View Full Version : Mark's upgrade to 120 Oceanic Tech
mark54321
07/03/2010, 08:12 PM
Hi everybody,I have been a member of RC for a while now and always been looking at the great builds here.I have decided to upgrade my 65 gal. (my first tank) to Oceanic Tech 120gal.I finally moved to new house and have more room.I got this tank from a fellow reefer on RC for a great price,never seen water ,brand new about 8 mos.ago.Had to wait this long but the big day is here.
Tank in my living room ( no furniture yet)
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1054.jpg
mark54321
07/03/2010, 08:25 PM
Most of the equipment will be from my 65g.
sump 36x16x16
skimmer Vertex IN-180 (will get new bubble blaster 3000 pump
BRS dual reactor for GFO and carbon
Phosban reactor for N/P pellets
return pump will be Eheim 1262
I run MH on my 65g. but this tank will be run on T5.Right now the money situation is little tough (baby on the way) and since this will be mixed reef I should be ok with Tek 8x54W.
For flow I am thinking 2x koralia magnum 5 ( later my plan is to get Vortechs)
System will be monitored by RKL controller .
Any input and suggestions will be greatly appreciated .
mark54321
07/03/2010, 08:28 PM
Tank leveled
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1053.jpg
RKL and American DJ power strip installed
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1051.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1049.jpg
Slim_jim989
07/03/2010, 08:35 PM
Looking good and you are going to love this tank and your lucky that you have found one. They stopped making them. I have one and its awsome. I also have a tek 8x54w T5 fixture above it and an eheim 1260. How did you mount the DJ strip, and I hope that you did check the level from front to back lol mine is off by a little bit :(. But love the look. Are you running the stock durso pipes or going different?
tiredreefer
07/03/2010, 08:42 PM
They are still listed on the special order list at my local Petco. Looking good so far.
mark54321
07/03/2010, 08:50 PM
Looking good and you are going to love this tank and your lucky that you have found one. They stopped making them. I have one and its awsome. I also have a tek 8x54w T5 fixture above it and an eheim 1260. How did you mount the DJ strip, and I hope that you did check the level from front to back lol mine is off by a little bit :(. But love the look. Are you running the stock durso pipes or going different?
I used L shaped bracket to mount the power strip in the back of the stand.As far as the pipes I have the original durso but will order Aqua silencer pipes from PA ,suppose to be a lot more quiet then durso. How is the Tek performing for you?
Slim_jim989
07/03/2010, 10:02 PM
I love the tex the 8 bulb is the most bulbs that you can fit into the opening lol, but Ihave had good growth so far. why dont you try to run herbie style or stockman?
roushracer
07/04/2010, 04:26 AM
Go with ATI. Best T5 fixtures out there. You have a nice tank, don't put a mediocre fixture on it. Plus the ATI's brushed metal will match the stand perfectly!
mark54321
07/04/2010, 07:04 AM
Go with ATI. Best T5 fixtures out there. You have a nice tank, don't put a mediocre fixture on it. Plus the ATI's brushed metal will match the stand perfectly!
I was thinking of ATI fixture,I like a lot and it is great ,but I think it may be overkill for mixed reef, and also with baby on the way I have to keep my finances in order.With time I will see how corals react to TEK and if needed I might change it then.
mark54321
07/04/2010, 07:05 AM
I love the tex the 8 bulb is the most bulbs that you can fit into the opening lol, but Ihave had good growth so far. why dont you try to run herbie style or stockman?
I ordered the overflow silencer pipes already, will see how they work
geaux xman
07/04/2010, 07:22 AM
They are still listed on the special order list at my local Petco. Looking good so far.
Do you know for how much? everywhere i've read say it is discontinued? i'll try calling them later.
tiredreefer
07/04/2010, 07:42 AM
$839 for the tank when I looked a week or two ago if I remember correctly they have both the 75 and 120 Tech listed.
geaux xman
07/04/2010, 07:47 AM
Mark, do you have the exact height of the stand?
That would be a nice stand to go with a 48x24x18 rimless tank also. Thanks.
mark54321
07/04/2010, 10:07 AM
Mark, do you have the exact height of the stand?
That would be a nice stand to go with a 48x24x18 rimless tank also. Thanks.
I will measure the stand today and will let you know
Slim_jim989
07/04/2010, 10:15 AM
Well I really don't think that stand would work for the 120 skinny as I call them.
mark54321
07/04/2010, 10:24 AM
I think he means 18 in. tall, 24in. deep for this size it will work
tqpolo
07/04/2010, 02:15 PM
Where did you get the L-shape bracket to mount the DJ switch?
mark54321
07/04/2010, 06:32 PM
Mark, do you have the exact height of the stand?
That would be a nice stand to go with a 48x24x18 rimless tank also. Thanks.
stand is 49 in. tall,I like it a lot no problem fitting equipment in there
mark54321
07/04/2010, 06:35 PM
Where did you get the L-shape bracket to mount the DJ switch?
I got it at Home Depot at hardware section. They are like $2.69 for a set of four.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1057.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1058.jpg
tqpolo
07/04/2010, 07:36 PM
I got it at Home Depot at hardware section. They are like $2.69 for a set of four.
Thanks! I just bought 2 of those Dj switches and trying to figure out how to mount them.
mark54321
07/04/2010, 08:29 PM
I got them on the back of the stand ,wanted to keep it outside for better ventilation and away from moisture inside stand
Greenmaster
07/04/2010, 10:38 PM
Your at about the same stage as me... only your tank is already on your stand... I'll be tagging along and putting my 2 cents in if I have anything to contribute. :D
mark54321
07/05/2010, 04:03 PM
Your at about the same stage as me... only your tank is already on your stand... I'll be tagging along and putting my 2 cents in if I have anything to contribute. :D
Thanks ,I appreciate any input I can get
mark54321
07/06/2010, 12:39 PM
My new return pump just arrived
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1069.jpg
mark54321
07/06/2010, 12:44 PM
Tank passed the leak test , mixing salt in
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1078.jpg
Also 40 Ibs. of wild Bali rock,will go together with about 40 Ibs. base rock and 30Ibs. live rock from my 65g.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1063.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1077.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1076.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1075.jpg
Greenmaster
07/06/2010, 04:00 PM
Nice rocks looks like it is coming along nicely.
mark54321
07/08/2010, 09:44 PM
My new aqua scape. I am going for minimalist look ,open rock structure .What do you guys think?
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1109.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1107.jpg
top view:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1101.jpg
mark54321
07/08/2010, 09:50 PM
I will add about 1 in. of live sand, I was thinking to go bare bottom but like the natural look of sand. Also got my silencer overflow pipes from Premium Aquatics, hope they will make less noise then durso. Jeremy from PA said they are very quiet.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1111.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1112.jpg
Greenmaster
07/08/2010, 09:57 PM
Not bad but I need sand and fish to really see... So hurry up and cycle that thing :D.
zik74
07/09/2010, 02:55 PM
Nice tank, Mark. Keep posting those pictures.
HowieB
07/09/2010, 04:03 PM
I'd like to know how the reactors will be plumbed into the system. Will the Eheim act as a return pump and also supply the reactors, or do you have a separate pump for them?
mark54321
07/09/2010, 04:18 PM
Nice tank, Mark. Keep posting those pictures.
Thanks Ziku,I will post more pictures as more progress is made
mark54321
07/09/2010, 04:23 PM
I'd like to know how the reactors will be plumbed into the system. Will the Eheim act as a return pump and also supply the reactors, or do you have a separate pump for them?
