Rackster's 55 Gallon Aqueon build.

[racksteris]

Hi everyone. I'm upgrading my 12 gallon Aquapod to a 55 gallon Aqueon. My Aquapod has only been up & running 3 months, But I'm run out of space in the tank. So I'm just going to upgrade now. This will be a mix reef tank. I have keep FOWLR tank's before, But I'm still very new to reef tank's. I welcome any comments & suggestion.

This is a list of what I have so far.

Tank:
55 Gallon Aqueon tank with Corner Overflow, 1'' drain 3/4 return

Lighting:
Nova Extreme T-5 HO Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 432 watts (8 x 54)

Main Pump:
Mag Drive Pump 1200

A.T.O
Auto Top Off Controller w/ Rio 600 10 Gallon Aqueon tank

Powerhead:
Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6060 (1600 GPH) in Main tank
2 - Hydor Koralia Nano (240 GPH) in Frefugium

Substrate:
40 Lb. Indo-Pacific Black sand

LiveRock:
120 Lb Fiji Live Rock (which was cleaned very will not much left on the rock)

Filtration System:
Sump/Frefugium (25 Gallon Aqueon tank with 5 bubble trap 1'' apart) In the sump I have 1'' Fiji Pink sand, 25 Lb Fiji Live Rock, and Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae

Mechanical pre-filter sock 200 micron

Skimmer:
AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer \ Rio 1700

UV Sterilizers:
40 watt Lifegard Ultraviolet Sterilizer

Chemical Filtration:
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 \ Rio 1400
1 PhosBan Reactor 150 - Matrix Carbon
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 - PhosGuard

Chiller:
Current Prime Mini-Aquarium 1\15 Hp Chiller

Heater:
300 Watt Hydor Theo Heater
Coralife Digital Thermometer
Titanium Ground Probe

Full tank & stand shot (No light)
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0072.jpg

Aquascape
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0078-1.jpg

Sump/Frefugium
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0080.jpg

Corner Overflow
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0074-1.jpg

Indo-Pacific Black sand
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0084-1.jpg

Chiller & UV in garage
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0083-1.jpg

Electrical in stand
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0064-2.jpg

Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6060 (1600 GPH)
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0077.jpg

[racksteris]

so what do you guys think, any suggestion....

[gsusfreak]

nice rockwork...were you planning on keep those 2 devils...i mean damsels/?????....if not, those suckers are hard to catch

oh yea, you'll be able to keep whatever you want with that light

[aspinn]

not bad aye would love to see what u plan on stockin that baby with good job!

[bpoore89]

I like it so far. I have the Nova Extreme Pro with 6 bulbs on my 55. I was told that 8 would be way over kill. With six you can keep anything, sps and clams included

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11697342#post11697342 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gsusfreak
nice rockwork...were you planning on keep those 2 devils...i mean damsels/?????....if not, those suckers are hard to catch

oh yea, you'll be able to keep whatever you want with that light

Thanks gsusfreak. Ya those 2 "devils" are my best friend right now, There helping me with my cycle. If I ever want to get them out of the tank I would have to remove all the rock.

[zma21]

Looks great!

If you sell the sunpod from you aquapod shoot me a pm, i'm interested.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11697424#post11697424 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aspinn
not bad aye would love to see what u plan on stockin that baby with good job!

Thanks aspinn.

Fish:
1- Royal Gramma Basslet
1- Purple Firefish
2- Ocellaris Clownfish
2- Blue Damsel/Blue Devil (Cycling my tank, Don't know if I can get them out)
1- Blood Shrimp

Coral's:
Frogspawn Coral
Hammer Coral
Artichoke/Button Coral
Ricordea Mushroom Coral
Nemenzophyllia Fox Coral
Zoanthus Button Polyp

Do you guys think I can get A small Pacific Blue Tang in this tank (48"X 12"X 20")

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11698080#post11698080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpoore89
I like it so far. I have the Nova Extreme Pro with 6 bulbs on my 55. I was told that 8 would be way over kill. With six you can keep anything, sps and clams included

Thanks bpoore89.

I got the 8 bulb because is wasn't much more money than the 6 bulb, and you get 108 watt more of light. It's nice to know I can keep any thing I want. The light will be here next week, Will post pictures:p.

[gsusfreak]

a small blue tang?.....the tang police would flip, but its your tank and your free to do whatever you want with it.........if it was my tank, i'd get one...especially since you said it'll be a baby....i'd ensure that its happy and healthy though

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11701855#post11701855 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gsusfreak
a small blue tang?.....the tang police would flip, but its your tank and your free to do whatever you want with it.........if it was my tank, i'd get one...especially since you said it'll be a baby....i'd ensure that its happy and healthy though

Ya the tang police would flip. There in full force on this sit. It's a 4 feet tank (48''X12''X21'') and the total water volume is over 80 gallons. There's lots of swimming room in the tank. I don't know, But I really like the Pacific Blue Tang.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11701229#post11701229 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
Looks great!

If you sell the sunpod from you aquapod shoot me a pm, i'm interested.

How's it going zma21, Sorry but I'm keeping the sunpod right now, If I do sell it I will let you know. I was think of using it on my Frefugium, Do you think it's overkill for a Frefugium?

[racksteris]

I moved the Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump to the other side of the tank next to the overflow. It gives the tank a more clean look.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0066-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0065-3.jpg

What do you guys think?

[zma21]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11702127#post11702127 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by racksteris
How's it going zma21, Sorry but I'm keeping the sunpod right now, If I do sell it I will let you know. I was think of using it on my Frefugium, Do you think it's overkill for a Frefugium?

My neighbor has a 400 watt over his refugium. :p

It shouldn't be overkill at all.


And about the tang, people have kept them in smaller tanks. It's all personal opinion.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11703618#post11703618 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
My neighbor has a 400 watt over his refugium. :p

It shouldn't be overkill at all.


And about the tang, people have kept them in smaller tanks. It's all personal opinion.

WOW that must be some frefugium, Ya I think there is plenty of swimming room in my tank for a small Pacific Blue Tang. The tank is 4 feet long.

[zma21]

You may or may not change your mind when he reaches full size though.

They get huge and swim like nuts if i'm thinking of the right species of tang.

[oldreefer76]

I would get a better skimmer, reduce the flow through your sump, flow through your sump should not be more than 5x your tank volume, sumps are not supposed to be a big part of your overall tank flow, everything else looks good though

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11709682#post11709682 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oldreefer76
I would get a better skimmer, reduce the flow through your sump, flow through your sump should not be more than 5x your tank volume, sumps are not supposed to be a big part of your overall tank flow, everything else looks good though \

Hey thanks for the suggestion, The reason I got the AquaC Remora Pro Protein Skimmer is because it's a hang-on and I don't have a lot of space in my sump for an in-sump skimmer. I do have a G-4 from my 120 FOWLR tank, that's now an African Cichlid tank. My sump is being used as a Frefugium so there is no room for an in-sump skimmer. BTW I love this skimmer, I have to empty it every 1-2 days, It skim's wet but it's Ok I don't mind. I know its tanking a lot of crap out of my tank. Could you please explain why flow through my sump should not be more than 5x your tank volume. I have 2 - Hydor Koralia Nano (240 GPH Each) in my sump is this a problem. The flow through my sump is 18 X . The flow in my tank is 48 X.

