Mikeeal's 20

[Mikeeal]

Wut up everyone. Figured it was time for me to start a new thread for the birth of my 20G high. Standard AGA glass tank, 24X12X16. Got it at Petsmart for 30 bucks because there was a scratch in the trim. Ha ha.

I have been cooking 38 lbs. of fiji from another tank of mine for about two months. I'd like to show you what the first round of WC's looked like. Here's the tub they were in.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0111.jpg

And here's the first and second bucket of the "dunk and swish" water.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0112.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0113.jpg

And here's the muck that was in the bottom. Actually not even half of it because I dumped alot of it out.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0115.jpg

As you can see, a bunch of crap was shed from my rocks. Here's what it looked like the other day.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0114.jpg

I figured I was ready to go.

[Mikeeal]

Next, I wanted this tank to be as close to a nano as possible, so I didn't want a sump, but I did want a refugium. I decided to slap one onto the back of the tank. So I took a stroll over to the local glass shop and had them cut me some glass. I think it cost about 22 bucks. Here's what I came up with.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/IMGA0725.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/IMGA0727.jpg

I plan on using a DSB in the fuge area, with some cheato rollin around. I'm gonna light it with a screw in PC from Wal-Mart, 24/7.

[Mikeeal]

For the next part, please don't laugh. I will be using a Sea-Clone. Yes, I said a Sea-Clone. I got one for free, so why not!?! I modded it to so I wouldn't have to use the long tube that goes with it, and the MJ 1200 went right into the bottom. This takes up much less space, and I think it produces more bubbles. Here it is.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/IMGA0731.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/IMGA0733.jpg

I also slipped a 20oz. coke bottle top into the top, for a more smooth transition. (got the idea from the dude with 2.5G, his avatar is him and his girl, I don't remember his name! Thanks dude) I still need to get a more precise air valve to regulate how much air goes in. Will a brass one work???????

My problems so far are soon to follow. Stay tuned.

[shouldabenacowboy]

Looks good so far. Keep the pics coming :)


SBC

[MAreefer1]

nice set up

[Mikeeal]

Thanks. I will definitely have PLENTY of pics. Might as well get my use out of this camera I got! It's a Kodak Z740, takes very clear pics, but I have to work on the close ups. It doesn't have too many manual settings, and no other lens options. I'm not complaining because I got it for Christmas and my folks had to buy three of them, one for each kid they made. Hee hee.

[kaserpick]

awesome idea with the fuge! How much did it cost to have the tank drilled?

Thumbs up!
Kasey

[Mikeeal]

It was free. Used a dremel at 35,000 rpm's, a diamond bit, and lot's of water. It's the fourth tank I've drilled with the same bit, and I haven't had any problems.

[deacon hemp]

How are you going to keep light out of the display from the fuge?

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6486361#post6486361 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by deacon hemp
How are you going to keep light out of the display from the fuge?

Ha ha. Good question. You all shall see soon enough. ;)

[deacon hemp]

Rockwall?

[Mikeeal]

You're getting warm. :D

[Jordan55]

Looking good!

I love the idea of a fuge right slap on the back of a tank. Maybe I will do that to my next tank.

Keep us updated and keep the pictures comming!


PS- What is going in here as far as corals and fish?

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6486807#post6486807 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jordan55



PS- What is going in here as far as corals and fish?

Um, good question. A pair of clowns, because I already have them. I'd like a firefish possibly. As far as fish, that's probably it. Corals, I'm going to post the lighting I'm going to get, then I am open to all suggestions.

[TheUltimateNoob]

come on....what's with the suspense?? i can't wait much longer... haha :)

[Mikeeal]

Right now I'm using a temporary light setup with two 24" T5's. Here it is.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0293.jpg

I will be purchasing this kit in a few weeks.

http://www.hellolights.com/244laasdiyre.html

I'm gonna overdrive four 18" NO bulbs. Probably two 50/50's and two actinic. Now I ask, what corals to get?

[Mikeeal]

Problem #1:

I have the bulkhead connected to a skimmer type attachment I made on the inside of the tank, and on the output, a tee fitting. Here it is:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0287.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0294.jpg

Every minute or so, it burps and I don't know why. I'm only running the output of the MJ1200 for the skimmer through it, so I know it's not getting too much flow. Any idea's???????????

[lennyd19]

The tee in the back cap it off and drill a hole and tap it to fit a ro screw type valve. It works well I did it on my 75gal. If you need a pic let me know!

[surfnvb7]

I think you need to put an endcap/stopper on the top of that T, and then drill a small hole (start small).

I think that burping is coming from it sucking down too much air through the open part of the T connector. If you still get a burping sound, i've heard of people sticking sponges and other things into the overflow or T.

As for your lights, since you are getting a (2) Electronic ARO Model AS220 VHO Ballasts, why go with overdriving NO bulbs? why not get VHO bulbs?

if you get 4 VHO bulbs over that tank, you will be able to keep anything you want (and don't let anyone tell you otherwise), I've seen all VHO tanks myself, you can keep just about any type of SPS or clams, the color and growth is great.

VHO bulbs are also much better quality than NO bulbs.

As for what combination of bulbs, that depends on what corals you want to do...

