90 Gallon Build by Pedro in El Paso

[pnavarro170]

i wont bore you with the dumb part of the set up. but here is the latest.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/n.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/p.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/006.jpg

[pnavarro170]

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/003.jpg

[pnavarro170]

SKIMMER IS HERE OCTOPUS LX2000, THIS THING IS SICK, HUGE, ECT ECT....
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x003.jpg

NEXT TO A REGULAR REMORA
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x004.jpg

GOOD THING I LEFT ROOM IN THE BACK
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x007.jpg

COLLECTION CUP SIZE DIFFERENCE, HAHA
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x011.jpg

GREAT PIC
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x015.jpg

[jmait769]

i wont bore you with the dumb part of the set up. but here is the latest. That is the best part for me!! :) Looks great! :thumbsup: I think that skimmer will work!! :lol:

Jay

[puffin04]

I would have to say that is a man's skimmer!!! Looking great!!!!

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

YOU CALL THAT A SKIMMER ???!!!! haha, this is a skimmer. thanks Steffen, thanks Jay, i put the first part of the build in the sps section. now we wait for the light, the flow, the uv, and the refugium.

[ryan_paskadi]

That skimmer is boss! I love the bright orange, its a bold move by the skimmer manufacturer.

[psuedopimp]

looks awesome. i know you have heard it in the other thread from others, but im not a big hang on type of guy. that is why they invented sumps.

but with such a pretty chevy orange, might as well show it off!

[pnavarro170]

i know i know, if it works, then why not, just not a sump guy yet. and its a bit more red than orange. anyways, HOBs have apperently come along way. haha. next on will have a sump guys, cuz it will be a 180 at least.

[ynnhoj86]

just a heads up, but make sure you check on the skimmer cup or add a rubberband like the remora cups, bc Ive seen the cup slip down and water just spills out of the skimmer onto the floor especially at night when you least expect it.

[pnavarro170]

just a heads up, but make sure you check on the skimmer cup or add a rubberband like the remora cups, bc Ive seen the cup slip down and water just spills out of the skimmer onto the floor especially at night when you least expect it.

yeah thanks, its got 2 screws to hold it up, but i see what your saying, i have it all the way up right now, if i lower it it fills up right away.

[psuedopimp]

oh well if it ain't chevy orange it isn't that cool then. i had a HOB skimmer and i hated that thing. that is why i am a sump guy.

it does look like they have come a long way.

[pnavarro170]

yeah my only other experience with skimmers are the regular remora, and remora pro. and i thought they worked well but that was like 4 years ago. Ill keep you guys updated once this bad boy breaks in.

[pnavarro170]

here is the latest, wont change till hopefully early next week when the rest of the equipment arrives.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/X006.jpg

[amore169]

Very nice!! I really like that skimmer.

[nmnative]

You are trying the school of chromis? Let us know how they do. I have never had any luck keeping a school of them.

[pnavarro170]

thanks guys, yeah Dennis has a few more, so they have been together at his store for a while now, dont know how long? so far i have 8 and only 1 (the smallest probably) seems shy and doesnt join the group very well. but so far they stick together pretty good. there should be about 5 more i could get and that should be enough.

[pnavarro170]

oh well if it ain't chevy orange it isn't that cool then. i had a HOB skimmer and i hated that thing. that is why i am a sump guy.

it does look like they have come a long way.

so what HOB did you have then though?

[psuedopimp]

it was a cheap coral life super skimmer. after a couple of floods i installed a sump. it worked okay in the sump.

[pnavarro170]

it was a cheap coral life super skimmer. after a couple of floods i installed a sump. it worked okay in the sump.

no wonder you dont like HOBs haha, so what u running now?

[pnavarro170]

trying to upload video to youtube, its on my facebook already.

[pnavarro170]

Well i thought this would be cool, here is my tank on youtube in HD. only Day 9 of the build so dont hold your breath on being amazed. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_bEZFtCH78

[psuedopimp]

not sure which one im running now. i think it is a Euro-USA. it really kicks the skimmate out compared to the CSS i was running.

[pnavarro170]

COUPLE NEW ADDITIONS FISH WISE TO THE TANK, ill Update tomorrow !!

[pnavarro170]

k i got me a nice pair of blue throat/jaw triggers. here are a couple pics of the male

here is the male normally
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x008.jpg

and here is a sexually charged pic, right after he found the female. haha
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x004-1.jpg

[pnavarro170]

some new pics

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x008-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x025.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x023.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x007-1.jpg

[pnavarro170]

my camera sucks. need a new one. haha

[seauniverse]

you're black nemos look nice. You should add an anemone later on.

