75g peaceful FOWLR build [Archive] - Reef Central Online Community

D5HP

04/05/2011, 02:27 PM

Well I've decided to fight all my recent problems with my nano reef the way any self respecting man would as he approaches a birthday. Exploiting my impending day of "me" by requesting the girlfriend to voluntarily approve a new aquarium :D

75g Oceanic RR system
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TZt0TPuHnRI/AAAAAAAAACE/bkSmoZIly0s/s640/DSC00238.JPG

Picking it up Thursday...

It will be a full blown FOWLR with a fuge...planning on 29g tank sectioned off for that.

Stocking ideas so far:

4:
http://liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-90164-clown-yellow-goby.jpg

4 females 1 male:
http://liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-26195-Lyretail-Male.jpg

Pair of:
http://liveaquaria.com/images/categories/product/p-24020-flame-hawkfish.jpg

Pair of:
http://liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-26101-clarkii.jpg

One
http://liveaquaria.com/images/categories/large/lg-74643-kole-tang.jpg

Thoughts?

**This tank will eventually become a display fuge for the 8' tank I'm designing now. That tank will be finished by next summer at the latest.

D5HP

04/05/2011, 04:14 PM

The other route I wouldn't mind taking with this tank is to do two flame hawks and a couple of dwarf or antennata lionfish. How many lions could I keep in this tank?

namxas

04/06/2011, 11:07 AM

D5HP

04/07/2011, 07:30 AM

You could keep a M-F pair or M-F-F trio of fuzzies (Dendrochirus brachypterus) or D. barberi. You could also mix different dwarf species.

You could also keep a couple of medium-bodied Pterois sp. (antennata, radiata, mombassae), or a med. body and a larger specimen of dwarf.

With lions, it's all about "size differential", which means tankmates are generally OK as long as they can't be swallowed. Flame hawks, clowns and anthias may become food for a med. bodied lion. However, we keep a trio of H. borbonius anthias in our 60 gal "small lion/scorp/waspfish" setup with no issues.

HTH

Thanks for the advice namxas. I am most envious of your trio of blotched anthias...definitely one of my favorite fish and I look forward to keeping some at one point.

I did not realize how huge the antennatas get. 8" is definitely big enough to snack on a smaller clown or hawk.

I think I'll go with a small pair of small bodied lions to keep myself from worrying about the possibility of them snacking on other friends in the tank. I want it to be relatively peaceful except for the lions.

Thanks again...picking up the tank today!

D5HP

04/13/2011, 11:51 AM

Tank has been cleaned.

Picking up a 29 gallon tank for the sump / fuge this afternoon.

The tank came with a Coralife 220g Super Skimmer that will sit externally hooked up to the sump. 20" will be a refugium for growing algaes for the tang.

I have decided to add a small pair of dwarf zebra lionfish and not add the small gobies.

I may have to go with black occellaris to appease the significant other though...so the clarkii's may not make it (want them so bad!)

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TZ-bY0vpv2I/AAAAAAAAAFA/rMy30XT7rKQ/s800/photo3.JPG

There is a 750gph return pump that will be teed in order to provide flow to the UV sterilizer and then to the fuge. The return section of the sump will be in the middle, so the fuge can utilize the entire height of the 29g (18"). I will need to keep the water level a little lower on the skimmer/return side for power outages but I want a pretty sweet fuge area.

Things left to get:
MP40 - wireless for my future upgrade
TLF 150 reactor with NP reducing biopellets + MJ900 to run it
Jager 250W heater (maybe two 200W ones.. not sure)
40-80lbs of sand (I think?)
60lbs of dry rock - 50lbs regular marco 10lbs shelf rock
plumbing parts and stuff

Hopefully have this thing wet in a month...not too much excitement now but the tank is clean and ready.

Tank is lit by two 65W 50/50 PC bulbs. Fixture came with the tank.

Currently have not spent any money after selling the chiller that the tank came with :)

rkesling

04/13/2011, 11:37 PM

Should be a decent set up once done. Looking forward to seeing the progress pics.

namxas

04/15/2011, 08:48 AM

Not so fast on the zebras there...D. zebra is NOT sexually dimorphic/dichromic, and you won't be able to sex them with any certainty. Two males WILL end up fighting.

The only two dwarf lions that are fairly easily sexed are D. brachypterus (fuzzy dwarf) and D. barberi (green/Hawaiian lionfish).

D5HP

04/17/2011, 08:55 PM

Hmmm thanks for the heads up namxas.

I guess I may just go with two small antennatas if I can find them or a single small radiata.

I was told that I could probably find some very small antennatas if I look hard enough or get in touch with the online retailers and let them know I am looking.

Any advice on that?

Got the sump so I'll start laying that out soon. May be buying a generator before doing anything for this tank, so there could be a little delay due to funds.

-Dustin

D5HP

04/20/2011, 06:06 AM

http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+36+225&pcatid=225

Just got an email saying they have small antennatas in stock...maybe I'll be able to find some again in about two months.

EDIT:

Just wanted to update this while I'm building the system.

Ordered RTV103 silicone for the sump baffles, which I hope to complete this weekend.

Picking up 40lbs of nice LR from a local for $60 this weekend.

Ordered 10lbs of marco shelf rock and 40lbs of sand...I have some sand already at the house (20lbs or so) and hopefully I can get away with just ordering their 40lbs base rock 40lbs sand later on to complete all the rock and sand purchases I need....but I am worried about the DSB in the fuge section taking quite a bit of sand to accomplish.

Also got the 8-port american DJ power strip since I won't be running a controller on this tank....yet.

DoubleM 10

04/20/2011, 09:45 AM

IMO i would not put the lions with the fater fish. unless u are going to do a fu man chu(which i dont think anyone has mentioned) whom is a bottom dweller.

when i had my fuzzy lions with a faster fish(clarki clown that u have mentioned) the lions layed around. did not do much at all. would not swim unless feeding. i have since removed the clarki. the same fish that did nothing swim all the time as soon and ANYONE puts thier nose to the tank.

they are now housed with a marine betta and a ghost ribbon.

all the fish swim all the time.

D5HP

04/20/2011, 10:13 AM

Other than a more sedentary behavior was there any other negatives to this?

I definitely don't want to put the lion's health at risk or anything but I would like to have them.

Worst case scenario I wait until this is just the display fuge and add them then...but that's a year away!

Any other advice on this? I've read some other stories about it but wasn't sure if it had anything to do with people preferring active lionfish or not...IMO they just look incredibly cool!

Flaring Afro

04/20/2011, 11:49 AM

Clown gobies are small, but that might be too many even in a 75. They don't bother anything else but will fight each other.

EDIT: Didn't notice other post about not getting them. If you want a lion, you could also check out the Mombasa that liveaquaria is now selling. It costs more, but looks pretty awesome. I wouldn't get 2 of those in a 75 though.

D5HP

04/20/2011, 11:51 AM

Clown gobies are small, but that might be too many even in a 75. They don't bother anything else but will fight each other.

Ahhh I wish I could edit posts anytime here...I have since removed them from the list because I may be adding small lions...but also I was told the hawkfish may bother them as well.

No worries!

DoubleM 10

04/20/2011, 12:18 PM

Ahhh I wish I could edit posts anytime here...I have since removed them from the list because I may be adding small lions...but also I was told the hawkfish may bother them as well.

No worries!

you would want to mkae sure they are eating very well before adding another fish that is faster. thats the only negative i have found. harder to feed them specificly when faster fish are around.

so either in QT(which i have read nothing about) make sure they are eating frozen and doing so aggresivly or put them in the tank first and make sure they are eating frozen aggresivly

D5HP

04/20/2011, 02:22 PM

I'll definitely be implementing a 2-4 week QT period for these fish to make sure they are eating voraciously.

