View Full Version : My 3rd Reef Tank - Build Thread - Long Nano w/pics
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 11:34 AM
OK, I'm building a new tank. I wanted to start a thread to document and share my progress and experience, and hopefully learn something from the RC community too.
Thanks for looking, and comments and constructive criticism are welcome and appreciated!
Mathias
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 11:43 AM
First, I'd like to give a brief description of my background and experience in the hobby. If you couldn't care less, just skip to the next post...
I had several freshwater tanks growing up as a kid, but nothing special or out of the ordinary. When I bought my first house in 2002, it had a perfect build in cabinet that was perfect for a big long tank. So, I bought a six foot long 135 gallon glass tank to put on the cabinet with the intention of keeping an iguana. But, the shop that I bought the tank from was a reef shop, and when I went to pick the tank up, I saw my first reef tank, and was impressed. The iguana idea was quickly thrown out the window in favor of a reef tank, and I proceed to buy hang on equipment, substrate, and live rock, having no real clue what I was doing. I ran this tank for 2 years, and kept a variety of soft corals in it under power compact lighting. Things survived OK, but the tank never flourished. I read and learned an awful lot during this time, and I knew the next time around would receive a lot more up-front planning.
Then, I decided to build a nano tank. I bought an Alife 6 gallon glass cube (basically like the nano cubes), and did a bunch of mods to it. Upgraded the lighting, flow, filtration, plumbed in a 2.5G fuge with chaeto, temperature controller, ATO, etc. This tank was a LOT easier to maintain than the poorly planned 135g, and it did rather well. But, then due to my career, I had to move from Southern California to Minnesota after it had been running for 7 months, so I tore it down and sold off all of the livestock.
I've been in Minnesota for about 16 months now, and I'm ready to set up another reef tank, which brings me to my 3rd reef tank...
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 11:49 AM
In early October I started skulking around the RC forums again, looking for some inspiration for my next tank. And then, there it was, Calvin's beautiful 48" NTOTM:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1060365
I also saw this thread where navyav8tr copied calvin's tank design, and made a pretty cool shelf and canopy for it:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1097459
I decided I was going to follow in the footsteps of these pioneers and build something very similar.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 11:59 AM
I contacted Calvin, and talked to him about having him build me a tank similar to the tank he built for his NTOTM. I've done some acrylic work before, but nothing that was show quality. Basically I wanted the exact same build, except add the euro top with center brace, and plumbed for external pumps (calvin talked me into the external pumps).
Calvin and I came to an arrangement, and he got to work on the tank. He sent me a bunch of build pics during the process:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/319-2/DSCN3577.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/353-2/DSCN3656.jpg
And, the finished product:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/380-2/DSCN3700.jpg
The tank also has 3 sets of acrylic guides on each end of the sump box for filter pads and removable acrylic baffles. It has 6 locline return jets, 3 jets on 2 manifolds.
Outisde dimensions are 48"L x 12"D x 8.25" H. The clear acrylic is 3/8" thick, and the black divider wall is 1/4". This will give around 10.5 gallons in the display, and around 2-3 gallons in the sump, for a total water volume of 12-13 gallons.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:01 PM
I would like to make a special note to point out that Calvin rocks! He was great to work with, and payed very close attention to detail. He did an excellent job keeping me updated, and customizing the build to my needs. If anyone is interested in a tank like this, and doesn't want to do acrylic work themselves, I highly recommend contacting Calvin!
Thanks buddy, you made this build happen!
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:16 PM
While calvin was building the tank, I started gathering together some other equipment and making additional plans. Here's some of the equipment that I've bought:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/392-2/IMG_1974.JPG
For lighting, I'm going with a 4 x 54W T5 IceCap retro kit from ReefGeek. So, that's IceCap individual reflectors with two Vossloh-Schwabe electronic ballasts. I have 2 11000K Giesemann Aquablue plus bulbs, and 2 Giesemann pure actinic bulbs. I'm also adding two banks of LED moonlights to each end, with a 28-day moon phase timer.
For flow, I bought an Eheim 1260 Universal pump rated for 635 GPH, and a 3/4" SCWD. Each of the return manifolds is plumbed through the floor of the sump with its own individual 1/2" bulkhead. There are also (2) 3/4" drain bulkheads. So, my plan is to plumb both the drains into the input on the eheim pump below the tank, and then the pump output will be directed into the scwd. Each of the scwd outputs will be plumbed to one of the return manifolds, which each lead to 3 loc line jets back to the display.
I bought a Top-it-Off kit from aquahub.com, and an aqualifter pump to handle my ATO needs (I think ATO is pretty critical to a good, easy to maintain nano). The ATO equipment and reservoir will be stored beneath the tank in a "shelf-cabinet".
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:25 PM
I also have a ReefKeeper 1 controller from my last nano which I intend to use as the power center, timer, thermometer, and temperature controller for this new tank. The reefkeeper will be installed in the "shelf-cabinet". It will control a submersed ebo-jager heater in the sump area of the tank. Additionally, I will be installing (2) 4.5" "pancake" fans into the top of the canopy, which will evacuate heat, and chill the tank as necessary. The fans will also be temp controlled by the reefkeeper, and will only run when necessary.
The reefkeeper was a great addition to my last nano tank, I I highly recommend it to those considering one. I'd love an RK2, but I already had version one, which is good enough for me.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:29 PM
In the sump area, I intend to run a few different types of filtration in the various chambers. I will definitely dedicate a portion of the sump to a fuge, which I will stock with chaeto, and possible other beneficial filtering macro algae. I may run this on a reverse photo period if I can squeeze my 13W 6700K PC in the canopy, but things will be tight with four T5's up there already. Otherwise, the T5s will be more than sufficient for the fuge. I also plan on running 2 filter pads for mechanical filtration, which will be thoroughly cleaned/replaced weekly. In addition, I will put a bag of chemipure and a bag of purigen in the sump. Finally, I purchased a Sapphire Aquatics NC12 Nano Skimmer, which I will run in the sump area as well.
I don't buy the "over-filtering" arguments some people give. IME, you can never have enough filtration, and even with the best technology and over-kill filtration scheme, we're still falling short of pristine ocean conditions found on natural reefs...
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:39 PM
I tested 2 of the four bulbs. This is with one of each bulb type (tank is dirty with dust, needs to be washed still):
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/401-2/IMG_1983.JPG
I'm very pleased with the nice blueish-purple color of the light.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 12:44 PM
When we bought the new house in August 06, I just KNEW this would be a future site for some sort of fish tank. This is the view when walking in my front door:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/407-2/IMG_1985.JPG
To the immediate right is the kitchen and living room. Straight ahead and to the right is the family room where we have our couches and TV. To the left is the bedrooms.
Here is the shot from the family room direction:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/410-2/IMG_1986.JPG
The only problem with this location is the head of my bed in the master bedroom is directly on the opposite side of the wall where the tank will be mounted. I'd like to have this tank as quiet as possible. I'm hoping that eheim pump treats me well. I've read that the Sapphire skimmers are virtually silent. Those, and the intermittent fans should be the only moving parts, so fingers crossed.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 01:19 PM
Next step was to install brackets onto the mount location:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/419-2/IMG_1989.JPG
Fortunately for me, there was a stud perfectly centered on this wall between the two lamps where I intend to mount the tank. Then, I have a stud 16" to the left, and another 16" to the right that will both be under the tank, perfectly centered, leaving only 8" of overhang on each end.
I attached 3 heavy-duty shelving braces to the studs with (3) 3.5" lag bolts each. I positioned the braces so that the floor of the tank will be 54" off of the house floor, which is a good viewing height for more adults. Kids'll need a stool, but won't be tempted to tamper either.
While weight is a concern in these situations, I'm confident that this support will be more than sufficient. I weigh close to what I estimate the finished product will weight when filled and stocked, and I can do pullups on the tips of each of these braces individually, with absolutely no hint of protest from the wall structure. They're downright rock-solid, and I'm confident that I've exceeded my support needs by at least 3 fold.
Still on my todo list is to tap into the outlet pictured in the lower part of this image, and run some romex up through the wall to a GFCI outlet and box that will be located right beside the brace, directly above the existing outlet. This will keep the reef tank outlet out of sight once the shelf-cabinet is installed, and there will be no wiring visible at all.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 01:24 PM
Just testing the tank in position with an oak plank resting on the braces:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/422-2/IMG_1990.JPG
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/425-2/IMG_1991.JPG
So far I am happy with this setup.
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 01:36 PM
This weekend I headed over to the local home improvement store, and bought a cart full of select grade solid oak panels, planks, and trim:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/431-2/IMG_1993.JPG
I also bought a bunch of corrosion resistant hardware, and I went to work out in my shop.
I've built pool decks and patio covers before, but I've never tried my hand at "fine" woodworking, so I am quite pleased with the results.
After two long days in the shop this weekend, I produced the following shelf-cabinet and combo canopy assembly for this nano. :
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/437-2/IMG_1995.JPG
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/440-2/IMG_1996.JPG
The tank slides into the modling guides like a hand into a glove, and the canopy shuts snug and tight around the top edges of the tank.
The canopy swivels up for maintenance, and the front of the cabinet is hinged to swing down and open for access to the equipment that will be located below the tank. Still have to figure out a convenient way to prop the canopy up.... something more elegant than a stick:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/449-2/IMG_1999.JPG
The cutout in this end is where the ReefKeeper display will go:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/452-2/IMG_2000.JPG
mathias999us
12/17/2007, 01:41 PM
That's as far along as I am at this point in time. Next step is to stain and seal the woodwork. After that (or meanwhile), I will install electrical wiring. Then I need to start mounting all the equipment inside the cabinetry and canopy, and run the plumbing beneath the tank. Then, I think it's water time!!!
Woohoo!
workstoomuch
12/17/2007, 02:04 PM
WOW, that is gonna look bad frickin' *** when you walk into your house. Good job on the cabinet, are you going to stain it? Keep us updated.
eshook
12/17/2007, 02:09 PM
That is amazing. I love the clean look and 'floating' effect on the wall.
I will be watching this thread.
Devtech
12/17/2007, 07:03 PM
amazing work! cant wait to see it running! ill be tagging along!
TKByrnes
12/17/2007, 07:53 PM
WOW!!! That just makes me want to set up one like that!!!! Great work!!
saltyshoe_nano
12/17/2007, 07:58 PM
wow that is a nifty tank looking good...I like what you did with the sand/canopy floating....or would that be concidered a crown molding lol I donno but its lookin good
moprint
12/17/2007, 08:45 PM
Four t-5s on a 12" deep tank, isn't that gonna be a little much? The tank looks great just worried about the lighting.
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 06:47 AM
workstoomuch -
Thanks a bunch for the encouragement! Yeah, this spot was just begging for some sort of nice display... I put the first coat of spar varnish on last night, I'll post some pics here in a bit.
eshook -
Thank you very much! I like the floating look too, but I also chose this approach because the only way my wife would let me have a tank in this area is if I promised it wouldn't touch her wood floor! :D Great to have you along.
Devtech -
Thanks! I can't wait to get it running myself. Good to have you along as well.
TKByrnes -
Thanks much. :) Calvin's your man if you don't want to do acrylic work. Wish I could claim I made the tank too.... maybe next time. :p
saltyshoe -
Hey, thanks a bunch. I think some of the trim actually was crown molding. Not sure, I just browsed through the trim section at the hardware store and picked whatever I thought would look OK.
moprint -
It's actually only an 8.25" high tank, but 12" front to back. You may have a good point, but I'm not sure. Calvin's tank used 3 T5's and did well. I also saw someone set up a similar tank with 4 T5s, but he said he might remove one. The fourth will be completely over the sump except for the very ends, and the 3rd will be about half over the sump, and half over the display. With the bulb arrangement, that should give about one and a half pure actinics and one 11000K bulb exposed to the display area. There weren't a lot of 3-bulb or 1-bulb retro kits out there, and the ones that did were almost as much as 2 or four. I could always remove a bulb. I've seen people with 250W MH on 20G tanks that do well, so I'd be interested to hear some more opinions on my lighting. Thanks for the comment.
Mathias
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 07:12 AM
For the purpose of discussing the lighting comment, I should probably briefly mention my stocking plans as well. I'd like this to be primarily an LPS dominated tank. I would also like to take my first try at a clam or two, and maybe some hardier SPS species. If there are lower-light areas of the tank, like towards the back wall on the ends, I may keep some softies there as well. I will probably also put some inverts in here (shrimp, star, cuc), and 1 to 2 very small fish (still undecided on what species).
