GSMguy's 67G rimless, shallow Anemone tank build.

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=12932664#post12932664

[143gadgets]

Devilboy, you are now BANNED from babysitting Nick's tank forever!!!

Just messin with ya. :D

[GSMguy]

WOOT Thanks everybody

Chris i guess this means yous Owns this Split....

"Nick, i feel real bad about this. Like i said before, the first day i went over the light on the 20L was off, and i figured you just shut it off for some reason. Less algae growth or for whatever reason. I never tried to turn it back on."


hold on Tim this is my total irresponsibility. if anything had happened it would have been 110% my fault period end of story. i ran that light with salt creep all over the electrics. I am a freaking moron.

you are the best tanksitter Evarrrrrr! no worries, i had 2 free corals in that tank and both are so used to low light they are still fine after 3 weeks

[GSMguy]

I am off to the Salty Critter to buy a used (thank you Dan) 250w HQI ballast ( i have an old ocean light pendant) to put over my 20long. this tank has pretty much no light for a year, the old light was a 2 year old 10k 65w Powercompact with an inch of salt on it..

so 65wpc to 310w MH 20k haha im going to start the bulbs 20 inches off the water

i will also buy corals to take pictures of for this thread.

:)

[melev]

So you live in Cleveland, eh? ;)

[DevilBoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12932994#post12932994 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
So you live in Cleveland, eh? ;)

Melev,

We are both south of cleveland in Wooster. I would estimate its about half way between columbus and cleveland.

[moo0o]

WE ARE ONE STEP CLOSER IN FINDING OUT WHERE "PARTS UNKNOWN" is. yes!! haha

[tuberider]

Sunnyvale Trailer Park

[Tang Salad]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938576#post12938576 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tuberider
Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Then we know what the lights are for. :lol:

[GSMguy]

Ill let the pictures tell the story for this one.


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_2696.jpg



http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4169.jpg




























http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4183.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4171.jpg

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12932704#post12932704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
WOOT Thanks everybody

Chris i guess this means yous Owns this Split....



:D :D :D

[melev]

I like the new light Nick, but I would see if it is possible to clean off the rust since it is in plain site.

Your PC fixture didn't have a plastic shield?

[GSMguy]

plastic shield was lost a year or two ago i planned on getting this light setup for a while i should not have waited.

i will grind the rust off with my dremel

[GSMguy]

1 supersized frag of ORA Miami Orchid.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4211-1.jpg

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938780#post12938780 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tang Salad
Then we know what the lights are for. :lol:

Julian "Ricky, I'm telling you, you gotta stop growing pot. "
Ricky " Come on, man, you can't tell me to do that. "
Julian "I'm serious Ricky."
Ricky "You can't tell me to do that. It's like telling the NWA to stop being black.":lol: :lol:

[DevilBoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12938576#post12938576 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tuberider
Sunnyvale Trailer Park


Easy there Homer.... i live in a trailer park.... :bum:

[DevilBoy]

im still real sorry Nick. If i would have looked up at the bulbs i would have known something went wrong.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12939464#post12939464 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DevilBoy
Easy there Homer.... i live in a trailer park.... :bum:

Tim its a TV show:lol: i will put a few episodes on DVD for you ;)

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12939469#post12939469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DevilBoy
im still real sorry Nick. If i would have looked up at the bulbs i would have known something went wrong.

what do you think of the new light?

[DevilBoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12939477#post12939477 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
what do you think of the new light?

The new light looks sweet... Its hard to believe thats a 20k bulb i thought for sure it would have more blue to it.

[Ed Reef]

Congrats on the split Nick - corals looking great

[Shawn D]

What bulb is that Nick? Looks great as always

[DevilBoy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12941096#post12941096 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shawn D
What bulb is that Nick? Looks great as always


20k ushio

[gypsyboy38]

Is there an annoying amount of light that goes out into the room with it hanging that high? Nice job on the cleanup btw. Looks a lot nicer!

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=12941151#post12941151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gypsyboy38
Is there an annoying amount of light that goes out into the room with it hanging that high? Nice job on the cleanup btw. Looks a lot nicer!


yes but i will lower the light soon and there are light blockers that i need to find and put on, that tank was dark for so long i just wanted to get a light above it

[IridescentLily]

I'd lost my "susbscribe to thread" ability for this thread, now I see why. :-)
Still lurking along in this thread. I *love* the dimensions of your tank GSMGuy.

[GSMguy]

thanks :).

The tank has been thru a lot in the last couple days, I have been out of town and I forgot to pay the electric bill, yesterday they turned it off and Tim saved my tank putting the pumps on an extension cord to the hallwAy of my building. I was able to get the power company to come by around 8pm and turn it back on so all is well

I re aquascaped and will add sand tommorow:).

[Ed Reef]

Why are you going back to SSB??

