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strendo
04/11/2008, 07:36 PM
I wanted to share some pics of my system I'm building. In the living room it's a 175G rimless custom starfire tank. It's plumbed to the basement where the water flows into a oceanic cube cheeto tank, to a 30g sump, into a 40g breeder tank, to a custom 100g frag tank, into another sump, through the chiller, and back upstairs. Total system volume is about 400g.

Lighting:
Upstairs: 2x250 12K + 2x 54w T5 actinics
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188163400610718546"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAPH_IVo1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/gviHiJOLER8/s144/IMG_1564.JPG" /></a>[/IMG] [IMG]<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188163769977906098"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAPdfIVo7I/AAAAAAAAAG0/tzfRKR2XVqI/s144/IMG_1575.JPG" /></a>

strendo
04/11/2008, 07:47 PM
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188163400610718546"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAPH_IVo1I/AAAAAAAAAGE/gviHiJOLER8/s400/IMG_1564.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188163769977906098"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAPdfIVo7I/AAAAAAAAAG0/tzfRKR2XVqI/s400/IMG_1575.JPG" /></a>

strendo
04/11/2008, 07:48 PM
I'll post pics of the downstairs setup in a little bit

drparker
04/11/2008, 07:52 PM
Nice looking! What is the light rack setup?

strendo
04/11/2008, 07:55 PM
Aquarium obsessed made it, it's all aluminum with a sliding light bracket that's connected to the stand.

strendo
04/11/2008, 07:59 PM
Here's pics of the downstairs setup

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188170929688388546"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAV-PIVo8I/AAAAAAAAAIE/H9uWCY6bmlQ/s400/IMG_1576.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188170981227996114"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAWBPIVo9I/AAAAAAAAAIM/MozqejwEqbw/s400/IMG_1577.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188171028472636386"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAWD_IVo-I/AAAAAAAAAIU/ljTKulCuj94/s400/IMG_1578.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188171080012243954"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAWG_IVo_I/AAAAAAAAAIc/emNhfbZP0ew/s400/IMG_1579.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/Tank/photo#5188171122961916930"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/strendo718/SAAWJfIVpAI/AAAAAAAAAIk/zruYhPUS-9M/s400/IMG_1580.JPG" /></a>

mattleycrue
04/11/2008, 07:59 PM
Very Clean. I love it

strendo
04/11/2008, 08:01 PM
I'm a big fan of japanese type "minimalist" tanks and didn't want too much rocks upstairs. My last tank looked like a fruitstand.

Mikeeee
04/11/2008, 08:46 PM
Nice tank!! what are the dimensions??

strendo
04/11/2008, 08:50 PM
47w, 26d, 24h

Mikeeee
04/11/2008, 08:52 PM
wow your quick! lol, isnt that 130g ish though?

strendo
04/11/2008, 09:11 PM
sorry I meant 36D

strendo
07/31/2008, 08:11 PM
Here's some updated pics:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229363933915799842"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJuyqJKYSI/AAAAAAAAAsk/niRwhrfAWBk/s800/IMG_2301.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364159826025122"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJu_zuW2qI/AAAAAAAAAtE/2vgMktkUCV4/s800/IMG_2321.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364394947643746"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvNfnuCWI/AAAAAAAAAtw/p-tMMnSH1VQ/s400/IMG_2295.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364510084486658"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvUMie1gI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jTbMpIRPzaI/s800/IMG_2299.JPG" /></a>

strendo
07/31/2008, 08:12 PM
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364567690157746"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvXjIvnrI/AAAAAAAAAuI/YVK366EV6ec/s800/IMG_2300.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364637721702306"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvboBkL6I/AAAAAAAAAuQ/9lae14T86zo/s800/IMG_2302.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364687103899890"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvef_MuPI/AAAAAAAAAuY/MkEMkIAVekU/s800/IMG_2303.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364927349770194"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvse-Rx9I/AAAAAAAAAvA/NVpUdzjJDsM/s800/IMG_2312.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229364994323698914"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJvwYeG1OI/AAAAAAAAAvI/NNWlc9M9FhM/s800/IMG_2313.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229365058725309762"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJv0IYpbUI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/gqunpEJO7IY/s800/IMG_2317.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229365110384356130"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJv3I1H6yI/AAAAAAAAAvY/hf1KSE9T_lw/s800/IMG_2323.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229365152275972034"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJv5k43P8I/AAAAAAAAAvg/QuSS8jst2k4/s800/IMG_2325.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/strendo718/TankUpdates73108957PM/photo#5229365212367143666"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/strendo718/SJJv9EvtwvI/AAAAAAAAAv4/s_-ux0Q0zlo/s800/IMG_2330.JPG" /></a>

