75GAL FOWLR Tank.

[AutoEXE]

Ok so I just started my 75 Gal and wanted to share it with all of you..
Equipment:
48" High Output [4x54W] T5 Lighting System
75 Gal Aquarium with Overflow
Bio-Fil Wet/Dry Filter
-I am currently putting live sand in (just trying to take things slow)
- I will be using fish food and the live sand to start the cycle.

PLEASE COMMENT AND LET ME KNOW IF I AM DOING ANYTHING WRONG OR IF YOU LIKE IT. MORE UPDATES TO COME!!

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[david1983]

Nice what lights did you get?

[FORTINNL]

Great start.

[AutoEXE]

Nice what lights did you get?

It's a Solar Xtreme 48" High Output [4x54W] T5 Lighting System
Hope that answers that question.:fish2:

[AutoEXE]

update: got the sand in and it has cleared up for the most part...

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Does anyone know how to get it all cleared up?? (or is it just a time thing?)

[NewJerseyreef]

Put a sock over the inlet to the sump. And very nice I have a 75 but no over flow. So many things that can be done like to see how it turns out

[AutoEXE]

Put a sock over the inlet to the sump. And very nice I have a 75 but no over flow. So many things that can be done like to see how it turns out

Thank you, that did most of the work! So my tank is not ready for the starter fish yet (the PH was low and the ammonia was high). Got a buffer to fix the PH and a ammonia reducer. So I will wait a couple days then back to my LFS to test again. :rollface::bounce3:

[fiftyfiveg]

You should aquascape first before cycle your tank.

[kromine]

you might want to loose the Bio Balls in the sump, it will do nothing but be a Nitrate factory. I had a very similar sump that I converted to a refugium/sump. Also loose the foam pad.

[AutoEXE]

You should aquascape first before cycle your tank.

So when my levels are good I should add my live rock? Then a starter fish? (and when should I add my clean-up crew)

[Dono]

Make sure that live rock is sitting on the bottom and not the sand. I would have put the rock in before some of the sand so you could put eggcrate down and prevent it from sitting on the glass.

Looks good though! Good luck

[AutoEXE]

Ok so I know there is more than one way to "skin a cat" but I should ask anyway. I put some food in to try to start the cycle and it is now at PH 8.2 Ammonia .25 Nitrite 0 and Nitrate 0. Should I

1. Let the food dissolve and wait until I see diatoms then add live rock.
2. Add one or two peaces of live rock to jump start the cycle.
3. Add all the live rock I want.
4. Add a hardy fish to start the cycle.

(NOTE: I only have live sand and regular sand mix that is it)
Please help, I want to listen to experience because all the books I have say different ways.

As always thank you for your help!

[TMF89]

The idea of a cycle in a marine tank is growing beneficial bacteria. You grow bacteria to eat the ammonia, they produce nitrites, then bacteria that eat that grow, and produce nitrates. Nothing eats nitrates, so you do water changes. Now in order to cause a cycle you need to provide something to start it: dead shrimp, ammonia, a live fish (don't do this, using fish to cycle a tank is basically cruel and archaic in today's reef world), or some live rock to seed it.

Live rock is merely rock with organisms that filter the water on the rock. Dry rock is rock without any organisms. Over time, dry rock will become live rock. Now a lot of people these days go with dry rock, because it's WAY cheaper. However since you have to wait for it to become live, your cycle will take longer. You can speed up the cycle by doing part dry-part live rock, which is what I did. I did a third live to two thirds dry, and my ammonia topped out around 1.5ppm, then went down to 0. Now from what I understand (I'm still a newbie myself) that's really low, but hey, all tests show I'm in the clear.

The problem is if you add "live" rock to a system that's cycled, or cycling, you'll induce a secondary cycle. Because inevitably organisms on the rock will die in transit. Now depending on how many organisms die, that's how large your secondary cycle can be. Most reefers I know advise adding all "live" rock at the same time, or in smaller quantities after the cycle. Adding dry rock is perfectly fine, because there are no organisms on it to die. The process of cleaning live rock into dry rock is called curing, and you can look that up if you want. Frankly companies like Bulk Reef Supply sell dry rock for so cheap, I don't really see the point of curing unless you already have the live rock and it's started to die off. If you grab the rock from your LFS and keep it submerged or at least wet on the ride home, you should be fine.

