125 Gallon 8 Month Birthday

[bigreddog]

Greg,

I'm glad you and the other regulars on this thread came through Wilma okay. I hope the critters do to. My brother-in-law left early yesterday heading your way to help out. Hang in there and let us know when you're back up. Good luck.

Cliff

[outprowllin]

Originally posted by dgasmd
Greg:

If you need any, let me know as I have a way to get gas for sure without lines.....................

alberto ? are you syphoning gas from the hospital parking lot again? now i know where you get your screen name from:rollface:

i just spent 3 hours in line on royal palm beach blvd to get gas...6 am to 9 am. thats a 1 mile line folks:thumbdown

[outprowllin]

if you have never been in a hurricane and am wondering what the big deal is.....
here is a quick video from hurricane wilma..watch and you can hear and see part of the plywood from our roof rip off and blow away..... jamie


http://www.youtube.com/?v=YUNgVjoVdZ4

[GregM779]

so who has a nice state I can move to??
Seriously though, this hurricane stuff it getting really old, it used to be maybe one semi-bad one a year and now it's going to get progressively worse year by year. I really don't understand how real estate prices are still sky rocketing.
Anyways, the power returned this morning. The only known casualty so far is my blue spotted jawfish but I believe he had an internal parasite so he would have passed anyways. Everything on the tank is going and the skimmer is going crazy sucking up crap. All of the corals are opening up nicely so far.
The power company actually did an amazing job this time as the damage was much worse than last year by far.
On another note, before the hurricane we decided to move my girlfriend's 29g to my house. She's been lazy taking care of it and she's here more often to enjoy it anyways. I'm going to continue filling it with frags from the main tank. I'll take some pics later once those corals are open also.

bigreddog, what does your brother-in-law do??

[fishman805]

Greg.... Glad to see that you're back online and that everything worked well for you... You've already made the hurdle so good luck

Bob

[bigreddog]

Glad to hear you got your power back already, but sorry to hear about the jawfish.

We're not much better up here, although we haven't been hit really hard since Isabel. You know, if they call the stretch from Atlantic Beach, NC to Virginia Beach, VA "Hurricane Alley" then South Florida must be "Hurricane Highway". Hang in there guys.

Originally posted by GregM779
bigreddog, what does your brother-in-law do?? He's a firefighter and works for a mobile satellite company on the side. Between Katrina, Rita, and now Wilma we haven't seen him much lately.

[tsquad]

Good news that you're ok Greg. Man I haven't posted here in a while. Well, I suppose you'll be proud of me. I've done tons more reading, and I'm not doing that stupid 20g tank idea, nor am I going BB. I'm redoing my sand bed, as the current sand is dirty with capnella frags and carbon that spilled, and probably lots of nutrients as it's only 2-3". I'm removing that, and making a DSB of 4-5"(with whatever fine stuff at HD, silica or not), seeded with LS from CTARS members. My rocks are currently cooking, and boy was there a lot of crap in them. I made an outline of my proposed tank too. I can email it to you if you'd like. Also, my redoing is just so happening around my birthday, Hanukkah, and Christmas, so I am getting LOTS of stuff to help me "upgrade." :) Your tank looks very nice as always.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by fishman805
Greg.... Glad to see that you're back online and that everything worked well for you... You've already made the hurdle so good luck

Bob

Thanks Bob, you got my vote for thread of the month


Originally posted by bigreddog
Glad to hear you got your power back already, but sorry to hear about the jawfish.

We're not much better up here, although we haven't been hit really hard since Isabel. You know, if they call the stretch from Atlantic Beach, NC to Virginia Beach, VA "Hurricane Alley" then South Florida must be "Hurricane Highway". Hang in there guys.

He's a firefighter and works for a mobile satellite company on the side. Between Katrina, Rita, and now Wilma we haven't seen him much lately.

Well one of my friends that was in a lesser hit area and only lost power for a couple of hours also lost her blue spot. I think that they had some kind of internal parasite so they would have died anyways. I really does suck though.
I've been considering moving towards NC eventually but I'll see.

Originally posted by tsquad
Good news that you're ok Greg. Man I haven't posted here in a while. Well, I suppose you'll be proud of me. I've done tons more reading, and I'm not doing that stupid 20g tank idea, nor am I going BB. I'm redoing my sand bed, as the current sand is dirty with capnella frags and carbon that spilled, and probably lots of nutrients as it's only 2-3". I'm removing that, and making a DSB of 4-5"(with whatever fine stuff at HD, silica or not), seeded with LS from CTARS members. My rocks are currently cooking, and boy was there a lot of crap in them. I made an outline of my proposed tank too. I can email it to you if you'd like. Also, my redoing is just so happening around my birthday, Hanukkah, and Christmas, so I am getting LOTS of stuff to help me "upgrade." :) Your tank looks very nice as always.

Sounds like you've made some good choices, I'll PM you my e-mail address.

[bmanzie]

Gregg glad to hear you are ok.
We got hit hard down here and lots of areas still without gas and power. I luckily have had power since a day after the storm. I also lost a fish. I bought a Chevron Tang and have not seen it since the power has come back. Good news though, I also bought a Yellow Fin tang, at least that is what they called it at the LFS well he has been swiminng about exploring the tank.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by bmanzie
Gregg glad to hear you are ok.
We got hit hard down here and lots of areas still without gas and power. I luckily have had power since a day after the storm. I also lost a fish. I bought a Chevron Tang and have not seen it since the power has come back. Good news though, I also bought a Yellow Fin tang, at least that is what they called it at the LFS well he has been swiminng about exploring the tank.

Glad to here the tank is still doing well. Palm Beach County is still 70% powerless. I'm lucky that there is a fire station down the street from me. Keep an eye out for the Chevron he may still be scared. I know you don't want to drive up here now with the gas situation but I have your Madagascar Leather frag and it's doing well, just let me know when you want it.

[GregM779]

Well here's some pics of my girlfriend's tank that we just moved into my bedroom.
After a short episode of "Pimp my tank" this is the result, I'll try and get some pics with everything open tomorrow
The clams I'm watching for someone during the storm



http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02736[589].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02738[590].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02737[591].jpg

[fishman805]

So now you're the "Pimp Daddy" of SW Reefs for West Palm Beach ..... ???.... LOL

( I just had to do that Greg......)


Bob

[143gadgets]

Looking good as usual Greg.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by fishman805
So now you're the "Pimp Daddy" of SW Reefs for West Palm Beach ..... ???.... LOL

( I just had to do that Greg......)


Bob

Well here's what it looked like before. I threw a bunch of my frags and extra corals in and a rock I just picked up, reaquascaped and bam.
http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Ericas-Tank2[56].jpg

The stand and canopy were redone by her uncle and also came out nicely I thought

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Ericas-Tank&Stand[89].jpg

Originally posted by 143gadgets
Looking good as usual Greg.

Thank you! I should have some updated pics soon of the new SPS pieces and how I've moved a few things areound in the tank.

On a sadder note, I haven't seen my Lineatus or Exquisute fairy wrasses since the hurricane. I figure they were hiding but am starting to get worried. My Powder Blue is also not looking as good as usual I noticed.

[Hop]

Originally posted by GregM779
Well here's some pics of my girlfriend's tank that we just moved into my bedroom.
After a short episode of "Pimp my tank" this is the result, I'll try and get some pics with everything open tomorrow

LOL. When I read this I was thinking two things. 1. We can't tank about here and 2. The words in the particular sequence... "My bedroom"& "my girlfriends tank". You will soon find the word "my" in these two quotes disappear:)

JJ

[143gadgets]

Ihope for the best. Those were two very nice wrasses and I hope they are not gone. Good luck and give us an update when u find out anything.

[GregM779]

Here's a really cool SPS piece I picked up right before the storm, it's purple. If anyone has an idea of the ID let me know.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC02837.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC02836.jpg


Here's another piece that I've had for a while, I'm not sure of the ID of this one either, some say blue tort some say not. It's more blue than the pics, hard to take a pic of the true color.


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC02839.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC02840.jpg

[doody]

Man, your girls rack is nice. I mean rock! LOL!
No joke I like the rockwork.

[outprowllin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GregM779
[B]Here's a really cool SPS piece I picked up right before the storm, it's purple. If anyone has an idea of the ID let me know.


the first one, (i believe) is a shouldbeinmytankapora.. :spin2:

[melev]

:lol: I've seen those in lots of tanks!