Thank You.

[bpoore89]

Im sure you"ll be happy in your ability to keep pretty much anything under those. I love mine and Im sure you'll love yours

[racksteris]

I received my Nova Extreme from Drs. Foster & Smith's today. Sadly all the bulbs were broken, All 8 of them. I called them up and there sending new bulbs to me. They were very help full and shipped the bulbs overnight. Should receive them on Saturday. I think the light looks really cool on the tank. The light covers the entire top of the tank.

Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 432 watts

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0067-1.jpg

All 8 bulbs broken

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0068-3.jpg

Tank & Light

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0072-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0062-2.jpg

Mag Drive Pump 1200

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0065-4.jpg

[fewskillz]

Nice looking setup. I've been thinking about selling my 125 tank/stand to do a 55 with that same light. Keep us updated.

[Shekki]

I will agree that the damsels should go before you start stocking the tank. Mine was nice for about 2 years and then he became a terror. I had to tear the entire tank apart to get him.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11734330#post11734330 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fewskillz
Nice looking setup. I've been thinking about selling my 125 tank/stand to do a 55 with that same light. Keep us updated.

Thanks fewskillz. I think 55 gal. tanks are great. I like 4' tanks, My 120 Gal. AGA MegaFlow System African Cichlid tank is also 4'. It use to be a FOWLR tank.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11734781#post11734781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shekki
I will agree that the damsels should go before you start stocking the tank. Mine was nice for about 2 years and then he became a terror. I had to tear the entire tank apart to get him.

I got the little devil's out. I had to remove all my live rock, It was not so bad I re-scape the tank and I think it look's A lot better.

[zma21]

Glad it worked out for you.

Should the bulbs arrive today?

[racksteris]

I got my bulbs from Drs. Foster & Smith's today, They overnight the bulbs but they only sent 4. I called them up and there sending 4 more out to me on tuesday. FedEx has been to my house on Thursday,Friday, & Saturday, There coming again on Tuesday, and are bring 3 different package. All these deliveries are from Just 2 Order's from Drs. Foster & Smith's. They must have a good deal with FedEx.

Only 4 bulbs in the light

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0063-3.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0064-3.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0066-2.jpg

[kevin4052002]

I like the new rock arrangement a lot better. Tank is looking great, really nice equipment!

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11747090#post11747090 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
Glad it worked out for you.

Should the bulbs arrive today?

Ya I got 4 bulbs from them today, Called them up and there shipping 4 more overnight. I should get the other 4 on tuesday. I told them it was 8 bulbs and they still sent 4.

[kar93]

Nice Rockwork

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11749852#post11749852 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kevin4052002
I like the new rock arrangement a lot better. Tank is looking great, really nice equipment!


Thank for the complement kevin4052002, The tank looks A lot in person than it does in these pictures. I can never get the pictures to come out good. I need to get a new digital camera, But it will have to wait because I will need to start stocking this tank soon.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11749994#post11749994 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
Nice Rockwork

Thank you kar93.

[racksteris]

Purple Firefish
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0063-4.jpg

Blood Shrimp
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0075.jpg

Feeding Time
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0072-2.jpg

[racksteris]

Just finish setting up my A.T.O, and though I would share some pictures. I'm almost finish with my Sump/Frefugium. I need to add the light on my Frefugium. I ordered it from Drs. FosterSmith, It will be there on tuesday. It's a Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures 24".

Sump/Frefugium
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0061.jpg

Left Side
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0060.jpg

A.T.O
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0063-5.jpg

Frefugium
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0059.jpg

[racksteris]

I got the other 4 bulbs from Drs. Foster & Smith's today. I also got my Frefugium light, It's a Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures 48 watts (1-24 W 10,000°K 1-24 W 460 nm actinic). I also got the timers for my light. I'm only using 6 bulbs in my light now. I need to get 2 more actinic. I like the blue look.

6 bulbs in my Nova Extreme
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0060-1.jpg

Frefugium light Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures 48 watts
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0070.jpg

Frefugium with light on
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0067-2.jpg

Timers for my light
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0071-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0065-6.jpg

[aspinn]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11701717#post11701717 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by racksteris
Thanks aspinn.

Fish:
1- Royal Gramma Basslet
1- Purple Firefish
2- Ocellaris Clownfish
2- Blue Damsel/Blue Devil (Cycling my tank, Don't know if I can get them out)
1- Blood Shrimp

Coral's:
Frogspawn Coral
Hammer Coral
Artichoke/Button Coral
Ricordea Mushroom Coral
Nemenzophyllia Fox Coral
Zoanthus Button Polyp

Do you guys think I can get A small Pacific Blue Tang in this tank (48"X 12"X 20")

nice stock list!.... i love the firefish and shrimp you picked out.... i see you didnt go for purple =( whys that?.... cant wait to see what its gunna look like with the corals =) gratz on getting the lighting! cant wait for more pics! (o and sorry for taking so long to respond haha i have to many threads in my bookmarks O.o lol

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11774183#post11774183 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by aspinn
nice stock list!.... i love the firefish and shrimp you picked out.... i see you didnt go for purple =( whys that?.... cant wait to see what its gunna look like with the corals =) gratz on getting the lighting! cant wait for more pics! (o and sorry for taking so long to respond haha i have to many threads in my bookmarks O.o lol

Thanks aspinn, My LFS didn't have the Purple Firefish so I just got this one. He is cool little fish always out looking for food. The light is great run's cool and is very bright. I'm Very happy I went with T-5's.

[racksteris]

I got my order from liveaquatix today. I got Chaetomorpha for my Frefugium and 40 Ilyanassa Obsoleta Snails. I put 10 Snails in my Frefugium and 30 in my tank. This is my first time setting a Frefugium and I welcome any input or suggestion. This is my set-up so far Sump/Frefugium (25 Gallon Aqueon tank with 5 bubble trap 1'' apart) In the Frefugium I have 1'' Fiji Pink sand, 25 Lb Fiji Live Rock, and Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae. Lighting is a Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures 48 watts, also have a Hydor Koralia Nano in there.

Frefugium
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0061-1.jpg

Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0062-4.jpg

[racksteris]

Hi everyone A Little UPDATED on my tank. All my water parameters are good except my NITRATE. My test ket is showing it at between 5.0 ppm to 10 ppm. The tank has been running for over 2 months. I have 5 fish in the tank, 2 Ocellaris Clownfish, 1 Firefish, 1 Lyretail Anthias, 1 Blue Green Chromis. I feed once a day a little less than 1 cube of Prime Reef 2. Any suggestion on how I can get my NITRATE to 0 would be great. I just add Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae to my Frefugium last night, So I don't know how much this will help. It's my first time running a Frefugium and I don't know how well they work. Is there any other Macroalgae I should add to my Frefugium, What Critters do you normally but in A Frefugium. Any advice on Frefugium would be great. Thank You.

