neewbie 75g build

[PincheReefTank]

Hello. Long time lurker here. About to embark on my first journey through the trials and tribulations of building and trying to achieve a beautiful, balanced, healthy, successful system. A modest budget, patience and time are on my side. From start to eventually upgrading to a new tank (which I'm already working on) I'll be stopping by to post details and lots of pics of my progress and process of the build, good or bad. Like I said time is on my side. I'm in no hurry and currently I am still collecting hardware for the build. Here is what I have so far.

This is a used 3/8 Glass 36Lx16Wx30H. I have read this size tank is difficult to light up and the height of this tank my pose a challenge with keeping coral. I liked the look of the tall tank. After all the lengthy tanks I had been seeing at every stop along the way of my search (I know their lengthy for a reason) I thought the look was unique and the height of the unit altogether was impressive to me. The price was right and it came with the stand, canopy with fans, helios fixture and two koralia 1050's. The stand and canopy were painted a hideous mat baby poop brown color. I sanded it down and rolled the exterior with Seal Krete Floor-Tex in tope, and I say IMO and everyone else who has seen it says came out awesome! very coll texture like 50 grit sand paper. I did the interior of the canopy and cabinet high gloss black and now thinking I should have maybe just treated or sealed it. came out nice though.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1401.jpg

A used EuroFil 24x12x16. Will be using this as designed no mods or turning it into something its not
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1420.jpg

Used Eshopps PF300. I'll be getting a eheim 1262 for return anyone think I should upgrade the box to something like a PF800?
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1415.jpg

A used 36" Helios Fixture. 2 MH150's and 4 18W. This will be replaced by a 36" 6 bulb T5 system. However for now it will have to make due. anyone have any bulb suggestions for the 150's?
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1413.jpg

I scored this new Artica 1/5 the RODI and A brand new vertex RX4 for 5 bills from an Very Very cool reefer in northridge (thanks Scott!). The remora is up for sale and will be replaced by???
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1403.jpg

Vertex RX4
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1419.jpg

Specture pure 90gph RODI
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1411.jpg

Pinpoint Salinity moniter
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1406.jpg

My next step is a skimmer purchase. It will go in the sump and I only have a 8 1/2 X 12 space. It will most likely be a new item seeing as it might be difficult to find exactly what I want used. I would like to keep it under 400. I have my eye on the reef octopus 2500 diablo. Noise level is a huge issue with me, quiet is key. I know theres tons of info on RC already. Be as it may, I'll open it up for suggestion anyway.

Cheers
:beer::beer:

Ps the tank is running a FW setup right now with 2 small plecos looking for a new home one of which is a really beautiful lime green phantom. Im in the Pasadena Ca area.

[Reef264]

Cool Tank!Very Cool Dimensions, I've yet to see a tall 75g.You have a lot of great equipment already, what with the lighting, calcium reactor, RO/DI, Sump, Flow.The Return pump I would go for would be is the Tunze Silence Pump, it is adjustable, 99% silent (hence the name "silence"), I do recommend A PVC return line, I have Flexible tubing, Woshing I had done PVC...

Lighting:
The 2 150w's will have some trouble reaching the bottom, but since your going to be using T-5 don't sweat it, 14k Pheonix Hexarc bulbs are my favorite, Color, PAR, Growth, it's all there!Those Hexarcs with some Fiji Purple/460nm blue actinic Supplements will be very bueno (Good).

Skimmer:
The Octopus Skimmer you want will be a very good skimmer!reef Octopus has a Good Reputation for being quiet, efficient, and very hard working!

The 30" height is going be a bit of a challenge, My tank is 25" and If I have to grab a coral off the Sandbed, I get my shoulders wet, unless I use my grabbers, but I can't sometimes...

What kind of corals will you be wanting to keep?

[Dustin1300]

Great start to a tank but the Diablo skimmer is rated for 180-300 gallons. With some of the SRO units I know that they don't recommend putting too large of a skimmer on a smaller system so you'd be using a 180+ gallon rated skimmer on a 75 gallon.

I have the SRO 3000 and used it on my 75 gallon system for a few months and it performed great but I was anticipating a big build. I'd just make sure that it is not too powerful:)

[PincheReefTank]

Dustin1300 after a few phone calls and describing my system and future demands I have been advised (if I had to have a reef octopus) to go with the sx160, which I am.

Reef264 I actually ended up picking up a Tunze silence due to the fact the eheim 1262 was just to large for the return area in my little sump.
I have not put a whole lot of thought into what we will start off with yet we'll just have to see when I get to that point.