Say, if you wanted to do alot of SPS, I'd say 3 URI Aquasun 10k's, and 1 URI super actinic. If you wanted to do mainly zoas, rics, some LPS, go with something closer to 3 super actinics, and one 10k. But color of the tank is strictly personal preference. You can go either way and it will look good.

I keep alot of zoas, they all tend to look better under bluer bulbs.

lennyd19: post a pic! i'd love to see how you did it since everyone has their own way of doing things. i'm always open to new suggestions.

[Jordan55]

Whats wrong with the T-5's? T-5's are just as good, if not better than VHO's.

I am not a big fan of SPS..... so I will say that a LPS dominated tank always looks cool... along with some sweet ricordea and zoos.

[Mikeeal]

Lennyd, that is what I was thinking but didn't know for sure. I had to do that on my 135G and it worked real good, but with this being alot shorter distance, I thought maybe it could of been something else. Tomorrow I shall run to Lowe's and get the goods. Thank you.

surfnvb, I want to use NO bulbs because it's alot easier and cheaper to find them in 18" lengths. If I decide to go with 24" bulbs, my canopy will not be as compact/snug against the top of the tank which I definitely want. I don't like seeing tanks with MASSO canopies on top. It just doesn't look right to me. If you know of a place where I can get 18" VHO's, I'd love to check it out.

One of the main reasons I wanted two ballast's is so I can have a dawn/dusk effect for the corals. With that said, two of the bulbs will have to be actinic's......I think. Unless I end up getting a third ballast, which I might end up doing. That way I can run one bulb actinic, and the rest can be lower spectrum, (10K's or similar)

Jordan, I don't have any problem with the T-5's, it's just that these particular one's I'm using are chinsy disposable Helio's that came with another tank I bought. The whole setup only last's until the bulbs burn out. I've seen some of the fixture's out there with T-5's which I like, but VHO's just rub me the right way.

[Mikeeal]

Problem #2:

The MJ1200 is making alot of noise now. Too much. Before I got it all setup, and was testing it with freshwater, it wasn't making a peep. When the air valve is all the way closed, not letting any air in, it's quiet. As soon as I open the valve, it starts screaming. I don't know if anyone can help, because I don't know how many people have set up a Sea-Clone like this, but I thought I'd throw it out there for some suggestions. I'm hoping the new, more precise valve I'm going to get will help, but I don't know yet. Here's a pic of how it's setup.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0198.jpg

It seems as though it's not sucking in air like it should. I can see the air in the line, bouncing around, going down the line, then stopping, then spurting closer, stopping, then finally making it to the pump. What's going on???????

Does anyone know if I can use a brass valve as long as it doesn't get wet?

[TheUltimateNoob]

is this a seaclone 100 or 150? in either case though, since you're attaching it PH directly to the skimmer instead of using that attachment thingy, i think the MJ1200 is too strong of a pump. maybe that's why it's screaming. if you have a 600 or 900 sitting around, try those out.

[Mikeeal]

Good idea. I have a 900, I will try it. Something is telling me it's either that, or the pump being upsidedown. It's just having a difficult time sucking the bubbles in. The airline is pretty long, and goes through two bends, so I don't know.

It's a SC 100. Thanks Peter.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Are you planning on putting some type of support under that fuge section? It's not sitting directly on anything and the added weight, especially after you add sand to that...dunno.

[Mikeeal]

Sugar, I'm not too sure. I don't know if a support would help, or make it worse. ( If the supports are not the perfect height, it will start to sag anyways, if it's going to.) It is something I have thought about, but do not know how I could remedy it. Any idea's? BTW, I can pull the tank forward, so the fuge is completely over the stand if that would help.....but then what to use for support's? Maybe shim some wood under there??? I used half a gun of silicone, so it's real strong, but I agree with you, I'd rather be safe than sorry/flooded.

MORE PICS ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!

[Sugar Magnolia]

I'd try cutting some wood the length of the fuge so that the entire bottom would be supported.

[Mikeeal]

Sugar, some people like to call it luck, I like to call it, well, LUCK. I don't know how, or why, but a 2X4 fit under there perfectly. Just snug enough to support it without raising it up any. I don't think I could have planned it any better. Even though I didn't plan it. Check it out.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0302.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0303.jpg

For anyone planning on doing this, I'd recommend planning for a support to either fit underneath, or attach something that will do the same. Thanks Sugar.

[Mikeeal]

I went to Lowe's today and picked up a few supplies. I got this RO valve to connect to the top of the tee fitting on my overflow. It took some adjusting, but it's now working real good. No more burbs.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0299.jpg

Thanks lennyd.

Next I got a "needle valve"??? for the airline to the skimmer. I also flipped the MJ1200 so the input is facing up. I don't know if it was a combination of both, or what, but this skimmer is a skimmin now! Here is the valve I got.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0301.jpg

Here is what it was doing two minutes after I got it going.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0296.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0297.jpg

Dang.

Here it is after 30 minutes.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0304.jpg

Nice.

Next up will be pics of the canopy I am building and the background I'm working on.

Stay tuned!

[Sugar Magnolia]

Excellent! Pretty cool that the 2x4 fit perfectly. Nice planning! :LOL:

[Mikeeal]

Yes, I've heard even a blind squirrel finds a nut sometimes. Hee hee.