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 07:25 AM
Here's a shot with the canopy and front cabinet door removed, where you can clearly see the holes that were drilled for the plumbing:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/470-2/img_2013.jpg
The two large holes towards the middle are for the drain bulkheads, and the two smaller holes on the outsides are for the return manifold bulkheads.
The whole canopy/shelf-cabinet assembly weighs around 100 lbs just by itself, so it's a lot easier to get this thing up the stairs from my shop to the mounting site by removing the door and the canopy and making 3 trips!
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 07:34 AM
OK, I did what I believe to be my final woodworking task in this project last night. I mentioned earlier that I am going to mount (2) 4.5" pancake fans into the canopy that will be controlled by the reefkeeper. I will have one draw air in, and the other will remove air. I want these fans to draw and exhaust air out the top of the canopy, where they will not be visible. I considered using my router to make a series of slots in the top of the canopy where the fans will mount. But, I also do not want any ambient light from inside the canopy to leak out the top of the canopy and shine on the ceiling above the tank.
Instead of cutting slots with the router, I just cut 4" holes with a big hole saw (that poor little Makita 9.6V sure struggled with that job!). Then, I fashioned some "fancy" chamfered port covers out of some oak scrap, and fastened them to the top of the canopy over the fan holes.
Camera angle makes this look crooked for some reason, but here's a shot of the underside of one of the fan port covers I made:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/479-2/img_2001.jpg
Here's a pic of the holes I drilled for the fans. I placed the fans in the shot inside the canopy, but they will of course be mounted over the holes. You can also see, I installed some rails for mounting the the endcaps for the lights:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/458-2/img_2009.jpg
Fan port mounted on top:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/461-2/img_2010.jpg
Both Fan Ports:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/464-2/img_2011.jpg
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 07:43 AM
I also applied the first coat of spar varnish last night. I intend to do 3 coats total. I used Ace Hardware brand spar varnish that I had left over from when I did some wood work on my boat. I liked the way it looked on my boat, and has stood up to the weather and the elements very well over the past year, so it should provide plenty of protection against moisture, salt, and UV. Plus, the price is right. :D I really hate painting and staining stuff, but you gotta protect the wood, and the end result will be worth it I think.
Couple pics:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/476-2/img_2015.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/482-2/img_2016.jpg
mathias999us
12/18/2007, 08:00 AM
Yay! I can finally have my own avatar.
Alright, that's the latest status. Next steps are to add the additional two coats of varnish and install the GFCI outlet (unfortunately, I think I'll have to make a slight mod to my cabinet so it won't interfere with the new outlet, but shouldn't be too tough).
Getting closer and closer to adding water! :) Thanks for looking,
Mathias
calvin415
12/18/2007, 11:16 AM
Looking great bud! Thanks for the kind words, I can't wait to see it full of water!!! :D
johno4
12/18/2007, 11:29 AM
Great idea for the tank, it looks awsome. Keep us updated on the progress.
scottydo
12/18/2007, 01:51 PM
Nice job - looks good.
mathias999us
12/19/2007, 06:43 AM
Calvin -
Thanks a bunch! Glad you're tagging along. I can't wait to fill it with water too! I'll try to do your original concept justice! Gotta give you credit, you're the origin of this whole concept, I'm merely an appreciative imitator :)
johno4 -
Thanks very much for the compliment. Good to have your interest - I'll try to post regular updates, even if they are minimal.
scottydo -
Thanks man!
mathias999us
12/19/2007, 06:50 AM
My update is fairly lame today. The only thing I got done last night was I lightly sanded down the first coat of varnish, hit it all with a tack cloth, and added the second coat. I really don't see too much of a difference between the first and the second, and I'm thinking a third coat wouldn't make a noticeable difference, so I'm thinking of just stopping at two coats (did I mention I hate painting and staining?)
Here are some pics of the second coat:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/485-2/img_2019.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/488-2/img_2020.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/491-2/img_2021.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/497-2/img_2023.jpg
If I don't move forward with a third coat, hopefully I'll get the electrical work done this evening.
Thanks for reading everyone!
scottydo
12/19/2007, 09:38 AM
I stopped at the second coat on my stand too - 3rd coat is overkill.
mathias999us
12/19/2007, 01:20 PM
scottydo -
Thanks, I think you've reinforced my decision. :)
mikellini
12/19/2007, 08:05 PM
I really liked Calvin's tank when I saw it, but this one's poised to grasp my attention for quite a while. Very nice...
I want to do something very similar, except definitely taller and possibly a little wider. I wonder how much shipping would be from Colorado to Fort McMurray, Alberta...
TKByrnes
12/19/2007, 10:10 PM
Ok I cant take it any more!!!!! hurry up with the water!!!!!
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 06:12 AM
mikellini -
Thanks, glad you like it! I've heard other people say they would do it slightly taller too. The thing I like about the dimensions that calvin chose was how deceptively small the water volume is. It "looks" like a really big tank, and people are surprised when you tell them it's under 15 gallons total. I'd bet shipping would run ya close to $100. From CO to MN, it was close to $40, not including the excellent OSB packing job calvin did.
TKByrnes -
HAHA! If there's one thing I've learned in this hobby, it's that the best results come through planning and patience. :) That being said, I myself am chompin' at the bit to get 'er up and runnin'! Thanks. :)
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 06:23 AM
When I got home last night, the second coat of varnish was nice and dry. I left it in my shop with the heater running, and a box fan on medium to provide some gentle circulation throughout the shop - the box fan made a big difference IMO. I found a couple small spots that needed to be touched up with another dab of varnish. Then, I went for the electrical work. After hunting up and down the circuit breaker panel for 10 minutes finding the TWO that I needed to turn off (bottom plug was on a different circuit than top plug, glad I checked!), the job was a piece of cake, and was done in less than 10 minutes:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/500-2/img_2024.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/506-2/img_2026.jpg
The only problem here, is that I had been planning to have the plug on the left side of the stud (bracket), instead of the right. I hadn't realized that the lower plug was on the right side instead of the left, so it would have been a major PITA to put the new outlet on the left. This meant I had to cut a little out of the back panel on the cabinet, because there wasn't enough room. So, I whipped out my jigsaw, cut out the rectangle, and hit it with some varnish. Here's how it turned out:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/530-2/img_2034.jpg
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 06:31 AM
And now, finally some shots of the finished cabinet in place.
From family room:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/512-2/img_2028.jpg
Walking in my front door:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/515-2/img_2029.jpg
Tried a couple without the flash too:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/518-2/img_2030.jpg
You can see the blue reflection from my 6 gallon nano that is on the other side of the family room:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/524-2/img_2032.jpg
I really wasn't sure how this shelf-cabinet thing would turn out while I was planning it, but I must say, I'm not embarrassed of this. :)
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 06:35 AM
That's it so far! :) Now I get to do the REALLY fun stuff. Install the lights, fans, reefkeeper, and plumbing. Also gotta build/install the ATO kit, and find a good water reservoir that will fit into the bottom cabinet. I was thinking of possibly just using a 2.5G AGA. Maybe even a 5 if it will fit.
Thanks for reading!
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 02:55 PM
OK, this one goes out to any of you who have concerns about the structural integrity of this project.
This afternoon, I mounted the shelf in place. I did this by added seven (7) 3" exterior screws through the back boards into the studs. 3 on the left, 3 on the right, and one in the center of the cross brace. May be a bit tought to see, but here's a pic:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/539-2/img_2035.jpg
Now, here's a pic that's going to (hopefully) give me peace of mind about this situation for years to come:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/536-2/img_2036.jpg
I lugged all those darned things upstairs just to prove my point here. What you're looking at 380 pounds of freeweights resting on the shelving, plus we still have the additional 70 pounds of weight from the shelf itself (minus the canopy, which is not connected in the pic). The wall and cabinetry didn't even blink an eye. No cracking, creaking, moaning, nada. Not even a "shift". I can site my eye lengthwise along the top and bottom shelves, and they are still straight as an arrow. The only way this thing will come down will be to take the wall with it (I suppose that's still not out of the question, but I'm not worried a bit).
This is considerably more weight than the 250 pounds I am estimating the full tank and all equipment and cabinetry will weigh.
calvin415
12/20/2007, 03:11 PM
LOL!!!! Dude, I went through the same nagging when I put mine on the wall... Everyone thought it wouldn't hold, but alas that is why they are not engineers. ;) LOL!
mathias999us
12/20/2007, 03:14 PM
calvin -
HAHA! I think it's because the tank seriously looks a lot bigger than it really is, even in person. People don't believe it when you tell them its 12-13 gallons total. I mean c'mon, I could probably pick the darn thing up when it was full of water! :) Hard to picture unless you see in person I guess.
saltyshoe_nano
12/20/2007, 03:55 PM
I like that you showed how much weight it could hold to prove your point lol and its comeing along, very nice! Im ready to see what it looks like with water,rock,ect. :)
jdpierce21
12/20/2007, 06:40 PM
Very neat concept. I really like it. It's very different!
NewWorldWater
12/21/2007, 03:02 AM
Grade A work, very tastefully done. Looking forward to watching this thread.
navyav8tr
12/21/2007, 06:47 AM
Very nice work. I like how you have the bottom skirt of the tank so that you can store stuff in it. Great idea, wish I would have thought about it. The one thing that you will like as well by having the canopy pivoting up like that is the ability to clean it better. It can be a little touch at times getting into the corners.
As far as lighting goes I too am running 4x55W T5s and heat does sometime become an issue especially during the summer. I love these tanks though, Calvin truly does have a great design with this.
Philby
12/21/2007, 12:32 PM
Loving everything about this so far! Great job (calvin on the tank and Mathias on the vision/cabinetry)
What are your thoughts for LR - obviously you need much smaller pieces that normal with a tank like this...are you gonna get nano sized rocks from somewhere online? break up regular sized pieces from your LFS? or maybe even DIY some rocks to have the ultimate control of your aquascape?
alpine
12/21/2007, 02:18 PM
Great looking build you got going.I love the
shelf and canopy work,very nice.You've taken a very cool tank design and taken it a step further.You talked about adding a small sump underneath.Will this be a custom made acrylic sump,or something store bought?Personally I would go with a custom sump,to fit your space requirements and needs.You went this far out the box already,might as well keep going further.
All in all great project and I look forward to seeing it full of water and matured.Showed it to the wife and she loved the look and the design.
NanoReefWanabe
12/21/2007, 02:36 PM
looking very nice...and of course a superbly built tank yet again...
the only thing i dont like is how it kind looks unfinished hanging on the wall...almost like it needs something else on the bottom...like a couple pieces of wood on 45* angles to give it the shelf bracket look or something..
i dont know, something about it sticking out 14" into the hallway that makes it look a little funny...other then that the quality of the work is awesome...i can hardly wait to see it stocked and running..
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 06:13 PM
Sorry for the delay, I had company over for the holidays.
saltyshoe_nano -
Heh, thanks. Sometimes a pic is worth a thousand words I guess! I'm looking forward to gettin' it all up and running too!
jdpierce21 -
Thanks much! I didn't want to do just another cube :)
NewWorldWater -
Thanks a bunch! Glad to have you along.
navyav8tr -
Hey, glad you were able to see this! You were definitely part of my inspiration for this! Yes, I have my T5s up and running now, and the first thing I had to deal with was the excess heat. I believe I have an effective solution for now, but only time will tell with the warm temps of summer.
Philby -
Thanks very much! Glad you like it. For LR, I was thinking that I'd just order about 20 lbs of "Nano" rock from premium aquatics:
http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=L-NANO&Category_Code=Liverock
I was just going to make a long wall along the entire length of the black divider wall, which wraps around the divider walls at the ends also. I'm certainly open to suggestions on this though...
alpine -
Thanks a bunch alpine! My only plans for a sump are just the built-in sump box in the back of the tank. It's good sized, and very configurable. In the cabinet underneath, I'll just have the pump, ballasts, plumbing, ATO, and other equipment. I suppose the option for a lower sump still exists in the future though, since I have the bulkheads in the floor of the tank.
NanoReefWanabe -
HAHA, well, I guess you can't please 'em all. One guy wants to hide the brackets, someone else wants me to intentionally make it look like there are brackets. I like the clean floating look myself though. The only thing I can tell you about it sticking out 14" into the hall is that, it's a wide hall with a bend, so it's really out of the natural walking path, and fits quite naturally where it is IMO. Here's a pic for you from a different angle to give you a better idea:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/614-2/img_2061.jpg
Thanks for the support though, and glad to have your interest.
gregrocks79
12/27/2007, 06:28 PM
<B>I love you how mounted your tank to the wall, lookin good!
gregrocks79
12/27/2007, 06:28 PM
<B>I love you how mounted your tank to the wall, lookin good!