Some new stuff

For your viewing pleasure... one box of reefcrystals :eek1:
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1425.jpg

Tunze 1073.05... Look it even says it on the box
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1426.jpg

Here is an open box for those interested
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1423.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

Some progress pics. Got plumbing done last friday and ran fresh water through the system for two days while I made some fresh RODI. At first I ran the system for a while the spa running straight into the sump with out the lid with two bulk heads just to get an idea of what the system might sound like. It was surprisingly quiet, enough for me to live with. Then I plumbed the lid and the two 1" bulk heads with a union and holy smokes did that hush up the system big time. I also added a union and ball valve to the return.Then I added a rio 1400 to feed the chiller and that was a set back as far as trying to keep it quiet. Not a big set back but a noticeable humm coming from the sump now. The rio will be replaced. Sorry forgot to get pics of the back of the tank and the overflo.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1431.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1433.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1434.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1435.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1436.jpg
no, i didnt leave that surge protector there :hmm3:
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1445.jpg

I also have two bubble towers I made out of 3" pipe just in case I run into any problems with bubbles but so far no issues at all with the Tunze running at full power.

[PincheReefTank]

Sunday morning went and picked up some live rock and a crap load of live flordia crush coral aragonite from a local reefer. I washed and scrubbed the rock with RODI. Also cleaned up the sand with RODI till water was clear. Mixed up some RODI and reef crystals added some rock and sand to tank and whaaLaaa. Water was only slightly hazy but cleared up within a few hours and has beed crystal clear since

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1430.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1443.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1441.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1457.jpg

This is after I calibrated the monitor with pinpoint solution. It originally read 50.5 so I'm in the process of bringing it back up. This is not all of the rock I have more

[PincheReefTank]

This came in today.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1438.jpg

And this is what I plan on using for my ATO tank. It will be covered by a cabinet.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1452.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1451.jpg

I have a coralvue ATO comming in and am trying to get the reef octopus sx 160 but its been on back order for weeks but it will be here no rush while in cycle. Im also checking out 36" T5 fixtures and have my eye on the aquamed 8 bulb ocean light...

[chrispmcgill]

subscribed

[PincheReefTank]

Anyone one here by chance have 36" aquamed ocean light? trying too find the dimensions of the 8 bulb unit and maybe some good pics.

[Made4water]

Sweet build!

[PincheReefTank]

Thanks. In the process of learning the Apex unit right now

[reefer84]

Off to a great start! I'm about to start a 90g build, so its interesting to see where the similarities are... good luck!

[greengeco82]

Awesome setup. Lots of high price items. Im jealous.

[MemphisTigers]

nice

[PincheReefTank]

Got the Apex figured out just have to find a good spot to mount it all. Need to work on my ATO and something to house the tank...

More Toys

coralvue ato
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1484.jpg

ECO 66 going in top off tank
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1483.jpg

1" Flow Accelerator with spinning thingy inside
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1481.jpg

Tank is still on cycle. Its all starting to come together
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1464.jpg

[Reef264]

This has to be one of the coolest tanks I have seen in a while!Nice Progress!I like the Intrance you made for the intake to your sump!Cant wait to see more!

[alcoolaid]

So many goodies

[rogermccray]

looking nice, nice aquascaping.

[PincheReefTank]

The scape is going to change. Like I said I have more rock. Some very nice Fiji and Marshall, about 130 lbs worth I need to do something with. I ordered some EM400 from Marco. I liked a lot of what I saw in the "Show Me Your Pillars" thread. I'm going to bond some pieces and try to form a vertical scape while packing as much rock in as I can without looking over stuffed. My goal is to have enough space around the entire scape large enough to comfortably clean up around the entire perimeter of it.

[PincheReefTank]

.....

[PincheReefTank]