Rickyrooz1
03/23/2009, 09:04 PM
Nice tank, any updates?

strendo
03/24/2009, 07:18 AM
I had an alk spike and lost half the colonies. I've added a ton of new frags to the tank, and it's starting to look better. I'll post some new pics soon

strendo
03/25/2009, 10:54 AM
Here's some new pics. Unfortunately I lost a lot of the colonies and everything really browned out. The corals are slowly coming back and I've added a few new frags:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RPaYmWLLcaTl04OGE_PvZw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphGo8v6OI/AAAAAAAACJs/1RjQdrDLFCQ/s800/IMG_0184.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PJR-kD4luFqMkpMEn9BUKA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphIJKnjUI/AAAAAAAACJ0/H9YOR67BMMk/s800/IMG_0196.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/z8wkwC_6Ldq0NVq7N7uDyw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphJnFcB_I/AAAAAAAACJ8/Hjjq_SAhhow/s800/IMG_0204.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v1j5bv_5fcKcADx12ZHWEA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphMrnpK6I/AAAAAAAACKM/7Zn8CkmrGTc/s800/IMG_0209.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jNDhaJbm9Rjv8pSiesyv_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphOVfJKxI/AAAAAAAACKY/qDfceJzZImo/s800/IMG_0210.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B_-6J5lq3LSLu2NfCnNkmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphQL6W1rI/AAAAAAAACKg/Q6h1UOS0XK0/s800/IMG_0212.jpg" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tGafCiqG-JciyKE3WVwSOg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphSxIemFI/AAAAAAAACKw/sflC6WDI2Rc/s800/IMG_0239.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5KMP53z7Yz0xgsN3jM1wDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphUtOEgNI/AAAAAAAACK4/QuV_7OqAJsA/s800/IMG_0249.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RJCEC0VJkAoQrAExrFswBw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphV_I434I/AAAAAAAACLA/NF-Hmtmbe0w/s800/IMG_0251.JPG" /></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/S7cl-D69KARjdRPabN_2zg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ScphXJ6vBUI/AAAAAAAACLI/dohp63J2w2g/s800/IMG_0252.JPG" /></a>

strendo
05/24/2009, 07:23 PM
I just got a new camera with a macro lens and thought I'd update the thread. The tank's doing really good and the corals are all growing nicely again.
I bought a bunch of frags from Travis (TOTM Aug) and my favorite store Greenwich Aquaria.
Here's some closeups and a fts:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fUHRNwtADTiSAVJ-OAkMYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ShnxGLa2TRI/AAAAAAAAC60/Tcomf7TdTRI/s800/IMG_1112.JPG" /></a>


<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RXzg-3StukiFms5xXI8aEQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ShnxLuotxkI/AAAAAAAAC7M/zh35kn8NavY/s800/IMG_1103.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/uB-f5faJOXqFXhL-GctC-w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ShnxQKxqbNI/AAAAAAAAC7c/mY_W3ljzuhg/s800/IMG_1114.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/WuHPniJQkqLUg5bw289DpQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ShnxVGtw4RI/AAAAAAAAC7s/lNj6Sml8Ywo/s800/IMG_1136.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/AzlteItWjMRil9uJFBdZ8A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/ShnxXY48YtI/AAAAAAAAC74/zBkBbW48Kb4/s800/IMG_1145.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/41fnwgqc08QfXYUT-M-LTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/Shnxad_wVXI/AAAAAAAAC8A/lHhxx1p7IQA/s800/FTS%205-20-09.JPG" /></a>

fufu
05/24/2009, 08:47 PM
That's one sexy setup. Great job.

somedude
06/28/2009, 08:57 PM
any updates on my dream tank???

