Kaserpick's Neo-Nano SPS/Clam Reef

[kaserpick]

Hello again everyone!

After using this system as a QT and deciding to tear down the 90g, I'm starting fresh with this system and going to back to the side of the hobby I enjoyed the most...the smaller side. :)

Here's the Neo-Nano re-plumbed:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0101.jpg

Return and Drain plumbing:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0102.jpg

The Sump!
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0103.jpg

Here's a list of equipment:
-BK Mini 180 Skimmer (pictured)
-Maxi-jet Utility Pump (pictured)
-300w Titanium Heater
-(2) MP40 Vortech's
-250w Phoenix DE Halide, in Lumenarc III pendant, driven with Coralvue dimmable eballast.
-TLF Phosban Reactor (filled with Rox activated carbon)
-(6) Litermeter III's (3 for dosing, 2 for constant WC's, and 1 for feeding)

Let me know what you think! I'll be putting water in it tomorrow night!

[LUVSPS]

2 MP40's in a 30g?! :eek2: :eek2: Wowsers! :D This project sounds great! I'll be following along.

[Reefer08]

Wow that is some serious equipment you've got there! 6 Litermeters??!! BK 180 for a 30g? 2 MP40's for a 30g?

Im looking forward to seeing this tank stocked up! Keep us updated please

[Lariviere]

What is the central box for? Is it a kind of waterfall system or something? Thanks for sharing.

[kaserpick]

Thanks guys! Yeah, the equipment is a bit over kill as far as the skimmer and flow go; I had the skimmer on my 90g so I figured, 'Why not?'. I'm planning on having about 8-10 fish in this tank so there's plenty of poop for the coral. The tank will be water tested tonight with RODI. After that, I'll mix the salt into the system. I'll be sure to post pics along the way! :)

Lariviere: Yes, the central box is the waterfall system. The return is inside, and it simply fills the box until it overflows into the tank, which then overflows into the overflow boxes. Lots of overflowing. :)

Thanks again guys!

[FiSHy sAy HeY]

nice equipment list

[mordibv]

Kewl

[kaserpick]

Thanks guys. The water test is great...no leaks. Pics tomorrow!

[Felix1021]

tagging along.
f.

[mr9iron]

Looks like this will be an interesting build. I'm curious to see your aquascaping. :thumbsup:

[kaserpick]

Well guys, I'm sorry for not updating much, but there hasn't been much to update. The tank now has LR in it, but no livestock. School has been keeping me occupied. I'm hoping the have some corals in the tank on Friday. When I do, I'll post pics of the corals, lighting, and rockwork. Thanks for the patience.

[CurvBall]

And people said I over did it with my nano ;)

Looking forward to seeing updates.

[Fsurocks99]

Sunscribed. This is gonna be a crazy tank Kasey. Looked forward to seeing it. Did you read in my thread what happened to my tank?

[kaserpick]

And people said I over did it with my nano ;)

Looking forward to seeing updates.

:lol: Yeah, it's kind of crazy. :p

Jack: Thanks! I replied to you in your thread.

Update:
I ran all the failure scenarios that I could conjure (probably should have done that sooner), and everything performs better than I expected. There are no syphons to worry about with this tank, so I didn't make the same mistake I made on the 90g. I haven't ran the tests yet, but I would imagine the three basics are at 0 ppm and pH should be on the higher end due to the increase O2 from the skimmer. If not the improved 2 part recipe plus kalkwasser dosage should bring that up nicely. Thanks again for the patience guys.

[kaserpick]

Another mini-Update:
The tank has been sounding like a small toilet bowl on constant flush for a while now; I've known that I needed a cap with a hole, but I just haven't had time to stop by the hardware store. So, I made a small cone out of packing tape, stuck it to the end of the durso pipe, and pinch the top of the tape-cone to form a small hole (I made one cone because only one pipe is loud...I think DSA didn't make the overflows even since the tank seems to be level.)

I can sleep better now. :D

[nj_evoIXgsr]

i love that tank. how's the overall feel for it?

[kaserpick]

i love that tank. how's the overall feel for it?

Thanks! It's a pretty clean setup. They designed the tank to use sponges in the overflows (to prevent fish and inverts from getting in the drains), which I think is not the brightest idea. I'm not using the sponges; instead, I'm making two acrylic inserts with teeth (like a normal overflow). All in all, it's a great setup. :)

[kcreefer86]

how many gallons?

[kaserpick]

I believe it's 34g...it took a little over 30g to fill it up with 30lbs of LR.