[racksteris]

New Rock Scape

Full Tank Shot

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0063-6.jpg

Side Shot

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0068-4.jpg

My Lyretail Anthias getting his choppers cleaned:D

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0059-1.jpg

[executivelewis]

Im going to be the first to ask. What is a frefugium? Is it different than a refugium.

[racksteris]

My bad, I just added A (F) because I'm using the Refugium for Filtration only.

[gsusfreak]

so when are you gonna stick some corals in that thing!!!...lol

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11799635#post11799635 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gsusfreak
so when are you gonna stick some corals in that thing!!!...lol

Hey gsusfreak, I want my tank to be stable first then I will start adding coral's. I want to run my tank for about 5-6 month, add all the fish I want and get my bio-load under control first then start adding coral's.

[racksteris]

I went to my LFS last Saturday. I got A Coral Beauty Angelfish and 4 Emerald Crab. There all doing good so far. The Coral Beauty is nipping at my snails but has not touch my corals, Hopefully he never does. So far I my stock list consist of the following.

1 Coral Beauty Angelfish
1 Firefish
1 Lyretail Anthias
1 Blue Green Chromis
2 Ocellaris Clownfish
1 Blood Shrimp
8 Emerald Crab
8 Astraea Snail ( Need 20 More )
40 Ilyanassa Obsoleta Snails
24 Nassarius Snails
Fox Coral
Mushroom Coral
Bubble Coral
Palythoas

:fish1: Some Pictures Of My Fish :fish1:

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0062-5.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0067-3.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0068-5.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0074-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0075-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0078-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0080-1.jpg

[racksteris]

Just got back from my LFS.:D I got 1 Condy Anemone, 1 Royal Gramma Basslet, 1 Sand Sifting Starfish and 10 Astraea Snail. Will post pictures later.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0059-2.jpg

[racksteris]

I have decide to go BARE BOTTOM, No Sand in my tank. I really couldn't see much benefit in having sand in this tank. They were only 2'' of sand in the tank anyway. So it's all gone. There are some new pictures.

Full Tank Shot
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0065-7.jpg

My Royal Gramma Basslet That I Got Yesterday And My Lyretail Anthias
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0061-2.jpg

My 2 Ocellaris Clownfish And My Lyretail Anthias
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0062-6.jpg

My Blood Shrimp
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0067-4.jpg

Bare Bottom
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0070-1.jpg

[gumby007]

Thats a lot of live rock. It will look incredible when stocked with corals. I have a 55 sumpless and this makes me want to put a sump on the system. Gl... looks great.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11864617#post11864617 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gumby007
Thats a lot of live rock. It will look incredible when stocked with corals. I have a 55 sumpless and this makes me want to put a sump on the system. Gl... looks great.

Thank gumby007, I have about 120 LR. I don't think I can keep a saltwater tank if it does not have a sump, having a sump just makes everything easy. Also gives the tank a clean look.

[racksteris]

Tank Update. My tank is doing very well so far. No pest algae, Water temperature is stable at 78, Nitrate & Phosphate reading at 0. All my live stock in the tank are doing fine. I just got back from my LFS, I got 1 Fathead Anthias & 1 Carberryi Anthias. There in hiding right now will post pictures later tonight.

Can any one tell me how to get my snails to stop laying eggs on the glass. I really hate how it looks on the glass. I think it's eggs. It's a little white spot. The size of a grain of sugar. Thanks..

[StunnaShadez]

impossible to get them to stop laying eggs w/o getting them out. whats your plan on corals? im lazy to read the from beginning haha sorry.

[bpoore89]

Wow everything looks great!

[Radioheadx14]

I had snails laying eggs on my glass at first. There were eggs everywhere. But for the past 4 months, I have had 0 eggs... maybe they do it in cycles, or maybe their food is in short supply?

[racksteris]

:eek1: PICTURES :eek1:

Full Tank Shot
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0062-7.jpg

Lyretail Anthias (Female)
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0069.jpg

Lyretail Anthias (Male)
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0097.jpg

Bubble Coral & Fox Coral
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0093.jpg

Condy Anemone
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0078-3.jpg

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11920330#post11920330 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bpoore89
Wow everything looks great!

Thanks bpoore89, Everything has been going well so far.

[rduong89]

u also have a barlets anthias....just letting you know.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11926048#post11926048 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rduong89
u also have a barlets anthias....just letting you know.

Thanks rduong89, I just figured that out last night:) My LSF had it label wrong.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11920448#post11920448 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Radioheadx14
I had snails laying eggs on my glass at first. There were eggs everywhere. But for the past 4 months, I have had 0 eggs... maybe they do it in cycles, or maybe their food is in short supply?

I have got eggs all over the glass. I don't have much algae in the tank, there is some just not a lot. Did you do anything different before they stop laying the eggs? What do you feed snails? Is there a fish that eats these eggs? Its would be ideal if I can get a fish to eat these eggs. Thanks

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11919151#post11919151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by m1enbo1
impossible to get them to stop laying eggs w/o getting them out. whats your plan on corals? im lazy to read the from beginning haha sorry.

This is my plan on livestock. I'm stocking the fish list first then the corals. I want to get my bio-load stable first.

(Have So Far)
I think this will be it for the fish's in this tank. Do you guys think it's too many fish for the tank.

Fish:

1- Royal Gramma Basslet
1- Firefish
1- Barlets Anthias (Female)
1- Coral Beauty Angelfish
2- Ocellaris Clownfish (Male\Female)
2- Lyretail Anthias (Male\Female)
1- Blood Shrimp
8- Emerald Crab

(Plan On Getting)

Coral's:

Frogspawn Coral
Hammer Coral
Artichoke/Button Coral
Ricordea Mushroom Coral
Nemenzophyllia Fox Coral
Zoanthus Button Polyp

[siwelk]

IMO, thats plenty of fish. time to focus of filling the tank with nice corals now. :)

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11933548#post11933548 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by siwelk
IMO, thats plenty of fish. time to focus of filling the tank with nice corals now. :)

Yup I think your right, That is plenty of fish. I going to start getting corals this weekend. I'm very new to keeping corals so any advice for a novice reefer is very much welcome. Right now I have A Fox Coral, Zoanthus, & Bubble Coral. What type of corals should I get? What type should I stay away from? Should I get small pice or large pice of coral? I think I have lots of light 432 watts = 55 Gal. = 7.8 WPG. My water turn over is 45 Time Per Hour in the tank. So what type of corals should can I get. Pictures are cool if you have. Thanks :)

[racksteris]

Tank Update:

My tank is doing great no Pest Algae to report so far. All my fish are fine except for my Lyretail Anthias (Female) is not coming out of the rocks, & I have not seen her eat since I got her last friday. The male Lyretail is doing great, He's the new BOSS of the tank. My Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae in my Refugium is starting to grow. My tank is staying super clean with the bare bottom. I don't think I will ever use back sand in my saltwater tank. If any one has any iead why my Lyretail is not comeing out of the rocks please let me know. She is very beautiful, I would hate to see her die of starvation.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0004.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0005.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0011.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0013.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0015.jpg


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0002.jpg

[reefman13]

Hate to break it to ya, but that anemone could be the culprit. They do not host clowns in the wild and VERY rarely do in the aquarium, so I would suggest taking it back or doing something to get it out of the tank.

