Bringing the Ocean Home: Pacific Reefs' 375g [Archive]

Pacific Reefs

12/14/2008, 02:32 AM

After purchasing my friend's 58g and turning it into a reef in 2003 I was hooked. I then went through about a dozen tanks until I picked up the 375g. Here is one of the reef tanks that I owned, a 92g corner:

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/1.jpg

The tank that I am setting up now is 96" x 30" x 30" and the stand is built from steel and powdercoated (purchased from mflamb). I plan on making it a mixed reef. I will be running 2 x 250w MH and 1 x 400 MH in the center. For flow I will be using a Ocean Motions 4 way powered by a Reeflo Dart. I will be using a Reeflo Snapper for the return. The skimmer is custom and also purchased from mflamb. It runs on the needle wheel version of the Dart.

I definitely want to thank everyone who has helped me to get to this point including mflamb, tangers, cich4fish, thor32766, cap1956m, and definitely melev for his awesome webpage.

And here are some pictures from the last 2 weeks:

Polishing the tank
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01024.jpg

The help to get it on the stand
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01034.jpg

My son Jason just had to play in the tank
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01033.jpg

Don't know why he had the gloves on
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01036.jpg

Some of the plumbing
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01059.jpg

There is a lot more work to go. :cool:

espocrespo

12/14/2008, 06:16 AM

oh the gloves, LOL, nice tank cant wait to see it set up

Pacific Reefs

12/14/2008, 07:04 PM

Thanks espocrespo. I am working on the plumbing today. I also wanted to share some pictures of a new restaurant that opened at Downtown Disney called TRex.

Huge FO tank at the bar
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC00915.jpg

I wish I could get one of these lights
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC00918.jpg

thor32766

12/14/2008, 07:50 PM

wow tommy. Thats an awesome job on the cleaning of that tank!!! Cant wait to see it going. If you need anything just ask! Good luck

skippy823

12/14/2008, 07:57 PM

nice tank cant wait to see more good luck

SSpiro

12/14/2008, 08:34 PM

Nice! Tagging along. I'd love to check out that place at disney. Looks interesting.

cich4fish

12/14/2008, 09:25 PM

looking good tom,more work less talk.HAHA.You swear like you have a job,wife and kid that prevent you from getting this tank finished.thats right you do.Cant wait to swim with the fishes.

eric

mflamb

12/14/2008, 09:35 PM

Let's get that babby plumbed!!!

porthios

12/14/2008, 09:35 PM

gorgeous corner tank. that carpet's a beast..

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 09:42 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13942617#post13942617 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thor32766
wow tommy. Thats an awesome job on the cleaning of that tank!!! Cant wait to see it going. If you need anything just ask! Good luck

Thank you Brian. I can't tell you exactly how many hours it took to buff out. Luckily I had access to a drill that plugs in. I also skimped a little on the back side since I will be putting a background there.

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 09:47 AM

Thank you all for the comments. I believe the place at Disney is a similar concept like RainForest Cafe. Every so often the rooms dim and you can hear all the dinosaurs.

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 10:03 AM

I made a little more progress on the setup. I partially plumbed the closed loop so I could transfer my livestock to the tank.

The skimmer is 36" tall
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01064-1.jpg

Dart w/ OM 4way
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01065-1.jpg

Snapper Return
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01066.jpg

My Rodi. The company that made this unit is out of business..luckily most of the parts are standard
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01074.jpg

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 10:08 AM

Are behind the tank for the pumps
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01072-1.jpg

Partially filled. The sump is 120g and I had to seal a few of the original bulkhead holes

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01067.jpg

My puffer PDiddy
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01068.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01070.jpg

thor32766

12/15/2008, 12:12 PM

hey tom the dart on the om4. That thing looks huge for a dart. Does have the same body as a hammerhead or barracuda?

adam82

12/15/2008, 01:10 PM

looks good man!!!!!