Good news! I ordered 4 corals from DFS yesterday, and they should arrive on Wednesday. That should force me to take some pictures. :D Again, thanks for the patience everyone! :)

[i2go]

Well after a little break my reefing, I'm just starting up again, and the first thing I did was I looked to see what kaserpick was up to with his nanos haha. Your tanks are always awesome, can't wait till it gets wet

[kaserpick]

Thank you, Cole! Those are very kind words. :) You'll see some pics today!

[kaserpick]

Ok, now I'm waiting on the camera battery to charge! :p

[kaserpick]

And so, finally, I bring you pics. :D These are the first corals to be in the system.

Full Tank Shots:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0130.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0143.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0144.jpg

ORA Red Planet:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0132.jpg

Some kind of Orchid (not Miami):
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0133.jpg

Blue A. Millepora:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0138.jpg

Blue/Green A. Gomezi:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0142.jpg
Coming either tomorrow evening or Friday will be the acans, duncan, montis, tort, and others. I'll post pics then as well. :)

On another note, I'm not thrilled with the 20k XM. I think I'll switch back to a 14k Phoenix soon. Let me know what you think!

[kaserpick]

The only thing left for me to do is put together the dosing, feeding, and WC setup with the Litermeter III's. After that I'll tidy up the wires and such.

[ScarletReef]

I also would go with a little bit less blue in the light, but it is a stellar tank none the less. Are you leaving it bare bottom or are you planning on adding sand? Also, will there be any fishes? :)

[kaserpick]

I also would go with a little bit less blue in the light, but it is a stellar tank none the less. Are you leaving it bare bottom or are you planning on adding sand? Also, will there be any fishes? :)

Haha, I like the Phoenix actually because, despite the kelvin rating, it's a bluer bulb. Right now, the tank is pretty much white with a hint of blue (I didn't correct the pics at all, so they're a little more blue). If I go with the Phoenix, the tank will look like the pics. :p

I'm in heavy debate on the sand. You may not be able to see it, but I have an MP40 directly under each of the two overflows. I'm afraid I won't be able to utilize them well if I have sand. I do have a bag of black arag-alive sitting in the closet... If I go sand, that's what I'll choose. White is great for reflecting light on the undersides, but black sand just makes the colors 'pop'.

Fish will begin to arrive either next week or 2 weeks from now. :) Thanks for the compliment!

[Tangsgalor2oo9]

i love these tanks my lfs has two i wish i could get one.

[kaserpick]

Thanks Tangsgalor2oo9...I'm a fan of them as well. :D

Here are some more pics! I put some corals in, 7 monti species, 1 more acro species, 4 different acan lords, 3 seriatopora species, and 6 different paly morphs. I also put 2 T. Derasa's and 1 T. Squamosa...which I know will outgrow the eventually. I'm planning on keeping around 10 clams, with all being T. Maxima or T. Crocea except the ones already in the tank. Also, despite the small amount of acros, this tank will be acro dominated. :)

FTS:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0136.jpg

Acans:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0137.jpg

Blue Polyped Cap:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0147.jpg

Left Side:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0143-1.jpg

Right Side:
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0144-1.jpg

Let me know what you think! :)

[kaserpick]

Sorry for the poor camera skills!

[gobygoddess]

Looking good so far!!! I love they acans I have about 8 nice size colonies in my tank, I love them!

[kaserpick]

Thanks Gobygoddess! :)

I might be going to the LFS today, so there could possibly be some new arrivals. ;)

[Fsurocks99]

Looks great Kasey!

[kaserpick]

Thanks Jack! I've got a long way to go before I achieve the look that I'm going for. I'm planning on having 15-20 species of acropora; I may have to bring in another small piece of rock. We shall see. :)

[Giga]

needs sand :fun4: j/k Looks great!

[Fsurocks99]

Hey Kasey, my stag is still bleaching on the underside. The bleached part seems to grow each morning, is this what happened when you got the AEFWs?

[kaserpick]

needs sand :fun4: j/k Looks great!

I hear that; I'm in some serious debate. That bag of black arag-alive is calling my name. :D Thanks for the compliment!

Hey Kasey, my stag is still bleaching on the underside. The bleached part seems to grow each morning, is this what happened when you got the AEFWs?

Hey Jack, no, if you don't see bite marks, then you're probably safe. It sounds like the stress caused RTN to start, and now the stag probably has an infection on the rim of the receding area(s). I'd consider chopping it since it continues. Let me know how it works out. I wouldn't worry about AEFW's, though, unless you see bite marks.