[GregM779]

Thanks guys, the blue is a tort and the purple is a gomezi
Well, I've got good news and bad news.
Bas news first, my losses from the hurricane are higher than originally thought. I also lost my Lineatus and Exquisite wrasses and it weakend my powder blue so much that he ended up dying a couple of days ago

[GregM779]

Now for the good news, I finally got my calcium reactor hooked up last night.
For those who have been to my house, you know I have about as much room for more equipment as I do for more coral so I had to figure out where to put it. Then I figured why am I wasting all of that 7.5 inched in between my stand and the wall so I had my friend help me build a stand to house the reactor. The stand is on appliance moving wheels so it is very stable and the pH monitor is built into the front of it so when it is pushed out of site I can still look at the pH easily.
Last night Alberto (dgasmd) came over and helped me set it up and showed me how to dial it in. Thanks Alberto!
The reactor really is a work of art and is built incredibly well. We'll see how it performs but the size is also amazingly small to be rated for up to 800 Gallons

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02899[594].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02900[595].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02901[596].jpg

[GregM779]

Here's how the stand looks, the blue pipe won't come out of the front after a trip to Home Depot, so ignore that

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02893[597].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02892[598].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02894[599].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02895[600].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC02897[601].jpg

[dgasmd]

Looks sweet!!!

[SweetFawn]

You have a beautiful tank! You give me hope with my niger trigger. So far he hasn't nipped at anything but I don't have much yet (tank only been up a month). I love my trigger and don't want to have to move him (it would give me an excuse to buy another tank though :D). My trigger is pretty good, he will eat krill from my hand and is fianally getting over his shyness and exploring the full tank. Thanks for the hope of keeping him in original tank!

Just thought I throw in a pic of my beginning tank, mabey a master like you could give some advise?!?!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/sweetfawn/tankfront103005.jpg

[bmanzie]

Very nice setup Gregg. Was this the reactor from the guy you originaly wanted it from?
Also, did you get my PM?

[GregM779]

Originally posted by SweetFawn
You have a beautiful tank! You give me hope with my niger trigger. So far he hasn't nipped at anything but I don't have much yet (tank only been up a month). I love my trigger and don't want to have to move him (it would give me an excuse to buy another tank though :D). My trigger is pretty good, he will eat krill from my hand and is fianally getting over his shyness and exploring the full tank. Thanks for the hope of keeping him in original tank!

Just thought I throw in a pic of my beginning tank, mabey a master like you could give some advise?!?!

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d115/sweetfawn/tankfront103005.jpg

I like the aquascaping
I love my trigger also, he does bite my fingers every once in a while just to remind me that he's a trigger but doesn't cause any problems at all. Some advice would be to make sure you read a lot and don't always take the first advice given to you, there are different ways to fix problems and some will make things worse. Make sure you don't buy cheap equipment, it will make your life a lot easier. Also, don't jump into too many tanks, it's starts to turn into a job and you may start to dread it. Feel free to ask questions here if you need.

Originally posted by bmanzie
Very nice setup Gregg. Was this the reactor from the guy you originaly wanted it from?
Also, did you get my PM?
I actually picked it up locally from the club member that was moving away.

[GregM779]

Alright guys, I wasn't able to take pics on the tanks brithday last month due to the huricane so here's some updated pictures.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Full-Tank-110405[602].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Angle-from-Right[603].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Left-Side[604].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Center[605].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Right-Side[606].jpg

[GregM779]

Some more

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Side[612].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/SPS-Center[613].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/SPS-Rock[614].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Top-Right-Corner[615].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Tusk-Tank-Center[616].jpg

[GregM779]

a few more....

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Acans[607].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Blasto-Merletti-Rock[608].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Cynarina[609].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Frogspawn,-Madagascar-Leath[610].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Ricordia-Rock[611].jpg

[bmanzie]

Nice!

[melev]

That is a lovely mixed reef. Are you running carbon? I still can't believe how you catch a problem fish so easily considering how much is in that tank. :)

And I am so impressed with your calcium reactor 'server'. It looks like a tiny filecabinet or UPS, but even nicer! :thumbsup: What is the narrow clear tube on the right with the 'dipstick' in it? If that is how the effluent is measured, I guess I don't understand how it works from that point forward.

[SweetFawn]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by GregM779
[B]I like the aquascaping
I love my trigger also, he does bite my fingers every once in a while just to remind me that he's a trigger but doesn't cause any problems at all. Some advice would be to make sure you read a lot and don't always take the first advice given to you, there are different ways to fix problems and some will make things worse. Make sure you don't buy cheap equipment, it will make your life a lot easier. Also, don't jump into too many tanks, it's starts to turn into a job and you may start to dread it. Feel free to ask questions here if you need. [QUOTE]

Thanks, I do have about 20 lbs more LR curing to add. As far as advise, I have learned don't just take one person's advise. Check and double check then read some more :p For equipment that is the main reason I don't have everything I need yer, I want to do more research and get the best I can save up for.

BTW sorry about your losses, but the updated pics are beyond beautiful!

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
That is a lovely mixed reef. Are you running carbon? I still can't believe how you catch a problem fish so easily considering how much is in that tank. :)

And I am so impressed with your calcium reactor 'server'. It looks like a tiny filecabinet or UPS, but even nicer! :thumbsup: What is the narrow clear tube on the right with the 'dipstick' in it? If that is how the effluent is measured, I guess I don't understand how it works from that point forward.

Thanks, it makes the reactor but also very easily accessible. The clear tube with dipstick it the bubble counter, it's larger than normal but I like it. It's where the CO2 enters the reactor from the tank.

[melev]

Oh! I thought it was the effluent for some reason. Really neat, tiny, streamlined. And on rollers. Way cool. I hope others see those images, as it is surely unique.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
Oh! I thought it was the effluent for somre reason. Really neat, tiny, streamlined. And on rollers. Way cool. I hope others see those images, as it is surely unique.

I'll start another thread on it so others can see.

[fishman805]

Very nice Greg.... Looks like you came through the storm well.... Amazing how much stuff you've got in there but it looks "natural"... Was that a cross-hatch trigger in one of your pics..??

Bob

[cmc5dc]

Hi Greg,

Tank is looking really good. Have you tested your calcium before and after yet? If so what are you running as well as your Alk. and Ph?

Thanks,
cmc

[True Percula]

nice tank

[asnatlas]

I still can't believe this tank is only like 9 months old... I hope my 600gal looks 1/2 as good as this in 9 - 12 months :)

Shawn

[GregM779]

Sorry guys, I'm back

Originally posted by fishman805
Very nice Greg.... Looks like you came through the storm well.... Amazing how much stuff you've got in there but it looks "natural"... Was that a cross-hatch trigger in one of your pics..??

Bob
I don't have a crosshatch, are you talking about my blue throat?

Originally posted by cmc5dc
Hi Greg,

Tank is looking really good. Have you tested your calcium before and after yet? If so what are you running as well as your Alk. and Ph?

Thanks,
cmc

I'm running my calcium at about 400 right now so I have some leeway until I get used to dialing it in. My alk is at 11 dkh and my pH in the reactor stays around 6.4


Originally posted by asnatlas
I still can't believe this tank is only like 9 months old... I hope my 600gal looks 1/2 as good as this in 9 - 12 months :)

Shawn

Good luck with your tank, mines right past a year.

[GregM779]

Well the piece I picked up a few weeks ago was doing really well, it was starting to encrust the surrounding rocks and coloring up nicely. 2 Days ago I looked at it and I saw a small branch whitening. Yesterday it looked as though it had a skin coming off of about a 3rd of it. The morning that part was bone white so I fragged all of that off. I came home tonight and it looks as though most of it's a goner. I fragged a bunch of small pieces that were healthy. Everything else in the tank is doing awesome. When I fragged it, I noticed a red "vein going through the recently killed branches. Any ideas?????
The first is a before pic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC02469.jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03045[617].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03046[618].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03050[619].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03054[620].jpg

[melev]

No idea. I've never seen that before. Did you post this in the SPS forum?

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
No idea. I've never seen that before. Did you post this in the SPS forum?
Yeh, here's the thread, interesting responses

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=6074708#post6074708

[GregM779]

Here's a link on boring sponges, it could quite possibly be that.
http://www.vattenkikaren.gu.se/fakta/arter/spongiar/clionida/clioe.html

I dremeled the skeleton up today and some of the orange remains, if it were a sponge I would think that it would hace dissolved by now.
You can see the holes all throughout the coral.


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03057[621].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03059[622].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03062[623].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03057[624].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03059[625].jpg

[GregM779]

OK well after some scheming this morning with Alberto (dgasmd) and a suggestion from Bill (bmanzie), I decided to mount my CO2 tank the the top of the reactor stand. A few pieces of wood and metal and ta da.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03071[626].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03075[627].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03077[628].jpg

[dgasmd]

Heck, it looks even better than I thought it would. Pretty cool.

[doody]

Yeah, your tank is awsome! I have subscribed to this thread as it is pure insperation for me. Keep it up.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by dgasmd
Heck, it looks even better than I thought it would. Pretty cool.
Thanks, you can't see it at all unless you walk around the tank. It's also a great conversation starter when a non reefer sees a CO2 tank hooked to an aquarium.

Originally posted by doody
Yeah, your tank is awsome! I have subscribed to this thread as it is pure insperation for me. Keep it up.

Thanks, I'll try

[rdmpe]

Very nice work on the CO2 mounting! So still no idea what bored holes in your coral?

