My Journey With RSM 34G - Nano Reefer

[thedidavid]

My RSM tank just passed 4 months old, with some resident transferred from my decommed NC24DX.
Here are my specs of my RSM tank:
1. Tank Base: Aragonite sand from RSM kit mixed with 6lb Nature Ocean Hawaiian Puka Shell and 6lb Australia Gold Puka Shell --> makes aboout 3" deep sand bed
2. Main Tank Sacpe: was done with artificial life rock (made from hollow carbon fiber mixed with gypsum) and about 3lb real live rock
3. Chiller: JBJ Artica 1/10Hp with Eheim compact 1000 l/hr
4. Fluidize Reactor: Skimz FR-100 with aquapharm SORB-4 driven by Eheim compact 600 l/hr in series with UV sterilizer.
5. UV : Coralife Turbo Twister 3x 9w
6. Wavemaker: Tunze 6055 with 7091 controller and photocell
7. Aquarium Controller: Aquatronica with pH, ORP, level, water leakage modules
8. Ozoniser: Sander Certizon C25
9. Moonlight: Hydor submersible aquarium LED
I did some minor scaping today will upload the photo tomorrow when the mainlight is on.
Here is the photo with LED moonlight original from RSM and additional Hydor LED moonlight shine onto main reflector.

[thedidavid]

I have problem with uploading photo, so this is FTS photo taken last week.
Hopefully is working now.
http://www.absolutereef.com/forums/uploads/post-3906-1198416988.jpg

[Xandernfs]

Lookin Nice!!

[on_ice]

Awesome!

[gsusfreak]

thats a fine tank you got there.....very colorful.......however, dont be surprise is the tang police comes after you

[Chorethorious]

Very nice colors! Congrats on a great looking setup.

[Rue]

Wow! That's the most colourful tank I've seen yet!

[LaurentSeattle]

Very nice: Could become a nTotM winner!

[gigs]

Hey thedidavid,

I love it! Do you have some pics of your mods? A picture tells a thousand words. Did you have any issues with micro bubbles? How did you go with the stock RSM skimmer, is it working ok for you? Does your sun coral come out during the day, it looks like it? Sorry to ask so many questions. Am always keen to hear from fellow RSM owners.

[thedidavid]

Hi Gigs,
I notice the skimmer needs time to break over. I have one complete set skimmer for standby. In fact I always have problem when I am exchanging my skimmer every 1-2 month for cleaning, I always get MB for first week. So what I did is I tune the air inlet slowly and once I heard bubble starts forming I stop and wait for 1-2 days until the gunk is forming steady I start to increase the air inlet by about 1/2 turn. So far this is working for me, it takes lots of frustration to adjust this skimmer but now I get use to it.
The sun coral is only open when I dump the coral food or fish food into the tank.
I did not do lots of modifications, the lighting still stock and all the pumps are still standard only I put lots of add-ons to my tank. I prefer to keep everything inside cabinet since this tank is in my living room.


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=91616


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/index.php?act=attach&type=post&id=91615

[Capt_Cully]

That's some serious coral collection! Nice Scolymia!!!

[nanO352]

Love your BLue Tang. I recently got one about half that size.

[gigs]

hi thedidavid,

I have signed up / created account to the SRC forum in your links but am still unable to go to your links as it says "Sorry, but you do not have permission to use this feature." even tho I am logged in. Can you tell me which sub forum and thread is your tank journal as I can browse the treads without isses?

[zma21]

How is the clam doing under that light?

[mnml]

awesome tank. very nice assortment of color!

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11485786#post11485786 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
How is the clam doing under that light?

Sorry for late reply, the clams doing fine, I have 2 crocea and 1 maxima all of them about 4 months old. I think RSM lighting is sufficient for keeping clam.

[thedidavid]

Controller and wavemaker that I use in my tank.

http://www.absolutereef.com/forums/uploads/post-3906-1198417258.jpg

[thedidavid]

This is the end of my tank, the tank cracked without apparent reason while no one at home and I only found out 8/1/2008 6:30 pm when I am reaching home after work. It leaves trace of tsunami in my flat. Damaging my parquet and gives me 5 hours non stop cleaning the mess. Sadness losing almost 50% of my live stock and extended damage that will potentially cost me more money. The tank is replaced by RSM but I still having hard time to quel my emotion.
http://www.absolutereef.com/forums/uploads/post-3906-1199809060.jpg

[black_majik]

Ouch, that was probably the tangs trying to get out. Choose better livestock now the fish gods were not happy

[JB23]

Sir;
Very sorry for the mishap-however, given all the add-ons, why purchase the RSM in the first place?
Best of Luck-Jerry

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11562704#post11562704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by black_majik
Ouch, that was probably the tangs trying to get out. Choose better livestock now the fish gods were not happy

It's doesn't matter, this can happen to anyone with who has aquarium, just wish is not your turn next. BTW all the tangs still alive housed at LFS temporarily.