[Fsurocks99]

K. Since the bleaching is in the middle between the one branch and the base would you cut it. Since part of the base is bleached what should I do about that?

[marve467]

Go with the black arag you will love it. I put it in the second system i set up and now it is the standard sand for me

I hear that; I'm in some serious debate. That bag of black arag-alive is calling my name. :D Thanks for the compliment!



Hey Jack, no, if you don't see bite marks, then you're probably safe. It sounds like the stress caused RTN to start, and now the stag probably has an infection on the rim of the receding area(s). I'd consider chopping it since it continues. Let me know how it works out. I wouldn't worry about AEFW's, though, unless you see bite marks.

[kaserpick]

Go with the black arag you will love it. I put it in the second system i set up and now it is the standard sand for me

I agree! I used it in my 90g, and I loved it! I just need to figure out how to control the flow with it. Thanks! :)

[kaserpick]

Well, I went to a wedding this weekend; that was actually a lot of fun.

Anyway, I went to the LFS's in the area, and nothing seemed to catch my eye. I have a few ordinary pieces in the tank already like purple cap, orange cap, green and pink birdsnest, and a green digitata. So, I'm looking for nicer things.

This week I'll be ordering again from one of the three (all eventually) DFS, Vivid Aquariums, or Pacific East Aquaculture. Here's what on the list:
Vivid Aquariums:
Neon Green Caroliniana
Northern lights Granulosa
Vivid Turaki
Arctic Soli
Vivid Valida
M. Setosa
Rainbow Delight Acro
Pink Lemonade
Dr. Mac's
Jason's Plana
Pink Limeade
Green Table
Blue Grass acro
Green Mille
Pink Mille
Purple Forest
Live Aquaria
Interesting acros from Diver's Den.

So, look forward to seeing more pics. :)

[kaserpick]

Update:
Lighting: I decided to swap out the pendant for the Powermodule I used to use. I'm loving the lighting. Here's the bulb arrangement:
Blue Plus
Super Actinic
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Aquablue Special
Blue Plus

It's definitely on the blue side, which I love, but I'll be switching out the Actinic for another Blue Plus soon.

Also, I just set up the ATO with kalkwasser yesterday, and I've placed my order with Pacific East Aquaculture. If they can ship it out today, then it'll arrive tomorrow. If not, I asked them to ship on Tuesday, next week, instead. Wednesday is my next day off. I'll keep you guys posted.

Pics of the new lighting to come! :)

[firebirdude]

Update:
Also, I just set up the ATO with kalkwasser yesterday, and I've placed my order with Pacific East Aquaculture. If they can ship it out today, then it'll arrive tomorrow. If not, I asked them to ship on Tuesday, next week, instead. Mrs Wages pickling lime from WalMart. Same stuff, but cheaper and easily available. I used to only see it there seasonally, but for some reason it's now there year around. Used to come in a jar, now comes in bags.

[kaserpick]

Thanks for the info Firebird; I'm not a huge fan of the idea...not that it's not a good one. I'm kind of paranoid. I'm sure it's safe, but I'll stick with the Kent kalkwasser I've been using. Thanks for the info! :thumbsup:

I just got an update from Pacific East Aquaculture, and the corals won't ship until Tuesday next week. To stay busy, I'll be putting some black sand in the tank. This means the MP40's will need to be moved so there isn't a sand storm. :p I'll post some pics tonight of the corals under the new lighting. :)

[glennr1978]

Great set up!! I'm assuming you've decided against adding a sandbed? I can't see you being able to turn those mp40's up past 20% with sand in there.

[kaserpick]

Thanks!

Yeah, I'm in a huge debate right now. I'm wondering if I keep them up higher on the sides, would they still blow sand everywhere. I just don't know.

[Cyn_D]

Spiffy! Im. Considering a 20 gal long tak, already drilled and have most of what I need, just lazy at this point

[kaserpick]

Spiffy! Im. Considering a 20 gal long tak, already drilled and have most of what I need, just lazy at this point

Sweet! Please be sure to post some pics when it's up and running! :D

[kaserpick]

Pics!

Pics as promised! The photography is not the best; it's difficult to get a good picture when the lighting is so blue. I think I'll have to play with my white balance. The temp was raised on the pics to show the true colors you would see in person. I hope you enjoy! :)

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0129.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0131.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0134.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0135.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0128.jpg

Let me know what you think!

[AFWX]

Pics!