Ok, EM400 come in on Friday. I got home from work at at 8 and started bonding rock and after some trial and error didnt get done till 3 in the morn. It was a slow process., mix a little mortar, apply to piece or two then wait for it to set, then again mix apply set. I did not want to form two whole large structures made of bonded rock that could possibly weigh upwards of 60 pounds each or more and be tuff to position let alone move in and out of a tank that stands taller than me and have to stand on a step ladder to reach into. I had plans to bond some pieces of rock to form what would be used as a heavy base piece then drill it and insert vertically a 1/2" pvc pipe about 23" tall then drill other pieces of bonded rock structures and stack them on to the base piece to lock it all together ( if that makes sense). I drilled one piece of rock but then changed my mind after coming up with a better idea of locking the pieces. I made 3 large pieces that stack onto each other to form two structures 22.5" and 23.5 " tall. One structure is made up of 9 pieces of rock and one dead coral head bonded into two pieces that stack and fit into a locked position to form one whole piece. The second structure is made up of 4 pieces of bonded rock that stack and lock onto one large rock to make another whole piece. The pieces lock onto one another by means of 4 small tabs of mortar on each lower piece that do not allow the upper part of the structure to move at all.
The scape didnt really come out the way I wanted. Before I bonded anything I stacked rocks in various configurations and came up with really cool structures that I took down and hoped to recreate after bonding. I would make structure take it down lay the pieces of rock down and place them down on the table in a numerical order of reassembly then attempt to build the same structure... for me laying down 9 pieces rock or more, then trying to pick them up again and make the same structure was no piece of cake especially after applying mortar.
The EM400 is great stuff and now that I know how to work with it I plan on using it again. It was very easy to work with. It comes with a catalyst, just mix to a nice workable consistency and apply, it hardens in about 20 to 30 minutes so you have to organize and think a few steps ahead. It bonded to drip dried rock that was still saturated and damp. I had removed all the rock from a bin and my tank that night when I got home. In a few spots I applied mortar let set then applied one or two more layers for strength. After the structures were mocked up on the table you could see lots of areas where mortar would be exposed visually from the front of the display. In areas with exposed mortar I just applied another layer and stuck pieces of rock rubble to it to cover any bonds. I mixed in small batches approx less than a cup each using small painters cups and even some one gallon plastic bottles cut in half that I just trashed when I was through with. I applied with the putty knife that came with the EM400 kit but cut it down to a 3rd of its original size and also used a chop stick in hard to reach areas. I did all the work on my dining table and found that had I not stopped to clean up once in a while between sets I would have created quite a large mess.

I also got word from Marine Depot. My Reef Octopus skimmer should be here some time next week, though I really dont need it right now.

Some pics, however not a step by step just an idea of how the bonds look.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1512.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1510.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1513.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1509.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1508.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

And the final product

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1539.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1530.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1535.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1529.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1537.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

Just wanted to add in case anyone was interested. After drying solid and placing back into my tank I only experienced a very very slight haze in the water. After about 4 hours the haze was completely gone and I had crystal clear water again.

Also, I've vested a significant amount of time and money now into this project now and want eliminate any potential issues I might have with the methods I use or hardware I purchase as i progress through the build. if anyone sees me doing something incorrectly or sees room for improvement on any part of the build please speak up, analyze and criticize, gimmie some feedback. Im not going through all the extra trouble of taking pics and posting in hopes of elevating my status to reef tank superstar. :ape:

[Saltydrip]

Hmmm. The ideas are bubbling over. I'll be setting up a 150 in about a year and this EM400 kit really strikes my interest. Having the taller tank the EM400 almost seams z must in order to keep the stone off the glass. I always wondered how guys did it. In my monster FW tank I used quickset.

[PincheReefTank]

Skimmer came in today.
Hope this thing works as good as it looks.
Opinions may vary on that so... I hope this thing works remarkably well.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1545.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1544.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1548.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1542.jpg

[rogermccray]

looking very nice!

[PincheReefTank]

Noticed patches of diatom developing in the sand here and there, progressively spreading at a steady rate for the past two weeks even covering most of the coraline that was on the live rock I bought. Water changes slowed it down but it now covers most of all the rock. Thinking about CUC... and maybe a red dot blennie. Anyone here think its too soon?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1552.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1553.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1554.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1555.jpg

[mpongrac]

I put in a clean up crew about 2 weeks after I had my tank up and running and saw no losses... IMO, you should be fine

[PincheReefTank]

I'm 4 weeks exactly, today.

[PincheReefTank]

No real progress to speak of only that my diatom issue has seemed to have not gotten any worse. Maybe it had something to do with me leaving my skimmer on for a few days??? Or maybe they just absorbed all the nutes??? Dunno but its stopped. Planning on making a trip to Vivid soon to pick up cuc just have not had time lately. Also wanted to add I have done nothing to try and speed up cycle. No fish food, no dead inverts, no... urine.. The rock I got was cured but before I put it in my tank I did rinse it in RODI and scrubbed it with a heavy scrubbing brush I purchased from BigLots. The sand was also pulled straight from a running tank however was also rinsed very throughly before placing in the tank.

