My new tanks (image intense)

[KwajRocks]

Here are some pic of my new tanks. They are not plumbed yet, but at least they are here and on the stands.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0175b__Small_.JPG

Forklift bringing the tanks into the backyard (after weeks of non-stop rain) and towards the back picture window (which had been removed)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0176a__Small_.JPG

Bringing tanks into the back window.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0172a__Small_.JPG


Dixie Allied Moving and Storage putting tanks on stands. (these guys were real pros.......if you need a mover, they are the way to go!) We had to hire professionals because we ran out of friends after the last set of tanks.:D


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0186b__Small_.JPG


Tanks finally on the stands - as you can see, I've already added one of my favorite fishies!

Sorry about the size of the images, I need to practice the size part of posting pics. (A newbie computer picture-poster, sorry.)

[KwajRocks]

Oh well, I guess the pics were the right size after all.

[speakeraddict]

Fantastic!

That blows my new project out of the water!

speakeraddict

[MaryBebo]

WOW !!!! Those are BIG !!!

Can't wait to see them in a few months after they are up and running :)

WOW again :)

[speakeraddict]

Not to nitpick, but, is one of those about 1/2" lower than the other or have the levelers just not been adjusted yet?

Just hoping to avoid an even bigger flood than I had.

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

I don't know Speaker, this may be the death of me. I am anxious to get everything started this week though. I've ordered a couple of parts I'm waiting on adn then..............well no excuses.

[KwajRocks]

Speaker, Yes...you are right. The tanks are not completely level yet. Almost, but the left-hand tank is still a bit low on the left side. AND Thank You!! for posting that....the left side of the left tank actually sits 3/8" off the stand from about mid-way all the way to the end. When I first saw that I thought, how in the world can something so heavy sit off the stand so far? Bizare.

[Jason Williamson]

nice tanks!! if you need any help with setting them up just let me know.

[KwajRocks]

Hey Jason,

You may be sorry you said that.

[Tomoko Schum]

Wow, so nice. Without your son in the tank, I would have had a hard time telling the size of these tanks.

I know that the hard work is about to start, but congratulations anyways!

Tomoko

[Mariner]

Kwaj,
I envision a future NARC meeting at your place with everyone in full SCUBA gear. :D
That's just really amazing. I'm in awe that I actually know someone who is taking on such a massive project. Don't forget, if you need some help, make sure to call Jason or Speaker :p
Mariner

[speakeraddict]

Yep! Working on that setup would be a priviledge!!!

speakeraddict

[8BALL_99]

wow very nice.. LOL now I dont even want to post about my new tank ;) Who built them? What are the dimensions? Wow the equipment list for these things is going to be something else.. Are you planning one running a closed loop? Ok sorry I'll stop asking so many questions haha..

Will

[Philip Root]

What are you going to put in them?

[H@rry]

Way kewl! Add me to the list of helpers (or simply gawkers). Wow!!

[8BALL_99]

Originally posted by TheLivingReef
What are you going to put in them?

ALOT:eek2:

[Whitten]

I have a couple of structural questions.

First what kind of sub-floor do those two tanks sit on, is the floor over joists/ basement or crawl space, or is the flooring on top of concrete slab?

Second are you going to make some sort of partition wall to block off the tanks or so you can just see face of the tanks?

Third do you plan on doing water proof latex paint or opt for water proof wall board entirely?

Forth is that real wood flooring or just a vinyl? My only concern here is that if it is wood it will in time collect moisture and expand and contract, as well as it will compress over time and cause the tank to sink in areas.

I am sorry if the questions are alittle indepth I am just very interested in yoursetup. Can't help but to ask questions about building seeing as how that is my major.

[KwajRocks]

Ha, ha Mariner, I will need SCUBA gear to get to the bottom of the tank. And yes, I have Speaker, Jason and Harry in WRITING! saying they will volunteer, so maybe I'll take them up on that, I do have a hundred questions, mostly about the way I want to do my automatic water changes.

8ball - Where did you guys do Saturday? Everyone looked all over for y'all. But anyway, the dimensions are 84" x 48" x 34" tall. I have already purchased most of the equipment and lighting (remember the last tanks??) I got most of it from Vince at OceanEncounter.com - he is really up on all the latest. I highly recommend him! The people that fabricated the tanks are AquariumsForYou.com and I can truly say that if you are in the market for a custom glass tank, these guys are THE ONLY way to go. They are the pros and they were super to work with- I was very impressed with them all the way down the line. I have several closed loops, and a waveloop powered by an OceansMotions.com device. Hopefully everything is going to work as planned.

LivingReef - Philip, I plan to have left side lagoon/reef face/pinnacle (mostly coral) and then go to pinnacle/open water (big fish) on the other tank. Kinda cheesy I know, but I wanted to have it all. Really, I have so many lagoon corals and some Red Sea fish I have had for 4 years now, and I just couldn't part with them. So it will be "Halls Reef" not to be confused with the real thing.


OK Whitten, you're from Auburn, so you must be a building science guy....luckily we are in construction also, and the addition we put on the house was done so with the tanks in mind...actually, the addition was put on FOR the tanks. We do have an elaborate floor system in place (crawl space), and I hope it will do the job. The finish flooring is actually hardwood (not vinyl) and unless there is a flood (God forbid), the floor should hold up o.k. We'll see.

The tanks will be covered in front with a sort-of Nautical motif - a kind of like "pier-look". So, yes you will only see the tanks themselves. I plan to have a kind of port hole to see the refuguims so the kids can have fun with that.

There will be alot of equipment under the house including the chillers, the ballasts and two 100 gallon water change/heat exchange tanks. Hopefully this will help with the heat build up from the lights. Everything else will be behind the tanks or directly underneath them. The top off water resevoir will be in the laundry room.

Thank you all so much for the kind words, I really appreciate your input. And any extra PVC in the garage? I will gladly come and take it off your hands...LOL

[H@rry]

"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might. For there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge in the grave whither thou goest." -Proverbs (or Kings?)

Ecclesiastes 9:10

[speakeraddict]

you're killing me with the nautical motif! Mine will look like a little version of yours. That's all I have to say about that.

:)

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

:lol:

Oh and Thanks Harry................I thought Mariner would kick in for that one....I'll change it now.

[Whitten]

I have but one small sprig of PVC but you are welcome to it ahahah.

Thanks for the the reply, and you are right on the money I am a Building science guy. I laughed at the thought of asking you if I could get a picture of how the floor is supported...only a building science guy would want or care to know something as mundane as that.

Looks like your going to have one heck of a great setup...and those port holes aren't just for the kids I will more than likely want to sit a watch.

Can't wait to see it come together and if you are fairly close I would love to help with the construction.

[KwajRocks]

Well Whitten, You asked for it.