[pnavarro170]

you're black nemos look nice. You should add an anemone later on.

sorry no anemone, just gonna have sps corals, and leave it really clean and open with lots of fish. plus i hate that anemones choose where they want to be. haha.

[pnavarro170]

here is a new video of my tank, cant believe its only day 16 haha, not pictured is the male and female blue jaw triggers. they still hide in the mornings. watch in hd if you can.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-VCFrJszWo

[pnavarro170]

k since my icecap reef illuminations light has the halides more out to the sides i decided to prepare for it with changing the aquascape to 2 islands with what rock i have. this was also the idea i had in the beginning. Remember it looks better in person, and the water is cloudy here, but there is more room for frags i think. Anyways let me know what you guys think ? or if it looked better before ???

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x013.jpg

[ryan_paskadi]

The 2 islands looks better imo

[strayvoltage]

Both look nice but I like the two islands look better. JMO

[pnavarro170]

thanks guys, im with ya. should be able to add corals sometime next month. ill have several new additions before then though. haha stay tuned

[pnavarro170]

some new pics. sorry nothing new, just couldnt wait.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x017.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x020.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x018-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x014.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x013-1.jpg

[pnavarro170]

STUFF IM STILL WAITING FOR !!!!

ICECAP Reef illuminations light 48" 2x250 14k phoenix MH, 2x54w T5s, 2 LED tubes
Vortech MP40
CPR HOB Refugium
8 watt UV AQUA sterilizer
250w Finnex Digital heater.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/Untitled.jpg

[puffin04]

I like the more rock idea better!!! :) Rock is the best filtration!!!! But then again i am all about function then looks. HEHE

Steffen Sparks

[puffin04]

Hope that is a MP40W ES!!!! :)

[pnavarro170]

Hope that is a MP40W ES!!!! :)

oh its the new vortech for sure, and Steffen the tank will function, thats why i got what i got for filtration. did u see the size of my skimmer? haha

[puffin04]

yes that skimmer is a beast what i am really surprised on is why you did not want to drill it?

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

yes that skimmer is a beast what i am really surprised on is why you did not want to drill it?

Steffen Sparks

dude, weve been thru this. haha. let me get the tank going a bit so u can see how it goes. pretend its an overflow box Steffen. haha. i might even do an HOB 150 gallon plus tank just for you. =)

[puffin04]

dude, weve been thru this. haha. let me get the tank going a bit so u can see how it goes. pretend its an overflow box Steffen. haha. i might even do an HOB 150 gallon plus tank just for you. =)

We are defiantly drilling your next tank! No Exceptions!!!! No HOB... With in sump Octo and such. O how i live building and plumbing tanks!!! :)

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

OK OK, haha, but for now i LOVE not having to deal with return pumps, Hoses, Fittings, PVC, ECT ECT ECT ECT ECT.

[puffin04]

OK OK, haha, but for now i LOVE not having to deal with return pumps, Hoses, Fittings, PVC, ECT ECT ECT ECT ECT.

Thats my department!!! I love dealing with it since i only have to do it once and NEVER have to worry about it again. Well except the return pump i do clean those often. :)

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

wanted to see a side by side.

before
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x008-1.jpg

after
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x010-1.jpg

[jmait769]

Looks great Pedro!! I do like the look of the two islands!!!! :fun4:

Jay

[pnavarro170]

Couple new additions guys, couple starfish, diamond goby, and i got a great deal on a multicolor angel that i couldnt pass up. so hopefully he doesnt bother corals in the future.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x062.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x064.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x066.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x072.jpg

[pnavarro170]

We have come along way people. here is the latest. ICECAP 48" MH T5 LED combo reef illuminations, vortech mp40 new, cpr refugium medium hob, and uv sterilizer.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x003-2.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x006-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x010-2.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x014-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x018-2.jpg

[pnavarro170]

here are some FTS, you cant see how cool and light blue and how bright this truly is you guys know that. i got a buddy who took some pics with his slr. we shall see how those turned out soon. i need a better camera soon.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x026.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x028.jpg

[mistaflicksta]

sweet you are off to a good start. Are those microbubbles on the left side of the tank coming from the skimmer?

[pnavarro170]

yeah its from the skimmer. water level is a bit low, and it does that also when you have to turn of then turn back on again for a while. need to add something else besides the blue sponge it comes with. plus its still kinda new. so we will see later.