[richfavinger]

Nice reactor... :D
I always wanted to know, if I'd ever get a CA reactor. The pump I see hooked to it in the photo is it's circulation pump, right? So how do you feed the tank? I have a sump-less system, and always wanted to know how to hook one up some day. Any one got any photos of that, or a little more info?

Rich

[GregM779]

Originally posted by rdmpe
Very nice work on the CO2 mounting! So still no idea what bored holes in your coral?
Thanks, here's what I've concluded on the coral.
I think that the coral had a boring sponge digging through it, when I picked up the coral it came out of the water and caused the sponge to begin dying, the sponges death caused the death of the coral.
This is just a guess.



Originally posted by richfavinger
Nice reactor... :D
I always wanted to know, if I'd ever get a CA reactor. The pump I see hooked to it in the photo is it's circulation pump, right? So how do you feed the tank? I have a sump-less system, and always wanted to know how to hook one up some day. Any one got any photos of that, or a little more info?

Rich

I feed the reactor with a maxi jet 1200, turned way down. You could hook one up to a sumpless system, you would just have to watch your pH more carefully. Here's a diagram to help better explain the reactor.



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC028935972copy.jpg

[richfavinger]

So use the maxi jet to force feed the reactor? Or gravity feed the reactor, and pump up? Thats what I don't get... I was looking at the Korallin line of reactors. I'm in no rush to get one, just want to know how to do it right!

Rich

[GregM779]

The pump feed water into the bottom, it recirculates around the media which is broken down by the CO2 and the water comes out of the top, back to the tank.
I looked at the Korallins also, I heard a few bad things about having the pump on the top. I decided on the Schuran because of all of the good reviews. I would definitely recomend it.

[bmanzie]

Gregg that CO2 looks good.
That is cheaper then what I sugested.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by bmanzie
Gregg that CO2 looks good.
That is cheaper then what I sugested.
Thanks, with the scuba stand I was kind of worried that it would come out too far on the sides because I have so little room to work with. That's why I used the thin metal.

[bmanzie]

No, that looks perfect.

[GregM779]

Do you guys think that I should pick up one of these guys?? I can get a really good deal on one.

http://www.themarinecenter.com/aurantius.htm

[outprowllin]

NICE FISH...DO YOU THINK IT WILL BE HARRASSED BY YOU OTHERS????

[GregM779]

For the first few day I'm sure, they always tend to work it out.

[bmanzie]

Ooooooo angels bad, evil, don't trust them.... :)

[GregM779]

Originally posted by bmanzie
Ooooooo angels bad, evil, don't trust them.... :)

This time I'm going to try golden evil, the red evil was too powerful.

I picked up a Golden pygmy angel today and am giving him a test run to see how he behaves. Wish me luck.....actually, wish my LPS luck:D

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03109[634].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03107[635].jpg

[melev]

Your corals will be fine as long as the fish stays in that bag. :D

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
Your corals will be fine as long as the fish stays in that bag. :D

That's not a bad idea, he had a really nice regal angel that would look great in a bag in the tank

[Airman]

Good one Marc.

[gkarshens]

Hey Greg, any news on the Harlequin tusk? Has it ate any snails or crabs?

[GregM779]

Originally posted by gkarshens
Hey Greg, any news on the Harlequin tusk? Has it ate any snails or crabs?

He's actually doing great, hasn't caused any problems that I've noticed. He's maybe taken out a total of 3 red legs since I got him, 0 snails. I'm sure he would have eaten any shrimp in there.

I also was able to help a LFS owner get a moorish idol eating pellets. I'm just so afraid that he'll wipe out my LPS.

[bmanzie]

The Idol or the Angel???

[GregM779]

The Idol, that's the only reason I didn't bring him home also

[bmanzie]

Are they know to eat LPS? Or are you worried that he will just rearrange your tank?

[GregM779]

They love LPS, Zoos, Softies, etc.... I know of a lot of people that do keep them and have never had a problem so we'll see how he's doing in a few days and if it's meant to be.

[bmanzie]

Hmmmmmmmmm I never knew that.
I had a snowflake and I never saw it touching anything except to move around it.

[GregM779]

are we talking about eels or fish

[GregM779]

Here's some info about the idol

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=371

[bmanzie]

Your right, I am talking about Eels, and your talking about fish.
My mistake. What about a Heniocus? I was thinking of getting that because they say they are hardier than the Morish.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by bmanzie
Your right, I am talking about Eels, and your talking about fish.
My mistake. What about a Heniocus? I was thinking of getting that because they say they are hardier than the Morish.

That's another reason why I'm scared, I tried the coolest heniochus that I've ever seen, he had 3 banners. He started nipping the first night. They are supposed to be more reef safe than idols.
Check out the bottom of this page and the following page.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=596694&perpage=25&pagenumber=19

[bmanzie]

You know I read somewhere that there are two different heniochus. Heck it might have been one of your threads. But if not, they say that one is more reef safe then the other.

[GregM779]

yeh, the one that I had was that species, the thread was on the PBMAS site.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/viewthread.php?forum_id=8&thread_id=323

[matty0h_52]

Originally posted by GregM779
Here's some info about the idol

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=371


Idols are awsome. A LFS close to me has one and it beutifull its about the size of a softball. Definetly not reef safey though. They can deffinetly do alot of damage quick.

[bmanzie]

Hmmmm that doesn't look like it. I thought it was a thread to be able to tell the difference.

[GregM779]

OK I forgot to take my pills again this morning and this is what happens...



http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03122[637].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03124[638].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03126[639].jpg


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03128[640].jpg

[tsquad]

So Greg, now that you've got a GAZILLION fish, when are you upgrading to that awesome huge tank we know is in the back of every reefer's mind?

[bmanzie]

Ok now tell me again why you had to have this one?
:)

[GregM779]

Originally posted by tsquad
So Greg, now that you've got a GAZILLION fish, when are you upgrading to that awesome huge tank we know is in the back of every reefer's mind?

Well I'm only 24 and I live in a townhouse at the moment so the big tank is a ways away when I get my house.

Originally posted by bmanzie
Ok now tell me again why you had to have this one?
:)

This is why!
http://media.putfile.com/MOV0313312

[doody]

can we have an updated fish list with aprox. sizes?

[GregM779]

Here's a fish list, I don't know sizes off the top of my head so I'll do that later. I believe that I also forgot to post about losing my pair of Mandarins 2 days after treating for red bugs. Both were fat and happy, I believe that the interceptor I used may have poisoned the pods in turn poisoning them.

2 True Perculas (Mated Pair)
1 Squampinnis (Lyretail) Anthias
1 Engineer Goby
1 Red Sea Naso Tang
1 Powder Blue Tang
1 Sailfin Tang
1 Harlequin Tusk
1 Blue Throat Trigger
3 Chromis
1 Yellow Flanked Fairy Wrasse
1 Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse
1 Moorish Idol
1 Golden Pygmy Angelfish

[GregM779]

whoops, forgot my cleaner wrasse

[doody]

Wow!
BTW, is that your video in the link? What are the fish eating out of? A doggie bowl?

[GregM779]

That's actually a small ramikin that I put in there tonight with spectrum pellets for the idol, the rest of the fish are enjoying it also

[GregM779]

Here's a video of him eating with the rest of the gang. He's grabbing the spectrum that flys out from the other fish. The sailfin is still showing him whos boss a lottle but it isn't bad and shouldn't last much longer.

http://media.putfile.com/MOV0313593

[melev]

I love how all your fish gather in front.

So what is this new fish? It is the false morish idol right? I really have a hard time remembering which one is real versus false; something about white near the tail is supposed to be the identifier.

I just saw a Squampinnis Anthias the other day, and it was stunning. I would have gotten at least one or two or more, but I don't want to feed my tank multiple times per day nor do I want to add any fish load. Once the tangs are out, I may rethink that process.

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
I love how all your fish gather in front.

So what is this new fish? It is the false morish idol right? I really have a hard time remembering which one is real versus false; something about white near the tail is supposed to be the identifier.

I just saw a Squampinnis Anthias the other day, and it was stunning. I would have gotten at least one or two or more, but I don't want to feed my tank multiple times per day nor do I want to add any fish load. Once the tangs are out, I may rethink that process.

My fish are so tame that most will eat from my hands and I can put the net in the water without them running for cover.

That's the real deal, the moorish idol. The heniochus butterflies are considered the false idol, that is the one I tried before that was not reef safe.
Moorish Idol (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=371)

Heniochus (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?pCatId=242)

Anthias are great, they really don't add to your bioload and I defintely don't feed them 3 times a day. Some weeks I feed the fish every other day. I do feed heavily but my anthias have always been fat and happy. If you get some I would suggest 3 females and one male or four females and one will turn into a male.

[melev]

I tried multiple Dispar Anthias, but if I didn't feed more than once a day, they just died one after another, virtually daily. I don't know if the competition from other fish was too great, but I'm just not inclined at this time.