[GSMguy]

I like the way it looks, my new aquascape is open and the sand will make the tank brighter and more natural

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13065461#post13065461 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
thanks :).

The tank has been thru a lot in the last couple days, I have been out of town and I forgot to pay the electric bill, yesterday they turned it off and Tim saved my tank putting the pumps on an extension cord to the hallwAy of my building. I was able to get the power company to come by around 8pm and turn it back on so all is well

I re aquascaped and will add sand tommorow:).

Glad to hear everything is doing well!

SAND!!!! U sure about that.... :D

[GSMguy]

ya I'm sure :p


I can always suck it back out later

[143gadgets]

LOL!!! Can't wait to see it. Your gonna LOVE it. My tank is soooo much brighter now. I'm still running 90x turnover with no problems. I'm loving every grain of it. :D

[Shawn D]

Can't wait to see the new pics, I thought about going bb but love my sand to much aswell

[GSMguy]

sand will have to wait a couple days but I did just clean the coraline off and as soon as the tank clears I will snap some pics.

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4257.jpg

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4321.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4283-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4277-1.jpg

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4327-1.jpg

[melev]

That clam mantle looks super extended in that first FTS!

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13070099#post13070099 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4257.jpg

beautiful tank---nice job

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13070381#post13070381 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
That clam mantle looks super extended in that first FTS!

is that good or bad Marc?

[melev]

Hard to say. I would think it is doing that because it craves more light than it is getting, but I can't see the fixture in relation to the animal.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13070514#post13070514 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
Hard to say. I would think it is doing that because it craves more light than it is getting, but I can't see the fixture in relation to the animal.

I thought that what was meant by gaping--where they opened very wide--not necessarily up like in the pic--but it makes sense because the algae is in the mantle

but then so are the eyes---maybe its eyeing a cute little clam at the top of the tank;)

[GSMguy]

i will move it into the light more when i put the sand in, the clam has always extended like that even in direct light, you cant tell from the picture but its definitely in the light.

[Jay-sun]

Love this tank. Shallow tanks are so cool. I think the tank will look good with sand in it. This thing is gonna look sick when the corals grow out.

Keep up the good work.

Jason

[143gadgets]

Looking good. Can't wait to see it with some sand. ;)

[kar93]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13072535#post13072535 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 143gadgets
Looking good. Can't wait to see it with some sand. ;)

:eek1: What is this sand you speak of? :lol:

Tanks still looking great, Nick. ;)

[moo0o]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13070118#post13070118 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4327-1.jpg


that green...slimer? is glowing!! :eek1:

[mpoletti]

Good Stuff Nick. I guess I need to come by the Reef Discussion forum once and awhile :)

[GSMguy]

Thanks mark, now all i need is coral :)

going to pick up an ORA supernatural cap at Salty critter today and going to try for that Red planet if they dont have it i will order one. also looking for an ORA Verde if they still have them.

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13073193#post13073193 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by moo0o
that green...slimer? is glowing!! :eek1: Is that green slimer or Tyree Lime in the Sky?

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13073187#post13073187 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kar93
:eek1: What is this sand you speak of? :lol:

Tanks still looking great, Nick. ;)

Yes... I have fallin into the trap. :)

[GSMguy]

mike that is green slimmer from your reef.

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4370.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4376.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4357.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4343.jpg

left canyon
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4344.jpg

Right canyon
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4345.jpg

sump pics

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4363-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4367-1.jpg

[melev]

:thumbsup: I love the clean look of that tank.

[GSMguy]

Thank you Marc, i ordered 40 lbs of carib sea special grade reef sand should be adding it in the next couple weeks it should brighten up the tank, the next step after that is new bulbs mine are 15 months old.

[melev]

http://www.melevsreef.com/g/yes.gif

I was wanting to mention something about sand, but figured you didn't need yet another dig in this thread. However, since you brought it up... Awesome! I just can't get on board with bare bottom tanks. I've tried, but sand is just better. Period. :D

Be sure to 'light acclimate' your corals to the new bulbs.

[GSMguy]

I have stability issues with the BB it's mostly my fault but the sand should help. The guys on the ZEO forum also recomeend it for the large surface area to cultivate bacteria.

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13075973#post13075973 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4367-1.jpg Nick, get rid of that hose clamp on the Eheim and replace it with a plastic hose clamp. Even though yours is probably stainless steel, it will eventually rust. Other than that, things are looking saweeeeet!

[melev]

Good catch. And put a hose clamp on that flex tubing before it pops off.

[GSMguy]

chewie mentioned that a long time ago, plastic hose clamps will be ordered monday :)

Here is a crap iphone pic. Anybody know if its possible to get better white balance on these things? I put a quarter inch sandbed in to see what it looks like, i will take another FTS with the DSLR later when it clears..