The floor has two rows of 8" concrete blocks supported by a 12" x 24" concrete footing. (Basically a solid pier system.) These rows of blocks run the entire length of both tanks. Between these runs are 2 X 10s on 8" centers perpendicular to the blocks. All the 2 x 10s are blocked. We left a passageway in the rows of blocks between the runs to access electricity, plumbing, etc. The front of the tanks will also be supported by additional floor jacks, because the tanks actually ended up to be a wee bit wider than originally planned. Hopefully this will be enough. If not, we'll jack her up and pour more concrete! The ideal floor would have been concrete, but I really didn't want a stepdown into the addition, and having the space under the tanks is really ideal.

[kbmdale]

Man those are some monsters...Can I snorkle in your reef..lol

[8BALL_99]

Sorry to say we were in line for tickets for about 25 mins.. I had no idea that getting tickets would be a big deal.. Leason learned:rolleye1:

lol I'll have to hide this thread from shannon.. She tried talking me into a sunroom for her plants and one Large reef tank.. I told her maybe next year... That it seemed a little much to build a room for that haha...

[jsrph]

Wow, those are going to be amazing ... If you need help you can add me to that list also

[8BALL_99]

Originally posted by KwajRocks


8ball - I have several closed loops, and a waveloop powered by an OceansMotions.com device. Hopefully everything is going to work as planned.


also
Waveloop?,, Im interested tell me more lol... I have high hopes for my 8way Oceansmotions. I'm just not looking foward to plumbing that thing.

Also I would be happy to help if you guys need any.. LOL even though you have like 30 others.. Heck I would just like to see the layout of the plumbing ,, ect,,

Have you thought about geo-thermal cooling? I know you said you had a heat transfer tank.. I've seen a few setups where they layed a couple hundread foot of 1" copper line in the ground a few feet down to help kewl there tank.. It seems to me like that would work great. I had planned on something like that if I ever have heat problems.

Will

[H@rry]

I certainly wouldn't use copper pipe. I think PVC would do the job.

[8BALL_99]

NO H@rry I guess I should have explained it better,,

You run copper pipe under ground.. on the end where your sump is you have a titanium coil like whats used on drop in chillers.. "ebay 50 bucks" So its pretty much just a closed loop under ground. NONE of the water from the system goes into the water of the tank. The only part that even contacts the tank water is the titanium Coil just like a chiller..

Haha sorry for not going more into before. I figured she might have seen some setups like it before.

Will

[H@rry]

Seems like I saw a thread on Reefs.org a few years ago where a guy in the Florida panhandle built a greenhouse for a fish house. He rented a backhoe and dug a long ditch in the ground and zigzaged 4" PVC in the ditch. I think it was about 24" deep. Both ends of the pipe came up in the greenhouse and he put a fan on one end to keep the air circulating. He claimed that was the only heating or cooling he needed. I was a little skeptical of it but it would certainly help.

[speakeraddict]

I saw that too and read an updated article on it and he had to eventually add some type of evap cooling to it too.

speakeraddict

[8BALL_99]

I can't remember the link but there is a website with a guy that has like a 1500 gallon system out side in So-Cal california. He doesnt run any chillers the geo thermal system is all he uses.. Seemed like a kewl Idea to me

Here is a link to some good info on it
Link (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=465933&perpage=25&highlight=geothermal%20cooling&pagenumber=7)

[KwajRocks]

I actually did see the idea of using the heat transfer tank under the crawl space from a tank I saw in Mike Paletta's book on those awesome tanks. This guy had a tank underground where water circulated through. I don't think he had any copper tubing to help, but I'm not sure. I use copper tubing as you describe on a much smaller scale for (get this) a fog-chiller we use at Halloween for our haunted house. The copper coils cool the fog as it blows through just enough to keep the fog on the ground. I thought of doing something similar, but then I just settled for the tank of water under the house. I am hoping that this will "buffer" the water just enough before it goes to the chillers (1 hp) to take a bit of the load off. We'll see.

the "waveloop" is powered by an OceansMotions 4-way. It is what he suggested I use for my particular set-up. Two outlets are plumbed on each far sides of the tank. One high in the rear corner, one low in the front corner. The opposite end is just the opposite. Then the 4-way rotates so that water is "pushed" from one end of the tanks to the other and then back again. Yes the plumbing will be no fun, so WILL, if you can plumb yours first, that would be great! LOL

And I would love to have the help. I am getting the silencers in the overflows now and the drains plumbed to the sumps. This is the part where an abnormal amount of cursing takes place because my "plastic" arm is just a wee bit short. And I wouldn't want any of your tender ears to hear this, so, AFTER THAT I will definitely need some advice and help.

So like I told Tomoko and Ranbo, how's a "bring your extra PVC (and brain) party" sound? I'll provide the beer.

[speakeraddict]

If it is samuel smith oatmeal stout or dos equis amber, I am in!

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

Yeh, yeh and si', si', as long as you bring some of your delicious grilled chicken. LOL.

[Penfold]

Wow Lori, you've put a ton of work into this. I think we need to go ahead and start lobbying for your setup to be a TOTM on RC.



And BTW, I cannot wait to pee into those babies. It's going to be so awesome...

[speakeraddict]

Done!

Sounds like the making of a party to me.

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

Thanks Johnny, I knew I could count on you to start the cycle!! You don't mind if we all watch, do you?

[Tomoko Schum]

Check out how this guy does his tank maintenance (a 4000 gallon tank):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/crna63/4000galtank.jpg

Tomoko

[KwajRocks]

Ha, ha Tomoko. I feel better now.

[H@rry]

Sounds like a party to me!!!
http://freeconservatives.com/smilies/smily159.gifhttp://freeconservatives.com/smilies/letsparty_md_clr.gif

[Ranbo]

Kwaj, the tanks look fantastic!! Count me in for the PARTY!!! Ranbo

[8BALL_99]

Originally posted by Tomoko Schum
Check out how this guy does his tank maintenance (a 4000 gallon tank):

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y135/crna63/4000galtank.jpg

Tomoko

ROFL

I think you will get yours setup first :) My tank is still about 5 weeks out :(

I agree sounds like a party to me.. LoL I do kind of wonder how your going to do maintenance.. Those tanks are so tall and wide that you might have to snorkel to reach the sandbed :rollface:

Will

[greenbean36191]

Ha, ha Tomoko. I feel better now.
You wouldn't if you knew what happened to that guy's tank. The evaporation ruined his house so he had to take it down. :) He was so ashamed that he wouldn't come to RC for a year or so.

So when is this party? :celeb2:

[KwajRocks]

How about sometime after the Fourth of July? I should have overflows and closed loops plumbed by then. I really will appreciate the input very much. I'll have all the parts and pieces in place by then also, just not connected.

How does that sound?

[speakeraddict]

Sounds good to me. I have the boys every weekend for a while, so they will be with me.

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

That is great. All kids are welcome! That will keep mine busy too!