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 06:36 PM
OK, now for some updates.
Next, I got to work installing the fans and lights:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/548-2/img_2037.jpg
The fans fit nicely, but I had to "mod" the standoffs slightly to make them fit. The length of the hood proved to be DAM close, as in, if the bulbs were 1/16" longer, they wouldn't fit. But, everything fit nice and tight, so I can't complain.
I decided to mount the fourth bulb up higher than the other three for a few reasons. Mainly, this would allow the necessary height in the sump for some taller equipment, specifically, my sapphire skimmer. Additionally, this would greatly improve the air flow and ventalation in the hood, since if all four lights were mounted at the same height, the reflectors would essentially isolate the vents on the top of the canopy from the water's surface. Finally, I'm hoping that this will make the end areas of the tank in the back have a little bit lower lighting levels for some lower-light corals. The downside here is that this strip along the back of the tank will receive less light, but that shouldn't matter much, since this bulb is almost entirely over the sump box. I doubt the chaeto in my fuge will know the difference of a few inches in bulb height ;). I can always move the endcaps back down to mount on the rails in the future if I want.
A few other pics:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/566-2/img_2045.jpg
Bright!:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/560-2/img_2043.jpg
This tank is dusty!
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/551-2/img_2040.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/575-2/img_2048.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/578-2/img_2049.jpg
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 06:44 PM
gregrocks79 -
Thanks man! I'm diggin' it too so far.
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 06:53 PM
OK, next it was on to the plumbing. After a lot of hunting through bins at the local hardware stores, I was able to find all the fittings I needed to put the plumbing together. This was somewhere through the process, doing a leak test:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/584-2/img_2051.jpg
No leaks, so I was finally able to fill 'er up with water:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/599-2/img_2056.jpg
Bubbles died down after a few hours:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/608-2/img_2059.jpg
reefman13
12/27/2007, 06:59 PM
NOW TO STOCK IT!!!!
Nice job.
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:07 PM
reefman13 -
Hehehe, yeah.... I'm gonna take my time with that, but it's getting to be about time. Thanks!
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:15 PM
After finishing this work, I encountered a bit of a roadblock with my plan. I discovered that when the light ballasts were hooked up to the reefkeeper, it would continually restart every 15-20 seconds, each time shutting the whole system down for about 10 seconds. I spent the better part of an afternoon trying to diagnose the problem, swapping plugs around, moving the ballasts, googling, and coming up with nothing. The only thing I was pretty sure about was that the ballasts were generating some sort of interference that the reefkeeper didn't like. Finally, I found a post from a guy who had a TV reception problem caused by his IceCap flourescent lights. After he spent an hour on the phone with IceCap, they told him to try to ground his reflectors. This seemed to fix his TV problems, so I tried it also. The reefkeeper problem immediately went away, and hasn't happened since. So, apparently, a grounded metal sheet or mesh that runs the length of the bulbs drains off enough of the EMI generated by the lights to reduce interference problems. So, problem solved, woohoo!
saltyshoe_nano
12/27/2007, 07:28 PM
and so it begins? :)
saltyshoe_nano
12/27/2007, 07:28 PM
dbl post :rollface:
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:29 PM
The next morning, I ran into another problem - heat. As soon as the bulbs turned on in the morning, the tank would start to heat up, and the fans would kick on. But, the fans weren't able to control the temperature effectively. So, I did a few things to remedy this. I removed the decorative fan caps because they were creating a restriction on the flow. This made a difference, but not as much as I wanted. Next, I installed two additional fans to blow directly on the surface of the water. This made a big difference, and all four fans could easily cool the water down very quickly. But, it was a bit loud. I changed the hood fans out for some quiter ones, then, I split the fans up on two different power supplies. One hood fan and one water fan run on a 6 volt supply, which is slower, but VERY quiet, nearly silent.. The other two run on a 12v supply, which moves a lot more air, but is a lot louder. I have the reefkeeper set to heat the water to 79.0 on the heater circuit. Then, the quiet fans kick on at 79.3 and drop the temp to 79.2 to turn off. Finally, I have the louder fans also kick on at 79.4 and drop the temp to 79.3 to turn off. So, if the quiet fans can't keep the temp below 79.3, then the loud backup fans kick in, and all four fans run. So far, the quiet lower voltage pair is easily keeping the temperature under control by themselves. I expect in the summer that the louder fans may need to run occasionally, and if things are really bad, I might prop open the canopy and/or remove the 4th bulb over the sump.
Here's a pic of one of the new fans I installed that blow on the water. You can also see where my sapphire skimmer sits in the sump box here too:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/626-2/img_2065.jpg
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:30 PM
saltyshoe_nano -
ALMOST there.... :) Almost....
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:37 PM
Installed my ATO from AquaHub:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/632-2/img_2067.jpg
Used a 2.5 gallon glass tank for my FW reservoir. It was a tight fit, but it made it. Also got my pump and SCWD wrapped up in sound insulation here, which made a big difference. The eheim pump is REALLY quiet. The tiny submersible pump on the sapphire skimmer is louder than the big eHeim, so it was worth the extra bucks. Also, the aqualifter pump for the ATO is basically silent, which is great:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/635-2/img_2068.jpg
mathias999us
12/27/2007, 07:43 PM
Added some caribsea Fiji Pink Aragonite, and let it clear up. I think it looks pretty good:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/638-2/img_2069.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/668-2/img_2079.jpg
That's as far along as I am at this point. Next step is to order some LR. So far my plan is just to order around 20lbs of "nano" LR from Premium Aquatics, and build an open wall all along the bank and around the corners that leans against the black divider wall.
If anyone has a better idea for LR, I'd certainly be interested to hear. Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks for reading,
Mathias
saltyshoe_nano
12/27/2007, 08:17 PM
that tank is awesome! lol I want one lol I just got mine up and running you should check it out lol nothin like your but keeps me occupied lol heres a link :) sorry if you think its a hijack.....:( cause its not :p
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1272461
Zestay
12/27/2007, 11:30 PM
ok i have to disagree on the mounting location.. i think its a horrible idea.. i mean.. your going to have to STAND up to stare into your tank for hours on end...=)
only kidding man. looks awesome good luck with the tank. you say your ideas for a skimmer yet?
pardalis
12/28/2007, 01:37 AM
Very cool tank!!!
mathias999us
12/28/2007, 08:16 AM
saltyshoe_nano -
Thanks, that tank looks pretty neat. I'm liking the shallow and wide/deep layout. Good for all your inhabitants. I'll follow along with that.
Zestay -
Heh, it's true, standing gives the best view. Thanks for the encouragement. Yep, I have a sapphire NC12 skimmer in part of the sump compartment, next to the overflows on one end.
pardalis -
Thanks!
saltyshoe_nano
12/28/2007, 10:43 AM
lol install a bench on the other side of the wall...you seem to be quite the handy man so it shouldnt be to big of a problem...or just keep the wooden one :lol: :bum:
sfsuphysics
12/28/2007, 11:28 AM
Wow that is some awesome work on the cabinetry and really serves a major purpose both holding everything and hiding everything I love it! I was going to do something similar for a nano-contest a couple years back where I'd build a 5 foot long tank along the contours of my fireplace mantle, but then found out my acrylic fab skills ... well suck pretty badly ... so nothing came of it, but yikes man I'm impressed by what I see.
D to the P
12/28/2007, 11:32 AM
everyone standing in that hallway to marvel at your tank might be a fire hazard! haha, that really is a beautiful piece of work, can't wait to see it with some livestock.
alpine
12/28/2007, 11:49 AM
Mathias
Looks like some serious progress has come along.The tank is looking great.For some reason I thought you were going to run a mini sump in the cabinet,since you had installed bulkheads.
As for liverock,you should definately get a nice piece of tonga branch in there.Of course you might have to break it up some,but it would look awesome with some zoas growing all over it.My friend has a 72 bowfront with a large multibranching piece of tonga in his tank with various colors of zoas growing all over it.It looks totally awesome.
Devtech
12/28/2007, 12:19 PM
looking nice mathias, tank is coming along great, mines in the algae stage looking really ugly lol i hate this stage
mathias999us
12/29/2007, 08:34 AM
saltyshoe_nano -
Heh, ironically, my wife was just suggesting that... it may be one of my next projects. ;)
sfsuphysics -
Thanks! I had calvin415 fab the acrylic for me. I've made some acrylic sumps before, but nothing clean enough for a display piece. I think acrylic fab probably just has a bit of a learning curve. Thanks for the compliments.
D to the P -
HAHA, maybe I'll put a fire extinguisher in the tank cabinet ;). Thanks for the kind words.
alpine -
I see. I have the bulkheads installed because I'm running an external pump for a closed loop / return pump for the sump chamber in the rear of the tank. So the bulkheads lead to a pump and a scwd in the cabinet below. For the LR, unfortunately, my LFS's suck, so I won't get a chance to hand pick anything. I think you're right though, so long branches would look cool. I took my chances with the nano LR from Premium Aquatics, so we'll see what they send. Thanks for the encouragement!
Devtech -
Thanks! I know what you mean about the algae stage. I have another little 6gal nano that's currently cycling for about 4 weeks now, and just started to get diatom bloom and first signs of hair algae. I'll probably manually clean it up a bit, and put a CUC in soon. I've been following your tank, time for an update man! :)
mathias999us
12/29/2007, 08:47 AM
Well, I've ordered my 20 pounds of NANO LR from premium aquatics, but it's not supposed to be here until next friday, so that's probably it for updates until I get the rock put in next weekend. Then I'll post some pics of my aquascaping.
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 07:00 AM
OK, so first premium aquatics apologized last week that they were behind because of the holidays, and they wouldn't be able to ship my order until yesterday. Then, yesterday, they said they didn't want to ship because the temps there had dropped below 20F, and they don't like to ship livestock when it's that cold, including rock. They wanted to ship next monday, but it's still supposed to be cold in MN for me next week, so I don't think delaying solves the problem. I cancelled my order (which they were really cool about), and went to a good LFS that's about 45 miles from my house (Ocean Devotion in Burnsville, MN), and the owner helped me pick out some LR. It's "Indo/Tonga", with some decent colors, but not the most colorful I've ever seen. But there was a great variety of colors (pinks, purples, oranges, reds, and greens) and other life on the rocks, and I'm sure it'll really color up more in short time. The guy at the LFS (Ed I think?) was very helpful, and cherry picked most of the best nano-sized pieces he had in stock, and he also gave me a price break because I was specifically looking for smaller-sized pieces. I got my preliminary aquascaping done last night, and just letting things settle a bit now. I'll post pics tonight.
MinibowMatt
01/03/2008, 07:29 AM
AWESOME!
Calvin is a great guy, I have spoke with him about acrylic work too.
Your tank is nice, and I like your woodworking! Im slightly concerned that the insulation wrapped around your pump may cause it to overheat and die.. something to think about...
Very good build thread!
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 07:32 AM
MinibowMatt -
Yeah, I was concerned about that too. I've been keeping my eye on it, and stick my hand inside to feel the pump occasionally, and it runs pretty cool. I think eheim makes a great pump. I agree with you though, it's definitely something to be monitored. Thanks for the compliments!
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 04:27 PM
OK, here's my initial aquascaping. This is the point where I admit that, I don't feel like I'm a very good aquascaper, and somehow I can never seem to get to an arrangement I am satisfied with. That being said, I had a few goals in mind with this arrangement:
[list=1]
Easy maintenance, room to clean front and sides of display on the inside
Plenty of good spots to place corals
Stable structure that is not falling down every time I bump it with the back of my hand
Conceal the return jets
Open structure to promote good flow
[/list=1]
This rock has a decent amount of color on it, but it does need some more time to color up. For some reason, the lights or my camera make it look really white in the pics (I'm a point and shoot photographer, nothing more), it definitely has more color in person.
In total, I squeezed 20.5 lbs of LR into this 10.5g display! Anyway, here's a bunch of pics:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/671-2/img_2083.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/677-2/img_2085.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/689-2/img_2089.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/695-2/img_2091.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/716-2/img_2098.jpg http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/719-2/img_2099.jpg
Right end shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/680-2/img_2086.jpg
Left end shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/683-2/img_2087.jpg
Hard to get a shot of this, but there is space along the length behind the structure for flow. Here's an attempt:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/686-2/img_2088.jpg
jwhyne
01/03/2008, 04:31 PM
Looks awesome!
