Xenon's 29g Biocube with upgrades!

[xenon]

I bought this 29g biocube about 1month ago thinking it would be good enough to keep LPS but that didn't last long. Next thing I knew I was upgrading the lighting, flow, filtration and so far I am very happy with the results!

I estimate that I have about 40lb of Haitian live rock and 30lb of Caribsea aragonite sand.

I added two Tunze 6025 (660gph) powerheads that I put on a timer. I alternate each powerhead every hour so both are never on at the same time.

I removed the false floor in chamber#1. I removed the bioballs and added a Tunze 9002 skimmer in chamber #2. I then decided to replace the return pump in chamber #3 with a maxijet 1200 to add even more flow.

I bought a 20" Sunpod 150w MH light that I replaced with a 20" Nova Extreme Pro 6x18w T5 fixture. The Sunpod was great but I could not live without actinics and the colors are so much better with the Nova. Check out the full review here: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1478041

I had to figure out a way to add moonlights because the Nova does not have any. I got two Coralife 1watt LED lights and placed them in the rear corners.

I use a Purely H2O Optima CA ro/di system. I dose 8ml of Kent Marine Tech CB part A and 8ml of Kent Marine Tech CB part B daily. I split up the dosages in the morning and night to minimize any spikes. I replace 5gallons of water every week but that may change now that I have my skimmer dialled in.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape1.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape2.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape3.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape4.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape5.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape6.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape7.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape8.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape9.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aquascape10.jpg

[xenon]

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/hermit.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/plta.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/fixtures3.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/fixtures5.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/skimmer.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/bulbs1.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/bulbs2.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/bulbs3.jpg

[mrsw227]

WoW! Beautiful tank. I like your rockscaping. It's different from anything I have seen. What did you use so keep it all stable?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13423704#post13423704 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mrsw227
WoW! Beautiful tank. I like your rockscaping. It's different from anything I have seen. What did you use so keep it all stable?

I used aquascpae construction epoxy but most of the rock is locked together like a puzzle. :)

[HomeSlizzice]

Looks really good man, keep up the good work. :)

[2_zoa]

Wow that looks really nice!! Are you running the maxi jet through the factory nozzle?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13425710#post13425710 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2_zoa
Wow that looks really nice!! Are you running the maxi jet through the factory nozzle?

Yep!

[LulusMoogle]

Beautiful aquascape!

I really like what you did with the bottom right corner of the tank. Nice caves. ;)

I think I'm gonna end up like you... Planning to keep mainly LPS but then catching myself upgrading to T5s and getting a better skimmer and what not. :lol:

[Memeber007]

Your rockwork is really cool! ...and I agree with sunpod that's why I changed my bulb to 20k instead of 14k.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428215#post13428215 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Memeber007
Your rockwork is really cool! ...and I agree with sunpod that's why I changed my bulb to 20k instead of 14k.

I actually loved the color that the 14k Current USA bulb produced. What I did not like is the lack of actinic lighting!

I love my dusk/dawn effect. The colors of my corals really pop!

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13427845#post13427845 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LulusMoogle
Beautiful aquascape!

I really like what you did with the bottom right corner of the tank. Nice caves. ;)

I think I'm gonna end up like you... Planning to keep mainly LPS but then catching myself upgrading to T5s and getting a better skimmer and what not. :lol:

Thanks!

I can't really take much credit. The shapes of my live rock makes aquascaping a blast! It's really too bad Haitian live rock is banned now. :(

[scram2]

Tank looks really good:) The T-5s deffinitly make your colors make the tank look way better! do you dose anything for your sps?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428389#post13428389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by scram2
Tank looks really good:) The T-5s deffinitly make your colors make the tank look way better! do you dose anything for your sps?

I dose cal/alk daily. The tank uses up 8-10ml per day of each part.

I adjust the magnesium once a week after a water change.

[Nick Fr.]

Wow nice reef that rockwork is awesome

[Bios]

Your LR are very very beautiful...Your aquascape is great...
Nice Job...
I hope that your sarcophyton will not growing quickly because this coral is very large and your nano isn't big...lol :) :)

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13428962#post13428962 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bios
Your LR are very very beautiful...Your aquascape is great...
Nice Job...
I hope that your sarcophyton will not growing quickly because this coral is very large and your nano isn't big...lol :) :)

That is the only coral I did not glue down. I could sell that in a heart beat.