Sorry if that was a little overwhelming, trust me I know how it feels lol. If I was you (and please take this with a grain of salt, as I said I'm a noob myself, so if anyone else corrects anything I've said in this post, you'll probably want to go with them lol), I would add all the rock you're going to add now, with as much good quality live rock as possible, and the rest dry rock. But if you plan on adding any large quantities of live rock at all, you need to do so before the cycle, or risk starting a second one. Hope all this helps! And like I said, everyone please feel free to correct me and my newbish thoughts!

[OregonReefer]

What TMF89 is saying is:

1: Add all of the live rock you are going to want now.
2: Let it cycle
3: Add critters slowly

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Thank You TMF89 and OregonReefer!!!! I will do that!!! (Pics soon)

[fiftyfiveg]

So when my levels are good I should add my live rock? Then a starter fish? (and when should I add my clean-up crew)

IMO... you should drain the tank...remove the sand completely or out of the way. Setup your dry rock the way you wanted. Marked your rocks then remove them. Get some eggcrate and lay it where your rocks will go then setup your rock formation again. Leave the space with eggcrate at the bottom for your live rock pieces. Fill up the sand around the rock formation and the rest of the tank. Refill the water that you drained or with new RO/DI water. Start cycle your tank process.

[AutoEXE]

So I went to my LFS they were all out of dry rock. So I got 29lbs of live rock i want at least another 29lbs but due to the price I have to wait :thumbdown!!!! The tank is still looking good and I really want to add my clean-up crew but I think I need to wait a little bit..:fun5:.. but not sure..:hmm3:...
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AND THE TEST RESULTS FOR THIS WEEK
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[AutoEXE]

OK Now I am seeing Diatoms on BOTH My Live Rock and my Live sand. So Can anyone tell me what my Next STEP Should be? :bounce3: :bounce3: :bounce3: (will post pics if needed)

[heckfire]

i d say add more live rock, unless your gonna cram a fuge with it,, your a smart man for taking it slow

[AutoEXE]

Ok so waiting on the money to come in so i can get more live rock and mabe a small clean up crew. This morning I walked out and the one or two spots of diatoms had multiplied and are everywhere now (pics below) is this ok??:eek2: if not what do I need to do?? :uzi:sorry if this is a huge noob question .... but I am a huge noob lol

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[jeff1974]

going to be a nice tank what fish you going to add?

[AutoEXE]

going to be a nice tank what fish you going to add?

right now I am still doing lots of research :reading:but as of now (and please let me know if any of these can't go with eachother )

Ocellaris Clownfish x 2
Blue Hippo Tangs
Red/Orange Angler Fish
Royal Gramma Basslet
Red Crown Algae Blenny


thats all I have for now

[kctango]

Just be sure when you add the first fish its in small numbers, then any following fish if possible are first done through a quarantine tank as to most LFS receive product weekly and sell almost instantly. This way you don’t introduce something like ich to your tank. Make sure you acclimatize all product going into your tank or the shock could kill them.

[kctango]

Is that a maineland 75 corner-flo tank, if so I am currently setting the same but its a 110G 30" high.
I dont see anything for flow other than your return. You will need more flow.

[AutoEXE]

Is that a maineland 75 corner-flo tank, if so I am currently setting the same but its a 110G 30" high.
I dont see anything for flow other than your return. You will need more flow.

Yes it is a maineland 75 corner-flo good eye!!! And also I am planing on getting a powerhead for the other side. Just waiting for that green stuff to come in (money). But if you know a good brand please let me know because I have been looking at a few, both at my LFS and online.. (trying to find the best deal). If you see anyother things I need please let me know; right now I have

a skimmer
powerhead
more live rock
and a clean-up crew (a small one for now)

[kctango]

I dont know about your LFS but mine if I find a good deal online they will usally meet that price and get it for me which saves me the shipping cost. As for powerhead I was able to pickup a Hycor Wavemake basic 2 controller with 5 pumps/powerheads for $170 off of a RC member, if you dont mined used you can get some great deals. I know what you mean about the green stuff this hobby is not cheap but once you have completed your setup it is about the time you take down and start a new tank so it is never complete.