[mistaflicksta]

thats cool I am thinking about getting that same skimmer if not the smaller version of it thats why I asked.

[jmait769]

We have come along way people. here is the latest.Pedro, know you are excited!! :bounce3: I love the look the new light has given the tank and you will love the vortech flow! Great job!

Jay

[pnavarro170]

Pedro, know you are excited!! :bounce3: I love the look the new light has given the tank and you will love the vortech flow! Great job!

Jay

Thanks Jay, my tank is finally official. just need to start adding some corals now. first being green slimers from Kevin. haha.

[pnavarro170]

totally re scaped my rock. added 2 pieces and spent quite a while trying to get it all to work. I didnt want to add rock. but i could see the fish getting crowded at night time for hide out spots.

[apfroggy0408]

Where did you get and how much was your lighting fixture? I'm liking it!

[pnavarro170]

Ended up ordering from Jimmy at SeaCreatures. it was $800 plus bulbs i believe. Led's are awesome, im sure theres ones a bit cheaper, but im really liking it alot. no regrets here.

[botmfedr1]

pNavarro,

i see you could use some live rock. Looks like you have mostly base rock. Which don't really offer refuge at night. If i may suggest, try getting some flat pieces and arrange them to provide hiding places. Show rock usually cost more per pound, but its imperative for a healthy aquarium.

[pnavarro170]

pNavarro,

i see you could use some live rock. Looks like you have mostly base rock. Which don't really offer refuge at night. If i may suggest, try getting some flat pieces and arrange them to provide hiding places. Show rock usually cost more per pound, but its imperative for a healthy aquarium.

got a bit more rock, ill update pics tomorrow. i wanted to keep a clean look, but since i also want and already have alot of fish, they did need more hiding places. stay tuned.

[pnavarro170]

K here is the latest. shouldnt be moving rocks anymore haha. added more even though i really didnt want to. looks good though. dont reply about the tube on the right, i need to clean that up. i ended up running the pump for the refugium going to the uv sterilizer that hangs on the refugium and flows water in that way, kinda cool and smart. this is the most stuff you will see not bad for being an HOB tank.

let me know what you guys think.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/z008.jpg

[pnavarro170]

Updated Video, still shocked i did this in a month, dont let all the police on here know please. haha. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2wSU99UkIg

[pnavarro170]

heres a few new pics.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x001-2.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x002-2.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x029.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x022-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x019.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x017-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x011-4.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x008-3.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x004-2.jpg

[jmait769]

Pedro – Tank looks great!! http://www.anchoredbygrace.com/smileys/icon_super.gif The video is awesome!! You can tell that Vortech is putting out some flow!

Jay

[strayvoltage]

Pedro, looks really nice
i am glad it is all working out for you so well.

[pnavarro170]

thanks guys, so far so good, just need a fan of sorts to cool it down a bit during the day. gets up to 81 maaaaaybe 82 depending on the day or if im home. looking at the tunze aquawind if i cant find something at lowes that would work. any suggestions are welcome.

[pnavarro170]

full tank shot with LEDs and flash, and just LEDs. need to replace that white rock on the right for sure though.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x003-4.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x005.jpg

[pnavarro170]

Best Photo Yet, t5's, leds and flash

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x025-1.jpg

[pnavarro170]

Hit a big snag, stupid hydrometer, it wasnt even a year old. but first lost my multi angel. then anthias. and i checked my water. so i went and bought a new tester and yeah i was way off. almost 1.030 !!!! so i brought it back down to 1.025 over a whole after noon, but both black clowns got burnt and didnt make it. even got trigger out of there when he was looking bad.

how much money how much effort to it to come down to a stupid thing like that.

we are back and running surprisingly all chromis, wrasses and zebra barred gobies were not affected at all.

[puffin04]

Hydrometer are the worst thing ever!!!! I dont know why they continue to sell them. Refractometer all the way!!!! I have had mine for two years and it still works great!!! I do calibrate it though but it always seems to be dead on. Thanks

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

yeah getting one for sure. just thought it would last more than less a year with cleaning it also.

[strayvoltage]

puffin04, dead on compared to what? At a meeting we proved they are all off and none of them really read the same. Even two of the same brand, one was new and one was a year old and they didn't even read the same. Given, they are going to be closer than the hydrometer, or are they really? What do we compare them to to find out what is right or not?

