Our 500 gal reef

[ricks]

Here are some pictures of our reef before I removed about 40# of coral
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2077.jpg
Another full tank shot
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/before.jpg
This is a tri color I grew from a 1" frag
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2073.jpg
Flowerpot from the size of golfball to larger than a basketball
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2083.jpg
A millie to over 18" across
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2080.jpg
Left side tank shot
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2068.jpg
Where all the coral went that tank is 8' across
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/DSCN2097.jpg

I'll post some new shots later. have some new nice top downs..

[hobbzz]

Wow beautiful. I love all the blue, especially the millie. Any certain additives for the goniopora? Do you feed it anything?

[mrpet]

sweet very nice....

[wabio]

Wow. How long did they take to grow out (clam also)? Also what was the measurements of the tank and lighting specs? I need to copy you! :D

[wabio]

Also, where can I get that bumper sticker! :lol:

[kdblove_99]

That is extremly nice

[tom obrecht]

Yes, very nice. More pics of the equipment ect! Great job!

[Elliott]

stunning!
would like to see equipment shots and a description of your set up, thanks for sharing

[thor32766]

wow sweet tank. looks beautiful!

[ricks]

Hobbzz

Combination of flake/nordi, frozen rinsed and fish poo. I don't target feed anything in my tank

Wabio

Pictures taken at about 2 years. that was about 4 months ago. Most coral was transferred from my 280 gallon. Clam has grown from 5" to about 18" in 2 years. And is one of the family favorites.

Tank is 96" long by 36" high and 36" deep.

Lighting (6) 400 watt radiums on HQI's, (4) 160 watt VHO actinic and (4) 96 watt blue/pink actinic with 10K PC's. I was trying to achieve the widest amount of spectrum.

Thanks all, will put together equipment list and pictures. And post some updated pictures with top downs.

Rick

[Krazy]

Amazing SPS Growth !!

Love it !!

[mcliffy2]

That growth looks amazing. Why the decision to do the massive trimming?

[ricks]

The demands on Cal and Alk were staggering.... Also it was a flow/ light issue, and I wanted the reef to even out some. Not to mention the kind a $$$ you can get for all that coral. Just kidding if it was for money, I wouldn't be in this hobby.

I run a large dual chamber reactor. Drip Kalk at night, sodium bi-carbornate and sodium carbonate. And calcium chloride, by reefFiller dosing system 24/7.

I also have around 23 fish with 6 being large Tangs. Our blue grew from less than an 1" to almost 10" in 4 years. Most of the fish will eat from my hand...

Happy Reefing

[Tu Ku]

That goniopora is hands down the most impressive.

[ycnibrc]

wow....this make me want to buy the red flower pot and try it again. Awesome tank and growth.

[ycnibrc]

wow....this make me want to buy the red flower pot and try it again. Awesome tank and growth.

[am3gross]

your tank is inspiring! love every thing in it. very cool!

[GMFett]

ricks- incredibly beautiful set up. whatchu gonna do with all them corals? haha

[Harleyguy]

Very nice, I would love to see some "after" pictures...

[NickP123]

wow awesome tank

[yoboyjdizz]

Love the tank! Beautiful assortment of colors. Time for an upgrade haha...

[reefmutt]

Wow, really nice!!! Beautiful health.
I'd also LOVE to see the after shots...come to think of it I'd love to see the whole darn set up..
WHERE DA PICS- you might have created a (another) monster!

[Kentanner11]

Wow!

[McD57]

Sweet tank....great job!

Curious if you have external overflows, hard to tell for sure in the FTS.

I am ordering a similar sized tank (96 x 36 x 30) and would appreciate reading more about your set-up.

Thanks!

[RokleM]

Wow, that is certainly one of the most impressive tanks I've seen, with amazing growth.

I'm interested in the Tunze setup you have in the corners. It almost looks like there are two, but I only can see one holder.

[Deepsea2005]

Beautiful.

[ricks]

McD57, external overflows with about 4' to back wall. I can walk around tank, and the lights slide back so I can get into tank if needed. Although I have not been standing in the tank since I put the rock in. Some of the rocks weight about 75#. If it were me I'd go with 96 x 36 x 36 the extra height really helps with the look of the reef.