[AutoEXE]

OK so I got some more live rock today I will probably get some more later on but for now I am going to move on with the tank. Tomorrow I will get a clean-up crew my LFS is getting a shipment in. Here is update pics more to come after I add the clean-up crew if you have any suggestions for the clean-up crew please let me know.

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[AutoEXE]

Ok got my clean-up crew just a couple of snails a hermit crab and a cleaner shrimp.

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Can anyone ID this for me??

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[robrich342]

Nice !! If you are going to continue loading it with live rock you will want to make sure your rock is on the bottom of the tank not on top of the sand (good foundation ) if you purchase certain fish, critters they will tunnel under the rock and sand and could cause shifting of your rocks later. I took my base rock and drill holes in the bottom then put acrylic rods for feet to hold it off the tank floor to allow watse to escape.

[AutoEXE]

Nice !! If you are going to continue loading it with live rock you will want to make sure your rock is on the bottom of the tank not on top of the sand (good foundation ) if you purchase certain fish, critters they will tunnel under the rock and sand and could cause shifting of your rocks later. I took my base rock and drill holes in the bottom then put acrylic rods for feet to hold it off the tank floor to allow watse to escape.

I have it dug in on the cave side for now until I can find some "egg crate" to go under it. (if you know what web site I can get some please let me know) because I think I want 45lbs (still not sure).:worried2: but for now I will move it to the bottom until I can get a better fix:thumbsup: thank you!!!!

Update: The clean-up crew is doing good moving around alot (all but the cleaner shrimp can't find him). Still working on paying for a powerhead. And deciding if i want to put more live rock in or not (don't want to over due it). First fish going in after the 4th of march after I get back from a small vacation. So I don't have to relay on someone to feed them (I have a small autofeeder for the clean-up crew)

Questions: What is the hitch hiker I found... in the pic above?
How much and how often should I feed my clean-up crew?

as always thank you all for you comments!!! And any and all advise is welcomed. :wavehand:

[mrbill24]

This morning I walked out and the one or two spots of diatoms had multiplied and are everywhere now (pics below) is this ok??:eek2: if not what do I need to do??

Everyone goes through this stage with a new tank. You put in the fresh white sand and can't wait to fill the tank with all kinds of colorful things. Then a week later everything is brown...then everything gets slimy. It's expected with a new tank as all the silicates in the sand/stuff in the rock leaches out. It will subside in time.

[AutoEXE]

:idea: Update: I have put a Sandsifter Star and a Emerald Crap in last week then yesterday I put a Blue Damselfish and and a "Royal Gramma Basslet" (so my LFS Says but looking on www.liveaquaria.com and it looks like a "Bicolor Dottyback" please help me both can go in my tank just want to be informed!! :wildone:)

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[wedwards]

That is definitely a Pictichromis paccagnellae or, Bicolor Dottyback, everything is looking good! Keep up the good work!

[AutoEXE]

That is definitely a Pictichromis paccagnellae or, Bicolor Dottyback, everything is looking good! Keep up the good work!

Thank you!

Ok so I get back from my vacation and there was a small alge bloom I expected it because I did not have much of a clean up crew so I got 20 Astraea snails so my clean up crew is now

20 Astraea Snails
2 Nassarius Snails
1 Emerald Crab (wants one maybe two more)
1 Sleaner Shrimp (Still MIA)
1 Sand Sifting Sea Star ( wants one more)
1 Halloween Hermit Crab


I also got one more fish until my LFS gets more Ocellaris Clownfish. A Flame Hawkfish he is doing good in my tank so far.
Fish list as of now:

Flame Hawkfish
Bicolor Dottyback (Thank you wedwards for the ID)
Blue Damselfish


The only other thing was I had a couple of Aiptasia on my live rock so I used Aiptasia-X and they are gone. :inlove:

Pics below (I will try to get better ones when the flame hawk calms down don't want to overstress him :fish2:)

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[Jerry W]

The flame hawk is a great fish but it will likely eat your shrimp sooner or later. Be patient and go slow. I know you want to stock the tank but wait at least a couple weeks before each new fish addition. Let them settle in. Still add more rock as your budget permits. (I'd add more rock before getting more fish). Live rock formations create comfort zones and shelter for your fish, as well as the obvious biofiltration benefits. You had mentioned earlier about a hippo tang? Really not a good fish for this size tank.