[pnavarro170]

someone bring back water from every major ocean. then retest compared. haha

[puffin04]

I have calibration fluid from pinpoint that i test it. I do remember that meeting but i was not there and have not seen any numbers from Audrey yet. But i have not had a problem with mine at all. As far as testing the ocean it fluctuates in different parts of the world and of course it is temperature depended variable. Thanks

Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

well that could be a whole nother thread, anyways. ill be looking to add new additions. i figured out that i need a way stronger pump for my UV, and the LED light on my refugium wasnt really working. so UV is off for now. and new flourescent light on the refug. everyone looks happy. lets not have any dumb setbacks like that again.

[pnavarro170]

refugium plants now growing, damn led didnt do anything besides not let the plants die. so now my nitrates are much lower even without a water change. im now not loving my rock work since it sits back in the tank, and the simmer is so big that the light has to be towards the front lip of the tank, i wish i could move all the rock forward a couple inches to get the halides right on top of the rock. problem being is that i got a few sps on the rock already and i would want to reposition everything. ahhhhhh

i want to put the brians i got in there in my 20 gallon when its ready. and have nothing but sps and maybe zoanthids in the 90, after seeing kevins tank i want to focus on the corals more haha.

[psuedopimp]

nothing like a beautiful tank for motivation. i doesn't look like the shadows are too bad from the previous pictures.

[pnavarro170]

well after a few hours, heres what i did. i removed all corals from rock rearranged everything, im back to 2 islands (after seeing a full tank progression thread) the main points were that the current rock was set too far back for the light. so the rock was placed more randomely with more places to put corals and also better flow placement for the vortech. i reattached the few coral pieces i have understanding more how they react to flow and light.

so far im happy moving everything once again, and really it shouldnt matter once its full of coral. looks more natural, cuz im always concerned with symetrical looks i disregarded that this time. now ill be looking for some coral, gonna try and find a good sps acro frag pack online to get me started, and of course check out the local shops.

[strayvoltage]

pedro, sounds like you have done a lot of work. Where are the pics? I hope it works out better this time for you. I am so glad you mentioned checking with the LFS's for your coral. It seems like a lot of online buying is mentioned on the forum.

I think the LFS's would love to have the chance to make the sale for all the items I see mentioned all the time that were ordered online. All of you guys are so lucky that live right there in El Paso to have the local stores.

I drive over a hundred miles to shop with them and even if they are not as low priced as the net I still try to do the majority of my business with them, if they are at least close. I do know they will sell at or close to net prices for the most part.

[pnavarro170]

it was a hell of alot of work but better now than later, it doesnt really look better now. but it is and will funtion alot better for corals. and thats the point in the end. ill post pics tomorrow, gotta let it be dark and the halides turn off. i have them on and off late.

[strayvoltage]

Sounds like you have it all set up better for the long run. I liked how it looked before but am sure it will be nice no matter how you made it look. I keep threatening to re work mine but have yet to do it. I really wanted a different look than i ended up with but just have to much rock.

[pnavarro170]

Oh and a big thanks to dennis, both me and (him mostly) were able to get a new pump for the skimmer, its working for now (besides small leak), but really has a sputter rattle to it that never was or is right. so after some emails pictures even videos, they finally agreed to send me a new pump !!! finally

also big big big thanks to the guys at Ecotech Marine, doing a water change last week i got water into the vortech mp40 controller, totally fried it. and they sent me a brand new one right away (after i shipped them mine of course) they didnt have to but went above and beyond.

so my luck hasnt been perfect lately, the driving force behind 2 major buys (cost & vital) had issues, but thanks to help, some work, and some warranties im better than what i started.

on the plus side, still got most of the original fish. SPS corals have growth and look awesome, and brains doing excellent.

[pnavarro170]

Sounds like you have it all set up better for the long run. I liked how it looked before but am sure it will be nice no matter how you made it look. I keep threatening to re work mine but have yet to do it. I really wanted a different look than i ended up with but just have to much rock.

yeah thanks, i just kept thinking why do i care how it looks now, need to worry about how its gonna look full of coral. haha. i saw some guy on youtube with a new build worried that his rock didnt have enough coraline growth. its nice but if its the first month or 2 of a tank you shouldnt let that irritate you. haha

[pnavarro170]

k here is the latest pic, its not a good one but will give you an idea. got some nice sps frags in there. also got some algae on the sand cuz i think the tank is getting used to not having the UV sterilizer. Just gonna focus on corals for now.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x051.jpg

[deehz]

Pedro, looks good bro!!