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 04:31 PM
And, my lame attempt to make a multi-image panorama. I didn't even bother to stitch it together...:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/698-2/sta_2092.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/701-2/stb_2093.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/704-2/stc_2094.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/707-2/std_2095.jpg http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/710-2/ste_2096.jpg
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 04:35 PM
jwhyne -
Thanks! Glad ya like it.
calvin415
01/03/2008, 04:37 PM
Mathias I love it bro!!!! Coraline will grow in time, but you probably want to limit the light cycle for now to try to control the diatom bloom that will come in the next week. :D I cooked my rock for months in a trash can in my basement and then cycled the tank with no lights and never had an outbreak. ;)
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 04:43 PM
If anyone has any comments or suggestions to improve my aquascaping, I'd certainly be interested.
Now I've come to a sad realization. My build phase of this tank is essentially complete. :( Everyone has their favorite aspect to this hobby, and mine is definitely the equipment and the build process.
This will probably be my last update for a while. I'm gonna let this thing just chill out for about a month now, and fully cycle. I'll probably add a CUC in early February. I'll post some more pics then. I'll try to take some photos along the way to hopefully achieve a bit of a time-lapse sequence of the rocks coloring up over the next month.
Thanks everyone for your interest and encouragement!!! I'll post updates after the cycle.
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 04:46 PM
Calvin -
Thanks man! I'm certainly glad to have your approval on this one. ;) I aspire to have a tank almost as nice as what you had. Yeah, I think I'll keep my eye out for diatom, and probably cut the lights back a bit good idea. I've been running the whites for 10 hours per day, and the actinics for 12 hours per day, with an hour overhang in the morning and at night for sunrise/set.
saltyshoe_nano
01/03/2008, 06:00 PM
hey lookin good mathias! I like the aquascaping keepup the good work....oh and did ya get any hitchhikers on the rocks well that you can see at least :)
mathias999us
01/03/2008, 06:11 PM
Hey saltyshoe - thanks. All I've seen for hitchikers so far is some copods. I'm keeping my eye out though.
ThunderousTalon
01/03/2008, 08:09 PM
I'm in awe.... Calvin i'll be contacting you really soon! ;) Decide on a fish or any yet?
You do one fish, i say go w/ a six-line, canary wrasse or cherub pygmy. i know its a 10gallon, but theres imo enough length or maybe i'm just nuts. Any of the 3 would show off the lenght and be very interactive the whole way down and show it off.
johno4
01/03/2008, 08:23 PM
The tank is sweet looking! I think since you are going to let the rock color up before adding anything you have time to "play" with the aquascape a bit more. I think it would be nice if you had more caves/tunnels in your aquascape, although its got to be tough given the depth you have to work with.
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 10:49 AM
ThunderousTalon -
Wow, thanks! Glad you like it. I think I'd like to put 2 fish in this tank. One that is active and swimming, and one that likes to lurk a bit more. I love your idea of getting a fish whose behavior will emphasize the length of the tank. I bet you're right too, I could probably put a fish that you usually wouldn't put in a 10g because the dimensions of this tank provide a LOT of ground surface area and length for swimming compared to a cube or normal glass 10g tank. I'm liking the six line wrasse idea, and maybe some type of goby to go along with it, like a green clown goby or a rainfordi. Thanks for the ideas!
johno4 -
Thanks a bunch! I tried playing around with the aquascaping a bit more, but making 3 different "island" piles, and also tried focusing on making more caves, but I can't find anything that works better than the original for me. There are so many constains between height, depth, stability, and also concealing the 6 return jets, while leaving openings for the flow to come out, it's a lot to contend to. I went back to the original layout for now. There are a fair number of caves and caverns though, it's hard to get a sense of depth from the pics probably. Thanks for the suggestions.
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 10:56 AM
Quick update -
I've had the rock in for about 3 days now. Starting to get some diatom already, so I'll likely cut the light cycle back a bit soon. I've noticed that a lot of the original color that was on the rock has bleached quite a bit. Not sure if that's from the high intensity lighting, or whether it's just from the stress of moving the rock. Also, the saphhire skimmer has really kicked into gear now. It's finally producing skimmate, and the microbubble production has really died down. I think it will prove to be a very decent skimmer for this tank.
Fish question. Do you think it's OK for me to put a fish in this tank that you normally wouldn't find in a 10.5 gallon? I think ThunderousTalon has a good point here... I believe that usually the reason that you can't keep certain fish in a small tank has more to do with the available ground surface area for swimming, rather than the total volume of water. This tank has a LOT of ground area because of its dimensions... probably even more than a 30 gallon cube. Could I put a fish in here that you'd usually find only in a >= 30 gallon tank, like a 6 line wrasse? How about a wrasse and a goby?
Thanks for your input!
alpine
01/05/2008, 11:47 AM
Hey Mathias
Looking good,your definately going to go thru a few variations on aquascapeing.Especially when you start buying corals,having to move things around to make room for corals that are on there own rocks.Also you should really cut back on the light,like everybody is advising you to.Personally I would just use the actinics until you get some corals in there and cut the actinics time down by about 4hrs.Coraline does bleach as well,so its definately not from being moved from the store to your house.
Also a small tip.I have always had great success growing coraline algae useing coral vital.As for the fish,well no comment on that one,as I've never had a wrasse before.
Moving along,the tank looks great,and I'm sure I speak for everybody whos following your build.When I say we look forward to seeing some corals and fish in there.
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 11:49 AM
Thanks alpine. Are you saying you think that the coraline may have bleached because the light is too bright? Are you saying I should cut back on the lights just to avoid a diatom bloom?
Thanks for the input and support.
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 11:53 AM
Thought I'd post an update of the skimmer. I think the collection cup fits a little on the loose side on this model of Sapphire skimmer. I put a rubber band around the bottom, and that has improved the seal quite a bit, although not perfect. I like to skim on the wet side, so I have it set to skim pretty wet. This is my first cup of good skimmate. It's really about 18 hours worth of skimmate, so I think this little thing is performing really well! It's a bit on the loud side, but I'm happy with it.
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/722-2/img_2100.jpg
Like I said, I like to skim on the wet side, but I may raise the cup for some drier skimmate, especially since it seems to be performing so well, and with only LR in the tank too!
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 12:30 PM
alpine and calvin -
I've cut the light back now like suggested. Aquablues are always off, and actinics will run 8 hours per day.
alpine
01/05/2008, 08:57 PM
Yep coraline can bleach just like a coral does.
mathias999us
01/05/2008, 08:58 PM
Well, this is a good preliminary indication that I'll need to be extra careful with photo aclimating corals in this tank I think... Thanks.
eshook
01/05/2008, 11:35 PM
The tank looks great. I'm looking forward to seeing cucs or snails and eventually a fish or shrimp.
mathias999us
01/06/2008, 07:14 AM
eshook -
Cool, thanks! Yeah me too.... now is the test of patience. :)
workstoomuch
01/06/2008, 10:37 AM
Your tank turned out awesome, it was fun following your thread. Good, good job.
mathias999us
01/06/2008, 11:43 AM
Thanks workstoomuch! I'm glad you like it.
Water Box
01/06/2008, 09:15 PM
And to think I just hung a picture on my bare wall.....where's my screw gun!!!
mathias999us
01/07/2008, 06:19 AM
HAHA, I think the previous owner had a Thomas Kinkade painting there or something very similar. Good spot for that too, or a grandfather clock or something.
mathias999us
01/07/2008, 06:36 AM
Quick update: getting diatoms, and have cut the lights back to only actinics for 8 hours per day. Also, I had mentioned previously that a lot of the coraline bleached on the new rock. But, I had put a couple pieces in my 6 gallon nano that has 2x18W PC, and it bleached in there too. In the past when I ran the 6g tank, it had great coraline growth, so I'm not certain if it was just the lights in the long tank that bleached the coraline. Also, the sapphire skimmer has really kicked into high gear, and every morning when I get up, the collection cup is completely full of green/brown tea-colored skimmate.
gmatta
01/08/2008, 12:10 PM
really cool tank! may i sugest a firefish or a citron gobie
gmatta
01/08/2008, 12:11 PM
oh, are you adding any snails or crabs?
mathias999us
01/08/2008, 12:14 PM
gmatta -
Cool, glad you like the tank, and thanks for the suggestions. Yeah, I'll probably add a pretty typical cleanup crew consisting of a few each of ceryth snails, nassasrius snails, astrea/trochus snails, and a few hermits. I'd like to put a star in here too, but haven't given it too much thought yet.
WZHANG
01/08/2008, 03:30 PM
sweet tank, can't wait to see it stocked. Keep up the good work!
TypeSH
01/08/2008, 11:13 PM
Looking good Mathias. I love the carpentry work.
Can't wait to see the tank stocked :)
Sam
ooja3k
01/08/2008, 11:31 PM
I think the bleaching effect is really coralline die off...
I had the same thing happen when the coralline that i had growing on the walls of my aquarium died off after being out of the water for about 30 minutes...
It will grow back eventually...
mathias999us
01/09/2008, 07:00 AM
won digity - Thanks! I'm glad you like it. This period is certainly a test of my patience after all the work and planning I've put into this. ;)
Hey Sam -
Glad you stopped by. I wish I still had some of your frags left to put into this tank. :) I got my other tank up and running now with some of the rock you gave me a couple years ago though! Amazingly enough, it has colored up on its own, after sitting in a black trashbag completely dried out for 2 years!
ooja3k - I think you are right. It was about a 50 minute drive from the LFS to my house, and another 30-40 minutes of spreading all the pieces out on towels to see them all at once and decide on their placement. It's just another thing to be patient about in this hobby I guess. ;)
Since I'm responding, brief update:
The LR has been in the tank a week now, and the skimmer is pulling a full cup of green/brown gunk about every 12 hours. I think since this tank has such a large water surface area, and all the flow is going over the overflows, it allows the skimmer to work very efficiently. That big surface area acts like a huge magnet for the pollutants and directs it right into the skimmer.
Ran basic water tests last night, and it's still cycling.... seems like its leaving the ammonia phase and entering the nitrite phase. Here's where I'm at:
Total Ammonia: 0.2
Nitrite: 5-10ppm
Nitrate: 2-3ppm
pH: 8.1-8.2
Alk: 9.1 dKH
SPG: 1.026
This is about what I'd expect at this point, and looks like everything's on track.
Thanks for reading!
conorwynne
01/09/2008, 07:10 AM
That's pretty cool Matthias, I did think your tank was setup too quickly, I know mine took a month to fully cycle -- and I used LR from a previous long established tank.
There was another cycle as I had cooked the LR prior to setting up the new tank -- algal issues you see... I was quite amazed any getting a cycle at all! But there you go.
regards
Conor
mathias999us
01/09/2008, 07:12 AM
Set up too quickly? I'm still cycling it...
conorwynne
01/09/2008, 07:17 AM
Oh sorry Matthias, I must have been thinking of another thread that you are also on... lol
mathias999us
01/09/2008, 07:23 AM
HAHA, no prob. I was wondering if I had overlooked something here! I know, it's a lot to keep track of when you dig in here and subscribe to a bunch of threads, they have a tendency to start bleeding together a bit in your mind. ;)
Fish.Nemo
01/09/2008, 07:25 AM
nice!
mathias999us
01/09/2008, 07:25 AM
Thanks Fish.Nemo.
mathias999us
01/11/2008, 10:49 AM
I have TONS of coepods and amphipods in the tank now. Also saw what looked like a centipede crawling around on the rocks like it was hunting (definitely not a bristle worm), probably about 3/4" long. It went behind the rocks, and I haven't seen it yet again. I'll be on the lookout to try to snap a pic of it.
Cutting the lights back really took care of the diatom, most of it is completely gone, and it's on the retreat. However, I have what I believe to be bryopsis popping up all over the place now. Here's a pic:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/755-2/img_2114.jpg
It's whispy, feathery stuff that sways in the current. I'm getting quite a bit of it all throughout the tank. Should I be concerned about this at this early stage? Should I be considering the elevated Magnesium attack this early? Arg, hate to get things started on a bad foot here...
ooja3k
01/11/2008, 11:17 AM
you may want to consider the mag attack option...
Are there no known natural predators of bryopsis?
Do you have any sort of cleanup crew yet? And where are you in your cycle?
mathias999us
01/11/2008, 11:19 AM
I think there are some predators, but they aren't very effective, like urchins and slugs?
No cleanup crew yet, I'm in day 10 of my cycle... I've had water in the tank for close to 3 weeks, but rock was added about 10 days ago.
ooja3k
01/11/2008, 11:30 AM
I gotcha.
Is your cycle close to done? What are your parameters?
mathias999us
01/11/2008, 12:22 PM
Guessing I'm about half way through, there's still a trace of ammonia, like 0.1. Nitrite is around 2ppm, and nitrate is around 5ppm.