Roklem, now there are (3) 6201 on each side. Each has it's own holder I use the sure grip holders. But because the acrylic is 1" I also use a great white magnet cleaner with each. Large on outside small with mount on inside. Only problem is cost 155.00 for each set. If my math is correct that's 465.00 for the holders on them pumps...

This weekend I'll try to get some new topdown shots..

Happy Reefing

[ricks]

what 900 looks and no more responses??? Oh I know waiting for more photos?

[erics3000]

pics more more looks sweet..

[ricks]

Here are some top down shots I need a little work
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0232.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0233.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0231.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0230.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0229.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0227.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0224.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0221.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0220.jpg

[ricks]

These are some old shots from over a year ago
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0228.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0227-1.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0132.jpg

[MN. Reef crzy]

wow, dude that is alot of growth out of that clam in two years.

[ricks]

current left to right, think I need a new camera..

http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0236.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0237.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0238.jpg
[IMG]

[Bono]

That Giga is beautiful, how big is it? And what type of flowerpot is that? I've always wanted one but I've heard the livespan in a tank is less than 6 months so what's the secret?

Great looking tank BTW.

[ch0daboy]

looks like you lost that algae clip to the reef gods.

[MN. Reef crzy]

lol, yeah i saw that also. But, in any event looks great.

[NorthernCF]

Just stunning!

[ricks]

I think about 6 algae clips are in the rock work. Those damn Tangs tear them up, our blue is about 10" now...

[tizzy]

will you being selling any?

[customclimates]

Just awesome!

[Lo0seR]

Man how did I miss this thread? Very well done simple and clean, I just hope that my 300 comes out as nice. Wow just noticed you from Portland, I was just up that way on business. While I was there I stopped by a local LFS I think by Wilsonville, what a store.
One of the best reef shops I have been to period! Living is SoCal I have been to every LFS here, that one rates as good if not better than any down here.

[khoivo1]

hi,,what is it red string coral there on the left call?? is that red xenia or something?? ilike that

[OranguTang]

Beautiful tank, I hope mine looks half as good when I have growout.

[ricks]

tizzy, I trade frags for credit at LFS. I don't have a frag tank..

LoOseR, We have 3 nice saltwater stores the one in Wilsonville/ Tualatin is Upscale.

khoivol1, The red coral in the corner is a goniopora, flowerpot that was grown from the size of a golfball. To the size now of a basketball, it's one of my favorites..

Happy Reefing

[MV_ReEfLoVer]

WoW..Lovely tank.......definately TOTM material..

[new_world_disor]

amazing tank. that clam is WOWY !!

[ricks]

A few more shots still working on this old camera. Will post some equiptment shots later..
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0239.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0240.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0241.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0242.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0243.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0244.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0245.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0246.jpg
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/PICT0247.jpg

[MN. Reef crzy]

wow, extremely nice pics of the corals. The flower pot is huge.

[Reeftanks6]

what tang do u think picks at most of the algea

[ricks]

We have 5 large Tangs, the Blue is largest at about 10". Also have a Purple, Black, Kole and Powder Blue. Also have a large Foxface around 8-9", and a large 4-5" Copperband. Along with about 13-14 other fish. The Tangs are my favorite and will eat from my hand, If I don't let go of the food they nibble my fingers.

As far as algae goes none of them work very well. I keep them feed to well. But probably the Kole picks at the rocks the most, followed by the Purple and Powder Blue. The 10" blue is worthless when it comes to eating algae off the rocks. he is the first to the Nordi clip when I put that in the tank though..

yeah, I must have received a good specimen on that Flowerpot. It's been with me for over 5years and has grown to almost completely cover the rock I attached it to. when fully open it has taken over the left side, I have decide to let it grow, and make room whenever possible. I don't feed it anything other than the food I feed the fish.. I'll try and get around to some equipment shots...

[Michael7979]

Looks great!

Nice to see more NW people building/owning bigger tanks!!

(maybe I'll get my 240 up and running soon.......)

[Zoa Robber22]

how come you did not add any sand to the tank?

[ricks]

BB all the way, Baby.... In the past one of six large reefs had sand in it, would never have sand again.. I use a high flow low nutrient system, with sand neither is possible. a BB system is so much easier to operate and maintain.. The little detritus that settles in the front corners is easy the syphon out. I don't even have sand in my refugium... If I want sand I'll go to the beach...