Right now the BRS double reactor will run on its own Maxijet 1200, for Phosban 550 reactor for N/P pellets I am still undecided,I have to make sure there is enough flow trough reactor to keep pellets tumbling.
mark54321
07/12/2010, 07:43 PM
Not much progress so far ,still waiting for my Tek light and BB3000 pump. Did some soft pluming and added sand to tank, will hook up sump over the weekend.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1131.jpg
full tank shot
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1118.jpg
left island
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1127.jpg
right island
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1128.jpg
dancewithethan
07/13/2010, 12:45 AM
Hi Mark
:thumbsup:Nice setup, I also have the same tank as your. I set my up about a year ago. If I have to do it over, I would make a glass overflow box to cover the plastic one that came with the OC 120. After a year, the plastic over box covered with purple algae which is a pain to remove and make your back ground look ugly in the middle of the tank . however, it will not stick to glass or can be scrape off with ease.
as for the light, I run 6x ATI T5 plus 2x 48" Reefbright LED ( for the simmering effect that T5 lacks).
Tek is also a nice alternative or Ice cap T5.
Question, what size is the silencer drain pipe that you got from PA? Thinking about doing the same thing.
Thank you
Greenmaster
07/13/2010, 05:44 AM
Looks way better with some sand and water :)
chimmike
07/13/2010, 06:42 AM
I gotta wonder, those drain lines are looking to be small diameter. Are you sure they're going to flow enough, since it looks like they're not full siphon?
Nice tank setup so far.
Levito
07/13/2010, 07:46 AM
nice setup, I'm tagging along for the ride.
serenity
07/13/2010, 08:02 AM
I will add about 1 in. of live sand, I was thinking to go bare bottom but like the natural look of sand. Also got my silencer overflow pipes from Premium Aquatics, hope they will make less noise then durso. Jeremy from PA said they are very quiet.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1111.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1112.jpg
You are going to love those overflows, I am using them on my 220 and they are simply amazing!!
Great looking setup!
mark54321
07/13/2010, 05:46 PM
Hi Mark
:thumbsup:Nice setup, I also have the same tank as your. I set my up about a year ago. If I have to do it over, I would make a glass overflow box to cover the plastic one that came with the OC 120. After a year, the plastic over box covered with purple algae which is a pain to remove and make your back ground look ugly in the middle of the tank . however, it will not stick to glass or can be scrape off with ease.
as for the light, I run 6x ATI T5 plus 2x 48" Reefbright LED ( for the simmering effect that T5 lacks).
Tek is also a nice alternative or Ice cap T5.
Question, what size is the silencer drain pipe that you got from PA? Thinking about doing the same thing.
Thank you
Thanks, it is a great idea for the overflow cover box ,i like to keep the back clean. As far as the size of drain pipe ,it is a 1in. diameter, 18-30in. adjustable height. Once I get the sump running I will let you know how quiet they are.
mark54321
07/13/2010, 05:47 PM
Looks way better with some sand and water :)
Thank you ,I agree
mark54321
07/13/2010, 05:50 PM
I gotta wonder, those drain lines are looking to be small diameter. Are you sure they're going to flow enough, since it looks like they're not full siphon?
Nice tank setup so far.
they are 3/4 in. I will see if it 's a enough,if not will change to 1in.
mark54321
07/13/2010, 05:50 PM
nice setup, I'm tagging along for the ride.
Thank you
mark54321
07/13/2010, 05:53 PM
You are going to love those overflows, I am using them on my 220 and they are simply amazing!!
Great looking setup!
Thanks ,I feel better already because I want quiet tank ,seems money well spent.
serenity
07/13/2010, 08:08 PM
Thanks ,I feel better already because I want quiet tank ,seems money well spent.
Yes, my wife called me at work and said I think your pump died, I don't hear anything... Panic set in, I said put your hand in the tank and see if you feel anything coming out of the return lines she said I sure do... It was right then I knew every penny spent was worth it, they are that silent!:dance: looking forward to your build.
chimmike
07/13/2010, 08:15 PM
they are 3/4 in. I will see if it 's a enough,if not will change to 1in.
because they're dursos, you'll definitely want to go 1" or 1.5".
Slim_jim989
07/13/2010, 08:18 PM
Those are stockman style overflows lol and if you wanted to bo with 1" pipe it would be majorly easy to make them and I might try those out as im not a big fan of the durso and or the herbi style. But I only have one full siphon and one a backup. Your going to love that eheim its really quiet. Youll here the maxi over them. But looking good so far. Also for your aquascape I would take that big branching rock and stand it up like a tree it would make for some really good coral placement.
mark54321
07/13/2010, 08:35 PM
because they're dursos, you'll definitely want to go 1" or 1.5".
I will change to 1in.,thanks
mark54321
07/13/2010, 08:37 PM
Those are stockman style overflows lol and if you wanted to bo with 1" pipe it would be majorly easy to make them and I might try those out as im not a big fan of the durso and or the herbi style. But I only have one full siphon and one a backup. Your going to love that eheim its really quiet. Youll here the maxi over them. But looking good so far. Also for your aquascape I would take that big branching rock and stand it up like a tree it would make for some really good coral placement.
I tried to stand up this piece ,looked ok to me but I like this set up better,thanks for suggestion
mark54321
07/17/2010, 09:57 PM
Well ,today was the"big move". Moved my 65g. to 120g. Everything seems to be doing fine so far. My SPS lost some color because of this move, also broke some of colonies by accident. For now just put corals randomly, will glue them to final place next weekend.Still waiting for my lights,should get it by next weekend so for now I am using my retro MH and T5 on Icecap ballasts. Tuesday I am getting N/P bio pellets and BB3000 pump ,also dosing pumps from BRS,I will set them up then.
sump area:http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1145.jpg
mark54321
07/17/2010, 09:59 PM
So far happy fish and corals:
FTS:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1168.jpg
left island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1167.jpg
right island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1166.jpg
mark54321
07/17/2010, 10:00 PM
Sorry for dirty glass and overflow,still got a lot work to do.
Greenmaster
07/17/2010, 10:00 PM
Nice tank.
The aquascaping looked okay before but now... wow.
mark54321
07/17/2010, 10:06 PM
Thanks,it is not finished yet, Left island will be kind of bonsai style with tabling acros on top and montis on the bottom,righ island most of SPS will be glued nicely ,also will put more LPS on the bottom.
mark54321
07/25/2010, 01:08 PM
Well tank has been running one week now since the move. Everything survived ,no loses so far except corals lost some of their colors. Tek light finally arrived ,looks very nice with this tank and is bright. I will see how corals respond to it.Also hooked up reactor with N/P pellets two days ago,will monitor and post results.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1172.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1174.jpg
Greenmaster
07/25/2010, 01:10 PM
Looks great.
mark54321
07/25/2010, 01:11 PM
Still working on putting corals in their final place ,that's what I got so far.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1183.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1184.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1185.jpg
Looking good, like the aquascape
chuckstyl5
07/25/2010, 03:05 PM
how many bulbs is your light and which bulbs are you using?? I have a tek elite 6 bulb with (F-B) Blue +, Fiji, Blue +, Blue +, Super Actinic, Blue+
mark54321
07/25/2010, 06:54 PM
Looks great.