DoubleM 10

04/20/2011, 03:29 PM

I'll definitely be implementing a 2-4 week QT period for these fish to make sure they are eating voraciously.

sounds good. that was one of the mistakes i made. i now have a decent qt set up for my beloved fish :inlove:

D5HP

04/21/2011, 09:26 PM

got the plumbing for the system mocked up today, painted the back of the tank black, cut egg crate for the bottom of the tank, and finalized my plans for the stand layout. I need to work on a diagram of that to share...for some criticisms.

Anyone have any experience making ATO reservoirs out of thin glass? I can get 3/32" inch glass from Lowe's and I need to make one that is like 8x8x20H...weird but that's the space I have available :hmm6:

My American DJ powerstrip (http://www.amazon.com/American-DJ-PC-100A-Channel-Lighted/dp/B0002GL50Q) comes in tomorrow, and it should fit perfectly in the door frame and I'll print off labels for the following to be easily controlled:

Display Light
Fuge light
return pump
MP40
heaters
skimmer
reactor pump
UV sterilizer

Also, next week I should get all the parts for the ATO, 10lbs of shelf rock, and 40lbs of sand.

I think I'll need another 60-70lbs of rock and another 60-80lbs of sand as I have about 20lbs left from my nano.

A rough sump digram from the other day:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/Ta7fn92OkBI/AAAAAAAAAGU/q1XIkGmOjBo/s640/photo%285%29.JPG

The skimmer will now reside IN the sump, making the first chamber 8.5", baffles 1.5", the second return / top off region at 6", and the fuge 14". The ????'s circled green should just say 6" now.

The sump will be positioned a little left of center in the stand. To the left will be the dual reactors...return will be sideways behind the tank (using a 90˚ elbow to draw water from the tank via a hole I haven't drilled yet...) then on the far right will be the UV sterilizer, custom ATO, and food and other things that pile up there...

In the doorway on the right (at the very top) is where I'm mounting the DJ power strip. I will print labels for everything next week.

I can't wait to get everything in. :bounce2::bounce1::bounce3:

The last purchase I will make will be the MP40...because I get free shipping on it and I want to celebrate it like it cost more than absolutely everything else on the build...combined.

D5HP

04/25/2011, 10:59 AM

Ordered a drill bit so I can tackle the sump this weekend. I need to find a glass shop locally that can get me 1/4" baffles cut because I'm afraid the 3/32" stuff from Lowe's won't hold the weight of the fuge.

I had a small space left for the ATO reservoir so I built an 8"x6"x20" mini-tank and it holds water!

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbVpmqXBZxI/AAAAAAAAAHo/IJnAt0QjzYs/s640/photo%288%29.JPG

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbJTQfD7CYI/AAAAAAAAAG8/rsi87dKVspk/s640/photo-9.JPG

Here's a shot at the plumbing, which tees off through the UV and then down into a spray bar in the fuge (low, even flow)
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbJTd93mjpI/AAAAAAAAAHI/uywC6Z5TTPg/s640/photo-6.JPG

Egg crate:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbJTXpE_2-I/AAAAAAAAAHA/HZSHDEf62es/s800/photo-5.JPG

I have about 70lbs of base rock on the way and 80lbs of sand...so that should take me to about 100lbs of sand total so I should be set there.

One of the big shelf rock pieces I got from marco rocks was damaged during shipping (despite really good bubble wrap) and they got me squared away with more RIGHT AWAY.

Can't say enough good things about Marc he was a pleasure to deal with and if I ever need more rock or sand I'll go back through them...ALL the rock and sand in this tank is from marcorocks.com --> great prices and great selection.

I have their sand in my 20L and it's been perfect for me.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbVpm0iIwlI/AAAAAAAAAHs/q-Gl7d158OE/s640/photo%286%29.JPG

Had that piece not broken it would have been spot on perfect...but I think I can repair it with a mortar kit that is coming from them as well.

New level....does she hold water? Yep. No leaks.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbVpmk0L-eI/AAAAAAAAAHk/p4qL4ucc1-Q/s800/photo%287%29.JPG

*This was taken mid-fill...it sat full for 8hrs no leaks.

And last is my working buddy Kona...he didn't like staying up watching all that western conference hockey the night before :spin1:

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbVpnLaL-ZI/AAAAAAAAAHw/gCLoJa_FD-4/s640/photo%289%29.JPG

Also, 2 - cool white par38 LED flood lights are coming to light the fuge area from some eBay seller...I'll update on those when I get them but I figure I'll get a better spread with far less wattage this way and since it's just cheato it's not a huge deal.

Still left to order:

MP40
Bucket of IO salt
Thermometers
Dual reactor from BRS (anyone selling one?)
MJ1200 to drive the reactor
Heaters (2-200W finnex since EVERYWHERE is out of stock of the jager 150W)
Fishez.

D5HP

04/29/2011, 01:27 PM

Updates! I ordered two 150W jager heaters from eBay...should be here next week.

Got two 7W LED cool white spot lights for the fuge area... I want to REALLY promote algae growth in there and make it all sorts of nasty nasty.

I got all my rock in from marco rocks...sand should be here later today and I got the aquascape kit.

The significant other is going to help me do the mortar stuff but I went ahead and put together a mock scape today:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbsN--37hNI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XUTxE5udOYc/s640/photo-4.JPG

I tried to use the shelf rock to create a few caves, overhangs, and perches for the hawks and lions to enjoy.

I think it will look good once it's all stuck together and there's a nice shallow sandbed in there. I'm getting coarse sand in hopes the MP40 doesn't blow it around as much.

Also drilled the 29g sump tank and it went well! No issues.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbsN_aSCXTI/AAAAAAAAAIo/xp3fIq5JzFo/s512/photo-5.JPG

I got the baffles cut at a local shop and siliconed the first bubble trap section in...my dog knocked over the big fuge baffle and it shattered so I'm heading BACK today...(soon in fact)...what a shame.

I also used acrylic to make a little float switch holder.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbsOBUVRJCI/AAAAAAAAAIs/CEm3DkX9v2E/s512/photo-3.JPG

last, I got the DJ powerstrip mounted and labeled so things are really starting to come together.
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TbsOH6qQ-6I/AAAAAAAAAIw/v_kWZFnBS0c/s512/photo-6.JPG

D5HP

05/02/2011, 11:31 AM

I want to continue documenting my status on all of this.

I sold some of my reptiles and terrariums over the weekend. I also sold an elliptical trainer I no longer used since I have a nice fitness center in my neighborhood.

I could have used the money on the MP40 but I have to buy flights up to NY for a wedding in June and the prices are rising quickly.

Got the sump finished...
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/Tb6pHsct9tI/AAAAAAAAAJg/WLajLwLuJww/s640/photo%2811%29.JPG

Got the two 7W LED bulbs in as well...they're bright and about the color I was looking for so overall I'm pretty happy with them. I think I'll see good growth and I'll feel much better running 14W instead of 60W that most fuges see.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/Tb6pHqfF6gI/AAAAAAAAAJk/02-3yYcF928/s640/photo%2810%29.JPG

Just ordered 35' of John Guest 1/4" tubing (orange?!) so I can actually fill this tank up overnight sometime in the coming weeks.

Also got a big order coming from big als online. Bucket of reef crystals to try and promote coraline growth instead of just IO. Thermometers and odds and ends to get the free shipping.

Slow build, yes. Exams are this week so I should finish the build in its entirety this week. I have to travel for a week starting the middle of May so this thing will see water on May 20th when I get back Friday night... I hope.

D5HP

05/22/2011, 09:04 AM

Tank is kicking. Took two days to get it filled because I was paranoid about waking up to some angry downstairs neighbors.

The coralife pump is way too loud. I will probably replace it with a pan world eventually. It is way way way too loud. I dialed it back a little and that helped but I just can't see this working out.

I got my big work bench painted and put together as well so my office is finally coming together. Just a few more little things I have to take care of.

Check it out...tank is still a bit cloudy.