~alex

strendo
06/29/2009, 07:29 AM
Everything's doing really well. Here's a couple shots I took last night:

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/B4EBRm5yS4wVeJ_O4WDP_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/SkgheXpTxsI/AAAAAAAADAs/c5pUeTf43sM/s800/IMG_1616.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ACdaa3DX-aUI-O7JMcvmXA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/Skghfl8gnAI/AAAAAAAADA0/slAbKFK1M5I/s800/IMG_1620.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/XIIzfuINwJZHv7iaVzmVwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/SkghigVkwnI/AAAAAAAADBM/hlZ42aG1X-c/s800/IMG_1649.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DoDGacZWrYUz3rYtr5qzxw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/Skghj4Nmm2I/AAAAAAAADBU/akrRXKHiha8/s800/IMG_1660.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/camTsiOKpWHjAHQUBQ9r_g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/SkghmXMRUfI/AAAAAAAADBk/7uwD4z2Jr6Q/s800/IMG_1662.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/daFAsvUd5knSPWC0afa7Yw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/SkghprzyBSI/AAAAAAAADB8/a74zDkfnJGY/s800/IMG_1693.JPG" /></a>

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1Z-FurTsxDTRZThQjvlVMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/Skghqke1jRI/AAAAAAAADCE/FGnSOG2vSqg/s800/IMG_1698.JPG" /></a>

Anemonebuff
06/29/2009, 09:26 AM
Great tank. Too bad about that spike, but it looks like you have comeback strong.

What part of Queens you from?

somedude
06/29/2009, 11:41 PM
i hope i can sustain growth like that on my new tank. it has definitely been a long process, but when i get to see my tank look like yours it all becomes clear. lol.

~alex

strendo
10/11/2009, 06:32 PM
I thought it was about time to update the thread. I'm using all T5 lighting on the display now (ATI 10x54w). The colors have started to improve and I'm finally making a dent in my hair algae problem.

Here's a FTS:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fRoLa2Sf4mXBwu-hiaCR8g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/StJ3pa6BW7I/AAAAAAAADfM/znGNLPJ-26Q/s800/IMG_2834.JPG" /></a>
Nana:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9rwqvZZpdwzKafIMvXN1Fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/StJ3rmRS2CI/AAAAAAAADfc/3-tj3-mdyFA/s800/IMG_2845.JPG" /></a>

Misc acro:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/nLBWL1he4bhXYA8aPN1HOA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/StJ3uhWxjHI/AAAAAAAADf0/nQIl7H76Poc/s800/IMG_2850.JPG" /></a>

This one's starting to color up nicely again:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9DqONhZ2l5zQYo6n4jH7oA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/StJ3wv_1G2I/AAAAAAAADgE/KFgZpBT0PQE/s800/IMG_2853.JPG" /></a>

Purple monti:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Tpu1tFsk7ieowTsdWmcnYQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/StJ30vDjBQI/AAAAAAAADgg/qbP48wF_ucI/s800/IMG_2856.JPG" /></a>

outcastjra
10/18/2009, 12:26 AM
So do you like having all T5's rather than MH's???
I want to go all T5's as long as it helps my corals!!!!
Thanks

outcastjra
10/18/2009, 12:27 AM
Also your set up is AWESOME!!!!
Thanks

muttley000
10/18/2009, 04:03 AM
Nice setup and great pics. I'm also curious on your experience with the T5 change. Your corals seem to be doing great.

strendo
10/19/2009, 08:27 AM
I'm starting to like it better. I still miss the MH shimmer but the corals are starting to respond nicely

Rickyrooz1
10/19/2009, 08:31 AM
Pics?

Reef Man
01/12/2010, 02:26 PM
Hi,
What combination of bulbs, brand and ballast are you using? any picture of your lighting setup?