Be careful, it looks like you are having a diatom breakout--algae. Then that leads to red slime if not controlled right away. I went through this twice and it was a b@stard trying to get through it. The delicate ones to watch out for are your SPS frags and some of your LPS. Just monitor your NO3 and PO4. The algae is an indicator that these are on the rise.

[pnavarro170]

nitrates are at 5.0 ppm and phosphates at 0. i think me taking off the UV and the lighting bumped up a bit have more to do with it. tank might be adjusting. any other ideas???

[deehz]

Most tanks go through a diatom "stage". It sucks but that is just one of the battles we constantly have to fight in our systems. Because the tank is still new, the nitrifying bacteria is still trying to catch up with the bioload in your system. So the algae is consuming these nutrients faster than your bacteria can. These maybe "false" readings and your NO3 is kinda high. This is an indicator that you are still "cycling" the system. In time, this will drop once your bacteria colonizes nicely.

Keep up on your water changes. Probably lessen the amount of food or days that you feed them (I usually feed my pigs every other day to every 3 days although I do feed everyone generously). I have not seen a "clean up crew member" on any of the pics. Or maybe I am blind. But this will help with the food that is uneaten, waste that is produced, and at times algae control. A good cleanup crew can make a world of difference. Hope this helps.

[pnavarro170]

yeah besides a few huge turbos, no real clean up crew. im gonna go without the actinics tomorrow and see how it goes. dont see how the reading would be wrong. but like i said its kinda like a tank getting used to new bright lights since the UV kinda helped out before yet hindered a natural cycle i think. anyways gonna cut down on light and see where to find a good cleaner pack. and for the time being, small water change which i always do anyhow. and maybe some red slime remover to nip it in the bud ????

[ryan_paskadi]

get a diamond goby and your sand will always look pristine

[pnavarro170]

sounds like chemi cure elite might be the best way to go, its not a huge problem right now, but i want to get rid of it before it is. any one use this stuff, im searching now.

[pnavarro170]

well im jumping the gun i think, its only a little bit on the sand. lets try the lighting first and the rufugium still needs to grow in.

[pnavarro170]

REPLACEMENT SKIMMER BUBBLE BLASTER PUMP CAME IN !!!!

K put it on, and right away, WHAT A DIFFERENCE. its now quiet and a nice constant humm. jeez the other one was way off. this one is clocked different but i wasnt about to readjust anything. so the bottom faces the wall now which forced me to move my light out about another half inch. not that big a deal since i moved all rock forward. ill see what a difference this pump makes as far as being efficient because i was pulling alot of crap before anyways. big thanks to dennis for helping me make this happen, they really didnt want to send me a new one even though it was NEEDED for sure!!!

[pnavarro170]

latest pic, still a bit of algae on the sand, but it has subsided tremendously, refugium finally blooming, skimmer 100%. better feeling having your tank under control more.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x006-3.jpg

[jmait769]

Looking good Pedro!! :thumbsup:

Jay

[pnavarro170]

some progression of the awesome colored birdsnest, camera still sucks but you get the idea, not bad for 2 months i think.

before, polyps closed at night time.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z010-1.jpg

after 2 months, very thick base, lot bigger imo
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z017.jpg

[pnavarro170]

again camera does no justice and is terrible but, amazing red planet i got going well.

before
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z111.jpg

2 months later
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z021.jpg

[pnavarro170]

and kevins donated slimers. had an upside down piece in the middle that wasnt suppose to be there, and the water topped off ends i cut recently to give them a cleaner look.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z002.jpg

2 months later, second pics taken with lights off.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/z022.jpg

[jmait769]

Hey those are coming along nicely!! I love the Red Planet!!!

Jay

[pnavarro170]

finally clearing up, even though i did add stuff recently.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/019.jpg

[pnavarro170]

better pic
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/027.jpg

[pnavarro170]

K im gonna get crap for a certain fish in the tank, but here is my latest video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSkBAIbsAOU

[pnavarro170]

I get a total of 24 frags tomorrow. woo hoo. acans, sps, chalice's. should add some spark to the tank.

[mistaflicksta]

Thats sweet! Hey man whats the name of the puddy you are using and where did you get it? I really need some

[pnavarro170]

I forgot the name, but i got it at the salty fin, im not thrilled with it. but it gets the job done. its a green tube.

[mistaflicksta]

cool thanks, my candy cane coral keeps falling and I need a way to keep it between the rocks

[psuedopimp]

i just use the putty from lowes. i have used a whole tube so far with no problems.