[8BALL_99]

Hey Lori, I'm sure you have already done a ton of reading on it, But I thought I would suggest you check into spaflex for your closed loops.. It will make life so much easier,, Plus the spaflex helps absorb some of the vibration from the pump so its alot quieter.. It cost a lil more and you need to buy pvc cement ment for flexible pvc. Lowes sells it.. I think homedeopt does aswell..

Will

[KwajRocks]

Hey thanks Will, I will check it out - anything to make life a bit easier!

[scothew]

All I can say is wow. I read all of this and never saw an exact gallon figure on how much this setup is going to hold.

Amazing job and something i'd personally love to see/photograph.

[KwajRocks]

The display tanks are about 600 gallons each, and the sumps are going to hold roughly 125 gallons. There are 100 gallon holding tanks also for each system. So, roughly 800 or so gallons total.

I've plumbed the siliencers/drains and now am beginning on the closed loops. Hopefully they'll be up and going by...........uh....uh....Thanksgiving?

[kbmdale]

Are you going to keep different things in each tank, or is it going to be like one big reef? I can't get over how massive they are... I'm so jealous...lol

[gnoles]

Love the new tanks... definately need to have a meeting at your place when the rock comes, because I've never seen a dump truck full of live rock. :D

How much rock are you guessing at so far?

[KwajRocks]

Ha, ha. Yes it will be a bunch of rock. I am going to use a mix of different kinds of rock, because I really need several large shelf pieces on one part of the tanks and then more of the boulder -type on the other. I think it'll probably be around 1200 pounds, I already have some in my 200 that I'll be using.

The original plan was to have a reef on one side and a fish only on the other, but...you know how that always goes, if you got a tank sitting around, it will eventually become a reef. So the plan is now to separate all the acros and clams together and then everybody else goes in to the other tank. Really my husband wanted a predator tank, and I said "Oh sure honey that would be great, let's get TWO tanks. One for your predators and one for the reef." Well, . . . . . I really did think of that for a while.....but the only predator in the tanks now will be a lone lionfish. Well,......I didn't exactly LIE (on purpose).....

[speakeraddict]

We shall call it a sin of omission, my child... cleaning the skimmer collection cup will be your penance, now go in peace.

:)

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

Yeh, yeh, that's it....omission..... I like that. Hey, Speaker, at least mine are old enough that I don't have to do diapers anymore. Nanny, nanny, boo, boo.

[H@rry]

. . . and with that, she hit the ball back over the net ! ! !

[picture the reef]

Okay, sorry to jump in after 3 pages but what a cool setup. Just set up a "tiny" 180 with an OM 4 way. Let me say that the spaflex is a fantastic tool for plumbing you CL. What type of pump are you using on the closed loop. Speaking of cleaning skimmer cups what skimmer are you going to use?

[gnoles]

How about picture two in Greenbean's tour pictures... that should handle it.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=619831

[KwajRocks]

I wish I did have the "auto-wash down" features of those skimmers!

Picture the Reef, I chose MyReefCreations MR-7 skimmers. I like beckett skimmers and these have dual injectors. Hopefully they will rock and roll. We'll see. My plan is to plumb the overflow cups into the sewer.
I'll have the closed loops on Ampmaster 3000s and the return pumps will be Sequence 4300s.
After the weekend of hard plumbing, the OMs may end up to be flex!! I pulled a muscle in my side that I thought was long gone!
By the way, I see you have 120 lbs of Marshall Island Rock....I am jealous.

[KwajRocks]

I guess I should elaborate and say that there are also what I call waveloops (which are also closed loop) that are on 5800 Sequences and additional 4300s running the skimmers and reactors.

[picture the reef]

I took a very close look at the MRC skimmers. They have great products. In fact i have one of their kalk stirrers. I opted for the H&S for the power savings of the needle wheel pumps and for the fact that they are not as loud. I would take a close look at the Sequence Dart pumps for the closed loops as opposed to the AM pumps. In my research the AM pumps seemed to be having a lot of problems. The 120 #'s of Marshall Island rock is in the 90. However I do plan to use about 200 plus pounds in the new 180. Great rock!:)

[KwajRocks]

Oh boy, you'll have to elaborate on the AMP 3000 problems. Several are still in the box about to be plumbed in. Tell me what you know. Any threads? Thanks!

[picture the reef]

High failure rate especially with the saltwater seals leaking. Do a search on RC. There are numerous threads discussing the problems.

[KwajRocks]

I had heard of the leaking seals about a year ago. In June of last year the models changed which included a "newer and more abrasion-proof" seal. I like the Dolphins because they are really quiet, although I have never used a Sequence circulation pump so, I have not compared the two noisewise. I have not had a problem with the one I have, but ,........that is a very small sample.

[KwajRocks]

Have you heard of problems since last year?

[8BALL_99]

I Dont know about problems with the Amp3000 pumps. But I bought a Sequence Dart for my OM closed loop.. They seem to have a very good track record.. Even OM recommends them. I haven't tested it yet so I can't tell you first hand how quiet it is.. I'm just going on what I've read. Haha but give me a week or so :P

Will

[KwajRocks]

Hey Will,
Right now I have my 200 with NO dursos, and a Euroreef skimmer with the sponge removed, AND a drop-in chiller. Talk about dBs!

[picture the reef]

The Darts are fairly quiet. Seem to be quiter than the AM. Why did you go with the skimmer you did instead of another needle wheel?

[KwajRocks]

Well, since cleaning skimmers is one of my FAVORITE parts of this hobby, I chose a DUAL Beckett. :D

No really, I love my Euroreef, I have no complaints whatsoever, it produced lots of skimmate for many years without even cleaning the wheel! I cleaned it no so long ago because my foam level was dropping, and tiny baby snails had gotten stuck inside, along with some runaway carbon pieces. After the cleaning, it went right back to work.

I guess the main reasons are that I can run a bigger pump (thus more water) through the skimmer and also, those injectors just really force that water into the skimmer with some serious power. I like the taller foam heads, and it is my hope that these skimmers will do well on my system. I think both skimmers properly sized are great. I do not think I would have gone wrong either way.

[KwajRocks]

BTW,

I have to correct my misunderstanding about the model change of the Ampmaster 3000. The model did not change in June of last year, it was prior to that. Also the model change did not include new seals, from what I understand the saltwater seals had always been available. I have those "abrasion-proof", or shall I say harder seals, so I hope that I will be o.k. there.

[ThunderousTalon]

Dimensions???? Extremely impressive...

[KwajRocks]

Dimensions : 84"long x 48" wide x 34" tall. Extremely...heavy!

[KwajRocks]

Hello NARC, Here's an update on my tanks.

They are plumbed except for the chiller loop under the house which I am doing this weekend, and one skimmer. I'm waiting on Andy at MRC to design a slimmer design for skimmer on tank#2.