Sump finished:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdcRAJKuxYI/AAAAAAAAALE/viz0PM0cG1Q/s800/DSC_0151%204.jpg

Guarding my aquarium boxes:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdcRBO9F00I/AAAAAAAAALM/7oADQSalXtU/s800/DSC_0158%204.jpg

Start filling!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdcRELuGmAI/AAAAAAAAALQ/j2LuRu4xmk8/s720/DSC_0159%204.jpg

Desk:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdkjsU68RMI/AAAAAAAAAL0/ddst6TkcL4s/s720/DSC_0188%204.jpg

Final minutes of filling:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdkjtkOvBmI/AAAAAAAAAL8/_Ud3I8yzt3k/s720/DSC_0185%204.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdkjBIKRK6I/AAAAAAAAALs/fKhgckt77-I/s720/DSC_0190%204.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/_bMrXe9B6KK0/TdkjCHlm2QI/AAAAAAAAALw/_BHmWrBMQn8/s720/DSC_0191%204.jpg

jjk_reef00

05/22/2011, 05:30 PM

muffe

05/22/2011, 09:25 PM

I like where this is going. Peaceful FOWLR setups are great!

D5HP

05/23/2011, 10:36 AM

Sounds like a good plan. Thanks for sharing the build.
I'm not sure the panworld will be any quieter. Have you thought about using an Eheim submersible pump? That would be my choice if I had to have an absolutely silent pump.

I had actually considered going with the eheim for a replacement but I already have all the plumbing for the external pump. I have an eheim on my 20L reef and love it...so quiet I don't even think its running most of the time.

The noise got a little better after I tweaked a few things but it definitely still makes a lot of noise and that's going to have to be dealt with at some point in the near future I think.

If the pan world won't be any quieter then I'm definitely going to have to reconsider a few things...

Thanks for the heads up.

I like where this is going. Peaceful FOWLR setups are great!

Thanks I am really excited about getting fish in here in a few weeks.

I put a cube of frozen mysis in the tank when I was filling it and some phytofeast from a bottle that had just expired and it's pretty crazy how terrible the water smells...just like cat urine. I'm sure there's an ammonia spike already which is great news.

I'll continue with the MB7 and watch it.

...well I just tested and it's looking like it's .5ppm

Sweet?

D5HP

06/01/2011, 06:49 AM

Okay so I need some input on this one for those that are familiar with MB7, whether proponent or not.

I have dosed the "new tank" recommendation since the tank's inception roughly 10 days ago.

I have put in a copious amount of food since I have minimal live rock (only about 5lbs of rubble spread everywhere) and I want to make sure I see an ammonia spike.

You're like...what's copious? How about a cube of this old frozen food none of my fish like...each day. That sort of copious. I did that for 5 days so that seems like a **** ton of food to me. My ammonia was definitely 0.25ppm for at least a day but I haven't detected anything else.

The tank is cloudy and there are all these cloudy/milky white stringy strands everywhere. I believe some of this is due to a severe lack of flow. I am leaving for NYC for 6 days tomorrow so I haven't really cared about the tank's state since I've been trying to get my reef ready to handle my time away.

I will stop the MB7 dosing while I am gone in NYC (my house sitter is not a technical person...measuring **** included) so it will be easiest to just let the tank run for a few days. I hope the ammonia is readable either tomorrow before I leave or when I return next week, though I honestly expect neither.

Is the MB7 introducing bacteria that are capable of handling these nutrients faster than I am adding them?

I am working out a water change method on this tank...because I honestly haven't even considered how I'm going to do that yet. I believe I'll be using a 33g trash can to handle the fresh salt and doing large changes that way once a week. I plan on stocking this tank very heavily and feeding an outrageous amount. My little reef has done extremely well with the combination of overfeeding and changing water often.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rEMMIvFqioM/TeY1CLHNh4I/AAAAAAAAAMw/9-jD7OP9HLc/s720/DSC_0211%2525204.jpg

Still getting the office together...

-Dustin

DoubleM 10

06/01/2011, 08:59 AM

wow the tank looks great. cant wait to see it a couple months down the road when fish and the rocks color up

D5HP

06/01/2011, 10:41 AM

wow the tank looks great. cant wait to see it a couple months down the road when fish and the rocks color up

Thanks M.

It isn't quite as clear as it was in that picture now...the low flow was causing some weird film stringy stuff to form so I just slapped an old rio powerhead I have in there to stir things up. I'll run that overnight and take it out before my trip because I don't trust those things.

I have to buy a new computer after my trip and then I should be able to drop the coin on the MP40. I think that should provide plenty of flow with the ~500gph coming back from the return. If not I can eventually get a MP10 to match with it for the opposite wall but I'm hoping that won't be necessary since this is just a fish only tank.

The skimmer is actually surprising me...it's pulling out some nasty nasty gunk. The temperature was a little high so I had to put a small fan on the surface of the fuge, which has double my evaporation rate. I have to top off twice a day now...at least a gallon maybe more.

I need to finish the ATO and potentially build a larger reservoir.

-Dustin

StephLionfish

06/01/2011, 09:37 PM

Awesome looking tank. I really like how the rocks are set up. Are they glued together?

stangd1909

06/01/2011, 09:46 PM

Looks really good man...nice job.

D5HP

06/02/2011, 06:38 AM

nice setup

Thanks HKN. Much appreciated.

Awesome looking tank. I really like how the rocks are set up. Are they glued together?

Thank you, I had a lot of help from the other half on that one. We used about 90lbs of dry rock for the structure. All of it was from MarcoRocks and 25lbs was their choice shelf rock (which is amazing and definitely worth the money).

I also got their aquascaping mortar kit, which was messy but a lifesaver. It allowed me to put some things together I simply wouldn't have been able to otherwise. Once I got the consistency right I was like a master brick mason. We broke a few of the monster rocks up outside and used the broken bits to fill in all the cracks on the tank so that it looks like it is really molded around the overflow area. The two cave / shelves are for the lions and hawks. I am hoping they will perch often.

The left side does not stick out from the back wall very far and that will be the side I place the MP40. If that's not enough flow I will save up and get another MP10 for the opposite wall near the top.

Looks really good man...nice job.

Thanks stang....now I just have to wait for fish!

AlexS95

06/02/2011, 09:47 PM

Looks nice, I just filled up my 220 with sand and rocks from the same site. :D

D5HP

06/08/2011, 10:23 AM

No surprises coming home. Tank is clear and everything is running well. I threw a bunch of food on the sandbed when I left and there is a slight diatom haze now. Ammonia and nitrite both read zero. I have no seen a spike since the initial one and I am afraid I will get one still. I went ahead and ordered the clean up crew and quite a bit of macro algae for the fuge. I am looking forward to seeing that grow in. Live Aquaria has a special on Lyretail females and I'm tempted to go ahead and get a few of them.

-Dustin

D5HP

06/08/2011, 11:57 AM

Hmm live aquaria has small antennatas in stock...tempting!

AND super special on their female lyretails!

D5HP

06/09/2011, 07:37 AM

Here's a video I just put on YouTube. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuhbvjXAg5I)

I got 6 chromis yesterday but one didn't even make it home. I'm going to feed them pretty heavily for a few weeks and see how the tank responds. The remaining ones all look healthy. I have always had great luck with these fish and wanted 6-10 in this tank...but I think I'll stick with the 5 until I see how aggressive the anthias are after they go in.

I am sure someone will chime in telling me I'll only have one or two in a few months but I have honestly never lost one to aggression. I feed 5-6x a day and all my tanks have high flow.

I am ordering the MP40 this weekend / tonight so it should be here next Friday and the tank will be officially ready for ordering fish.

-D

D5HP

06/13/2011, 02:28 PM

Gosh...$445 sure does hurt to spend on a pump.

MP40 should be here Thursday afternoon/night.

Finally pulled the trigger.