Very sweet tank !!!

strendo
01/12/2010, 02:33 PM
Here's an updated pic of the tank:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YMTfD0mjLFcx_A8uozn3JQ?authkey=Gv1sRgCLDZ_-2L29jPAg&feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/Syei3Z4EJ-I/AAAAAAAADm8/4IGFJvlncLw/s800/IMG_3241.jpg" /></a>

strendo
01/12/2010, 02:38 PM
I also added a reefbrite LED light to the tank, here's a pic of it with just the led's on (note it just looks blue w/o purple in real life:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/HsCw7uJ6HZfV6niXgnf9bA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S0zdLEKpF0I/AAAAAAAADxY/-aMdlf4p9ZQ/s800/attachment.jpg" /></a>

Anemone0524
01/12/2010, 02:38 PM
stunning. nice work strendo.

strendo
01/12/2010, 02:39 PM
And here it is with 10X T5 and Actinic LED:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kDvGphWnGGfEcRAG6N293A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S0zdK25kVjI/AAAAAAAADxQ/iJ8eODPcljA/s800/attachment-2.jpg" /></a>

strendo
01/12/2010, 02:41 PM
Here's my bulb combo:
Reefbrite LED Actinic
Blue+
Aqublue spec.
Blue+
Fiji Purple
Blue+
Aqusun
Aquablue spec.
Blue+
Aqusun
Blue+

chefmike
01/12/2010, 02:42 PM
great stuff...love the diversity and the t5 lighting looks better, imo

jbanks
01/12/2010, 02:43 PM
Stredo,

Your tank is looking fabulous! Have you had any issues with Cyano at all?

strendo
01/12/2010, 02:58 PM
Thank you, I have had some Cyano issues but vacuuming the sand usually takes care of it. I've been dosing vodka & Mb7 which supposedly makes it worse. I just started dosing vinegar to try and reduce it.

jbanks
01/12/2010, 04:24 PM
Same here (Vodka and MB7)... Battling a Cyano bloom right now.. I'm about to try Micorbe Lift's Special Blend bacteria. It has been known to eradicaye Cyano in about 5 weeks.. Let me know how the vinegar works for you.. I know Sunnyx is trying that right now as well with good results...

HOBrien
01/12/2010, 06:19 PM
47w, 26d, 24h

I am looking at doing a 42-45" x 30-36" x 24" tank and yours is a big inspiration.

strendo
01/13/2010, 08:28 AM
Same here (Vodka and MB7)... Battling a Cyano bloom right now.. I'm about to try Micorbe Lift's Special Blend bacteria. It has been known to eradicaye Cyano in about 5 weeks.. Let me know how the vinegar works for you.. I know Sunnyx is trying that right now as well with good results...

I'm following Sunnyx's thread as well. Also check out Leonardo's thread, he's had good results dosing Vodka. Keep us posted on how the Micorbe works for you.

strendo
01/13/2010, 08:29 AM
I am looking at doing a 42-45" x 30-36" x 24" tank and yours is a big inspiration.

Thanks! I would suggest an external overflow with 2 drains (which of course I didn't do)

HOBrien
01/13/2010, 08:58 AM
Thanks! I would suggest an external overflow with 2 drains (which of course I didn't do)

Can you give me an example of this overflow type?

PapaKlix
01/13/2010, 10:52 AM
curious... what caused your alk spike? how high did it get? how long did it take for your corals to get back to where they are now (which look GREAT)?

burnah
01/13/2010, 11:23 AM
I like!

thebkramer
01/13/2010, 11:36 AM
That tank is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!! I wish I was so lucky!!

pschmitz
01/13/2010, 10:43 PM
As I understand it, the cyanobacteria will feed off the carbon source - have you tried cutting back on the vodka (where have I heard that before?) while continuing to dose the Mb7 in an attempt to out-compete the cyano as well as manually removing some of the larger cyano "colonies"?

Also, your system (esp. display tank!) is incredibly well balanced aesthetically. kudos.