I am trying to find out how to upload an MPEG movie becasue I have 2 - one showing the OMs movement (they rock!!) and the second showing the sump design and water flow there. But until I get those, here's a picture from the front. The serious plumbing goes on in the rear.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0298__Small_.JPG

Next comes the lighting which is ready, but need a part or two. Waiting on that.

[Phan]

whoa....thats alot of stuff. lookin sweet. how do you get behind the tanks?

steve

[speakeraddict]

T minus 10...9...8...

:)

How much is NASA paying you to fix plumbing issue on that space station anyway?

;)

speakeraddict

[8BALL_99]

Looking good. I think you have as many fittings as I do haha.. I got mine plumbed lastnight... Just need two more bulkheads only had 14 lol :rolleyes:

Those guys will be a sight to see onces you get them running..Looks great.

[kbmdale]

WOW..thats more plumbing than my house has..lol...Looks great.

[alafish]

That is amazing!

Can't wait to see it full of life!

Marybeth

[KwajRocks]

Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I am axoius too to get them all together. Harry, I am working as fast as I can.

Phan, here's a picture of behind the tanks. Not much room, about 21". But plenty for me to walk through. I am planning a drop down walkboard to access the top of the tanks from behind.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0277a__Small_.JPG

8ball, I know what you mean......LOwe's had to call all over the country to find enough union ball valves........

[coolkidtr]

Hey, tanks look sweet. I am planning a 300 gallon myself. Just in the midst of planning. Getting a new house in may so it will go on the main floor as well. Just wondering did you reinforce the floor? if so how did you do it.
Thanks
cool
keep the pics coming

[scothew]

I knew I should have taken stock out in PVC companies.

Thats amazing at the setup.

[scothew]

Originally posted by coolkidtr
Hey, tanks look sweet. I am planning a 300 gallon myself. Just in the midst of planning. Getting a new house in may so it will go on the main floor as well. Just wondering did you reinforce the floor? if so how did you do it.
Thanks
cool
keep the pics coming

Kwaj touched on that in the first page:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=5164306#post5164306

[H@rry]

Harry, I am working as fast as I can.

No worries, I'm ready when you are.



I am trying to find out how to upload an MPEG movie

If you can't figure it out I may be able to host it on my website. I've never done that but it couldn't be all that hard.

[KwajRocks]

Coolkidtr,

In addition to what scothew pointed out, I started getting nervous that the floor was in need of additional support, so we called Foundation Repair Specialists in Birmingham to come and add more reinforcement. (I think it could easily hold a pair of elephants now. They did a great job.) Just another set of folks whose expertise was needed to make this work. I marvel over the number of people who in some way have been involved in this project. Lots of people with lots of brains.

[KwajRocks]

Thanks Harry, I have emailed RC support - maybe they know a way. If not, I may take you up on your offer. I tried to upload the movies, and it acted like they were going, but they never showed up in my gallery. So they are lost somewhere.

[scothew]

If you cant get it hosted through RC, I should be able to help you out.

[KwajRocks]

Thank you scothew - much appreciated. I'm waiting for a reply from RC. I'll keep you posted.

[8BALL_99]

Ouch KwajRocks you should have said something,, I got all my plumbing online at an aquatic supply place.. Saved a ton of money on my fittings. I even got the schd 80 true union ball valves for the same price as lowes schd 40 ones. Heck lowes wanted 1.99 a foot for spaflex.. I bought a 50ft roll online for 30 bucks lol. Oh well


Have you water tested it yet?

[Phan]

gotta love it when someone says "wow, you should have done this" after the person has already done something else. there are lots of ways to get the same thing done. i like picking the stuff out and physically being able to hold the parts in a store.

thats a pretty sweet idea with the drop down walk around to access the tops of the tanks. cant wait to see how you do that. will it fold up against the wall when not in use?

steve

[KwajRocks]

Yes Steve it will. I know it looks crazy that I only have a small area behind the tank, but that is all the room I could manage in order for the rest of the room to look right. It's not bad really, the only thing that I have to regularly service behind the tank are the skimmers. Andy at MRC has been kind enough to design a special bottom box on my MR-7 so that it is much narrower and makes working on them much easier.

8ball you're such a dog. No I'm just joking, Lowes gave me a discount on the lot and did not charge me shipping. The ball valves were 1 1/2" and cost $14.00 plus tax. They were cheaper than anywhere else I could find. Still you might have come out better.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0301__Small_.JPG

[KwajRocks]

Oh yes, we have water tested it ! Last weekend. Everything worked great!! There were some leaks here and there, but I corrected all those this past week. I am plumbling the chiller loop/supply tank loop this weekend, and then I'm moving onto lights. Got 'em all, but just need to install.

[MaryBebo]

Looking GREAT Lori :)

When it's done are you going to have a meeting so we can see this in real life????

Please Please!!! lol No, really I would love to see this when your done.

Your doing a wonderful job. I can't see me ever taking on something to this magnitude, So watching this is amazing.

[KwajRocks]

Thanks Mary, And I would love to have a meeting here. It will take a couple more months I would think to get the rock, lights set up. I think the rockwork is going to be the biggest challenge. I seem to have this certain aquascape I want, and I can't get it out of my head.......so that may take a while. It was funny, I thought of having a party here right after the 4th of July because I thought I would be done with the plumbing by then....ha, ha what a joke!! I just now finished the plumbing.

[Rollin]

Whoa... Very nice...

So how much will you be charging for admission? :)

~chris

[andyjd]

Fantastic..

[KwajRocks]

Chris,

Everyone has to bring a 6 pack of imported beer.........

[alafish]

Do good microbrews count?

[KwajRocks]

Brew of any kind is great by me!!

[andyjd]

ok if i bring some of this ? :D
http://www.two-strokes.com/images/tea.jpg

[H@rry]

Maybe Phillip will come and bring some of his home brew!

[TheLivingReef]

When is this? I have a ton of home brew.

[speakeraddict]

You won't have a ton of it after the get together!

speakeraddict

[KwajRocks]

True true!

IS that St. Pauli Girl in the pic, andy?

[andyjd]

Nope it's English... like me :D

From Hogs Back Brewery...I'm awaiting a delivery !

Andy

[scothew]

The bottles looked like some Jamacian Cream Rum I brought back from my honeymoon :drool:

[KwajRocks]

All this talk of beer makes me want to stop work and have a few!

[Rollin]

I love it when a thread is hijacked by beer! :)

[KwajRocks]

:lol:

[pondfrog]

Just looking for some updated photos from a "foreigner" who can't just stop by.........:)
Fantastic project!!
Steve

[KwajRocks]

Steve, Yes we consider all Northerners a bit foreign ;)

But I will take some photos and get them posted. I am getting some rock this Saturday, so ready or not, it's going into the curing pools and then in the tanks. SOON I hope!