Thanks
mark54321
07/25/2010, 06:58 PM
Looking good, like the aquascape
Thank you,can't wait till corals grow out,will look even better
mark54321
07/25/2010, 07:01 PM
how many bulbs is your light and which bulbs are you using?? I have a tek elite 6 bulb with (F-B) Blue +, Fiji, Blue +, Blue +, Super Actinic, Blue+
I have 8 bulbs:
front to back:
Blue +
KZ Fiji Purple
Blue +
GE 6500K
Blue +
Aquablue
Blue +
Blue +
mark54321
07/27/2010, 11:51 AM
Finally glued all corals in their place,now is just a wait till they grow out and color back up.
FTS:http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1207.jpg
left island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1203.jpg
right island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1202.jpg
small alien
07/27/2010, 12:02 PM
love the right island. and it's a beautiful tank and stand. I am not digging the left island. That piece of branch rock just looks very artificially balanced. I'm not a fan of branch rock generally as I think it is distracting. I'd ditch that piece. But if you dig it, cool. Good luck!
mark54321
07/27/2010, 08:17 PM
love the right island. and it's a beautiful tank and stand. I am not digging the left island. That piece of branch rock just looks very artificially balanced. I'm not a fan of branch rock generally as I think it is distracting. I'd ditch that piece. But if you dig it, cool. Good luck!
Thanks,my thinking is with time this branch will be covered with coraline algae and corals will grow out a lot bigger and will hide most of it and look more natural.I will see what will happen with time.
TonyV
07/27/2010, 08:31 PM
Very nice. I'll be following along.
small alien
07/27/2010, 11:04 PM
Thanks,my thinking is with time this branch will be covered with coraline algae and corals will grow out a lot bigger and will hide most of it and look more natural.I will see what will happen with time.
I like your attitude. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from your tank. Best, small
mark54321
07/31/2010, 04:45 PM
tank update: It's been two weeks since the move so far I am happy with things. I have N/P bio pellets in PhosBan 550 reactor for a week now, did not have bacteria bloom as some people reported,water is crystal clear. Took some tests today:
SG-1.025 (refractometer)
PO4-0.00 (Hanna checker)
NO3-0.2 (Salifert)
CA- 450 (Salifert)
ALK- 6 dKH (API), 8.6 dKH (Salifert)
Mg- 1290 (Salifert)
With bio pellets my skimmer is pulling some nasty stuff. This is only two days:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1210.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1211.jpg
mark54321
07/31/2010, 05:01 PM
some side shots, some corals are still brown after move
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1219.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1216.jpg
Falcao
08/16/2010, 02:52 PM
any updates? Does your tank have a eurobrace on it?
mark54321
08/16/2010, 09:00 PM
any updates? Does your tank have a eurobrace on it?
Hi,this tank has a plastic rim I would call this eurobrace on top ,the oceanic tech tanks are made this way . It block some light at the edges but is good for my LPS. I will update every month with progression pictures.So far everything is going good,my SPS are growing again and getting back their colors.I lost nice birdnest colony ,don't know what happened exactly ,it just lost its tissue in 2 days ,all other SPS doing great. I like my Tek T5 light ,it is bright ,no complaint there,also got BRS dosers installed for Alk and Ca.
mark54321
08/21/2010, 12:12 PM
Hi everybody,It's been a month already since I set up this tank, so I will give a little update. So far everything is doing good,my corals are growing again and getting their colors back. Tested water today:
SG - 1,026
Alk - 8dKH ( API) ,9 dKH (Salifert)
Ca - 460
Mg - 1300
NO3 - 0 (Salifert)
PO4 - 0 ( hanna checker)
I have my bio pellets going for a month and I think they are working seeing those results. Also my skimmer producing some nasty ,dark skimmate( still original pump,).
Added more fish,all getting along ,full list of fish:
Royal Gramma - Gramma loreto
Blackcap Basslet - Gramma melacara
Yellowtail Damsel - Chrysiptera parasema
2x Clownfish - Amphiprion ocellaris
Blue Hippo Tang - Paracanthurus hepatus
Purple Tang - Zebrasoma xanthurum
Tomini Tang - Ctenochaetus tominiensis
Randall's Goby - Amblyeleotris randalli
2x Red Saddle Anthias - Pseudanthias flavogutattus
Vanderbuilt Chromis - Chromis vanderbuilti
Tank is fully stocked,no more fish will be added.
mark54321
08/21/2010, 12:16 PM
Now some pictures,excuse poor quality but I am still learning :
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1344.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1355.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1358.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1359.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1360.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1361.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1363.jpg
mark54321
08/21/2010, 12:21 PM
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1365.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1366.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1369.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1370.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1371.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1372.jpg
small alien
08/22/2010, 12:10 PM
Looking great. Your fish look healthy, active and vibrant. Looking forward to seeing it in a few more months as things grow in. Nice work.
small alien
08/22/2010, 12:11 PM
And maybe it's time to change your signature, though I guess our tanks are always "in progress". :)
Mavrk
08/22/2010, 12:43 PM
Well ,today was the"big move". Moved my 65g. to 120g. Everything seems to be doing fine so far. My SPS lost some color because of this move, also broke some of colonies by accident. For now just put corals randomly, will glue them to final place next weekend.Still waiting for my lights,should get it by next weekend so for now I am using my retro MH and T5 on Icecap ballasts. Tuesday I am getting N/P bio pellets and BB3000 pump ,also dosing pumps from BRS,I will set them up then.
sump area:http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1145.jpg
May I ask what you put underneath your sump? Is that some kind of insulation? I am thinking of putting something there to help with the sound of the return pump.
Also, how much total rock are you using? At first it looked like you were going to put in 110 lbs, but that doesn't look like what you ended up with unless those pieces are very dense.
Falcao
08/22/2010, 02:14 PM
great looking pics!!!
mark54321
08/22/2010, 07:08 PM
Looking great. Your fish look healthy, active and vibrant. Looking forward to seeing it in a few more months as things grow in. Nice work.
Thank you for kind words,i myself can't wait till everything grows out
mark54321
08/22/2010, 07:19 PM
May I ask what you put underneath your sump? Is that some kind of insulation? I am thinking of putting something there to help with the sound of the return pump.
Also, how much total rock are you using? At first it looked like you were going to put in 110 lbs, but that doesn't look like what you ended up with unless those pieces are very dense.
Hi,it is a dense foam that I got from HD,they sell it as 2x2 squares that interlock ,you can find it in flooring section. As far as rock I have about 80Ibs. it is very nice,branchy rock ,i wanted to keep open space around tank for flow and fish to swim.
mark54321
08/22/2010, 07:21 PM
great looking pics!!!
Thanks i am still learning to take pictures,I hope to get macro lenses soon to get nice close ups.
mark54321
10/02/2010, 01:58 PM
Time for update, tank is up and running for 11 weeks now,I am happy so far,corals seem to grow and color up nicely.My fish are happy and healthy. I am very happy with my system running on bio pellets,no algae problem, NO3 and PO4 both are zero. Only clean front glass once a week. Some pictures,enjoy:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1616.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1616-Copy.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1620.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1619.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1617.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1618.jpg
383camaro
10/02/2010, 03:14 PM
Nice tank, I like all the open swimming space.
mark54321
10/03/2010, 02:48 PM
Nice tank, I like all the open swimming space.