D5HP

06/15/2011, 04:22 PM

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-nlJSphLp9N4/TeY0j0poMcI/AAAAAAAAAMQ/VFAF2Bt0-5Y/s720/DSC_0216%2525204.jpg

The showstoppers:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-U35--EoQlw4/TfkJqrTSspI/AAAAAAAAAOo/ASIHuJxNqMQ/s800/DSC_0351%2525203.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-eyfJL8UwlCA/TfkJtAjDQiI/AAAAAAAAAO8/YJGL9R128zo/s800/DSC_0396%2525203.jpg

Skinny girl:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NQPUpyGLKOI/TfkJt-EiYcI/AAAAAAAAAPA/chnecvwnbHo/s512/DSC_0383%2525203.jpg

CUC came today. Had to put a lot of the excess snails in the reef and I'll take some to the LFS. Macros are in the fuge...hopefully those start to take off while I decide what fish I want to live down there. It's a smaller space so I don't know if the waspfish I liked would work. We'll see what I decide to go with...no more fish in here for at least two months-ish. I want to fatten up the OSFF and then get my QT setup. I didn't QT the OSFF because if they're sick I'll treat the whole tank just for them since they sort of changed my entire plans for this tank in the first place. If they get sick or require me to keep the tank fallow for 8 weeks...well..I was doing that anyways? This way I have them in a tank that I know is stable and I can feed the **** out of them. The only thing I don't like is the 30g water changes I'll be doing every other day...maybe more. Good thing my brutes have casters!

Pumped for the MP40!

I doubt I can swing 4-5 anthias in here now though...I'm afraid that the OSFF wouldn't get to eat enough but I know my anthias likes high flow in order to eat and the OSFFs like it almost off entirely...so maybe it could work.

D5HP

06/18/2011, 04:04 PM

MP40 acme in. Expensive...but still pretty awesome. I feel like I won't need to use a turkey baster to clean the rocks again...just crank this thing up.

OSFF are good. Eating a ton though. I got 400g work of reef crystals yesterday so the water changes won't be an issue for a while. I did 30g today and I'll probably do another one tomorrow. Maybe 2 or 3 this week as well.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ijgjanWWdCM/Tf0f8zSxCyI/AAAAAAAAAPs/H2OPGsmhGuw/s720/DSC_0472.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-Xt81caUMBK8/Tf0f8hecXbI/AAAAAAAAAPo/7qn5GKxr9C8/s512/DSC_0654%2525201.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3cYTqnEPU4s/Tf0f9DNpLOI/AAAAAAAAAPw/uojY0rBFeGk/DSC_0591.jpg

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tBNP8hSZkTc/Tf0f96semxI/AAAAAAAAAP0/1axpoGrG9Nw/s512/DSC_0596.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2-D-OJCGtP4/Tf0f-Oh_dAI/AAAAAAAAAP4/9EinLlJyNFk/s512/DSC_0637%2525201.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-betSubgees0/Tf0f_OvWNLI/AAAAAAAAAP8/F-BmVDyFZ04/DSC_0491%2525201.jpg

TMF89

06/18/2011, 11:33 PM

D5, what exactly is your stocking plan at this point? I read your original plan but now it seems it'll be a bit different? Or do you plan on trying to stay as true to the first post as possible?

D5HP

06/19/2011, 08:39 AM

D5, what exactly is your stocking plan at this point? I read your original plan but now it seems it'll be a bit different? Or do you plan on trying to stay as true to the first post as possible?

Great question TMF. It has changed pretty drastically, to be honest since that first post and unfortunately I can't go back and edit that one.

I am unsure as to how well the OSFFs will compete for food with any other larger fish in the tank and I am especially concerned about introducing my female lyretail anthias since she is so aggressive at feeding time. The chromis do a great job of catching uneaten food but also cause me to have to feed a little bit more.

I would still like to add a small yellow or kole tang at some point once the rock matures enough to sustain one between feedings.

I do still plan on getting at least one small flame hawkfish.

I had also added a pair of antennata lions to the list but at this point I'm going to try and find just one tiny one or a small radiata. Most likely a dwarf fuzzy or zebra. I will have to wait until the female gets larger for that though...as I would hate myself if I lost her due to poor stocking.

The OSFF pair definitely have limited my stocking options but that's not an issue because they are undoubtedly one of the coolest / strangest fish I will ever be able to keep.

Thanks for asking and stopping by.

namxas

06/20/2011, 10:49 AM

D5HP

06/20/2011, 11:32 AM

We keep our OSFF pair with the last of our flavoguttatus anthias (what was left after our "trio" picked each other off). You're going to need to be super careful about tankmates, as the OSFF will indeed likely suffer from food competition. Your fish need to get some weight on them before you do anything else, and getting them fattened-up takes a good while, IME.

I am definitely worried about additions with the OSFF pair since they are so thin but any additions are at least two months away. I am setting up my QT now and after a minimum four week holding period it's going to be about 8-10 weeks before any fish are ready to be added.

I am a bit worried about the female lyretail anthias going in the tank...but a fall back is to always be able to overfeed and do tons of water changes. That will be difficult to sustain and if it becomes a real issue I can get the 60g cube built for the pair at the end of the summer...though that isn't ideal.

Do you think I can put some weight on them with 4-8 daily feedings in 2-3 months or is it more of a 6 month affair with this species? Unfortunately the male is still only aggressively pursuing brine shrimp but is getting better about Rogger's reef food plus, which is a great sign.

If you want to add a lionfish, best leave it at a Dendrochirus sp., and my recommendation would be D. biocellatus (fu manchu), as it's a bottom dweller, has a small mouth, and shouldn't compete with the OSFF at all. If not a fu, maybe a D. barberi, as IME, they're pretty mild-mannered.

I am not particularly fond of the fu's but I'll look into the barberi though I haven't ever seen one being offered for sale. What about the fuzzy or zebra? Too aggressive and active? This could most certainly be put on hold if it's going to be an issue or cause me problems later on.

Thoughts on a flame hawkfish?

EDIT: Forgot about a redfin waspfish...they've had a lot on diver's den lately and they look small. This could be a cool fish as a lion replacement?

Personally, I'd leave the tang out of the mix altogether...tangs can get a bit "punky", plus, you don't need an "ich magnet" in with your OSFF, as THOSE are the fish you need to be catering to in that setup, esp. since they don't show up often.

JME/JMHO

Probably a wise decision to stay away from a tang then, you're right. Are OSFF prone to ICH at all? All future additions will be quarantined and medicated with copper before going to the DT.

This tank is definitely the OSFF castle and I honestly would not be too depressed if it remained the way it is now but eventually I would like these fish to be in a very large FOWLR system. I will be moving in less than a year and will be hopefully putting in a 10' FOWLR tank that I would really like this pair to join. If I can get them competing for food enough it shouldn't be too difficult. I am currently feeding with a turkey baster and they already are associating me / it with food.

As always, your advice is much appreciated thanks for the help namxas.

namxas

06/20/2011, 11:45 AM

Dustin,

We haven't been able to keep a D. zebra alive for very long, but I'm sure it's specimen-related, but IMHO, a fuzzy might be too aggressive a feeder unless if leaves the OSFF's food alone, which it might once you get it "on the stick".

If there's enuff food in the tank, the lyretail shouldn't be too much of an issue. We had a female (actually a she-he) for about 8 years, and she was a model citizen, and the she'll appreciate the frequent feedings you give the OSFF.

I kept a flame hawk for awhile, and didn't notice it being nasty to its tankmates, but maybe other will chime in on that one.

I don't THINK OSFF are ich-prone, but since Renee weaned "her" pair of OSFF herself, they get treated like gold. I can tell you that the frequent feedings are HARD on the water quality, even with the lush macro algae growth.