Otherwise everything looks pretty good.

[racksteris]

I'm off the my LSF:) Will updated when I get back:rollface:

[gsusfreak]

rack...as for corals...you should be able to house whatever you want, if i remember correctly, you have t5's right?

[racksteris]

Will I'm off to my LFS AGAIN. Will updated when I get back.

[racksteris]

Just got back from my LFS. I got a small Pacific Blue Tang, 2 Zoanthus Button Polyp, one large green Zoanthus ( About 100 Polyp), one large brown orange pice Zoanthus (About 80 Polyp). 10 Astraea Snail. My tank is starting to look really nice, Everything has been stable. I did have one casualty, One of my Emerald Crab died don't know why. Everything else is doing great so far. My Lyretail Anthias (Female) is still hiding in the rocks, She's been in there over a week. She comes out once in a wile but then goes right back in. I need to get a better digital camera, My pictures don't look as nice. I like Zoanthus, I want my tank to be mostly Zoanthus. Do you guys think it's a good idea to have mostly Zoanthus in my tank. I'm NEW to REEF so I don't know if I should keep getting more Zoanthus or I should get other kind of corals. Please let me know what you guys think of Zoanthus.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0013-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0012.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0016.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0018.jpg

[andiruleu]

your tank is coming along wonderfully!! keep stocking!

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11968873#post11968873 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefman13
Hate to break it to ya, but that anemone could be the culprit. They do not host clowns in the wild and VERY rarely do in the aquarium, so I would suggest taking it back or doing something to get it out of the tank.

Otherwise everything looks pretty good.

Thanks for the response Dave, I don't know much about anemone, All I knew about this one was that it was easy to take care off. :( I would love for my two clown to host an anemone, Which anemone do you suggest that my clown's will host in easily. Thanks

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11977462#post11977462 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gsusfreak
rack...as for corals...you should be able to house whatever you want, if i remember correctly, you have t5's right?

Hey john, Yes I do have T-5 lighting,Nova Extreme T-5 HO Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 432 watt.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11987072#post11987072 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by andiruleu
your tank is coming along wonderfully!! keep stocking!

Thanks Andiruleu, I will keep stocking my tank but at a very slow rate. I know this hobby is expensive, But is it just me or is corals costing a lot more these days:(

[WM15]

the easiest nem to keep would be a BTA (bubble tipped anemone) but since its not a natural host for ocellaris clowns it may take awhile for them to host

[racksteris]

Tank Update.

Well everything is going good. Not much change. All my fish and corals seem to be doing good.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0021.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0026.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0037.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0041-2.jpg

[racksteris]

Just got back from my LFS. I got a Mimic tang, Star Polyp, Zoanthus Button Polyp & Trumpet Coral. Will post pictures later. My fish list is now complete. I will try not to get any other fish. I can't help my self I love fish's. The Mimic tang looks great in my tank.

[OranguTang]

SLOW DOWN

LOL....

That is a HUGE bio load on a 55g with such a small skimmer....

I wont even comment on the two tangs...;)

[MyMonkey]

Nice work on the upgrade.

[Puffalicious]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12050733#post12050733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OranguTang
SLOW DOWN

LOL....

That is a HUGE bio load on a 55g with such a small skimmer....

I wont even comment on the two tangs...;)

+1

[reefman13]

Man, first off, take one of the tangs out. They are BOTH rated for 100g plus, and you have two in half that water volume...

Second, I agree with slow down, adding all this to your bioload will only stress out the tank.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12050733#post12050733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OranguTang
SLOW DOWN

LOL....

That is a HUGE bio load on a 55g with such a small skimmer....

I wont even comment on the two tangs...;)

Hey thanks Marc, I kinda got side track with the fish's in this tank. I have a ASM G-3 do you think I should use it on this tank. The only reason I didn't use it was I'm limited by space under the tank. I would need to change out my sump & move my A.T.O out of the stand in order to use it. Also my refugium would be smaller (6X12). Should I make the change or stay with my setup?

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12051175#post12051175 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefman13
Man, first off, take one of the tangs out. They are BOTH rated for 100g plus, and you have two in half that water volume...

Second, I agree with slow down, adding all this to your bioload will only stress out the tank.

Thanks Dave for the heads up. I seem to forget every thing I know when I'm at the LSF. I will be removing the Pacific Blue Tang, Blue Green Chromis & Lyretail Anthias (Female). The Lyretail Anthias (Female) stays in the rocks all the time. This will help to lower my bio load. I use PetEducation.com for Minimum Tank Capacity when getting new fish, is this info for the Chocolate Surgeonfish (Mimic tang) correct?

Family: Acanthuridae
Range: Indo-Pacific
Size: Up to 8 inches
Diet: Herbivore
Tank Set-up: Marine: Coral or rock, plants
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.020-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Minimum Tank Capacity: 55 gallon <<<<<<<
Light: High
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Swimming Level: No specific level
Care Level: Easy
Reproduction: Group Spawner

[reefman13]

Indeed. All I can tell you, is that out of the fish you have remove the chocolate. I have had one, and now that it is in there, and has claimed its territory, it will DESTORY any new comer to the system. I would say remove that fish. Keep the Hippo Tang (Pacific Blue), and if you want to remove the anthais.

Any ideas for things you will replace them with?

[OranguTang]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12053211#post12053211 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by racksteris
Hey thanks Marc, I kinda got side track with the fish's in this tank. I have a ASM G-3 do you think I should use it on this tank. The only reason I didn't use it was I'm limited by space under the tank. I would need to change out my sump & move my A.T.O out of the stand in order to use it. Also my refugium would be smaller (6X12). Should I make the change or stay with my setup?

No problem,

That skimmer would be fairly large for that tank, looks like you need one in between :D

And that really depends on what you want to keep as far as corals. But there are many options out there.

What are your nitrates?

[RickM61]

nice looking tank..i would remove 1 of the tangs.. a few things to remember.. tangs stress out very easily..opening them up to parasites...as for the condy..i would take him back..they are nice in color but i have yet to see a clown host one.. i have a bubble tip in my 55 and my clowns went to it right away..some take longer though..but you have to also remember..i would get the bubble tip first if your going to because he will move anywhere in the tank he wants to until he is happy..if you have zoa's where he wants to go he will take that spot. also remember you have to feed certian corals just like you feed your fish..some corals are filter feeders..some are not..again very nice looking tank..

Rick

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12050766#post12050766 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MyMonkey
Nice work on the upgrade.

Thank you.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12054406#post12054406 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefman13
Indeed. All I can tell you, is that out of the fish you have remove the chocolate. I have had one, and now that it is in there, and has claimed its territory, it will DESTORY any new comer to the system. I would say remove that fish. Keep the Hippo Tang (Pacific Blue), and if you want to remove the anthais.

Any ideas for things you will replace them with?

I know some one that wants a Pacific Blue tang, that's why I was going to remove him. As for replacement of the these fish that I will be removing, There wont be any new fish. The chocolate was a mistake, My fish list is complete. The chocolate was an impulse buy, I must say
he looks great in my tank.