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11562857#post11562857 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB23
Sir;
Very sorry for the mishap-however, given all the add-ons, why purchase the RSM in the first place?
Best of Luck-Jerry

I dunno bro just feel that this tank is the perfect shape and color for my living room, I watch my tank more than the telly, totally cured my couch potato behaviour. I don't really like custom squared type tank.

[Philwd]

Ouch, that was probably the tangs trying to get out. Choose better livestock now the fish gods were not happy

That wasn't nice. Rubbing salt in his wounds.

Sir - Really sorry to hear of your loss. We almost bought a RSM. Does have that visual appeal. Can't imagine 20-30 gallons on a parquet floor though. Good luck.

[MAXreefer]

Sorry to hear about your loss thedidavid.
As you mentioned it can happen to all kind of thanks but I feel bad for you to loose such a great setup.
Hope you can recover most and your new tank will be as beautiful as the first one

Regards
Michael
MAXreefer

[black_majik]

thedidavid- I wasn't literally meaning the tangs are what broke your glass it does happen to everyone's tank. I was poking fun at the fact you have 2 to-be large tangs in a 34. Sorry if you were offended.

By the way your tank looked absolutely beautiful ( aside from the tangs) Sorry for the accident the "ouch" was supposed to mean that i guess it came out the wrong way.

[shramj]

thedidavid, this same thing happened to me but cracked on opposite corners. I was lucky and was home when it happened. I was able to save all my livestock. I ended up buying another Red Sea Max so I could get everything put back together. I called Red Sea and they are also sending me a replacement tank. I, like you, have no idea why it happened. You can read my thread here, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1287202&perpage=25&pagenumber=

[thrillreefer]

That's terrible! Sorry to see it happen, especially in such a nicely aquascaped and colorful tank. I've never had one of these all-in-ones, but I assumed that they were plastic with the rounded corners and everything. Is it actually made of molded glass? Bad luck, bro, but don't get discouraged, I'm sure you'll have it back to its full splendor soon.

[thrillreefer]

That's terrible! Sorry to see it happen, especially in such a nicely aquascaped and colorful tank. If it happened to mine, I'd just assume the ugly tank fairies had finally caught up with me, but yours looked so nice. I've never had one of these all-in-ones, but I assumed that they were plastic with the rounded corners and everything. Is it actually made of molded glass? Bad luck, bro, but don't get discouraged, I'm sure you'll have it back to its full splendor soon.

[Y-DesygnGuy]

The tank looked awesome, very sorry to read this post this morning!

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11563927#post11563927 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by black_majik
thedidavid- I wasn't literally meaning the tangs are what broke your glass it does happen to everyone's tank. I was poking fun at the fact you have 2 to-be large tangs in a 34. Sorry if you were offended.

By the way your tank looked absolutely beautiful ( aside from the tangs) Sorry for the accident the "ouch" was supposed to mean that i guess it came out the wrong way.

No offense taken.

[thedidavid]

Yes bro, I saw your thread 2 days ago someone from local forum inform me that similar accident happen with RSM tank. I got prompt replacement the next days after I inform the shop that sold me the tank and I sent email to Red Sea HQ in Asia-Pacific they also promised to give me starter kit but they never deliver or contact me again after they sent the tank yesterday. I also can't explain what causing this tank to crack considering it has 8mm thick glass. I was so paranoia with water going to my floor that's the reason I dump my NC24 and get RSM imho it has much better specification and I am using hollow fiber glass fake live rock that the whole setup weight less than 2lb to prevent straining the glass base. Only to found out my worst nightmare came true 2 days ago. Now my replacement tank is in cycling mode maybe I need 1-2 weeks minimum before the tank ready for LS.

[shramj]

I was lucky because I was home, I was able to safe about half the tank water and the LFS gave me some water also. I was able to get everything back in the new tank and so far everything has been fine. I did do a 10% water change yesterday but I think I will be ok. It scared me also, I have been worried that it will happen again, RedSea said they had a couple with this problem but it wasn't a common problem, they believe the glass was just weak? I wish you the best in your tank recovery.

[elmar]

shramj & thedidavid -

Would you mind posting your serial numbers? Perhaps we can check with RSM to see if they were assembled or the glass was "cast" in a similar time frame.

[JB23]

Elmar;
GREAT Request! Folks, can you please post your serial #s'.
Best of Luck-Jerry

[LaurentSeattle]

Hey thedidavid,

You had a beautiful setup and I can understand the pain...