Having your fish friendly and not shy is awesome. Mine duck unfortunately, and I don't know why. I'm not in the tank more than necessary, adjusting a coral if it falls. I don't even clean the glass more than every few days. I think they are skittish because the tangs are aware their days are numbered. :D

Thanks for the comparison. So the partial angled white color is the false, and the pure vertical white section is the Moorish Idol.

[bmanzie]

Gregg that is nice. I went to my LFS and saw that they had a few as well. Maybe this was in everyone's shipment down here. lol
I just couldn't get it because of all the negative feedback from others. I hope yours does well.
Could you tell everyone what you feed again. I think it may help others determine whether or not they should keep feeding what they are feeding.
I have a similar bioload and I feed Mysis one day, the next day I feed Cyclopes, the next day I feed flake food with spirulina added, then I start again. I decided to do this because my Nitrate was high and also my phosphate. A few weeks of doing this and those numbers have made a significant drop.
I am still looking into making my own food. Have you thought of that? Would it be cheaper?

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
I tried multiple Dispar Anthias, but if I didn't feed more than once a day, they just died one after another, virtually daily. I don't know if the competition from other fish was too great, but I'm just not inclined at this time.

Having your fish friendly and not shy is awesome. Mine duck unfortunately, and I don't know why. I'm not in the tank more than necessary, adjusting a coral if it falls. I don't even clean the glass more than every few days. I think they are skittish because the tangs are aware their days are numbered. :D

Thanks for the comparison. So the partial angled white color is the false, and the pure vertical white section is the Moorish Idol.

It may help if you go in your tank more often, it helps them get used to you.
You may have to feed the anthias multiple times a day at first but eventually they should be fine. You can always get an auto feeder for them at first.
If you ever see the heniochus and idol in person together the difference is great. The Idol is much much prettier.
I'm going to take some more video with the camcorder whenever the person who borrowed it gives it back, I took the other with my digital camera.


Originally posted by bmanzie
Gregg that is nice. I went to my LFS and saw that they had a few as well. Maybe this was in everyone's shipment down here. lol
I just couldn't get it because of all the negative feedback from others. I hope yours does well.
Could you tell everyone what you feed again. I think it may help others determine whether or not they should keep feeding what they are feeding.
I have a similar bioload and I feed Mysis one day, the next day I feed Cyclopes, the next day I feed flake food with spirulina added, then I start again. I decided to do this because my Nitrate was high and also my phosphate. A few weeks of doing this and those numbers have made a significant drop.
I am still looking into making my own food. Have you thought of that? Would it be cheaper?

They're actually pretty easy to find down here, most stores don't carry them because of their mortality rate.
The only time to even think about these fish is when they are eating, in order to do that they can never stop eating so the best time to try is the day that the store gets them from the wholesaler. I picked this one up at the place up here I told you about. He tranships the fish directly in and skips the wholesaler making it less travel and an easier acclimation for the fish. I showed him how to get the Idol to start eating and he weened it onto Spectrum Pellet Food, which is what the people use who have the oldest captive held Moorish Idols.

What I feed a day right now is 2 cubes Hikari Frozen Mysis, about 8 frozen krill, a good chunk of frozen cyclopeeze, nori, and now will add spectrum.
I think making my own food seems kind of messy and not really worth it. You have to have a dedicated blender and it's hared to get the same consistency throughout. I also don't think you'll save much money if any at all.

[GregM779]

I also think that I had forgot to post that I had picked up a cleaner wrasse about 5 weeks ago to help out my powder blue. I figured that I had enough fish to support one of these wrasses as they eat more than just ich but any kind of parasites on the fish and all fish have some sort of parasite. It turns out that the cleaner wrasse not only started eating frozen mysis and cyclopeeze but also eats nori! It's the coolest thing, I've never even heard of a cleaner wrasse eating nori.

[melev]

I think making my own food seems kind of messy and not really worth it. You have to have a dedicated blender and it's hared to get the same consistency throughout. I also don't think you'll save much money if any at all.

It is a little challenging to get the right consistency, but not insurmountable. I can definitely attest to it costing far less than LFS fish food. Each batch I make lasts 4 to 5 weeks, and costs me under $10 a batch. For others, the amount I make would last them far longer, but I'm still a heavy feeder.

[bmanzie]

Melev, are you still using the reciepe that you have on your site?

[melev]

Pretty much. That page has lots of options, but for now here are the essential ingredients:

1 lb frozen mixed seafood from the asian store. $3.50
1/2 lb smelt (silversides) $1.00
A chunk of frozen Cyclop-Eeze - $4.00 worth perhaps (I buy the largest frozen bar they offer in DFWMAS group buys)
A few capfuls of Roti-Rich - $.50?
1/2 tsp Spirulina powder - $.25?
8 (white Salifert) scoops of both containers of Golden Pearls $.20?
A little home grown Phytoplankton - free
Some frozen shrimp or krill $3 worth or less as it is only a handful.
I'll cut up a half-sheet of Nori sometimes - $.16

Since I buy this stuff in bulk and keep it frozen, I just get what I need each time I make a new batch, but it really doesn't cost much at all. The above prices are merely estimates. Maybe it is more like $13, but that is like $2.50 to $3.25 per week tops.

[GregM779]

mmmmm...... sounds delicous.

You don't add any vitamins at all??
Does it stink up the house for a week or is it bad?

[bmanzie]

What is Roti-Rich and Golden Pearls?

[GregM779]

They're usually used to feed corals.

My coral really likes these spectrum pellets as you can see.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Cynarina-Mouth[643].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Plate-Mouth[644].jpg

[melev]

Roti-Rich is a liquid food that you can add to your tank at night. It is from Florida Aqua Farms, and a bottle lasts forever apparently.

The foods I use are linked to this page if you want to see pictures of products like Golden Pearls (now that stuff smells horrible!). http://www.melevsreef.com/feedings.html That page has images linked to every food I discuss.

The smell isn't bad at all Greg. Perhaps because I work with everything frozen. My new food processor is quite small, so I have to do it in 4 or five batches. As soon as the first batch is processed, I put it in a large glass salad serving bowl and put it in the fridge. Things that need to be shelled like Shrimp can smell bad, but I just thaw them only enough to get the carapace (the shell they'd normally molt) off, cut it up in smaller chunks and process that as well. All trash goes out so the smell doesn't stay. The utensils are washed off once I'm done.

Now, keep in mind I'm at home when I do this from beginning to end. Maybe next time I'll do this, then go outside for a walk for 15 minutes and come back in to see if the smell is bad. As far as I know, it isn't. Plus once everything is put up and washed thoroughly, I'd think there wouldn't be much left to it. Maybe lighting a candle would be okay.

For vitamins, you can add garlic juice, and I'm pretty sure Selcon contains vitamins so it would work as well. Beta Glucin can be added too - just open the capsule and release the powder in the mixture.

Back to making the food itself, after all the stuff has been processed, I just stir the bowl's contents well, then fill up 5 qt size ziplock bags, probably 3/8" thick. You can make it thinner and use more bags to make it easier to break off food daily. I just use a knife and make a series of 1/2" cuts across the width of the food in the bag, then break those pieces off into a small cup to thaw for that night.

[GregM779]

Hey Bill I thought I would post a warning about a seller down your way, his screename on RC is newmoon and name is Carlos. He's down in North Miami and just screwed Gayle out of a big deal, he also is the one that broke my original calcium reactor deal that I told you about. He's going to be selling a 65g setup soon so just be vary careful if you know of anyone dealing with him. Here are some threads about the deal.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=666613&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=712184

[asnatlas]

Originally posted by melev
Roti-Rich is a liquid food that you can add to your tank at night. It is from Florida Aqua Farms, and a bottle lasts forever apparently.

Marc, I was looking into the ROTI-RICH at Florida Aqua Farms (https://3kserver7.com/~frank/secure/agora.cgi) and found the following :

Use as a supplement to a straight yeast or microalgae diet to enhance reproduction and produce more nutritious zooplankton. Available in liquid and dry forms. Commercial use only dry forms, save money in shipping, packaging and storage space. Shelf life of liquid formulation 8 months.

So if I go with a dry form and then make it liquid as needed (few months at a time) then I should be ok ??

Shawn

[melev]

I would think so. Just keep the powdered form somewhere cool and not damp, sealed in a container.

[bmanzie]

Thanks Gregg,
I had actually saw the thread and read it through the other day. Thanks for the heads up though.
Hey did you get my last PM?

[bmanzie]

Forget it, I finally read some stuff about it. I am going to pass.

[GregM779]

OK, I finally have my site up, it's still in it's newborn stages so a lot of links are still there waiting to be filled. Check it out and let me know what you think so far.

www.gregmsreef.com

[bmanzie]

looks good

[gkarshens]

I like the layout.

[GregM779]

you guys can check out the video, that's up, I'm working on the scuba part right now.

[gkarshens]

I couldn't get the first video to load. In fact it froze up my browser. The clowns and Nori worked though, even though they are sideways. :)

[fishman805]

Originally posted by GregM779
OK, I finally have my site up, it's still in it's newborn stages so a lot of links are still there waiting to be filled. Check it out and let me know what you think so far.

www.gregmsreef.com


Great site so far Greg.... What software are you using to do the design work..??