Thanks, my fish have a lot of space to swim and also flow is a lot better with this layout.
mark54321
10/31/2010, 08:38 AM
Some pictures of my corals:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1672.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1767.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1763.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1759.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1749.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1745.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1733.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1719.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1715.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1698.jpg
mark54321
10/31/2010, 08:41 AM
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1693.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1691.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1683.jpg
and my new frags I got yesterday from fragfest:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1792.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1791.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1778.jpg
mark54321
10/31/2010, 07:17 PM
FTS:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1647.jpg
kkelloww
10/31/2010, 11:00 PM
I like your sump. Where did you get it? Also, does anyone know if these tanks are still available?
mark54321
11/01/2010, 07:47 AM
I got this sump of craigslist for $25,(what a steal) I don't think they make those tanks anymore.
dancewithethan
11/01/2010, 12:40 PM
I like your sump. Where did you get it? Also, does anyone know if these tanks are still available?
Kkelloww, OC don't make the Tech tank anymore. However, I will be setup a new tank sometime next year. I'll be willing to sell you my current 120 OC tech. :D
pgammon
11/05/2010, 05:26 AM
Mark, how do you like the overflow silencers? I've had my tank set up for about a month with the mega flow plumbing and I'm not too thrilled, seems like I have to throttle my eheim way back and they still are a bit noisy. Did you stick with the 1"? Thanks!
Phyllis
mark54321
11/05/2010, 07:04 PM
Mark, how do you like the overflow silencers? I've had my tank set up for about a month with the mega flow plumbing and I'm not too thrilled, seems like I have to throttle my eheim way back and they still are a bit noisy. Did you stick with the 1"? Thanks!
Phyllis
Hi,I like it,they are not completely quiet but much improved from mega flow durso overflow. My Eheim pump is running fully open and there is very little noise from my overflow.I would recommend it to you. And yes they are 1".
mark54321
11/20/2010, 04:43 PM
Yesterday I got my water test results from Aqua-medic lab.Normally I use Salifert Tests but wanted to get more accurate results this time . I am very happy with it,seems that my skimmer and bio pellets are doing great job in keeping my water clean,even with my heavy bio load.
Ammonia (NH3-4) ........................ Good ......................................... 0.000
Nitrite (NO2) ................................ Good ......................................... 0.003
Nitrate (NO3) ............................... Good ............................................. 0.9
Phosphate (PO4) .......................... Good ........................................... 0.04
Silica (SiO2-3) ............................. Good ............................................. 0.4
Potassium (K) ............................... Low ............................................. 306
Calcium (Ca) ................................. Good ............................................. 395
Boron (B) .................................... Good ............................................. 3.9
Molybdenum (Mo) ......................... Good ............................................. 0.1
Strontium (Sr) ............................. High............................................ 12.7
Magnesium (Mg) .......................... High........................................... 1563
Iodine (I¯) ................................... Good ........................................... 0.04
Copper (Cu++) ............................ Good ........................................... 0.03
Alkalinity (meq/L) ......................... Good ........................................... 2.90
Rickyrooz1
11/29/2010, 10:33 PM
Following along
Mrbeachbum2
11/29/2010, 10:47 PM
Love you taste Mark. Future tank of the month in a few years.
mark54321
11/30/2010, 12:01 PM
Love you taste Mark. Future tank of the month in a few years.
Thank you ,that's a big complement, I hope everything will go in the right direction, tank seems to be stabilizing, corals grow very nicely and my fish are fat and happy.I will post more recent pictures over weekend .
gts1218
11/30/2010, 12:50 PM
Very Nice
mark54321
12/12/2010, 09:13 PM
Time for update,tank is almost 6 mos. old. Some pictures of my fish,sorry for photo quality,I am not the best photographer.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2270.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2287.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2289.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2305.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2306.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2183.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2194.jpg
mark54321
12/12/2010, 09:16 PM
and some shots of corals:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2266.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2338.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2343.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2357.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2359.jpg
mark54321
12/12/2010, 09:25 PM
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2238.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2212.jpg
Reefahholic
12/12/2010, 09:55 PM
Nice tank mark, how much was your return pump? Where did you get the LR, it looks healthy.
The Punisher
12/12/2010, 10:10 PM
How are you liking the 8 bulb Tek? Do you think 6 bulbs would be good enough? I'm considering the 8 bulb but am wondering if the bulbs on the ends are really necessary.
Great looking tank by the way.
JTR0510
12/12/2010, 10:12 PM
nice pics on the fish and corals
mark54321
12/16/2010, 06:33 PM
Nice tank mark, how much was your return pump? Where did you get the LR, it looks healthy.
Thank you, I got my pump from Premium Aquatics for whatever they have it priced ,I think it was around $150.I got my LR from my LFS.
mark54321
12/16/2010, 06:36 PM
How are you liking the 8 bulb Tek? Do you think 6 bulbs would be good enough? I'm considering the 8 bulb but am wondering if the bulbs on the ends are really necessary.
Great looking tank by the way.
I like my TEK and I am glad I got 8 bulbs, my tank is 24" deep so the coverage is just right.I think you can get away with 6 bulbs if you set up your rocks in the middle as an island,but I would still go with 8 bulbs.
mark54321
12/16/2010, 06:37 PM
nice pics on the fish and corals
Thanks,I am still learning taking pictures.
reeftanknewbie
12/23/2010, 05:27 AM
Mark,
Your tank looks great and it appears you have taken your time and picked out equipment that works best for you. I have noticed a difference in size in most of your corals from the various pictures you have posted and am wondering if you are feeding them to promote growth.
mark54321
12/23/2010, 11:25 AM
Mark,
Your tank looks great and it appears you have taken your time and picked out equipment that works best for you. I have noticed a difference in size in most of your corals from the various pictures you have posted and am wondering if you are feeding them to promote growth.
I am happy with the growth of my corals,so far I do not feed anything except maintaining optimal quality of water,I change my bulbs every 6 months to maintain PAR. As you noticed I have a lot of fish in my tank and corals get a lot to eat from fish "poop".I also run bio pellets in TLF reactor,it works wonder for my tank as my nitrate and phosphate are undetectable. I am sure that corals get excess of bacteria produced by reactor.Once a week I dose 3 drops of Lugol's solution.
reeftanknewbie
12/23/2010, 12:29 PM
Sounds like you have it down to a science for your tank. I have never tried bio pellets to control nitrates and phosphates but have good success with a refugium and gfo reactor. How often and at what volume do you do your water changes at?
mark54321
12/23/2010, 12:45 PM
To be honest I do about 10gal.WC about once a month,I know I should do it more often but so far it is working for me so I won't change anything.Like they say "don't fix it if ain't broke"
clowndude
01/01/2011, 03:00 PM
Awesome looking tank. When you start to have to trim some sps, just ship them my way. LOL
mark54321
01/01/2011, 03:08 PM
Awesome looking tank. When you start to have to trim some sps, just ship them my way. LOL
Thanks,good luck with bio pellets
mark54321
01/02/2011, 03:12 PM
Well I got sometime today before football game I figure I post some pictures of my tank maturing.
night with moonlights:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2649-1.jpg
FTS:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2677.jpg
left island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2668.jpg
right island:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2675.jpg
side:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2654.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2664.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2666.jpg
The Punisher
01/02/2011, 05:55 PM
Looks great! Looks like you have some good growth, great job.
Baldwin
01/02/2011, 06:43 PM
So you use biopellets and a skimmer? I wonder what would happen if you use biopellets and no skimmer? What brand of pellets are you using?
markster33139
01/02/2011, 07:52 PM
I didn't see this mentioned before, but how did you add moonlights to your tank?
mark54321
01/02/2011, 09:22 PM
Looks great! Looks like you have some good growth, great job.
