see more and more reefers in the US have the long spines.

[CAreefer]

I'll see what I can get for a pic. I work all day tomorrow, so I'll shoot for monday. They hang pretty tight to the rockwork during the day. I'll see what I can do.

[mpoletti]

Marshall- What f-stop are you shooting in?

[CAreefer]

It varies Marko9. I'm still very much a noob with the camera. I do shoot aperture priority most of the time. Usually between 6 and 9 IIRC, but sometimes as much as 4 to try and get more of the coral in focus. That is assuming I understand the way aperture works? Those pics are all less than 100% crops as well. The Nikon with 105 macro lens takes pretty large images, even in the medium setting.

Marshal

[jnarowe]

detail is very good. you are getting decent depth of field and that's one of the hardest parts about shooting corals...that and the white balance! :D

[Elliott]

smaller the aperture (hole size) the larger depth of focus, but the more light you need

the aperture number varies inversely with the hole size, ie the larger the aperture number the smaller the hole size

[mpoletti]

So you are shooting with a Nikon. I got a D40x a few months back and there is so much to learn. Your pictures look great.

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11696662#post11696662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
detail is very good. you are getting decent depth of field and that's one of the hardest parts about shooting corals...that and the white balance! :D

Yeah, that WB is a biotch to get right. Finally got it close using the custom setting, new eggcrate submerged into the tank. I need to pick up a gray card and see how that works out.

The DOF doesn't seem to change a bunch regardless of f-stop used. The biggest difference I notice is in the amount of time the shutter is open and as a result, the clarity of the picture. I try to use the eurobracing on the tank to stabilize the top down box as much as possible. All the pics that I can't do this are pretty poor, the ole paws aren't as steady as they used to be.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11696662#post11696662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Elliot
smaller the aperture (hole size) the larger depth of focus, but the more light you need

the aperture number varies inversely with the hole size, ie the larger the aperture number the smaller the hole size

That seems backwards from what I thought. You're saying an f-stop of 11 would have a greater DOF than a stop of say, 5?

If I understand the rest correctly, the shutter would be open longer to allow more light in?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11696662#post11696662 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marko9
So you are shooting with a Nikon. I got a D40x a few months back and there is so much to learn. Your pictures look great.

Yes, I picked up the D70 about 3 months before the 70s came out. Just my luck, but honestly I don't know that I would know the difference in the two anyway. I've had the camera over 2 years now and still haven't gotten the hang of all of it yet. I have taken literally thousands, if not tens of thousands of pics with it and am just now starting to feel relatively proficient with it.

Thanks for the compliment, I've done lots of reading and experimenting trying to learn how to get quality pics. The nice thing is that aquarium pics are the hardest by far that I've tried to take. Once outside of this realm, the picture taking is easy and the success rate skyrockets. This pic of my 12 year old Lab was taken on a whim with the kit lens in the full auto mode. Not too shabby IMO.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/JasmineWeb-6_5_07.jpg

Marshal

[CAreefer]

Couple quick updated shots.

Shades of Fall
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Shades-of-Fall-2-3-08.jpg

Continued recovery of the A. exquisita
Jan 13th
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-exquisita-1-13-08.jpg
Today. Notice how the base has grown to the edge of the frag disc.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/A-exquisita-2-3-08.jpg

********** echinata getting better all the time
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/FF-echinata-2-3-08.jpg

A. hokesemai
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Atl-hoke-2-3-08.jpg

Raspberry lemonade
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/Raspberry-Lemonade-2-3-08.jpg

And lastly, 6 of the glass cardinals and a yellow tang
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Reef%20tank/GlassCards2-3-08.jpg

CAReefer

[Brewen]

Great looking pics Marshal, keep them coming as your tank is growing out.

[ycnibrc]

nice colors and awesome colllection....

[jnarowe]

Marshall, can you discuss the cardinalfish more? Like how long you have had them, how many, and generally what are their behaviors? How do they react to the larger fish?

I would like to put a large school of small fish in my system and have been primarily interested in the red spot cardinalfish, but it seems they are never available in the US. I am looking in the 40 - 50 fish range, but I don't want them to just become anemone food or hide all day.

[beaglelax]

Is the majestic angel fish reed safe ???

