Western_reefers 28 gallon Nano-Cube HQI diary.

[Western_reefer]

Hello everyone! :wavehand:
I just bought a 28 gallon Nano-Cube HQI. Here are a few things that I copied and pasted about the Nano-Cube.

"Comprehensive, compact aquarium system designed for the nano reef enthusiast. The new 28 gallon Nano-Cube HQI system maintains the stylish, clutter-free appearance of an integrated aquarium setup but boasts the power and capabilities of larger, custom aquariums. The Nano-Cube HQI is a new class of nano reef systems designed to satisfy the specific conditions necessary to successfully house hard corals, small polyp stony (SPS) corals, and clams. Enjoy advanced features including, 150 watt 14000°K HQI metal halide lighting, 3-stage filtration, counter-current protein skimmer, nocturnal LED lighting, alternating wavemaker, 532 gph flow rate, (4) built-in cooling fans, and more. Glass aquarium with rounded corners for seamless panoramic viewing. Measures 18" x 22" x 22" high.

Features:

* 150 watt 14000°K HQI metal halide lighting
* (4) Nite-Vu LED lighting with separate power cord
* (2) UL-Listed Accela Powerheads (266 gph each for a 532 gph total)
* (2) Directional flow nozzles
* (1) Ocean Pulse Duo - Alternating wavemaker
* (4) Integrated cooling fans (3,000 RPM's)
* Counter current protein skimmer with air pump
* 3-stage filtration with removable media basket
* Center overflow system
* Designated area for a heater
* Flame retardant ABS canopy housing
* Thermal protector for canopy (Auto Shut Off protection)"

I filled it up with freshwater and I'm testing it out and so far so good. :D
Here is a picture of the 14k MH light on.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1013.jpg
Picture of the back.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1015.jpg
Picture of the MH light.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1017.jpg
Here is a picture of the biocube filled with FW.(I'm testing it out)
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1019.jpg
The back of the biocube.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1021.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Some more pictures...
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1022.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1024.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1025.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1028.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1029.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1030.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1033.jpg
I got it for $571 and thats with taxes. It was on sale, so that why I got it. Its brand new.
Here is a drawing I made of the back. The green is chaeto and the brown is LR. The blue arrows is the water movement.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/thebackofthe28gall.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here is the stock list.
Fish:
Yellow Watchman with pistole shrimp
Royal Gramma(already have)
Hectors Goby
Maroon clownfish(already have)

Inverts:
10-15 nass snails(more or less?)
10-15 cerith snails, And some Astrea/Turbo snails
1 cleaner shrimp
1 fire shrimp
1-2 maxima clams or 1-2 Crocea clams

Corals
Rics
yumas
nice zoas
a few LPS
lots of SPS

[Western_reefer]

Here are some pictures of the box I made for the chaeto light which is going to be on the back middle chamber. I put foil on the inside as a reflector.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1070.jpg
This is what I'm going to use to keep the light in its spot.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1073.jpg

[danfrith]

Lookin good, any anem for the clown?

[danfrith]

Lookin good, any anem for the clown?

[Western_reefer]

I don't know. Maybe.

[nemowithnoeyes]

on that foil reflector it will only reflect 75% of your light max. if you spray painted it glossy white you wouldave gotten up to 85% reflection. just something to think about for future reflective devices. and alliminum is almost 93%.

[Nano Chris]

Looks good.

[Western_reefer]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few updates! Got 28 gallons of distiled water.:dance: Here are some pictures.:dance:
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1091.jpg

[Nano Chris]

Well ur on ur way. Congrats!

[Western_reefer]

Yeah. Thanks!

[Reef Ruler]

your gettin pretty far! just letting you know, my BC14 didnt take 14 gals to full up. More like 10. You could still use the leftover for water change water

[Western_reefer]

Yeah, I know. I'm going to be using a few gallons from my old reef tank. :D Ok, I might fill up the tank at around 3 PM today or tomorrow morning!:dance: :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Ok, I filled up the tank right now! Will post pictures in a little bit.:dance: :dance: :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Here are some pictures of the stand standing outside.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1118.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1121.jpg
Some pictures of the aquarium on the stand inside the house with some FW in the tank.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1124.jpg
Here is a picture of the aquarium filled with water and salt.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1129.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1131.jpg
Here is a picture of the aquarium with the salt already dissolved.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1134.jpg
Tell me what you think!:dance:

[reefman13]

Now you just need some sand and some LR and you will be cycling!!!!!

[vonodie1]

did you make your stand or purchase it? I like it.

[Western_reefer]

Yeah. First I have to buy the sand. My dad and I built the stand our selves.

[Western_reefer]

I just ordered 30 lb of White Caribbean Aragamax Sand. Its going to come in 6 business days. Can't wait! :party:

[Western_reefer]

The sand is going to come this Saturday! Can't wait! :dance: :dance: :dance: lol

[Western_reefer]

I'm going to the LFS right now to get 30-40 lb of live rock!:dance: :dance:

[reefman13]

PICS!!!!.....when you get back of course;)

[Western_reefer]

Ok, I JUST came back from the LFS and got 25 lb of LR! WHOOOHOOO! I got the most expensive LR they had which was for $7 a pound. The LR hads TONS of diff shrooms, lots of diff color coralline, and much much more! Will post a few pictures later on today.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures of the tank and LR. The LR has lots of diff colors, sponges, stars, and corals! The LR is FULL of diff mushrooms. It doesn't look like I have much LR because I spread the LR on the bottom. Didn't pile up the rocks yet because I'm waiting for the sand which is going to come tomorrow.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1144.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1146.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1150.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1151.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1154.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1155.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1158.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1159.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1162.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few more.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1168.jpg
I have NO idea what this is though. Its probably some coral or sponge? I'm going to go post it in the coral section for an ID.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1164.jpg

[reefman13]

I don't know how well those mushrooms will do going through a cycle...but hopefully everything will be just fine. G/L and make sure to grab some pics once the sand and everything is in...

[Western_reefer]

I also got a SPS coral for free today from the LR tank. :D Its alive and its in my 8 gallon biocube under PCs. It extended some of its polyps already. Hope it lives long enough so I can put it in this 28 gallon tank. I'll post a few pictures of it tomorrow.

[Western_reefer]

Will do reefman13.