D5HP

06/20/2011, 01:27 PM

Dustin,

We haven't been able to keep a D. zebra alive for very long, but I'm sure it's specimen-related, but IMHO, a fuzzy might be too aggressive a feeder unless if leaves the OSFF's food alone, which it might once you get it "on the stick".

I'll consider that then...maybe I could go with a prolonged solo QT period for a fuzzy and get him eating solid sized pieces of food to where he wouldn't even compete with the OSFFs

If there's enuff food in the tank, the lyretail shouldn't be too much of an issue. We had a female (actually a she-he) for about 8 years, and she was a model citizen, and the she'll appreciate the frequent feedings you give the OSFF.

That sounds about like mine...she is a beautiful fish and I maybe be more worried about her sheer speed at feeding time than any actual aggression. The lyretails are a close second in line to the blotched anthias in my favorite reef fish category.

I kept a flame hawk for awhile, and didn't notice it being nasty to its tankmates, but maybe other will chime in on that one.

I had originally wanted a pair but would be fine with just one eventually. I'll continue reading on those.

I don't THINK OSFF are ich-prone, but since Renee weaned "her" pair of OSFF herself, they get treated like gold. I can tell you that the frequent feedings are HARD on the water quality, even with the lush macro algae growth.

I'm sure hers get the star treatment after having to work so hard to get them eating well. I am really hoping that my pair will fill out in the coming months.

Thanks again Greg.

So maybe a future stock list would be the lyretail in a month or so (no QT there since she's moving from my reef), then a flame hawkfish in a few months, then the fuzzy or a waspfish after solo QT.

So TMF, how's that sound? I beleive I'd still have the room for another fish or two then but I'll need to evaluate the behavior of the OSFF during feeding time and their weight.

D5HP

06/24/2011, 07:59 AM

OSFF pair are doing well. The male is finally eating rogger's food now that it's attached to a clip (pictures below) and the female is getting hassled for wanting some.

Petco has their $1/gallon sale this weekend so I'm going to snag a 40B for the QT tank. This will house the flame hawk and whatever other fish I decide on adding in two months or so.

The OSFF essentially own the area around the clip currently and I'm hoping it stays that way since I'm having to feed the tank WAY WAY less in order for them to eat. Yesterday was a great day! It will save me probably $50 in salt alone over the next month if they continue eating from the clip so well.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Qkh3dMaxC-U/TgSWKq-QpOI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/rxnKO1vrQrc/s512/DSC_0753.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-UYulIEZQBSQ/TgSWKTR3lJI/AAAAAAAAAQ0/ZMr0gVVLhl0/s800/DSC_0704.jpg

Spying dinner:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-seEJPob7QnY/TgSWLnIj7tI/AAAAAAAAARA/E3xVP_iWzjY/s720/DSC_0794.jpg

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-41oUJVn6hPM/TgSWLhBJ1aI/AAAAAAAAARE/y6Peyt_BkXI/s800/DSC_0811.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-CBBCCvmmdVU/TgSWMAA1MQI/AAAAAAAAARI/EFrGyqM43ao/s800/DSC_0810.jpg

This photo makes him look waaaay skinnier than he is but it shows how much he ate yesterday!
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ZwgwrNWztA8/TgSWMwhJ5VI/AAAAAAAAARM/X_0u4_RNsNE/s720/DSC_0785.jpg

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sledge760

06/24/2011, 01:57 PM

Looks good!

D5HP

06/27/2011, 10:43 AM

Looks good!

Thanks sledge.

Diatom city is the new name of my tank...but that's okay. The snails are managing it for the most part.

The male filefish is loving the clip feedings of Rogger's but still eats the frozen brine, though I'm feeding it way less. The female still gets a little pipette of ova daily and I shoot it straight down into the sandbed so the chromis don't devour it first.

I got a 40B yesterday at Petco's $/gallon sale to use for QT. I have a HOB filter I'm trading the rest of my mortar for and I'll probably spend $40 on a nice koralia powerhead. A little PVC, a heater, and a thermometer should be all I need. I am just going to use a cheap house lamp for a light for feedings.

I want to move the female lyretail over in the next few weeks. I believe I'll place an order with blue zoo (have some credit there) and get two flame hawks and two pink skunk clowns next. Then I'll worry about the fuzzy lionfish and that should probably wrap this tank up. I just don't want to risk these filefish!

D5HP

06/30/2011, 10:47 AM

I have a full lb of live blackworms coming in next week with a group order that I am excited to feed the files. I am interested in seeing how the male behaves because now that he is eating from the clip so often and so regularly he has even slowed in his pursuit of brine shrimp from the water column. I'm not sure if I should be worried about that since he eats so well from the clip and CONSTANTLY has a full tummy now...but I am continuing to try and feed them both aggressively.

Water quality has taken a hit...I have a pretty substantial cyano outbreak and the fuge macros are starting to take off. I'm going out of town Saturday and Sunday so I'll leave the light off ALL day Sunday. I'll load up their clips on Saturday right before I leave and then feed Monday afternoon a few times before lights out.

I'm doing a water change tonight and then another Monday. Should be okay!

I'll update once the blackworms are in. I am also hoping to get the QT running and cycling next week. I believe the hawks and clowns will be the next additions to the tank.

D5HP

07/11/2011, 11:06 AM

Tank's water quality really was shot to hell with all the food I was dumping in the tank. Went through another cycle but didn't lose anything.

I kept the ammonia at 0.25ppm (at worst) and the nitrite jumped about that high too. Prime kept things from getting toxic but I still got a serious scare out of it all. I have gone through 400g worth of reef crystals salt in about 3 weeks. Insane....ly expensive :)

Everything is good now though and I've got the feedings under control with the clip.

My next additions are going to be a pair of pink skunk clowns and a pair of flame hawkfish. I'm pretty interested in keeping pairs of fish in this tank since I think the relationships are really fun to watch. I'd even consider getting a M-F pair of fuzzies at some point later on if I can sex them small enough.

The 40B QT is currently running with an aqueon HOB, K2, aquaclear powerhead, some PVC, and a 75W jager heater. I will give it a few weeks to cycle before ordering the clowns and hawks.

The hawks may come from Diver's Den depending on how hard it is to pair them up.

I think that will probably top out the stocking list for this tank. Has anyone kept orange lined cardinals? I saw some at the LFS and they seemed pretty cool. Do you think adding 3-4 of those would cause problems (in addition to what is already in here)?

I am NOT going with more than one anthias. The female will get moved over to the 75g (when my fish trap comes in...can't catch her!) and that will be that.

So my final stocking list is as follows:

6 chromis
2 orange spotted filefish
1 female lyretail anthias
2 flame hawkfish
2 pink skunk clownfish
dwarf fuzzy lionfish (maybe a pair?)
1 starry blenny
4 orange lined cardinals
potentially a wrasse of some kind

I'd love some input on this list. I do weekly 30g water changes. All subsequent additions will be QT'd and medicated beforehand.

My fuge is absolutely slam full of pods. The macros have actually gotten the nitrate down to ZERO after the secondary cycle. The diatoms are still lingering but I'm not too concerned since the fish are all so happy and healthy. The filefish have definitely started gaining some weight. I am feeding them heavily still and they have food in the clip at all hours of the day when I'm home.

Nothing else really going on....

Seventy

07/11/2011, 03:49 PM

palmer373

07/12/2011, 01:14 AM

Are you having vibration issues with your return pipes being PVC? On my 55 i have problems with my mag 7 being loud when it vibrates, which is often. I never had issues when i had flexible tubing for the return but it doesn't look as nice as PVC.

I seem to have forgotten, and im too lazy to check, did you QT the filefishes (if so, hypo or copper?), whered you get them from, and were they eating when you bought them? Nice tank BTW, I finally got my skimmer for my 75 and now im deciding on the aquascape, Im trying to decide what fish i want so i can make the 'scape perfect for them.