TypeSH
01/11/2008, 05:27 PM
I would keep an eye on that algae. I had some of that stuff and it completely took over my rocks. It's definitely going to be easier to remove while it hasn't spread everywhere yet.
I can't tell from the pictures. Is that an aqua controller on the side?
Thanks,
Sam
mathias999us
01/11/2008, 05:32 PM
Hey Sam,
Thanks, I'm definitely concerned about it at this point - I'd say it's bryopsis-ish at least, which isn't good. Sucks, this new rock too. Arg.
On the side is a ReefKeeper version 1. Version 2 would be great, but I already had this, and it's a good little unit.
conorwynne
01/11/2008, 06:09 PM
A sea hare & increased mag will sort it out. Had it in mine, now its gone bye bye's.
Nothing to worry about. My skimmer is rubbish, no sump, not even a fuge. Likely the most basic tank on reefcentral ;-(
I can show you pics if you like. I used to panic when I saw it, coz my last tank was destroyed with it -- I used the same rock in this new one, had bryopisis for a while, and now I cannot find any algae left at all.
Use PO4 remover too. Works a treat.
Regards
Conor
conorwynne
01/11/2008, 06:15 PM
Maybe just increase mag and reduce PO4, may be too soon for a sea hare. Dunno.
Mine stopped eating when I accidentally raised calc to 500+
I thought it was dead and hidden somewhere... started to panic as I was worried it would release toxins and kill stuff.
mathias999us
01/12/2008, 08:16 AM
Thanks conorwynne. I checked my params again today, and ammonia and nitrite are gone now. I think it was a quick cycle because I got the rock locally. Time for a CUC I think... I may try the phosphate remover if things get tough too. Thanks for the suggestions.
SeaSerpant
01/12/2008, 12:45 PM
it looks awesome what kind of livestock do you expect to put in?
mathias999us
01/13/2008, 07:17 AM
SeaSerpant -
Thanks! I plan to make an LPS dominated tank, and also keep some hardier SPS species, and 1-2 clams. I'll probably keep 2-3 fish in here as well, species still undecided. Also, I'll have a typical CUC, and maybe some shrimp. Going for high bioload but I think I have the filtration and amount of rock to handle quite a bit.
conorwynne
01/14/2008, 12:24 PM
Yippee, so we can expect some nice pics soon!
If I were you, I wouldn't consider a tank without phosban, a little goes a really long way you know. It is far more important than increasing magnesium. Mag is great to aid the death of nuisance algae, but the real cure is zero phosphates!
Can we have a FTS please?
Regards
Conor.
saltyshoe_nano
01/14/2008, 03:00 PM
Mathias, any new pics??
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 06:38 PM
conorwynne -
Thanks for the tip. I was considering using a phosphate remover... I very well may. For now, my initial CUC seems to be working well, but not sure how long that alone will last. FTS coming up. :)
saltyshoe -
Hey, I'll post a bunch of pics in a few minutes here. Thanks for staying tuned. :)
alpine
01/14/2008, 06:58 PM
Ok Mathias
Now you got us waiting for those pics =).
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 07:01 PM
OK, here's an update guys. I haven't had any ammonia and nitrates since last Wednesday evening. I've got pods gallore, some bryopsis-looking stuff growing, some valonia, and color coming back on the coraline. So, I added the following CUC on Saturday evening
1 Turbo Snail
4 Cerith Snails
4 Nassarius Snails
4 Trochus Snails
4 Blue Leg Hermits (Actually one of these turned out to be a zebra)
1 Emerald Green Crab
I know this was a little premature, but I my readings have shown cycle is over for several days (got the rock locally, so this probably helped a lot) and I wanted to get a head start on the algae.
The good news is that everyone in the CUC is doing quite well. The GREAT news is that, whatever my bryopsis-looking stuff is, the blue-leg hermits seem to love it. So, they are well fed for now, and they are keeping the algae tamed back.
I also went to my first TCMAS meeting on Sunday night and became a club member. Aside from some cool zoa frags I got for my other tank, I got a nice big bag of Chaeto from HermitSolo (thanks bro!) and I got some awesome red Rhodophya macro algae. I shoulda joined a club a long time ago! :)
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 07:06 PM
Here's a BUNCH of pics for your viewing pleasure. I played around a bunch this time with the Exposure, ISO, and white balance settings on my camera, so the pics may not be consistent in quality, but I think they look much improved over many of my previous pics.
Entryway shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/761-2/img_2122.jpg
One of my nassarius cruisin' the sandbed:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/764-2/img_2124.jpg
Couple of left-end shots. Which of these next two do you think looks better?
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/767-2/img_2127.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/770-2/img_2128.jpg
Left-End front shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/773-2/img_2129.jpg
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 07:12 PM
Here's a couple shots of the Rhodophya. Got this from gogregerson - Thanks man! This stuff is REALLY vibrant. I couldn't quite get all the colors to show up in the camera in the same shot. Under my lights, it's a nice rich red color, and the edges and tips of it look flourescent orange. Really pretty. It's a non-rooting macro algae that tangs like to eat, and it does not become invasive so it's easy to manage. I love to watch it sway back and forth in the motion the scwd makes in the tank:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/776-2/img_2130.jpg
This image isn't as good, but you can see the flourescent orange color:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/779-2/img_2133.jpg
The whole crop:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/782-2/img_2134.jpg
My coraline color is really starting to come back already. I'm even getting some patches of some really cool looking turquoise coraline, I hope this continues!
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/785-2/img_2136.jpg
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 07:16 PM
My turbo - he's got dark purple striping on his shell. He's very active, and has really been earning his keep so far:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/788-2/img_2138.jpg
One of my trochus cleaning the black divider wall:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/791-2/img_2140.jpg
Right-end front shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/794-2/img_2141.jpg
Right-end shot:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/797-2/img_2142.jpg
And finally, a slightly crooked FTS:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/800-2/img_2143.jpg
Thanks for looking!
saltyshoe_nano
01/14/2008, 07:42 PM
lookin really good! lol ever decide what your ganna have in it...fish wise??
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 07:47 PM
Thanks saltyshoe. Ya know, I actually still haven't decided on fish. :) I don't think I want to do the pistol shrimp thing - I don't want to hear noise coming from the tank. But a mated goby pair, like maybe green stripes, and SOMETHING else too that will swim up and down the tank. :)
alpine
01/14/2008, 07:55 PM
Thats what i'm talking about Mathias!Tank is looking great as well.Oh yeah.On those two pics you asked which looked better.I like the second one better.
So when are the fish and corals coming?You know thats what were all waiting for.
mathias999us
01/14/2008, 08:04 PM
HAHA, thanks alpine. I agree, I liked the second pic better too, but I wasn't sure if it was too yellow, or whether people like the bluer shots better. It's tough, in person it looks less blue than my bluer shots, but bluer than the non-blue if that makes sense. :)
Fish and corals in due time. Gonna let things settle out for at least a couple weeks here, let things stabalize more, etc. Need to contemplate what my first coral addition should be! :)
APISTOBORELLI
01/14/2008, 08:17 PM
Great looking tank. The work you've put into it is outstanding. I look forward to watching this tank grow. Great job!
saltyshoe_nano
01/14/2008, 10:39 PM
ditto on the 2nd shot! lol oh and have you thought of a firefish I have heard from many people they are very active and have beautiful color, lol I donno its an option! :)
conorwynne
01/15/2008, 02:23 AM
Firefish very active? Hmm, if you count swimming is pretty much one spot active them yes.
I suppose they are swimming though.... mostly.. sometimes :-)
Gorgeous shots, well done.
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 06:45 AM
APISTOBORELLI -
Thanks, glad you like it! It has been a lot of work and patience by my standards, but I think it has been worth it! Good to have you along.
saltyshoe -
Yeah, I was thinking about a Helfrichi Firefish.... but not sure. They are expensive, and delicate from what I understand. I'm kinda bummed that the sixline idea got shot down, I think that would have been a pretty neat fish for this tank.
conorwynne -
Well, I haven't had a firefish before, but the ones I've seen at LFSs are usually out and about??? Not sure. Glad you like the pics - thanks!
johno4
01/15/2008, 10:52 AM
Looks great! Why no 6-line? I think it would be exaclty what your looking for. Nice color and active. A firefish is not going to be very active, I would go with some type of wrasse. They are more active, and I think will really utilize the length you have.
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 10:56 AM
I dunno, I thought a sixline would be really cool too, but I posted in some fish forums about whether this would be appropriate for this tank, and I got about:
25% no way
50% too risky, don't do it
25% sure, give it a shot.
So, the majority said it's a bad idea. I personally would be willing to try it, but I don't want a bunch of people flaming me saying I'm cruel or something. A mated goby pair and a sixline would be awesome for fish in this tank I think though...
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 11:37 AM
a sixline would be more then fine in a 48" long tank. There are a lot of over conservative people on this forum. If the tank was 30gallons but 144"H, with the other dimensions being those of what your H(now L) and W are now would it be ok then?. Its a reef dwelling fish that swims lengths. Some peoples aquarium math is terrible. This is not a std 10 gallon. If you're that concerned about it imo i'd get a smaller one see how you like it and how it does. I see zero reason that you could not have one. I had one for a year and a half in a 15h, along with two clowns, after a seem split in my 75gallon till i could afford to get everything back up and running and redo some things in the house. Anyone that bashes you imo really needs to check themselves. My only concern would be if it were to go over the over flow.
p.s. I still love your tank more and more w/ every post.
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 11:41 AM
ThunderousTalon - HA! That's kinda how I feel too. This tank has some unique dimensions, and I'd like to take advantage of them by housing a fish you normally wouldn't want to keep in a tank of this volume. I think you may have changed my mind about this... :)
If he goes over the overflow, there's nothing back there that can hurt a fish. The drains have strainers, etc, and since there's (2) 3/4" drains, they have barely any suction at all. I could always make some little overflow guards or something if it became a problem.
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 11:52 AM
I reccommended it a little ways back about utilizing the length and getting a fish to show it off. This is THE fish to do it with. Its interactive with the rock work and swims in the open as well. Even if you don't add any other fish and just have corals all over the tank. You will have a fish that can glide thru it gracefully in and out of the corals and rock work so well it would be the brush strokes of a painting in motion. I've been doing this for almost 15yrs now. I understand a lot of peoples concerns and I am the first to agree about fairness to a fish. But I think it'd be worlds better off here then a 12g even a 29g all in one. it'd be swimming circles where as this it can really stretch its fins so to speak. But what do i know. ;)
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 11:57 AM
Yeah, you're the one that turned me on to the idea in the first place! I still really like the idea too.
You know what, you are right! Screw it, I'm gettin' one. :)
Do you think I'd be OK with having another fish with it?
I think there's an LFS that had a really nice looking one that was less than 2" long.
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 12:02 PM
If you don't when i get mine from Calvin, I will. :D
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 12:03 PM
HAHAHA, I'm gonna go get it today! :)
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 12:08 PM
If you do another fish, put that one in first. Maybe a goby/shrimp pair. Or dare i be sadistic :P and say a cherub angel. Its an odd couple but when i had my pair(for 6yrs, i still have the 6line, the angel got spooked by something became nem food, needless to say i'll never own a nem again) They had an interesting bond. I've seen other people note this as well. A concern with a goby tho unless its sand dwelling maybe the the sixline may not take to kindly to its body shape being similiar and may cause unnecessary aggression. 6line your carnivorous fish and cherub your algae control. Good combo, like i said. W/o a doubt this will be my selection once i get a tank from Calvin, if you get the cherub i'll probably go flameback.
TypeSH
01/15/2008, 12:09 PM
That's a great fish and tons of fun to watch. I enjoy watching them pick pods from the rocks, and the way they glide will be perfect for your tank. Post some pics when you get the fish. Tank's looking great and I love the macro.
Sam
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 12:15 PM
TT -
I like the way you're talkin' - that sounds like an awesome fish combination. I'm gonna do it! Sorry to steal your idea - thanks for sharing. You take the flameback, I'll take the cherub. :) When are you getting your tank?
TypeSH - Awesome, thanks for the encouragement. I'll have to hunt around for a cherub first, but I'll certainly post some pics when I do.
ExarKun
01/15/2008, 12:27 PM
mathias:
I may have posted in your other thread asking about stocking ideas. I can't remember though.
First, let me start off by saying, awesome tank!