[erics3000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11490991#post11490991 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ricks
BB all the way, Baby.... In the past one of six large reefs had sand in it, would never have sand again.. I use a high flow low nutrient system, with sand neither is possible. a BB system is so much easier to operate and maintain.. The little detritus that settles in the front corners is easy the syphon out. I don't even have sand in my refugium... If I want sand I'll go to the beach... :rollface:Funny LOL...

[drives300]

Its nice to see when some people put corals in they actually grow.LOLl

[ricks]

Here are some build pictures..

Old 280 to be replaced with 500. That's me before 3 days and 60+ hour change over. Did I say THANKS, to my wife???
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture001.jpg
Bringing the tank in... Notice I didn't measure well. Had to cut door and side windows out of the house..
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture003.jpg
Easy big fellow.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture004.jpg
Now the fun begins..
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture005.jpg
My first tenant.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture006.jpg
Was that hose A or hose B??
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture008.jpg

[ricks]

Can't gain much weight..
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture009.jpg
Tank will take a few gallons
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture012.jpg
The light rack pushes to the wall, I can stand in the tank.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture014.jpg
Some of the crew, including my daughter, now your on your own for college...
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture015.jpg
Myself, wife and a couple of the guys.... Thanks, All.
http://i268.photobucket.com/albums/jj20/ricksprinting/Picture018.jpg

[Elliott]

c'mon, plenty of room, you could have gone bigger! :lol:

[keon]

ricks, thats a sick reef and undrestanding family :). what do you keep water at? i.e. alk, ca, mg, trate, phos, temp, etc.

[invincible569]

How did i miss this thread?

Love seeing such great coral growth and especially the red one. Do you have trouble cleaning it from the top? It's a very tall tank. And does your daughter love your tank? Just curious if my daughters will grow up to love my obsession. ;)

[saltysupply]

looking good do you have a pick of the full stand on the old tank?

[reefmutt]

Bringing the tank in... Notice I didn't measure well. Had to cut door and side windows out of the house..

Too funny- great set of photos!

I admire your dedication!!

[BRISK495]

FOUND IT! NICE WORK!!

[ricks]

Keon

The demands on this system for Alk and Cal are staggering. that's one of the reasons I removed about 40# of coral. The other was I wanted to even the reef out a little, and introduce some new corals...

I have a large dual chamber reactor. I also have a 60 gallon fuge filled with cheato lit opposite the main tank. Dose Kalk at night to help stablalize the PH, also have a window open to prevent the build up of CO2. I put another dosing pump for calcium cloride, sodium carbonate and sodium bi carbonate. I think I'm somewhere around 20-25 teaspoons each per day, I buy it 5 gallon at a time...

Dkh around 9-10

Cal around 425-450

Mag runs high 1400 - 1500 I notice no problem from the elevated levels.

Trates are around zero, haven't tested for awhile. Let the corals tell me, also haven't added anything to bioload in 6 months.

Phos at 0 run large reactor with rowphos.

Temp stay at 78.0-79.0 with the help of a 1HP chiller, I also have a old 1/2 Hp chiller from one of my old systems for insurance if the other stops working. set to come on at 81.

Have large Etss skimmer that works good.

Invincible,

No trouble cleaning the tank, it requires a ladder, the top front opens to the ceiling, the light rack slides to the wall. And I can stand in the tank if needed. The amount of clearance allows me to lay on the top. I can reach almost to the bottom of the 36" depth. The rest can be reached with tongs, I would never have a tank less than 36" deep. the extra room allows the coral 2'-3' to grow and I think looks impressive. also give the fish room to swim over the reef like nature...

My kids girl and boy, don't appreciate what they have. After all they grew up with reef tanks, some day the bug will bite them??? I would rather they spend money on investment in the future. One thing a bout a large successful reef, is MONEY and lots of it.... Some people say otherwise, I know the truth.. when thing happen they can't wait for the next check, large reefs wait for no one...

Great hobby, I wouldn't trade it for anything. One of the best/worst stress relievers...

happy reefing all, thanks for checking out our thread.

[ricks]

Some people wanted to see this again

[tjh]

love that, large reefs wait for no one