Thank you
mark54321
01/02/2011, 09:26 PM
So you use biopellets and a skimmer? I wonder what would happen if you use biopellets and no skimmer? What brand of pellets are you using?
The idea is for pellets to be food source for bacteria that consume nitrate and phosphate,and later needs to be removed via skimmer .Skimmer IMO is necessary in bacteria driven systems. I use 750ml. of pellets,half original NP Bio Pellets and other half WM Eco-Back pellets.
mark54321
01/02/2011, 09:30 PM
I didn't see this mentioned before, but how did you add moonlights to your tank?
I got those:http://www.aquacave.com/r2-solutions-dual-extreme-br-moonlight-4-38-led-tube-2607.html
they come with screws and double sided tape.I used the tape to stick it to my Tek fixture. Here is a picture,works great and like those a lot
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2747.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2748.jpg
mark54321
01/16/2011, 12:50 PM
Here is a short video of my tank,excuse poor quality made it with cheap camera and did not know how to adjust colors:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pgCMQPXLNU
clowndude
01/17/2011, 12:31 AM
Awesome video of the tank. Wish it was my tank. :-)
How about them Bears?
salali
01/17/2011, 03:14 AM
This is an amazing tank. What kind of light bulbs are you using?
bagz727
01/17/2011, 05:22 AM
hi, did you use your tlf 550 for your pellets? if so, sis you make any modifications? ty
mark54321
01/17/2011, 08:06 AM
Awesome video of the tank. Wish it was my tank. :-)
How about them Bears?
Thanks,Go Bears now time to beat Packers
mark54321
01/17/2011, 08:08 AM
This is an amazing tank. What kind of light bulbs are you using?
Thank you,I use mostly ATI bulbs,front to back:
ATI blue+
ATI purple
ATI blue +
ATI aquablue
ATI blue+
GE 6500
ATI blue+
ATI blue+
mark54321
01/17/2011, 08:21 AM
hi, did you use your tlf 550 for your pellets? if so, sis you make any modifications? ty
Hi,I use TLF 550,only mod I did is to get rid of original sponges and replaced them with a sewing circular templates.Hopfully you know what I am talking about,if not I will try to post a pictures whan I get home.You can get them in any fabrics store.They work great and don't clog like sponge.
FRANKENSTIEN
01/20/2011, 10:37 AM
Very nice thread mark looks great and very nice growth. What are you feeding the fish since your not feeding the coral and could you give us an update picture of your sump thanks
mark54321
01/20/2011, 03:15 PM
Very nice thread mark looks great and very nice growth. What are you feeding the fish since your not feeding the coral and could you give us an update picture of your sump thanks
Thank you.I feed my fish different foods different days. I use frozen food,live blackworms ( my fish love them),live brine shrimp,PE mysis shrimp,sheets of nori for my tangs.I feed in the morning and the evening.Some times I feed third time in between,mostly on weekends when I am home.My fish are well fed and poop a lot ,so in turn corals get their share.My sump is very simple,I have Vertex IN-180 skimmer,TLF 550 reactor with bio pellets,bag of carbon and couple of pieces of LR.I don't use filter socks.No refugium. I will post pictures of sump this weekend.
FRANKENSTIEN
01/20/2011, 04:44 PM
Ok perfect and what do you put in the brs reactors
mark54321
01/20/2011, 09:18 PM
I took the BRS reactor out after a month .I did used for GFO and carbon.I don't use any GFO right now.
mark54321
01/22/2011, 11:16 AM
Here is picture of my sump,very simple:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2857.jpg
my skimmer after a week of work,some nasty stuff:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2861.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2866.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_2869.jpg
zmckenzie
01/22/2011, 02:18 PM
that is some nice looking nog
FRANKENSTIEN
01/22/2011, 02:42 PM
Ok cool thanks for the pic that looks really nice and simple
mark54321
02/12/2011, 12:57 PM
progression of my tank:
7/11/2010:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1123.jpg
7/17/2010:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1168-1.jpg
9/26/2010:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1590.jpg
11/25/2010:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1920-1.jpg
2/12/2011:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3121.jpg
Michael B
02/12/2011, 01:11 PM
Stunning tank & loved the progression shots
mark54321
02/12/2011, 01:29 PM
And some random pictures of my SPS:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3110-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3108-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3104-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3099-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3098-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3093-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3091-1.jpg
mark54321
02/12/2011, 01:31 PM
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3078-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3072-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3069-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3068-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3060.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3058-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3056-1.jpg
mark54321
02/12/2011, 01:33 PM
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3054-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3051-1.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3047-1.jpg
and one more FTS:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3144.jpg
Falcao
02/12/2011, 03:29 PM
hey Mark, are you happy with the tek light?
mark54321
02/12/2011, 05:33 PM
Stunning tank & loved the progression shots
thank you
mark54321
02/12/2011, 05:35 PM
hey Mark, are you happy with the tek light?
Yes ,I am happy with Tek,as you can see corals grow very nice. I use ATI bulbs and change them every 6 months.
mark54321
03/12/2011, 07:06 PM
Tank is doing good,no major problems,I got some random fish pictures.Enjoy.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3216.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3209.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3203.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3195.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3189.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3184.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3183.jpghttp://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3225.jpg
mark54321
03/12/2011, 07:08 PM
And some of my LPS
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3161.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3157.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3156.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3153.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3160.jpg
tqpolo
03/13/2011, 01:20 AM
Does your skimmer start pulling out that dark stuffs after the biopellets?
mark54321
03/13/2011, 08:04 AM
my skimmer was working good before but after I put bio pellets it really pulls some nasty stuff
phillyfishguy
03/31/2011, 03:25 PM
Hey Mark
Really nice tank! I am in the process now of building my 120 and really like how your tank looks so far. Keep up the good work for sure .
clowndude
03/31/2011, 07:39 PM
Tank is looking really good Mark. Keep up the great work. How is the iodide dosing coming?
Mrbeachbum2
04/01/2011, 05:00 AM
What type of lights are hanging on the underneath side of your fixture? It's looking wonderful!
qgoblue
04/01/2011, 05:33 AM
Very nice looking tank.
mark54321
04/01/2011, 08:06 AM
Hey Mark
Really nice tank! I am in the process now of building my 120 and really like how your tank looks so far. Keep up the good work for sure .
Thank you,good luck with your new build,post a link to it,I always like to see how different tanks look like
mark54321
04/01/2011, 08:10 AM
Tank is looking really good Mark. Keep up the great work. How is the iodide dosing coming?
Thanks Nick,I noticed since I started dosing that one of my corals that lost some tissue starting to regrow it again.I also think I see difference in SPS colors,getting deeper and more vibrant.
mark54321
04/01/2011, 08:12 AM
What type of lights are hanging on the underneath side of your fixture? It's looking wonderful!
Hallo,on page 5 of this thread you will see a link to those lights,I use them for moonlights.
mark54321
04/01/2011, 08:20 AM
Very nice looking tank.
Thank you
mark54321
04/01/2011, 04:42 PM
I was bored today so I shot short video of my tank from top down view.Ignore the background noise.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nC8RL2nnsdk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Koddie Doo
04/01/2011, 04:53 PM
Just subscribed to this thread... keep it up. the 120 tech is my favorite tank!
InvaderJim
04/01/2011, 06:20 PM
The growth your getting is incredible. Sorry if I missed it but, are you dosing anything? I guess it's true that sometimes simpler is better.
mark54321
04/01/2011, 06:40 PM
The growth your getting is incredible. Sorry if I missed it but, are you dosing anything? I guess it's true that sometimes simpler is better.