[Western_reefer]

Ok, I raised the light 3 inches. Here are a few pictures.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1189.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1192.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1195.jpg
This fan is VERY strong. Its got an adjustable speed thing too.:D
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1198.jpg
I'm going to go cut out a mesh to cover the aquarium top so fish wont jump out. I got the 4 legs from the LFS.


*Note* there are NO fish in there right now.

[Western_reefer]

Yay!! The sand just came!:dance: :dance: Will post a few pictures later today.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture of the sand in the bag. I already put the sand in the tank. But its very cloudy and you cant see anything. Will post a few pictures of the tank tomorrow when the water clears up.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1202.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I'm building the rock up to how I want it right now.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures of the tank. The water is still a bit cloudy and the rocks are covered with the white powder that came from the sand, I'll post a few more pictures in a few days when the rocks are going to be clean and the water clear.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1207.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1210.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1214.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1215.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1221.jpg

[Im SpSing]

You may have purchased fully cured LR, since it has all of that coral on it, so you may not have much of a cycle.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12800562#post12800562 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Im SpSing
You may have purchased fully cured LR, since it has all of that coral on it, so you may not have much of a cycle.

I did buy fully cured LR. But I'll still wait at least a week.

[Brock Landers]

please tell how you raised the hood. Thanks!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12807626#post12807626 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Brock Landers
please tell how you raised the hood. Thanks!
I bought 4 corallife legs for light from the LFS and screwed them to the hood.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few update pictures. I added another pump for some more flow for the SPS. Its now a total of 800 gph. I added lots of corals and everything is doing fine and is healthy. There aren't any fish in there yet. I know there are really badly bleached SPS and some LPS. I got all the bleached corals from the LFS for DIRT DIRT cheap!:D The bleached corals are doing fine and aren't bleaching any more and all there polyps are out. So, everything is lookin good! I am also going to be ordering 2 clams. 1 Maxima and 1 Crocea. There isn't a clean up crew yet because there's nothing to clean yet. LOL Tell me what you think!
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1286.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Ok, I just came back from the LFS and got a baby Maroon clownfish that's about 3/4 of an inch. Will post pictures later today.

[Jadams]

looking good.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture of the new couple! The old one I had for more than a year and a half. When I put them both in at the same time, they both paired up within seconds! Oh yeah, the little new one was like, dancing? or something near the big one?
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1296.jpg

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12852860#post12852860 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jadams
looking good.
Thanks!

[SoCalLifer]

Wow that looks really sweet

[Endy0430]

Looks good keep us updated......

[Western_reefer]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!!

[Marclex]

Wow looking good!! keep it up!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12855883#post12855883 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Marclex
Wow looking good!! keep it up!
Thanks!:D

[redwarrior77]

That's some awesome live rock. I love this tank already!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12859987#post12859987 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by redwarrior77
That's some awesome live rock. I love this tank already!
Thanks!!:D

[Western_reefer]

Ok, Here is a update picture of the tank.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1341.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Ok. So, this is what I ordered. 2 clams that will come tomorrow(1 Crocea and 1 Maxima), green polyped toadstool that will come on Wednesday or Thursday, a large SPS frag pack that has 12 SPS:green A. Abrolhensis, Incredible Hulk acro, A. Desalwii, ULTRA green birdsnest, A. Turaki, Hot Pink Birdsnest, Purple Polyp Birdsnest, Purple tip Acro (A. Nana?), SUPER PINK chalice, Tyree Blue chalice, Pink and Green Chalice, and Blue with green eyes chalice.:dance:

[temec_luver]

ordered from where????

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12896513#post12896513 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by temec_luver
ordered from where????


The SPS frag pack is from here and the toad stool and clams are from another forum.

[Western_reefer]

I got the clams!! WHOOOHOOO!!!! Will post pictures in a little bit.

[Western_reefer]

Ok, here are the pictures! Tell me what you think!
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1361.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1375.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Ok, Here is the full tank shot. Sorry about the crappy quality. The pictures are never good in the noon time.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1387.jpg

[Western_reefer]

The toadstool came! :dance: I'll post pictures of it later.

[koconnor1963]

Hi, Kev from Uk here, just bought my 28G today, just some LR and a few pulse coral frags at the minute, they werent doing that good in my 100g tank with 4 ft T5 white and actinic, also I got a refractometer thrown in, my original hydrometer said all was spot on, I used the refrac and it said 1.030!!!! do you think that is why my pulse were lazy expanding?
I will update later, you guys in the U.S. are so lucky paying the prices I have seen on here, we are twice the price.
A big up to Pier Aquatics in Wigan, great shop and have been so helpful to me.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12921006#post12921006 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by koconnor1963
Hi, Kev from Uk here, just bought my 28G today, just some LR and a few pulse coral frags at the minute, they werent doing that good in my 100g tank with 4 ft T5 white and actinic, also I got a refractometer thrown in, my original hydrometer said all was spot on, I used the refrac and it said 1.030!!!! do you think that is why my pulse were lazy expanding?
I will update later, you guys in the U.S. are so lucky paying the prices I have seen on here, we are twice the price.
A big up to Pier Aquatics in Wigan, great shop and have been so helpful to me.

Hey, grats on the new tank! Its different in every tank, sometimes they do perfectly in a new tank and mature tanks and sometimes they do horrible in mature tanks and in new tanks. No one knows why.

[Western_reefer]

Was a bit board, so I took some pictures.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1434.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1439.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1477.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1483.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1456.jpg

[ukguy]

What was the reason for raising the hood? just cooling? and where did you get those brackets from?

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12927017#post12927017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ukguy
What was the reason for raising the hood? just cooling? and where did you get those brackets from?

Just cooling. I got the brackets from the LFS for $9.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture of the collection cut on the skimmer. It would collect this much in 7 days and I would clean it out ever 7 days. Everyone says it stinks REALLY bad but each time I change it I smell it and it doesn't stink.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1643.jpg

[Western_reefer]

The corals are coming in today! At around 10am my time. :dance: I also have some more good news! The diatoms are starting to go away! The sand bed looks much cleaner already! :dance: I also got 15 Margarita snails. :dance:

[dartmti]

Wow! Everything looks really good! Let us know how it goes with the maroon clowns.
Is that the stock skimmer? And can you please post a picture of the mesh you put over the top? I want to raise the hood like you, but I can't really find any mesh that looks like it will work.

Thanks for this great thread!

