180 gallon All-Glass Aquarium Bronx, New York

[Jasonanatal]

I'm finally moved into the new apartment and started setting up my new 180 gallon All-Glass Aquarium. Here is how my progress is coming along so far:

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00072.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00073.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00070.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00071.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00069.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00075.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

Setup includes the following: 1x Fluval 304 Canister Filter, 2x Marineland Emporer 400 H.O.T. Filters, 1x Marineland Emporer 280 H.O.T. Filter, 2x Aquarium Systems Seaclone 150 Protien Skimmers, 1x Lifegard Fluidized Bed Filter 300, 1x Maxi-jet 1200 Powerhead, 2x Marineland Penguing 1140 Powerheads, 2 Marineland Stealth 50 watt Heaters, Current USA 48 inch Power Compact Lighting 130 watt with Lunar Lighting,150lbs Sugar Size Grain Aragonite Reef Sand


Equipment installation to come: 1x FLuval 304 Canister Filter, 1x Wet/Dry Trickle Filter, 1x Marineland Stealth 200 watt, 3 Marineland Penguin 1140 Power Heads, 16 watt UV Sterilizer.

Their is still much more to install but I'm a college student on a budget. I will keep everyone posted. Please let me know what you think.

[Goodwin9]

Have you thought about placing a background to hide the equipment haging off the back? Look good otherwise. Keep posting pictures of your progrss.

[Jasonanatal]

Goodwin9, I was thinking about a background but I would rather see the equipment to monitor if something goes wrong. Not much space to see what I'm doing back their otherwise. ;-) Still debating though. Thanks for the compliment.

[Julio]

Why so many HOB filters and not go with one large canister filter?

[Jasonanatal]

Julio, Hang on Tank Power Filters have never disapointed me in the past and I don't really consider them an eye sore. The ledges also provide the fish a place to hide within the tank as well. I am using a combination of Hang on Tank Power Filters, Canister Filters, Powerheads, and Wet/Dry Trickle Filters to get the best water quality. I like overkill and I'm sure the fish love me for it.

[818]

Only problem wit HOB items is like u stated earlier the background will keep you from monitoring em.

Id definatley put a background on that tank.:D

Sam

[Jasonanatal]

Myf1shRd34d, I may just place a background on the tank. I'm thinking that I can get something framed and place brackets on the rear of the tank so I can just unhook and slide down for easier access. To the local photoshop I go. :-)

[Jasonanatal]

Here is my newest addition to the tank. African Starry Puffer. Acclimated and introduced to his new home. I name him Spartacus.

</center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00077.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00078.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<center>

[fish-freek-3000]

is that a map puffer. it looks like the one we have at my work. it is about an inch long and about 125 dollars how much did you pay for that if yo don' mind me asking

[dascharisma]

You might want to reconsider using those sea clone skimmers. I doubt they will handle much bioload at all. I would also pass on the UV. A 16 watt UV isn't very effective. I would either get a larger UV or not use one at all.



Brad

[Jasonanatal]

Fish-Freek-3000, The fish in the photograph below is an Arothron Stellatus aka African Starry Puffer. I purchase him from New World Aquarium in New York City for $99.00 plus tax. The fish you are reffering to which is very beautiful as well is a Map Puffer which looks like the photograph below.

<center>
<img src="http://www.marinecenter.com/media/thumbs/1A74E71803D1488A8DA49C2F9BA01687.jpg"><br><br>
</center>

[Jasonanatal]

Dascharisma, I have used the Aquarium Systems Sea Clone Skimmers on every tank that I have had in the past and even though they have a bad rap the have been more then able to handle the bioload that I have thrown at them. Also I have never been a big fan of UV since I have seen tanks at local fish stores infested with disease and they have a huge UV running so I'm reconsidering adding one on at all. Proper Husbandry should be adequate. But in the future when I make modifications to the current setup I will consider a much larger and more reputable Protein Skimmer. I'm a college student on a budget.

[Charlie97L]

are you on the ground floor? the only reason i ask is with a 180 gallon, that's quite a lot of weight. in all the apartments i've lived in, you weren't allowed anything over 35 or 40 gallons if you weren't on the ground floor.

most of the apartments i've lived in weren't all that sturdy, and we wouldn't want that tank falling through the floor! with that size tank, you're looking at about 1500 lbs.