[AutoEXE]

OK so I finally got enough money to get about 90 lbs of live rock. The live rock I got was from a tank that was not taken care of:thumbdown; lots of algae so I got a 35 gal trash can and filled it with saltwater and the live rock (after scrubbing the live rock with a brush. :uzi:) that was yesterday. Today I took everything out of the fish tank besides the water to put something under all the rock ( I used the plastic stuff that's in the light fixtures found it at home depot). Right now I am waiting on the water to clear so I can Aqua-scape :artist: . I will post pic when all done. :inlove:.. any comments on curing to get rid of algae will be apperacided because I can't put all the live rock in my tank right now due to it having all the algae on it (green and black :furious:)


p.s yes I like smiles :blown:

[duncantse]

Nice progress! Are you going to paint/put a background at the back of the tank?

[AutoEXE]

there is a black background taped on the back; you really can't see it i am thinking of switching to the blue side.

[AutoEXE]

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What I used at the bottom of the tank.:idea:
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What I used to Cut it:hammer:
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Still A Little More Live Rock Curing:bounce3:
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Comments, Ideas And Suggestions All Ways Welcomed:wave:

[Dyzio545]

Great aquascaping! By the way, I got that same star. It will keep your sand looking real clean.

[AutoEXE]

Doing some planing for my next step (after my tank sets down from the new LR); i want to get some clown fish (Ocellaris) and I want either 2 or 3. What are your thoughts and arguments?:reading:

[karsseboom]

I would loose the boiball they are used mostly for freashwater tanks and will cause nitrates big time in marine tanks. The live rock and skimmer are 99% of the filter for your tank. There is a lot of good threads that explain how bioball cause nitrates.

The bioballs will break down the nitrites to nitrates but will do nothing to break dwon the nitrates which will build up over time causing all kinda of problems in the tank.

[Bnortz]

right now I am still doing lots of research :reading:but as of now (and please let me know if any of these can't go with eachother )

Ocellaris Clownfish x 2
Blue Hippo Tangs
Red/Orange Angler Fish
Royal Gramma Basslet
Red Crown Algae Blenny


thats all I have for now
blue tangs defenitely get too big. So id start with baby hippos and have an at least 180 gallon ready for when it gets big

[AutoEXE]

ok so Finally got all the LR in my tank and I am loving it:beer:. I did have extra so I put it on craigslist but if anyone one here lives in the Virgina beach area i will sell it to you for dirt cheap just send me a message its about 25lbs. Ok so what i have done new is put more rock along the overflow to hide it a little more and also hid the power head so it makes the tank look more natural what is what i want. so take a look and tell me what you think and please let me know what I can do to improve it. http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0043-1.jpghttp://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0041.jpghttp://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0047.jpghttp://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0046.jpg


The extra LR
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0031.jpg

[duncantse]

Nicely done on your aquascape! Too bad I don't live close to you, I would've bought those LR.

[donwilson]

Did you find the cleaner shrimp?

[AutoEXE]

Did you find the cleaner shrimp?

No...:sad1: everyone else seems to be fine tho.

[mauger1]

Feed the tank and watch for the cleaner. That is usually the only time I see mine.

[AutoEXE]

Feed the tank and watch for the cleaner. That is usually the only time I see mine.

I will do that next feeding time; i just hope nothing happen to him (if he is still alive) during the big remodel of the tank.

[OregonReefer]

I hear Flame Hawks like to eat shrimp

[BurntOutReefer]

your one coral away from a reef tank....lol.

[karsseboom]

your one coral away from a reef tank....lol.

He should never run a reef tank with those bioballs. Or even fish olny...

[BurntOutReefer]

I disagree.....for fish-only...they are quite good at what they are designed to do....

[karsseboom]

I disagree.....for fish-only...they are quite good at what they are designed to do....

Do what breake down amonia to nitrate? then wheres the nitrate go?