[Western_reefer]

IT CAME!!!! WHOOOHOOOO!! Its acclimating right now, I'll post pictures later today! :dance: :dance:

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12951985#post12951985 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dartmti
Wow! Everything looks really good! Let us know how it goes with the maroon clowns.
Is that the stock skimmer? And can you please post a picture of the mesh you put over the top? I want to raise the hood like you, but I can't really find any mesh that looks like it will work.

Thanks for this great thread!
Thanks!! Yeah. I don't have any mesh or net over the tank.

[Western_reefer]

I have some bad news. The male maroon disappeared yesterday. Before yesterday, I checked the tank at night and he was happy and normal like always, then yesterday the lights come on and he is no where to be found. The big maroon didn't kill him because they were a pair and I don't think it jumped out because I can't find his body.

[dartmti]

Sorry about that. Don't give up on him just yet, he could be hiding somewhere. Hope for the best!

Have you had any heating problems since you raised the hood? Has it consistantly helped keep the temps down? I'm thinking about doing this if I get one.

And do you plan on keeping the maroon(s) in there long term? Or do you think they will eventually out grow that tank?

Thanks

Matt

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12960486#post12960486 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dartmti
Sorry about that. Don't give up on him just yet, he could be hiding somewhere. Hope for the best!

Have you had any heating problems since you raised the hood? Has it consistantly helped keep the temps down? I'm thinking about doing this if I get one.

And do you plan on keeping the maroon(s) in there long term? Or do you think they will eventually out grow that tank?

Thanks

Matt
Nope, I just turn on the fan when the temp hits 81-82 and it would stay 81-82 until the lights go out. No, when the maroon(s) outgrow this 28g, I'm going to be setting up a 55g reef and the maroon(s) will be in the 55 and I'm sure the maroon(s) wont out grow the 55.

[redwarrior77]

Gorgeous clams...I can't wait to see the new corals!

[Western_reefer]

I already spent a total of $1282.29 with taxes. (I added another powerhead and I still need to get calc/alk supplements and calc/alk tests which will cost about $50 I think.)

[nanO352]

SWWEEETT TANK!!!!!:D :D :D

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12982043#post12982043 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nanO352
SWWEEETT TANK!!!!!:D :D :D

Thanks!! :D

[dartmti]

Can we get an updated pic?
Did you ever find the other maroon?


Matt

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12983080#post12983080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dartmti
Can we get an updated pic?
Did you ever find the other maroon?


Matt

Sure, I'll try to get some tomorrow. Nope, never found the other maroon.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a video of me feeding the big female maroon. I'll post full tank shots later today.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/th_Picture1725.jpg (http://s274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/?action=view&current=Picture1725.flv)

[manhorsedog]

thats really cool, what are you feeding her

[dartmti]

Great video! Maroons have the best personality.

[Western_reefer]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!! :D I was feeding her home made food. Its got shrimp, salmon, seaweed, garlic, and squid in it. She LOVES it.

[Western_reefer]

Here are the pictures like I promised.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1768.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1747.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1759.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Got some good news! There are no more diatoms and no brown algae! The sand is crystal white! PINK Coraline algae is starting to grow all over the rocks! I also added some clove polyps. :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Here is the stock list so far:

Fish:
Large female Maroon clownfish

Inverts:
15 Margarita snails
1 Tear drop Maxima
1 Crocea

Corals:
ULTRA green birdsnest
Blue with green eyes chalice
Miami Orchid
A. Desalwii
Blue Stag
Purple Tip acro
Pink birdsnest
Incredible Hulk acro
Purple Polyp Birdsnest
Pink & Green Chalice
Super Pink Chalice
Tyree Blue chalice
Hairy mushrooms
Metallic green torchcoral
2 rics
Kenya trees
Xenia
Bubble coral
green clove polyps
cabbage leather
galixy coral
and 9 unidentified corals(some are sps, lps, and softies)

25 lb LR
30 lb White Caribbean Aragamax Sand
Chaeto

Equipment:
1 150 watt HQI MH
4 moon lights
two 266 gph pumps and one 250 gph pump
Protein skimmer
a thermometer
Heater
one nice strong cooling fan that I got from a garage sale for $1, it cools down the tank REALLY good when the tank would get up to 83F

and I think that's it. :D Now, the only thing I need to get now is a few more rics, some nice rare zoas and some more inverts like shrimp and some more fish. :D

[Western_reefer]

I got some updates! I put all the corals on diff spots. It looks very empty and not very pretty right now, but I'm looking at the tank on how it will look like in the future. :D

[Western_reefer]

Just cam back from the LFS and got a few goodies! :dance: Will post pictures in a little bit.

[Western_reefer]

Ok, here's what I got from the LFS today: API Calcium test, KENT MARINE Turbo-Calcium, and some kind of cool blue gorgonian. I'll post some pictures when I get a few good pictures.

[Western_reefer]

Ok, here are a few pictures of the gorgonian. Right now, ALL the polyps are open.:dance:
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture2378.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture2391.jpg
This one is with flash.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture2386.jpg

[HomeSlizzice]

SWEET set up you got going on there, VERY nice tank :D

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13001000#post13001000 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Western_reefer
:D Now, the only thing I need to get now is a few more rics, some nice rare zoas and some more inverts like shrimp and some more fish. :D
Check Vividaquariums.com for the polyps, i'll give you the link to there rare and very colorful polyps. :D

Their full selection of polyp frags and colonys (http://www.vividaquariums.com/10Browse.asp?Category=Coral+And+Invertebrates%3APolyps)

and polyps under $40 :D

polyp frags and colonys under $40 (http://www.vividaquariums.com/10Browse.asp?Category=Coral+And+Invertebrates%3A+Zoos+Under+40)

Hope you find what your looking for :D

[Western_reefer]

Thanks!! :D

[HomeSlizzice]

Wester_reefer tell/post/ or PM me with pictures if you buy any piece of coral fro that website

Thanks. :D

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13104820#post13104820 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by HomeSlizzice
Wester_reefer tell/post/ or PM me with pictures if you buy any piece of coral fro that website

Thanks. :D
Will do.

[JimKelly12203]

Hey Western reefer, i have a question about that JBJ 28G cube. Do you think it's possible to fit an AC700 on the back of it w/o having to mod the back compartment area etc... I'm planning to add one as an external refugium (modded) and if it's not compatible i may just go in a completely different direction all together. I'd hate to drop 500 bucks on the thing only to find out that i need to come up with a totally different refugium plan.