[gnoles]

Did the rock make it in? Everything nicely cured?

[picture the reef]

What type of rock did you get and where did you purchase it?

[huff3294]

ok so you've had a week to get some pics. how is all of your rock coming along???? lol

wow i still cant believe 2) 600g tanks!!!!! its going to be an amazing system once its all finished!

[6Speed]

What parts of AL are you?

[KwajRocks]

Hi Y'all. Gary, The rock shipped from Tonga yesterday, and is supposed to be here tomorrow. I got it via Philip Root who is now at Aquarium Designs in B'ham. He is bringing it up from B'ham airport tomorrow. I had a hard time deciding , but in the rock business, I guess it boils down to who you trust. So that's why I went with Philip. I got 800 pounds to start, because I really wasn't sure how that was going to translate into area - and how it would work my planned aquascape. (pictue the reef - I thought long and hard about Marshall, and still may get a bit to top off....)
I have my pools set up with tarps, heaters and circulation - outside - and wouldn't you know there was a FROST this morning.......(6speed, here in Huntsville). I am a bit nervous about the heaters keeping up. I hope one doesn't burn out and kill me as a reach in to put in the rocks.
I am sorry, I haven't taken any pictures, bad me, we've been working feverishly on Halloween props for our home haunt we have every year. Well now, I guess if I do get electrocuted, that would be one less prop to make.... :)

[kng]

How's the rock doing? Heaters holding up?

-Kyle

[KwajRocks]

Yes, bebieve it or not, with a couple of 4x8 sheets of insulation on top of the tubs, the water stays at 80 even when it was 33 degress outside for afew nights. Everything is just going fine...especially the wonderful odor wafting along on the night breeze straight over towards our neighbors house.

[massman]

Hi there,
I'm a long way from Alabama but I thought I would chime in, if its ok.

I wouls seriously consider waterproofing that wooden floor, even if its a clear layer of adhesive plastic over the top.
I cannot belive this wasn't recommended before you started the project.
It does not matter how careful you are, the surrounds of the tank will be exposed to, and absorb the moisture.
You do not want the timber warping or swelling over time, and unless you act now, it will definately occur.
I have seen this over the years, time and time again.
Good luck! Seems like a great project.

[KwajRocks]

Goodday massman!
Thanks for the input. In the back area and under the pumps, there is a sheet of plexiglass and rubber matting. I could not really treat the floors in front of the display. The floors are sealed with 2 coats of polyuethane. I do not know if that is going to be sufficient. We shall see.
I have painted the walls in the room with "eggshell" paint which is supposed to be a bit more tolerant of moisture - it is recommended for bathrooms and damp areas. It isn't an industrial grade though - I am hoping for the best.
You know I tried to think of everything, but it seems that this has really turned into a "fly by the seat of your pants operation".
Thanks for your help, and stay tuned!

[8BALL_99]

I ment to ask you Lori do you have any kind of heat exchanger to help with the moister in the air?.. That would help alot with the floors and walls holding up better.

I think the Floor will be ok as long as you dont let water stand on it for any length of time...If you have enough moister in the air to wharp the floor then mold and other things will probably be more of a concern then the floor..

lol Fly by the seat of your pants is about the only way to go with such a large project.. There isnt' a step by step for these things.. Even if there were everyones setup is a lil different..

Glad to hear everything is going good.. Can't wait to see it ;)


Will

[im_buford]

yea pics plz, even of the rock in the pools. would be great. anything, the anticipation is killing me. :)

[8BALL_99]

lol well I ment see it in person.. But pics would work for now haha

[Tomoko Schum]

Hey, do I hear someone volunteering his labor? I bet Lori will need every help she can get to move those rocks into these big tanks :)

Tomoko

[KwajRocks]

All help is welcome and the offer of good beer is still open. But those that are simultaneously drinking and holding rocks, must remain far away from the tanks. :)
Will, we will have a dehumidifier set up in the room and are planning a vent/fan in the brick wall to vent out some of the evaporation straight over the tanks. Everything will be somewhat enclosed by the final cabinetry and hopefully it will help divert a good deal of the moisture out the exterior brick wall. We shall see. I also plan to insulate the cabinets in an attempt to muffle some of the sound of the sumps.
I do have pics of the pools and I will post them tomorrow!! Rain or shine! The rock has stopped smelling so noxious (or is that obnoxious?) and I am going to change all the water out tomorrow. I'm going to drain it into the vegetable garden - and next summer we'lll be eating seafood flavored cucumbers and squash. Yum, yum.

[8BALL_99]

LOL hey now I went from a guided tour to laborer haha.. Just kidding I'd be happy to help..

Has the smell went away or have you just gotten use to it :eek1:

Will

[H@rry]

Won't changing the water slow the cycle? Seems like I heard that but now I can't remember why?

[chainsaw5vent]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 8BALL_99
[B]I can't remember the link but there is a website with a guy that has like a 1500 gallon system out side in So-Cal california. He doesnt run any chillers the geo thermal system is all he uses.. Seemed like a kewl Idea to me



his name is Dave and the website is www.o2manyfish.com

i've emailed him a couple of times to question about his system and it does work.
i'm thinking about using it at my house in socal.
i've got a recirculating hot water line in my house and i've got a couple of warm spots on the downstairs floor where the pipes are a little to close to the concrete. (or is it a leaky pipe??:worried2: :dance:

[KwajRocks]

LOL 8Ball, you are probably right. Just got used to it.
Harry, not sure about slowing the cycle by changing the water. Philip told me to wait a week and then change the water. I changed the 100 gallon earlier and I'm going to do the 300 tomorrow. Seems that it would be good to change all that ammonia out? Hope I didn't mess up.

[alafish]

All the articles on curing live rock I have read say to do a water change every week or so. The ammonia buildup can be incredible and cause more die off if no change is done. Some article recommended 50% change, others only 25% change. Dr. Mac's website has instructions for curing rock that seem to work pretty well.

http://www.drmaccorals.com/sys-tmpl/infohowtocureliverock/

Good Luck!
Marybeth

[KwajRocks]

Thanks for the link Marybeth!

[KwajRocks]

im_buford, Here are pics as promised. Not very exciting, but all I have at this point ;)

Here is the vat setup.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0346__Small_.JPG

Pretty colors.....
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0003b__Small_.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0002a__Small_.JPG

The tanks are staying at a good temperature, and everything seems to be going great.

[Penfold]

That is so sexy.

[H@rry]

That is so sexy

Johnny, you ain't right!

[asnatlas]

Originally posted by H@rry
Johnny, you ain't right!

ROFL :rollface:

Shawn

[Oceangirl]

KwajRocks,

Are those standard 125 gallons tanks your using for sumps possibly from all-glass and oceanic or are they custom also?

Mel

[KwajRocks]

Johnny, I thought those last pics weren't very exciting, but hey...I'm glad they did something for you!