[reefman13]

Okay, then its now time to stock up on corals;)

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12054634#post12054634 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by OranguTang
No problem,

That skimmer would be fairly large for that tank, looks like you need one in between :D

And that really depends on what you want to keep as far as corals. But there are many options out there.

What are your nitrates?

The G-3 is from my 120 Gal. FLOWR tank That is now FW. I thought is was too large for this tank, The reason I didn't use it. I will be keeping Zoanthids, Soft Corals, Mushroom Corals, & 1 Anemone that will host my clown fish. I do water change almost every 2 week, My Nitrate are at 0 for a little bit over 2 week and then they start to go up but not much. The most I have seen it was maybe 5.0 ppm. I'm a heavy feeder so that helps to raise my Nitrate. What food do you feed your tank and how much. I use Frozen Foods & pellets. I had a hard time finding Chaetomorpha Algae, I have only added to my refugium about a month, It's starting to grow but not very fast like every says.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12054964#post12054964 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by RickM61
nice looking tank..i would remove 1 of the tangs.. a few things to remember.. tangs stress out very easily..opening them up to parasites...as for the condy..i would take him back..they are nice in color but i have yet to see a clown host one.. i have a bubble tip in my 55 and my clowns went to it right away..some take longer though..but you have to also remember..i would get the bubble tip first if your going to because he will move anywhere in the tank he wants to until he is happy..if you have zoa's where he wants to go he will take that spot. also remember you have to feed certian corals just like you feed your fish..some corals are filter feeders..some are not..again very nice looking tank..

Rick

Thanks Rick, I will be removing one of the tang. As for the condy I will return it but not right now my tank is still very empty. It seem like my clowns want nothing to do with him, They stay far from him. I will remove it when I get the bubble tip as you recommend. What food's do you recommend for my corals. Thanks for the info.

[RickM61]

i feed all my corals reef chili..i feed my sun corals mysis shrimp and my bubble tip gets silversides for his diet..lol i knew if i posted about them moving something would happen..my bubble tip has stayed in one spot for over 7 months..tonight he decided he wants a new rock..just take it slow and you will be fine.

Rick

[racksteris]

Just took some Full Tank Shot.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/7-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/77.jpg

[reefman13]

Is that a pink tailed trigger in there?

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12059453#post12059453 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefman13
Is that a pink tailed trigger in there?

No, Where do you see that? LOL I just had to google it to know what it is and what it looks like like. LOL I don't like trigger, Never had one in amy of my tanks.

[reefman13]

Oh, haha. My eyes aren't what they used to be...and I am 15...wow;)

[racksteris]

My tank is doing great. My water is crystal clear. All my fish's are very active. The tank is looking better every day. I went to my LFS after work today and got some critters for my refugium. I got 6 Hermit Crab, 6 Astraea Snail, 3 Mexican Turbo Snail, and some Green Grape Caulerpa Macro Algae. Does any one use Green Grape Caulerpa Macro Algae in there refugium?

Pic's I just took.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/0000.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/9999.jpg

[mile sq. reefer]

Looking good, but to be honest I would add a SSB to the display for aesthetics and remove some rock to open up the aquascape. This will help increase flow around the rock structures and decrease detritus build up. The corner over flow also takes away valuable real estate in a narrow tank adding to this difficulty. I know I have a 55g as well. A fairly recent pic of my system. Not to hijack your thread but to show a less is more approach. Good luck with your tank and future success.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/milesqreefer/117_1735.jpg

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12078080#post12078080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Looking good, but to be honest I would add a SSB to the display for aesthetics and remove some rock to open up the aquascape. This will help increase flow around the rock structures and decrease detritus build up. The corner over flow also takes away valuable real estate in a narrow tank adding to this difficulty. I know I have a 55g as well. A fairly recent pic of my system. Not to hijack your thread but to show a less is more approach. Good luck with your tank and future success.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/milesqreefer/117_1735.jpg

Thanks mile, I did have 40 Lb. Indo-Pacific Black sand in my tank which gave me about a 2'' send bed. It looked great but I wanted a lot of flow and have seen some really great looking tank's on RC that had no sand bed. Also one of the main reason for removing my sand bed was so I don't have detritus build up in my tank cause of having some many rocks. All the detritus get push by my Tunze 6060 to the side of tank with the overflow, When you look at the tank from inside the stand there is no detritus build up under the rocks all the detritus get moved to the front of the tank next to the overflow. BTY I love not having a SB I will never use sand in any future saltwater tank, the tank just stays a lot cleaner. The reason for having so much live rocks is for biological filtration and because the tank is so narrow you really don't have many choice in aquascape. Having the rocks stack hight increase placement for corals and I love how the fish's swim in and out of the rocks. The corner overflow does take up some space but its not much and I wont keep a tank with out a sump.

Your tank looks great thanks for posting a picture, I just don't see many 55 Gal. tank's any more. How do you like the sunpod. I was think of going with MH but I seem like a lot of people are having great success with T-5 and are recommending it over MH. I also have the Remora Pro but I'm using rio 1400 I tried the 1700 on it but it keep over flowing. How is the mag 3 working out for you? What is you maintenance routine on this tank? How long has you tank been up? How many fish do you have in there? Thanks.

[racksteris]

Some pictures of my fish's and coral's.


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0013-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0025.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0029.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0020-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0003-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0006.jpg

[dan10342]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12078080#post12078080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Looking good, but to be honest I would add a SSB to the display for aesthetics and remove some rock to open up the aquascape. This will help increase flow around the rock structures and decrease detritus build up. The corner over flow also takes away valuable real estate in a narrow tank adding to this difficulty. I know I have a 55g as well. A fairly recent pic of my system. Not to hijack your thread but to show a less is more approach. Good luck with your tank and future success.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/milesqreefer/117_1735.jpg

I do agree! IMO lose some of the rock, and do an island aquascape. IMO islands look amazing. no offense, but i dont see many "amazing" tanks with the brick wall style.

however, i do not recommend the sand. i also run my tank bare bottom, and im glad i removed my sand a few months ago. the algea growth literally stopped, and i no longer worry about stirring crap up on accident.

anyhow... good luck! no matter what me, or anyone else thinks... it's your reef and as long as the livestock is happy (and you) it will be all good!

[MyMonkey]

Dunno, it's a rather Soloman islands rock wall approach. To each hi own. So long as your fish have hiding spots. I recall being told the same things many years ago. My first 58 started as a pile of rocks. As seen here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v247/MyMonkey/IMG_2842.jpg

[racksteris]

While I was feeding my fish & corals tonight I turn off my Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump, When I went to turn it back on I just glance at it and this is what I saw

My Royal Gramma Basslet inside my Stream Pump

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/we.jpg

The funny thing is that he was defending Stream Pump from the other fish that were inspecting to see what he was doing in there..

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12083554#post12083554 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjjo
I do agree! IMO lose some of the rock, and do an island aquascape. IMO islands look amazing. no offense, but i dont see many "amazing" tanks with the brick wall style.

however, i do not recommend the sand. i also run my tank bare bottom, and im glad i removed my sand a few months ago. the algea growth literally stopped, and i no longer worry about stirring crap up on accident.

anyhow... good luck! no matter what me, or anyone else thinks... it's your reef and as long as the livestock is happy (and you) it will be all good!