I suppose i could just use the compartments already in the system as my fuge, but then where to put the heater, skimmer etc...

The problem is i don't really have any indication of what the back of that system looks like and, therefore, don't really know if the AC700 would even properly rest on the ridge of the tank etc...

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13106032#post13106032 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by JimKelly12203
Hey Western reefer, i have a question about that JBJ 28G cube. Do you think it's possible to fit an AC700 on the back of it w/o having to mod the back compartment area etc... I'm planning to add one as an external refugium (modded) and if it's not compatible i may just go in a completely different direction all together. I'd hate to drop 500 bucks on the thing only to find out that i need to come up with a totally different refugium plan.

I suppose i could just use the compartments already in the system as my fuge, but then where to put the heater, skimmer etc...

The problem is i don't really have any indication of what the back of that system looks like and, therefore, don't really know if the AC700 would even properly rest on the ridge of the tank etc... \
Hey, Can you give me the dimensions of the AC700 please? This is a drawing of the back my tank. The green is chaeto, and the brown is live rock. The heater is to the left and the skimmer is to the right as you can see in the drawing.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/thebackofthe28gall.jpg

[JimKelly12203]

Sure, the AC70 (not 700...) is;

A-615 Aqua Clear 70 (300) 8 1/4" L x 6" W x 8" H

I guess the way i see it you were able to get the fuge and skimmer and heater all back there w/ no problems. I guess i just want the additional room if it's at all viable. I suppose it's hard to really guage it though w/o one of the aqua clear's in front of the thing though as there's always issues with fitting it into the three back compartments w/ the suction tube and whatnot.

More or less my question is about the rim or lip of the back section on the HQI 28G nano. The reasoning is that i can see there being some issues with resting the AC70 on there if the material is different from your typical aquarium rim. But beyond that, there's the matter of how to deal with it in light of the 3 compartments, protein skimmer etc...

[Western_reefer]

Ok, so is it one of those hang on back filters? or a acrylic box that's a fuge? A picture of what your talking about would be nice.

[JimKelly12203]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13107738#post13107738 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Western_reefer
Ok, so is it one of those hang on back filters? or a acrylic box that's a fuge? A picture of what your talking about would be nice.

It's a HOB filter much like the whisper filters that are more common in my neck of the woods. But people have modified them into HOB refugiums. Here's a link to the thread for the mod that includes pictures.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=601201&highlight=how+to+DIY+an

[Western_reefer]

OOHHHH, I got confused at first. To tell you the truth, I'm not 100% sure. You should go to a LFS and check out the 28 gallon HQI nano cube.

[JimKelly12203]

If only they sold them here! No worries though. You've clearly fit everything you need just into that cube. I'll probably give it a go on faith. And if it fails, no big loss.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a FTS that was taken a few days ago.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture2397.jpg

[balmiesgirl]

nice......

[HomeSlizzice]

Looking good man

[Western_reefer]

Thanks!:D

[Rosseau]

Looking good.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13355998#post13355998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rosseau
Looking good.
Thanks! :D

[Freemans Reef]

sweet tank
i really want to set up one of these

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13362615#post13362615 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freemans Reef
sweet tank
i really want to set up one of these
Thanks!

[AwkwardParrot]

can someone wipe the druel off my face...amazing tank!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13379830#post13379830 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by AwkwardParrot
can someone wipe the druel off my face...amazing tank!
Thanks! :D There are so many more mushrooms right now!

[cherubfish pair]

I've never seen a Maroon so dark. She's beautiful.

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture1296.jpg

[apt220]

Maroons are awesome.

[Western_reefer]

Thanks! :D

[Western_reefer]

Well, I haven't updated this thread in a while. I have some good news and some bad news. The bad news is I lost a few SPS a while ago and I have a huge red slime and diatom bloom. The good news is all the other corals are doing perfectly fine and growing well, and I got rid of the red slime and the diatoms growth speed is slowing down. I also added a few more corals a while ago.

[Western_reefer]

I'm going to the LFS right now and I'm going to get a few goodies!:D :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Well, I just came back and got lime wood air stones and a fighting conch. Here are a few pictures of the fighting conch.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture194.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture198.jpg

[PasadenaReefer]

I think your tank needs some more flow personally. I would aim your outlets more down towards the botom of the tank. I would also recomend getting 1 or 2 koralia 2's for some flow and get rid of the other powerhead. Im just giving some options based on my opinion, im not trying to degrade your tank at any means. Your coming along great with everything, and dont worry about the SPS. I have only learned through trial and error and soon there will be little room for you to make error since you learned from the past. Good luck with everything and lets see an updated FTS. Have you thought about upgrading the skimmer or getting an ATO? i dont know if you have already got those yet? Good luck
-Austin

[Western_reefer]

Hey, the diatoms are growing in very high flow area. Its weird. lol Yeah, I'll probably get another power head for some extra flow and put the powerhead behind a rock so you won't see it. But the sand bed gets TONS of flow. The stock skimmer is pretty good IMO. It can pull 3+ inches of crap in a week. I don't need a ATO. I'm home all day and the water doesn't evaporate that fast. A gallon of ro/di water lasts about 4 days. Some times more.

[Western_reefer]

Well, the fighting conch cleaned about 40%+ of the sand bed. The tank looks much better already! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Here is a link to my Non-Photosynthetic tank Diary. :D
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1485364

[Western_reefer]

I got a few goodies!! I got a fish and a coral!

[AwkwardParrot]

Picture time!

[Western_reefer]

Here is a crappy picture. I'll try to get a few better pictures tomorrow. The new fish is a blenny and the new coral is a acan. The blenny already made himself at home.(made himself a nice cave.)
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture333.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Ok, Here are a few pictures of the Blenny. I'll try to take a few more better pictures later today.
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture378-1.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture346.jpg
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture367.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Ok, I found out what kind of Blenny he is. He is a Ecsenius lineatus, Linear blenny. :D

[Western_reefer]

Pictures...
http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj245/CoralKeeper111/Picture302.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture394.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture397.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture405.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture426.jpg

[Western_reefer]

More...
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture431.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture438.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture444.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture450.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture454.jpg

[Western_reefer]

...
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture459.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture465.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture471.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture477.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture483.jpg

[Western_reefer]

...........
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture490.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture516.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture530.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture541.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture547.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Few more...
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture560.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture577.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture580.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture586.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture565.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I didn't take any pictures of the Royal Gramma because its too skittish right now.