[deehz]

i just use the putty from lowes. I have used a whole tube so far with no problems.

+1

[pnavarro170]

so all the frags from the ones i posted are awesome, the ones from a different place are not so killer. 80 percent of them are pretty bland looking. i knew this before hand but for the price the odds of them coloring up in my tank were good. what you guys think?

[mistaflicksta]

i just use the putty from lowes. i have used a whole tube so far with no problems.

what is the putty name? what does the container look like?

[psuedopimp]

oately? it comes in a plastic clear tube with red caps in the plumbing section.

[pnavarro170]

yeah i need to try something else, got bored yesterday and tried putting about 20 frags on the rocks, that stupid putty sucks. sooooo frustrating hardens but never sticks.

[psuedopimp]

yeah i have the same problem with the lowes stuff, but at least it is cheap. the cap i got from john is still sitting on the frag rack cause the last of my putty didn't hold. i need to get more.

[ahlebik]

The putty I used was called marine putty. Its for repairing boats. It was in the glue/caulk section at home depo or lowes. It sticks things thats for sure... but I do super glue a frag to a piece of rubble then stick the rubble.

rubble to rock, monster sticks to magnet... things I learned at the few meets I was able to attend.

[pnavarro170]

K heres the last additions. everything is mostly on plugs, consider this a frag tank/current tank. when i set up the next tank i will be fragging or attaching corals directly to rock, no putty, no plugs, cuz all that kinda bothers me right now.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x024-1.jpg

left side
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x031-1.jpg

right side
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/90%20gallon%20build/x032.jpg

[jmait769]

Hey looking good!! :thumbsup: I like the right top side. That is going to fill in and color up nicely. :)

Jay

[mistaflicksta]

sweet you have alot of good looking goodies in your tank. How did the ones from austin look when you got them? I just bought 4 frags from them. I was bidding on quite a few of them but had to leave right before the auction was over and I only ended up with 4. Makes me angry cause most of the ones that I lost were by 25 cents.

[pnavarro170]

the ones from austin are awesome, couldnt be happier, the shipping is top notch. colors amazing, really cant ask for better man you will be happy for sure.

[pnavarro170]

i really have a couple of things i would do differently if i was starting all over, but the tank is doing great and im happy with the progress.

kinda had an idea for a tank upgrade though, really want a shallow rimless. like a 100-150 gallon. i would only do it soon if i use the same equipment, but adding an MP60 thats making me salivate.
also what do you guys think about using rock rubble dry rock instead of a sand bed ?? since it would be shallow and have crazy flow, imagine the whole bottom of rock rubble with dry rock on top over time? with nothing but sps coral. ??????

[ahlebik]

Sounds like something I would want bare bottom. Never thought I would like it but I have seen some nice ones on RC.

[pnavarro170]

since having to frag orange monit caps, i kept a small piece in my 20, and then put it back in here. the growth was ok in the 20 but the color was no where near what the ones in the 90 looked like so i ended up putting most everything in the 90, added 2 purple mushrooms, 1 orange, 1 blue and 2 green ricordeas, orange nice zoo's, bout 6 pieces of green hairy mushrooms all to the tank near the bottom. just adds more to the overall look of the tank and want to see how they do there compared to the 20.

[mistaflicksta]

I knew everything was going to end up in the 90 gal! thats just our nature, were are not happy till our big tank is bursting with coral, then we get a smaller tank for the trimmings, aka your 20 gal. keep up the good work Pedro sooner or later we will all be able to compete with Kevin Vonfinger! LOL!

[pnavarro170]

yup eric, well since i saw the difference the same frag looks and grows in the 90 compared to the 20 then it was a no brainer, but if i add the right equipment to the 20 then my attitude might change. its almost where i want to get a cube like yours and put all my stuff minus the really nice sps in it and have a fully stocked tank. then get a shallow 100-150 gallon tank with new dry rock and put the really nice sps ones in it. i still might just not sure if im staying where i currently live or not.

[stvguerrero]

Question so the marine puffy from home depot is good to glue the corals? It wont contaminate or hurt the fish?

[ahlebik]

Its what i used

[Gomer]

Your "frag" tank looks way better than my "frag tank" ever did lol.

[pnavarro170]

k here is how it stands as of now.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/018x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/020x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/022x.jpg

[mistaflicksta]

Hey Pedro, try taking pictures without the Flash and see how that works out. Tank is looking good.

[pnavarro170]

well without flash it looks worse, this is actinics with flash, halides no flash is terrible, and just actinics with no flash is too blue, sooooo camera sucks. haha.