D5HP

07/12/2011, 07:19 AM

I think the filefish pair + fuzzy dwarf lionfish pair is a great idea. I have a fuzzy dwarf lion in my 120 with a matted filefish and they get along great. Fuzzy dwarfs have so much personality and once you get them eating prepared food they don't bother their tankmates, at least from my experience, unless they are just easy easy prey..... like a chromis, cardinal or hawkfish that is bite-sized. Never seen one eat a clownfish though. I do like the anthias and blenny choices.

Yeah I am going to try and get some larger hawkfish I am just worried about the difficulty in pairing them. I doubt the chromis are a serious target due to their speed and the clownfish I am getting will be bigger than the entire lionfish.

I am going to get the lions as small as I possibly can and QT them for a while to get them eating from a stick really well.

Are you having vibration issues with your return pipes being PVC? On my 55 i have problems with my mag 7 being loud when it vibrates, which is often. I never had issues when i had flexible tubing for the return but it doesn't look as nice as PVC.

I am not having any vibration issues with that system at all...but admittedly it is VERY tight. I had made one of the larger pipes too long and just wrestled the pump into place before using a jug of PVC cement all over the interior joints and then I went back and painted over all the exterior ones for good measure.

The pump is SOOOO loud but I don't have any vibration issues.

My biggest problem is controlling the placement of the MP40 wetside. It seems like it moves slightly every few days and starts rattling like a wildabeast on crack.

This room sounds like a damn Nasa space center though so I can't be too picky. I have three computers and some other large equipment that all have fans and noisemakers inside.

I can't wait for a fish room so I can sound proof it!

I seem to have forgotten, and im too lazy to check, did you QT the filefishes (if so, hypo or copper?), whered you get them from, and were they eating when you bought them? Nice tank BTW, I finally got my skimmer for my 75 and now im deciding on the aquascape, Im trying to decide what fish i want so i can make the 'scape perfect for them.

I did not QT the files since the only other thing in the tank was the chromis, which had been in there for a few weeks and were all completely healthy.

I decided losing them wasn't nearly as much of an issue since I had a stable tank and the 40B QT wasn't stable yet.

If they came in sick (not likely from DD) then I could afford to leave the tank fallow for a few weeks anyway, since the QT was just starting to cycle and would be another 2 months before fish went into the 75g.

I do regret doing this however for a single reason: feeding.

The chromis did help the OSFF pair at first in terms of recognizing food but they are just not nearly as aggressive as the chromis at feeding time. Without the clip I may have had to move them out into a QT...but I'll never know that. They are both gaining weight steadily now.

All subsequent fish will go through a minimum of a 4 week QT period with medication possible after the first 10 days of heavy feedings and observation. I think a stress free tank and an endless supply of food goes a LONG LONG way in fish health.

D5HP

07/12/2011, 02:14 PM

Here's what the files look like after a full day of eating and almost a month in my care. I hope they are twice is big in another month:

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VZO9CCgIxIs/ThyqvDQBr5I/AAAAAAAAAV8/uYuXuDonl14/s640/DSC_0339.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Hhg4nf7jZDw/ThyqwZL_2yI/AAAAAAAAAWA/eNqsCg_ER3k/s720/DSC_0332.jpg

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-W7A4XPKeJns/ThyquSB6bWI/AAAAAAAAAV4/HQ5XcgjVu5c/s800/DSC_0351.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-FYJjBM1b2QQ/ThyqtF7lgkI/AAAAAAAAAV0/kaINKzBsH_8/s720/DSC_0342.jpg

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-7R2OWtRQzj4/Thyqs2SaoXI/AAAAAAAAAVw/q5VjLJy_pZo/s912/DSC_0348.jpg

https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pWYyijca19Y/ThyqrWuPEFI/AAAAAAAAAVs/xDLf4HU1W_w/s912/DSC_0334.jpg

D5HP

07/17/2011, 02:10 PM

I believe I have finalized my stocking plans at this point. I am only going to add a fuzzy dwarf lion (single specimen) if I can find one that is absolutely tiny. He will stay in a QT tank for at least 4 weeks and only be offered ghost shrimp if necessary...not any free swimming fish.

I am not willing to risk losing any of my current inhabitants so I am worried about a pair.

If the lion gets testy I have plenty of locals that love small lions to rehome him.

I asked this in the other "fish selection" thread and they all seemed to think I'd lose fish due to the lions. I really want to add 4-6 orange lined cardinals now and a small black long spined urchin. I realize that these urchins get large but our local LFS takes them in regularly since they have a lot of large predator holding tanks they fare well in until sold.

Would the lion eventually eat the cardinals if it's well fed and weaned to eating from "the stick"?

I do not have a 'replacement' for the lion if it won't work.

I want to add the two pink skunk clownfish and potentially a royal gramma. The anthias still hasn't been caught but I have a fish trap coming whenever they are in stock with DFS.

I just ordered two flame hawkfish in a group order from Blue Zoo that arrives on Tuesday. They will spend about 3-4 weeks in QT for observation, copper, and prazi treatments. Hopefully they are not the same sex but I didn't want to spend $125+ shipping for a DD pair.

I also got an African cleaner wrasse since they were in stock and I have always wanted to attempt keeping that fish.

Thoughts on the dwarf fuzzy? I can't find a D. barberi anywhere and I do not really care for the fu manchus.

The files are doing great and eating well still.

Cyano is on the sandbed and I am considering budgeting for an MP10 for the opposing side of the tank. I'm not sure it would help since most new tanks have to fight it.

Thanks for reading,

namxas

07/17/2011, 04:36 PM

Dustin,

It's really all about size differential. If the fish aren't > half the lion's size, it's a crap shoot. It might help if the smaller fish are established first, but then you'll need to make sure that the lion is well on the stick.

We keep a trio of borbonius in our "small scorp" setup, and they seem to get along fine with fuzzies and a barberi, altho the blotchies are starting to get some size on them now. The male anthias did try to take over the tank from the dominant lion (a male fuzzy), but once the lion showed the borb it's "weapons of choice", there has been no more of that. I guess the blotchy decided it was imprudent to bring teeth to a spear fight...LOL.

It's also all about your risk tolerance...if you push the envelope, sometimes you lose a fish, but if you're ready for that, then you chalk it up to personal experience.

Diadema urchins do get large, and are hard to move, esp. once they get some size on them, but they're great critters. Although I haven't been poked by a scorp, I HAVE been poked by a Diadema, and it HITES! You'll want to put the affected part in vinegar to dissolve the spine.

HTH

D5HP

07/17/2011, 08:23 PM

Sax man. Just realized that. I promise I'm not toooo slow.

Thanks for the detailed response...that's a big help.

I think the orange lined cardinals are going to be the smallest fish in the tank and it doesn't help that they are most likely some of the least active. The order on its way changed vendors and LA.com doesn't have African cleaner wrasses so I opted to pick up 3 cardinals as sort of a test. I'll find out what size they arrive and how well they do in the system and if I can keep them.

I just can't risk losing the female filefish but she is definitely going to be at least longer than the lion's TL. I am trying to find an absolute baby dwarf (redundant?) if I do indeed go for it.

I bet that small scorp tank is awesome. Blotchy anthias are my all time favorite fish...

I have heard the urchin packs a pretty mean punch so I'll be sure to keep my hands away from him. I am sure they are hard to move and I'm not looking forward to it but I think it will be a great addition to the tank. Vinegar. Got it!

Thanks again,

D5HP

07/19/2011, 09:18 AM

All 5 fish acclimated in the QT....by that I mean they got dumped in.

All three orange lined cardinals are eating well already (frozen mysis)

One of the hawks is still a little stressed but the other one ate a couple of blood worms as they went on by. What a cool fish! Tons of personality.

All look healthy otherwise so this may be a 4 week QT.

-Dustin

D5HP

07/24/2011, 07:31 PM

I got the pair of pink skunk clowns today from a great LFS. They are a M-F pair and look very healthy. The male was already swimming around among the other fish in the QT but the female was hanging out in a piece of PVC this evening.