Bob

[GregM779]

Originally posted by gkarshens
I couldn't get the first video to load. In fact it froze up my browser. The clowns and Nori worked though, even though they are sideways. :)

That's wierd you had a problem.
It's easier to shoot with the camera sideways like that but it looks stupid sideways, I'll start shooting right.

Originally posted by fishman805
Great site so far Greg.... What software are you using to do the design work..??

Bob
Thanks, I making it with Macromedia Dreamweaver

[melev]

I look forward to seeing how your site evolves. So far so good. :)

[GregM779]

Originally posted by melev
I look forward to seeing how your site evolves. So far so good. :)
Thanks, I finished a lot of the scuba page. I wanted to have something there as it takes a lot less time than the pages for my tank will.


Do you guys like this format?? If you haven't seen the basket star video it's pretty cool.
Scuba Page (http://www.gregmsreef.com/Scuba%20Diving/ScubaDiving.htm)

[outprowllin]

Your site looks great greg....i too look forward to seeing it evolve....or one of these days i can make that long 15 min ride to your house and see it in person again........

[eraml]

Love the golden pygmy angel, one LFS over here has it in a display tank with lots of LPS, SPS, and softies. So it should be alright i think.
Could i also get some more info. on the cleaner wrasse...does it "eat" ich?

[fishman805]

Originally posted by GregM779



Thanks, I making it with Macromedia Dreamweaver


Thanks Greg..... I just got the Macromedia Studio MX suite..... I'm hoping it's going to make my site alot nicer.... ( just have to figure out how to use it...lol )


Bob

[GregM779]

First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

Originally posted by outprowllin
Your site looks great greg....i too look forward to seeing it evolve....or one of these days i can make that long 15 min ride to your house and see it in person again........

Thanks, you know you're always welcome to come over.

Originally posted by eraml
Love the golden pygmy angel, one LFS over here has it in a display tank with lots of LPS, SPS, and softies. So it should be alright i think.
Could i also get some more info. on the cleaner wrasse...does it "eat" ich?

The reason that I originallt got him was to help out my powder blue, unfortunately I lost the PB after the hurricane. A lot of cleaner wrasses don't last long at all, they need a lot of fish to nip on and mine fortunately also eats nori.

Originally posted by fishman805
Thanks Greg..... I just got the Macromedia Studio MX suite..... I'm hoping it's going to make my site alot nicer.... ( just have to figure out how to use it...lol )
Bob

It's a nice suite, I'm going to get more into flash when I have some free time.

[fishman805]

Originally posted by GregM779
First of all, HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!




It's a nice suite, I'm going to get more into flash when I have some free time.


Happy Thanksgiving back at ya Greg.....

Got a question for ya ( hope you can answer ) ... I started my site using Yahoo Site builder... How do I "import" all that into the Macromedia suite..???


:confused:

Bob

[GregM779]

Originally posted by fishman805
Happy Thanksgiving back at ya Greg.....

Got a question for ya ( hope you can answer ) ... I started my site using Yahoo Site builder... How do I "import" all that into the Macromedia suite..???


:confused:

Bob

I've never used Yahoo Builder, do you have a folder with all of your html files, like index.htm?? If so just open the index.htm with dreamweaver, if not I'm not sure.

[fishman805]

Originally posted by GregM779
I've never used Yahoo Builder, do you have a folder with all of your html files, like index.htm?? If so just open the index.htm with dreamweaver, if not I'm not sure.

I'll look and see... Thanks Greg

Bob

[GregM779]

Well I worked about 100 hours this week so I haven't had time to play on RC lately. Not many updates other than I added 3 dispar anthias and that the golden pygmy angel is becoming braver by the day. Here's a pic of the angel, he's still camera shy.

http://www.gregmsreef.com/Graphics/Inhabitants/Fish/Golden%20Pygmy%20Angel/DSC03201.jpg

[GregM779]

I'm going to start working on my site again as I slow down a little and was wondering if any of you would allow me to use liks to your sites under my "useful links" section. If so PM me or just post here.
Thanks!

[gkarshens]

There are much better sites than mine, but if you want it, it's there.

[melev]

Greg, you are welcome to link anyone to my site or specific parts of my site if you feel the need.

[GregM779]

Thanks guys

well I finally got to go to some LFSs today and picked up these 2 pieces.
The first is a highligher yellow acro that is crazy yellow and the second is a very nice rock of large yumas that are green with purple rims.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03221[691].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03223[690].jpg

[gkarshens]

That Acro is awesome!

[budjr8000]

awasom tank i hope mine is half that cool keep up the good work

[bmanzie]

Nice...

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6240695#post6240695 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gkarshens
That Acro is awesome!

It really is pretty I hope it holds it's color

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6240987#post6240987 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by budjr8000
awasom tank i hope mine is half that cool keep up the good work

Do it right and yours could look twice as nice as mine

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6242504#post6242504 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by bmanzie
Nice...

Yeh, I got this one at the wholesaler place, he got his second coral shipment yesterday, I would have called you but this was the last nice piece, I saw some of the other pieces that were bought and were there waiting to be picked up and it was some of the nicest SPS I've seen in months and the prices were awesome.

[bmanzie]

Man so I missed out.
I need to wait until after christmas anyway.

Don't forget I still got a nice frag for you of the Pink Birds Nest.

[125swimmer]

is your lighting one of those aquatraders fixtures? how do you like it?

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6245925#post6245925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 125swimmer
is your lighting one of those aquatraders fixtures? how do you like it?

I have a coralife aqualight pro that I am very satisfied with so far.

http://www.hellolights.com/co72150waaqp.html

[Rossini]

Really nice tank,although I think its crammed too full of corals for my liking.....it does not look right see'ing all these different corals so close to each other,like there stacked on shelves or something.

You have lost some lovely fish too. I think you need at least 250 gallons for the amount of stock you want to have.

Well done though. :)

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6249547#post6249547 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Rossini
Really nice tank,although I think its crammed too full of corals for my liking.....it does not look right see'ing all these different corals so close to each other,like there stacked on shelves or something.

You have lost some lovely fish too. I think you need at least 250 gallons for the amount of stock you want to have.

Well done though. :)

To each their own. I don't think anyone here is really trying to imitate nature otherwise I would have like 5 corals in the tank, how boring would that be. I love tanks that are succesful and there's something to see everywhere you look. It's also great to see different types of corals intertwine as time goes by but like I said you may not like that and your welcome to your opinion. The size of the tank has nothing to do with me losing fish, if I had a 1000g tank and they were caught with cyanide or had an internal parasite they would die just the same.

[bmanzie]

A nice tank is a nice tank. Like it was previously said, we each have our own taste.
I personally like the way the corals are set up in this tank. I have seen it and I could see why he has stocked the tank the way he does. If you think about it, even with a minimum amount of coral it will eventually grow. If you don't frag it then they will also grow to an overcrowding condition. So there really is no difference between fragging many corals to keep it under control or fragging a few corals to keep it under control.
As far as the fish are concerned, fish will get stressed out for many reasons. If they are living in a tank with almost ideal conditions then I think you could increase the amount of fish you have in your tank and not have to try and follow the size fish to gallon rule. There are many things to consider when stocking your tank and I think Gregg has done a good job doing so.
Now again we each have our own opinion and I certainly respect yours. This is in no way a beginning of an argument but just my opinion.
The great thing about reefing is that we all have a part in seeing what works...

[DUFFY]

Thanks for the link to your tank! It is really a marvel to look at. Hopefully, I will be able to get through all 36 pages of it. I got through about 10 so far LOL!

The only question I have, which may have been answered in your 36 pages is where is your returns/eductors located as well as your sieo powerheads.

Thanks for sharing!

Brian

[GregM779]

Here's a couple of short videos I shot tonight...
The copperband was donated to me this weekend after a fellow reef club member added it to his tank and his kole tang wouldn't leave it alone.

My fish eating nori
http://www.gregmsreef.com/Videos/Fish%20Feeding%20on%20Nori.MPG

My new Copperband Butterfly
http://www.gregmsreef.com/Videos/Copperband%20121505.MPG

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6251741#post6251741 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DUFFY
Thanks for the link to your tank! It is really a marvel to look at. Hopefully, I will be able to get through all 36 pages of it. I got through about 10 so far LOL!

The only question I have, which may have been answered in your 36 pages is where is your returns/eductors located as well as your sieo powerheads.

Thanks for sharing!

Brian

The Seios are on both end facing up and create a circle around the tank, my returns kind of break that circle up a little, one shoots opposite the current and the other straight across it.

[GregM779]

Took another video today of the fish eating, if you listen at first you can hear the trigger bite the clear container I use to thaw the food.
http://www.gregmsreef.com/Videos/Fish%20Eating%20121505.MPG

[bmanzie]

Nice video Gregg. I see you got another Morish...