[boaconchicken]

i like the rock work a lot

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13429580#post13429580 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by boaconchicken
i like the rock work a lot

i posted this same thread on multiple forums and that seems to be the #1 compliment.

I can't wait till all the rocks are covered in corals. :D

[2_zoa]

what are you using to dose your alk/cal?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13432789#post13432789 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2_zoa
what are you using to dose your alk/cal?

Kent Marine Tech CB 2part twice a day.

[2_zoa]

Thank you

[El Camaron]

awesome, i just went from halides to this nova pro and i am amazed with the light output and the colors.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13448101#post13448101 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by El Camaron
awesome, i just went from halides to this nova pro and i am amazed with the light output and the colors.

Compared to the Sunpod the light output was less intense but it spread the light throughout the whole tank much better.

I really do love the color combo though. :D

[flamron]

Interested in the light on your other thread.

Thanks,

Ron

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13448665#post13448665 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flamron
Interested in the light on your other thread.

Thanks,

Ron

I posted up the Sunpod in the used equipment section.

[flamron]

Yep, that is the one I replied to. :rollface:

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13448945#post13448945 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
I posted up the Sunpod in the used equipment section.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13449607#post13449607 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by flamron
Yep, that is the one I replied to. :rollface:

I just replied. Thanks.

[xenon]

I recorded a 30min timelapse video of my LTA eating a chunk of krill.

Every second of video = 1 minute real time.

http://www.dansouliere.com/movies/feedinglta.mpg

[xenon]

I was finally able to take a decent pic of my clam.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/nanoclam.jpg

[xenon]

Here is a sneak peek of my new toy that I picked up. I will post more pics of the add-ons I purchased with it later.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/profilux.jpg

[Rosseau]

Very nice.

I think I like the rock work, it's different, that's for sure. Nice purple rock too... Has the orange monti cap (?) in the bottom left been on that rock for a while? It appears as though it has...

The clam is great too.... did you get it locally? (I'm in Kingston now, and my trips east or west usually involve many LFS stops... I try to maximize the usefulness of trips as much as possible)


Can you post pics of your skimmate once it fills up? I'm still fiddling with my 9002.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13481910#post13481910 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rosseau
Very nice.

I think I like the rock work, it's different, that's for sure. Nice purple rock too... Has the orange monti cap (?) in the bottom left been on that rock for a while? It appears as though it has...

The clam is great too.... did you get it locally? (I'm in Kingston now, and my trips east or west usually involve many LFS stops... I try to maximize the usefulness of trips as much as possible)


Can you post pics of your skimmate once it fills up? I'm still fiddling with my 9002.

The orange monticap was a piece I got from a local reefer. He gave me a good size chunk so I was pretty happy. It's only been in the tank a few weeks.

I got the clam from Patrick @ OttawaInverts. His username on ovas.ca is redbelly. Send him a PM to get directions to his house. He has a really huge setup in his basement. Quite the business he has going.

I am having trouble with the Tunze skimmer because I evap water too fast. Once I setup my controller to manage the top-off I expect it will start doing its job.

[xenon]

Here are a few SPS frags I picked up. The millepora on the left is supposed to be blue. I saw the mother colony it was fraged from and it was gorgeous!

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/spsfrags.jpg

[xenon]

I got a orchid dottyback and added it to my tank without going through the quarantine process. It was a chance I was willing to take but I lost. My clowns got ich or velvet (not sure witch one) so I setup my QT and started treating them with copper.

Needless to say I will QT everything wet from this point on.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/qtpercs

[xenon]

SPS frags mounted on the LR.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/nanosps.jpg

New FTS
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/nanofts.jpg

[xenon]

Here is the money shot!

Profilux Plus II controller
Profilux dosing pumps (3)
Profilux optical level sensor
Profilux optical level fastener
Profilux water level bar assembly
Profilux temperature probe
Profilux PH probe

I don't have any 1/8" tubing so I was not able to get the dosing pumps to work but everything else is flawless! I will be adding a 4th dosing pump when they are no longer on backorder.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/ghlprofilux.jpg

[LulusMoogle]

Phew! Looks good! Your new toy looks like it'll be a blast to hook up. ;)

Glad everything seems to be doing well. Keep us up-to-date with your clowns, too. :)

[Reef Newb11]

I'm jealous I like you biocube a lot, I have one too and hope that it starts looking more like yours :)...Great job.