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0134.jpg




What kind of Zoa is this?

[lucas73]

Pics!

Pics as promised! The photography is not the best; it's difficult to get a good picture when the lighting is so blue. I think I'll have to play with my white balance. The temp was raised on the pics to show the true colors you would see in person. I hope you enjoy! :)


Let me know what you think!

Well upon its way Kasey,nice selection of corals.:thumbsup:

[kaserpick]

What kind of Zoa is this?

People tell me they're Armor of God, but I bought a single polyp from Pacific East Aquaculture as an Electric Zoa. I would guess it's a palythoa sp....love it either way. :)

Well upon its way Kasey,nice selection of corals.:thumbsup:

Thank you for the kind words Lucas. :)

I hope you guys like acros, cause I've got about 12 different frags (one is a monti) coming in on Wednesday along with a T. Maxima. :D Dr. Mac is doing a promotion; if you buy a certain amount they give you credit to buy more. I originally only bought 10 frags from the his reserve corals, but after I found this out, I snagged two more. Great people to work with! :thumbsup:

[kaserpick]

Update:

Well, the frags didn't come on Wednesday because the order wasn't packed on Tuesday, and since Wednesday is the best day for me to play with the tank, I suggested that they wait to ship until this coming Tuesday for overnight delivery.

That being said, there's nothing much new. I did place a T. Crocea in the tank; it looks happy and healthy. :) Pics to come next week when the corals arrive.

[kaserpick]

New arrivals and more pics!
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0224.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0222.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0221.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0218.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0190.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0197.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0200.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0205.jpg

[kaserpick]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0180.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0187.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0203.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0214.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0182.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0194.jpg

[Felix1021]

nicely stocked i see.
looks great man. lovn the set up
f.

[nirvanaandtool]

Wow.
What a setup and what a coral selection.
Just amazing looking.

Subscribed. :D

[kaserpick]

nicely stocked i see.
looks great man. lovn the set up
f.

Thanks! :D

Wow.
What a setup and what a coral selection.
Just amazing looking.

Subscribed. :D

Thank you very much for the kind words. :)

Future Plans:
Next Wednesday, I should have some more goodies coming. After that, I'll pretty much have the majority of the corals I wish to keep in this tank. That being said, once those corals arrive and acclimate, I'll be taking ALL of the corals off of the rocks. This will allow me to take a step back and decide how to place the corals based on individual requirements, growth patterns, and color arrangements. I wish for the end result to be two chunks of reef with very little rock showing; of course, that will take some time to fill in with good growth. Thanks for the positive feedback guys!

[kcballer]

i love this tank. that sps is amazing. what are the acans mounted on? or is it just their own skeleton? i love the "ball" look to them.

[Lesley83]

great thank!!! nice setup:wildone:

[kaserpick]

i love this tank. that sps is amazing. what are the acans mounted on? or is it just their own skeleton? i love the "ball" look to them.

Thank you very much! The acans are mounted on small pieces of rock; they will be exopied onto the rockwork soon.

great thank!!! nice setup

Thank you! :D

[jamesamamantha]

Sweet looking setup. Couple of mechanical questions as I was thinking about picking up one of these tanks.

I see they have little overflow boxes that you took the sponge out of. Does that just drain out the back through a bulkhead or is there some other type of device in there?

Stock I believe the tank just comes with drain hoses. I am assuming it was a bit noisy since you replumbed?

Thanks!

[kaserpick]

Sweet looking setup. Couple of mechanical questions as I was thinking about picking up one of these tanks.

I see they have little overflow boxes that you took the sponge out of. Does that just drain out the back through a bulkhead or is there some other type of device in there?

Stock I believe the tank just comes with drain hoses. I am assuming it was a bit noisy since you replumbed?

Thanks!

You are correct, the overflow just drain out the back through a bulkhead (not included w/ tank). The system comes stock with tank, sump, stand and sponges, but no plumbing is given. That's up to you, which I like. It allows you more freedom. The plumbing that I incorporated keeps the system very quiet. I hope that helps. :D

[ckranz]

Nice Corals!!!!!!!!!!!

[kaserpick]

Nice Corals!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you very much! :)

Update:

My shipment from Vivid and DFS came in yesterday; both were shipped very well. All corals are exhibiting great colors and PE. Tomorrow, the order from Dr. Mac's will be arriving in the morning. After this I will start placing the corals on the rocks permanently and start adding black sand to the system.