Second, I'd like to just give you some info on my experience with my six line. I got him as my third fish. I really liked the look and activity of them. I already had a false perc and a bi-color in the tank when I added the six line. Within days of adding him he was harassing everything in the tank. I had him for about 5 months before I decided to return him. The only casuality was a peppermint shrimp. But now even with the six line gone my bi-color spends most of his time in his little hole, and my clown cowers in a corner.
At 3' long my tank wasn't as long as yours so I would say you are a special case. However, from what I understand six lines can be hit or miss with their personality.
In the end it is ultimatly your choice. I would just keep a watchful eye on him if you do decide to get him. Good luck and keep us posted. I can't wait to see this thing fully stocked.
saltyshoe_nano
01/15/2008, 12:43 PM
XP lol Im not going to have no more suggestions :p lol I will fallow along and just appreciate your tank lol :)
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 12:49 PM
I'm hoping in April.
As far as 6lines aggressiveness, it typically happens with fish of similiar slender long body shape(blennys/gobys). They also insist on being well fed. A lot of people say to feed fish before you introduce a new one, I digress with fish that can have an aggressiveness problem. They need to see the other fish go after the food aggressively which more often the not will put a possible aggressive fish in check real quick. 6lines aggressiveness also pick up when the water quality is down as they don't like to be uncomfortable and love a good clean tank. I firmly believe poor water quality, instability, or single source direct flow is a big reason why wrasses jump. Also a cherub will more then hold its own should the fish decide to be aggressive. Locating them here is never a problem!!!! Of course then not too far away from me either. And they can go after ornamental shrimp if they arent fed. its not uncommon. they swim alot thus need food for their energy.
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 12:50 PM
ExarKun - Thanks for the input. I think you are right, it's definitely something to be watched. But, the nice thing about the layout of this tank is that most any fish would be pretty easy to remove. Just scare them down to one end, put a little divider in, and remove one or two rocks if necessary. I think it's worth a shot. :) Glad you like the tank, and good to have you along!
saltyshoe - I feel like this is a potentially explosive subject. :)
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 12:53 PM
ThunderousTalon - I think I'm going to give it a shot, I really like your suggestion for this fish pair, and it will really show off a unique tank like this. I appreciate your candid advice.
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 12:54 PM
You'll be fine w/ it. Just do what you're doing, keep everything in check. And I can say 99.9% confidently on all my years experience that you should not have a problem. .1 % chance you have a freak of nature fish from the other realm of south park.
saltyshoe_nano
01/15/2008, 01:40 PM
:) probably lol seen any hitchhikers? I saw a crab a few days ago in mine at like 4 in the morning and havent seen him sence....lol
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 01:49 PM
I saw a crazy thing that looked like a centipede hunting on the rocks, and walk off with a pod in it's "mouth" or mandibles. It was probably about an inch long, and it was clear/white like a pod, with a black stripe down its back. Euclid worm maybe? Looked mean, and I wasn't able to get a pic...
saltyshoe_nano
01/15/2008, 03:04 PM
:) sounds interesting lol hope its not bad
johno4
01/15/2008, 03:35 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11606168#post11606168 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mathias999us
I saw a crazy thing that looked like a centipede hunting on the rocks, and walk off with a pod in it's "mouth" or mandibles. It was probably about an inch long, and it was clear/white like a pod, with a black stripe down its back. Euclid worm maybe? Looked mean, and I wasn't able to get a pic...
Sounds bad. More reason to get the 6line, bye bye worm:D The wrasse/angel combo would be sweet.
conorwynne
01/15/2008, 04:04 PM
There is an unknown evil wormy type thing that lives in a piece of LR in my tank. I noticed it purely by chance one day, it must have been hungry as I was going through my, "why would you want fish" stage.
It had rings like those poisonous snakes you see on the telly, and a scary looking mouth which looked like something in Aliens. I have used a popular search engine to no avail. Now my description didn't help very much :-)
I checked on Marc's site, nothing there which resembles it, and no its nothing like a bristleworm, or a euclid. I think its evil, as I saw something like it another time nipping at the base of a goniopora!
If not a sixline, then why not get a dwarf angel, such as a coral beauty, they are certainly not too big and they love to swim around rocks, I had one until my last tank crashed, and I really loved it. It never once nipped at any corals. I had everything from xenia to clams to acros & LPS and zoos.
Personally I'd get both, and a TANG :-)
mathias999us
01/15/2008, 06:25 PM
johno - Heh, good point. I'm pretty much set on that fish combo now. I'll get the pygmy pretty quick here (maybe tomorrow).
conorwynne - Yikes, that sounds BAD! Too bad you don't have a pic of it (or do ya?) HAHAHA, a TANG. LOL.... I hear the sirens now :)
ThunderousTalon
01/15/2008, 06:51 PM
Sweet! i feel like i've contributed to something special! :) haha... You'll love it! and pics of acclimation to release are required!
johno4
01/15/2008, 06:59 PM
Try this link for the worm ID.
http://home2.pacific.net.ph/~sweetyummy42/hitchhikers.html
conorwynne
01/16/2008, 02:33 AM
Bookmarked, thanks for that!
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 06:47 AM
I'd like to point out, that I think the cycle in this tank went really quick for a couple reasons. 1) I've actually had water and livesand in this tank for about 4 weeks now. I put the water and sand in a few days before christmas. 2) I bought the rock locally, which probably minimized the die-off. I did have a measurable cycle, but it was short and minimal. I'm definitely past the diatom outbreak stage at this point. Everyone in the cleanup crew, and the macro algae is doing great!
ThunderousTalon - You have! It was a great suggestion. There's an LFS here that has a Cherub that's 1" long - I'm going to get it this afternoon on my way home from work.
johno - Great link! After searching through there extensively, I think this is the best match, or something VERY similar. Anthurid Isopod:
http://museumvictoria.com.au/crust/mov1662t.html
alpine
01/16/2008, 03:42 PM
Mathias you home yet?Dont make us hunt you down for those fish pics:D .
That fish combo sounds great,cant wait to see them in the tank.
conorwynne
01/16/2008, 04:08 PM
No pics unfortunately, every day I stare at the wee hole where I saw it (recently) biting a passing sea hare, took ages for the SH to eat a tuft of bryopsis because of it. Its EVIL I tell ya.
Dying to see this new fish.... leave those linux boxes alone, they will be fine... then use your vista machine to upload the pics! Vista Rulez, Go MicroSerfs :-)
ThunderousTalon
01/16/2008, 05:12 PM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11615358#post11615358 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by conorwynne
No pics unfortunately, every day I stare at the wee hole where I saw it (recently) biting a passing sea hare, took ages for the SH to eat a tuft of bryopsis because of it. Its EVIL I tell ya.
Dying to see this new fish.... leave those linux boxes alone, they will be fine... then use your vista machine to upload the pics! Vista Rulez, Go MicroSerfs :-)
Sorry to go off subject, but Vista is the devil, i hope it sees the way of Windows ME.
Pics of the fish anytime in the next 5min would be spectacular! ;)
Long live open source. :)
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 05:51 PM
Sorry about the delays guys, I was busy fixing some windows machines that needed attention.
Ahhh, yep yep yep, now that I'm back on my linux box I can finally get something done. :) You were right conorwynne, my linux machines were just fine without my attention while I was fixing windows boxes that needed some babysitting:
root@ttyp0[root]# uptime
17:39:18 up 90 days, 3:32, load average: 0.00, 0.00, 0.00
I believe the interruption 90 days ago was when we had a tornado warning back in october, and it knocked out the local power lines. ;) (Yeah TT, I have more respect for you than ever. Go OSS!)
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 06:02 PM
Anyway, back to the subject. Indeed, I went and got a Cherub Pygmy today! I love this little guy, I hope he does well. He's really TINY, probably just shy of an inch. My wife has already named him - Sammy.
I'm sorry, please accept my apologies. I'm totally lame for not taking any pics during acclimation and release. Basically, I did a typical float acclimation over the course of about 75 minutes, then release him out of a cup into the tank. He shot behind the rockwork, and has been dwelling back there ever since. There is a lot of space behind the rocks, so he's been completely content to explore the real estate on the back side of the rock wall, up and down the tank. I think he really likes it back there, he can really cover a lot of territory without having to expose himself to the main tank.
I did everything I could to tempt him out into the viewing area, like food, etc. When I approach the tank, he'll come out briefly, and act tough like "You better not be comin' in MY cave! That's what I thought!" So, it's been really tough to get a good pic of him, bit I did my best. I musta taken 50 pics trying to get a good one. Here's the best I could come up with.
His main place he keeps returning to (like his base or something) is the large cavitry that is created behind the column supporting the big rock shelf in the middle:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/803-2/img_2159.jpg
Lil' scrapper is very alert and curious about me... looks really intelligent, but he's being shy and peering at me from behind the rockwork:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/806-2/img_2158.jpg
Whoop whoop... almost! Darn camera...:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/809-2/img_2155.jpg
Finally, a good shot!:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/812-2/img_2154.jpg
Seriously, this is the best I could do so far. The rest of the pics were lame. I'll keep trying for some better pics. I really hope this little guy adjust and starts coming out and exploring in the better viewing areas - he seems very intelligent. He also seems active and alert, and he was eating like a pig at the LFS, and his colors are very vibrant, so I have high hopes for him.
Thanks for looking!
ThunderousTalon
01/16/2008, 06:13 PM
all looks well. being a juvi you have a good chance of him doing very very well and adjusting to tank life. They are very smart fish. Always alert and on the ball. After lights out he should start exploring a little bit and getting familiar with new surroundings. A light feeding tom'r if he's not picking at the algae already. Got a winner on your hands! More pics when ya can...
alpine
01/16/2008, 06:50 PM
YooHoo!!! Great looking specimen you picked up Mathias.So when can we expect to see the 6 line?Are you going to wait a little before you purchase him?
This tank is going to look great once some corals get added and have a chance to mature for a while.I have to say,your tank has me really intrigued.I have never posted so many times on 1 single thread since I joined back in 2002.
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 07:00 PM
TT - Things are still looking good. He keeps venturing further and further. He's sticking to the back of the rockwork still, but he makes an occasionaly appearance out front. He's spending all his time pecking at the rocks and eating little things off of it, so I think he's already settling in a bit. I put a piece or nori on a clip for him, but he hasn't ventured near it yet. I think it's the independent eye movements that make them look smart! They look like they're examining everything, and contemplating it. :) The tangs I used to have in my 135 were like that too - cool fish.
Alpine - Awesome, glad you approve, and I'm glad you really like the tank. It's because you're a DIY junky like me - that's really my favorite aspect of this hobby. And this project has DIY all over it. :)
I'll probably wait at least 2-3 weeks before I get the sixline (this time I mean it). And guess what - they had this guy in a tank at the LFS with a little sixline, as irony would have it! I asked if they would hold that one for a couple weeks, but they won't hold at this store. Too bad, they'd have had some history together! Maybe the same sixline will still be there.
ThunderousTalon
01/16/2008, 07:03 PM
i'd leave out the nori clip for right now. no sense in dirtying up the water. plenty of live algae on the rocks, that he's picking at right now.
mathias999us
01/16/2008, 07:23 PM
Alright, took it out - had it in there to try to get the pics, but he wasn't interested.
ThunderousTalon
01/16/2008, 09:19 PM
He'll come out in due time. they generally bold up pretty quickly
conorwynne
01/17/2008, 05:53 AM
That's a lovely little fish, what is it? A pigmy angel. I think its perfect for you tank, very like a coral beauty, and will love to swim around the rockwork.
Lovely jubly, I think you can have more fish though, I mean look at it...
What is your total volume? Mine is 100L and I have 4 teeny fish, 13 snails, a sea hare, two hermits and a crab which eats algae - name escapes me...
I have no sump and no refugium, yet PO4 and NO3 are both undetectable... So why could you not also do the same? I also have no more algal issues as I mentioned...
later my friend, wish I could visit you gaf to see it, but its soooo far away.
p.s.: I'm a linux guy too, doing support/consulting for 10 years now.., I was just torturing you :-)
I love this thread, well done.
ExarKun
01/17/2008, 08:04 AM
Hey mathias,
Props on the fish. He looks very nice. I think you have turned me on to the dwarf angels. After seeing that you would be getting one I did a little research myself, and I'm thinking I might pick up a Cherub or a Coral beauty for my own tank.
mathias999us
01/17/2008, 09:36 AM
Sean - thanks for giving me hope. :) Easy to get paranoid in the beginning like this.
conorwynne - yep, it's a Cherub Pygmy Angel. Cute little guy. My total water volume is about 13.5 gallons (so, about 50 liters) including the sump area. Maybe 14-14.5 gallons if you include the volume of water in the plumbing and pump beneath the tank. But, I've got a skimmer, and a fuge, and 21 lbs of LR, and the ground surface area of a 45 gallon (170 liter) cube. I think you're right, another fish (sixline) should be no prob bioload-wise. If you're ever on "this side of the pond" you'll have to stop by and see it ;). Woohoo, go linux!