[Jordan55]

This tank is so sweet. I do not know why, but I am so intertested in that dang fuge on the back.

All my previous tanks have never had a fuge or sump and this one just sparks my intertest.

I think on my next Sh tank which will be around a 40 gallon or so will have a small 5-10 gallon fuge (depending on the actaull the tank size itself)

Thank you for posting:) You have made me happy!


Ps- MORE PICTURES:D :rollface:

[surfnvb7]

thats pretty neat what you did with the RO valve on the T connector. got a closer pic of how you did it? how much did the valve cost?

[Mikeeal]

Jordan, thanks a bunch for the compliment. I really like that people are enjoying my project. I think a ten gallon refugium would work real good for a 40G. Good luck! I'm glad I made you happy! :D

surfnvb, thanks. The valve cost me about seven dollars. Helluva lot for a small plastic valve IMO, but worth it. Here's a closer pic for you.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0306.jpg

I have the tee fitting, then a plug fitting. Then I drilled a hole in the top of it, and tapped it for threads. Simple as that. It takes some patience to get it working right, but then you'll get it.

More pics to come. I had some minor problems with the canopy I am building.

[surfnvb7]

what size drill bit did you use? and what size brass fitting (i'm assuming thats what you used to make the threads).

i really like that idea, hadn't seen it before, being able to adjust the air brings alot more comfort to my mind.

[Mikeeal]

Surfnvb, funny you should ask. I get REAL impatient sometimes and do whatever necessary to get the job done right away, instead of waiting to get the proper tools. I actually have a set of taps, so I used one of those to make the threads, not the brass fitting. I don't recall what size I used, I just know that the tap matched the plastic fitting. The drill bit I used was way too small, but it was the biggest one any of my drills would take. So I just kept boring out the hole until I was close. PVC is pretty forgiving when you're jamming a tap into it, so I just forced it until it started to thread. And if I ruined it, I'm out like 12 cents.

[Mikeeal]

I got the background made today.

I cut the eggcrate to size, with the hole for the overflow.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0307.jpg

I used Great Stuff expanding foam.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0309.jpg

Then I coated the whole thing with crushed coral.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0312.jpg

I'm not sure if I'm happy with the way it turned out. Definitely not how I expected. Once it dries, and I can cut some of the excess foam away, I'll decide if I want to use it or not. The plan is to get a wall of zoo's and shrooms covering it.

The canopy is almost done, I have to get back over to Lowe's one more time, and then it will be done. I'm just glad it fit on the tank!

[kamla]

Nice tank..
ur hard work in paying off...

keep us posted..
Ans yes.. More Pics.. Please.. :)

[Mikeeal]

Thanks kamla. I appreciate the kind words.

Well, the background is complete and in the tank. Here it is after it was dry. It expanded a whole lot more after about an hour. I like how it turned out.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0323.jpg

Here it is in the tank and I guess this is my first FTS. I hope y'all like it.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0325.jpg

One thing I would like to mention, is that this Great Stuff foam, is VERY bouyant. It really didn't want to go under water. I pretty much had to force it. I don't think I am happy with the rockscape yet. I hate the peice in the middle, it's too round. I will probably change it around again.

I would also like some help with an identification. Whatever this is, it's getting bigger by the day. Here it is, any idea's?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0320.jpg

Thanks for looking everyone.

[surfnvb7]

yeah, i agree on the rockscape. i hate the large boulder'ish looks like you see in most nano's. those size rocks are meant to go in larger tanks.

i would get a hammer, and a chissel, and split at least 3/4 of those rocks in half. that will free up much more room, and look much more natural. you'll also be able to stack them a variety of ways.

are you leaving the bottom bare glass? or getting starboard?

[clown fanatic]

Arrrr not the bare bottom! i like how the custom overflow is tucked away in the corner and i also like the seaclone mod. i had the same idea but was already set as far as skimmers. one question though as far as the mod, do you get alot of micro bubbles? im guessing thats what the cotton piece on the output of the skimmer is?

well anywho good job so far, and put some sand in there dangit!

[Mikeeal]

surfnvb, I am getting real close to doing just that. If not all of them, atleast the one in the middle. I kind of like the other two, but I don't know, I'll decide once I break up the peice in the middle.

clown fanatic, thanks. Sometimes I get MB's, sometimes I don't. I wasn't yesterday, but today I am because I switched out the impellor for a smaller one, trying to quiet it down. Now I'm getting tons of them, and it's not skimming as well. I'm probably gonna ditch the whole thing and make an air powered skimmer, and use the pump for the return.

I have a peice of 3/16" acrylic on the bottom, you just can't tell, but don't worry, sand is coming soon.

[clown fanatic]

the peice of extra acrylic on the bottom wouldnt be for a mantis shrimp would it? because if so i just got a little bit more excited lol. hey let me know if youre gunna toss the skimmer, i might have a friend that would want to try it out on his tank.

[Mikeeal]

Nah, no mantis for now, although I really like the one's I've seen. I will let you know on the skimmer, but it would be just the body, because I'll use the pump. Your friend can have it if I decide to scrap it.

I bought some macro tonight, cheato it looks like. I will post pics later.