So I wanted to ask a favor.... :)

My problem is that I have added a 150w MH to my setup and have been getting good browth but my colors are not as nice as I would like, I also kept my stock compact florescent lights and use them as actinics, but the problem is that they are just not strong enought to give the nice blue hue I want.....so I was thinking of adding a few T5 bulbs instead of the compact florescents. So my questions/favor would be....

Can you tell me the lenght of the bulbs (or just where they sell replacements bulbs for your fixture) also, possibly not possible because it may be enclosed in the fixture itself the ballast info?

Thank you very much.

[swervo513]

nice tank xenon. beutiful clam, ricordia, and i love the coraline.
and wow 6 bulbs!! nice size tank .. did i say it was nice?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13518223#post13518223 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Reef Newb11
I'm jealous I like you biocube a lot, I have one too and hope that it starts looking more like yours :)...Great job.

So I wanted to ask a favor.... :)

My problem is that I have added a 150w MH to my setup and have been getting good browth but my colors are not as nice as I would like, I also kept my stock compact florescent lights and use them as actinics, but the problem is that they are just not strong enought to give the nice blue hue I want.....so I was thinking of adding a few T5 bulbs instead of the compact florescents. So my questions/favor would be....

Can you tell me the lenght of the bulbs (or just where they sell replacements bulbs for your fixture) also, possibly not possible because it may be enclosed in the fixture itself the ballast info?

Thank you very much.

You can buy the 18" T5HO Current USA bulbs but I don't think you can get the ballasts. You would need to buy a 20" nova extreme pro light fixture and tear it apart.

The colors of your SPS might be a water quality issue and not a lighting issue. If they are brown you have too much phosphate/nitrates and if they look a little bleached you are not feeding enough.

[xenon]

I connected the GHL dosing pumps last night. I calibrated each pump and it works perfectly!

My ph was dropping to 7.6 overnight so I decided to add kalk to my top-off to keep it stable. I guess I wont be dosing 2-part until my calcium and alkalinity demand exceeds the kalk dosing.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/cabinet.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/clutter.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/dose.jpg

[Freemans Reef]

sweet man i love gadets
are you happy with the tunze skimmer

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13521080#post13521080 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Freemans Reef
sweet man i love gadets
are you happy with the tunze skimmer

Absolutely!!!

Now that I have my ATO setup the water level will remain stable and that will improve the skimmers efficiency.

[swervo513]

i feel like my tank has nothing compared to urs... i mean with all the equipment you have.. do you really need all that stuff?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13521395#post13521395 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by swervo513
i feel like my tank has nothing compared to urs... i mean with all the equipment you have.. do you really need all that stuff?

It all depends on the types of corals you plan to keep. I am starting to add more SPS and stability is everything when keeping those types of corals.

My system may look complicated but it’s actually quite simple.

I dose kalk in my top-off water to maintain cal, alk and ph. I will be connecting my magnesium reservoir to keep mag stable. When my calcium and alkalinity demand exceeds the kalk dosing then I will have to start dosing 2-part.

The Tunze skimmer prevents nitrates and I will soon be adding a phosban reactor to keep the phosphates in check.

[Reef Newb11]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13520062#post13520062 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
You can buy the 18" T5HO Current USA bulbs but I don't think you can get the ballasts. You would need to buy a 20" nova extreme pro light fixture and tear it apart.

The colors of your SPS might be a water quality issue and not a lighting issue. If they are brown you have too much phosphate/nitrates and if they look a little bleached you are not feeding enough.

Thank you. Very nice set up nice and clean.

Its not that my corals are bleached at all or browning just was looking to get more of a blue look in the tank without changing my metal halide bulb to a 20k. Its a reeflux 10k now so I definately have a whiter look in the tank. Figured I would add some stronger actinic supplementation. Thank you for your help.

[xenon]

The phoenix 14k seems to makes everyone happy. Have you tried that one yet?

[Reef Newb11]

No, not yet..... I have been really happy with the growth part so far with the reeflux, the colors just dont "pop" yet. Maybe I will switch it out soon tho.

[xenon]

Update:

I love the nano life so far. I can't believe how easy it is to manage my cal/alk levels now with this new doser!

When I connected and calibrated my ph probe and let the readings log for 24hrs I noticed that my ph dropped from 8.1 during the day to 7.6 at night.