[MGB]

It's a little late now, but personally I would have combined my filtration a lot more, ie got one good skimmer, invested in some quality live rock and forget about all the wet drys and canisters, and finally get a lot more flow within the tank, and if that means the sand would have to go, all the better in the long run. The money you spent on duplicating all those filters and skimmers would have allowed this. I think with your present set up you'll be constantly fighting water quality, ie problem algea. Good Luck. MGB

[Jasonanatal]

Charlie97L, the good thing is that I live on the bottom level a private house in the Riverdale section of Bronx, New York and I have a 100% concreate foundation beneath me. Weight is not a factor that I need to worry about. I was so happy when I found this place. :-)

[MGB]

That might be condsidered by some a "little on the harsh side" however you do have a point crazdreef. I personally like your direct approach with just a hint of sarcasm, but it does seam rather unusual that someone could have arrived at this point without any redirection from either reading current literature or just absorbing information from sites such as this. The good news is that its nver too late to learn. MGB

[Jasonanatal]

MGB. thank you for very for the good luck vote. I have personally never had any water quality issues. The only degredation I have experienced is around ever 4 months when I need to replace the filter media within each of the filters. My only apparent issue that I am currrently having is the amount of micro-bubbles within the tank caused by the Aquarium Systems Protein Skimmers but this is a common and known issue. Any helpfull advice concerning this from anyone is greatly appreciated. As for live rock I have about 200 lbs of Premium Fiji Live Rock which has already been cured in a setup in my girlfriend apartment that I am transferring this weekend.

[Jasonanatal]

Crazdreef, this thread was started with the specific purpose of having friendly comments and advice posted. If I wanted nasty comments from an individual in the middle of texas I would have asked for them! Clearly in Texas they have forgotten to teach interpersonal skills at an early age within your educational system. Enjoy your day please do not post on the thread again as you already have been reported to a moderator and continued post will cause for more reports. Have a great day!

[crazdreef]

well maybe i was a little strong in my thread however i just seems to me that most of the pics shown are of more polished aquarium set-ups and being as anal as i am about my own it just rub me the way. but MGB is right it is never too late to learn and with that a big ol apology is coming JASONANATAL WAY

[Jasonanatal]

Crazdreef and Mgb, Thank you. Even though I only have 2 years of experience I am still learning. I'm only 24 years old and since my first tank (alittle 2.5 gallon fresh water with betta) I personally believe I have come alone way. Within time I will take in more information and have more money to set aside for Marine Aquarium expendatures. However, currently I am doing the best I can. :-(

[crazdreef]

2.5 years + betta + money + more money = you re on the right track to broke in the bronx but in saltwater heaven . haha

[Jasonanatal]

Crazdreef, my sentiments exactly! I love the Marine Aquarium hobby and it keeps me from drinking myself to death in clubs or bars. I honestly thought I could save money. Man I was wrong lol.

[Chaotic Reefer4u]

awesome setup jason...

[alien9168]

Beutiful! :D

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Chaoticreefer4u & alien9168, Thank you very much for your kind compliments. Here is the latest photograph of what the Marine Aquarium looks like. It was pay day so I got a chance to purchase some things...

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00089.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[Jasonanatal]

I purchased and acclimated a Lawnmower Blenny to add my Aquarium. I could pass this little shy guy up I thought I would save him from a Petland Discount that had idiots working in it and sold him to my thinking he was a Damsel for $4.99 Might just shop their again for their cheap prices.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00083.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[Jasonanatal]

This little Reticulated Puffer was my first Puffer I purchased in my old 55 gallon tank. Since the move I finally had a chance this past weekend to bag and transport hom from Poughkeepsie, New York to his new home in the Bronx.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00084.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[dryice]

nice tank

[Jasonanatal]

Here's another photograph of the African Starry Puffer which loves tormenting my Mexican Turbo Snails by flipping them over while I'm away at work and school. So far no casualties yet.....

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00085.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[Jasonanatal]

Dryice, Thank you for the compliment.