ExarKun - Thanks, glad you like him. He's a really lively little character, and the photos just don't do the coloring justice. The lines on the dorsal and bottom fin, and around the eyes are REALLY vibrant - almost glowing. Great suggestion by ThunderousTalon.
hsifnwolc
01/17/2008, 12:41 PM
Absolutely awesome setup!
Nice looking cherub too. FYI, I kept on in a 29 for nearly 10 years. They are VERY hardy if you can get a young, healthy specimen...which looks to be exactly what you have! What are you planning on feeding it?
ThunderousTalon
01/17/2008, 08:31 PM
This thread will fail without new pics ;) How's he doing?
mathias999us
01/18/2008, 05:36 PM
hsifnwolc - Thanks, glad you like it. Glad to hear about the great luck you've had with your angel too. I understand they're omnivores (maybe siding more on the herbivore side), so, aside from algae on the live rock, I plan to try to feed it some nori, prime reef flake, cyclopeze, and mysis shrimp. I'd certainly be interested in any suggestions you have, given your track record. ;)
ThunderousTalon - HAHA, will the tank fail too? :)
No pics. Could take some, but there's not too much new. Tank is looking good, about the same. Sammy still likes to stick to the back of the rockwork, but he makes occasional breif appearances out in front of the rock, only to dart back in. He's eaten a little prime reef flake, and I put a little frozen cyclopeze in, and he wents nuts over it and pigged out. He hasn't shown any interest in nori at this time. I think he's a shy guy, but very healthy.
If you want specific pics of my system, I'll take requests. :) Otherwise, I won't post any until I think there's been an interesting change or development.
ThunderousTalon
01/18/2008, 05:40 PM
see... Yes it will...
alpine
01/18/2008, 06:32 PM
Unfortuneately nothing good happens fast in a reef tank.I will definately be looking forward to seeing the sixline wrasse and some corals in the tank.
reeftexas
01/18/2008, 11:15 PM
Awsome job!! Good choice on the Oak.I'm abig fan of oak Furniture.Your tank will look great when all completed.I'll keep an eye out.My first time on the Nano site, looking on down sizing from my 125 gal.
j_chu
01/19/2008, 11:17 AM
that is one cool setup bro!!! will tag along to see how this goes. i just love the idea! congratulations!
mathias999us
01/19/2008, 03:38 PM
alpine - Yep, takin' it slow. :) I'm certainly looking forward to proceeding to stock it though.
reeftexas - Cool, glad you like it. The oak was a pretty natural choice because I have it all throughout the house - door trim, windows, floors, etc. I had a 135 gal a while back... I think I like this one better ;)
j_chu - Thanks, good to have you along. Glad you like the tank.
No real big updates. Everything is doing well in the tank. Slowly but surely getting a little more color on the rocks. Sammy is active, but mainly sticks to the shadows. Can't really find a lot about cherub's general behavior, but this one looks like it may be on the more shy side. Did my weekly maintenance today... 20% water change, basted all the rocks, replaced all the filter batting.
Nothing much more... slow but steady progress at this point.
mikellini
01/19/2008, 05:32 PM
Nice pygmy, looks like he's got some personality!
mahalamata
01/19/2008, 07:34 PM
man i love your tank!
gives me ideas for my next setup....hmmmmm
do dwarf angels nip at polyps?i have zoos and some polyps in my tanks and am afraid to add one,even though i really like Cherubs/coral beauties/Flameback Angels
mathias999us
01/21/2008, 09:33 AM
mikellini -
Thanks, yeah, he seems pretty neat so far. He's a little on the shy side though.
mahalamata - Thanks, glad you like it. I think with any dwarf angel, it's a risk. But, I've read that the cherubs are one of the safest bets, but still no guarantees. I don't have any coral in the tank yet, so I can't say from personal experience at this time... I'll be sure to post about any problems I have with him though.
saltysteven
01/21/2008, 10:02 AM
very very interesting set up! i love it! and it does give me ideas for my next setup too! great job!
joeychitwood
01/21/2008, 06:39 PM
Congratulations on a beautiful tank. It's great to see something so unique. I'm sure you'll inspire many others to try new designs.
alpine
01/22/2008, 06:39 PM
Mathias where are u at my friend?I had to look on the third page to find you,lol.
So how is the pygmy doing?Any updates on the water params,and when you will be ready for another fish or corals?
mathias999us
01/23/2008, 06:33 AM
saltysteven - Awesome - send me a link when you start setting your next tank up if you document it. Thanks for looking, glad you like it.
joeychitwood - Yeah, I didn't want to do just another AIO cube. ;) Glad you like it.
Hey alpine - Things are going quite well. The pygmy is still doing well, eats like a pig, and I swear the thing has grown a bit already since I got it. But, it's a bit of a recluse, and it does stick to the shadows and the back of the rockwork. It's eating well, and very active, just likes his privacy, so I think he's very healthy. All the CUC is doing great too, and the Rhodophyta is growing like a .... weed. ;) Looks great though.
Water params are steady and perfect I think. 0 NH4, 0 NO2, <2 ppm NO3, 11 dKH, 450 ppm Ca, 8.1-8.3 pH, 1350-1400 Mg, 0 Phosphate, 79.1-79.3 temp (rock solid thanks to temp controller), 1.026 SPG. Still pulling almost a full cup of dark brown "tea" skimmate twice per day. Also, running a unit of chemipure and a small bag of purigen in the back. Also, got a nice big ball of chaeto in the back too that is growing and doing well.
Think I'll get me a sixline today.... Also, I'm getting a 2 head frag of some frogspawn from a local reefer today too. I'll try to get some more pics up tonight or tomorrow of the new stuff once it has settled a bit.
calvin415
01/23/2008, 01:20 PM
Mathias, the tank looks great! The rock work looks great! And I the pygmy is just adorable! I can't wait to see what else you put in there. :D How is the flow? Does that E pump push enough flow through the SCWD? Keep getting a lot of requests on the tank and curious if you wish you had done anything different, or things we didn't think of... From what I can tell, it's perfect! :D
-Eric
mathias999us
01/23/2008, 01:30 PM
Hey Eric - Thanks! The tank is doing very well. Next is a sixline and some frogspawn frag from a local reefer to start with corals.
I think there are a couple things I've noticed so far that could be improved upon in future revision, but overall the design is very solid and functional. I'll send you a PM with my thoughts on that...
ThunderousTalon
01/29/2008, 08:14 PM
whats the deal boss? updates? PHOTOS? ;) how's it coming along man? Told you lack of pics = thread fails. hahaha ;) Hope sammy and his surroundings are doing well.
mathias999us
01/30/2008, 08:19 AM
Heh, it's true, I'm lagging with the updates. I'll post some pics within a day or two.
I've had the sixline in there for about a week now, and you were totally right, they have formed a VERY interesting relationship, and I've never seen them fight, nor have I seen any evidence on the fish that they have fought at all. They sort of remind me of and old bickering married couple - they seem a little annoyed with each other, but they like to hang out together all the time, and neither seems particularly worried about the other. Sammy is also out in the open a lot more after the addition of the wrasse, so it's fun to watch the two of them "play" together. Great suggestion TT.
I've also put some frogspawn and a small hammer frag in there, which seem to be doing really well.
Unfortunately, I noticed last night that Sammy has Marine "Ich". Doh! Sixline has no visible signs of it. Not sure what I'm going to do about it yet - I do have a space 10g glass tank I could set up as a treatment tank, but I'd prefer that only as a last resort. He's still healthy, active, and eating well, but it has me worried - I really like the little bugger.
alpine
01/30/2008, 09:05 AM
Mathias cant believe you been holding out on us with the pics..
Now were going to have to boycott your thread;),lol.
I see you didnt QT the fish huh.Well just a little advice if your not already doing it,but soaking there food in selcon and adding garlic elixir does help with ich.I used to do that when I fed my fish all the time even if they didnt show any signs of anything,and never had an ich or disease problem.
keep us up to date and post up a pic of the sixline and the tank when you get a chance.
SaltwaterChris
01/30/2008, 02:10 PM
Cool tank .The pic make it look so much bigger than it really is awesome job.Love the wood work very nice:D
ThunderousTalon
01/30/2008, 06:15 PM
Those two fish completely different oceans, a hell of a relationship. Are you positive on the ich? I'd be hard pressed to think its developed after 2wks. Take pics and post? They may be darting in and out of the rock work, and the angel isn't as agile as the 6line, may just be some nicks and roughed up from playing chase in the rocks. Glad to hear everythings doing well otherwise.
Tex007
01/30/2008, 08:02 PM
Great setup Mathias.
Creative, modern and well executed, my friend.
mathias999us
02/01/2008, 07:42 PM
apline - Yeah, no qt - thought I could get away without it with just two fish. Although, I suspect that the parasite didn't come in on the fish since my redhead goby in the other tank got it at the same time too. I put two common things in the tanks, so it's either an LFS, or a local reefer I got some frogspaw from....
SaltwaterChris - Thanks, that's exactly what attracted me to this design too. Maximum display with minimum volume.
TT- Yeah, I'm positive. Been there, done that in other tanks. The wrasse was showing a bit on his tail too, but it seems to be gone today. My photo skills aren't accurate enough to get a pic that will show it, but the angel definitely has it, along with my RHG in my other tank. I'm hopeful they'll both fight it off, and I've been feeding a lot to boost their systems. You are SO right about the relationship though, they make GREAT friends. One of the coolest fish pairs I've ever seen, by far.
Tex007 - Thanks! Glad you like it. It was a lot of work, but I think it was worth it.
mathias999us
02/01/2008, 07:52 PM
OK, sorry for my lagging. Here's a bunch of pics.
Here's a lame pic of my emerald:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/815-2/img_2174.jpg
My frogspawn:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/818-2/img_2176.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/821-2/img_2177.jpg
This is a hydnophora I got. It's super-bright neon green, but I'm not sure how healthy it is. It's doing OK so far:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/824-2/img_2181.jpg
The Rhodophyta is really growing like crazy - looks great I think:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/827-2/img_2182.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/830-2/img_2183.jpg
mathias999us
02/01/2008, 08:08 PM
More pics.
Here's my hammer frag, seems really happy after five days:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/833-2/img_2184.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/836-2/img_2185.jpg
Angel:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/842-2/img_2190.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/857-2/img_2207.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/860-2/img_2209.jpg
mathias999us
02/01/2008, 08:10 PM
And:
Angel and Wrasse together (Wrassie the wonder fish):
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/845-2/img_2194.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/851-2/img_2201.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/854-2/img_2206.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/866-2/img_2217.jpg
Wrassie the wonder fish:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/848-2/img_2196.jpg
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/863-2/img_2212.jpg
Thanks for looking.
I am a big fan of these long nanos
alpine
02/02/2008, 08:49 PM
Mathias looking great man.Very nice update indeed.The fish are looking great and make a really good pair.
Dont be shy about post pics anytime ;) .
ooja3k
02/02/2008, 08:56 PM
lookiing great
saltyshoe_nano
02/02/2008, 10:41 PM
dang mathias, I leave for a few day...well lol my comp. broke down and could only use the crappy one with dialup....and your tank chaged! lol looking great!
mathias999us
02/03/2008, 09:39 AM
FUA - Thanks, glad you like it. Calvin has a real good design he came up with.
alpine - Thanks. Yeah, it's amazing; these fish act like they are bets friends really! They're definitely buddies - TT was so right. I'll take requests on the pics ;)
ooja3k - Thanks!
saltyshoe - Heh, sorry to hear about the DU connection. So primitive.... ;) Thanks for tagging along still!