~sp0ok~

12/15/2008, 01:52 PM

nice tank

tangers

12/15/2008, 06:10 PM

Looking good man, getting a lot farther than I did!

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 07:56 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13946588#post13946588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by thor32766
hey tom the dart on the om4. That thing looks huge for a dart. Does have the same body as a hammerhead or barracuda?

It seems to have the same dart head but the baldor motor is what makes it so much larger. You definitely need more room for these guys. I haven't powered it up to see if it's louder than the AO motor.

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 07:59 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13946922#post13946922 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by adam82
looks good man!!!!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13947192#post13947192 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ~sp0ok~
nice tank

Thank you. It would be nice if this tank could plumb itself. :rollface:

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 08:03 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13948998#post13948998 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangers
Looking good man, getting a lot farther than I did!

Hey James. Well it's like I'm doing all the hard work for you. You can buy it back when you move here again. Take some pictures of your new tank and send them to me when you get a chance!

thor32766

12/15/2008, 10:33 PM

James you might what to enlarge the photo quite a bit so tommy can see your new tank.

Pacific Reefs

12/15/2008, 10:58 PM

James I can't see the photo. Hey I heard there is a lot of wildlife over where you are at

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/iowa20pigs.jpg

thor32766

12/16/2008, 10:07 AM

Thats halairous tom!!! James tank is 34 gallons so you may not be able to see it.

tangers

12/16/2008, 06:07 PM

Sorry, due to my "user agreement" Reef Central will not reply to your comments. You have a lot of time on your hands finding pics like that!

thor32766

12/17/2008, 10:12 PM

Come on tommy get to work!

Pacific Reefs

12/18/2008, 12:21 AM

Today is my birthday so I'm taking a little time off the tank. Should have some updates this weekend. Thanks for the motivation though :)

plyr58

12/18/2008, 04:50 AM

Tagging along

fasteddie7

12/18/2008, 04:24 PM

my favorite picture , is the old corner tank, with the very rare and hard to find LE Butt coral! sitting in front on the sand! you still have that beautiful showpiece tom?

chrisk24

12/18/2008, 05:34 PM

I like the Puffer keep up the good work.

Pacific Reefs

12/18/2008, 08:10 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13970758#post13970758 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fasteddie7
my favorite picture , is the old corner tank, with the very rare and hard to find LE Butt coral! sitting in front on the sand! you still have that beautiful showpiece tom?

Hey Ted don't be jealous that I bought that piece before you could get it. It is a limited editon Tyree specimen. :lmao:
Even though it's brown and plain I still like it.

Pacific Reefs

12/18/2008, 08:14 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13971240#post13971240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chrisk24
I like the Puffer keep up the good work.

Thanks. He has been attacking the hermits lately. I haven't had him on a regular feeding schedule in a while. There are a bunch of empty shells in the tank now.

plyr58

12/18/2008, 08:38 PM

P-diddy is an excellent name for a puffer if I do say so myself. I laughed out loud when I read that.

fasteddie7

12/19/2008, 01:01 AM

just had to have sum fun with ya... the new tank looks sweet! can't wait to come check it out!

Pacific Reefs

12/19/2008, 10:17 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13972293#post13972293 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by plyr58
P-diddy is an excellent name for a puffer if I do say so myself. I laughed out loud when I read that.

Yeah the Mrs. came up with the name. Actually she picked the fish out. I wouldn't have a 375g if it wasn't for P-Diddy.

Pacific Reefs

12/19/2008, 10:19 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13974147#post13974147 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fasteddie7
just had to have sum fun with ya... the new tank looks sweet! can't wait to come check it out!

Thanks Ted. You are welcome to come see it anytime. Thanks for all your help over the years. I will need your help for sure when the calcium reactor comes.

plyr58

12/20/2008, 02:50 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13979834#post13979834 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pacific Reefs
Yeah the Mrs. came up with the name. Actually she picked the fish out. I wouldn't have a 375g if it wasn't for P-Diddy.