The hawks are playing nice with one another but are still not remaining together so I don't know what to think yet. They are not causing problems with each other.

The cardinals are doing well...I think I'll try and get another 5-7 in a couple of weeks once the QT is empty again.

Both hawks are eating fantastic. I minced up some fresh salmon filets after I got back into town and all the fish (before the clowns were acclimated fully) went bananas over it all.

The filefish slammed some food today...both of them had bellies that would rival santa claus. Love it!

M88A2

07/24/2011, 07:54 PM

just stumbled on to this thread. those file fish look amazing. any reason why u decided to forgo corals? just dont want to deal with maintenance? anyway i subscribed so keep us posted!

j3piloterau

07/24/2011, 07:54 PM

Your substrate looks great. What is it?

D5HP

07/24/2011, 08:19 PM

just stumbled on to this thread. those file fish look amazing. any reason why u decided to forgo corals? just dont want to deal with maintenance? anyway i subscribed so keep us posted!

Thanks.

There are quite a few reasons. Honestly the maintenance of my nano-reef is less than this tank is mainly due to the fish I'm going to be keeping (multiple feedings etc) as well as the controller I have on the reef.

I do not have the lights that are really needed for a reef and I found that despite having success with lots of great corals I still enjoyed the fish the most. I do like keeping SPS and I'd like to convert my nano to a full blown SPS reef...but this one won't have any!

Mainly money though...if I had the money I'd have T5's and halides and all sorts of awesome corals.

There is a mat of GSP and some xenia in there that are both growing well. I believe I'll continue adding some softies as I prune the little reef.

Thanks for following!

Your substrate looks great. What is it?

Thanks...I absolutely love it.

Marco rocks started carrying coarse sand and there is 80lbs in there. I am considering adding another 40lbs sometime since the MP40 is still throwing this around sometimes.

Without a doubt the best thing for me in this tank and it was exactly what I was looking for. Of all the companies I've dealt with getting my tanks together MarcoRocks is undoubtedly the best. I cannot wait to get rock for my huge FOWLR I have planned just so I can deal with him again. It was THAT level of service.

I know I'm falling over myself recommending him but I ran into a couple of issues and he went well out of his way to help me out and handle them. Places like that and people that handle business the way he does are absolute assets to the hobby.

M88A2

07/24/2011, 08:32 PM

i hear u on the money thing. i''ve been slowly (more than a year now) been building up the equipment i want for my 75 upgrade.
Also +∞ on MarcoRocks. He sends a fair bit more than u purchase to cover any breakage, but packs it well enough that u dont get any. I ordered from them 2x and was always impressed. Your creativity is the only limiting factors on it's visual appeal. I am going the same route as you with the 2 "islands" on the left and right except use putty to copy the "bosai tree" i saw on someone thread.

namxas

07/25/2011, 08:43 AM

D5HP

07/25/2011, 09:05 AM

Nice build Dustin!

In terms of quietness for the pump, how much of that noise do you think may be related to vibration transmitted thru the plumbing and the stand?

I have a large LG running our 100 gal setup, and it was way louder than the next size down that's running our 60 gal. I finally figured out that it was the pump sitting on the floor of the stand (I had mounted it to a small piece of wood with rubber washers). I bought some Sorb-o-thane feet for the board, and the pump shut up, and the fish calmed down too. You might try that before you re-pump the setup.

Thanks Greg. Much appreciated.

The pump it's self is what appears to be really, really loud. I have the pump mounted to a small piece of 2x4 that is resting on the stand. In between the pump and the board there is a piece of rubber grommet as well as a rag. There is then a piece of dynamat (used by people in their vehicles that have those big loud obnoxious subwoofers to minimize vibrations) that takes care of MOST of that vibration. The sound is more of a whir. Honestly, I am so used to it after 2.5 months that I can't even tell it's in here. Sometimes when the MP40 ramps up I catch myself looking over there but I'm pretty used to the sound at this point.

Anyhow, again, super job! Can't wait to see it with fish in it.

This tank is actually where the filefish have been since day one. All the other additions are being QT'ed though so there won't be very much excitement in this tank for at least another 4 weeks. I am still unsure of doing hypo or copper for the current fish but I am going to treat with Prazi.

-Dustin

namxas

07/25/2011, 09:14 AM

D5HP

07/25/2011, 09:27 AM

Ah...OK it does sound like pump noise then. I just bought a Pan World for the 210 build, but since it's going to be housed outside in a deck box, the noise level shouldn't be an issue. Those Poseidon pumps are supposed to be UBER quiet, but they do heat the water up some...4*F or so from what I understand.

If you don't see any problems, the Prazi should be fine, unless you decide to de-worm the fish in QT too.

I love the PanWorld line...I had used an Iwaki a very long time ago and I think I'll end up using both on the future FOWLR I want.

Th poseidon pumps have some great reviews from what I have seen. I don't think I'm going to de-worm them since I haven't seen any issues at all thus far. I think a 3 week observation period will allow me to finalize my game plan for this group.

Is the 200 the 'things with stings' tank? Any updates on that one?

namxas

07/25/2011, 12:18 PM

Yep...it is indeed the "210 TWT" tank. Renovations and re-landscaping have kept us pretty busy (as well as taking care of 13 tanks). I was also stumped by not being able to find a deck box to house the sump that was over 6' long (I wanted to use an old acrylic 55 gal as my sump). To be honest, I'm so burned out from working on the house that I just don't want to BUILD a box, so I finally gave in and bought a 6' box and will be having my acrylics guy build a 3' sump so I can fit the Pan World and plumbing into the box too.

I've measured the temp in the box and it gets HOT in the afternoon, so besides insulating it, we're considering adding an awning on that side of the house to shade it.

So...it's just baby steps ATM.

D5HP

08/01/2011, 09:43 AM

So I figured I'd update a little bit...even though it's not very exciting.

I moved the flame hawks into the DT a bit early since I wasn't planning on doing copper or prazi treatments for them yet. I have the meds on the way but I was more concerned with maintaining good water quality in the QT. I got 4 more orange lined cardinals from the LFS over the weekend using a coupon + existing sale for a really good deal. I didn't want to have so many fish in the QT so I pulled the hawks before adding the cardinals.

They were eating in the DT within 10 minutes. One will occasionally perch on the filefish clip and the male will chase him away instantly. Their coloration is incredible and really adds a lot to the tank. I am really excited about catching that elusive anthias and adding the rest of the fish. I believe that will probably round things up for this tank unless I can find some small tamarin wrasses that are eating prepared foods.

The OSFF are still eating quite well for me and I am ordering another round of frozen foods this week for them.

Here's the new clowns acclimating last weekend:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mSg2Zp5q9jM/TjbFT_xppbI/AAAAAAAAAXU/gAHRTdMho70/DSC_0400.jpg

I have always wanted a pair!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MSwaYagjL2Y/TjbFVeLCZRI/AAAAAAAAAXg/RQ2wGlQfDV4/DSC_0421.jpg

Very crowded QT during feeding time:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-j31SF7ZX5ZY/TjbFUKtq8GI/AAAAAAAAAXY/3QwSA7uOnZ4/DSC_0425.jpg

I have been doing very large water changes and have not registered ammonia yet. There is a HOB with a lot of floss and sponge in there that was in my well-established reef for almost two months.

DT fuge growing pretty well including the xenia despite the 1.021 sg:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SWIGGjZba9E/TjbFVKkj86I/AAAAAAAAAXc/1MTN74-xXV4/DSC_0426.jpg

Here's my female as of today:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-mM8wc1nCM8w/TjbFWKuCbLI/AAAAAAAAAXk/tQ7Q_VzSauY/s800/DSC_0455.jpg

And here she is the day I got her:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ab7L2NN8Xsk/TfkJrI8NZgI/AAAAAAAAAOs/TKHCwfUWOcg/s800/DSC_0358%2525203.jpg

GAINING WEIGHT! But sooo, sooooo slowly. It has been like 7 weeks now.