[Western_reefer]

The FTS will be on Monday.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few percentages on picturing my fish.
Maroon:95% of the pictures are bad, 5% of the pictures are good.

Blenny:95% of the pictures are good, 5% of the pictures are bad.

Royal Gramma:99.9999% of the pictures are bad, 0.0001% of the pictures are good.

I don't think any of you will be seeing pictures of my Royal Gramma any time soon.

[Western_reefer]

No one likes the tank? =(

[conorwynne]

I do actually. I was just going to say so when you posted!

[Western_reefer]

Thanks! :D

[Western_reefer]

Here is a small "upgrade" that I did to the skimmer last night.:D
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture611.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I just ordered a new MH bulb! YAY!! :dance: :dance:

14,000K Phoenix HQI Double Ended - 150W
Subtotal: $54.95

Total Price Discounts: $2.75

Tax: $4.05

S&H: $0.00

Final Total: $56.25

:dance:

[Western_reefer]

Well, I just gave back the Linear blenny and got a Shrimpgoby - Bumble Bee, and a Yellow Coris Wrasse. :D

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures of the fish.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture669.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture670.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture677.jpg

[Western_reefer]

What do you want?
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture684.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture688.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture699.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture703.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture708.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture718.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I can't find the Yellow Coris Wrasse anywhere. He/she must be hiding in the rocks.

[conorwynne]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13522509#post13522509 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Western_reefer
More...
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture431.jpg/Picture454.jpg[/IMG]

This is my fav, what is it?

Regards,
Conor

[Western_reefer]

They are Hairy Mushrooms.

[Western_reefer]

I made a mistake, its not a Bumble Bee, its a Wheeler's Watchman Goby.

[hppd432]

Tank looks awesome! Love the watchman also.

[Western_reefer]

Thanks!! :D

[Dooly]

i bet your yellow coris is hiding in the sand somewhere, since that is where they sleep..

when i first got a yellow coris, i thought it died, didn't see it for 2 weeks and then it popped out of nowhere.

awesome tank btw, i think it's already time for an upgrade. lol

btw, how do you take such clear pictures from outside the tank? what type of camera? any editing? i can't seem to get a decent picture of anything in my tank if my life depended on it

[Western_reefer]

Yeah, he came out yesterday. At that time I didn't know they buried themselves, then I saw it buried it self and I went on the net and started reading and sure enough it said they sleep in the sand and they hide in the sand when they get scared. lol I love the wrasse, hes an awesome little fella. Thanks! LOL I wish I could upgrade. I clean the out side of the glass like I've never cleaned before, then get a Mag Float and clean the inside glass like you've never cleaned before. lol I'm using a Canon Powershot S1 IS 3.2 Mega Pixels. For some reason I can't get any good FTS. Its always "cloudy" when the tank water is crystal clear. Here is a picture that I took this morning. He was checking if the "coast was clear". Then I started to feed the tank and he went out of his "bed".
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture738.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture753.jpg

[Western_reefer]

The new MH bulb is supposed to come today! Can't wait! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

I got the MH bulb!! :dance: I'm going to go change it right now.

[Western_reefer]

The light is AMAZING!! All the colors just "pop" out! I can't wait for all the corals to color up. :dance:

[Western_reefer]

I'll post a few pictures later today, when it gets a bit dark out side. That's the only time I can get good FTS.

[Western_reefer]

Here are few pictures. First picture is of the new bulb in place. The rest of the pictures are the zoas under the new light. :D
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture766.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture774.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture782.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I got the Purple Brush Gorgonian and a few colt coral frags 30 min ago! :dance: I'll post pictures in a few min.

[Western_reefer]

Here are the pictures.(sorry about the cloudiness, my clown decided to dig...) I'll post better pictures later today.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture809.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture812.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture817.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures. As you can see, the Purple Brush Gorgonian is starting to open up. :dace:
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture835.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture840.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture845.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture856.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture859.jpg

[Western_reefer]

No comments??

[Western_reefer]

Here is the FTS.... Its very crappy... I have no idea why they turn out so crappy.... I'll try to take a few better ones later.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture893.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Just thought I'd post my fish list.

Large Female Maroon Clownfish
Royal Gramma
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Wheeler's Watchman Goby

[conorwynne]

Loving this, what's it called? It'll be interesting how it grows out.

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture859.jpg

Regards
Conor

[Western_reefer]

Thanks! It is a Purple Brush Gorgonian.

[conorwynne]

Nice 1, hard to keep? Do you have to target feed them?

[Western_reefer]

Thanks, Umm... no, they are very easy to care for. Nope, you don't have to target feed them. They get alot of their food from the light. This gorgonian need lots of light to thrive.

[decent37]

well actually some gorgonians aren't photosynthetic so i would make sure that your uses light or you will just have an expensive stick in your tank soon

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13584721#post13584721 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by decent37
well actually some gorgonians aren't photosynthetic so i would make sure that your uses light or you will just have an expensive stick in your tank soon
I got this gorgonian from another reefer. So, it is defiantly a photosynthetic gorgonian.

[Western_reefer]

Here is my stock list:
Fish:
Large Female Maroon Clownfish
Royal Gramma
Yellow Coris Wrasse
Wheeler's Watchman Goby


Inverts:
1 Tear Drop Maxima clam
1 Crocea clam
1 Fighting conch
2 Nass. snails
around 25+ lb of LR
30 lb of sand
Going to get a cleaner shrimp soon
lots of Chaeto


Corals:
lots of diff zoas
all kinds of palys
TONS TONS TONS of diff Mushrooms
diff Rics
Toad stool
Large Cabbage coral
Kenya Tree
Colt Coral
Xenia
Bubble coral
Metallic Green Torch Coral
Green Candy canes
Galaxy Coral
Acans
Purple Brush Gorgonian
Hot Pink Birdsnest
Miami Orchid
Purple tip Acro
SUPER PINK chalice
Tyree Blue chalice
Pink and Green Chalice
Blue with green eyes chalice
3 different encrusting montipora
I'm going to get Idaho Grape Montipora Cap Frag for $10 next week
I'm going to get 3 polyps of True Tubbs Blue Zoas for $10 next week


I think thats it. I'm sure I'm leaving out a few corals that I can't think of. I'm going to get a few more zoas, and 2 more SPS. Then I'm done with corals and I'm going to let everything grow out.(I know, I know, I already have a ton of corals. lol) :D

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture that I just took 5 minutes ago.:D
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture990.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture that I just took 5 minutes ago.)))
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture990.jpg

[hppd432]

Western your tank looks awesome.! How r the clams doing? I think that will be my next livestock addition. What r u feeding them and how much?