On another note, my new bulbs came in and I've decided to run 4 Blue+ and 2 Fiji Purples. The look is great! :D I'll be posting pics soon...thanks for the patience everyone!

[ir0n_ma1den]

nice, very different build.

[kaserpick]

nice, very different build.

Thanks. :D We'll see how it turns out. :p

[nvdiz]

those are some sick colors on those corals

[nGo]

Awesome selection of corals! Can't wait to those corals grow. :thumbsup:

[axia55]

Love the bright Green/White Acan...I have one EXACTLY like that!

[kaserpick]

those are some sick colors on those corals

Thank you very much! My A. Gomezi has lost its color for some reason; all other corals are holding if not getting more vibrant.

Awesome selection of corals! Can't wait to those corals grow. :thumbsup:

Thanks! Me too. :D

Love the bright Green/White Acan...I have one EXACTLY like that!

Sweet! Yeah, it's one of my favorites. :)

[kaserpick]

Update:

Well, I've moved all the corals off the racks and to their permanent locations (until they get too large of course). Let me know what you think.

As a side note, I do have peppermint shrimp in there to help rid the aptasia; they've already removed two of the four. And, I'm thinking of adding one smaller piece of LR in the back/left side of the tank; I'd like to get the T. Croceas on the rocks as well as the acans.

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0128-2.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0146.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0147-1.jpg

[kaserpick]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0151.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0154.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0156.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0159.jpg

[kaserpick]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0166.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0167.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0172.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0174.jpg

[kaserpick]

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0175.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0182-1.jpg

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/Neo%20SPS/DSC_0191.jpg

Thanks again for following along. I'm still trying to buy two acros for the overflows; I'm thinking a Garf Bonsai and IceFire Echinata. :)

[kaserpick]

Tomorrow, my Sunburst anthias will added to the mix as well as the Clown Fairy wrasse. :)

[Felix1021]

updates/ new pics?
f.

[cmac23]

i see you live in va beach, i miss va beach, i was there for 7 years, but i will move back there probably next year. animal jungle was much better than anything down here

[MTH]

I'm looking to switch to a smaller tank (60 gallon cube) and am looking into skimmers. I was thinking Tunze 9010 or AquaC Remora/Urchin Pro but saw that you are using the Bubble King. How is it working for you? I would also like to pick up a Vortech MP40W pump but worry of the sand being blown around.

[kaserpick]

updates/ new pics?
f.

Sorry, Felix. I totally missed your post. Here's a pic with some black sand; I'll need to get an up-to-date FTS tomorrow. I won't be around the tank today with the lights on. :p

http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e253/kaserpick/DSC_0001.jpg

i see you live in va beach, i miss va beach, i was there for 7 years, but i will move back there probably next year. animal jungle was much better than anything down here

Va. Beach is nice. Then again, I grew up here, so it's home. That's funny about animal jungle. They're probably the most ignorant store in town. They sell things purely for money w/o any concern for the animals.

Next time you're in the Hampton Roads area, you MUST check out Reef Chief. They're moving to Suffolk (about a 35 minute drive for me). They have a 2,000 gallon lagoon that they're setting up, that should be interesting. They're dedicated to saltwater only, and when you go in, you'll notice almost all corals with a few fish. ...just how I like it. :D

I'm looking to switch to a smaller tank (60 gallon cube) and am looking into skimmers. I was thinking Tunze 9010 or AquaC Remora/Urchin Pro but saw that you are using the Bubble King. How is it working for you? I would also like to pick up a Vortech MP40W pump but worry of the sand being blown around.

Would that be 24"x24"x24"? That's a beautiful size. :thumbsup:

Well, if you have the room, the Bubble King Mini180 is amazing! But, I'd go with a smaller cone skimmer; they're much more efficient. Then again, they're also much more expensive. The Mini180 could easily handle your system, and since it's an older model now, you might be able to find it for a good deal.

As far as the Vortech goes, I'm a flow nut who grows primarily SPS corals. If you wanted an SPS dominated tank, then an MP40w would be good...or 2 20's. Otherwise, I would get a smaller one. I hope that helps. :)

[eengmd]

How are you maintaining your calcium and alk, just kalk in ATO? I have found with just two clams, it has been very difficult to maintain these levels in a high range.

[kaserpick]

How are you maintaining your calcium and alk, just kalk in ATO? I have found with just two clams, it has been very difficult to maintain these levels in a high range.