I just recently bought salifert MG CA KH PO4 test kits.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1563.jpg

Until now have only been testing for PH Nitrite and Ammonia with nothing but a straight 8.0 and zeros for the Nitrite and Ammonia since I put water in the tank using this Tetra Laborette kit
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1562.jpg

Also I mentioned in previous posts I was interested in picking up a Aquamed T5 8 bulb. Well I did and it was a very nice piece. I wanted so bad to keep it but it just did not fit in the canopy due to the wiring coming out the side instead of the back of the unit. I tried it on without the canopy and was almost swayed into going topless and keeping it but still could not get over the wiring coming out the side instead of running over the back of the tank. The fixture was pretty light and the fit and finish was top notch!!! It had active cooling and the LED's put out quite a bit of light. Had it fit in the canopy I would have kept it. The fixture went back and I began to look at ATI 8 bulb T5's while also checking out LED's and in the end I went with 3 AI sols and the AI controller which should be here some time next week.

some pic of the Aquamed
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1505-1.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1502-1.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

The pic of the tank with the T5 on it was just before I bonded the rocks. Debated weather or not purchase bulbs with the unit and I'm glad I didnt. Still, would have loved to see it lit up with 8 bulbs on a 36" fixture.

[bucksfan1976]

All I have owned is tall tanks , I have a 150 tall its 48 x 32 tall by 24 deep. Keep a eye on the optics on the LEDs Ive been told several times by led distributors that I will need 80 degree optics to handle the depth of the tank.

[oflaherty21]

great build, the tank looks great!

[PincheReefTank]

Progress:

Finally set up my ATO but decided to ditch the Sterilite container that I had already purchased and go with this Hefty unit
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1565.jpg

Originally I only set this up as a temporary ATO. I threw it all together in about 10 minutes flat with the intention of replacing it soon. However after seeing it set up it really does not look bad at all. Its working perfectly but I would like to incorporate it into the Neptune to maybe just turn on about 3 times during a 24 hour period for about 5 minutes or probably less.
I drilled at the top of the can for my water and power lines then I wiped down the inside with alcohol and sealed the lid with black aquarium silicone to fill in gaps and keep out light and air, so now the little door on top will flip open anymore and the top has to be removed now to fill it. It says 13 gallons but it holds about 14.5 gallons and is equipped with the ECO 66 to move the water to my sump. I still will most likely find or build a box or cabinet to house it in but like I said its not that bad on the eyes.

some pics
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1570.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1572.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1574.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1577.jpg
Thats actually just water on the walls of the container that splashed up after I poured it in.
That tubing is going to be replaced by some black tubing.


Float switch installed.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1580.jpg

Here you can see ATO water line coming over the side of the skimmer, it dumps in back of the skimmer outlet area.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1583.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1566.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

More progress:

Lights came in
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1588.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1590.jpg

Came up with a pretty cool way to mount them and still have some adjustability to about 2" off the water. I drilled the canopy for four 1/4" X 8" bolts two on each side of the canopy front to back. Slipped the 36" AI fixture over them than cut some 1" X 1/8" aluminum strips to about 10.5" and drilled them for the bolts, slipped them over the bottom of the fixture to cradle it. I also drilled the back of the aluminum strips for a small set screw that screws through the strip and into the fixture to keep the fixture from possibly sliding around. I have up and down and if I drill more holes in the back of the strips I will have front to back adjustability too although to adjust it down I will have to remove my canopy fans.
The lights are positioned more towards the front of the tank with the fixture raised all the way to the top which puts them at just under 9" off the water.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1586.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1587.jpg

In this pic you can see the canopy fans installed. As you can see I also covered the back of the canopy. Even with my blinds closed these lights and my old MH lamps were blasting light out my front window with the potential to draw in insects from all over the neighborhood during the summer time. problem solved.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1589.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1593.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1595.jpg

[RevMan]

You are building an absolutely amazing tank! I look forward to following your great work!!

[PincheReefTank]

You are building an absolutely amazing tank! I look forward to following your great work!!

Thanks

Went to Vivid and picked up CUC. I like Vivid, they provide decent service have a decent selection of corals inverts and fish. BUT, word of advise to noobz. Never! never ever, ever ever take ANY LFS employees advise on what kind of animals will be compatible with your tank or , let alone advise on the feeding of any animals or disease. Do not listen to any of them! Do your own research, DO THE RESEARCH and know exactly what your getting before you get it. If you need some info on a item or animal your LFS has dont ask them. If you have a cell phone with the ability to search the web use that and get your self some answers. The only questions they might competently be capable of answering are whats in stock and whats it going to cost. Noobz educate yourself! Nuff said I wont go any further without starting a thread specific to the topic. I picked up 2 small scarlet hermits and 2 large electric blue hermits 3 astrea snails a sand sifter and a green brittle star.
Next step is quarantine tank setup.