[Mikeeal]

I got some cheato tonight, and dropped it in my fuge. I'm lighting it with screw in PC from Wal-Mart. 6,500K. 15 watts. I found a small, white brittle star cruisin around in there and some pods. Here is a pic.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0330.jpg

You can see part of the star. I will get a better pic. Anyone know what kind it is?

[kamla]

Excellent …. Excellent …. Kamla Like…..

More Pics .. LOL


So how did you get the CC to stick on that foam..
Did you use some glue or the CC just stuck to foam..
I might steal your idea…
I have a Amiracle Overflow.. I would like to cover it up…
I was think of making a box that would house the skimmer box and my Maxijet PH’s

What do you think…

[Mikeeal]

Thanks kamla. Of course I'll post more pics. Next ones will probably be tonight when I put sand in. I sprinkled the CC on the foam when it was still wet. Actually right after I sprayed it on. You have to keep an eye on it though, because when it starts to expand, (over the course of 15-20 minutes) it will keep exposing more foam, so you have to sprinkle on more CC if you want it completely covered. It says on the can that it sticks to most plastic's, so it should work for you too. The only problem is how bouyant this stuff is. You will have to secure it to the tank somehow because if you try putting it directly on the overflow box, it wont rest on the tank trim. Trust me, it's VERY bouyant. Let me know if you decide to do it, we will figure something out.

[kamla]

Thax for the tip..
But I was planning to make a box out of egg crate or acrylic and do what you did to This box.. Also I would make the box a little bigger so that I would house my Power heads.
Also this box can be attached to tank wall ..
That way if I need to sell my Overflow I can.. :)


BTW I don’t want to Hijack you thread .. if you like we can PM each other

[Mikeeal]

No worries, let me know when you get it started.

[russ49merc]

awesome lookin tank. Like the sea clone I have had one on my FO tank for a long time "SEE PEOPLE SEA CLONE'S DO WORK" patience is the key

[Mikeeal]

Thanks 49merc, the problem with the Sea Clone is that they take modification and patience to get to work good, and most people do not want to bother. I actually wouldn't have either, except I had it in my garage, collecting dust.

Do you have a '49 mercury? If you do, I would LOVE to see it. That's by far my favorite car, and year. I was looking for one for awhile, but then the baby came, so the wife said no more cars.

[russ49merc]

No I wish. I pour all my money into fish tanks :) and my cars. :)

[pimp2daizzo]

it looks like a serpint star (i think thats how u spell it)

[Jordan55]

The star is just a little baby brittle star. They do not grow any more than that and are great for fuges and sand beds.

[Mikeeal]

Thanks for the I.D. Then the fuge is where it shall stay. I certainly hope he likes it. :)

I added sand today, after rinsing three times, and still got a major sandstorm, so no pics tonight. I got the fuge light complete, and a new skimmer built, which I will post tomorrow.

[Mikeeal]

Here is a quick picture of the skimmer I made.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0337.jpg

The Sea-Clone was just too loud for our bedroom. I tried for hours troubleshooting what it could be, and finally gave up. It kinda sucks because it was working so good. I will get this one hooked up hopefully tomorrow, and I'll post some pictures.

Clownfanatic, your friend is more than welcome to the remains of the Sea-Clone, although I doubt he has any use for it now. Let me know.

[xsamx]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=6489380#post6489380 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mikeeal
Problem #2:

The MJ1200 is making alot of noise now. Too much. Before I got it all setup, and was testing it with freshwater, it wasn't making a peep. When the air valve is all the way closed, not letting any air in, it's quiet. As soon as I open the valve, it starts screaming. I don't know if anyone can help, because I don't know how many people have set up a Sea-Clone like this, but I thought I'd throw it out there for some suggestions. I'm hoping the new, more precise valve I'm going to get will help, but I don't know yet. Here's a pic of how it's setup.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0198.jpg

It seems as though it's not sucking in air like it should. I can see the air in the line, bouncing around, going down the line, then stopping, then spurting closer, stopping, then finally making it to the pump. What's going on???????

Does anyone know if I can use a brass valve as long as it doesn't get wet?

Try adding a Air Stone at then end of the Air tubing where the air is drawn into the skimmer.. It will act as a muffler and should quiet things down a bit. I used this method for my prizm skimmer... thing is super quiet now :)

[Mikeeal]

Oh sure, NOW you help, after I junk it. Nah, just kidding. It wasn't the air inlet, it was the actual pump itself. I tried a different pump, two different impellers, even tried taking the bio-ball mod out of it, nothing worked. Thanks for the suggestion though. Hopefully if I'm lucky this DIY skimmer will kick butt.

[Mikeeal]

I think I might have killed off my rock and cheato last night. Before I dumped the sand in, I shut everything off thinking it would help with the sandstorm a bit, well, what I didn't realize is that I unplugged the heater too. I woke up this morning and my tank and fuge were at 70 degree's.

Has anyone's tank dropped that low overnight without ill affects????? I can't believe I'm such an idiot.

[Mikeeal]

The tank finally cleared up enough to take some pics.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0347.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0349.jpg

Here is pics of the air-driven protein skimmer I made. I'm using one of the new Whisper 40's. Looks like it's gonna work good, and the noise level makes me happy.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0339.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0338.jpg

[Carl_in_Florida]

I don't think the temp drop will affect anything.