At first I started with just Kalkwasser in the ATO; even then I had to add more calcium. The Kalk was enough to keep up with my KH demands, for the time being, but in a few months the KH demand easily exceeded what was being delivered. Once this happened, I began to incorporate the 3 dosing pumps with Randy's Improved 2-part. IMO, alkalinity HAS to be stable in order to get the optimal growth. That's why I use the dosing pumps; they deliver all three solutions (KH, Ca+, and Mg) in 150/day intervals. After I started using ZEOvit, I stopped using Kalkwasser and raised my daily dosing. Now, the pumps deliver 20ml of each solution daily. Hope that helps. :)

[UnderWaterworld]

Where are you purchasing your corals? They all look nice and you have a beautiful system.

[kaserpick]

Thanks! :) Most of them came from either Live Aquaria or Pacific East Aquaculture. Some of them were bought locally as well.

[UnderWaterworld]

What lighting combo are you using? In the beginning of the thread you listed that you were using a 250W MH with a Pheonix bulb. Are you currently with that same lighting setup?

[kaserpick]

What lighting combo are you using? In the beginning of the thread you listed that you were using a 250W MH with a Pheonix bulb. Are you currently with that same lighting setup?

No, I ended up using a spare ATI Powermodule (6x24w) that I had lying around, collecting dust. It's a great light, but I like my halides much better. That's why I'll be using this light for my propagation tank (it's a very good growth spread!) and the 250w Phoenix on my new cube.

[Merfin70]

Kasey - Can I ask how high from the water surface you are running your PM? Also do you screen or use a diffuser when you add new frags or just start them lower in the tank to keep them from bleaching?

[MTH]

Those are the dimensions. Not sure if its still considered a nano but its a great size. Right now I have a prop tank that I will probably break down and throw the coral into this new tank. The fish will probably be sold locally. Mostly tangs

[/QUOTE]Would that be 24"x24"x24"? That's a beautiful size. :thumbsup:

Well, if you have the room, the Bubble King Mini180 is amazing! But, I'd go with a smaller cone skimmer; they're much more efficient. Then again, they're also much more expensive. The Mini180 could easily handle your system, and since it's an older model now, you might be able to find it for a good deal.

As far as the Vortech goes, I'm a flow nut who grows primarily SPS corals. If you wanted an SPS dominated tank, then an MP40w would be good...or 2 20's. Otherwise, I would get a smaller one. I hope that helps. :)[/QUOTE]

[Felix1021]

awesome update man
good luck with the new set up.
looking forward to more encouraging updates.
f.

[kaserpick]

Kasey - Can I ask how high from the water surface you are running your PM? Also do you screen or use a diffuser when you add new frags or just start them lower in the tank to keep them from bleaching?

I keep the PM about 6" above the water surface. No, I don't use any screener/diffusers when I introduce frags, but like you mentioned, I do start them out low/shaddy areas before I bring them into the open. I usually let them sit in lower light for atleast 3 days.

Sorry it took me so long to reply. :)

Those are the dimensions. Not sure if its still considered a nano but its a great size. Right now I have a prop tank that I will probably break down and throw the coral into this new tank. The fish will probably be sold locally. Mostly tangs

Sounds great! You definitely need to start a thread on this. :thumbsup: I love cubes!

awesome update man
good luck with the new set up.
looking forward to more encouraging updates.
f.

Thanks Felix! I'm very pleased with how the corals are responding to the husbandry methods I've used. I'll definitely keep the updates coming, although they'll eventually only be on the Cubed Cube thread. I'm wondering now if I should stick with 12 of the acros that I really love and a handful of the montis. It's such a hard choice. :p Thanks again!

[Merfin70]

Thanks Kasey. I see you run a reactor for Carbon. Do you also have one for GFO ? I'm debating whether I need a GFO reactor for my new SPS tank or not? Alternatively I guess I could carbon dose but I was attempting to see if I could keep the tank mechanically simple and just go with an oversized skimmer and do without the reactor or carbon dosing.

[kaserpick]

Thanks Kasey. I see you run a reactor for Carbon. Do you also have one for GFO ? I'm debating whether I need a GFO reactor for my new SPS tank or not? Alternatively I guess I could carbon dose but I was attempting to see if I could keep the tank mechanically simple and just go with an oversized skimmer and do without the reactor or carbon dosing.

I went back to running carbon in a filter bag and have been dosing carbon & bacteria, regularly. :)

You can definitely do it with an oversized skimmer and routine water changes. I kept SPS with no problem using this method in my old 65g.

[FishNutty]

nice tank:dance:!

[kaserpick]

nice tank:dance:!

Thanks! :D