Mel, they are also custom. I borrowed a design from a friend in NY (thanks Nick) via another friend, VinceC at www.OceanEncounter.com (Thanks Vince) . The design is truly amazing, because even with three 2" drains dumping into one end of the sump, there aren't any bubbles introduced into the pumps at the other end and none into the display tank.

[KwajRocks]

BTW, Johnny your colonies are doing great and they asked me to say to say hello to their Daddy.

[im_buford]

Hey pics are great. I was jsut so happy to see something.
Thanks
Lee

[Oceangirl]

KwajRocks,
Whats the white thing on the right side of the sump?
Do you have close up pictures of the sump?

Thanks Mel

[KwajRocks]

Mel, It is a light grid. You can lay filter material on it to catch larger detritis. I do not use that material myself, because I know I will not be diligent enough to clean it as needed. ( I already have young children....something else to clean, would just send me over the edge.) The drains are above the level of the grid, so if I change my mind (sometime in my childrens' older years), I can add it later. ;)

I've started filling the first tank with RODI.......and well, 26 hours later, we're at 5" deep.

[Penfold]

Originally posted by KwajRocks
BTW, Johnny your colonies are doing great and they asked me to say to say hello to their Daddy.

It's always good to hear that the frags ;) from my former tank(s) are doing well; and of course, it's so awesome to hear a woman call me "Daddy."

[H@rry]

Have you decided on substrate yet!

[KwajRocks]

LOL, Johnny!

Harry....debating, debating. I'm still thinking live sand/southdown mix, but I do know it will be sugar fine.

[im_buford]

Ok where is the progress on this. Have i missed something?

[KwajRocks]

Ha, ha, No you haven't missed much, although I do have rocks in one tank. It has been that way for a while- I've been skimming the heck out of those rocks. :) You can eat off those rocks.
I am trying to get some Southdown, and have spent considerable time finding out : what it is , where it is, and who makes it, and why can't we get it here.
To make a long story short - if I want southdown, I might as well drive up to Pennsylvania and get it. I still have one person working it, but so far no luck. I'll wait til next week then bite the bullet and get something else - more expensive of course. Or maybe drive up to PA and get a pallet....
I have one last correction to make below the floor - my design was a bit flawed on my reservoir tank below the house, but the plumber has been out last week, and told me what to do. No problems, just add another pump to each system.............. Hey if anyone wants to know about pumps, I can tell you. :)
After DEER SEASON is over, my ELECTRICIAN husband is going to set up the light system!!!! That is Jan 31 for all you non-hunters. Well, can't say much, I've been hunting too.
Long answer , short question. Sorry. Thank you for asking..... :)

[IndoorOcean]

Any recent updates?

[KwajRocks]

Yes, and thanks for asking. The tanks are up and running - (both full of some of the last bags of Home Depot Southdown - I have the pictures to prove it :). I have them stocked and need to take some pictures. So far, so good. If you are from North ALA, we are having the NARC meeting here on Saturday at 1 p.m. - if you are nearby, come check them out, we're having burgers and beer . . . or soda if that's your preference.

Anyway, I'll try and post some pictures. I took some last week, but since I had some screens over the tanks (to filter the light - my last tanks had 175s and 250s - these have EVC 400s with Luminarc III reflectors), the pictures were a bit dark. I plan to take some tomorrow.

Come to the meeting Sat, we'd love to have you.

[6Speed]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7541918#post7541918 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KwajRocks
Yes, and thanks for asking. The tanks are up and running - (both full of some of the last bags of Home Depot Southdown - I have the pictures to prove it :).

Is/was there a HD in Alabama that had southdown? I ended up getting some from a guy in Montgomery that had it in storage for who knows how long.

[Nitroq2]

Post pictures I can't make the meeting!

[KwajRocks]

6Speed, No one in AL HDs had any that I could find. I found it in a store in PA, buried beneath 100 bags of Playsand, which was in turn buried under 8" of snow. It was not a pretty sight, but well worth the hunt. (And it was a long drawn out hunt.)

Nitroq2, Sorry you can't make the meeing - I am taking pics right now!

[KwajRocks]

Here are the tanks set up. No cabinets yet, working on those. I am sorry that I am not a very good picture taker. I can't seem to capture how they really look. Anyway here they are.http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/51691PICT0003__Small_.JPG

[KwajRocks]

Hopefully I can get some help from Danfish who knows something about cameras -hint, hint Dan.

[MaryBebo]

WOW !!!!


I can't wait to see them !!!

[8BALL_99]

haha I was fixing to start asking questions but I guess I can hold them for 3 days :rolleyes:

[Nitroq2]

Oh wow! That is sweet the little one in the picture makes it all the better. I catch my son often standing gazing in the tank I just stand in the hall and watch him, knowing that's what I look like all the time. Now I wish I could come see maybe next time or maybe you can get som more pics next time. That would be ground zero for me though with a few large recliners facing it.

[woodywoo]

Nice Pics! GOOD JOB ON TANK!

Thanks
Aaron

[KwajRocks]

Yes I need a few recliners. Except I start thinking, oh I should move this, or I should change this, or I should pick off that algae. It is hard to sit and relax......I still have some Aquascaping to do on the softie tank. I plan to do a GreatStuff cave roof with holes in the roof for the light to shine through.

[KwajRocks]

Woodywoo, I promise, I will have some nice pics soon. Those are really awful - you are being kind.

Mary and 8ball see y'all Saturday !

[fishfeeder]

That's awesome!!!! I can't wait to see them saturday!!!!

Jay

[scothew]

Wow thats an amazing feat and setup. Wish I didnt have to work saturday or the wife and I would make the trip up just to see it.

[cainchristy]

Completely AMAZING!! Wish I could make it to see those in person. Those are better than ANY of the tanks at the GA aquarium!

[KwajRocks]

Thank you all for the good words. I really appreciate it. I am really working on the picture taking so you can see them better - Jay, looking forward to seeing you at the meetng. Maybe with everyone's help we can take some decent shots.

[H@rry]

I've seen these tanks and I want to tell you, NOBODY'S pictures could do them justice. She has done an excellent job of aquascaping. You would think that they have been up and running for years.

[scothew]

Just a tip from what I can see that will help your photo's, get some type of drop to put in front of the lights to block them from the camera's view. Also close the blinds and/or shoot it at night. A tri-pod will help keep the sharpness :)

To block the halides from projecting onto the camera, maybe a heavy black wool cloth or something to hang.

[Nitroq2]

I think that shot shows the works well though, and with the tips scott offered that would surely bring out the tanks beauty. I think anytime your shooting the tank a dark room with halides only is the best. but like he said you would have to put a drop cloth over the halides. Or just wait until your cabinets are complete and then it will be easier to shoot. Guys at work said they wanted to come dive in.