Thanks,I only dose two part from BRS,about 3wks.ago started lugol's solution, strontium and coral amino from Brightwell.
clowndude
04/01/2011, 09:53 PM
Nice video Mark, forgot to ask u for how long your ato pump runs each time? I wanna get mine setup this weekend because u almost ran my tank out of water with me being so busy lately.
mark54321
04/02/2011, 08:20 AM
I have mine set up about 5 min.each time it turns on.It will depend on humidity of your house,you have to experiment a little.What I did I let my water evaporate for 24 hrs.,then turn my pump on and timed how long it took to fill it back up to previous point.Then I just divided this time by 6 (that's how many times my pump turns on in 24 hr.,if you want yours to be on more often or less divide it by that number)and I got the time it should be on for each cycle.Hope I explained this clear for you.
mark54321
04/02/2011, 09:03 AM
Just uploaded it today,enjoy and watch it in HD.
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ujd628FD1oA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
clowndude
04/02/2011, 09:26 AM
Thanks Mark, that was a great explanation. I will do that tonight. Mark a water line and let it go for 24hrs. I'm gonna put kalkwasser in it so I'll just divide the numer of minutes it takes by more. Thanks again.
mark54321
04/02/2011, 10:13 AM
you got it,great
mark54321
04/17/2011, 01:35 PM
Yesterday I got some new things for my tank:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3593.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3596.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3595-1.jpg
and some food for my Harlequin Shrimp:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3571.jpg
mark54321
04/17/2011, 01:36 PM
Some updated shots of my tank:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3568.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3558.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3559.jpg
boxer385
04/17/2011, 05:18 PM
Mark tank is looking good excellent growth i think i'm going to dose the additives you're using.
mark54321
05/01/2011, 07:47 AM
Yesterday I got a beautiful Multibar Angel for my reef.Here is couple of pictures acclimating,hope it will do good in my tank.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3827.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3839.jpg
clowndude
05/01/2011, 09:43 AM
Yesterday I got a beautiful Multibar Angel for my reef.Here is couple of pictures acclimating,hope it will do good in my tank.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3827.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3839.jpg
Beautiful Angel Mark. Cant wait to see him swimming around in his new home. I went and did some fish shopping yesterday also and picked up a few things myself. :-)
boxer385
05/01/2011, 03:38 PM
Mark that's a beautiful specimen!!!
clowndude
05/02/2011, 12:01 AM
Yesterday I got some new things for my tank:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3593.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3596.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3595-1.jpg
and some food for my Harlequin Shrimp:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3571.jpg
How often do u have to feed the harlequin shrimp? Ive been wanting a pair of them, but have been worried about their food.
Michael B
05/02/2011, 01:22 AM
Inspirational tank - thanks for showing in such great detail
Yesterday I got a beautiful Multibar Angel for my reef.Here is couple of pictures acclimating,hope it will do good in my tank.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3827.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3839.jpg
nice setup, though I am just as curious as I thought angels were sps nippers???:hmm4:
RVANANO
05/02/2011, 07:46 AM
Wow!! Great looking tank. Nice attention to detail on the build too.
mark54321
05/02/2011, 09:42 AM
Mark that's a beautiful specimen!!!
Thank you
mark54321
05/02/2011, 09:44 AM
How often do u have to feed the harlequin shrimp? Ive been wanting a pair of them, but have been worried about their food.
I feed him about once a month,he gets medium size chocolete chip star and it takes him 2-3 wks. to eat it.CC stars are cheap,I get them for $6.
mark54321
05/02/2011, 09:46 AM
Inspirational tank - thanks for showing in such great detail
Thank you for kind words
Wow!! Great looking tank. Nice attention to detail on the build too.
Thanks
mark54321
05/02/2011, 09:49 AM
nice setup, though I am just as curious as I thought angels were sps nippers???:hmm4:
Yes ,there is always risk with angels nipping at corals,but I've seen many thrive in reef tanks.I always wanted this angel so I am willing to try and see what happens.I believe in healthy,decent size reef damadge to corals should be minimum.
mark54321
05/07/2011, 12:03 PM
Christmas in May? Some goodies just arrived:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3875.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3876.jpg
My long awaited Vortech pumps!!!
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3879.jpg
Finally I can clean up the look of my reef and get rid of my Koralias
clowndude
05/07/2011, 12:20 PM
Very nice Mark. Can't wait to see new pictures.
mark54321
05/07/2011, 07:35 PM
I went to my LFS today and got beautiful,nice size frag of Pink Lemonade.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3897.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3900.jpg
and new improved look with Vortech pumps:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3917.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3888.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_3917.jpg
clowndude
05/07/2011, 08:07 PM
Very nice looking Mark. Did you add a new piece of rock in the upper right hand corner of the tank? It's kind of hard to see in the pictures. Do you have a picture of the right hand side of the tank?
mark54321
05/07/2011, 08:15 PM
Yes I did,it is mounted on back wall on magnets.I just wanted little more real estate for more corals.You got a sharp eye.
clowndude
05/07/2011, 08:31 PM
Sweet. Do you have any pictures of it by chance. Would love to see it. I also not another acro to the left of it? That a new frag also?
:bounce3::bounce2::bounce1: nice setup!!!
boxer385
05/07/2011, 11:04 PM
nice frag Mark. Tank is awesome
pmrossetti
05/08/2011, 12:19 AM
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
There is genius in simplicity and you have it.
thanks for the thread Mark.
mark54321
05/08/2011, 09:29 AM
Sweet. Do you have any pictures of it by chance. Would love to see it. I also not another acro to the left of it? That a new frag also?
I don't have picture yet but I am posting a new video,so you can see more.That new acro is a piece that I moved from left bottom to new higher spot.
:bounce3::bounce2::bounce1: nice setup!!!
Thank you
nice frag Mark. Tank is awesome
Thank you Greg,I am sure your tank looks awesome too
Absolutely Beautiful!!!
There is genius in simplicity and you have it.
thanks for the thread Mark.
Thank you for kind words,I wanted to set up a simple yet beautiful tank and hearing comments from you guys I succeeded.
This tank looks awesome especially that pink lemonade. Amazing.
Yeah,I love this new frag,only got it by accident,because they broke off this big piece fragging their colony.
mark54321
05/08/2011, 09:48 AM
And here is my nevw video:
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/-fmEt1SqzrQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
henrystyle
05/09/2011, 03:36 PM
Good job.. What would you credit your fast growth to?
mark54321
05/10/2011, 01:54 PM
thanks,I would guess that keeping parameters stable,changing bulbs every 6 months,feeding my fish and corals often and good amount of flow keep them growing very well.
dvanacker
05/11/2011, 08:48 AM
That is a nice frag but it looks like a strawberry shortcake....
Definitely not a Tyree Pink Lemonade.
mark54321
05/11/2011, 07:56 PM
well then I got strawberry shortcake,for $40 this size frag, I guess I got a good deal...
dvanacker
05/11/2011, 07:58 PM
$40 for that frag......I'd take it ;)
allsps40
05/11/2011, 08:14 PM
Well ,today was the"big move". Moved my 65g. to 120g. Everything seems to be doing fine so far. My SPS lost some color because of this move, also broke some of colonies by accident. For now just put corals randomly, will glue them to final place next weekend.Still waiting for my lights,should get it by next weekend so for now I am using my retro MH and T5 on Icecap ballasts. Tuesday I am getting N/P bio pellets and BB3000 pump ,also dosing pumps from BRS,I will set them up then.
sump area:http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_1145.jpg
FYI there is a problem with your plumbing. The T off the return pump is set up wrong. The way you have it there will be much more flow to the right return outlet, the left is going to be starved. Water wants to travel in the path of least resistance, in this case straight up. If you flip the T it eill work much better and the flow between the 2 return outlets will be even.