Edit; here is the pic

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_0023.jpg

[xtm]

OMG Nick.. your tank looks 50000000000000 times better with the sand. I think you've seen the light (pun intended) :D It just... kinda... sprung back to life! I LOVE IT!

I went back to sand myself because, while the BB was great, the tank was very dim overall. nothing to do with nutrients. I got everything under control it's just the tank was horribly DIM even with 10K and I couldn't stand it. One thing I miss about the BB was the flow. My Tunzes have been dialed all the way down after putting the sand back.

Let's see some more pics Nick!

[GSMguy]

that picture is bad trust me, another hour or 2 and I will get a clear shot that better represents the color

[IridescentLily]

Wow, I didn't think it would, but it totally does look better with the sand.

[GSMguy]

It definitely looks better i am amazed really, i also took the time to center the light that was way off on the right and it looks great.

its almost clear enough to get a FTS.

[melev]

Since no-one else will say it, I will: I told you so. :p

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4515.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4484-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4506.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4524.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4529.jpg

[GSMguy]

the tang and rabbit are getting along finally and they are now starting to graze finally thank god because there is a good amount of that purple turf algae stuff growing

i like this shot with them feeding off the shelf piece. the sand is so bright my camera is out of wack i need to get the settings right.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4540.jpg

[Ed Reef]

You 're right Nick, sand looks so MUCH better :)

[IridescentLily]

That last shot of the tank, wow, the sand really pops. It almost seems like the sand throws some light on the corals.
What does your purple tang think of the new sand?
In that last pic it looks like he's looking at it thinking "wow, how cool is this."

[GSMguy]

The tang likes the new aquascape and sand it has been very active.

[SunnyX]

The tank is looking great! Much better with the sand now. :thumbsup:

[GQuinn]

It looks good with the sand and the new aquascape. Did you have to cut back on your Tunze Streams with the sand? I added sand to mine about two weeks ago and the sand has been covered with diatoms ever since, although it seems to be clearing now.

Gary

[GSMguy]

I did not cut them back hence the bare spot but I will add another layer of heavier sand

[143gadgets]

Looks awesome Nick!!!

[IridescentLily]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13081958#post13081958 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
The tang likes the new aquascape and sand it has been very active.
That's so cool, another perk of going with sand.

[edandsandy]

Nick, what kind of camera do you use?

[GSMguy]

Cannon rebel xti, I have 3 lenses 70-300mm. 18-55 mm, and 100mm macro.

The camera owns me I know nothing! I just started messing with the f-stop

[LooseHip]

Nice Tank

I was unsure of the dimensions of the tank that a friend and I are building that has almost the same dimensions 48x26x14 1" acrylic. But after seeing your tank I can rest assured it will be sweet.

Soon I too will be part of the shallow reef club. :D

[GSMguy]

Cool can't go wrong with those dimensions

[GSMguy]

for the last couple hours i have been working on a reef blog here is the link tell me what you think.

http://web.me.com/nggrant/Site/Welcome.html

i will be adding to it as much as i can.

[melev]

That looks really nice. Very good start up. If you want, you could set your WWW here on RC to point to the blog, or enter the Blog's URL in your "other interests" field in your profile.

[GSMguy]

good idea marc.

[Ed Reef]

I like your blog site Nick....very nicely done. Wish I have the talent to do this :(

[GSMguy]

thanks ed i just added my first product review, sadly it really takes no talent all you need to do is buy a mac all the software is easy to use and preloaded.

[GSMguy]

added "Reef News" section to my blog :)

[GSMguy]

long overdue cord cleanup has been performed and a flood will no longer cause a fire....

looks much better too.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4669.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4664.jpg

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4703-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4710-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4715.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4722.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4724.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4725.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4748.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4755.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4759.jpg

[GSMguy]

well i have always loved pygmy angels i had a potters angel before and a coral beauty before that, so when i saw this very small hawaiian flame today at the LFS i knew i wanted him. MPoletti got a tiny joculator last week and while i understand i cant afford a joculator i think this angel is very pretty.
in specimen container to acclimate
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4801.jpg

meeting up with the cleaner shrimp after introduction, cleaner shrimp are so dang cool.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4816.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4833.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4833.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_4837.jpg

[Shawn D]

Looks great Nick :thumbsup: Really like the sand. I love my hawaiin flame aswell

[GSMguy]

thanks shawn I reallly like it, I hope he will not nip my SPS.

[Shawn D]

Mine hasn't even looked at mine, any news on when you will get the ATB hang on?

BTW your blog is really cool

[143gadgets]

Awesome angel Nick. I love how the true flames are all red.

[moo0o]

do you know if the flame grows more bars once it matures?

[xtm]

I think it's begging for more sand..

[143gadgets]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097935#post13097935 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xtm
I think it's begging for more sand..

LOL!!!

[Shawn D]

I am thinking about switching salts from Tropic Marin Pro and was wondering what you use, Nick?