The nitrates will build up over time and cause many problems thats why so many people in this hobby dont use bio balls and are against them. why use them when we have skimmers and live rock? the live rock will do the same as bio balls but wont leave nitartes.

Imo bio balls are old tech from the 80s that very few people even use on saltwater let alone a reef tank.

[AutoEXE]

i want to put a BTA before I get into corals. And before the BTA I want some clown fish (2). As for the bio balls i still have them in my sump and I am still thinking if i want to remove them or not.... as for now they are doing fine and my nitrate is good; but i might remove them when i get a skimmer...... but i will get advice on that when i get to that point.


now for my question... what do i need to do for the BTA or any anemones for that matter incase i change my mind.... right now as soon as the amonia get back to zero (right now .25) i will be adding 2 clown fish.... then time for my anemone so any advice will be nice.

[AutoEXE]

ok disregard what i said previously i was talking to someone and we are not sure my lights can handle a BTA so for now I picked up a couple frags from a farm ..... i got a Zoanthus i think its called.. and two others pic as soon as they relax

[AutoEXE]

the pic I promised; please id so i can have a good list of what i have. also any tips... i hope i did not get in over my head on this one.... water is good just worried its going to die because i don't have a skimmer or a reactor like i wanted kind of got rushed in to these frags which is not what i wanted to do but i could not pass us free.

#1http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0060.jpg

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just for fun
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[aquatango]

If you have yet to sell your live rock and you can possiby fit it in where you have the bio balls I would suggest removing the bi balls and place the rock in there and possibly get some macro alge and start a more natural filtration system. My husband and I did that and the tank is coming along great! You have already invested the money into the rock so if it is possible to use you will be able to reduce stress from nitrates flowing through your tank and having a possible die off. We are running a 120G Marine Land with predrilled overflow as well and its great! Best of luck!

[AutoEXE]

If you have yet to sell your live rock and you can possiby fit it in where you have the bio balls I would suggest removing the bi balls and place the rock in there and possibly get some macro alge and start a more natural filtration system. My husband and I did that and the tank is coming along great! You have already invested the money into the rock so if it is possible to use you will be able to reduce stress from nitrates flowing through your tank and having a possible die off. We are running a 120G Marine Land with predrilled overflow as well and its great! Best of luck!

now i wish i did not sell the LR, its a good idea and i might buy some more to do this.. thanks for the idea:reading:

[aquatango]

Not a problem! With a little bit of sand rock and alge you could have a great little refugium not to mention the are better to look at as well as more natural! :fun2:

[AutoEXE]

i think i will do that.... but get a 20 or 30 gal tank so it does not get into my pump

[IridescentLily]

Nice looking tank! You've been trying to take it slow which is good, so don't blow it by adding any kind of anemone yet. You know about the lighting they need now but anemone experts also warn against putting them in a newly established tank.
Also, read up on how anemones sometimes move around from where you initially put it.

[AaronM]

your one coral away from a reef tank....lol

Good call, now hes 3 corals past it. FOWLR+C ;)

[AutoEXE]

AaronM +1 for the FOWLR+C

[AutoEXE]

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[CJonesAU83]

Yes it is a maineland 75 corner-flo good eye!!! And also I am planing on getting a powerhead for the other side. Just waiting for that green stuff to come in (money). But if you know a good brand please let me know because I have been looking at a few, both at my LFS and online.. (trying to find the best deal). If you see anyother things I need please let me know; right now I have

a skimmer
powerhead
more live rock
and a clean-up crew (a small one for now)

along for the ride on this thread for several reasons! 1. nice looking tank! i was a bit worried when i saw the first pics with minimal rock, but after all the additions it has blossomed into something to be proud of. Just know that at some point in this hobby you will encounter a major problem of some kind. it's unfortunate and many times out of our control. stick with it and take precautions to prevent what you can and don't get discouraged! how much did you pay for that 75 and also kc your 110? i'm looking to move from a standard 75 to either a taller 48" tank or at least an overflow. did you buy it locally as well? Keep up the good reefing!