I decided to add 2 tsp of kalk per gallon in my top-off water to buffer my ph and see if the kalk can keep up with my cal/alk demand. It was doing a great job keeping my ph in check. I was getting 8.4 during the day and 8.0 at night but my cal/alk were dropping so I had to supplement the difference with Kent Marine Tech C/B 2-part.

My next step is trying the 2-part recipe#1 that is high in ph and stop adding kalk all together. Randy Holmes-Farley said the pH boost with 2-part recipe#1 is half of what you get with the same amount of calcium and alkalinity added via kalk.

[clowns101]

i love the purple on the rocks.

[xenon]

My anemone is growing out of control!

I got this purple LTA about 3 weeks ago.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/progress.gif

[2_zoa]

Looks like everything is doing well. What are you feeding the nem?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13540214#post13540214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2_zoa
Looks like everything is doing well. What are you feeding the nem?

Silversides once a week so far.

[2_zoa]

really, how much and are you cutting them into smaller pieces or say just a half in one chunk?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13540559#post13540559 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2_zoa
really, how much and are you cutting them into smaller pieces or say just a half in one chunk?

Yeah... just a half in one chunk

[2_zoa]

cool thank you, the tank looks really good nice job. you sure do have the toys on it as well. may I msg you I have a question?

[hmmhmm]

very nice tank!

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13540855#post13540855 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 2_zoa
may I msg you I have a question?

Sure man!

[EnFuego]

Does the dosing unit work without the separate controller?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13541414#post13541414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EnFuego
Does the dosing unit work without the separate controller?

This one does not but GHL does make a standalone doser that looks identical to this one accept it has a digital screen built-in on the top.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13541414#post13541414 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EnFuego
Does the dosing unit work without the separate controller?

This one does not but GHL does make a standalone doser that looks identical to this one accept it has a digital screen built-in on the top.

[xenon]

Update:

I noticed my pink birdsnets growing really fast so I took at picture on Oct 14th and another today. This is only 5days of growth.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/5days.gif

[LulusMoogle]

Sweet, dude. It's lookin' good! :thumbsup:

[Rockpile]

Outstanding tank! Great contrast with corals and coloration.

Any problems with tuning the Tunze in terms of water level in chamber 2. I modded the same skimmer and it seems pretty sensitive.

How much evap do you get open top vs. closed

[xenon]

I had problems getting the Tunze skimmer to produce a good quality skimmate until I got the ATO setup. I have barely even touched the dial since and the skimmate is fantastic.

I evaporate 4X more water now that I am topless.

[Reef Newb11]

any updates? I remembered this thread the other and was wondering why i had not seen it near the top in a while.....

[magnoliarichj]

ttt

[nixon125]

xenon - you mentioned on the earlier posts that you didn't glue down the corals. What type of glue can you use for that? By the way, YOUR TANK IS AMAZING!!!

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14168449#post14168449 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by nixon125
xenon - you mentioned on the earlier posts that you didn't glue down the corals. What type of glue can you use for that? By the way, YOUR TANK IS AMAZING!!!

I use AquaScape Aquarium Epoxy 4oz.

[xenon]

I recently upgraded from a Nova Extreme Pro 6x18w T5HO light fixture. I did not upgrade because that light was not strong enough. It did a great job for my purple LTA, crocea clam and SPS. I upgraded because I am a sucker for tech toys and when I learned that I could connect these LED modules to my GHL Profilux controller I was sold! Another huge selling feature was that I could upgrade to a bigger tank and order more modules and longer rails. :)

I ordered them online from Greg @ ReefGeek and they were 10% off. Greg went above and WAY beyond for me and I greatly appreciate his stellar customer service! I ordered the modules without the controller because my GHL Profilux will be used to control all the settings.

I was currently using the RS232 port on the Profilx to connect my laptop to the controller but now the LED modules will need the RS232 port so I got a USB card for the Profilux to connect my laptop with.

The first thing I noticed about the modules was how solid they felt. These things are build like a tank and I now understand why they are so expensive. They are truly a work of art when you see them in person. The aluminium rails that were included were 24" long so they looked ridiculous over my 20" wide biocube. I had to cut almost 8" off each rail to make the fixture fit right. I simply used a hacksaw and mitre box. My girlfriend thought I was crazy to start hacking up my brand new light but it was well worth it!