[jtinoco]

Looking good. Really liking those slimmers. :thumbsup:

[pnavarro170]

k well i was using kent 2 part, but after a few weeks after i ran out i didnt want to keep using it. so today is day one of b ionic 2 part c buffer. heard good things, so i wanted to keep a record of when i started witht this product.

also added a couple of fish and some more sps. tanks starting to look right. well how i wanted it.

[mistaflicksta]

where did you get the b ionic from?

I had just watched this video about it not to long ago

http://www.youtube.com/user/newyorksteelo#p/u/41/sr2M-AlyTmk

[pnavarro170]

stopped by the coral reef today, picked up 3 small sps colonies also, ill order the gallon ones, but i wanted to start it going, and use these bottles down the line.

[puffin04]

They eat food and the poo and they pee. Smaller critters eat the poo and the pee. Poo and there poo. Its a long process. LOL (4:15)
http://www.youtube.com/user/newyorksteelo#p/u/1/TdEHN2fphn0
Love it!!! lol


Steffen Sparks

[pnavarro170]

new pics as of today, added more sand, coarse, still need another one. but very pleased so far. colors are amazing, everything colors up alot more from the store or wherever.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/005x.jpg

again need better camera
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/009x.jpg

[pnavarro170]

k here is the new pics with a real camera.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/005x-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/007x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/012x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/018x-1.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/054x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/080x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/097x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/092x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/102x.jpg

[pnavarro170]

few more, still havent even messed with the settings on this sweet camera.

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/072x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/057x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/047x.jpg

http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/041x.jpg

[ahlebik]

Great pictures! The closeups of the fish are awesome.

[jtinoco]

Dude. Those are some awesome pictures! :thumbsup:

[jmait769]

Great pics Pedro! :) You are going to love that camera!! I recommend IrfanView (http://www.irfanview.com/) for tweaking the pic if you do not have photoshop or similar program. It is free.

Jay

[stvguerrero]

Looking colorful pedro now can just imagine how more cool its going to look in the future

[pnavarro170]

well figured it was time for a short update. everything is doing great, besides a couple of aiptasia anenomes that keep coming back after using the rid x or whatever it is. just watching everything grow. not super fast growth so i might switch to 10k halides soon to try that out. using b ionic 2 part for my needs and only a 15-20 gallon water change once a month. still need to use better salt and a second vortech but i will be moving in a couple months to a different place. so holding off on any changes right now. only thing added to the tank were 8 large green chromis. still have 5 smaller ones from the original ones first added, but i usually dont get a chance to buy the mature ones so i took em. really thinking of moving everything over to a 4ft 120. hmmm.
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/x008-1.jpg

[jmait769]

Pedro, looking good!! Love all the color and the fish!! :) I still have one chromis! :(

Jay

[ajherrera2]

Nice pics Pedro. Was just gonna mention that if you do end up with the 10k bulb you'll gain growth but you may sacrifice some color to the growth. you gotta give something to get something...

[deehz]

Nice pics Pedro. Was just gonna mention that if you do end up with the 10k bulb you'll gain growth but you may sacrifice some color to the growth. you gotta give something to get something...
+1! Well said.

Don't forget light shock. Not so much for the fish but especially the hard corals. They may not acclimate to 10k light and if they do acclimate, the growth will not be that much more significant then the lighting you have. Just something to ponder over.

[pnavarro170]

ill have to check light shock, but i know i sacrifice some color, since i have the 2 t5's pure actinics, and 150 blue led's i think good color will still be there. ive heard frag tanks, real big sellers actually go from 10k or less for some months then put them in 20k tanks to color up before selling.

[pnavarro170]

oh and finished my first 2 bottles of esb B ionic 2 part, did a regular dose of 25 ml a day and monitored it weekly since my calcium was right over 400 but started st 380 before dosing, i wanted a fair shot of this product to determine the difference of past products and i have to say im very impressed, the bottles lasted for over a month and a week. and now i will buy the gallon ones that need to be mixed but use these to dose.

although it doesnt start showing up in the first week or two. coraline algae is now mostly covered my rocks completely. now these rocks were not dry and already had some on there, but everything i had heard or read is true, it will color up your rock in about a month using this product given you have some purple coraline or algae to start with. and yes purple rock looks way better in my opinion. makes it look established and prettier and what not.

my other experiment to make sure i just try the product is the fact that i have not done a water change this whole time. dosing started about 40 some days ago. Overall most corals started growing way more rapidly, again i have 95% sps. red planet is taking off more than most. I cant imagine what they would do with better salt, actual water changes, more flow, and 10k halides. that will be next. stay tuned.