Carl

[ReefWreak]

Did you ever get an ID on the white branchey looking thing? I've got tons of those all growing out of my rock, and don't know what it is and don't know how to get rid of it.

Thanks

[Mikeeal]

Carl, I think you may be right, nothing seems affected. Thanks.

ReefWreak, nah, I never did. Mine died back when I put the sand in and it was all cloudy. They died back once before, and then came back again, so they'll probably come back, whatever they are.

[ReefWreak]

I dunno. They're weird and I've never quite figured out what they are, even though I had been looking before in the like 6 marine aquarium books that I've got. I really want to find out what they are. They're not causing problems, but they're just very weird and awkward being in the tank and me not having any idea what they are.

BTW I LOVE the refugium on the back of your tank. It's such a great idea :P I think doing it on a 20L for another project would be cool because it would be shallower and require less light for the plants in the back.

I don't know if you're just a fan of cheato or what, but I've been using grape caulerpa, and that stuff grows like a weed in my tank, and I have it in the display.

Great tank man!

[Carl_in_Florida]

reefwreck - time to drop the nr sig

[Mikeeal]

ReefWreak, thanks for the compliments. If you find anything out, let me know because I'm curious. I used cheato because that's what they had at the LFS, plus I've heard of people having problems with some of the other ones.

I would like to share some pics of the finished skimmer I built. At first I didn't complete it because I wanted to make sure it was gonna work. Everything looked good to me, so I finished it up.

This is the hanger set that came with a MJ.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0354.jpg

Then I attached it to the skimmer.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0357.jpg

And then inserted the hanger.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0360.jpg

Now I can adjust the height of the skimmer depending on the water level.

Here's the whole thing.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0361.jpg

At the bottom, you can see that I also attached some more acrylic strips, and tapped them for the nylon screws. Now I can level it out.

Next up I need to work on the canopy. I might wait for the lights to get here though.

[clown fanatic]

wow nice skimmer design, cant wait to see how it works

[Mikeeal]

I made a quick video of the skimmer in action. Watch when I move down to the neck/body transition, you can see how the bubbles are getting stuck and forming really big bubbles shooting up the neck. That is why the skimmate is popping up and down, not stable at all. I'm going to take it out and try slipping a bottle top in there, like I did to the Sea Clone.

http://media.putfile.com/skim76

[Mikeeal]

Ok, I put in the bottle top. It helped out quite a bit. Not exacly professional grade, but it gets the job done. Here is a couple pics.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0364.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0367.jpg

Here is a video with it installed.

http://media.putfile.com/skim2

I had to raise the skimmer up as I high as I can get it. It's still shooting some large bubbles, but not nearly as many. Maybe the wooden block will break in??? I have the pump restricted as well, hoping to get the bubbles smaller. Looks like once it breaks in, it'll do ok....I hope.

[OCDep]

Nice DIY, simple but effective....and didnt cost an arm and a leg

[Mikeeal]

OCDep, thanks. It's funny, most of the stuff I use, is stuff I have laying around the house. Lowe's is thirty minutes away, so I'd rather search the house.


AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!

CYANO. This stuff is nasty and it really upsets me. I thought this is why I cooked my rocks.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0376.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0377.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0378.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0379.jpg

Is this stuff gonna go away with WC's? I'm gonna do a large one tomorrow. I have plenty of flow, skimmer is skimmin, what's up? I'm even getting some nice coralline growth, you can see in this pic....

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0380.jpg

All different colors and it looks good, but this dang cyano, I hate it. Is there anything else I should be doing?

[Jordan55]

Thats not cyano, thats diatoms. Normal in a new tank. It will pass in week or so time. You can siphon is out if youd like if you do water chnages... but every morning it will come back untill it is over.

Nice job on the skimmer! How is the fuge going?

[Mikeeal]

That is very refreshing to know. I was convinced it was cyano. So, does it make sense it is starting at the top, closest to the lights? This is the reason I took down my 135G FOWLR. Two months and it never went away. I will be getting some cleanup critters on Tuesday as well.

The refugium is fine I guess. The cheato looks nice and green, but I can't tell if it's growing or not. I also put some LR rubble in there from when I broke up the one rock. There is a layer of crap in the bottom, that I will siphon out with the WC. I'm still debating on whether or not to put 10lbs. of live sand in there or not. What'ya think? Any benefits?

[Testhead1313]

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0320.jpg

These are foraminiferans... Harmless filter feeders.
Chris

[Mikeeal]

Thanks Testhead. They seem to have died back, and haven't come back yet. I do have some sponge polyps though. I've read that they are harmless as well.

I am having a problem now....

I don't know what lights to get. At first I wanted VHO's, but I think I might have changed my mind. I'm looking at PC's. A 4X55W retro to be exact. What I really like about the PC's is that I can make my canopy nice and small, which I wouldn't have been able to do with VHO's.

220 watts of PC's over a 16" tall tank. How's that sound??? Any suggestions, comments, opinions, experience, I would be very greatful because I don't think I can figure this one out on my own.

[Jordan55]

Thats sounds good. I had 260 watts in my 55 and I could keep LPS and softies.

Depending on what you wanted to keep.... it sounds good. IMO though T-5's are better because you do need to change the bulbs so often. With PC's you can go a year without changing the bulbs.... but every 6 months is ideal. With T-5s you could last almost 2 years I think and they are pretty close to MH in quality.