After installing the USB card into the controller I was able to connect and play with the LED light. I started adjusting the color temp from 6,000K (VERY yellow) all the way past 20,000k (it almost looks like 2000 flushes toilet bowl cleaner it so blue). I can also adjust the brightness from 0% - 100%. Witch is very helpful to acclimate the corals to the new lighting and choosing what color temp combo looks best. To get the moonlight effect I simply dial back the blue LED's down to 2%.

A few surprise options was the fact that I could have clouds that dim the lights by 30% for 5-30sec. I have the clouds set to happen only 5% of the time. Another wild feature is lightning storms! The light will dim by 50% and flash the white LED's like a strobe light. If I had controllable Tunze 6055 powerheads the flow would get more intense at the same time. When the storm begins the lightning strikes are further apart just like if it was far away. They get more frequent as the storm gets closer and it fades away as the storm passes. Too cool!

I had a hard time justifying the expense but now that I see how well they perform I would have probably paid double (don’t tell Greg, lol).

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led01.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led02.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led03.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led04.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led05.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led06.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led07.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led08.jpg

[xenon]

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led09.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led10.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/led11.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/usb1.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/usb2.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/usb3.jpg

I will post some full tank shots tomorrow and possibly a demo video of the light in action! :)

[mnml]

sick lights! please keep us posted on how it performs.

[happyclam]

Tank looks awesome, not to mention crazy growth! Just one question: what type of CaribSea sand are you using (ie: Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand, SeaFlor Special Grade Reef Sand, ect)?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14184784#post14184784 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by happyclam
Tank looks awesome, not to mention crazy growth! Just one question: what type of CaribSea sand are you using (ie: Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand, SeaFlor Special Grade Reef Sand, ect)?

Aragamax Sugar Sized Sand

[Rhizo]

The LEDs look super cool. I wish they were affordable.

[xenon]

Here is a quick demo video I put together. Please ignore the 2" yellow tang. I got desperate and put him in to help me battle red hair algae.

http://www.dansouliere.com/ai.html

[xenon]

Few more pics.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/ai.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/aifts.jpg

[blindsider]

THIS TANK IS AMAZING :)

[LulusMoogle]

Oh, WOW!

It's coming along so beautifully! I absolutely love it! It's so stunning! :eek1:

I was waiting for new pictures. I'm glad I did, too! :D

Are those yellow leathers that I see in the back?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14191153#post14191153 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LulusMoogle
Oh, WOW!

It's coming along so beautifully! I absolutely love it! It's so stunning! :eek1:

I was waiting for new pictures. I'm glad I did, too! :D

Are those yellow leathers that I see in the back?

Yeah, the polyps on them were not out yeet. This vid was talken in the morning. It takes them a few hours to fully open up.

[LulusMoogle]

Very nice. I love yellow leathers. :)

How much was your lighting upgrade, if you don't mind my asking? They look amazing. My birthday's coming up and I need to figure out what I want. :D

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14192017#post14192017 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LulusMoogle
Very nice. I love yellow leathers. :)

How much was your lighting upgrade, if you don't mind my asking? They look amazing. My birthday's coming up and I need to figure out what I want. :D

$1249 - $60 for the controller I did not need + $20 for special RS232 - 1/8" cable + shipping.

I paid duty fee's also but you won't because you live in the US.

[qbical]

damn nice setup and i like how u did the mini tanks in the cabinet. how r u liking the skimmer

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14192363#post14192363 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by qbical
how r u liking the skimmer

It's crap. Save your money.

I am looking into the saphire skimmer from nanotuners.com

[xenon]

This is what the lighting schedule looks like in my GHL Profilux controller.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/schedule1.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/schedule2.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/schedule3.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/schedule4.jpg

[xenon]

Updated pics:

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/jan_update1.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/jan_update2.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/jan_update3.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/jan_update4.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/jan_update5.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/nanoclam2.jpg

[LulusMoogle]

Lookin' good, my friend. Everything's growing nicely. :)

[xenon]

This should be fun to figure out.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/fm.jpg

[Electrobes]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14239337#post14239337 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
This should be fun to figure out.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/fm.jpg

:lol:

Tank is looking great! What's wrong with the skimmer.. not enough skimmate production or is it spitting out micro-bubbles?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14240117#post14240117 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Electrobes
:lol:

Tank is looking great! What's wrong with the skimmer.. not enough skimmate production or is it spitting out micro-bubbles?