Great looking tank. Very good growth.
mark54321
05/11/2011, 08:22 PM
FYI there is a problem with your plumbing. The T off the return pump is set up wrong. The way you have it there will be much more flow to the right return outlet, the left is going to be starved. Water wants to travel in the path of least resistance, in this case straight up. If you flip the T it eill work much better and the flow between the 2 return outlets will be even.
thanks,I noticed this next day after set up,its been fixed since then,I switched to a Y splitter.
allsps40
05/11/2011, 08:24 PM
Ok cool most people see it pretty quick. Great looking tank. Your corals are growing fast and have great color.
SawdustInTank
05/11/2011, 08:55 PM
Nice tank. Interesting idea to glue the frags to acrylic rods. Makes it easy to stick in the holes of your live rock! How has it worked for you? Please elaborate. Thanks.
clowndude
05/11/2011, 08:56 PM
Mark what kind of test kit are u using for your phosphates?
mark54321
05/12/2011, 08:28 PM
Nice tank. Interesting idea to glue the frags to acrylic rods. Makes it easy to stick in the holes of your live rock! How has it worked for you? Please elaborate. Thanks.
Thanks,I found this idea of gluing frags to acrylic rods in reef hobbyist magazine.I like how easy is to stick it in LR and corals grow at the base more natural looking then overgrowing a "fat" ceramic plugs. Also I can fit more frags in my limited space (right now I don't have separate frag tank).It is easy to keep algae of acrylic rods.It takes a little practice to glue frag to a stick, basically put a dab of glue on acrylic rod,wait couple of minutes till it starts to harden,then put some glue on the base of frag and stick it together for about 30 sec.,that is it.
mark54321
05/12/2011, 08:32 PM
Mark what kind of test kit are u using for your phosphates?
I use Hanna Phosphate Checker http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=productsearch&cd=8&ved=0CHwQgwgwBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulkreefsupply.com%2Fstore%2Fhanna-checker-phosphate-po4-colorimeter.html&ei=xpfMTb71Labr0gGZqPy_BA&usg=AFQjCNGJvO2lJSOnHrTYxZE2oCYsuzpvZg
mark54321
05/12/2011, 08:33 PM
great setup!
thank you
clowndude
05/13/2011, 12:52 AM
I use Hanna Phosphate Checker http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=productsearch&cd=8&ved=0CHwQgwgwBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bulkreefsupply.com%2Fstore%2Fhanna-checker-phosphate-po4-colorimeter.html&ei=xpfMTb71Labr0gGZqPy_BA&usg=AFQjCNGJvO2lJSOnHrTYxZE2oCYsuzpvZg
Awesome, that was the exact one I was thinking about getting.
Timmy77
05/19/2011, 07:55 PM
WOW what a beauty! I hope my 120 tech looks half this good someday.
mark54321
05/20/2011, 08:23 PM
WOW what a beauty! I hope my 120 tech looks half this good someday.
Thanks,I am sure with a little time and effort you can have beautiful tank full of SPS.
mark54321
05/28/2011, 08:09 PM
Did some cleaning today,took out my camera and shoot some new pictures.Enjoy.
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_4088.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_4201.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_4190.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_4172.jpg
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/IMG_4145.jpg
The Punisher
05/28/2011, 10:57 PM
Looking great!
thereeftank
05/29/2011, 06:01 AM
That's one amazing looking tank! Keep the pictures coming.
mark54321
06/11/2011, 04:53 PM
New video of my tank:
<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dPYBnffY1yQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
reeftanknewbie
06/12/2011, 06:31 AM
Mark,
That's an incredible tank. Did you start with colonies or frags for your corals? I was wondering how that cooling fan was working out for you. Would you say they are quiet? I have a friend who is giving me one so when I am ready to get a controller I was going to set it up.
mark54321
06/12/2011, 09:33 AM
Mark,
That's an incredible tank. Did you start with colonies or frags for your corals? I was wondering how that cooling fan was working out for you. Would you say they are quiet? I have a friend who is giving me one so when I am ready to get a controller I was going to set it up.
Thank you,all of my corals were grown from frags.I did transfer few bigger pieces from previous 65 gal.,but again all were frags.If you go to beginning of this thread You will see how this tank changed over a year.I like this cooling fan,it works great and is quiet.It cools my tank about 3 degrees,it is set up so it turns on when my main lights go on.
dancewithethan
06/12/2011, 04:03 PM
Mark
what an amazing growth in a year. Are you dosing two parts or Cal Reactor?
Thanks for sharing.
mark54321
06/12/2011, 05:59 PM
Mark
what an amazing growth in a year. Are you dosing two parts or Cal Reactor?
Thanks for sharing.
I dose 2 part from BRS using BRS dosers hooked up to my RKL.
henrystyle
06/17/2011, 01:40 PM
Do those tek light fixtures over drive the t5 bulbs? Those things are extra bright.
Also what mode do you keep your vortechs on?
mark54321
06/17/2011, 06:05 PM
Do those tek light fixtures over drive the t5 bulbs? Those things are extra bright.
Also what mode do you keep your vortechs on?
No I don't think they are overdriven,regular Tek ballasts,I guess ATI bulbs are this good.I keep my Vortechs on 100% reef crest and turn them down to 50% at night.
DreamReef
06/18/2011, 03:27 PM
Can you share your bulb combination? Sorry if i missed it earlier in the thread. Ordering an ATI fixture soon. Thanks, and great looking tank!
mark54321
06/18/2011, 03:32 PM
Sure,here it is:
front to back:
ATI blue+
ATI purple
ATI blue +
ATI aquablue
ATI blue+
GE 6500
ATI blue+
ATI blue+
clowndude
06/18/2011, 05:43 PM
Looking really good Mark. I love the latest pictures man. What is the teal looking one on the back left? Would love to get a small colony of that. :-)
Fish4Me2
06/18/2011, 06:21 PM
Wow, your tank looks great. Seems like it's time for an upgrade!
clowndude
06/18/2011, 06:33 PM
^^^ I agree. Time for a 6 foot tank :-)
mark54321
06/18/2011, 07:16 PM
Yeah,I wish,right now wife don't want to hear about bigger tank.The teal coral back left it is a teal stag, I'll bring you a frag when we meet in few months Nick, no problem, this thing grows like weed.
clowndude
06/18/2011, 07:26 PM
Yea my wife is the same way. Thanks for the ID Mark. It sure is nice looking. Do you have a garf bonsai or any torts? If not I'll save you a couple.
mark54321
06/18/2011, 07:30 PM
I do have Cal Tort, but save me garf bonsai.
clowndude
06/18/2011, 07:34 PM
Will do, it will be a small piece because it grows so slowwwww. Maybe by then it will double in size though. Will for sure save you a piece though.
lilopop11
06/19/2011, 09:16 AM
Nice Tank, and great growth ... Why your SPS color look different in the picture and video ?Where's more accurate ?
clowndude
06/19/2011, 09:47 AM
^^^ I noticed that also and wondered which is closer to the real color. Hopefully the pictures as the video makes the color look a bit washed out.
mark54321
06/19/2011, 10:05 AM
Yes,for some reason I can't get the white balance right on my camcorder,pictures show the accurate colors.
clowndude
06/19/2011, 10:10 AM
I figured the pictures to be way more accurate. My wife wants to know what the bright green one is in the center of the tank? She likes that one.
mark54321
06/19/2011, 10:19 AM
It is called green slimer,very fast growing and undemanding.By the way Happy Father's Day to all fathers out there.
clowndude
06/19/2011, 10:21 AM
Thanks Mark. Happy Fathers Day.
mooners559
06/20/2011, 05:55 PM
Wow nice tank
shelby_cos
07/07/2011, 08:32 AM
Love the tank Mark:spin2:
Looks like the biopellets are working well for you. Im about to switch from zeo stones to the biopellets. Any tips or info you can share as to your success with them? Do they keep p04 and n03 undetectable?