[Mikeeal]

Jordan, yes, T5's are nice, but I can't seem to find any decent retro kits. I'll keep looking though, I almost bought the 4X55W PC's, but figured I'd wait a little longer.

Well, diatoms are still in the tank, so I haven't posted any progress lately. I did a 5G WC yesterday, and then went to the LFS. The plan was to buy stricly cleanup critters. Well, I bought 6 mexican turbo's, 1 nassarius, and then this little guy.....

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0393.jpg

Fifteen bucks. I thought it was a fair price. He's about and inch long, and hid all day yesterday. This morning when the lights came on, he came out from under a rock. I dropped in some mysis and he took it. He's pretty cool. My clown wants to play with him real bad, but he isn't having any part of it.

[Mikeeal]

I just wanted to show a couple pictures of my snails going to town on my rock.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0409.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0410.jpg

I think they are full now. For the first couple of days, they were all over the place, mowing this stuff down, now they've just been chillin. I'm gonna go buy maybe six or ten more. Also doing another 5G WC tomorrow.

[Mikeeal]

Yay for me, I bit the bullet and bought a 175W halide from http://www.hellolights.com/index.html. I am very happy with it, and the customer service. I got the package in two days, and it was packed extremely well. Anyway, I got the XM 15,000K with it. I like the color so far. When the the time comes to get a new bulb, I might get a 10,000K, and a couple of PC actinic's, so I can do dawn/dusk. I installed two 80mm computer fans my dad-in-law gave me, and the tank has stayed pinned at 80.1-80.9 for two days. I'm real happy about that. Here is a pic of the hood with fans and all.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0575.jpg

And here is some pics of the tank. As you can see, the snails polished of all the diatoms and HA, so I think I'm ready to start stocking with some corals.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0572.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0573.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0574.jpg

What's funny is the last three pics are all taken with the same settings on the camera, and they all look different. My camera doesn't have any manual settings to fix that, so I don't know what I'm gonna do. The second pic is closest to what it actually looks like, but not quite.

Well stay tuned, hopefully next time I post I will have some CORALS!

[fishes2889]

sweet tank!!! keep us updated when u put the corals in.. what corals are u going to put in?

[Mikeeal]

I want a torch, hammer, frogspawn, brain, stuff like that. I'll give it a few more months to stabilize, then try out some SPS. Do you think I could get a maxima? I sure would like one on the sandbed. I'm gonna take it real slow, because I've never kept any corals before, and I'm kind of nervous.

[fishes2889]

sounds good but, the maxima?? i dont kno about that cuz they require a very stable tank and an established tank so u might want to put corals in when uare ready then wait for the maxima later

[Mikeeal]

Sounds good to me, I don't have any problem waiting.

[fishes2889]

overall your on the right track......u have an aweosme looking tank so far

[Mikeeal]

Thank you for the kind words. I really do appreciate it.

"Overall"? What would you change? OH, WAIT, don't answer that, cause then I'll have to work on it more, and I'm finally ready to just kick back and enjoy it. :dance:

[Billy1234]

The tank looks great :thumbsup: I can't wait to see it with corals in it! You should get a Toadstool, they're cool :)

[Mikeeal]

Thanks Billy. I would really like a toadstool too. I'm planning on going through SeaCrop, since I found out they are in Port Hueneme, where I grew up, so I'll just have to make a trip down there to visit, and pic up some corals!

[chocolateblnt]

funky fresh! :D

[Mikeeal]

chocolateblnt, thanks, I think, is that a compliment? LOL. Your tank is sick, I can only hope mine will someday look that nice.

I just realized that I never elaborated on the new skimmer. Well, I must say I am VERY pleased with it. This thing works very good, and it's totally silent. Here is a pic with two days worth of skimmate.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0470.jpg

On a side note, my clown is finally getting used to the halide. She was pretty upset. :( I still need to find her a mate. :eek1: Also, I just posted a thread in Reef Discussion about my cheato. The stuff is getting brown, and seems to be thinning out. I don't know what the problem is. Any ideas?

[BigReefing]

very smart idea with the background.

[Mikeeal]

Thanks BigReefing, I needed a way to hide the fuge in the back, and it just seemed like the way to go.

My RO/DI unit arrived today. It's from the Filter Direct Store on ebay. Price was right at $115, and it came with sink faucet and 4 gallon storage tank. Installation was a breeze, and NO MORE WATER JUGS!!! :bounce1: :bounce2: :bounce3: :dance:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0604.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0612.jpg

Oh, and here is the one my wife bought. Atleast she tried. :rolleyes:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0603.jpg

[chocolateblnt]

Haha yes that was definitely a compliment, and I thank you for yours! Your tank's comin' along good just keep posting progress!

I love the background idea it's very innovative and adds depth that regular background will never do, and I can't believe it's inside. The rock looks great too, lotsa purps! I'm on the look out for a watchman like yours and will hopefully pick one up soon if my LFS guy has one. I just noticed you bought your MH from hellolights ... I bought mine from them and couldn't agree with you more on their customer service, packing, and most importantly promptness! hahah shameless plugs :D I see your fish will be drinking cleaner water than you and your wife :P

I read briefly you're having problems keeping chaeto alive? You should be skimming before chaeto'ing ... but your tank being so new it could be a million things that ****ed the chaeto off i.e. lack of nutrients & lights. If it's still alive and in decent condition just toss it in your main tank for now... it'll help provide a breeding ground for all sorts of pods!