Not enough skimmate production.

[chrishet]

taggin along....great progress! awesome hardware!

[smalls383]

Wow...amazing setup. Hmmmm......I wonder what your fish think of the lightning storm...haha

[EnFuego]

Do you think the Profilux adds much controlability to the AI fixture outside of the AI controller? I'm on the fence on if I'm going to plug my fixture into the controller or not. Right now, with the AI controller, you can set sunrise time, sunrise duration, intensity of white and blue LEDs , then sunset time and duration. The AI controller also does the lunar tracking and such, so aside from that, do you think there is much added benefit from plugging it into your profilux? I don't think I want to use the storm or cloud features on the profilux.


Oh, I am using the balling salts too, but hadn't planned on the Ultra lith or trace minerals. Will those be dosed with dosing pumps, or is it a manual process?

By the way, great looking frogspawn in there.

[Electrobes]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14241596#post14241596 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Not enough skimmate production.

Shame, I heard great things about those skimmers.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14241960#post14241960 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EnFuego
Do you think the Profilux adds much controlability to the AI fixture outside of the AI controller? I'm on the fence on if I'm going to plug my fixture into the controller or not. Right now, with the AI controller, you can set sunrise time, sunrise duration, intensity of white and blue LEDs , then sunset time and duration. The AI controller also does the lunar tracking and such, so aside from that, do you think there is much added benefit from plugging it into your profilux? I don't think I want to use the storm or cloud features on the profilux.


Oh, I am using the balling salts too, but hadn't planned on the Ultra lith or trace minerals. Will those be dosed with dosing pumps, or is it a manual process?

By the way, great looking frogspawn in there.

Besides the lightning, clouds and lunar cycle there is not much else you can do. The graphical interface sure makes it easy to program though. I also like the "Light Scenarios" tab. You can play with the white/blue LED's just like you were using a DJ mixer in real time.

The trace elements are added to the cal/alk/mag salts so they will be dosed automatically.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14242119#post14242119 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Electrobes
Shame, I heard great things about those skimmers.

Yeah me too. That's why I bought it.

I will be upgrading to the Saphire skimmer soon.

[xenon]

Here is a FTS from today

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/week1.jpg

[JazzZero]

Very nice...love the yumas!

[xenon]

I recently got a Canon Rebel XSi because my Canon SD850IS really sucks at taking pics of my aquarium. I will be looking into getting a macro lens soon.

I will post up some updated shots once I understand how to use this cam properly. :)

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/xsi.jpg

[Tyler.L]

dan where did you get those crazy yumas?

wanna hook me up with some down the road they're wicked

[jmadison]

Xenon- Youll be very pleased with the sapphire! Tank looks great!

I hope you have plans in the very near future for the yellow tang though :( ...

[limitup]

xenon, I noticed you mentioned in your other thread that you now evaporate about 4x as much water with the open top vs the stock canopy. I'm going to be using the same lights over a 30g Finnex, so I'm just curious how much evaporation you're getting. It looks like you have about a 5 gallon tank for your topoff water in the stand, so about how long does that last you? Thanks!

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14365496#post14365496 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Tyler.L
dan where did you get those crazy yumas?

wanna hook me up with some down the road they're wicked

I got them from Aqua Valley. I will let you know if ever I decide to sell them.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14365537#post14365537 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jmadison
Xenon- Youll be very pleased with the sapphire! Tank looks great!

I hope you have plans in the very near future for the yellow tang though :( ...

I am waiting to borrow a fish trap from a friend. He lent it out and expects to have it back soon.

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14366904#post14366904 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by limitup
xenon, I noticed you mentioned in your other thread that you now evaporate about 4x as much water with the open top vs the stock canopy. I'm going to be using the same lights over a 30g Finnex, so I'm just curious how much evaporation you're getting. It looks like you have about a 5 gallon tank for your topoff water in the stand, so about how long does that last you? Thanks!

A 5g tank for top-off last me 1 week.

[xenon]

I got the power trace 1,2,3,4 today!

On the bottles it says to dose 10ml per 100L (25 gal) of each bottle and to start with 25% of the recommended dose and increase 10% per week until you see positive results.