Red Sea is shipping you a new MAX and I am sure you will rebuild a gorgeous tank.

Cheers,
Laurent

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11567557#post11567557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by shramj
I was lucky because I was home, I was able to safe about half the tank water and the LFS gave me some water also. I was able to get everything back in the new tank and so far everything has been fine. I did do a 10% water change yesterday but I think I will be ok. It scared me also, I have been worried that it will happen again, RedSea said they had a couple with this problem but it wasn't a common problem, they believe the glass was just weak? I wish you the best in your tank recovery.

Mine almost 2/3 of water leak out from the tank. The living room flooded but not as bad as in my master bedroom behind the tank.
Sometime I just still feel there is some luck the water not completely dry otherwise none of my fishes will survive.

http://www.absolutereef.com/forums/uploads/post-3906-1200032846.jpg

[thedidavid]

Bro JB23 & Elmar,
I didn't keep record of the tank serial no, the damaged tank had been collected by them on Wed.
I will check my warranty card wheter any info there.
David

[reefsr4me]

Awesome looking tank before the crack. Do you think you could post some pics of the inside of your cabinet? I would love to see how you arranged your mods.

[Bursa]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11562704#post11562704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by black_majik
Ouch, that was probably the tangs trying to get out. Choose better livestock now the fish gods were not happy

So this guys loses his fish, tank AND likely has hundreds of dollars in damage...to his apartment and his wallet...and you make a stupid joke.

I love the people in this hobby. :rolleyes:

[Bursa]

To the original poster.

Your tank looked excellent. The tang was a perfect fit IMO...colors matched perfectly. Best of luck with restocking.

[JB23]

Thedidavid;
No reason to "keep a record". The serial # of the tank is located on the back of the tank in the upper left-hand corner. Can you PLEASE post!
Thank Much-Jerry

[Rue]

Sorry that happened! That's awful! I hope you can start putting it back together...it was quite amazing!

[pipper]

Thats Horrible!

Idk,but do you think that you have the wavemaker and the tunzes poundin on the front of the glass that it just kinda gave way? I doubt that was what happened, but that just sucks!
Best of luck to you!
JB

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11592293#post11592293 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JB23
Thedidavid;
No reason to "keep a record". The serial # of the tank is located on the back of the tank in the upper left-hand corner. Can you PLEASE post!
Thank Much-Jerry

Hi Jerry,
Sorry can't find that info on warranty card the damaged tank is NOT with me anymore, the agent took when when they replaced my tank last Wednesday.
David

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11592565#post11592565 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pipper
Thats Horrible!

Idk,but do you think that you have the wavemaker and the tunzes poundin on the front of the glass that it just kinda gave way? I doubt that was what happened, but that just sucks!
Best of luck to you!
JB

Some people has similar comments like you but it's doesn't make sense 2500 l/hr wavemaker able to burst 8mm thick glass.

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11579632#post11579632 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefsr4me
Awesome looking tank before the crack. Do you think you could post some pics of the inside of your cabinet? I would love to see how you arranged your mods.

I hope the photo can be uploaded....this is the cabinet prior flooding, I did some changes on it now due to the hinges rusty badly after the tank water splash on it.

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_12_2007/post-10642-1198416219.jpg

[thedidavid]

Updated my cabinet, installed dosing pump for balling and Deltec NFP 509 denitrator with lot's of drilling and cutting. Was thinking to get CR but my partner only allow me to keep equipment within cabinet interior so opt for balling and after the accident that tick her off thanks God she still allow me to keep reef tank in my living room.
Put back the rest of LS into my tank last Saturday, it looks barren I think I lost more than 50% compared what I have before...luckily three of my scylomia still survived even now doesn't bloom like before yet. 2 are in ok condition and one is dying due to not enough light in the LFS holding tank, lost one crocea, leopard wrasse due bare bottom tank in LFS, and one tang died.
This accident really cost me a lot mentally and financially......


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_01_2008/post-10642-1200666826.jpg

[MyMonkey]

Very nice. Sorry to hear about the crack though.

[zma21]

I'm just so sorry to hear about this. Your tank was absolutely flawless and a great goal for my little nanocube.

Keep your head up, and make another masterpiece with your new tank.

[Zatko]

This is making me worry.

I found out my RSM had a leak in it within the last week (luckily, it's only about a month old, and I just added live rock and some inverts), and now, after reading this, I am debating if I just want my damn money back.

I know I am being paranoid, as I see many successful RSM's, but when things like this happen to you, it makes you wonder about where your money is going. And I bought my RSM at wholesale cost!

[shramj]

I got my replacement RSM going and I was lucky enough not to lose a single thing. Zatko, I don't know what to tell you, it seems like a few of us had ours crack on us at the same time. I was hoping it was just a fluke thing. Hopefully we do not see anymore of this with these tanks.