[chocolateblnt]

I see you're still on RC at 1 a.m. hahhaha get some sleep man! I'm out like a PC bulb :D

[Mikeeal]

I work a late swingshift dealing blackjack, so I'm always up pretty late. Usually get to bed around 3-4 a.m.

Unfortanately, my YWG died a while back. He never ended up eating. He lasted about a week, but would never take any food. Bummer.

My cheato seems to be looking better I think, unless it's in my head. I increased the flow through the fuge by about 3X, and not only does the cheato look better, but all the nasty brown crap has almost all gone away, in a matter of two/three days.

Thanks for the support, chocolate.

[chocolateblnt]

Awww sorry to hear about the YWG it happens man :( ... Yea if you ever see junk on the chaeto feel free to shake it off to keep it from rotting!

[Mikeeal]

I got my refractometer yesterday. Cost me 49 bucks shipped from Drs. F&S. I guess I got lucky because my trusty floating hydrometer was only one point off. Cool! Of course, here's a picture.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0613.jpg

Also, I'd like to show you what the wife puts up with. This is our dining room table, and it probably wont get put back in the garage till atleast tomorrow. :rolleyes:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0614.jpg

This is just for the RO/DI install, and a maxijet stream I'm working on. :hammer:

[Mikeeal]

I'm just about finished with the MJ mod. I'd like to say thanks to:

dhnguyen
BullDZR
thunt

for the inspiration and excellent ideas. This thing was super easy to put together, and the flow is crazy.

I don't have pics of it in the tank yet, because I'm gonna paint it. But here's some of it finished.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0621.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0619.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0620.jpg

I can't wait to get it in the tank.

[Kigs]

Hey how's your YWG doing? Last time I spoke to you, you were worried that it wasn't eating.

Mine grew up in terms of size significantly, but it's still very shy. How about yours?

[Mikeeal]

DEAD. :sad1:

[jasutton]

try a diamond goby, mine wont stop eating...sometimes i worry it may get CAD.

Also re: your camera. My brother has that camera and i think it may have a recalib autowhite bal. check the manual and calibrate it with a sheet or something...or it may have a preset function for flourescant lights that will filter out some of the blue.

dont know for sure

jamie

[jasutton]

try a diamond goby, mine wont stop eating...sometimes i worry it may get CAD.

Also re: your camera. My brother has that camera and i think it may have a recalib autowhite bal. check the manual and calibrate it with a sheet or something...or it may have a preset function for flourescant lights that will filter out some of the blue.

dont know for sure

jamie

[Mikeeal]

Jamie, maybe I will try a diamond goby when I get some more fish. Eventually I'll want something that cleans up the sand, because mine is getting kinda nasty. I might focus on corals for the time being, and see where that takes me. Thanks for the suggestion on the camera, I'll definitely pull the manual out tomorrow and see what I can find.

[Mikeeal]

I got the MJ stream painted. I couldn't find gray, oh well.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0653.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0655.jpg

And.....

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_06421.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_06661.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_06591.jpg

[Mikeeal]

All the polyps came out on the horn and the cap today. The acro is showing some nice green in it, and the tips have a nice light purple. I sure hope it continues to color up. Just before lights out, it showed some polyps for the first time. There is also a small acro crab living in it's branches.

[kamla]

Mikeeal – Ur tank is shaping up nice…
I have couple of question for you..
Do you have anything b/t the water and the MH light.

The reason I ask is because I have a PC retrofit kit installed in my AGA canopy and the bulbs keep cracking, I have been told it could be because of the wood warping and causing the bulbs to break or it the bulbs could break from water splashing on the bulbs.

The bulbs are about 2.5 inches from the water surface..

[Mikeeal]

My bulb ended up being REALLY close to the surface of the water. What I did was have the glass shop cut me a piece of glass, that fits on the tank frame, length wise, but it's only about 5 inches wide. So I more or less still have an open top, but the bulb is shielded from the water. I don't like this though because I have to constantly take the glass out and clean it of salt spray.

With your situation, I'd have to say it is the water hitting the bulbs. I would think your canopy would have to do alot of warping to cause them to crack. JMO though.

[Kigs]

damn, I'm sorry about your YWG. How did it die?

[Mikeeal]

I never saw it eat anything. Starved most likely, although I don't know why.

[Mikeeal]

I went to the LFS the other day, and found another YWG/pistol shrimp combo. I bought em. No pics of the shrimp, since I have not seen him since I put him in there, but I hear him. I wish I could get a picture, because he is REALLY cool looking. He looks like a candy cane. Here's a pic of the goby.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0698.jpg

He is eating really well which makes me happy. :)

Here's a few pics of the corals.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0703.jpg

I really like this one.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0702.jpg

Another pic of the acro. It is doing very well now, much more green coming in (wish my camera would pick it up) and some nice PE at night.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0711.jpg

[Mikeeal]

I got my ATO finished today.