[KwajRocks]

Harry, You couldn't be a bit partial now could you? All I can say folks is, thank goodness Harry is an artist.

Thank you, Thank you so much for the photo tips!! I will try these!! It might take a while for the cabinets to be complete, so I might try the dark cloth trick. ( Hate to cover up these AWESOME EVCs for even a second - you have got to get these lights!! - OceanEncounter.com) Thanks Vince. Also the skylights don't help the situation because they beam in alot of sunlight. Scothew, and no flash, right?

Nitro, tell the guys to come on over (soon) . . . the lionfish go in next week...... ;)

[scothew]

Yes ma'am, no flash.

I dont know if I explained it right, but just put the cloth to where the halides still shine in the tank, but block the light from the camera's view. Also shoot at night so that way no light is coming in your windows or skylights ;)

[KwajRocks]

Thank you Scott - I will try this.

[deansreef]

any updates?

[KwajRocks]

Deansreef,

Thanks for asking. The carpenters have installed the cabinets just this past week, and I have just finished doing some sanding and cleaning. There are still some odds and ends to finish, but hopefully they will finish this week. The tanks are doing great, and my maroons laid eggs last week. Their first I think. Everything else is growing like mad, especially the softies - they are relly going wild in there. I will try and post some pics after the cabinet is complete. It is built out of cypress which I hope will weather well.

I promise to work on the pictures becasue the cabinets make the tanks look more "3-D" ?? for lack of a better description.

Thanks for asking, sorry to be so lax in the update department.

[MaryBebo]

Can't waite to see your pics Lori !!! Good to know all is well too :)

[KwajRocks]

Thank you Mary! I am anxious to see everyone at Harry's!

[timrandlerv10]

'watch out...'

my daughter says goodbye to the fish when we leave. she is starting to get irritated that they dont talk back...


i missed the june meeting, primarily because i wasnt in the club yet! i just started my tank three months ago, and still have a pretty empty looking tank. i was wondering if you were doing 'guided tours' for people who need to see what right looks like?

and i promise my wife can keep me AND my daughter from touching anything at the same time :)

tim

[NewSchool04]

are there going to be any new pics?

[KwajRocks]

Tim, Would be glad for you and your family to come by anytime - hopefully we will all meet at Harry's for the Nov/Dec meeting, or you can PM me and we can arrange a time!

NewSchool, I am working on that - no excuses really, but I can tell you for sure that they will not be as nice as the one on your avatar........, but I will do my best.

[NewSchool04]

Ha!!! I'm sure you have a 1,000 pics better than that one!!!!

[Nitroq2]

Any updated pics?

[KwajRocks]

Hey Allen -

A thousand new pictures trapped on my computer. I have not tried Photo Bucket yet, but will try to soon. The tanks have really grown in alot and I really am sorry that I have not posted pics. I finished sealing the cabinets this week and they turned out great I am going to soundproof the insides of the doors hopefully in the next week or so. Sorry for being so remiss in my posting.

[Nitroq2]

That sounds great photobucket is really easy to use and provides a good bit of space. Will keep watching for them. I have a few threads that I like to follow and this one seemed to have went dead guess I was just resurecting it.
Allen

[KwajRocks]

Thanks for having faith Allen.............

[scothew]

If you need em posted, feel free to e-mail them to me.

Scott (at) scothew (dot) com

[buzzbait00]

You know there are alot of new members to NARC,including myself, who have not seen your tanks and would luv too.Ever thought about hosting agin?:D Maby Feb.?:D

[Tomoko Schum]

Sorry, Buzz, but February meeting is at John Newby's. Maybe sometime in the spring?

Tomoko

[buzzbait00]

Sorry!I did not know that the club had already planned the place for the February meeting.:D

[Tomoko Schum]

It's on our website on Future Meetings page:

http://www.northalabamareefclub.com/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=3&MMN_position=2:2

Tomoko

[KwajRocks]

Hey Buzz, I would love to host again! I've done work to the tanks and would love to see everyone. Maybe when you have a slow month Tomoko, we could do it. The spring would be fine.

Hey Scott, I may take you up on the offer. I think I can do Photo Bucket, I registered last night, but ran out of time. I know y'all think I am stupid. . . . but, you are talking to someone whose first computer class in college was Card Punching BASIC and FORTRAN..........I really just haven't had the time to sit down and do it.

[Nitroq2]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9075122#post9075122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KwajRocks
but, you are talking to someone whose first computer class in college was Card Punching BASIC and FORTRAN..........
OMG didn't you just love that

[rissaroo]

what exactly is southdown sand?

[buzzbait00]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9076217#post9076217 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rissaroo
what exactly is southdown sand?

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24&highlight=southdown

[andyjd]

I'd make the trip from Auburn if Lori hosted NARC again :)

[Tomoko Schum]

You're always welcome to our meeting anytime, Andy. John's carrying Philip's frags now.

By the way, gflat of MTRC is moving down to Montgomery as you might have heard. He is hoping to get a club going down there to gather reefers from the area including Tuscaloosa and Auburn.

Tomoko

[buzzbait00]

[QUOTE]<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9075122#post9075122 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by KwajRocks
[B]Hey Buzz, I would love to host again! I've done work to the tanks and would love to see everyone. Maybe when you have a slow month Tomoko, we could do it. The spring would be fine.


Tomoko,
How about KwajRocks in March?

[Tomoko Schum]

It's up to her to pick the month. If she is okay with March, I believe it's fine with all of us. Otherwise, I was thinking about proposing a visit to a shop in Birmingham. We obviously have a few that we have not visited.

Tomoko

[KwajRocks]

March is great by me - I know the kids have spring break that month, so I will check to see when that is and we can do it on a weekend other than that week. Or I can wait and do it in April or May, Tomoko anytime is fine with me.

[KwajRocks]

Buzz - Oh yes thanks for the link to Southdown. I do not think you can get it anymore from Home Depot - even up North. :(

[kraftyforu]

any new pics ?

[KwajRocks]

I have manged to upload some pictures into PhotoBucket, now I just have to spend some time getting them here.

[Nitroq2]

Thats great news, I will be watching for them. What I like about photobucket is you can just click on the img link and it automatically copy's the correct source for posting here all you have to do is right click paste.

[KwajRocks]

Oh thank you Allen. That SOUNDSSS easy enough. I will try it.

[KwajRocks]

OK Allen, I tried it several times, but I got a Data Base error message. I put the shrunken PhotoBucket images and the RC upload image page on the screen together. I get the address of the photo, and did "paste" (which was very easy BTW), but the pictures will not go. HELP!! What am I doing wrong?

[MaryBebo]

HURRY !!!!!!!!! :D We are impatient

[MaryBebo]

Lori I just left click on the IMG code and then it says copied. Then I go to my post then click then right click paste. and that is what works for me. I hope this helps.