[GSMguy]

using seachem reef shawn.

XTM i just took that sand out of my 20g with DSB i have ordered 40lbs of caribsea special grade live sand but i think i will only end up using 20lbs the sand i have is just too light to stand up to my flow.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13097858#post13097858 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by moo0o
do you know if the flame grows more bars once it matures?


i wonder, the larger ones at the LFS had more bars so i guess so.

this guy is so tiny i cant believe it. i have a chromis that is the same size, he kicked that chromis out of his cave :)

[GSMguy]

DP

[crvz]

Great new photos, the tank looks really clean. I think I use the exact same photo gear as you, too. I love the 100mm macro lens, it's a delight.

[LooseHip]

GSM,

I mentioned above that I am constructing a tank with very similar dimensions, and same size acrylic... I was wondering if there was much deflection on your tank... If you were to do it again would you add a euro brace?

As far as your flow goes, are you happy with it? You may have mentioned it earlier in the thread, but what are you using for flow.. I am thinking of upgrading from my koralia's to something that is controllable.

[GSMguy]

It bows slightly not enough for most to notice. I love the rimless though.

I will end up with 2x6105 tunze pumps floe for now is adequate

[Shawn D]

What pendants are you using again???

[GSMguy]

SLS reef optix for now.

[Shawn D]

thanks, they look good

[GSMguy]

I have been away allot this summer, my tank has been thru some rough spots but i will be making lots of changes in the upcoming months.

I have been spending my time in upstate NY at my moms house this summer, 2 weekends ago was the annual thousand Islands Poker run and my house is on the route so we all watch, except this time i was on my jetski to get up close and personal and it was really awesome. my buddy Paul was there with his D200 and got some better pictures i will get him to sent them to me, these came off of my cousins wifes camera and she is new to it.
also Paul got all the really fast boats that my cousin missed.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8251.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8254-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8222.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8184.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8170.jpg

[block head]

that poker race rocks, took my wife the week we were married. friend jumped a ten foot bow wake from a barge on his 22 foot donzi. not sure how we survied

[block head]

that poker race rocks, took my wife the week we were married. friend jumped a ten foot bow wake from a barge on his 22 foot donzi. not sure how we survied

[GSMguy]

the guy who has the fastest boat did 160mph past my place it was nuts.


Mom has a 1969 27 foot magnum but it would just get eaten alive by these big guys. The lead boat has twin 4,000 hp jet engines, the boat is made by Outer Limits they also built the "Miss Geico" that is preparing to break the world speed record.

[GSMguy]

i ordered this CNC 125R recirculating skimmer yesterday it should be here next week, its an external sicce with cooling loop.

i also ordered a quiet one 1200 pump to feed the skimmer, and 4 of the tiny 84GPH Tunze pumps for my ATO and my 20g nano


here is the skimmer i am getting.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s24/bandito_rox/125recirc.jpg

[erics3000]

I love watching the poker run boats when they are in FL. Great pics..

[Shawn D]

That skimmer will be sweet. CNC looks like it makes some really nice skimmers. I thought you were going to test the atb hang on/multi?

[GSMguy]

I dont think they are getting test units, i really had not planned on getting the skimmer but since CNC decided to stop building sicce skimmers, i got a good deal on this one of a kind recirc sicce.

[moo0o]

hmm do you know why they are gonna stop building sicce skimmers? i thought these were good?

by good i mean selling well.

[GSMguy]

cant compete with the price war between the chinese built MSX and coralvue skimmers.

[moo0o]

oh silly me, at first glance, i thought they were the MSX and coralvue skimmers, hope it does it job for you =)

[GSMguy]

couple shots to show what the tank looks like today. the fish have finally settled in and are all getting along.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8411.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8437.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8387.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8428.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8431.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8440.jpg

[GSMguy]

Nog Shots.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8381.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8379.jpg

[Dudester]

I can't get over how much coralline algae growth you have on your acrylic for such a new tank. Something good must be going on in there!

p.s. clean off that coralline!

[GSMguy]

Mike that is a weeks worth of coraline growth.....

i cleaned the whole tank before the shots but i get tired and the coraline is hard to get off the acrylic so all i get is the lil bit of film algae.

[Dudester]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13233344#post13233344 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
Mike that is a weeks worth of coraline growth..... :eek1: Are you serious?

I don't know how often you run a magnet, but you might want to consider cleaning the glass every day with a magnet. By allowing the coralline to grow, you are forced to scrape it off, and this increases your chances of scratching the acrylic. If you keep the glass clean daily you might be able to prevent coralline growth and avoid the need to scrape the acrylic.

[GSMguy]

i have not been here to scrape it daily.


it looks like i will be taking the tank down and moving it with me to Alexandria Virginia in the next month.


should only be down a couple days at most though.