>>>>no offense, but i dont see many "amazing" tanks with the brick wall style<<<<

I'm not defending my aquascape but the BEST & LARGEST tanks on RC are " brick wall style ''

I have to add this I just went thought the tank of the month on RC and almost all the tanks are brick wall style with corals on it..

[mile sq. reefer]

Thanks racksteris. I'm happy to hear of your success. As a side note, each tank is an expression of the individual. And that individual uses technology and methods that work for their needs. Ive seen amazing island layouts and the more traditional heavy rock layouts. Ive seen simple low tech, ( my approach) to fish rooms that could launch the space shuttle. I do what works for me and try to offer that info to others. They can try it or not. I really dont care. But the proof is the pic that shows the fruit of your labor. Anybody can read and post but can they back it up. So racksteris, continue what you are doing because it works for you. Kepp us posted as you progress.

This tank is three years old wit ha 2" SSB. The Mag 3 with the RP works for my bioload. I do weekly 10% water changes using Reef Crystal salt mixed to 1.025. Calcium 420, Alk 8-9, PH 8.0(night) 8.2(day), Mag last test was around 1450. I top off with 1g RO/DI to 1tsp kalk. I then boost with Bionic 2 part. Lighting is only 2x150w 14k Pheonix 14k in a 48" Sunpod fixture. My corals seem to respond well to this fixture/bulb combo and have, in my opinion, good growth and color .I have six fish all listed in my sig. I will be upgrading my flow to the new Koralia 4's made to run on the Hydor controller.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12085996#post12085996 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Thanks racksteris. I'm happy to hear of your success. As a side note, each tank is an expression of the individual. And that individual uses technology and methods that work for their needs. Ive seen amazing island layouts and the more traditional heavy rock layouts. Ive seen simple low tech, ( my approach) to fish rooms that could launch the space shuttle. I do what works for me and try to offer that info to others. They can try it or not. I really dont care. But the proof is the pic that shows the fruit of your labor. Anybody can read and post but can they back it up. So racksteris, continue what you are doing because it works for you. Kepp us posted as you progress.

This tank is three years old wit ha 2" SSB. The Mag 3 with the RP works for my bioload. I do weekly 10% water changes using Reef Crystal salt mixed to 1.025. Calcium 420, Alk 8-9, PH 8.0(night) 8.2(day), Mag last test was around 1450. I top off with 1g RO/DI to 1tsp kalk. I then boost with Bionic 2 part. Lighting is only 2x150w 14k Pheonix 14k in a 48" Sunpod fixture. My corals seem to respond well to this fixture/bulb combo and have, in my opinion, good growth and color .I have six fish all listed in my sig. I will be upgrading my flow to the new Koralia 4's made to run on the Hydor controller.

Thanks for the reply mile.

[dan10342]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12085630#post12085630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by racksteris
>>>>no offense, but i dont see many "amazing" tanks with the brick wall style<<<<

I'm not defending my aquascape but the BEST & LARGEST tanks on RC are " brick wall style ''

I have to add this I just went thought the tank of the month on RC and almost all the tanks are brick wall style with corals on it..

i in no way wanted to offend you. i actually think your fish and corals look like they are doing great!

was just saying, if you do brick wall, add some more depth to it (lol i kno a 55 is very hard)

here is a cool reef that isnt brick wall:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/totm/index.php

[dan10342]

^^ anway, either way im sure in a few months your tank will be stunning

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12090060#post12090060 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjjo
i in no way wanted to offend you. i actually think your fish and corals look like they are doing great!

was just saying, if you do brick wall, add some more depth to it (lol i kno a 55 is very hard)

here is a cool reef that isnt brick wall:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-08/totm/index.php

Hey none taken I welcome the input. The 55 gallon tanks are very narrow only 12'' which makes it hard to get a nice looking aquascape. I love the island look, Its what most of the new large tanks are doing, I really don't have the depth in a 55 gallon to pull the island look off. At fist when the tank was set up I played with the rocks like every night, This is the best I could come up with. The tank looks a lot better in person then it looks in the pictures. The pictures that I post look like crap, I need a new digital camera.

[dan10342]

well in fact i also have a 55 gallon reef. here is a pic taken before lights came on (using flash) to show my rockwork. i went for 3 islands (cant really see the depth of third one in this pic). i also went for a more open look. the rocks only are about 3/5 of the way up at there highest point. id rather have corals grow to the top, than stack with rocks.
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/jjjo10342/rockwork.jpg


(mind the water spray and the coralline on the back wall. i was too lazy to "clean up" before pic.

I'm not hijacking your thread so please dont kill me haha!

and yes i do agree with the fact that a 55 is very hard to aquascape. it took me from 1pm to 4am to aquascape my 55.

[dan10342]

^^ wow that has to be the crappiest pic ive ever taken in my life. anyway that was just an idea of what kind of look i prefer.

if you do stick with the wall style, at least make some higher points and lower points. i'm sure you will be plased with that outcome.

something like this:
http://i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/jjjo10342/0000.jpg

lastly, one more critism. your fish bio-load is way much. although they look healthy and happy now (this is coming from experience) your tangs in time will become major *******s.

[dan10342]

i hope all that helped. ill admit im in no way an expert, so ill state this plain and clear. do what u want lol.

[Reeftanks6]

great tank just to much bioload for the tank. jjjo do you have any tangs in your tank.

[dan10342]

i did. an he became a big *** to the rest of my fish. so i did away with him

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12095700#post12095700 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reeftanks6
great tank just to much bioload for the tank. jjjo do you have any tangs in your tank.

Thanks Reeftanks6, The bio load does look like its a lot, But I have no problems with NITRATE OR PHOSPHATE. I think in time my tank will get better at handling my bio load, Which at the moment the tank has no problem doing. I'm still working on my refugium, Trying to get enough light for it (limited space). My Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae is not growing well, When I get it going it will help out a lot with my NITRATE & PHOSPHATE. I have had problems with nitrate in my 120 gallon FLOWR I use to run 2 years ago, I must say I have been luck so far at keeping my nitrate at 0 ppm. The over all tank volume is over 75 gallons, which I think helps. I was thinking of redoing my sump and adding a ASM G-3 but there is not point when everything has been going well. Right now I'm working on adding a fan and a new light to my refugium, Will update later.

[racksteris]

Don't you guys ever say I don't listen too you. I went a head and re-scape my rocks after much debate. I was able to cover my overflow and my Turbelle Stream Pump, The tank looks super clean now. The tank looks a lot more open and large now.. Let me know what you guys think..