[GregM779]

It's the one that was at reef life, they had it for 2 months. He's doing great so far, you can see scratches on his side from when the tang was harrassing him but they'll heal.

[bmanzie]

I wish it well.

[DUFFY]

Love the video. Wish I could do that!

I have a trigger and a puffer and both are agressive eaters as well.

[SPSFiend]

love the feather star fish!!

[GregM779]

Here's some shots I took today....

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03318[726].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03327[727].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03337[728].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03338[729].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03348[730].jpg

[GregM779]

a couple more

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03350[731].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03357[732].jpg

[melev]

Very nice. Remind me again - is that the Morish Idol or the False one? I never get those right. I'm thinking this is a true Morish, correct?

How long have you had that Blue Tort frag? Those are the corals I want to grow in that take sooo long.

[GregM779]

That is the true moorish idol.
That frag was about half the size when I got it at the end of September, I have a much larger piece that I love and I also picked up a very nice yellow tort last week, I'll take a pic tomorrow

[GregM779]

Well I changed all of my MH bulbs Monday and wow what a difference. This is the first time changing them (about 10 months old) and it seems so much brighter now. 3 brand new coralife bulbs fell into my lap so I used them, I was going to try the XM bulbs if I had to buy them so I'll wait until then. I'm going to wait about a month to change out my PCs to help not burn my corals but I think it's going to make a huge difference.

[outprowllin]

i agree with the wait greg....iput the new xm's in at thanksgiving and fried all of my sps except for a few..they are now coloring back up...next time i will be more carefull.....i have to get over and see your tank...i was right there the other day after working on a customers a/c but you werent home.....ill try again another time

[fishman805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6376061#post6376061 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
Well I changed all of my MH bulbs Monday and wow what a difference. This is the first time changing them (about 10 months old) and it seems so much brighter now. 3 brand new coralife bulbs fell into my lap so I used them, I was going to try the XM bulbs if I had to buy them so I'll wait until then. I'm going to wait about a month to change out my PCs to help not burn my corals but I think it's going to make a huge difference.


Greg.... Did you stick with the 10k's or did you move up to the 14's?? I know you'd mentioned that you might try the 14k's when it was time.... I've got about a month to go before changing mine out ( my tanks about 10 months old now but very few corals )....

Bob

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6376684#post6376684 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by outprowllin
i agree with the wait greg....iput the new xm's in at thanksgiving and fried all of my sps except for a few..they are now coloring back up...next time i will be more carefull.....i have to get over and see your tank...i was right there the other day after working on a customers a/c but you werent home.....ill try again another time
I've been running my lights for 2 4 hour shifts a day for te last few months, after I replacd the bulbs I just run them for one of the four hour shiftsand I'm definitely still watching everything closely.
come by when you get a chance.


<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6376925#post6376925 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishman805
Greg.... Did you stick with the 10k's or did you move up to the 14's?? I know you'd mentioned that you might try the 14k's when it was time.... I've got about a month to go before changing mine out ( my tanks about 10 months old now but very few corals )....

Bob

These are 10ks. Even if I was going to buy the bulbs I was going to go with 10ks. I saw the 14ks that I was looking at but the 250w version being run by 400w ballasts and I thought they looked nice but I think that the 150w will look really dull compareably. You also lose a lot of par so I'm still a 10k fan.

[smokez01]

hey Greg, I was wondering what are your thoughts on the Kent Marine Nautilus TE Skimmer?

[besl]

Greg - pictures speak for themselves - beautiful tank. I have a few questions I would be interested in hearing back on...

With the large bioload you have, how often do you do water changes and what amount?

What brand salt and what do you keep your s.g. at?

What is the Ca level and how do you maintain it?

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6397699#post6397699 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by smokez01
hey Greg, I was wondering what are your thoughts on the Kent Marine Nautilus TE Skimmer?
The skimmer is OK for your 75g but I would definitely go with the ASM G-3 over it. I got the skimmer when I bought the tank and sump used and was planning to upgrade it. I have a MRC MR3 that I don't have room to hook up right now. If you go with the nautilus I find that it performs better with a higher water line in your sump. The skimmer has kept up well in my tank but I'm sure other skimmers would do better. I have a lot of natural filtration to help it out with the 200lbs of LR, 120 LS, and the macro in the fuge.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6397781#post6397781 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by besl
Greg - pictures speak for themselves - beautiful tank. I have a few questions I would be interested in hearing back on...

With the large bioload you have, how often do you do water changes and what amount?

What brand salt and what do you keep your s.g. at?

What is the Ca level and how do you maintain it?

Thank you, I'm not a big water changer, I do about 30 gallons every 3-4 months. I'll see how the tank matures and if it is beneficial to do more then I will. I know a lot of extremely gorgeous and successful reef tanks that have gone years without a change, so I do less waterchanges not because I'm lazy bt because of what I've seen with my eyes and the results.
I used filtered sea water for a few of the changes and instant ocean for the ones that I mixed. The s.g. is 1.024-1.025
My calcium I keep around 400-420, I used to dose natureef alkalinity and hardness plus but my coral load got so high that I was having to use about 3 ounces of each per day and it was costing about $50 a month just for that so I added the calcium reactor not too long ago and love it. It is cheaper to run over time and keeps everything constant.

[smokez01]

hey Greg, thanks for the response!

interesting about the w/c's and even with the large bio-load!

looking forward to seeing more pics!

[pontiac]

Beautiful tank!

[pontiac]

Beautiful tank!

[druluv]

I can't wait to see the MRC MR3 in action, that guy makes good equipment. I am saving my pennies for the Recirculating skimmer (MR-2R). I also Have the calcium reactor from him too; I bought it through reef exotics. Keep up the good work.

Where do you find the space? Upgrade time yet ?

Are you thinking about adding ozone generator?

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6408761#post6408761 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by pontiac
Beautiful tank!
Thank You!!

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6409294#post6409294 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by druluv
I can't wait to see the MRC MR3 in action, that guy makes good equipment. I am saving my pennies for the Recirculating skimmer (MR-2R). I also Have the calcium reactor from him too; I bought it through reef exotics. Keep up the good work.

Where do you find the space? Upgrade time yet ?

Are you thinking about adding ozone generator?
The skimmer is awesome, it is running right now at a LFSs 500 gallon coral tank and works great. I think I may have to build some kind of bookshelf and maybe entirely redo my sump in order for it to work correctly. I've thought about ozone and may do it in the future.

[GregM779]

Here's a new piece that I found the other day. I wanted to find a large piece that grew crazy like a stag that I could replace a piece with. The piece I was replacing was a granulosa that the redbugs originally came in on and never recovered, I gave it months and still no looking up. I'm not sure what this new piece is but I really like it. Also check out this picture hosting site and support whoever it is hosting it if they put up any sponsor links. They allow you 50megs of room and can hold pics up to 7 megs, pretty cool. www.reefbucket.com

http://reefbucket.com//files/16/Green-SPS1.jpg

http://reefbucket.com//files/16/Green-SPS2.jpg

http://reefbucket.com//files/16/Green-SPS3.jpg

[GregM779]

Thanks Skipper for using my avatar in this month's Reefkeeping Mag!
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-01/index.php

[Airman]

Very nice.

[MAreefer1]

VERY VERY NICE!:D

[Psyire]

Awesome update, looks like things are doing great!

[druluv]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6409875#post6409875 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
I've thought about ozone and may do it in the future.

I actually bought an Aqua-medic ozone (200 mg) machine at PA, I should get it by Tuesday. I going to control it with a PA Light house controller. I'm still kinda of scared but I think it is a good risk to take.

[GregM779]

Thanks guys!
Druluv, let me know how it goes, I'm very interested

[GregM779]

OK well, I'll try and get some pics later of a new addition:D :D

But other breaking news, I walked downstairs this morning to let the dog out, I went over to look at the tank and towards the bottom middle one of the rocks looked white and fuzzy, a seconfd later it started to move!! It was a bristle worm probably about 10-12" long and about 1.5" wide. The thing didn't look like a bristle worm at all because of how thick it was, it was definitely thicker than my thumb around.
Let me tell you that I have never in my life been afrain to touch anything on my aquarium, including my foxface, until today. It looked crazy, I tried to grab it with 2 net handles but it was too strong and I couldn't get it. It was able to escape into the rocks even with me throwing acros around trying to snag it. I guess the hunt it on tonight!

[fishman805]

:eek1: :eek1: Good luck getting that monster out of your tank....

Bob

[Psyire]

Dude, that sounds like a nightmare!

[GregM779]

In case I don't survive the bristle worm hunt tonight, here are some pics of my new baby. The pics are bad because he's still shy

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Regal-1[800].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Regal-2[801].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03545[802].jpg

[water`bug]

Awesome fish Greg!!! You just keep amazing us. Over and over! :rollface:

BTW... I wanna see pics of your greg-ness monster! :D

happy hunting!!

water`bug

[GregM779]

Well it's a good night so far, I picked up my trap from a friend last night and filled it with some goodies, an echino, a mycedium, and a frag of a purple acro he's been especially destructive one. I went down to put some clothes in the dryer and noticed some movement in the trap, hit the string, did a happy dance, and ripped him out into his temporary home.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/GP-Caught-2[803].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/GP-Caught-1[804].jpg

[fishman805]

:confused: I thought you were hunting a bristle worm....??