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13626061#post13626061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hppd432
Western your tank looks awesome.! How r the clams doing? I think that will be my next livestock addition. What r u feeding them and how much?
Thanks! :D They are doing totally fine. I add around 10 ml of phytoplankton every week. I just add the phyto to the tank, I don't target the clams because you can do more harm than good.

[hppd432]

Thanks for info!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13631993#post13631993 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by hppd432
Thanks for info!
Np.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few close up pictures of the Purple Brush Gorgonian. :D The Yellow Coris Wrasse loves to get its picture taken. lol Its in more than half of my micro shots. lol
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1028.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1034.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1053.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I'm going to be getting a nice sized frag of Idaho Grape Montipora Cap and True Tubbs Blue Zoas today! :dance: Can't wait! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

I also have another update! I added a large Hawaiian feather duster! I'll post a few pictures later today. :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture of the Feather Duster like I promised.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1064.jpg

[FUA]

great thread

[Western_reefer]

Thanks! :D

[hppd432]

Did u get the Grape Montipora Cap ? Pics?

[Western_reefer]

Well, I got some bad news... I went to get 2 frags, but came home with 4 frags! :eek2: See how addicting this hobby is?? I'll post a few pictures tomorrow. lol

[Western_reefer]

Well, this is what I got yesterday:
True Leng Sye Montipora Cap
Idaho Grape Montipora Cap
True Tubbs Blue Zoas
Red Digi

:D

[FUA]

any pics of the frags??

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few crappy pictures. The colors aren't true because the pictures are crappy and I haven't placed them on the spot I want them to be on yet. I'll take a few better pictures tomorrow. 2 polyps of the True Tubbs Blue Zoas opened so far. Can't wait till all the rest open.
Red Digi and Idaho Grape Montipora Cap
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1094.jpg
True Leng Sye Montipora Cap
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1097.jpg
True Tubbs Blue Zoas
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1103.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I'm thinking about getting a RO/DI system. Still talking about it with my dad. Here are the specs of the RO/DI.

$240.00 - OCEAN REEF + 2 SIX STAGE 75 GPD RO/DI
* All systems are made to order with clear 10" canister housings
* Stage One 5 micron poly sediment filter
* Stage Two 5 Micron Matrikx NSF rated CTO/2 Workhorse carbon block
* Stage Three 0.6 Micron Matrikx NSF rated chlorine guzzler carbon block
* RO membrane 75 GPD Dow Filmtec
* Stage Five refillable cartridge with color-changing DI resin
* Stage Six refillable cartridge with color-changing DI resin
* 100 PSI pressure gauge
* Auto shut-off (Requires Float Valve or Switch To Work)
* Dual TDS meter
* Membrane flush valve
* Quick connect fittings
* Self Piercing Saddle Valve Water Supply Connection
* Drain Connection
* Filter wrench to make cartridge replacement easy
Also going to get a addon. $12.00 - RO BYPASS VALVE KIT

THIS IS A BYPASS VALVE KIT FOR MAKING RO DRINKING WATER.
Here is a picture of the unit.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/OCEANREEF2.jpg

[reefer334]

I have that same RO/DI unit, it works awesome and the filterguys have great customer service!!

I am glad those frags are working out for you.


Chris

[Western_reefer]

Sweet! 3 True Tubbs Blue Zoa polyps opened so far! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13652698#post13652698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefer334
I have that same RO/DI unit, it works awesome and the filterguys have great customer service!!

I am glad those frags are working out for you.


Chris
Also do you drink your RO/DI water or just RO water?

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few more pictures. The colors aren't true at all. Idk why, they look much better in real life. Its probably the angle I'm holding it at.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1113.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1120.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Well, I just ordered the RO/DI unit!!! :dance: :dance: Should come in 2-7 business days!! :dance: :dance:

[Western_reefer]

4 True Tubbs Blue Zoa polyps opened so far! Only one of them is closed which will probably open in a day or 2! :dance: :dance: I'll post a few pictures later today.

[Western_reefer]

I WON A RARE FRAG PACK FROM A CONTEST 1 hour and 30 min ago!!! WHOOOOHOOOOO!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: I'M SO FREAKIN EXCITED!!!!

[Western_reefer]

This is what I won: Sweet Tooth Micro, Lava Flow Chalice, Tubs Blue Polyp Birds Nest, "TEC" Forest Fire Digi, and "TEC" Pumpkin Patch Mili! :dance: :dance:

[FUA]

where did you win it.....i want in!!

[Western_reefer]

lol

[Western_reefer]

The frags just came!! WHOOHOO!! I'm acclimating them right now!! :dance: :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Here are the pictures. I'm still looking for a spot to put them. lol
Lava Flow Chalice
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1208.jpg
"TEC" Forest Fire Digi
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1213.jpg
Sweet Tooth Micro
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1215.jpg
"TEC" Pumpkin Patch Mili
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1222.jpg
Tubs Blue Polyp Birds Nest
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1227.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures that I just took. Tell me what you think!! :D
FTS
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1234.jpg
Left side shot.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1247.jpg
Right side shot.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1252.jpg

[scubajim]

dang those new corals you got look awesome let me know when their ready to frag :)

[Western_reefer]

Thanks!! :D Will do.

[Freemans Reef]

you might get better pics if you can adjust the white balance
dont know what kind of cam your using
new corals are sweet

[gunkel]

Just awesome looking! Man I hope mine looks 1/2 as good some day!!

[Western_reefer]

UPS is going to drop off the RO/DI unit at my house today!! :dance: Can't wait!! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13691934#post13691934 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freemans Reef
you might get better pics if you can adjust the white balance
dont know what kind of cam your using
new corals are sweet
Thanks for the tip! I'm using a Canon PowerShot S1 IS 3.2 mega pixels. Thanks!!