I have been happy with the stones ability to keep p04 and n03 at 0, but Im getting tired of the having to pump them every day and having to change them every 2 months.
Would appreciate your experience with these.:spin1:
aandfsoccr04
07/07/2011, 08:49 AM
wow your tank is absolutely incredible! Great job with all the planning and patience. It certainly has paid off :inlove:
mark54321
07/07/2011, 11:16 AM
Love the tank Mark:spin2:
Looks like the biopellets are working well for you. Im about to switch from zeo stones to the biopellets. Any tips or info you can share as to your success with them? Do they keep p04 and n03 undetectable?
I have been happy with the stones ability to keep p04 and n03 at 0, but Im getting tired of the having to pump them every day and having to change them every 2 months.
Would appreciate your experience with these.:spin1:
Thank you ,yes the biopellets are definitively working for me.My suggestion is to start slow,because they can strip water of nutrients very fast.I use original NP pellets mixed with WM EcoBack pellets in TLF 550 reactor with very little tumble.I use MJ 1200 to power the reactor.Started with 250 ml.,after 2 weeks added another 250 ml,and finally month later another 250 ml. for total of 750 ml.My PO4 and NO3 are undetectable.After about a month I noticed my corals to fade in color,so I started to feed my fish more (2-3 times daily) and I am adding amino-acids and Lugol's solution. Within couple of weeks colors come back even more vibrant than before.Some people reporting negatives with pellets,but so far they working for me.My tank is turning one year this week and color and growth are phenomenal. Also make sure you have adequate size skimmer to export the bacteria,I have outlet from reactor in front of skimmer pump.I do use small amount of carbon to keep water crystal clean,but no GFO.Good luck,hope it helped.
mark54321
07/07/2011, 11:19 AM
wow your tank is absolutely incredible! Great job with all the planning and patience. It certainly has paid off :inlove:
Thank you for kind words,it is definitely a source of pride now ,seeing how it evolved over this year.I will be posting more pictures this weekend,marking a "milestone" one year.
kmacartney
07/07/2011, 11:19 AM
Great set-up! Could you give a more detailed tour of your sump configuration?
best,
Keith
mark54321
07/07/2011, 11:38 AM
Great set-up! Could you give a more detailed tour of your sump configuration?
best,
Keith
Thanks,my sump is very simple.In first compartment I have skimmer,bio pellets reactor and carbon reactor.I don't use filter socks,because with bacteria driven systems they get clogged up very fast.Second compartment contains a few pieces of LR for more filtration capacity, and in third compartment I have return pump.
shelby_cos
07/07/2011, 06:13 PM
Thank you ,yes the biopellets are definitively working for me.My suggestion is to start slow,because they can strip water of nutrients very fast.I use original NP pellets mixed with WM EcoBack pellets in TLF 550 reactor with very little tumble.I use MJ 1200 to power the reactor.Started with 250 ml.,after 2 weeks added another 250 ml,and finally month later another 250 ml. for total of 750 ml.My PO4 and NO3 are undetectable.After about a month I noticed my corals to fade in color,so I started to feed my fish more (2-3 times daily) and I am adding amino-acids and Lugol's solution. Within couple of weeks colors come back even more vibrant than before.Some people reporting negatives with pellets,but so far they working for me.My tank is turning one year this week and color and growth are phenomenal. Also make sure you have adequate size skimmer to export the bacteria,I have outlet from reactor in front of skimmer pump.I do use small amount of carbon to keep water crystal clean,but no GFO.Good luck,hope it helped.
Thanks for the info Mark, Im thinking to start with little less than a cup along with some of my zeo stones to get the bacteria going quicker on the BP's.
With the zeo im already at ulns, and like you i have corals pale out because of lack of nutrients and am still trying to color them up.:confused:
Another question: How are you finding the monthly WCs? I have been trying 3 weeks between WCs and so decided to do monthly like you, because with ulns nutrients are not a problem and being on zeo I add enough blue bottles that there is plenty of good nutrients for corals, but curious to here your experience with this.:spin2:
mark54321
07/07/2011, 07:57 PM
I keep my WC at 10 gal.once a month,I think it is enough,my corals and fish looks happy.Here is my most recent picture:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/aquariumFTS.jpg
clowndude
07/07/2011, 08:04 PM
Wow Mark, I can't believe that is a years growth right there.
mark54321
07/07/2011, 08:13 PM
Yeah,sometimes I am surprised how well my corals are doing.I made one little change with my bulbs and I like this combo a lot better.
Front to back:
ATI Blue Plus
KZ Fiji Purple
KZ New Generation
ATI Blue Plus
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
KZ New Generation
ATI Blue Plus
I really like those New Generations bulbs.
clowndude
07/07/2011, 08:18 PM
What K rating would u say the new generation bulbs are like?
mark54321
07/07/2011, 08:52 PM
I would say somewhere around 12K-14K
nitroreef
07/07/2011, 09:51 PM
are you using any Uv lights ?
clowndude
07/07/2011, 10:01 PM
What combo do you run when you only have two bulbs on? I run blueplus and purpleplus and really love the look.
shelby_cos
07/07/2011, 10:20 PM
I keep my WC at 10 gal.once a month,I think it is enough,my corals and fish looks happy.Here is my most recent picture:
http://i835.photobucket.com/albums/zz277/markmikina/aquariumFTS.jpg
Thanks for the info, and I must say the tank is looking fantastic:bounce3::bounce2::bounce1::eek1:
I just was looking close at your FTS and was wondering if the tank is bare bottom or not, if so do you recommend over having a substrate?
mark54321
07/07/2011, 10:22 PM
For sunrise and sunset my fixture has 4 bulbs on,not two.I run blue plus,fiji purple,new generation and blue plus.The last picture is under those four bulbs.
mark54321
07/07/2011, 10:24 PM
are you using any Uv lights ?
No,I am not.
mark54321
07/07/2011, 10:30 PM
Thanks for the info, and I must say the tank is looking fantastic:bounce3::bounce2::bounce1::eek1:
I just was looking close at your FTS and was wondering if the tank is bare bottom or not, if so do you recommend over having a substrate?
Good eye,I have shallow sand bed,but when cleaning it, I removed some of it up front.Never got to replace it.I like the look of sand better then bare bottom,but now with corals grown it is hard to get there with siphon and clean it.I am thinking of redoing my tank a little,and most likely it will be BB for ease of cleaning,but I will add sand to my sump.I believe it helps to keep parameters more stable.
clowndude
07/07/2011, 10:49 PM
Mark, does your tek light fixture have active cooling fans?
mark54321
07/08/2011, 06:41 AM
No,it does not,that is why I change my bulbs every six months.
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