Bob

[GregM779]

I thought I had updated on this site but looking back I may have missed it, a little ways back my Golden Pygmy Angel found a new taste called SPS polyps and ever since then has made all of them stay closed. He was probably the most elusive fish I ever had to catch.

[143gadgets]

Glad u were able to catch him. Now you can concentrate on the real monster lurking in those rocks. Good luck!

[outprowllin]

hey greg. i have a pair of 16 inch hemostats the=at are perfect for grabbing big bristle...i have used them for just that befor...their yours to borrow if you need them.......jaime

[GregM779]

Jaime, I'll take you up on that, I'll need all that I can get for the next show down

Well I have to keep the thread interesting so here's some eye candy. I used a friend's Nikon D70 with a macro lens and shot these pics of my tank....


http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0003[806].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0004[807].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0006[808].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0007[809].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0009[810].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0011[811].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0012[812].jpg

[GregM779]

Some more......

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0013[813].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0017[814].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_0021[815].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_00099[816].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC_00109[817].jpg

[Theace50]

tank is awesome bro

[irvin3]

nice tank.

[GregM779]

Thanks guys!
Here's some more fish pics, sorry about the quality but I had to use the flash because only the T5s were on.

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03570[818].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03571[820].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/DSC03576[819].jpg

[fishman805]

None of your pictures loaded for me Greg.... Just a box with a red "x" in the middle.... What's happened??

Bob

[rdmpe]

Same here - no picts :(

[tsquad]

They're working for me now...looks great as always Greg :)

[Paul Davies]

wow.......what can i say !!!

[fishman805]

They're working for me now too.... Very nice Greg....

Bob

[druluv]

sweet as ever Greg.
Love the (Red Sea) Angel Fish!!!! I don't know if I'm ready for one as of yet. I always had problem with keeping copper bands, any thoughts on their care.

[Airman]

What is the pic after the zoos?

[melev]

That trapped angel looks like a Potters Angel to me. I can't believe the bait you used. :lol:

[cutsupremetrib]

holy crap i see an moorish Idol are u having good luck with this guy i want one but have heard horror stories

[GregM779]

Thanks guys, the pics are linked to the PBMAS webisite and our host sucks so sometimes the links are down. I'm trying to get my site updated but I've been so busy and on top of it I have jury duty right now.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6469085#post6469085 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by druluv
sweet as ever Greg.
Love the (Red Sea) Angel Fish!!!! I don't know if I'm ready for one as of yet. I always had problem with keeping copper bands, any thoughts on their care.

It's actually a Regal Angel from Fiji, the Red Sea Regals are a little more colorful and have a yellow stomach but have a worse track record.
My copperbands doing great so far, it always helps to hae healthy one to begin with and try blood worms to get them started.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6469433#post6469433 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Airman
What is the pic after the zoos?

It's a madagascar leather, they're rare to find in that color, there's a pic of a full grown one in my thread somewhere, I'll post a nother pic of it later.

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6469503#post6469503 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by melev
That trapped angel looks like a Potters Angel to me. I can't believe the bait you used. :lol:

Yeh they look kind of like potters but in the light are much more pretty, I knew that bait would work better than normal food...
http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/angelfish/goldenpygmyangel/

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6469818#post6469818 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cutsupremetrib
holy crap i see an moorish Idol are u having good luck with this guy i want one but have heard horror stories
They definitely are hit or miss, they take extra work and may eat coral so do a lot of research before even thinking about getting one.

[doody]

Now that you have that regal You're tank is definatly my dream. Please keep it up man. How are the others takeing to him/her?

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6471504#post6471504 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by doody
Now that you have that regal You're tank is definatly my dream. Please keep it up man. How are the others takeing to him/her?

With all of the things about my tank I think that the most amazing thing is the lack of aggression. When I add a fish, any fish really, aggression and being beat up doesn't even come into my mind anymore. The worst thing that hapens anymore is the sailfin goes near it and spreads it's fins for about 5 minutes and the rest of the fish have to check it out. The new fish are never chased and are very quickly accepted and hanging out with the rest of them. I think that this helps me very much when trying to keep these harder fish. I feed ALOT so there is absolutley no competion for food, all of the fish share the same nori clips and eat right next to each other.
So far the regal id doing great but it's still early to really tell, he's eating, he's out in the open, and the hangs out with everyone else.

[GregM779]

Well, sad news to update. I found the Regal laying on the sandbe dead. He had absolutley no marks, was eating well, and was fat and not being picked on. They are known to do this though. I'm going to try and get one that I know has been held in a tank for at least a couple of weeks.

[gkarshens]

That sucks! :( Sorry!

[melev]

How long did you have that fish? Do you think it was cyanide poisoning perhaps?

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6490081#post6490081 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
Well, sad news to update. I found the Regal laying on the sandbe dead. He had absolutley no marks, was eating well, and was fat and not being picked on. They are known to do this though. I'm going to try and get one that I know has been held in a tank for at least a couple of weeks.

Sorry to hear about your loss...

[druluv]

Damn, Damn, Damn

ester role, good times

sorry to hear about the loss.

[GregM779]

He was in the tank only a couple of days. Everyone I have talked to thinks it was cyanide. I'm in no rush but if I find a healthy, eating one from a reputable source I'll try again.

[GregM779]

On a lighter note, here is a great video from Japan, one of the coolest fish things I've seen. A must watch......
http://www.corallium.net/temp/dresseur-poisson-rouge.wmv

[druluv]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499469#post6499469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
On a lighter note, here is a great video from Japan, one of the coolest fish things I've seen. A must watch......
http://www.corallium.net/temp/dresseur-poisson-rouge.wmv


I'm going to try that with my green chromis :rollface:

[Airman]

I bought a rainford goby that was cyanide poisoned. I did not know until other. I read that rainford goby will eat hair alagae.

[doody]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6499469#post6499469 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
On a lighter note, here is a great video from Japan, one of the coolest fish things I've seen. A must watch......
http://www.corallium.net/temp/dresseur-poisson-rouge.wmv

WoW!!! Is that real?

[GregM779]

It looked real to me, kind of scary if you think about it

[GregM779]

OK, I picked up one of those rubbermaid wrapping paper holders today at home depot for $1.99. If I want to keep it on the floor and use it for auto topoff, what do I need to feed it a little up to my sump?

[melev]

I use the same ones, and have for years. An AquaLifter works well for my needs, and PremiumAquatics has them for $10.25 when we ordered ours.

[rdmpe]

Do those aqualifters prevent a siphon when they are off? I've been thinking about an autotopoff system and was worried about having a siphon if I don't use a float valve, and I don't trust those float valves very well. I was planning on some type of dosing pump. But an aqualifter on a timer might be another option for me.

[GregM779]

So to use the aqualifter all that I would need would be a float switch in the sump connected to the aqualifter?

[fishman805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6511914#post6511914 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
So to use the aqualifter all that I would need would be a float switch in the sump connected to the aqualifter?

Greg...

FWIW, here's my setup:

I bought one of those electric float swtches from MarineDepot that controls a water pump... Glued the suction cup for the float switch to the inside of the sump so it would not move... I ran PVC over the top of the sump angled in ( see pics ) and have the pipe running up the back of the stand about 3' up and attached to the stand with a bracket to hold it in place... The FW fill tank is just a cheap rubbermaid and I use a Maxjet1200 for the pump ( also glues to the bottom of the holding tank so it won't move... the fill up tubing is reinforced nylon type so no kinking and it travels "up" and into the PVC so when it shuts off, it won't syphon out... I've been running this config since the start of Dec. and it's worked out great for me... It's actually Marc's design using a pre-made rather than home made float switch... A little more money but it's piece of mind for me... All electrical connections are far away from any water source..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/fishman805/100_0117.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/fishman805/100_0118.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/fishman805/100_0120.jpg

Bob

[GregM779]

nice setup, so the powerhead plugs directly into this float siwtch and when the valve on the switch is lowered, it turns on the pump?
Do you have a link to it?

[fishman805]

I tried but could not get it to work for me .... Go to MarineDepot's site and search on "float switch" It's made by Ultralife and is the only one they sell. It's under the catagory "Dosing Pumps/Top-Off"

And yes... The switch comes with a controler which has a plug that goes to an outlet and a cord coming off that you plug your pump into... It's got plenty of slack to put it well away from your sump.. The float switch has enough cord length too... IMO, it's very well made and very sturdy...

Bob

[melev]

On my site, I have page explaining how I hooked up my auto top off system (under the 280g tank section of Hidden Treasures). Using a float switch from floatswitches.net, an extension cord and the Aqua Lifter, it is working out great. I've used a maxijet as well in the past, but the lifter is quiet and does burn up if it has no water to draw up.