[thedidavid]

The revival of my RSM :p
The 2 weeks holding at make shift with normal PC light at LFS bring further damage to my corals collection. I crocea died, and two of my clams was in poor conditions. All my scylomia are in bad shape also. One of my favorite tang died together with my leopard wrasse :( :(


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_01_2008/post-10642-1201337057.jpg


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_01_2008/post-10642-1201336970.jpg

Some of my coral that thriving after 2 weeks in my tank

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_02_2008/post-10642-1202219655.jpg

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_02_2008/post-10642-1202219739.jpg

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_02_2008/post-10642-1202219852.jpg

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_02_2008/post-10642-1202219783.jpg

[thedidavid]

My tank now, 9 months after re-starting. I think some opportunity doesn't comes twice. It was smooth and easy before when I started my RSM but re-starting again to get the same result proven difficult :mad: I still have tons of problem with my tank, now major problem is hair algae but my PO4 is 0 ppm I suspect this hair algae is caused by vodka dosing.....and calcium consumption very high now, I guess due to more SPS in it.


http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_09_2008/post-10642-1221978758.jpg

[StevieTdrill]

are the tangs gone?

[cherubfish pair]

Is that a sander ozonizer in your signature line? Do you monitor ORP?

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13396217#post13396217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by StevieTdrill
are the tangs gone?

Yes the hippo and yellow tang still around other tangs are gone to heavens. I never add fish anymore.

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13398409#post13398409 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cherubfish pair
Is that a sander ozonizer in your signature line? Do you monitor ORP?

Yes, monitored by ORP module in my aquatronica.

[Giga]

i'ma be frank and with all the nice gear you should have known not to put tangs in there-very no no:(

[thedidavid]

Well it's very subjective, I know you are in USA you stay in bigger pad compared to my pigeon hole in Singapore. I can afford 5'-10' tank easily but I can't afford to get bigger pad in the area where I stay. If you are to be advocate you should not keep any fishes in the aquarium, fishes are belong to the sea. If you think keeping 1"-2" tangs in 2 ft aquarium is cruel please tell people who keeping 2 whale sharks in the Georgia aquarium what you feel also.
I am not not advocate nor justified myself, but if my tangs still alive and if they grew more tham 3" it's time for me to set them free into the sea because I know my tank is getting too small for them. I am not stupid!

[jervismun]

Well I understand how it feels living in pigeon holes :D

Let's focus on how we can help thedidavid solve some of the issues he is facing now with this restart.

You tank looks whiter than before, you changed to MH?

[thedidavid]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13399940#post13399940 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jervismun
Well I understand how it feels living in pigeon holes :D

Let's focus on how we can help thedidavid solve some of the issues he is facing now with this restart.

You tank looks whiter than before, you changed to MH?

No, still using standard lights bro. Maybe my white balance is off. But water clarity is bit problem after my Deltec NFP 501 matured, the effluent from this unit has affecting ORP value on my tank. Before it's quite easy to maintain ORP betwen 350-400 mV in my tank before denitrator matured. Now my ORP is hanging between 150-240 mV, effluent from denitrator is more than -450mV (beyond Aquatronica ORP sensor limit). Maybe I need to change to bigger Ozonizer.

[Clownfish29]

Great TanK!

[StevieTdrill]

I just hate seeing tangs in a small tank, especially in a RSM, which I own. It is just not right to have a fish that swims so much in a confined area. Clowns are fine, mine only moves 12" each way, never going far from her host frogspawn. Other small fish like gobies are the same, they don't swim around that much.

With your crash I am surprised you would want such a high bioload in the tank. Yeah they will eat and grow, that isnt' the issue with tangs. It is the space they need to swim and the biolaod they impose on the aquarium.

Just my advice

[thedidavid]

Stevie, your coments are welcome. I also got hostile comes from my uncle who is a very avid diver, that I should not keep reef tank because this trade is contributing to destruction of the reefs in the world especially in Indonesia. Anyway, I am entitled for own opinion too, as long as take care my tank and its inhabitat it that's means I am responsible for my own action and decision. BTW, I never crashed my tank the only disaster I had is the tanks cracked when no one at home I had massive lost on LS and it starts the chain reaction some fishes and coral died when I restarted my tank.

[StevieTdrill]

Gotcha on the crack, that is too bad. I would say almost all of my corals are from aquaculture so they are frags from other reefers in the USA. I think that is the best way to approach this hobby as it does not further the destruction of the natural reefs.

Good luck with the tank!

[thedidavid]

http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-10642-1223981264.jpg



http://www.sgreefclub.com/forum/uploads/monthly_10_2008/post-10642-1223981305.jpg