FirstContact
01/13/2010, 11:45 PM
Incredible! So much to learn...

jbanks
01/14/2010, 10:51 PM
I'm following Sunnyx's thread as well. Also check out Leonardo's thread, he's had good results dosing Vodka. Keep us posted on how the Micorbe works for you.


Will do! It arrived today.. So I will keep you posted.

spleify
01/14/2010, 11:06 PM
Very nice looking tank, keep up the great work

snaza
01/22/2010, 10:52 PM
Great tank. My new setup is pretty similar. are you dosing anything other than the vodka MB7??

thanks

Aaron

jbanks
01/27/2010, 11:16 AM
Hey Strendo,

Between switching over to vinegar with a little vodka and using Special Blend, my Cyano issue is clearing up really nicely.. If you try special Blend, I would caution you to use a little less than what is recommended if you are running a bacteria driven system. During my second dose of SB, I ran into a slight bacterial bloom.. Here is a link to a thread where you can see some before and current shots of my issue (it was pretty bad)..

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1767673

strendo
01/27/2010, 11:52 AM
Great info, how much vinegar are you using?


Hey Strendo,

Between switching over to vinegar with a little vodka and using Special Blend, my Cyano issue is clearing up really nicely.. If you try special Blend, I would caution you to use a little less than what is recommended if you are running a bacteria driven system. During my second dose of SB, I ran into a slight bacterial bloom.. Here is a link to a thread where you can see some before and current shots of my issue (it was pretty bad)..

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1767673

jbanks
01/27/2010, 12:11 PM
I'm using 48ml per day dosed over 24 hrs. I simply left one quarter of my Smirnoff bottle with vodka and filled it up to the top with vinegar.. Very good results so far.. Our tanks are very similar, however, you probably have more overall volume than I do when you factor in your system in the basement (an observance from the beginning of your thread).. As I understand it, Vodka is about 4 times stronger as a carbon source than vinegar. So, if you are going to mix the two, you can start there and adjust based off of your current vodka dosage.

strendo
01/27/2010, 12:34 PM
Thanks for the info, I'm only dosing 5ml vodka/10ml vinegar right now so I'll have to increase the vinegar.
So you're mixing the vinegar and vodka in the bottle you dose from?

I'm using 48ml per day dosed over 24 hrs. I simply left one quarter of my Smirnoff bottle with vodka and filled it up to the top with vinegar.. Very good results so far.. Our tanks are very similar, however, you probably have more overall volume than I do when you factor in your system in the basement (an observance from the beginning of your thread).. As I understand it, Vodka is about 4 times stronger as a carbon source than vinegar. So, if you are going to mix the two, you can start there and adjust based off of your current vodka dosage.

jbanks
01/27/2010, 12:42 PM
Yep.. It's pretty ghetto but effective :lol: I simply drilled the cap of the Smirnoff bottle and stick the 1/4 in tubing straight through. It works great and keeps the mixture from evaporating.. I use a profilux stand-alone doser for the application.. It is a GREAT piece of equipment and makes life a whole lot easier when it comes to dosing..

Flip777
01/27/2010, 12:43 PM
I noticed you had fish where your skimmer is. You can actually do that and not kill them? I was just wondering cause I am getting ready to build a 200 gallon and it's my first salt tank. I am wondering If I could put my sea horses in my sump. Could I stick certain corals or reefs there too?

strendo
01/27/2010, 12:55 PM
I'm copying that!
I'm also using the profilux doser, I'll just start dosing the magnesium manually and giving that slot to the vodka/vin mix.

Yep.. It's pretty ghetto but effective :lol: I simply drilled the cap of the Smirnoff bottle and stick the 1/4 in tubing straight through. It works great and keeps the mixture from evaporating.. I use a profilux stand-alone doser for the application.. It is a GREAT piece of equipment and makes life a whole lot easier when it comes to dosing..

strendo
01/27/2010, 12:59 PM
That basement photo is really dated, I've since switched the whole setup around with an external skimmer & custom frag tank. I'll post some pics of it soon.
I never had any problems putting fish in with the skimmer, but they were pretty big. Seahorses would probably get sucked into the pump. I'd recommend plumbing a 2nd tank to your skimmer sump if you have the room.