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/1-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/11-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/1111.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/111.jpg

[racksteris]

I got a lot done with my tank on Saturday. I added a spiral compact fluorescent light to my refugium ( $8 - 26 watt=100 watt output 5500K) It is one that was recommended on Melev's Reef site. My Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae has not been growing. Does any one have any advice on growing Chaeto? It's lit 24/7 148 watt. I notice that my chiller has been running a lot when my light comes on, I know when summer comes it will be running a lot more so I add a medium size fan I got from walmart ($5) to my sump help out a little. Will let you guys know if it helps. I also run my 40 watt UV 24/7, I think that is helping to heat my tank up. My temp is set at 79 & seem to be very stable. I also changed out the media in my 2 reactor. How often do you guys change the media in your system? I also redone my rock scape. Will post pictures later. Thank you in advance for any advice..

[GSMguy]

nice aquascape looks great.

[racksteris]

Pictures of my fish and new aquascape

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0001.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0021-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0006-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0007.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0012-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0013-3.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0004-1.jpg

[mile sq. reefer]

Great job. I like the open look. It hides the overflow and makes the tank look bigger. As you acquire new corals and it matures your tank will look sweet.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12104760#post12104760 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
nice aquascape looks great.

Thanks GSMguy, Hey you got some nice equipment on your 50 gallon tank, Do you have any pictures of your tank?

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12105651#post12105651 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Great job. I like the open look. It hides the overflow and makes the tank look bigger. As you acquire new corals and it matures your tank will look sweet.

Thanks mile, My fishes look great in my tank now. The tank looks super clean now, looks like there is no equipment in the tank.

[mile sq. reefer]

Thats true, unlike mine, where its all around.

[racksteris]

It's been a week since my last update, I have made a lot of change with my tank. I moved my sump to my garage. The chiller & UV was already in the garage so I only had to run the drain line. It took about 4 hours to get everything back online. I replace my AquaC Remora Pro skimmer with my ASM G-2, Because of this I had to do away with the refugium part of my sump. I could not get the Chaetomorpha spp. Macroalgae to grow in my refugium anyway so I just got raid of it. If I want to have back a refugium I would need to build A new sump. Do you guys think I need a refugium ? I went A few times in the last week to my LFS. I got some new corals, Will post pictures later. I change up my aquascape from the above /\ pictures. I redone it so I would be able to add a lot more corals. The tank is going great, My live stock are all doing well, Water Parm & Temp are stable and in shape. Hey what temp do you guys keep your tank? I keep my temp at 79 is that good or should I lower it to 78?

[zma21]

One thing that made my chaeto explode with growth is putting it in good flow. If you have a ball, try to get the ball to actually spin in the water with flow. It will grow faster than you can handle then lol.

I have to prune at the end of every week.

[racksteris]

Pictures of my new rock scape
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0014.jpg

Some of my new corals

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0006-2.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0007-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0008.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0010.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0013-4.jpg

My sump I moved to my garage

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0020.jpg

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12158892#post12158892 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
One thing that made my chaeto explode with growth is putting it in good flow. If you have a ball, try to get the ball to actually spin in the water with flow. It will grow faster than you can handle then lol.

I have to prune at the end of every week.

Hey zma21, I don't see you much on the forums any more. How is your nanocube doing? I did have some flow in my refugium. I had a Hydor Koralia Nano in there plus the flow of the return pump. It just didn't grow. How much would my tank benefit from a refugium?

[racksteris]

Tank update.
- My tank is doing great, All my tank Parameters are in shape and stable.
- I do have some bad news to report... I forgot to put my moon light's on last night and I think my Pacific Blue Tang got spook some how and jumped out of my tank and died:( He was doing really great in my tank always swimming around and always eating something. He was my favorite fish in the tank. I will have to get some Plexiglas cut for the top this weekend.

[racksteris]

Hey guys I need some help. I got A coral at my LSF that was not label and I thought it was Zoanthids, But when I got home and looked at it closed up it didn't look like Zoanthids. Can some one ID it for me please. The picture is not that great.

Thank you...

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0006-3.jpg

[zma21]

I've seen some at my LFS by the name of a "Flowerpot" coral, but i'm not sure if it was correctly labeled. Beautiful nevertheless.

My nanocube is doing GREAT. Lots of growth and I'll be submitting it to next months nano tank of the month contest.

[racksteris]

When to my LFS today got some corals. I got a Green Frogspawn Coral, Star Polyp, Zoanthus Button Polyp. These are some pictures I just took will do a full tank update later.

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0010-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0016-1-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0014-1.jpg

[zma21]

You're tank is absolutely gorgeous, rackster.

Congrats on such a clean water box.

[racksteris]

TANK UPDATE..

Here is the run down on my tank so far. This tank will be mostly LPS Hard Corals, Mushroom Corals, Polyps & Soft Corals. I don't think I want to keep and SPS corals right now maybe later down the road. I like fish so my fish list will be A little large for some. Most of the fish in my tank are small and wont grow large. I have moved my filtration system from under my stand to my garage. Lots of possibility for future filtration upgrade, I was very limited when it was in the stand. I have removed the refugium from my sump too make room for A larger skimmer. I wont add A refugium back right now. I run PhosGuard & Matrix Carbon 24/7 in 2 PhosBan Reactor 150. I add Kent Marine Pro.Buffer dKH,Kent Marine Essential Elements, Kent Marine Calcium & Purple Up every week. I feed the tank Marine Snow, Hikari Marine-S, Hikari Brime Shrimp, Prime Reef & Formula 2 (all with Kent Marine Garlic). Everything has been doing well, All my tank Parameters are in check.

This is a list of what I have too date.

EQUIPMENT
-------------
-Tank:
55 Gallon Aqueon tank with Corner Overflow, 1'' drain 3/4 return
-Lighting:
Nova Extreme T-5 HO Fixtures w/Lunar Lights 48" - 432 watts (8 x 54)
-Main Pump:
Mag Drive Pump 1200
-A.T.O
Auto Top Off Controller w/ Rio 600 10 Gallon Aqueon tank
-Powerhead:
Tunze Turbelle Stream Pump 6060 (1600 GPH) in Main tank
-Substrate:
Bare Bottom
-LiveRock:
Over 120 Lb. Fiji Live Rock
-Filtration System:
Sump (25 Gallon Aqueon tank with 5 bubble trap 1'' apart)
-Biological Filtration
Over 120 Lb. Fiji Live Rock
2 - Cell-Pore BioMedia BioSlab 9" x 9" x 4"
-Mechanical Filtration
pre-filter sock 200 micron
-Chemical Filtration:
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 \ Maxi-Jet 1200
1 PhosBan Reactor 150 - Matrix Carbon
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 - PhosGuard
-Skimmer:
ASM G-3 Protein Skimmer w/ Sedra 5000 Pump
-UV Sterilizers:
40 watt Lifegard Ultraviolet Sterilizer
-Chemical Filtration:
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 \ Maxi-Jet 1200
1 PhosBan Reactor 150 - Matrix Carbon
2 PhosBan Reactor 150 - PhosGuard
-Chiller:
Current Prime Mini-Aquarium 1\15 Hp Chiller
-Heater:
300 Watt Hydor Theo Heater
Coralife Digital Thermometer
Titanium Ground Probe

CORALS
----------
Frogspawn Coral
Goniopora Flower Pot Coral
Nemenzophyllia Fox Coral
Zoanthus Button Polyp
Bubble Coral
Candy Cane Coral
Artichoke/Button Coral
Star Polyp
Yellow Fiji Leather Coral

FISH
------
Royal Gramma Basslet
Firefish
Ocellaris Clownfish
Lyretail Anthias (M/F)
Blackcap Basslet
Pygmy Yellowtail Angelfish
Coral Beauty Angelfish
Chocolate Surgeonfish
Blue Green Chromis
Barlets Anthias

INVERTEBRATES
--------------------

15-Nassarius Snails
30-Astraea Snail
8-Turbo Snail
8-Emerald Crab
1-Blood Shrimp
1-Condy Anemone

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0007-2.jpg

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12206490#post12206490 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
You're tank is absolutely gorgeous, rackster.