Maybe I should start showing my wife porcupine puffers...

Pacific Reefs

12/23/2008, 02:47 PM

Maybe I should start showing my wife porcupine puffers...

Well that's about as involved as she gets unless she has company over then she talks about the tank. Other than that we don't discuss it. I showed her the AquaController that I wanted for Christmas and that didn't go over so well.

Pacific Reefs

12/23/2008, 02:52 PM

I am almost done with the Closed Loop. I just have to pick up some more piping to finish the other 2 outlets

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01134.jpg

A little setback. I used too much teflon tape and over tightened the return section on the ORCA pump. I heard a loud crack and screamed some 4 letter words. I got on the phone with Chris from Reeflo and have a new one on the way. It won't be here until after Christmas.

Here is the ORCA with the volute off.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01137.jpg

thor32766

12/23/2008, 05:29 PM

that sucks tom!!!!! Hope everything else goes according to plan!

Pacific Reefs

12/24/2008, 07:46 PM

Well I'm glad it's a part that can be easily replaced. I was able to finish the closed loop and I ordered some gate valves for the herbie drain system. I also added 80lbs of sand to finish off the sand bed. I still haven't figured out if I am going to make a fuge section in the sump. Should I add a fuge or not?

mflamb

12/24/2008, 09:52 PM

On Reeflo pumps, I use thread tape, and then aquarium silicone on the threads. Then I install it as tight as I can get it by hand, and let it sit for 24 hours. I learned that from John at FAOIS, and it works every time.

Pacific Reefs

12/25/2008, 11:10 AM

Merry Christmas everyone!

Thanks for the tip Mike...will do when I receive the new part.

Finished the closed loop and fired it up. I am using the Version 2 drum and I really like the flow pattern on it.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01162.jpg

Pacific Reefs

12/27/2008, 10:33 AM

I finished the work I needed to do on the temporary lighting fixture. I received this fixture from a fish store that was moving and it was basically gutted. I added the spider reflectors that I had from previous tanks. I also added a 4" Icecap fan on one end. I may need to add another on the other end depending on heat. I plan on upgraded in the next few months to an aluminum sliding light rack and Lumenarc III reflectors.

Some pictures...I still have some aquascaping to do as well as plumbing. I will be added more rock and building some towers down the road.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01176.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01177.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC01178.jpg

Pacific Reefs

12/27/2008, 10:35 AM

I will be ordering an acrylic black background soon. I also need a copperband butterfly to take care of the aptasia problem.

tangers

12/30/2008, 04:20 PM

Looking good, Tom. How long before it's fully filled?

savethereef

12/30/2008, 04:43 PM

Tank is looking nice.

mflamb

12/30/2008, 05:40 PM

Oh yeah!!! Fill it up!!!
When will you have the volute for the Orca?

ODReef

12/30/2008, 06:01 PM

Looking good! Hey tangers where in NE Iowa?

Pacific Reefs

12/31/2008, 03:31 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14043387#post14043387 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangers
Looking good, Tom. How long before it's fully filled?

Hey James

Should have it filled up by next week! Waiting on the gate valves from ACE.

Pacific Reefs

12/31/2008, 03:33 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14043558#post14043558 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by savethereef
Tank is looking nice.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14044123#post14044123 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ODReef
Looking good! Hey tangers where in NE Iowa?

Thank you both for the comments. I really appreciate it.

Hey Savethereep it says you are running a BK skimmer...what do you think? I wish I could afford one!

Pacific Reefs

12/31/2008, 03:35 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14043968#post14043968 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
Oh yeah!!! Fill it up!!!
When will you have the volute for the Orca?

OH YEAH!

Your tank is looking awesome. I love the fish room. I just received the volute and I am putting it together now and using your silicone tip. I don't want to break another one!

mflamb

12/31/2008, 03:53 PM

Make sure you let it sit 24 hours before putting any water through it after you silicone it.