I noticed you had fish where your skimmer is. You can actually do that and not kill them? I was just wondering cause I am getting ready to build a 200 gallon and it's my first salt tank. I am wondering If I could put my sea horses in my sump. Could I stick certain corals or reefs there too?

jbanks
01/27/2010, 02:27 PM
I'm copying that!
I'm also using the profilux doser, I'll just start dosing the magnesium manually and giving that slot to the vodka/vin mix.

Cool! :thumbsup: It works really well!

Are you using the stand-alone doser or do you have it connected to a profilux controller?

strendo
01/31/2010, 04:48 PM
It's a standalone doser, Im using an Aquacontroller III for to control the tank and basement sump room.

Cool! :thumbsup: It works really well!

Are you using the stand-alone doser or do you have it connected to a profilux controller?

strendo
01/31/2010, 04:51 PM
Here's some new pics of the tank and the basement. I built the frag tank about a month ago to hold my filter socks and run in-line with the rest of the setup.

Tank:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DVLnfPw4kvDYxyxem4wxsA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S2YIUuc1tTI/AAAAAAAAD0w/SfjbnvklKgk/s800/IMG_3973.jpg" /></a>

This shows the LED strip:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9grtVjSrDcAXAuC-StAtLQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S2YIVNP4iuI/AAAAAAAAD00/8XkeKkHPZxI/s800/IMG_3976.jpg" /></a>

Side view:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/cmteGwwzbD9AIon5jPLKgQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S2YIX9NFkPI/AAAAAAAAD08/BqB-JD0XTdU/s800/IMG_3977.jpg" /></a>

Basement:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aHUGte7A8i956J0ObJUbTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S2YIMOEAu0I/AAAAAAAAD0M/xZJinlNK19o/s800/IMG_3926.jpg" /></a>

Close-up of frag tank:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-tfeIUsk7dYTyF-95n1mqQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_NPIRWKuZUJQ/S2YIMcZNdvI/AAAAAAAAD0Q/WhVS8xTYxCk/s800/IMG_3928.jpg" /></a>

jbanks
02/01/2010, 11:34 PM
Looking great man!

jbanks
03/11/2010, 11:28 PM
updates.... updates ;)

Reeftanks6
03/12/2010, 02:12 PM
Tank looks really good. Love how you set it up. Looks like a great system. Love the corals and fish too

strendo
03/12/2010, 02:32 PM
Thanks!
I'll shoot some new photos this weekend

Hungriee
03/12/2010, 02:37 PM
great setup, are those the reefbrites?

strendo
03/13/2010, 06:18 PM
Yes

great setup, are those the reefbrites?

strendo
03/13/2010, 06:37 PM
I thought I'd post an update:
I've had a couple headaches with the tank. The night before I had to go out of town I tried to move the frag tank (don't ask why) and of course it sprung a leak.. I was up half the night trying to re-plumb the whole basement system and make my 6 am flight.
I got everything jerry rigged, but when I came back a lot of my big colonies were dying. I lost a couple pieces and most of the frags. When I finally got around to fixing the frag tank I didn't let the silicone cure long enough and lost a couple more pieces.
Anyway things are starting to come together again and it gives me an excuse to do some frag shopping.

FTS:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430022207/" title="IMG_4625 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2711/4430022207_1e33bc0b23.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4625" /></a>

A new divers den addition:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430741730/" title="IMG_4599 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4430741730_aeb6b987fe.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4599" /></a>

Close-up of monti:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430741658/" title="IMG_4585 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4430741658_589e50deb6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4585" /></a>

Sunset Mili:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4429973177/" title="IMG_4584 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4429973177_8fd439635b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4584" /></a>

New addition to the frag tank:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430022119/" title="IMG_4617 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4430022119_63571e0a58.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4617" /></a>

strendo
03/13/2010, 06:52 PM
Not sure what the name of this is, but I bought it from Travis (former Totm) and it's starting to grow out nicely:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4429972841/" title="IMG_4567 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/4429972841_eb0efb73d6.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4567" /></a>

This Acro grows super fast, and the frags turn green when they grow out:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430741140/" title="IMG_4560 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4430741140_fc6f92b6e1.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4560" /></a>

This Mili is finally starting to color up:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430741414/" title="IMG_4576 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4430741414_fa14d02f94.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4576" /></a>

I also finally got my cyno on sand under control. 2.5ml/day vodka & 20ml/day vinegar did the trick.

jbanks
03/13/2010, 09:05 PM
Sorry to hear about your mishaps... I would have freaked out! She's looking really good though! Great Work Bro!