I've not had it siphoning out of my container, perhaps because of my configuration. If a siphon were to occur, you just need to lift the tubing up slightly higher than the water level in the holding container, so that it can drip into your sump from a higher altitude.

Here's how it is set up currently, and this is detailed in my Personal Log on my site (Dec 05):

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/05/12/top_off2.jpg

http://www.melevsreef.com/pics/05/12/top_off4.jpg

This set up holds 20g of water, and tops off the tank for several days.

[rdmpe]

That is a good idea having the maxijet pump into the pvc - no siphon. I just realized I could also have a tee at the highest point in the tubing, with the stem pointed up and a short open piece of tubing on it. As long as the pump wasn't too powerful, that would serve to break the siphon when the pump shuts off. I have to get this thing automated. I'm topping off 2+ gallons / day right now.

[fishman805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6513551#post6513551 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rdmpe
I have to get this thing automated. I'm topping off 2+ gallons / day right now.


So was I and going out of town like I was, I could not rely ( or would not rely ) on someone being here to do it for me.... It's great not having to tote 5gal jugs back and forth everyday....

Bob

[GregM779]

I really liked this Mold-A-Holder (http://www.floatswitches.net/moldaholder.html)
So I'm thinking the Ultralife Float Switch (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_ultralife_float_switch.asp?CartId=) and Aqualifter (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=M3-AQUALIFTERPUMP&Category_Code=) Those 2 should be all that I need. I'm leaving at the beginning of next month so I want to have this up before, to test it out.

[Hop]

I just can't keep up with the Jones' here... Just when I though my plain gravity fed top off system was going great... Now I have add pumps and power it:D

[fishman805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6518499#post6518499 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
I really liked this Mold-A-Holder (http://www.floatswitches.net/moldaholder.html)
So I'm thinking the Ultralife Float Switch (http://www.marinedepot.com/aquarium_dosing_pumps_top_off_ultralife_float_switch.asp?CartId=) and Aqualifter (http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=M3-AQUALIFTERPUMP&Category_Code=) Those 2 should be all that I need. I'm leaving at the beginning of next month so I want to have this up before, to test it out.

That should do it for ya... Let us know how it works.....

Bob

[gkarshens]

Greg,
I've been looking at auto top off and I was thinking I would do the exact same thing. I am going to have to plumb mine thru the wall into my garage though.

[zmalexander]

Just saw the auto top, nice set up!! I think I'll copy ya for my 58g I'm putting together, only on a slightly smaller scale.
Zac

[bmanzie]

Gregg I have a similar set up that has worked so far without failing. I use the wrapping paper container with a maxijet inside. I also use an electronic float switch that is conected to an extension cord. It was real easy to set up and cheap.

[GregM779]

hey Bill, where did you get the stuff from? Royal is out of stock and nobody has it local, I may have to place an order to premium aquatics.

[GregM779]

Alright, I got good news and bad news.
Good news is that I picked up a very nice green slimer frag, I'll get a pic soon.
Bad news is that I have red bugs again, I have some interceptor on the way to treat and I'm going back to trating any new sps pieces

[bmanzie]

You can call me if you like.

[bmanzie]

Or go here....
http://www.floatswitches.net/autotopoff.html

[GregM779]

OK, couple of updates. I had bought an orange back wrasse last Thursday and had thought he was a goner because I had yet to see him again until yesterday, he's out and about all of the time now. I also found a very pretty Lubbock's Wrasse yesterday, I've never seen one in these colors. I'm trying a new form of acclimation so that the wrasses have a better chance of survival, I'll go into that more later.
Also, I treated for red bugs once again, I may have lost one of my first SPS pieces that was grown from a frag but that may be the only piece. I'm going back to dipping every piece I put into the tank now.
I did pick up 4 new SPS pieces to make up for it though, I'll try and get soem good pics later.

Here's the Lubbocks in the container and the orange back is in the bottom of the pic
http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Lubbocks-and-Orange-Back[852].jpg

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Lubbocks-Wrasse[853].jpg

[druluv]

Nice Fish Purchases, Sorry to hear about the redbugs, cause I have them too. I ordered some Incep. for my tank. Hopefully, I get it by monday. Good luck with your treatment. Be sure to document. lol

[GregM779]

Well the treatment is already done. It's pretty simple, take interceptor and break it up, put it in the tank, wait at least 7 hours (I did 12 hrs), do a large water change and run carbon. The only thing that it will harm will be inverts like shrimp and crabs.

I think I've decided on getting a Coralife 220 needlewheel, unless anybody has anything bad to say about them.

I also am in the process of converting my girlfriends 29g reef, the plan so far is going to be a jawfish/seahorse tank. I changed the substrate today and put in 80 lbs of aragalive sand and also changed all of the water. I'm going to get rid of a lot of rock and corals that can't be kept with them. I still plan on keeping some real corals including SPS and am having a feeding trough built.

[GregM779]

I walked by the tank just a few minutes ago and noticed the huge worm I've been looking for totally out from the rocks, I grabbed a ziplock, flipped it inside out and used it like a glove to grab him. He's in a 2.5g tank for now until I figure out what to do with him, he's so big I feel bad killing him. He never spread out fully for the video or pics but when I first put him in he was over a foot long.
To watch the video right click on it and "save target to disk" before you watch it, it's about 20 megs.
The Video
http://www.gregmsreef.com/Videos/Worm.MPG

http://www.pbmas.org/forum/attachments/Worm[855].jpg

[jarhed]

:eek: :eek2:

Dude, that is just disgusting!

[asnatlas]

WOW, looks about 8-9" ? I have seen those kinda before...

[druluv]

looks like a good sand shifter.lol

[GregM779]

If you watch the video he spreads out more but he's definitely over a foot

[asnatlas]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6550390#post6550390 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
If you watch the video he spreads out more but he's definitely over a foot

Hmm I watched the video, but it only looked to be like 9" or so... Each of those black marks are an inch ?? A "standard" 2.5gal is only 12" long and he never reached from end to end in the tank... Or do you mean if he would spread out fully he would be close to if not over 12" ??

[Cprowler]

Yeah, that one could stretch out to well over 12". I just pulled one out of my tank the other day that was around 12" or so and when I pulled it out it shrunk to 7 or 8. There are some pics on page 6 of my thread.

[GregM779]

uh oh guys, new project underway.....
The Jawfish/Seahorse/SPS Tank (http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=757212)

[GregM779]

alright I hooked up the Coralife superskimmer 220 yesterday and love it so far even though it's still in it's break in period. I also picked up a Phosban reactor but unfortunately nobody around here has Phosban so I need to order that.

[outprowllin]

hey greg, can you roll up or cut poly filters to fit in the phosban reactor????

[GregM779]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6628716#post6628716 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by outprowllin
hey greg, can you roll up or cut poly filters to fit in the phosban reactor????
I'm sure you could, a lot of people run carbon in them, you could really put anything in them.

[fishman805]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6613305#post6613305 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GregM779
alright I hooked up the Coralife superskimmer 220 yesterday and love it so far even though it's still in it's break in period. I also picked up a Phosban reactor but unfortunately nobody around here has Phosban so I need to order that.

You're going the same route I am Greg.... Since I've decided to keep my 150gal tank for FOWLR, I need a better skimmer and thought about the Superskimmer from Coralife... I've been happy with their products so far ( Same lighting fixture ) and the fact that I can hang the skimmer off the sump ( I've got limited space in my sump now )....

I'd also like to know what you went with on the top-off.... And keep me informed on how you like the skimmer and how it performs for ya..... I've yet to hookup my reactor ( lazy lazy... ) and it seems like the fluidized filter concept is starting to catch on.... I think Marc ( melev ) runs like three of the reactors in his tank(s)....



Bob

[GregM779]

I really do like the SS so far, it's very well built.
I haven't done the topoff yet, I'm still deciding on which way to go.
I also made a small phosphate reactor for my effluent to go through, I'm going to put up pics in the next few days

[rizkeeper]

beautiful....how many fish are you up to now?

I love the tank!!!

[GregM779]

thanks, I have 23 fish in there now. The only other planned fish will be a regal angel when I'm able to find a healthy one.

[GregM779]

The day has come, I have found the prettiest, healthiest Red Sea Regal Angel in the world! At least I hope so. These are the best pics so far and the flash losses a lot of coloring. I go out of town until Sunday night tomorrow so you guys may have to wait until then for some good pics.
On a sadder note, my mandarins died, just as before, right after treating the tank for red bugs. All of the mandarins were fat and happy and did not starve, they must get poisoned by the pods that they eat that have eaten the interceptor.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC04080.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v641/GregM779/DSC04078.jpg

[gkarshens]

Sorry about the Mandarins! :( On the other hand that is a beautiful Angel!:)

[JohnL]

This thread was automatically split due to performance issues. You can find the rest of the thread here: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=767439