[KwajRocks]

OK Mary, let me see it this works. I am not really sure what it is a picture of......I just hope it is decent.

http://s178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/?action=view&current=PICT0007.jpg

[KwajRocks]

OK. Now should I just load all my aquarium pictures into PhotoBucket? I did not expect a link to come up, I really expected a photo, but I guess this is OK. I tried to load into MY Gallery, but couldn't do it.. I think I like this way though, because I can do videos too. What do you think?

[KwajRocks]

And I won't have to shrink any images. Is there any reason NOT to use PhotoBucket?

[andyjd]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/PICT0007.jpg

[KwajRocks]

Andy,

You are such a dog. Did you do that with your eyes closed?

[MaryBebo]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/PICT0008.jpg

[andyjd]

yes :)

to the right of the image in photobucket, "left click" IMG code ( a box should say copied)
Now in a RC reply window, "right click" & "paste"

and your done, press return between the doing the "paste" if doing more than one pic

[MaryBebo]

I am sorry I had to run and help Mike with the remote.... I am the one who knows how to work all the controls around here..haha.

Have you uploaded any more?

[Nitroq2]

Oh your such a tease ;) that looks great, as you can probably guess we are never satisfied. Now give us a full frontal :eek2: (of the tanks) hehe just kidding :lol:

[Nitroq2]

Oh by the way what is the yellow in the second pic? Is that a kenya?

[KwajRocks]

Yes indeed I will now that Andy and Mary have helped me along. Thank you guys. I guess I will have to break down and scrape my glass tomorrow afterall :)

[KwajRocks]

Oh and Allen, I am not sure that it is a Kenya. It looks like one, but more closely looks like a leather. It is one of Harry's and is absolutely gorgeous in the Actinics.

[KwajRocks]

Ok now I am testing the directions Andy gave me...........PLease bear with me.............http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/PICT0007.jpg

[KwajRocks]

OK no excuses now - thank you so much for the tutorial, Andy and Mary.

[Nitroq2]

You said it no excuses. We will expect hourly updates ;) just kidding. Will have a webcam up on mine before long since I was able to secure a static ip. Thinkng about an underwater rig or at least one in a clear box that is submersible.

[KwajRocks]

Cool! I have taken more recent pics and now will try to post them here.

[KwajRocks]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0102.jpg

[KwajRocks]

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0127.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/PICT0107.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0126.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0111-1.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0110.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0106.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0133.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0099.jpg

[KwajRocks]

Kyle - The purple tipped SPS in the 5th photo is your baby.

[KwajRocks]

If any one is from Auburn, you might recognize lots of these guys as Rollins. They are out of this world. He has done a magnificent job with these corals. They are not all in these pics, and even so, the pictures do not do them justice.

[Mariner]

Lori,
Wow, awesome tanks! Nice pics! Thanks for sharing.
Mariner

[MaryBebo]

Whooo HOooo :D AWESOME Lori, Those are great !!!!!!!

[KwajRocks]

Thanks y'all. Sorry it took so long. Now I have to try to take some clearer pictures.

[Nitroq2]

THose are awesome.. Another tip on the pics, shoot all full tank shots late in the evening when the sun is down and turn off all lights in the house just leave on tank lights. Use manual focus if possible. That will help alleviate some of the bright back lights that are interfering with the pics. Also move on up and shoot with the camera as close to the glass as possible when you are shooting closeups of the corals. Great job looks like you have the posting of them down to a science now.

[kng]

Wow Lori! You were right about that acro. Your tanks looks great!

[KwajRocks]

Thanks for the tip Allen. I will try tonight. The halides stay on until 7 so, I will have plenty of time to take pics. Thanks for the help.

Kyle - The picture does the coral an injustice. It is really purple and has a very unusual growth pattern. It seems to "whorl" a bit if you will. It also has some babies in two other places in the tank. They are fast growers.

[tjswan]

I WOULD love to see a picture of a purple tang!!!

[KwajRocks]

tracey,

Here is your baby. He is fat and happy and very friendly, he does not have the usual purple tang attitude.

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0211.jpg

[KwajRocks]

Allen, I tried the nighttime picture taking, and it worked great. There was no glare on the glass, and for the coral that was close to the glass I could really get some good shots. The problem is that it is hard to get a full tank shot because I have to back up so far, everything is out of focus.......http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0208.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0201.jpg

http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w266/hallsreef/Aquariums/PICT0188.jpg

[Nitroq2]

Second pic is a picture of the month shot save that one when they call for LPS submit it. Third one looks good. First one and full tank looks like maybe you are letting the camera pick its focus point and it focused to the left side of the the tank which caused the right (closer side) to blur. If you can manual focus, try that on the full tank shots. What kinda camera you shooting with? Either way the tanks look great and I am just jealous ;) Also just looking back it could have focused on the black box thing at the lower left of the picture. Maybe thats a chair back not sure. If you could move it out it might focus to the tank. Again the tank itself makes up for the slight focus issue.

[Rollin]

Now I want to see one of those webcams that you can control from the web so I can sit and watch everything go.

Make that happen will you? :)

[andyjd]

I tried a web cam on my 90, it could not cope with the light coming from the tank

[Nitroq2]

Don't get a webcam, and axis PTZ Security cam, that would be the ticket. Its a little more expensive but will allow it to adjust the focus and lighting. Its also IP based so you nat an IP to it and you have full control with pan tilt and zoom. and the zoom is incredible.

[KwajRocks]

OK Chris and Allen, remember I just learned to upload pictures. I can however take videos with my camera. It is a Minolta DIMAGE Z1. I know it can do alot of things that I don't know how to do yet. I have a good one of my clams spawning and my sump somewhere in my library of pictures. I am going to try to upload those and post the link, when I find the video.

BTW, the box is a set of bright shop lights I use to work under the tank at night.

[Nitroq2]

I have the Dimage A200 I love it. A quick read on the Z-1 shows it has manual focus as well as Spot Auto Focus where you can select a specific spot to focus. You might want to do that and set the spot to the center so that it will focus center every time. I understand the new camera I have had mine a while and still haven't figured it out.

[KwajRocks]

Many thanks for the help! I will get out my manual and see what I can figure out. I think you are right about the center focus, because I have seen the focus square on one side of the viewing window as of late. I guess I have accidentally hit a wrong button somewhere.

[scothew]

Hey Kwaj, another trick on your shots.. are you using a tri-pod or anything to keep the camera steady?

If not, do so.. even a chair or book shelf or something works great. Also in order to minimize any motion blur, when your camera is on something steady to hold it.... set the automatic timer.. that way you push the button and the timer starts, giving you enough time to get your hand away from the camera and prevent any movement.. that will help provide the sharpest pictures possible.

[KwajRocks]

I will try the tripod. Because I do get alot of hand shaking going on. I do not have a tripod that fits that camera. I will try the ladder steps. :)