Rickyrooz1
03/13/2010, 09:11 PM
Looking good

ChuckG
03/13/2010, 09:17 PM
New addition to the frag tank:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4430022119/" title="IMG_4617 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4430022119_63571e0a58.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4617" /></a>

If that is a fish that is so cool!

Secret admirer of your tank/s btw.. nice work!

strendo
03/14/2010, 09:57 AM
Thanks! It's a frogfish. They're really cool, but a pita to feed.

If that is a fish that is so cool!

Secret admirer of your tank/s btw.. nice work!

strendo
03/20/2010, 07:49 PM
Thought I'd add a couple close-ups to keep the thread going:

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4449462628/" title="IMG_4789 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4449462628_0dd3c36f83.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="IMG_4789" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4449461700/" title="IMG_4784 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2757/4449461700_5e54d1e243.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4784" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4448739065/" title="IMG_4809 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4448739065_501f16362c.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4809" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4448739545/" title="IMG_4813 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4448739545_faa6b50e1d.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4813" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4449517568/" title="IMG_4823 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4449517568_1b2e9a2a39.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="IMG_4823" /></a>

jbanks
04/05/2010, 11:26 AM
Hey Strendo,

So, what is the verdict on the Reefbrite after having it for a while.. I'm thinking about putting in an order for it today along with one of the new Hanna pocket phophate meters.. Just wanted to get your thoughts.

Dino
07/20/2010, 04:26 PM
Great looking tank :thumbsup:. Have you taken any more pictures recently?

strendo
08/31/2010, 11:57 AM
The reefbrite is awesome! I just bought another one for my office tank.

I also added an auto water changer that's really cool. It's cut way back on my maintenance time. You can read more about it here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1892273

I've been super busy lately and haven't had much time to post or do much else with the tank. Here's a shot from last weekend:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/4945865288/" title="IMG_0454 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4945865288_80fc9c2f93_b.jpg" width="1024" height="683" alt="IMG_0454" /></a>

I also just ordered new bulbs. I'll post when I get them installed. Thanks everyone!

arshad98
08/31/2010, 12:01 PM
This is amazing!!!

jbanks
08/31/2010, 01:36 PM
You have some really nice growth taking place.. The tank looks great..

jbanks
09/13/2010, 01:33 PM
Hey Strendo,

Just read your sale thread.. Sorry to see you leaving the hobby. Try posting in the LIRA forum as well. Good luck with your move.

strendo
09/13/2010, 02:20 PM
Hey Strendo,

Just read your sale thread.. Sorry to see you leaving the hobby. Try posting in the LIRA forum as well. Good luck with your move.

Thanks jbanks not leaving the hobby, just need to downsize for a while:hmm5:

jbanks
09/16/2010, 05:57 AM
You're welcome :) Glad to hear that!

ReeVo
10/27/2010, 06:16 PM
That's an awesome setup :thumbsup:

What bulbs are you using on your ATI PM?

strendo
10/28/2010, 07:49 AM
That's an awesome setup :thumbsup:

What bulbs are you using on your ATI PM?