Since I already use the Trace B with the balling method I will be cutting the power trace doses in half. That means I should be dosing 5ml for every 100L (25 gal) and I should start with 25% of that so 1.25ml per 100L to start and 0.5ml increase every week until I see positive results.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/trace.jpg

[xenon]

Update:

I wanted to upgrade my Tunze 6025 powerheads to 6055 so that I can get more random flow but after a little research it turns out the nanostream powerheads by Tunze are not ideal for cube tanks. The flow is too direct so I decided to go with a Vortech powerhead instead because the flow pattern is much wider.

I also got the battery backup so that if the power goes out it will stay on for 30hrs. It has another port for a 2nd Vortech and they would share the battery so it would be 15hrs each.

So far the flow is incredible. As soon as it was turned on detritus got kicked up for area's my nanostreams did not reach. I am glad I went with the MP20 because is more than enough flow.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech1.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech2.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech3.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech4.jpg

[LooseHip]

have you always done a form of the balling method since you setup the bio cube? Curious to see if you have noticed a difference in anything. Once I get my reef going again, I am def. gonna get one of those dosers, and I was thinking of doing the balling light method... Nice choice on the MP20:thumbsup:

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14473921#post14473921 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LooseHip
have you always done a form of the balling method since you setup the bio cube? Curious to see if you have noticed a difference in anything. Once I get my reef going again, I am def. gonna get one of those dosers, and I was thinking of doing the balling light method... Nice choice on the MP20:thumbsup:

I started the balling light method 3weeks ago.

I was dosing Kent TechCB and TechM before that.

[MattG]

How is your frogspawn handling the flow of the mp20? I have a 30 cube thats all SPS other then a frogspawn and candy cane that the wife likes.

Your tank looks great!

[Pinstripes]

Man you put alot of time, dedication and energy to that tank. I'm impressed with your Cube. Awesome job man! I have BC 29 and I wish I wasnt so lazy because thats an awesome design. Did you get those rocks all purple or you did it yourself?

pin

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14511977#post14511977 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MattG
How is your frogspawn handling the flow of the mp20? I have a 30 cube thats all SPS other then a frogspawn and candy cane that the wife likes.

Your tank looks great!

The way I have my vortech positioned the frogspawn gets the perfect amount of flow.

I recently added a torch and duncan right under it and they are getting a good amount of undertow flow. :D

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14514649#post14514649 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pinstripes
Man you put alot of time, dedication and energy to that tank. I'm impressed with your Cube. Awesome job man! I have BC 29 and I wish I wasnt so lazy because thats an awesome design. Did you get those rocks all purple or you did it yourself?

pin

Thanks!

I got this live rock a few years back so that coraline growth did not happen overnight.

[jwilliams229]

X,

have you gotten your sapphire skimmer yet? I have heard a lot of good things, but still need to hear what you have to say before I buy it...

J

[Ansphire]

Dude this has to be in the books for the smallest tank with the most technology... LOL...

Awsome!!

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14517603#post14517603 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jwilliams229
X,

have you gotten your sapphire skimmer yet? I have heard a lot of good things, but still need to hear what you have to say before I buy it...

J

It was shipped on Feb 26th. Still waiting. :(

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14518879#post14518879 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Ansphire
Dude this has to be in the books for the smallest tank with the most technology... LOL...

Awsome!!

In my opinion.. the smaller the tank the more technology it needs!

Things change too fast in a small body of water.

[Ansphire]

No of course.. I agree....

I wish I could put all of this stuff in my ap24

[LooseHip]

Now that you have had the vortech for a few days how do you like it over the tunze?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14519523#post14519523 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by LooseHip
Now that you have had the vortech for a few days how do you like it over the tunze?

YES!

The tunze's are too direct for such a small cube. The vortech flow is very wide and the undertow current is the best feature IMO.

I have it set at 100% on reefcrest and it drops down to 50% for 10hrs at night.

[xenon]

Update:

I decided to replace my sand bed with a thicker grain size. The sugar sized sand I had before kept getting kicked up by my female clown fish and my water was never perfectly clear.

This was the perfect opportunity to remove the yellow tang and move some corals around so that they all get the right amount of light/flow.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/sand.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/rescape1.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/rescape2.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/rescape3.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/rescape4.jpg
http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/rescape5.jpg

I added a pair of purple firefish and one male bartlett anthia. My clowns are still in QT while I let the LTA anemone settle in.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/firefishpair.jpg

I also received my new Sapphire Aquatics skimmer. I will report back the once I have it broken in. :)

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/sapphire.jpg

[smalls383]

How many pounds of sand is that?? How deep is that bed??