Congrats on such a clean water box.

Thank you zma21, I can't wait to see your Nanocube next month, It's been running for awhile now? Aged tanks always looks good, I can't wait for my tank to age..

[zma21]

Do you still have your old sunpod that was over your biocube?

[mile sq. reefer]

Why did you change the aquascape? It really looked good when it was opened up.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12213267#post12213267 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mile sq. reefer
Why did you change the aquascape? It really looked good when it was opened up.

Hey mile, The rock scape did look good when it was open but it limited me in places where I could place corals. With this lay out I have a lot more places to put corals. It looks nicer in person than it does in the pictures. The rocks look higher in the pictures than they are really in the tank, only one side goes up to the top.I still need a lot more corals.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12211944#post12211944 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by zma21
Do you still have your old sunpod that was over your biocube?

Ya I still have it, It was on an aquapod. I still have both the nanocube 12 and the aquapod 12.

[zma21]

Oh, that's right, sorry.

Is it for sale now that it's not in use? I could really use one.

[racksteris]

Well not much to report, Everything seem to be doing well, I'm getting a little green algae on my rocks not much. It doesn't look that bad and my snail have something to eat. It mostly show up on the weekend when I have the light on for long periods of time and feed the tank a little more. I have been using tap water for my water changes. This might also be helping it. My RODI filter need new Cartridge, so I have not been using it. I will set it up next to my sump with a trash can to hold premix salt water, Will make water changes a lot easier. My Frogspawn Coral seem to be growing, It's only been in my tank less than two week. It's like 2x the size I got him, How fast do they grow.

My Blackcap Basslet
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/1-3.jpg

My Lyretail Anthias
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/11-2.jpg

[skaterzero22]

hey racksteris,

the tank is looking great. just a few things i wanted to note on. now that u have the sump in the garage why not beef it up and upgrade to a larger size?

is your phosband reactor returning water into the refugium with the macro algae? this might be bad and starving your cheato. just a thought.

everything else looks great. i think the clowns would love a nice bta in there instead of that condy. just my opinion tho

keep up the good work

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12371553#post12371553 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skaterzero22
hey racksteris,

the tank is looking great. just a few things i wanted to note on. now that u have the sump in the garage why not beef it up and upgrade to a larger size?

is your phosband reactor returning water into the refugium with the macro algae? this might be bad and starving your cheato. just a thought.

everything else looks great. i think the clowns would love a nice bta in there instead of that condy. just my opinion tho

keep up the good work

Thank You skaterzero22.

I will be upgrading my sump in the near future, But right now I'm working on setting up my RODI unit and A way to make water changes easier. I'm not running a refugium at the moment because I have my skimmer where the refugium use to be. I had A HOB skimmer when I was running the refugium. Since I moved my sump to my garage I replace the HOB skimmer with ASM G-3. So until I upgrade my sump no refugium.

Do you guys really think I need A refugium ?, I'm not going to be keeping any SPS and I have read that Soft corals don't do so good in really clean water?

As for the clown'S, There is only one left, The male jump out of the tank A weeks ago. The condy was A mistake and I took him back to my LFS. I can't seem to find any BTA in my LSF's.

[skaterzero22]

liveaquaria.com sells great bta's. they can be a little pricey but they are usually in better shape than the ones at LFS

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12372582#post12372582 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skaterzero22
liveaquaria.com sells great bta's. they can be a little pricey but they are usually in better shape than the ones at LFS

I don't know, I have never order any livestock from online, I order dry good's all the time but never livestock. I don't know if I have the courage to do it, Have you had good experience ordering online?

[viruzjk]

racksteris, how did you go about getting all the sand out of the tank? was it an easy task?

[skaterzero22]

i ordered from liveaquaria. the only complaint i had was they delayed my order to make sure the anemone i got was perfect.. didnt end up as a comlpaint. there stuff is grade A+

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12379941#post12379941 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by viruzjk
racksteris, how did you go about getting all the sand out of the tank? was it an easy task?

It was very easy and didn't even clouded the tank. I siphon the sand in too a large filter sock that was placed in my sump. All I had to do was empty the sock in a bucket every so often. If your not running a sump you can siphon in too a bucket, then just put the water back in the tank. I'm love-in the BB so far.

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12380115#post12380115 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by skaterzero22
i ordered from liveaquaria. the only complaint i had was they delayed my order to make sure the anemone i got was perfect.. didnt end up as a comlpaint. there stuff is grade A+

Thanks for the reply, I think I will give them a try. I have always checked out Live Aquaria sit but never order anything.

[skaterzero22]

just make sure to be home when it is going to be delivered. you dont want it out in the cold or heat too long. although your near orlando so aslong as we dont get another cold front you should be alrite

edit: you also want to make sure you read up on acclimating a nem. first day probably no lights on in the tank. then move to actinics and from there brighten. basically you dont want to stress it out.

[racksteris]

FTS..


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/rr.jpg

I finally got my aquascape the way I wanted it:)

What do you guys think?

[Chypriss]

Here is a 55gal for you.

With 20ks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/chypriss/sigushio.jpg

With 14ks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v481/chypriss/102_0022.jpg

[racksteris]

Love your tank Chypriss, It's what I want my tank to look like when its full stock. Hey can you please give me a full run down on your tank. Do you have a build thread? Coral list, maintenance, dosing, filtration, flow, lighting ?

Thank You...

[mile sq. reefer]

Another 55g, minimalsit approach with SPS. Sorry wanted to share. Sumpless.
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w227/milesqreefer/119_1925.jpg
Chypriss, what types of 14ks are they? wattage? ballast?

[racksteris]

A little updated on my aquascape. I had remove all my rocks from the tank and made 3 pillars. I'm sorry I didn't take pictures of them separately. They don't look like pillars in the tank because I added some rocks on top of them. I know I played around with my aquascape a lot but this is it, I still need a lot of corals, The tank looks kinda empty:( Here some more pictures I took.

Front
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0020-2.jpg

Left Side
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0021-2.jpg

Right Side
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0023.jpg

Side Shot
http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0029-1.jpg

[reefs4fun]

looking good keep up the good work

[racksteris]

I redone my rocks in my tank, Well I just moved them apart. I'm finally happy with how it looks. What do you guys think?


http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0024-1.jpg

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd250/racksteris/IMG_0023-2.jpg

[racksteris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12416242#post12416242 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefs4fun
looking good keep up the good work

Thank you for the complement.

[racksteris]

.