[ajherrera2]

great news on the b-ionic. I too used it on my tank when it was up and running and had similar results. If interested in really making the coral color pop, I would stay with the 14k bulbs and look into using the zeovit nano pack products. These four products when dosed properly together (not hard at all) will make the polyp extension and colors really come to life. One thing about these products is that they are highly concentrated and should not be overdosed. Glad to see that you are getting the results you want. How about some progress pics.

[deehz]

great news on the b-ionic.sted in really making the coral color pop, I would stay with the 14k bulbs I too used it on my tank when it was up and running and had similar results. If intereand look into using the zeovit nano pack products. These four products when dosed properly together (not hard at all) will make the polyp extension and colors really come to life. One thing about these products is that they are highly concentrated and should not be overdosed. Glad to see that you are getting the results you want. How about some progress pics.
Pedro that is great news! If it is working for you and you see growth, I agree with Adrian stay with the 14k. Why mess with it if it ain't broke?

The ZeoVit is great products with a nice price tag. But they do go a long way and are super concentrated. I use the Zeo-Bac and Protein and have seen the colors on all my corals, SPS, LPS, and softies improve.

[stvguerrero]

Pedro that's an awesome tank getting better and better nice colors of fish and corals

[stanger50lx92]

Hey Pedro you said earlier that you had added some course sand. Where did u get it?
Thanks
Freddy

[pnavarro170]

thanks again guys for the great comments, my goal is to have the best 90 gallon tank in town. even though ill probably get a bigger one before this one fully matures. and freddy i found a bag at salty fin one time. its crushed coral but in live sand form. so id ask anyone to order it for you or go online. its great for not moving around if you have lots of flow.

[bmw_zoan]

Hey does your trigger go after your corals, snails, or hermits?

[pnavarro170]

i have one big snail, and a good 10 little sized hermit crabs, he doesnt touch anything or even nip at any corals. the only thing he does or should i say did was go after the chromis when first introduced. even the next 8 chromis when i added those after him. but only half chases them and it only lasted a day or 2 in both occasions. so hes really good, i think its because i keep him fed.

[bmw_zoan]

how often do you feed him?

[pnavarro170]

i feed every 2 to 3 days, i switch it up from rods food, to flakes and pellets, to flakes pellets mysis and whatever else i have laying around dipped in selcom additive.

[pnavarro170]

HERE IS MY NEW UPDATED VIDEO, HAPPY TO SAY EVERYTHING IS DOING GREAT !!! SPS IS EASY. HAHA JK

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7ZENAh9HC0

[bmw_zoan]

Looking awesome!

[jmait769]

Looking great Pedro!! You are making this look to easy!! :)

Jay

[chuy marquez]

Looking good Pedro. Its only going to get better as everything grows.

[pnavarro170]

thank you guys, means alot.

[mistaflicksta]

Looking Good Pedro! It looks like you have enough flow with just one mp40, are you stil gonna get the other mp40?

[pnavarro170]

yeah i still need the other one, moving to a new house or apt in a month so i havent added anything, and did contemplate a slightly bigger tank. so we will see. no idea yet, im happy watching these things grow that will go into whatever tank i upgrade to next and next and next god willing.

[strayvoltage]

Very nice Pedro!
:wave:

[igazoo25]

Nice tank hope mine gets there one day!

[deehz]

Pedro, :thumbsup:!

[psuedopimp]

looks good man. keep up the good work!

(finaly got to see youtube on the computer at home!)

[pnavarro170]

here is kindof a progression shot, first one is december 12, 2010 and the second is march 12 2011, the difference being is that december is when i feel i got ahold of my tanks needs, and started dosing b-ionic 2 part. though i havent tried much else i swear by it. while the kent 2 part did nothing. also at the end of march the tank will be moved so it will never look the same, and will be upgrading tanks soon. stay tuned.

dec 12, 2010
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/005x.jpg

march 12, 2011
http://i435.photobucket.com/albums/qq78/pnavarro170/x037.jpg

[Sinclair81]

updates?

[puffin04]

Yeah Pedro any updates on this beautiful tank!?!?! :)

Steffen Sparks

[mistaflicksta]

Sinclair, here is what became of the tank

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2030290

I got it now

[Katar1975]

It is a awesome looking tank too with the algae scrubbers which I am considering to try out.