Note the strange coloration on her right side. This was apparent after returning from the beach. It almost looks like scratches but I can't tell. I have seen it before and it got better in short order. Regardless I fed salmon soaked in selcon yesterday and will do that again today.

So bright:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hK8TeUhNcc0/TjbFWlsKKXI/AAAAAAAAAXo/h36ri--iJgk/DSC_0480.jpg

And here's Mr:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-72qLFKdeYcY/TjbFW4LLKlI/AAAAAAAAAXs/zteeBlPdhRM/DSC_0458.jpg

Don't mind the cyano or the nerite that flipped over. Cyano appears to be flow related and I am going to get an MP10 for the side of the tank.

The QT inhabitants will be in there for another 4 weeks or so and will come out after their prazi treatment.

I should be able to catch that damn anthias before too long as well.

AlexS95

08/01/2011, 11:33 AM

Do you have an updated FTS?

D5HP

08/01/2011, 11:45 AM

Here you go...I've been holding out because of the cyano but I think it is flow related. It did almost completely die while I was at the beach. I have started really rinsing all the food going into the tank for the other fish. I will get it under control before I start adding more fish. I am also considering going with an extended photo period for the fuge. I am seeing some green algae that looks like early coraline.

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9gXDu1WF-QY/TjblWIT_OaI/AAAAAAAAAYY/47F2hpUX-Lk/DSC_0466.jpg

AlexS95

08/01/2011, 07:09 PM

I had red slime and I just turned off my lights for two days then did a 30% Water change and that took care of it. Now I just have to deal with the hair algae... :crazy1:

namxas

08/02/2011, 08:31 AM

Remember too, Dustin that this is a new setup and hasn't "calmed down" yet, so you may be getting a bit of a cyano bloom associated with that, altho as you know, OSFF setups are indeed heavily fed, so there are a lot of nutrients available.

D5HP

08/02/2011, 09:17 AM

I had red slime and I just turned off my lights for two days then did a 30% Water change and that took care of it. Now I just have to deal with the hair algae... :crazy1:

I am going out of town again for the weekend so this tank will be in the dark on Saturday. That does help some but it seems to be coming back.

Remember too, Dustin that this is a new setup and hasn't "calmed down" yet, so you may be getting a bit of a cyano bloom associated with that, altho as you know, OSFF setups are indeed heavily fed, so there are a lot of nutrients available.

Thanks Greg. I know how new tanks typically have to wade through a cyano period at one point or another. I do think that my feeding had a lot to do with it though and admittedly I was lazy in rinsing the frozen food for the chromis occasionally.

I think I should probably replace the phosban in my GFO reactor too!

D5HP

08/04/2011, 08:12 AM

Damn. Lost a cardinal last night.

The one on the far right side of the tank in the picture above. He was cast away from the group and as of yesterday didn't really eat very much. Dead overnight.

No outward signs of illness whatsoever. I guess the QT is going to get Prazi now.

Losing fish sucks.

StephLionfish

08/04/2011, 03:10 PM

Sucks you lost one...sorry.
Are you still planning on a scorp?
I like those clowns. If I ever get a pair, it will be that kind of clown.
What's the purpose of having xenia in the fuge?

Oh, btw your tank is looking really nice! Congrats on fattening up the OSFF pair!

D5HP

08/04/2011, 03:53 PM

Sucks you lost one...sorry.
Are you still planning on a scorp?

Yeah I think it might have been a little ammonia. The POS ammonia alert I had in there never registered anything and it looks like crept up on me since Monday. I think he had bigger problems than .5ppm ammonia though. I have been dosing Prime as a precaution too...so I think he may have been sick. I'm doing a 50% change today and another tomorrow and then one more Sunday and then starting Prazi if I can get my hands on it.

I like those clowns. If I ever get a pair, it will be that kind of clown.
Thanks I have always liked them but don't feel they are well suited for nano tanks (all I've kept before)

They have lots of personality and are really striking, though the female was very skittish at first

What's the purpose of having xenia in the fuge?

Mainly aesthetics and I wanted to see if it would pulse at a SG of only 1.020. It does! It's happier in this tank than it is in my reef, which I assume is due to higher nutrients in the water. Nitrate is zero thanks to all the macros and cyano. I am going to beat the cyano though!

Oh, btw your tank is looking really nice! Congrats on fattening up the OSFF pair!

Thank you very much! I finally have some coraline showing up so I am excited about these rocks getting some color.

The OSFF pair is doing fantastic...I love them...them and the hawk pair are a definite showcase!

D5HP

08/19/2011, 03:35 PM

I JUST CAUGHT HER! THE WORLD'S FASTEST FISH!

Oh wow. What a challenge. The trap was so big I had to rig it up to hang on the inside glass with fishing line and a mag float.

Then the door wasn't dropping fast enough for my liking so I super glued a piece of line to that and tied weights to the end of it. Then I waited.

Days.

I would squirt mysis and brine into the end of the tube with a baster to encourage them to go in. I caught the chromis on the second day...boy was he in bad shape. I haven't seen him in the FOWLR since introduction so I'm not holding out hope. The sixline had beated him up pretty good.

Anyways, the anthias wouldn't even go within an inch of the trap for the first two days. She would sit there and hover at the entrance waiting for food to fly out. She ate pretty good.

The sixline was the bravest, going in and out and in and out all the time. The rest of the fish didn't really get it.

I remained patient though! I fed little, but often. To try and build their confidence in the UFO floating in the column.

Then today the female clown figured out how to enter the trap and was eating everything I put in there. The anthias got a little closer. She got closer.

She finally followed the female clown into the trap and BOOM! I released the line.

Well ****! She rocketed out of the trap like a missile. I had caught the clown. Not her.

I set it back and figured it would be another 3 days before she entered.

I added more food about 3 hours later and the sixline and clown went in to have a bit to eat. They came and left as the anthias hovered at the door.

Then the clown and sixline entered and ventured to the back of the trap. There was no food left in there so I wasn't holding out hope...but then the anthias went in!

She made her move but I made mine faster. The second I felt she was clear of the door and heading INTO the trap I released the line!

CURSE WORDS RAINED DOWN ON MY HOME.

The dogs went nuts too.

I had caught three fish...but she was one of them! I dumped them all into a pitcher and carefully netted the clown and wrasse back into the tank after a few drops of stress coat.

She's acclimating now. Alice the lyretail, you're mine!!!!

jcw

08/19/2011, 04:20 PM

:)

Why were you catching the anthias?

D5HP

08/20/2011, 10:49 AM

:)

Why were you catching the anthias?

She was in my 36" nano reef since she was tiny...like .5"!

Anyways, I have fed her pretty heavily to keep her coloration and the water quality of the reef was suffering. Also, she's now about 2" and probably needed the extra room.

She is swimming some today in the 75g but is still a bit skittish. I was expecting that would be the case for quite some time but I have seen her eating some NLS already, so I'm pretty happy about that. Those are fed in small amounts 3 times a day for the royal gramma and the clowns.

Once I got the skunks onto the NLS their coloration changed pretty rapidly.

Files have not been eating quite as much this week. I believe they are about as 'fat' as they are going to get unless I fed salmon every single day. I want to keep that as a treat though in order to keep them interested.

The aquarium is definitely going to be stocked well with all these active fish but it's quite enjoyable to watch all the different colors.

Also, there's a Tek 8-bulb 48" T-5 fixture for sale locally for $200. I'm considering it just to have a better view of the fish but know that it would immediately move this tank into a reef! Then I'd be able to keep a LTA for the skunks and some larger euphyllia species...but I'd also have to raise the salinty.

Speaking of....off to order more salt!