[tbone28]

Marshal, any updates & pics to share? :)

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11763766#post11763766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by beaglelax
Is the majestic angel fish reed safe ???

Sorry beagle, I missed this post.

I certainly hope so...

All the research I've done has them at 95% safe towards SPS. Softies, zoas and rics are fair game I would imagine. Smaller clams would have issues with some of them as well. With the angels, pygmy and large, soooo much depends on personality. And, they can be model citizens for years and all of sudden develop a voracious appetite for acros. Mine has tasted one or two, and made a small hole in the polyps of my pokerstar monti, but nowhere enough damage to endanger them.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11763766#post11763766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tbone28
Marshal, any updates & pics to share?

Not really. Just kind of holding status quo for the moment. Letting things grow in. Been hectic at work and what free "tank time" I've had has been in water changes and resetting frags that the turbo snails and my bull in a china shop palini tang knock over on a daily basis.

I'm still trying to find decent camera settings to get clear fish pics. I've got the equipment, it's the skillz that are lacking at this point. Trying for a FTS shot too, when the colors are right, the ISO is off and the pic is noisey. That's the beauty of digital tho, take all the pics I want for nothing but the cost of a battery recharge. I'll try and get something up in the next few days.

CAReefer

[CAreefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11760383#post11760383 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jnarowe
Marshall, can you discuss the cardinalfish more? Like how long you have had them, how many, and generally what are their behaviors? How do they react to the larger fish?

I would like to put a large school of small fish in my system and have been primarily interested in the red spot cardinalfish, but it seems they are never available in the US. I am looking in the 40 - 50 fish range, but I don't want them to just become anemone food or hide all day.

Jonathan, dang I missed your post too, my bad.

The cardinals hang pretty tight to the rock work 75% of the time. But right in front. I've had 3 of them for 6 months or so, and added 4 more a month or so ago. They are very peaceful fish that establish heirarchy non-aggressively. They don't bother anybody and I only see the Majestic chase them briefly and very seldom. The typically school fairly well, but there seems to always be one or two as the odd man out. Hanging by itself or a solo pair. As you see in the pic previously posted, there are only 6 schooled up, I have 7, the other hangs with the chalk basslet in his rock cave. Feeding time they're one happy family again. I think you'd have trouble finding more than 7 or 8 at a time of the glass cards, I've never been able to get more than 4. Very sporadic availability. Adding them in groups to established schools doesn't seem to be an issue however.

For a very large school, personally, I've got 9 of the blue/green reef chromis and they always stay in a tight group. Move through the current like a flock of birds, and add wonderful movement and amazing color. They devolope a flourescent blue stripe above the mouth and around the eye when well fed. Quite a striking fish actually, not your typical damsel.
This is really a bad pic, but you can just make out the stripe from the mouth to the eye and the ring around the eye.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x255/CAReefer/Fish/Chromisinloripes2-9-08.jpg

A little bickering among themselves occasionally, about bed time they start fighting over sleeping position in the A. loripes, but they short lived spats. I'm pondering the idea of adding another 10-15 for a really large school. What I've read about keeping a healthy group of these for long term is that you have to treat them like anthias and feed them multiple times a day. Supposedly keeps their aggression down and stops them from picking on each other.

Occasionally, the chromis and cards will all school together for an hour or so. Very impressive to see a large school like that. Makes me want to add a bunch more of both. A large school of something was one of my goals with the new tank. I had very few fish previously, and I missed the movement and color they add.

Marshal

[H.a.Z]

Bought two of the Kleinii today :-)

Are yours nice and behaving?

[tbone28]

Marshal, has your new skimmer come in yet? What are you using in the mean time?

[bleedingthought]

Looking great! Looking forward to more pictures and updates! :)


BTW, that is the best picture of a green chromis I have ever seen!!!

[Vietqmac@gmail.]

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/26819697@N05/2513603102/" title="DSC_7009 by BLoTheC Photography, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2176/2513603102_0627f6063d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="685" alt="DSC_7009" /></a>

[majesticangelfish]

bump-e-d-bump.

Please post an update!

[wizsmaster]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12655939#post12655939 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by majesticangelfish
bump-e-d-bump.

Please post an update!

[Jflip2002]

Updates Marshal?