Pacific Reefs

12/31/2008, 10:53 PM

Thanks Mike.

Happy New Year!!!! :beer:

jaxspsreef

01/06/2009, 11:17 PM

your setup is looking good!

Pacific Reefs

01/18/2009, 12:50 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14095815#post14095815 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jaxspsreef
your setup is looking good!

Thank you.

I was able to finish all the plumbing since the last time I've posted on here. I will be working on some aquascaping soon. I also need to order the acrylic background for the tank.

mflamb

01/18/2009, 10:20 PM

Any new pics?

Pacific Reefs

01/31/2009, 06:40 PM

I will get some pics soon. I had a cyano outbreak that I am trying to find the cause of. It happened after I started using Tropic Marin so maybe the extra trace elements had something to do with it.

Bax

01/31/2009, 11:58 PM

Looks great Pacific Reefs!

I just picked up a 375 myself, I 'll be taking notes.

Discustopia

02/01/2009, 12:35 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14288216#post14288216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pacific Reefs
I will get some pics soon. I had a cyano outbreak that I am trying to find the cause of. It happened after I started using Tropic Marin so maybe the extra trace elements had something to do with it.

Give it time - in a new system the nutrients are abundant
Try lessening your lighting schedule or turning off completely for a day and starting with a few hours a day.
Otherwise - looking good, you've got lots of room to work - unlike my tank where everything had to fit underneath - including the quarrantine!

Pacific Reefs

03/25/2009, 02:36 PM

Haven't updated in a while. Here are a couple pics

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0016.jpg

cleaner wrasse I've had for over a year.
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0027.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0028.jpg

Pacific Reefs

03/25/2009, 02:39 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14290216#post14290216 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bax
Looks great Pacific Reefs!

I just picked up a 375 myself, I 'll be taking notes.

How's your 375g coming along?

Pacific Reefs

03/25/2009, 02:43 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14290460#post14290460 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Discustopia
Give it time - in a new system the nutrients are abundant
Try lessening your lighting schedule or turning off completely for a day and starting with a few hours a day.
Otherwise - looking good, you've got lots of room to work - unlike my tank where everything had to fit underneath - including the quarrantine!

Thanks your lighting tip definitely helped. It is a lot more work trying to fix a problem in this tank. Now I have to nuke about 50 aiptasia.

tangers

03/25/2009, 05:53 PM

Where's the full tank shots Tom....?

Pacific Reefs

04/04/2009, 04:49 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14690907#post14690907 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by tangers
Where's the full tank shots Tom....?

Here you go James...how's your tank doing?

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0240.jpg

Bax

04/04/2009, 10:53 PM

Sweet! :D

Pacific Reefs

04/06/2009, 12:30 AM

Thanks Bax. I just got a new camera (Nikon D60) and I am messing with the settings so hopefully I can post some nicer pics.

The skimmer is really a beast. It pulls out a ton of stuff and I really like the power of the ORCA pump. My next project will be new reflectors (lumenarc IIIs) and a custom aluminum light rack...all pending funds of course. Then some time later in the year I would like to finish the stand and canopy.

On a side note Anja (375reef) clear out your mailbox so I can write you back lol.

mflamb

04/06/2009, 10:26 PM

Let me know how you like the D60. I'm considering that myself.
The tank is looking great. I have the patern for the reflectors if you need it. Check out my new reflectors.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1602675

cich4fish

04/19/2009, 11:10 PM

Tank is looking good Tom.Where is that big gigas you have been wanting?

Eric

cich4fish

04/19/2009, 11:17 PM

I finally made it.

Pacific Reefs

04/19/2009, 11:37 PM

Eric..waiting for you to donate one to me lol!

Pacific Reefs

04/19/2009, 11:39 PM

Hey Mike,

I can't wait until my set of Lambenmarks are in! Hopefully the materials make it to Mark.

The D60 is nice but it isn't much more different than the the D40x. If I could do it again I would have saved for the next one up.