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14583446#post14583446 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smalls383
How many pounds of sand is that?? How deep is that bed??

I bought a 40lb bag and I had 5lb left so 35lb.

The sandbed is 2.5" but only 2" is actually viewable.

[xenon]

Well I recently realized there is nothing left to buy or replace in my setup. lol

All I have left to look forward to is growing out my corals and tweak the colors of them.

[MattG]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14602177#post14602177 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
Well I recently realized there is nothing left to buy or replace in my setup. lol


Blasphemy! There's always something to add or replace

I like the new aquascape. Do your fire shrimp stay out in the open like that often?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14602303#post14602303 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MattG
Blasphemy! There's always something to add or replace

I like the new aquascape. Do your fire shrimp stay out in the open like that often?

Really? I have the best lighting, skimmer, powerhead, controller etc..

They like to come out like that when the pumps are off. :)

[itsdarrow]

bah the euro-reef is the best nano skimmer at the moment looks like you have to make a new purchase :] j/k.
I really love your tank and your style it was an inspiration for the direction i went with my tank:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/202660IMG_0651-med.jpg

[itsdarrow]

im really interested in the balling method, im currently using my aquatronica doser and using 2 part and i love the fact that i can set and forget. How involved is balling and once you get it set is there constant daily monotoring needed?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14603473#post14603473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by itsdarrow
bah the euro-reef is the best nano skimmer at the moment looks like you have to make a new purchase :] j/k.
I really love your tank and your style it was an inspiration for the direction i went with my tank:
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/202660IMG_0651-med.jpg

The ER is still not available yet and until we compare it side-by-side with the Sapphire nobody can say it's better.

Good looking tank! Gotta love the LED's!!! :D

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14603494#post14603494 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by itsdarrow
im really interested in the balling method, im currently using my aquatronica doser and using 2 part and i love the fact that i can set and forget. How involved is balling and once you get it set is there constant daily monotoring needed?

You need to test water every 12hrs at first so that you can tweak the dosing schedule to make sure its perfect.

Once it's all set test weekly to make sure you are on target.

When corals grow bigger they will demand more cal, alk, mag so you will slowly be inceasing the doses over time.

[lucas73]

The ER is still not available yet and until we compare it side-by-side with the Sapphire nobody can say it's better.

My Euro Reef Nano skimmer shipped out yesterday for my 29gal Biocube, should be here by next weekend.Contact Robert Macare and he will take care of you(949)-770-9913 ext 11.I"ll report back and let you all no how the skimmer is performing.

[lucas73]

Xenon,thats an impressive set up.Very well designed.

[xxwake4lifexx]

Your tank looks so cool!

I can't wait to get mine up and running.

[jwilliams229]

X,

Its been awhile... how about some pics? How is the sapphire doing?

J

[xenon]

No more updates. I sold the whole system. The only thing left is my LED modules.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1627467

[smalls383]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14907120#post14907120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xenon
No more updates. I sold the whole system. The only thing left is my LED modules.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1627467
Why are you selling your setup?.....Goin Bigger?

[xenon]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14909454#post14909454 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smalls383
Why are you selling your setup?.....Goin Bigger?

I need a break from the hobby.

[Felix1021]

xenon
i've followed a few of your old tank set up
and this one was looking really nice
hopefully you get back into the hobby soon.
f.

[kimowen04]

Update:

I wanted to upgrade my Tunze 6025 powerheads to 6055 so that I can get more random flow but after a little research it turns out the nanostream powerheads by Tunze are not ideal for cube tanks. The flow is too direct so I decided to go with a Vortech powerhead instead because the flow pattern is much wider.

I also got the battery backup so that if the power goes out it will stay on for 30hrs. It has another port for a 2nd Vortech and they would share the battery so it would be 15hrs each.

So far the flow is incredible. As soon as it was turned on detritus got kicked up for area's my nanostreams did not reach. I am glad I went with the MP20 because is more than enough flow.

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech1.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech2.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech3.jpg

http://www.dansouliere.com/pictures/vortech4.jpg

i didnt thinku could keep a tang in such a small tank isnt it a 29 gal. i have a 46 gal and everywhere i read says they need more room?

[SaltHammerX]

I think he said that he had it in there for red hair algea and it wasn't in there long. It was a very nice setup