I'm using mostly Blue+ with a fiji pink and 1 GE 6000K. It's a little too blue right now next time I think I'll go with a warmer mix

strendo
11/08/2010, 01:14 PM
Updates!
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5158456587/" title="IMG_0987 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1395/5158456587_a8d0b31848_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_0987" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5159065586/" title="IMG_0986 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1239/5159065586_7bcd4bc13c_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_0986" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5158454979/" title="IMG_1032 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/5158454979_729b6e42c9_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1032" /></a>

strendo
11/08/2010, 01:15 PM
Close ups:
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5158454979/" title="IMG_1032 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1111/5158454979_729b6e42c9_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1032" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5158455257/" title="IMG_1040 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5158455257_40459ecc65_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1040" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5159064216/" title="IMG_1026 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/5159064216_4c33cb1542_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1026" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5159063456/" title="IMG_1023 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5159063456_bcb09b3121_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1023" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/48353785@N04/5158453035/" title="IMG_1012 by strendo, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/5158453035_ede08a468d_b.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="IMG_1012" /></a>

BonsaiNut
11/08/2010, 01:24 PM
Inspirational! A high standard to live up to!

What happened to the LED's?

Fig70g
11/08/2010, 01:37 PM
Ive been watching this thread for some time, your tank has had its ups and downs..... but from the pics it looks like mostly ups! The picture on this with the sun hitting the tank is just stunning, really an amazing looking tank and setup. The udpated pics from today are also just amazing, love the colors of the tank!
Good luck, and thank you for updates!

strendo
11/08/2010, 01:44 PM
Ive been watching this thread for some time, your tank has had its ups and downs..... but from the pics it looks like mostly ups! The picture on page 3 with the sun hitting the tank is just stunning, really an amazing looking tank and setup. The udpated pics from today are also just amazing, love the colors of the tank!
Good luck, and thank you for updates!

Thanks! I've definitely had my share of setbacks & frustrations with the tank. It's (finally!) Going well again..

wedwards
11/08/2010, 02:10 PM
Your tank looks amazing! Kind of a big question and feel free to say no, but I absolutely love your corals and I am just now getting into them, so if you wouldn't mind give a list of the one you have and maybe a little description (so I can match to a picture) that would be awesome, so that I can get some ideas when I start shopping for some frags.

Thanks,

~Wes~

strendo
11/08/2010, 03:11 PM
Your tank looks amazing! Kind of a big question and feel free to say no, but I absolutely love your corals and I am just now getting into them, so if you wouldn't mind give a list of the one you have and maybe a little description (so I can match to a picture) that would be awesome, so that I can get some ideas when I start shopping for some frags.

Thanks,

~Wes~

I don't know all the names. I bought a lot of frags from former tank of the month winners & Liveaquaria.com, you can't go wrong with those.

aleonn
11/08/2010, 03:34 PM
Beautiful tank and aquascape!

ReefTECK
11/08/2010, 03:35 PM
Wonderful! TOTM yet?

ReeVo
11/08/2010, 04:38 PM
I'm using mostly Blue+ with a fiji pink and 1 GE 6000K. It's a little too blue right now next time I think I'll go with a warmer mix

Nice update man. Tank is looking sooo nice.

Are you running your fiji pink and GE 6000K together?
Or do you have them mixed with your Blue+?

Rickyrooz1
11/09/2010, 08:58 AM
I thought you were selling everything and moving?

adddo
11/09/2010, 12:10 PM
Gorgeous man

strendo
11/11/2010, 10:22 AM
Thanks everyone. We postponed the move for a while so I was able to keep the tank

strendo
12/02/2010, 07:52 PM
My tank just made Totm on MR!
http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/tank-month/88669-tank-month-december-2010-a.html

juldelf
10/22/2011, 01:07 PM
beautiful tank!

calbert0
10/22/2011, 02:11 PM
Sorry to hear about the set back, tank still looks great. Keep it up!

TheBass
10/22/2011, 04:22 PM
In post number 24 in the front shot of the tank what is the coral on the bottom right?

Saadatski
10/23/2011, 04:08 PM
alright i got a question...

in your opinion OP, did you like the ATI or MH better ( i say ATI because i think they are the best of the best and the fixture and the bulbs would cost about the same as MH for my tank.) Can you tell me if your corals grew better? Aesthetics?

pulit
10/24/2011, 01:48 PM
WOW thats a sweet tank . i like your filter setup

adddo
10/14/2012, 11:35 AM
Is this gorgeous tank still up and running?