Pacific Reefs

05/27/2009, 06:37 PM

Alright so it's been a while and many things have happened/ changed.

1. I ended replacing the lights with custom "LambenMarks" thanks to Mflamb, GrouperGenius and Deaterk. The lighting is so much better.

2. Had a little leak with one of the pipes for the CL and I tried to fix it and made it worse. One of the pipes that threaded into the sch80 bulkhead under the tank was dripping. I didn't notice it for over 5 months or so until I saw the salt creep around the pipe. I decided I would twist the bulkhead while in the tank and then add more teflon tape. Well sand got stuck and locked the bulkhead nut. Lets just it was raining under the tank. I drained everything and even emptied the sand. I then pluged the holes with acrylic pieces and after 24 hours to cure, filled the tank back up.

3. Due to the incident I replaced the snapper return pump with the dart...definitely added some flow.

4. I added a Tunze 6105 and 7096 controller. I will add another 6105 next month. I also picked up a wavebox and waiting for the large magnets to come in. I really don't want an intense wave so I may stick with one wavebox for now. I am really liking the Stream 2.

Pacific Reefs

05/27/2009, 06:38 PM

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0350.jpg

mflamb

05/28/2009, 08:02 PM

Glad to hear that the leaks are fixed and the lights are working for you. Did everything survive?

Pacific Reefs

05/28/2009, 09:15 PM

Thanks the reflectors really rock. I am a firm believer in quality reflectors now. My sps browned out but the color is coming back now.

Have you had time to get your new reflectors installed?

MrHarvard

07/14/2009, 10:39 AM

Man you got a sweet tank!!!! Hopefully one day I will move on to this size!!!

Pacific Reefs

07/14/2009, 10:56 AM

Thanks. Having a large tank isn't always a walk in the park especially if something goes wrong.

I just ordered some new bulbs...EVC 14K. As soon as they arrive I will post pictures. I also need to take a day to reaquascape because all the rock was kind of thrown in after the leak.

tangers

07/14/2009, 06:49 PM

Lookin good Tommy, how have things been?

Pacific Reefs

07/14/2009, 07:21 PM

Hey bro,

Things have been good. Miss you guys down here. I had a chance to see Brian's tank and the stand is surperb! I wish i would have had a chance to see you when you were down here.

tangers

07/14/2009, 07:36 PM

Yeah spent most of my time building the stand. You go on vacation, only to spend it all building a stand. lol!! I'll be down again, and look you up. We bought a house and get internet tomorrow. Picking up new tank next week so time for a new build thread!

thor32766

07/16/2009, 04:39 PM

hey tommy, sorry man been ridiculuos at work!!! I still have to come check out that awesome tank. Glad you have done more with it then the previous owner. That guy was all talk!

ReefGuyFergie

07/16/2009, 10:21 PM

Can we expect anymore FTS anytime soon??

mflamb

07/16/2009, 10:22 PM

The setup is for sale...bummer.

ReefGuyFergie

07/16/2009, 10:36 PM

Wow that didn't last very long then!!!

Pacific Reefs

07/16/2009, 10:45 PM

I am looking at getting something different but only if I can sell the 375g. I don't think it will sell in FL due to the economy. For now it's still running so don't panic yet :)

I am working on the aiptasia problem..added a copperband but I haven't seen him go after anything yet. Also the EVC bulbs should be in tomorrow so I will take a FTS.

Tom

Pacific Reefs

07/16/2009, 10:59 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15365524#post15365524 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mflamb
The setup is for sale...bummer.

I was bummed when you got rid of your 390...but you made a sweet 300g. Did the person setup the 390? Any pics?

Pacific Reefs

07/17/2009, 10:11 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15365517#post15365517 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ReefGuyFergie
Can we expect anymore FTS anytime soon??