[Crkbaby]

looking good. Just food for thought I see you are sitting close to some windows might consider some curtains natural light is known to lead to algae issues. Not familiar with using that kind of trash can for a ATO but some to leach phosphates over time. Cool tank though depth will be nice to keep a variety of corals from sps to soft. I'll have to get one of those morter kits looks fun :)

[Dragon moray ki]

Very nice I love the dimensions.

[PincheReefTank]

looking good. Just food for thought I see you are sitting close to some windows might consider some curtains natural light is known to lead to algae issues. Not familiar with using that kind of trash can for a ATO but some to leach phosphates over time. Cool tank though depth will be nice to keep a variety of corals from sps to soft. I'll have to get one of those morter kits looks fun :)

The sunlight coming through the windows was a concern especially after what I experienced with my FW setup but with the SW tank it just has not been that bad at all.

I also read through a few posts where people suspected there plastic containers used as ATO's sumps and what not to be leaching phoz... I've been testing my tank and I checked the ATO water this morning and its reading zero, If I ever get a reading from the ATO I'll let you guys know.

[PincheReefTank]

Picked up some Euphyllia, Goniopora,and a tridacna maxima

This is a branching hammer with a little feather duster attached to the main branch, Its swelled up close to twice this big this morning.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1613.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1600.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1602.jpg

Tiny little maxima just about a 1/2 inch. Put him on this rock about mid level in the tank. Went to pick him up this morning to move it lower but its already attached to the rock.
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1599.jpg

The Goni. Some say its easy, some say dont waste your money, The controversy has me intrigued and i'm up to the challenge if there is one. Figured I would try this one before getting one of the more exotic colored Goni. Pic was taken a few hours after dip and dropping in tank Its opened up quite a bit more now, but has a hitchhiker attached to the bottom with a mouth in the center that opens and closes ... can anyone ID it?
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1624.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1626.jpg

[hobbby3]

Cool build I want to go along for the right. /subscribe

[Playa-1]

Looking good :thumbsup:

[rpjaws74]

loce all the pictures...you can really see what your talking about

[lotsoftats]

Great work so far...I'm working on a standard 75g and a 40b...just goes to show that patience has it rewards.....Mike

[PincheReefTank]

quick update

new inverts
thats a piece of stylophora up on top and more euphyllia, some medium and very large pieces of branching frog spawn and and large piece of green and purple wall hammer.a little gsp. another maxima in turquoise and a kenya tree. theres also a fire shrimp and a little purple lobster i saved that are not in the pics + some dragon eye zoaz and orange ricordia. my goniopora was not doing well so last week i placed it in my fish quarantine tank and it seems to be very happy in there. go figure. there is a six line in quarantine and i'll be treating that tank soon so that goni will be going back in the display.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1627.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1628.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1636.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1637.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1629.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1632-1.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1630-1.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1645.jpg
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1652.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

BTW
also switched salt
http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1656.jpg


Also over the past 2 weeks or more i have been dosing vinegar. At only 8ml a day I have seen fairly decent results :thumbsup:

[PincheReefTank]

Last Saturday picked up a beautiful, very green lobophytum, a little frag of purple and orange montipora. The " tri color aussie " was delivered to my door step last friday and is looking very very nice also. Also its hard to see in the last pic but the stylophora has been very busy encrusting onto the rock I glued it on.

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1681.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1695.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1669.jpg

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff183/iornchef/IMG_1691.jpg

[PincheReefTank]

Tank is still running strong, survived a move last October. I'll try and post up some new progress pics

[XtremeATC]

Very nice tank, looking forward to seeing more pics as the corals grow. Its funny in the first post, you said something about a modest budget, man I think you have exceeded a modest budget, you have gone all out... and it shows.. once again very nice tank...

[gmyers0203]

Nice build! That is a deeeeep tank! I like how you did your rockscape though, definitely used the space you had.

[NATCAP_Reefer]

nice build! That is a deeeeep tank! I like how you did your rockscape though, definitely used the space you had.

+1

[MarineGirl411]

Maybe I will get the Emaco then. Thank you for your input. I really appreciate it. What size did you end up getting?

[JMorris271]

nice build! That is a deeeeep tank! I like how you did your rockscape though, definitely used the space you had.

+2

[PincheReefTank]

MarineGirl411

only now just noticed you posted here, sorry did respond sooner, i bought the 15lb kit and i still have half of it left, a little goes a long way, you just need to work fast with the stuff as it sets very quickly

[stingeragent]

Late to the party but holy crap, how do you pick up a coral that gets knocked off into the sand bed. You'd have to get a contraption on the ceiling to hold your legs in the air and go in face first.

[Carlos Roberto]

Nice! Are you still using the Eshopps overflow? have you test it under power outage?

Thank you,
Carlos García