[AutoEXE]

along for the ride on this thread for several reasons! 1. nice looking tank! i was a bit worried when i saw the first pics with minimal rock, but after all the additions it has blossomed into something to be proud of. Just know that at some point in this hobby you will encounter a major problem of some kind. it's unfortunate and many times out of our control. stick with it and take precautions to prevent what you can and don't get discouraged! how much did you pay for that 75 and also kc your 110? i'm looking to move from a standard 75 to either a taller 48" tank or at least an overflow. did you buy it locally as well? Keep up the good reefing!

I paid $270 for the 75gal it was 299.99 but I got a discount because I was buying so much. Thank you for the compliments and I will try to keep ahead of any problems. also I am not sure what you are asking for here "kc your 110?" ? I hope my thread keeps you interested and I will keep up with the updates. :beer:

[Wingflier]

great tank I'm also from VB where do you buy your supplies from I found a place out in Suffolk that deals in reefs only

[AutoEXE]

great tank I'm also from VB where do you buy your supplies from I found a place out in Suffolk that deals in reefs only

I go to animal jungle because my wife works there and I get 25% off; but for my new coral frags I went to a farm... http://www.atlanticseafarms.net/servlet/Service they are on Dam Neck reallly nice place

[cmooreinor]

looks great!!!

[AutoEXE]

looks great!!!

Thank you!!:fun2:

[karsseboom]

If your doing corals you really need to remove those bio balls. People might say you can get by with fish olny BUT NO ONE WILL tell you its ok for a reef tank. have you read all the threads about the causes of bioballs? Look at the nice reef tanks on this forum and not one totm will have bioballs. theres some great info on this site read as much as you can before you buy.

[alienbob113]

Just another VB'er checking in wanted to say your tanks looking great so far, been nice to watch its progress.

[AutoEXE]

If your doing corals you really need to remove those bio balls. People might say you can get by with fish olny BUT NO ONE WILL tell you its ok for a reef tank. have you read all the threads about the causes of bioballs? Look at the nice reef tanks on this forum and not one totm will have bioballs. theres some great info on this site read as much as you can before you buy.

Late Update: bioballs removed after last post about them.... i read as much as i can here and i am in the process of making a Refugium where the bioballs where .thank you i look forward to more advice and comments....... also if anyone has made a wetdry trickle filter into a refugium please help.:headwallblue:

[AutoEXE]

Just another VB'er checking in wanted to say your tanks looking great so far, been nice to watch its progress.

Thank you:bounce2::bounce2::bounce2:

[karsseboom]

Late Update: bioballs removed after last post about them.... i read as much as i can here and i am in the process of making a Refugium where the bioballs where .thank you i look forward to more advice and comments....... also if anyone has made a wetdry trickle filter into a refugium please help.:headwallblue:

Good move, i made a sump from an old wetdry just cut out all the ledges and dropped my skimmer in there very simple. Now all you need is a good dosing plan using kalk or 2 part.

[AutoEXE]

I have been putting more coral in (Ricordea mushroom coral and some zoas)and one more fish(a coral beauty {Centropyge bispinosa}). I got the zoas from someones tank that all the coral where dieing because they keep the temp at 70 so hopefully they live. The rest for the corals are growing pretty good.
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0084.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0057-1.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0132-1.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0101.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0133.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0131.jpg

[NewOne81]

Shaping up nicely, good job

[AutoEXE]

Sorry it has been so long with out a update but here we go:
All the old corals are doing good and i even got some more

Cap Coral (purple, Red x2, and Green)
Haitian Reef Anemone

http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0028-1.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0024.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0021.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0018-1.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0001-4.jpg
http://i1197.photobucket.com/albums/aa428/stevenraymer/DSC_0009-2.jpg


LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK

[msaleem]

Make sure that live rock is sitting on the bottom and not the sand. I would have put the rock in before some of the sand so you could put eggcrate down and prevent it from sitting on the glass.

Looks good though! Good luck

whats the reason to that?

[blynch002]

That Haitian 'nem is not a good fit for that tank. The reason I know this is because I have one that I can't get rid of. The clowns won't host in that species of 'nem and they are very aggressive and move around a lot. BTA would definitely be the way to go if you are going to do one.

Your tank looks awesome and I love seeing people with the same size tank as mine that do cool stuff with it. Keep up the good work!