Supplies:

1. Float switch from here: http://www.floatswitches.net/index.html
2. 1.5 quart cereal container. I found it at Longs Drugs.
3. Pico pump. 80GPH Max. head, 24"
4. Misc. tubing and fittings
5. Scrap acrylic for bracket
6. Extension cord

Total cost was around $20. It works perfect.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0785.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0787.jpg

No more salinity swings!

[Mikeeal]

Check it out. I FINALLY got a couple pictures of my pistol shrimp. I totally had to sneak up on the tank, and the pictures still aren't that good. Anyway, here they are:

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0801.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0799.jpg

[Kigs]

great pair Mike! where did you get the pistol?

[Mikeeal]

Thanks! I got both of them already paired up at my LFS. Cost me 40 bucks. :eek2: But I'm rich so it's ok. :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Kigs]

hahaha yea... wish I had that thing called money once in awhile. looking at your tank progress makes me jealous. mine's starting to look alot shabby compared to yours. :D How big is your YWG and pistol? Your YWG looks alot bigger compared to mine. Mine's only about an an inch and a half right now.

[Mikeeal]

Dude, thanks for the compliment. If I was rich, I wouldn't be building 20G reefs, I'd be building 2,000G reefs. Not that I'm unhappy with my 20G, it's really coming along, but, you know. I think the main reason this build went so smoothly is because of how much planning and research I did first.

[Mikeeal]

I just wanted to say that I'm out of town, and my wife is tending to the tank......I'm scared. I wrote up directions, and premeasured daily containers of food to just drop in. Everything should be fine right?

[chocolateblnt]

lol ... how long you gone for/where to?! I really like your YWG and Pistal Shramp ;) I'm glad you like my top off dude :) That monti cap is sick too!

[Mikeeal]

I'll be back Wednesday night, left on Sunday. I'm in Ventura Co., where I grew up, visiting family.

I like your top off since you can use it to dose too.

The goby/shrimp pair are coming out more and more each day, ever since I put another clown in the tank. Coincidence??? I doubt it.

These were my first SPS, and so far, they are all doing VERY well. The cap is showing some CRAZY growth.

Thanks for checking it out blunt.

[chocolateblnt]

Oh ok ... I thought you might be in the Bay Area ... I would have given you some GSP and Zoo Frags :P

The pair are awesome I want them for my tank however I rarely see Pistol Shrimp around here :( What are you using to place your frags... Epoxy?! I lost my monti cap due to phosphates :( so sad ... one lil thing goes wrong and bam dead coral!

[Mikeeal]

Well, the frags aren't really mounted, they're just wedged into the rocks, and since they're doing so well, I just haven't messed with them yet. I'll most likely use putty when I do mount them though, but, I want to upgrade to a 40 breeder since those tanks are BADA$$, so I might just wait.

HMMMMM, free frags, I might just have to go the other way back up there and make a stop! Nah, just kidding, I never feel right accepting free stuff. Thanks though, that's awesome. Maybe we can work something out soon though, when my 2.5 is ready. Those are the exact types of corals I want to stock it with. Keep an eye out for the new 2.5G thread. I'll probably start it when I get back.

[chocolateblnt]

awesome ... lol I'm hoping to start a long pico soon :P can't wait for your thread though :D

[chocolateblnt]

oh I was going to ask ... how did you get such a big avatar picture up? I am trying to upload a pic and it won't let me ... freakin 8000 bytes is the limit which is like half my pinky nail?!

[Mikeeal]

Looks like you got it figured out??????

I like it.

[chocolateblnt]

lol thanks ... I figured no one could resist gangsta' cookie monster

[Mikeeal]

I like his little cross, made me laugh.

Anyway, I got back into town, and for the most part, the tank looks good. There is a very unusual looking thing growing from one of the rocks, I have no idea what it is, I'll get a pic tomorrow. The magfloat needed to be used pretty bad, and my green horn is completely closed up so it's not happy for some reason. I'm gonna do a WC tomorrow, and hopefully it'll wake up. Three of the tips on the acro are whitish, maybe lavender, I don't know. I don't think it's a good sign though. I do my 25% WC weekly, and it's been a good week and a half, so I don't know if that's the problem. We shall see.

[chocolateblnt]

hahha yea I think he stole 50 Cents bulletproof vest, glock and blingy cross ;) I'm glad your tank is safe ... I hate going away it's very nerve wrecking.

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7028120#post7028120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chocolateblnt
hahha yea I think he stole 50 Cents bulletproof vest, glock and blingy cross ;)

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[Mikeeal]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7028120#post7028120 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chocolateblnt
I'm glad your tank is safe ... I hate going away it's very nerve wrecking.

Thanks dude. I'm not sure that it is, but I'm hoping for the best.

Blunt, I almost forgot about that 3G we were talking about. I never went back there because I literally ran out of money! I hope you weren't planning on it. :(

[chocolateblnt]

Oh dude not a problem man ... My LFS guy has a bunch of cheap nano's i'm looking into for a summer project :P

[Mikeeal]

Cool blunt.

[Mikeeal]

This is growing from my rock. Anybody have an ID?

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b381/Mikeeal/20G%20Reef/100_0903.jpg

[deacon hemp]

Its an algea,but they are harmless.I think if i remember correctly it's a calcium based algea/maybe not.I also remember hearing they show signs of a well balanced reef?