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13692605#post13692605 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gunkel
Just awesome looking! Man I hope mine looks 1/2 as good some day!!
Thanks!! :D

[Western_reefer]

I got the RO/DI unit!! :dance: I'll post pictures soon! :dance:

[Western_reefer]

Well, I hooked up the RO/DI unit and everything is working! :dance: I'll post pictures in a little bit.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a picture of the RO/DI unit.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1284.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1293.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here is a top down picture that I took this morning. The picture was taken with flash.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1263.jpg

[Western_reefer]

I checked my tap water and it is 094 ppm. After the water goes through the RO only its 001 ppm, after it goes through the RO and DI its 000 ppm. The wast water is 084 ppm. :D

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few better pictures of the RO/DI unit. The water is 52 psi.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1297.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1300.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1303.jpg

[Bored Robot]

Almost 5 months have gone by, there should be some corraline growth on the back of your tank by now. What calcium readings are you getting?

[SpinningHat]

Western Reefer:

I have to say I have seen many great tanks, and yours is definitely one of them. My only real advice, is to take a break from adding things, and let it GROW! I love lots of diversity, but sometimes, there's something to be said for size as well.

As for the pictures:

I dabble a bit in photography as a hobby, and there are some basic things you may want to do.

First: Check this website. (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons1is/) It gives a really good review of your camera, and gives you an idea of what it's capable of. Read through the glossary of terms to get a better understanding. To take great pictures isn't just about point and shoot, there's a lot of 'stuff' that goes into making great pics, and knowing your camera is going to be the first step.

Second: Definitely check the WB settings. If there's an incandescent setting, you're going to probably want to use it, with the MH lights.

Third: Check your aperture and shutter speeds the camera is using, and learn how to set these manually. (I'll explain a bit more in a minute.)

Fourth: check to see what ISO setting you're using. ISO is used to determine how sensitive the CCD sensor is to light. Low ISO, low sensitivity, but great picture quality. High ISO, more sensitive, but images can become grainy. You generally want to use the lowest ISO you can to get the best images.

Ok, to Aperture / Shutter speed:

Aperture is the opening that light passes through in the lens of the camera. The lower the number, more of the light comes through, and the shallower the depth of field. (How much of the image is in focus.) higher numbers let less light through but you get more of the image in focus. With an f/stop of say, 2.8, you'll let in a lot of light, but the area that will be in focus is going to be really close to your focus point, good for showcasing an individual coral, but not for a FTS. Now, say, if you used an f/stop of 8 or 10, you'll get more of the foreground and the background in focus around your focus point. It gets confusing, but here's where it gets more interesting:

Shutter speed. The length of time it takes for the shutter to open and close. Simple, right? Not so fast. The shutter speed and aperture work together. The faster the shutter speed, generally the more light you need to make a good image. But, you also need to have a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake so your images aren't blurry. 1/60th of a second is about as slow as you can go with a relatively steady hand. most of your full tank shots you're going to want to have a fast shutter speed like 1/125th of a second or faster, to capture the inhabitants without them being blurry. This leads to needing that f/2.8 setting, and a lot of light to make it work, but then you get a shallow DOF... Photography is a trade-off between the amount of light you can get to the CCD, and the time you have to take the shot. Play with your camera and learn the settings. Try different shutter speed and aperture combos. If the light is low, raise the ISO to 400 or 800. learn where your EV setting is. It's a good way to 'trick' the camera into exposing the shot brighter or darker if you need to.

Sorry for the book, but lastly, get a good photography book.Understanding Exposure (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226128961&sr=8-1) by Bryan Peterson and The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography (http://www.amazon.com/Betterphoto-Guide-Digital-Photography-Amphoto/dp/0817435522/ref=pd_sim_b_5) by Jim Miotke are GREAT places to start from.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13704487#post13704487 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bored Robot
Almost 5 months have gone by, there should be some corraline growth on the back of your tank by now. What calcium readings are you getting?
I clean the back as much as I can. lol So that's why you don't see any coraline algae on the back. My calcium is good. There are tons of coraline algae growth on the rocks though.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13704708#post13704708 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SpinningHat
Western Reefer:

I have to say I have seen many great tanks, and yours is definitely one of them. My only real advice, is to take a break from adding things, and let it GROW! I love lots of diversity, but sometimes, there's something to be said for size as well.

As for the pictures:

I dabble a bit in photography as a hobby, and there are some basic things you may want to do.

First: Check this website. (http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canons1is/) It gives a really good review of your camera, and gives you an idea of what it's capable of. Read through the glossary of terms to get a better understanding. To take great pictures isn't just about point and shoot, there's a lot of 'stuff' that goes into making great pics, and knowing your camera is going to be the first step.

Second: Definitely check the WB settings. If there's an incandescent setting, you're going to probably want to use it, with the MH lights.

Third: Check your aperture and shutter speeds the camera is using, and learn how to set these manually. (I'll explain a bit more in a minute.)

Fourth: check to see what ISO setting you're using. ISO is used to determine how sensitive the CCD sensor is to light. Low ISO, low sensitivity, but great picture quality. High ISO, more sensitive, but images can become grainy. You generally want to use the lowest ISO you can to get the best images.

Ok, to Aperture / Shutter speed:

Aperture is the opening that light passes through in the lens of the camera. The lower the number, more of the light comes through, and the shallower the depth of field. (How much of the image is in focus.) higher numbers let less light through but you get more of the image in focus. With an f/stop of say, 2.8, you'll let in a lot of light, but the area that will be in focus is going to be really close to your focus point, good for showcasing an individual coral, but not for a FTS. Now, say, if you used an f/stop of 8 or 10, you'll get more of the foreground and the background in focus around your focus point. It gets confusing, but here's where it gets more interesting:

Shutter speed. The length of time it takes for the shutter to open and close. Simple, right? Not so fast. The shutter speed and aperture work together. The faster the shutter speed, generally the more light you need to make a good image. But, you also need to have a fast enough shutter speed to avoid camera shake so your images aren't blurry. 1/60th of a second is about as slow as you can go with a relatively steady hand. most of your full tank shots you're going to want to have a fast shutter speed like 1/125th of a second or faster, to capture the inhabitants without them being blurry. This leads to needing that f/2.8 setting, and a lot of light to make it work, but then you get a shallow DOF... Photography is a trade-off between the amount of light you can get to the CCD, and the time you have to take the shot. Play with your camera and learn the settings. Try different shutter speed and aperture combos. If the light is low, raise the ISO to 400 or 800. learn where your EV setting is. It's a good way to 'trick' the camera into exposing the shot brighter or darker if you need to.