I forgot to snap after the new bulbs.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0474.jpg

bullitr

07/18/2009, 02:00 AM

very nice tank. i do not waht to hi jack the thread but can you tell me what did you use to polished your tank novus 2 ? and what kind of polisher attachment?

Pacific Reefs

07/18/2009, 09:07 AM

Sure...First I used 800 grit sand paper, then 1000 grit, then 1500 grit I believe. For polishing, I used mostly Novus 3 and a polishing wheel from Home Depot. Then I finished with Novus 2.

bullitr

07/18/2009, 12:28 PM

thank you very much . i guess i have to drain the tank this fall to polished it .i used 4000,6000 , 8000 then 12000 inside the tank to polished it but it make it worst.i am planning to upgrade to 404 gallon regular glass but if this work out i may not have to.

ReefGuyFergie

07/18/2009, 12:56 PM

You should totally keep this setup. Especially if aptasia is what is getting you out of it.

Get some aptasia x spot kill as much as you can. Throw 20 to 30 peppermint shrimp into your tank, a couple of copperbanded butterfly's and then sell off your peppermint shrimp.

Thats a $200 fix to a problem instead of getting rid of it. I would hate to see all of your hardwork go down the drain. (Literally, lol)

Pacific Reefs

07/18/2009, 10:21 PM

The aiptasia is what was keeping me from taking pictures. I am only selling this to get something different so I am not getting out of the hobby. If it doesn't sell in a few weeks I am keeping it. My copperband is slowly helping the aiptasia problem and I am trying to nuke the large ones. Will let you know how it goes.

bullitr

07/19/2009, 12:40 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15376052#post15376052 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pacific Reefs
The aiptasia is what was keeping me from taking pictures. I am only selling this to get something different so I am not getting out of the hobby. If it doesn't sell in a few weeks I am keeping it. My copperband is slowly helping the aiptasia problem and I am trying to nuke the large ones. Will let you know how it goes.
i was trying to sell my tank too because i can't stand the scratches on my tank that is why i was thinking of getting a 96x36x27 regular glass tank.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/130850new026.jpg look at the left corner with 10 k lights

Pacific Reefs

07/19/2009, 12:49 AM

Thats a sweet setup! Love the wood trim!

bullitr

07/19/2009, 12:51 AM

thanks
you can't really see it unless you are up close that is why i switch to 20 k all around but i know its therehttp://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/130850new017.jpg

NexDog

07/19/2009, 02:40 AM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15371495#post15371495 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Pacific Reefs
I forgot to snap after the new bulbs.

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a297/PacReef/DSC_0474.jpg
Very nice, wish I had the space for an 8 foot tank. As time progresses I bet you'll want to take advantage of the height of the tank. Mine is also 30" tall but the rockwork was always low. I redid it and the tall pillars make it look a bigger which is great as mine is 72x36x30.

Hows the mixture of 2x250w and 1x400w working out? The tank looks a tad dark on the ends.

Pacific Reefs

07/19/2009, 08:24 AM

The 2- 250s in the pic are old Ushio 20ks that really needed to be changed. I will snap a pic with the new bulbs....huge difference. I like your idea of the tall pillars.

NexDog

07/19/2009, 08:41 AM

I have 3x400w 20k Radiums. I really am in love with 20k bulbs now. Had 14k Hamiltons at first. But I'm pretty sure 20k 250 watters on a 30" tall tank is not bright enough.

ReefGuyFergie

07/19/2009, 08:43 AM

Cool, Good luck with the aptasia problem. I hope it does not persist. I really enjoy your tank pictures.

bullitr

07/19/2009, 09:44 PM

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15377238#post15377238 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by NexDog
I have 3x400w 20k Radiums. I really am in love with 20k bulbs now. Had 14k Hamiltons at first. But I'm pretty sure 20k 250 watters on a 30" tall tank is not bright enough.
i have 30" tall tank with 250 and 400 watts i mixed them as well although i have mixed reef tank acropora only on top , then montipora,lps and mushroom and zoathids. with no issues