Good news about Sammy's ich - he appears to be beating it. Wrassie is still showing no signs of it either. I've been feeding heavy with frequest small feedings of a variety of flake, nori, frozen cyclopeze and mysis since I noticed the ich, and I'd like to think this has helped. These two make pigs of themselves, really! My RHG in my other tank got ich at the same time as Sammy too. I put pieces of the frogspawn in both tanks, and I also put frags from the LFS in both tanks this last weekend. Those are the only two things I've added in common to the two tanks, so I'm pretty certain it came from one of those two sources. I think the RHG is overcomming it as well, with frequent small feedings. All are still behaving normally, and piggin' out all day long.
johno4
02/03/2008, 10:06 AM
Looks sweet. Love the fish combo. Glad a few of us talked you into it. Your tank is going to be unreal when things grow in a bit. Nice job.
mathias999us
02/03/2008, 10:52 AM
That's true johno4 - you were on board and helped convince me that this fish pair would be good too. Gotta give credit where credit is due. ;) I have to say, it's one of the coolest fish pairs I've ever seen in a SW tank - great idea!
alpine
02/03/2008, 11:13 AM
Pic requests huh? An FTS would be nice,I dont remember,but did you ever state what you were going to do for cal+alk supplementing?
mathias999us
02/03/2008, 03:29 PM
OK, here ya go alpine. I still can't get things as colorful as I think they look in real life, but here's a cropped full size FTS for ya:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/867-1/img_2241-cropped.jpg
For calcium/alk supplementation, I'm adding Kent Tech CB parts A and B. I add about 1.5 ml of each every morning before the lights come on, and it seems to maintain the water at about 9.5 dKH and 450 pmm Ca. I'm sure I'll have to up this over time as I add more calcifying live stock, but the tank is small enough where it isn't that expensive for now.
One thing I thought would be really slick if I wanted to go there would be to do a mini Calc reactor, and kalk in the topoff. I'd have to find a calc reactor that will fit into the 12" high cabinet and maybe use one of those tiny disposable CO2 cylinders for gas (probably would last quite a while). It would be a tight fit, but I bet it could be done...
alpine
02/03/2008, 03:44 PM
looks really good Mathias,thanks for the fts.Seems like the fish went incognito when you took the pic huh?
mathias999us
02/03/2008, 04:08 PM
You can see the wrasse at the left near the hammer frag, but yeah, the angel is hiding somewhere...
alpine
02/03/2008, 04:40 PM
Oh ok I see him now,dang I cant believe I missed him.
saltyshoe_nano
02/03/2008, 06:29 PM
mathias, that Rhodophyta do you like it? I like its look but I wanna know if its worth getting a special order from work for it?? :) I wish mine looked as good as yours
mathias999us
02/03/2008, 06:38 PM
I love the Rhodophyta saltyshoe. It's a nice red color, and it flouresces along the edges under actinics and moonlight. I'll send you the right-most piece for free if you pay for shipping. You could also wait a little while if you wanted to - it's growing like crazy, and it's just going to get bigger. I got this from a local reefer at a TCMAS meeting, who has kept it in captivity for the past 15 years. Came from the carribean somewhere, species unidentified. PM me if you're interested.
I got it for free - frag it forward :)
alpine
02/03/2008, 07:04 PM
"I got it for free - frag it forward "
I wish more people thought like that.I hate to see people sell stuff when they got it for free.Especially when they try to get close to a retail price for it.
saltyshoe_nano
02/03/2008, 07:47 PM
holy crackerbarrel! that would be amazing...lol I just got off the phone with my boss and he had no clue what it was lol TY mathias! YGPM
edit: oh alpine, Im getting ready...well tomorrow or wed. to give some locals about 60-90 free zoa/polyps I got from work :) its nice to work at an lfs....but it back fires some time lol
mathias999us
02/04/2008, 07:30 AM
LOL, well, if climatologists predictions are correct, I think fragging it forward will become increasingly important over the next 20 years, since it is believed that most coral reefs will be gone within the next few decades. :(
Our ability to captively propagate ocean life may become more of a responsibility than a hobby, since it's possible that our tanks may be the only places that harbor reef life in the future.
I mean, heck, anybody who knows how the pH of seawater works knows that, if nothing else, the pH of the ocean is going to continue to fall as CO2 concentrations increase.
alpine
02/04/2008, 09:33 AM
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11756965#post11756965 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltyshoe_nano
edit: oh alpine, Im getting ready...well tomorrow or wed. to give some locals about 60-90 free zoa/polyps I got from work :) its nice to work at an lfs....but it back fires some time lol
I used to work a lfs as well in Chicago,and used to do the same thing.I worked for the service department,and what ever we fragged or took out of peoples tanks,I was able to keep.
I ussed to give away so much stuff back then it was pathetic.I actually had so much extra stuff that I was able to turn my friends 72 bowfront fw tank into a reef tank and it barely put a dent in my extra supplies,and I gave him skimmer,lighting,live rock,built him a hood,circulation pumps,sand,and several other things.
I have met some really cool people in this hobby in the past that were llike that.One guy I met,actually me and my friend with the 72 BF went to his house to buy some corals.Well for $25 each ,we walked out of his house with about 10-15 frags each.I'm talk sps,lps,and some kick but zoas that he had.
The way I see it,if I get somethng for free i'm definately not chargeing for it.If I pay for something,then I will sell it for really cheap,and maybe even just give it away.
ThunderousTalon
02/04/2008, 04:06 PM
Ok, im back, had a crazy weekend between Sat nights fights and then Superbowl yesterday.
The tank looks stellar. Those two fish are quite characters, i still can not pin point what it is that they get out of or from each other that creates that unique bond. I've yet to see two that don't develop it. Thanks for the pics! Bring plenty more! How's the ich btw? Again i'm glad to see this turn out so well. And that you're having some level of success thus far. Keep up the great work.
aspinn
02/04/2008, 08:19 PM
wow really nice design =) you did a good job on the hood/base... i like the hanging wall idea... everything is looking really nice (nicej ob on the aquascaping)... i love the fish... would love to see more pics if u get some time... (btw what camra are u using? its pretty good... ebtter then mine haha --- although i got it for free when i got the internet =D)... well done tho =) beutiful tank!
mathias999us
02/05/2008, 09:00 AM
TT - Thanks! I'll try to post a round of pics once per week or so. Things will be slow-going from this point.... this is where patience and stability become the primary ingredients for success. You are right, they make the coolest fish pair. I think you're really on to something with this fish pair. I actually got to observe the wrasse cleaning the angel for about 3-4 minutes yesterday! The angel was presenting itself for cleaning, and the wrasse was methodically picking at its side! Way cool - they really ARE friends. They don't even appear to be territorial at all towards each other. You know what's up! :)
aspinn - Thanks a bunch! Glad you like it, it's been a really fun project. The cam is a Cannon Powershot S400. Nothing too special. I actually don't like it that much, but that's a different story. ;) Thanks for looking.
CodeToad
02/05/2008, 04:44 PM
Great execution on your setup - nice and clean.
mathias999us
02/12/2008, 11:50 AM
Thanks CodeToad! Glad you like it:
Quick update.
Not too much going on in the tank. I haven't added anything new, and I'm really just giving it a period of stability for now, until everything seems to be well established. The frogspawn, hammer, and rhodophyta are all doing great. The fish seem to be mostly ich-free at this point, although I have a couple times seen some small spots appear on the angel, that disappear rather quickly. I moved the hydnophora into a lower light area on the sandbed about 10 days ago at the advice of PurpleUP on NR, and I do think it's doing better. At first, there was some tissue recession (in the upper-left part of this pic), but that seems to have stopped, if not reversed. It's definitely growing too, you can see lots of hydnophores starting to develop and grow upward. The tenticles don't come out like PurpleUP described, but there seems to be a lot more polyp extension than when I first got it. Here's an updated pic of it:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/872-2/img_2245.jpg
I'll post another update if anything changes, or if I get anything new (I'm also taking a period to let my hobby budget heal a bit from this project too ;)).
Thanks for reading.
ooja3k
02/12/2008, 12:09 PM
thanks for the update!
saltyshoe_nano
02/12/2008, 12:15 PM
nice way to go mathias! way to keep it updated lol~Ill pm you this weekend after I get my paycheck! yay! :)
mathias999us
02/13/2008, 06:33 AM
ooja3k - Sure, no prob! ;)
saltyshoe - Cool, sounds good. It hasn't grown much, but it's still healthy and waiting for you.
mathias999us
02/13/2008, 06:39 AM
OK, I swear, every time I say that I'm letting things chill out for a while, I go and get something new.
It's been two and a half weeks since I added anything to the tank, so I went and picked up a couple frags last night. Got them for really cheap, but I wasn't quite sure what they were. I'm pretty sure they're both either favia and/or echinophyllia. Looking around for more positive IDs though.
These are pics right after they were added to the tank, so they aren't opening up yet (which makes them harder to ID I think).
Frag 1, think it's favia:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/875-2/img_2248.jpg
Frag 2 (I actually have 2 frags of this stuff), think it's echino? These polyps were really inflated in the store tank, looked more like big blasto polyps or something:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/878-2/img_2251.jpg
saltyshoe_nano
02/13/2008, 02:57 PM
lol I know what you mean on the "let it chill" part lol..I dont mind if its not that big :) oh and about how tall is it....you can pm me :) lookin good!
yousmellsfishy
02/14/2008, 02:25 PM
I just found this thread and read it cover to cover. Mathias, I must echo what everyone else is saying. Your tank and set up is just incredible!!! I just love the long and low tank. I wish they made tanks like this that you could buy off the shelf. If they did, that's exactly what I'd have for sure. I agree that the surface and swimming area allow for a bigger fish load than the gallons would otherwise suggest. In my dreams, I would have a tank with the height and depth of your tank but, like 20' long :eek1:
The cabinetry work looks awesome, really everything. I can't say enough about it. Well done, Mathias! I'm definately tagging along.
alpine
02/14/2008, 04:43 PM
New corals sweet,dont know how I missed the notifications.Some reason why your adding corals so slowly?Well besides the money factor.Also you figure out what the corals are yet?
yousmellsfishy
Hey get back to work on your 2.5! I'm waiting for an update you know :).
mathias999us
02/15/2008, 03:01 PM
saltyshoe - OK, PM sent.
yousmellfishy - LOL, 20' long. Well, I guess you'd still be only around 50 gallons, that would be awesome. It would be cool to do a REALLY custom version of this, and have that ran the entire perimeter of a room, around the corners, etc. Thanks for the kind words, and glad you like the tank.
alpine - I dunno, I have occasional problems with the email notifications too. I guess this computer science stuff ain't an exact science. ;) I'm adding corals slowly because... I like to wait until I find great deals and pieces that attract my attention, I like to add stuff somewhat slow, with time in between each addition, even with corals, and, I won't deny it, it's easier on the budget too. ;) Most people seem to think the new corals are favia and/or echinophyllia. But obtaining a rock-solid ID has proven elusive so far. I have decided to call coral 1 favia, and coral 2 echino until I someone provides me with an accurate correction. ;)
yousmellsfishy
02/15/2008, 04:14 PM
Yeah, around the perimeter of a room. Exactly what I was thinking. You wouldn't even have to aquascape the whole thing. I envision areas with just a sand bottom in between the aquascaped areas, just like the real ocean. I'm sure the fish would prefer the 'scaped areas though. It would be interesting to watch them swim from one area to another.
saltyshoe_nano
02/15/2008, 09:20 PM
box is full mathias! lol clean it out
mathias999us
02/16/2008, 07:58 AM
yousmellfishy - Hmmm, yeah... no you got me really thinking, that would be so cool! Hmmm, what am I going to build next.... ;)
saltyshoe - Yikes! Sorry, make space now.
mathias999us
02/16/2008, 01:04 PM
OK, time for more updates!
I really think this hydnophora exesa might be improving at this point. Every day it seems to look a little better. I moved it to a higher light location, but it didn't seem to like it as much again, so I moved it back. Here's an updated pic:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/881-2/img_2252.jpg
I've moved my favia and echino frags to more permanent locations now. Here's one of the echinos, expanding more now:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/884-2/img_2255.jpg
And the other tiny echino frag. It's expanding quite a bit now:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/887-2/img_2256.jpg
Here's the favia, placed a bit behind the rhodophyta. I think it likes the higher light here - it seems to be expanding a lot more now. Note the coralite in the upper-right of the pic. I saw some fungus-looking stuff on it that I didn't like, and I couldn't blast it off with a baster, so I scraped it off with my fingernail. Hopefully it will recover from this. It seems to be looking better and better each day:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/890-2/img_2258.jpg
AND.... I JUST got this new coral this morning. A really wildly-colored Blastomussa colony that I've had my eye on in the LFS for the past two or three months. This thing is really eye catching, and I finally decided to get it. In this pic, it was JUST added to the tank not 10 minutes earlier, so it is still pretty much fully retracted. But, you can see how nice the coloration is. I'll post more pics when it has adjusted and expanded more:
http://mathiassmith.com/gallery2/d/893-2/img_2264.jpg
Thanks for reading!
j_chu
02/16/2008, 01:13 PM
that is a wicked blasto!!!!
capture
02/16/2008, 01:14 PM
wow. that colony is fantastic!
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