Sorry for the book, but lastly, get a good photography book.Understanding Exposure (http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Exposure-Photographs-Digital-Updated/dp/0817463003/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1226128961&sr=8-1) by Bryan Peterson and The BetterPhoto Guide to Digital Photography (http://www.amazon.com/Betterphoto-Guide-Digital-Photography-Amphoto/dp/0817435522/ref=pd_sim_b_5) by Jim Miotke are GREAT places to start from.
Thanks for the compliment!! Yeah, I know. I'm going to let everything grow out. lol Thanks for the tips/info about the camera!! I'll play around with the camera.

[Western_reefer]

Well, I counted how many corals I have and I have 43 DIFFERENT kinds of corals. :eek2: Wow... I need to let everything grow out now. lol

[Western_reefer]

Well, I'm playing around with the settings on the camera and got these 2 FTS. I'm going to be posting LOTS of pictures while I play around with the camera settings.

-Enjoy!

http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1316.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1324.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Well, I was thinking about taking a picture of 2 SPS corals every day or every week for 1 year and when a year passes make a super fast slide show/video of the pictures I took of the SPS coral(s). What do all you think? Should I do it?

[SpinningHat]

Why not do a Full Tank shot everyday for a year? As long as you don't do some major remodelling of the inhabitants, it should turn out pretty cool, and you'll be able to see how much it's filled in. :D

[FUA]

yea that sps thing would be cool, i would like to see it

[Western_reefer]

Yeah, I might as well do both! A FTS for a year and a few SPS. lol

[Western_reefer]

I got new CORALS!! :dance: They are acclimating right now. I got German Blue Polyp Digi, ORA Green Polyp Birdsnest, Blasto, and snails. Will post pictures later today.

[Western_reefer]

Here are the pictures like I promised.
German Blue Polyp Digi
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1356.jpg

ORA Green Polyp Birdsnest
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1350.jpg

Blasto
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1368.jpg

Snail that's in my hand.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1339.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures that I just took.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1376.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1394.jpg

[Western_reefer]

My Tubs Blue Polyp Birds Nest has 10 new baby branches and I only had it for 13 days!! :dance: Here are a few before and after shots.

BEFORE
November 05, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1227-1.jpg



AFTER
November 18, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1436.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few more before and after shots.

TEC Forest Fire Digi
BEFORE
November 05, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1212.jpg


AFTER
November 18, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1424.jpg



Sweet Tooth Micro
BEFORE
November 05, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1215-1.jpg


AFTER
November 18, 2008
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1431.jpg

[jdokos]

Nice tank, I have this same one, my aquascaping and coral collection are not nearly as nice.

BTW - I have often wondered what does ORA mean? Like "ORA Green Polyp Birdsnest"

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13777872#post13777872 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jdokos
Nice tank, I have this same one, my aquascaping and coral collection are not nearly as nice.

BTW - I have often wondered what does ORA mean? Like "ORA Green Polyp Birdsnest"
Thanks!! :D ORA stands for: Oceans, Reefs and Aquarium.

[Western_reefer]

Well, I got a new frag! I got a Ponape Birdsnest frag. Its acclimating right now. I'll post pictures later today. :dance:

[Western_reefer]

I also got three RIO 800 powerheads which put out 211 GPH each.:D

[bladeruner143]

Everything looks pretty good Moses. What's that red chalice you got there?

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13781314#post13781314 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bladeruner143
Everything looks pretty good Moses. What's that red chalice you got there?

Thanks!! :D Its a Lava Flow Chalice. :D

[scubajim]

dang you got some nice stuff there. LOVE the forest fire digi.

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13781750#post13781750 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scubajim
dang you got some nice stuff there. LOVE the forest fire digi.
Thanks!! :D

[Mikey Donuts]

Looking good man! That rare frag pack you got is SICK! You scored with the live rock as well. You've got really nice growth as well. I would tell you to slow down and let everything grow out, but I'd be a hypocrite if I gave that advice ;).

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13782835#post13782835 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mikey Donuts
Looking good man! That rare frag pack you got is SICK! You scored with the live rock as well. You've got really nice growth as well. I would tell you to slow down and let everything grow out, but I'd be a hypocrite if I gave that advice ;).
Thanks!! Yeah, your right, I need to let everything grow out! lol

[Western_reefer]

Well, I added one RIO 800 powerhead. The SPS love the extra flow. I'll post a FTS before I start taking out the softies and putting them into the 8 gallon biocube and replacing them with all the SPS that are in the sand bed.

[Western_reefer]

Here is a quick crappy picture that I just took.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1484.jpg

[Western_reefer]

Well, I finally finished removing the softies and replaced them with the SPS. I'll post pictures tomorrow.

[Western_reefer]

Well, I got some bad news. :cry: My Wheeler's Watchman Goby jumped out of the tank last night and I found him near the tank dried up.:cry: :cry:

[Western_reefer]

I'm going to go to Home Depot and get some net to cover the tank today.

[Western_reefer]

I made a wall of Halimeda scabra (Money Plant) around the torch coral to keep the torch coral from letting its tentacles go too far. I'll post pictures later today.

[Western_reefer]

Here are a few pictures that I just took.
Baby hermit crab. He is TINY. Hes the only hermit I have.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1492.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1500.jpg
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1523.jpg
Here is a FTS that I just took.
http://i412.photobucket.com/albums/pp209/terrariumman/Picture1540.jpg
Tell me what you think.

[Lpabsolute]

This is a Sweet Looking Tank/Setup. Thanks for sharing!!!

[Western_reefer]

Thanks!! :D Np.

[itsdarrow]

hows the evap with the HQI?

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13809733#post13809733 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by itsdarrow
hows the evap with the HQI?
Ummm... Right now its like 1 gallon every 1.5 weeks(could be a bit more). In the summer it was 1 gallon every 4-5 days.

[Western_reefer]

Well, I got some window framing. I'm going to be building the cover right now. I'll post pictures when I'm finished.

[eagleONE]

It's cool to see a local on the nano! nice job

[Western_reefer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13813321#post13813321 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eagleONE
It's cool to see a local on the nano! nice job
Thanks! :D