[ClownReef®]

Hey Nick,

1- How do you keep your clams put on a bare bottom tank? Mine seem to keep falling over..and its really p****ing me off..

2- Where did you get your clowns?! Ive been looking for a nice pair for a while!

Tank looks GREAT!!

[GSMguy]

Hey Clown,

1. i prop the clams up with a rock.

2. Rods reef, rods onyx, cant Go wrong.


http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1262018

[GSMguy]

I love this shot from last weekend my girlfriend took it.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8332.jpg


Couple more i thought were cool.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8314.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8365.jpg

[ClownReef®]

Ahhh, bug sex... love it..LOL

Nick,

My clams keep falling to the side..its really getting to me..LOL..

Didnt mean to hijack..

:(

[GSMguy]

ha ha, not sex, it molted and was drying itself while hanging on the molt.


try putting the clam on a flat rock or add some sand, although none of my 3 clams are in the sand

[Ed Reef]

Your gf is defiantly the better photographer - looking great as usual Nick

[GSMguy]

thanks Ed, and yes your right.


clown your welcome to hijack, you really really really should get some rods onyx now that your a baller (with a BK) you might as well have the best clowns available.

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8486.jpg


http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8474.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8470.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8459.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8458.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8451.jpg

[Shawn D]

Those clowns are so cool, I really want to get a pair for my frag tank

[GSMguy]

do it dude he has multiple breeding pairs now and they are just the coolest fish ever they are so thick and robust, and as hardy as they come.

[GSMguy]

my CNC 125R recirculating external Sicce skimmer shipped today, i hope to have it by friday.

[Ed Reef]

Cook Nick - can't wait until you fire that bad boy :)

[GSMguy]

There may also be something special coming from ATB that you will be interested in Ed.

[Ed Reef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13278910#post13278910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
There may also be something special coming from ATB that you will be interested in Ed.

When?? When? When?? Seem like I've been waiting forever for it?? :p

[GSMguy]

me too, and im not even sure thats what's coming but I am hoping, it could be one of two things.

[GSMguy]

very small hippo, about the size of a nickel or dime.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8499.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8507.jpg

[Ed Reef]

U will love him - I got mine this size too and he has grown FAST so be warm he will outgrown your tank in no time

[moo0o]

hey i got my blue tang about that size too! ahah they grow real fast.

[GSMguy]

I cleaned my my tank up a bit yesterday will try to get some pics today.

[GSMguy]

Charles and Ed yes they do grow fast but i will either sell him or buy that 300G tank i dream about, in the next year. :)

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8584.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8581.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8548.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8575.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8534.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8527.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8522.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8511.jpg

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8622.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8614.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8607.jpg

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13296569#post13296569 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by moo0o
hey i got my blue tang about that size too! ahah they grow real fast.

well it is so small i was worried about it eating, but today i fed some rods food and it went to town right in the swarm of fish.

some might think my tank is crowded but i love the fish and they do not seem any more or less stressed than fish i have observed in larger tanks,

[moo0o]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13296821#post13296821 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8584.jpg




this looks nice, what it is? and you are getting this kinda PE during the day? dammmnnn

[GSMguy]

thats a daytime shot and i think the best guess on that coral is vermiculata it has no lineage i got it from a place that chops up wild colonys and puts them in a greenhouse tank to die.

[Shawn D]

Looks great Nick

[GSMguy]

thanks shawn how's your tank holding up?

[Ed Reef]

Your tank is coming along nicely Nick :)

[tufacody]

What do you use to clean your acrylic? My rimless 60 g has 3/4 inch acrylic and I swear i can scratch it by looking too hard. Really regret not going glass on this one.

Also, do you find your snails crawl out of your rimless? Been finding too many on the floor!

[Mikeeee]

Love this tank! its coming along very nicely. What Jetski do you own? I will be getting one next summer since i live 5 mins from the beach.

[Shawn D]

My tanks coming a long slowly but steadily need to really stock up on more sps though, hopefully I can find some cool stuff here at MACNA. I want to get a bunch of ORA corals

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13299557#post13299557 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mikeeee
Love this tank! its coming along very nicely. What Jetski do you own? I will be getting one next summer since i live 5 mins from the beach.

Thanks, Its a Honda Fx-15.
keep them turned off near the beach sand is horrible for the impeller.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13300698#post13300698 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Shawn D
My tanks coming a long slowly but steadily need to really stock up on more sps though, hopefully I can find some cool stuff here at MACNA. I want to get a bunch of ORA corals


dont worry, i was at MACNA last year and i got some amazing corals too bad they all died in my crash.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13299206#post13299206 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tufacody
What do you use to clean your acrylic? My rimless 60 g has 3/4 inch acrylic and I swear i can scratch it by looking too hard. Really regret not going glass on this one.

Also, do you find your snails crawl out of your rimless? Been finding too many on the floor!

i have only found one snail so far, but ya i can imagine it being a problem .
i use a small algae scrubber pad and a kent pro scraper for acrylic blade but you have to be really gentle with the blade it can scratch the tank easily.

the pads seem to work best because they are soft but that means it takes lots of elbow grease to clean the tank.

[GSMguy]

so i added an ATB small running a needlewheel Sicce pump to my tank yesterday, it started pulling out really nasty crap immediately. I love this skimmer, it is simple and very effective.
\
sorry for crappy iphone pictures.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_0083.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_0086.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/17110483.jpg

[tuberider]

Looking good Nick, you'll love that ATB.

[GSMguy]

I do love it, how you been Jeremy?

better pictures

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8666-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8665-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8664.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8663.jpg

[tuberider]

That's disgusting!

I'm doin' good, tank is rockin' right now, and I'm crossing my fingers hoping it stays that way for a while.

[GSMguy]

cruise control would be nice, i have to move 8 hours away from here in 3 weeks, i am not quite sure how i will pull it off.

[GSMguy]

got another toy today, wont be using it until after the move.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8672.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8675.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8678-1.jpg

[GSMguy]

Drilled for cooling loop for external use

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8673.jpg

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8685.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8692.jpg

Tiny bubbles all headed the same direction at the same speed the key to the cones power...
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8682.jpg

[InsaneClownFish]

Nice, can I have a loan for one of those? :)

[GSMguy]

so many skimmer so few tanks...

i cant wait to move so i can rebuild my whole system from the ground up.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13391577#post13391577 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
Drilled for cooling loop for external use

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8673.jpg

What is the advantage to running them externally rather then in the sump?

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13393688#post13393688 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by capn_hylinur
What is the advantage to running them externally rather then in the sump?

its a recirculating skimmer and some people like to run their recirculating skimmers externally most can be used in and out of sump.

the Red dragon pumps have cooling loops for the same reason.

[Aquarist007]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13393712#post13393712 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
its a recirculating skimmer and some people like to run their recirculating skimmers externally most can be used in and out of sump.

the Red dragon pumps have cooling loops for the same reason.

thanks --I thought by the pictures that you had modified the scicci pumps

[GSMguy]

yes Capn thats a sicce psk2500 that CnC made i have not even plugged it in yet though.

[GSMguy]

[went to lowes this morning came up with this. now the skimmer sits at 6 inches

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8706.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8704.jpg

[GSMguy]

36 hours skimmate
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/6b510b27.jpg

[Ed Reef]

That's disgusting COOL.

[GSMguy]

thanks Ed my water has never been so clear, does a great job getting the yellowing compounds.

i wish we could get the SkimClean SCH here for all skimmers like in Europe.

i would like to skim dryer but if i skim too dry it gunks up the neck faster.

[Ed Reef]

Hmmmm.....love the ATB. I think it offers much better value than BK :)

[GSMguy]

my first Acan from salty critter

its from AU very nice most are red with white sripes and green in the mouth but there are a few purple with green and orange ones on the same frag plug.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8710.jpg

[JRaquatics]

That's I nice pick-up. I like the candy striping that doesn't go all the way to the center. I deed different.

[Dudester]

Good start Nick. I love the huge influx of aussie acans that are becoming available. I just wish the prices would drop a little. They do command a high dollar value.

[GSMguy]

Salty critter had a 4ftx 2ft tank that was bare and the entire bottom of the tank is covered in these giant frags Mike, its really sick.

there are around 150-200 frags starting at $59 and going up to $99(most are 99) do the math that one tank is Big Money.

[Ed Reef]

Nice Acans Nick

[143gadgets]

Looking nice Nick! Can't wait to see it in person. :)

[BreadmanMike]

Tank looks great. ;)

[GSMguy]

Dang Breadman where you been? i put sand in the tank and it was a huge mistake... you weren't here to talk sense into me....

[BreadmanMike]

Aww man did you scratch the tank up?

[GSMguy]

no its ok, im taking it back out when i move next week.

sand just gets too filthy for me, the DSB i have in my 20G works great but the whole SSB thing is stupid IMO

[GSMguy]

with lights out this morning feeding tentacles out.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8714.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8715.jpg

Last FTS with Crap stand...
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8719.jpg

[myzislow]

Nice new acan! I really like your tank, I think the next tank I setup will be a shallow build as well.

I see you're running the tunze osmolator. How do you like it? I have been looking intp ATO units and it seems this is the best one you can buy. I do not have a sump or fuge on my tank though, do you think this setup can be configured to work well on a tank with out a sump? I've looked into other setups and the float switches just seem way to big and would be awfully unsightly in the display. About how large is the optical sensor and secondary float switch? I read the mounting brackets can be kind of a pain to use and that there are custom options (tunze magnet mount mod) that work better for mounting the sensor/switch. Is there any truth to this and how do you have yours setup? Any pics you could share?

Thanks a bunch.

[GSMguy]

The tunze runs in the worst possible conditions, It's run for 2 years now without a cleaning, And I add kalk directly to my ATO container...


the tunze is extremely accurate and even works "In Tank" when you have a wave, the computer can tell even though the water level changes with the wave constantly. i would recommend this over any other ATO ive seen.


if you take the time to put the mounts together right they work great.

i will snap a pic of the return section so you can see how its setup its pretty simple.

[GSMguy]

here is the stand im going out tomorrow to help paint it, there is also an adjustable light rack that mounts to the stand, looks very nice.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/stand1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/stand2.jpg

[Ed Reef]

Love your new stand Nick

[Shawn D]

Thats sweet Nick, how high is the stand?

[GSMguy]

Thanks guys its pretty sick i cant wait to get the tank torn down so i can drive 9 hours and set it back up...

Shawn its 44" tall

[Shawn D]

That will be awesome, especially since its such a shallow tank. Very cool. ATB is lookin good aswell

[GSMguy]

That atb is a monster pulling straight funk

Ya I thought about it and decided the height would help with the presentation plus now I have room for lots of cool stuff down below

[ReefEnabler]

niiiiiiiice :D

what are your plans for skinning it?

[GSMguy]

coat it in white or red herculiner and skin it in a matching wood shell that will be completly removeable making getting in the sump easy

Going to be a modern shell similar to what invincable did

[ReefEnabler]

sweeet :) I wish I could hang in the modern crowd, some really cool possibilities with that style. but we went more of a traditional look to match the existing decor and cabinetry of the house.....

you going to polish up that old desk and put it to other use?????

[GSMguy]

no the desk is not coming to Va with us too huge and heavy to lug down there

The apartment we got has no existing decor so we get to do what we want, we do have brand new wood floors that will be nice

[Ed Reef]

The new skin going to look great with your modern rimless tank :)

[ReefEnabler]

OMG total noob. posted wrong thread... sorry :) :D

[GSMguy]

what thread were you trying to post in?

[ReefEnabler]

mine haha... had both of em open.

sometimes I have so many threads open that they all look like little X's on the tabs bar :D its pretty bad...

[GSMguy]

sometimes I'll have over 100 tabs open haha

[Ed Reef]

U guys are not the only one confuse. I thought I was reading Ryan thread and suddenly realize it's nick?? hahaha

[skey44]

bubbleicious

[skey44]

the frags and the skimmer! nice

[mr294]

Looks like the ATB is cranking out some sludge. Welcome to the club :D

[myzislow]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13416392#post13416392 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
The tunze runs in the worst possible conditions, It's run for 2 years now without a cleaning, And I add kalk directly to my ATO container...


the tunze is extremely accurate and even works "In Tank" when you have a wave, the computer can tell even though the water level changes with the wave constantly. i would recommend this over any other ATO ive seen.


if you take the time to put the mounts together right they work great.

i will snap a pic of the return section so you can see how its setup its pretty simple.

Sweet, sounds good! Thanks for the reply. More then likely this is the system that I will go with. I hate that with other set ups you run the chance of a snail, hermit, bristle star or some sort of aquarium inhabitant messing with the float switch and having it fail that way. Seems with the tunze this cant happen. Any pics you could sahre when you have time would be great! Thanks again.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13422929#post13422929 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mr294
Looks like the ATB is cranking out some sludge. Welcome to the club :D


Brandon thanks its a beast i will take a shot today of 3 days skimmate the cup is half full :)



Im moving to Alexandria next week, maybe we will get a chance to meet sometime, I always like going down to Atlantis its a great LFS.

[GSMguy]

Myzislow i will take a pic of my Osmolator setup later today when i take pics of my Nog.

[GSMguy]

I went out to My Friends House today and got helped him paint the stand, we ended up using a glossy paint, i think it came out nice here is the stand with the light tree removed.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/54c45fbc.jpg

[mr294]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13424251#post13424251 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy

Im moving to Alexandria next week, maybe we will get a chance to meet sometime, I always like going down to Atlantis its a great LFS.

Definitely, I'm up that way for work on a semi-regular basis. I've been meaning to meet up with 143gadgets to take a tour of the fish stores in the DC/NoVA area.

[tuberider]

Looks real nice Nick, steel stands rule, I also like the idea of having a light tree, mine's just bolted to the wall.

Have you thought about mounting your skins with magnets?

[GSMguy]

ya dude thats the idea, some 35Lb magnets would be perfect,

i think im going to do a light mover on my rack like yours but with a 400w single ended bulb, what's the lowest profile mover i can get?


Brandon, we should all go together Chris offered me the same tour, i really want to see his tank too.

[Oceanodroma]

Let's have some more anemone pics!

[tuberider]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13425023#post13425023 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
ya dude thats the idea, some 35Lb magnets would be perfect,

i think im going to do a light mover on my rack like yours but with a 400w single ended bulb, what's the lowest profile mover i can get?


Brandon, we should all go together Chris offered me the same tour, i really want to see his tank too.

A friend and I built mine it's about 2" from the top of the reflector to the top of the rail, very low profile.

[GSMguy]

you showed me pics of that where r they again?

What is it made from a rotiserie?

[tuberider]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13425948#post13425948 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSMguy
you showed me pics of that where r they again?

What is it made from a rotiserie? In the shallow reef thread somewhere.... I think....:smokin:

I wrote up a whole thread on the BAR forum, but I'm unsure as to whether or not that section of the forum can be viewed by non-members

Try it and see what happens

light rail (http://www.bareefers.org/discussion/index.php?topic=3180.0)

If not I can PM you the link to the motor, and I'll post a few and try to explain it, the assembly is quite simple actually, the only "hard" part is welding which is a very easy weld, so easy I could do it.

[GSMguy]

i see it :)

thanks dude.

[GSMguy]

3 days
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8730-1.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8729.jpg

[143gadgets]

Looks awesome Nick!!! I really like it. You and Brandon need to get up here ASAP so we can check out some stores and pick up some corals.

[143gadgets]

BTW, both of you should have my info. Give me a ring.

[GSMguy]

Chris the only info i have is your Screen name i need it again PM me when you get a chance.
:)

[143gadgets]

LOL!!!! Pm on the way!

[gookster]

less skimmate more tank shots!

[GSMguy]

2 new chalices, from Salty Critter.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8732.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8734.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8741.jpg

[GSMguy]

It has Begun...

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/21a493ce.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/88635052.jpg

[InsaneClownFish]

Chalices are nice...so are those Acans.

Stand is looking good!

[143gadgets]

Nice looking chalices! I'm gonna need frags of those. :)

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13440144#post13440144 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 143gadgets
Nice looking chalices! I'm gonna need frags of those. :)



Definitely, but you have to frag them, ill watch.

[GSMguy]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13434667#post13434667 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gookster
less skimmate more tank shots!


something like this?

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8751.jpg

[GSMguy]

DP

[GSMguy]

tp

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/5335caa3.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/4731a6cf.jpg

[joshuaroot]

:eek1: omg thats awesome

[Ed Reef]

Congrats on a successful move Nick.... :) great job

[143gadgets]

Glad everything made it!!! I've been crazy busy of the last coupe days. I got your text, but forgot to respond. I'll give u a call tomorrow.

[BreadmanMike]

Tank looks really good. I'm glad you had a successful move. :)

[GSMguy]

thanks mike I am BB again and loving it!

I'll get some better shots later today.

[BreadmanMike]

Looks like you are running G-mann 14.5k's or something??? Looks too white for Phoenix.

[GSMguy]

pheonix, what your seeing, thats the CRAP white balance on my iphone.



like i said ill get better pics later, we have been busy. :)

[GSMguy]

the move was very stressful, moving that far with this much livestock was hard.

and now some pics of my tanks.

First a couple pics of my Rejuvenated 20 long

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8795.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8804.jpg

sorry for the Dead acros in the pics :(

i have been meaning to pull them out but i forgot.

[GSMguy]

FTS's
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8762.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8761.jpg

Controllers
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8757.jpg


Sump and equipment
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8758.jpg


Pieces of Flair, :)
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8759.jpg

[GSMguy]

I am still working on cleaning up the cords, but damn thats the hardest part, oh and i changed the aquascape right after i took those pics, the whole left side is different, i will get shots when the water clears.

[GSMguy]

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8776.jpg

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8788.jpg

I lost the rabbitfish, he was just dead in the bucket, :( sooooo sucky.

i will never have the balls to try another one of those fish...

[GSMguy]

Redid the aquascape.

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q45/GSMguy/IMG_8828.jpg

[Dudester]

Looks like you need at least 11 more pieces of flare ;) .

Nice new 'scape, but it looks like the center and left rock mounds are equal in size. It might look a little sharper if they varied a bit. But otherwise I like the extra open space.

Sorry about the fish.

[GSMguy]

It doesn't say anywhere definitively how many pieces of flair i should have had, that had me confused...
Mike your totally right i feel the same way, I need to get rid of about a third of that rock... Then it will look much better I think also the rock on the right looks really cool, thats going to be the SPS island, i will try to take a better shot of the right when i get a chance.


i even have the pieces i want rid of picked out, i might just put them in a bucket with some water change water.

[sprinj76]

Tank looks good, good job on the move. I just got done with one and they suck. What lighting are you running on the 20L?

I also believe you need 37 pieces of flare to be a "true" reefer . . .

[GSMguy]

the 20g is an aquamedic oceanlight 250 pendant with a 250w ushio 20k and oceanlight m-80 fan cooled ballast