[Jasonanatal]

Here a shot of my companion Quarentine tank. My Eclipse 10 gallon. The water is still a bit cloudy because I just set it up this weekend. I usually can find good prices for Marine fish at Petco yet their fish always seem to be sick and they never do anything about it. So my Quarentine tank comes complete with a Cleaner Shrimp to help ensure the health of any new purchases. I have a Blue Spotted Puffer in their (just a baby about 1/4 of an inch) Can't wait till she is bigger.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00088.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[alien9168]

How many puffers are going to be in this tank? I think its pretty neat. :)

-alien

[Zoos]

cool fish

[alien9168]

Zoos- Theyr awsome arnt they!:)

-alien

[steveboo]

Man, I really like that African Starry Puffer , nice tank keep up the good work.

[Julio]

Is this goign to be a FOWLR tank?

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, I'm not sure on how many Puffers I'm thinking about keeping within the tank. I usually pay a visit to the local Aquarium and see what new and interesting deliveries have arrived. But it seems that I have a fascination with Puffers. I'm hoping to put a Map Puffer in next if I can afford it. But every time I say I'm going to stop and stick with what I have I'm like wow look at that one and it ends up coming home with me. Thank you for the compliment.

[Jasonanatal]

Zoos, thank you very much for the compliment. It is very much appreciated.

[Jasonanatal]

Steveboo, thank you very much for the compliment. That African Starry Puffer is great. He seems to be the big cheese of all the puffers within my tank. The wonderful thing about them is that everyone gets along just fine. No fighting or fin picking. I love it.

[Jasonanatal]

Julio, I'm not sure sure because I love Corals as well and I'm used to pushing the envelope. I'm most likely going to include some Coral eventually down the line. My Puffers are feed pretty well. (Sometimes I think they eat better then me). They usually pretty good not to eat Corals that I have placed in the tank as long as I keep the bellys full. In my last 55 gallon they started to simply ignore my corals even when they appeared hungry.

[Jasonanatal]

I'm curious because I'm fascinated with Puffers and my girlfriend has nicknamed me the Puffer King.... what can I add to my Marine Aquarium to effectively stir the sand and clean the sand bed that will not end up flipped over or even worse EATEN by my puffer. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated and welcomed.

[jjackson]

diamond watchman?

[Zoos]

Zoos- Theyr awsome arnt they!


Oh man they sure are, not something you see everyday since most people have tanks that would not work for puffers, so it's a real sight to see one, like i said cool fish man, keep up the good work.

[Jasonanatal]

Jjackson, will thos Diamond Watchman Gobies be succeptable to being eaten by my Puffers. They look beautiful. Thanks for the the suggestion.

[alien9168]

Cool. Map puffers are neat. :)

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, yeah Map Puffers are neat... now I just need to be able to see one in the local Aquarium that I'm in at the same time.

[alien9168]

lol

That could be difficult. Why not order online?

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, I have actually never purchased a thing online before as far as livestock goes. Could you recommend a good site and I will definitely give it a try.

[alien9168]

Liveaquaria is great!
www.liveaquaria.com
They are a subdivision of smith and foster I believe. They have a good selection of livestock too. :)

Let me check and see if they have the puffer you want.

-alien

[alien9168]

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=39
this is the link to their puffer section.

THe map puffer isnt there, but they have other puffers you might be interested in. :)

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Here is a photograph of two different Puffers getting along. Their green buddies. Who said puffers are mean to each other.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00092.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[alien9168]

http://www.marinedepotlive.com/fish--puffers.html
This is the link to marinedepot live's puffer collection.

Hope this helps :)

-alien

[alien9168]

Nice pic btw. :)

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, thanks for the website I will definitely check it out now.

[alien9168]

Your welcome! :)

I checked it out and they dont have the map puffer that you wanted, but they do have others. Tell me if you found somthing you liked. :)

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Here is a photograph of my Baby Blue Spotted Puffer. She is not even 1/4 inch long. She is in the 10 gallon Eclipse QT tank with my "Parasite Defense Team" my Cleaner Shrimp. I normally don't Purchase Livestock from Petco but she was so cute and cheap I couldn't pass it up.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00093.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00096.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00098.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[Jasonanatal]

Here are some photographs of my Porcupine Puffer, Fax Faced Rabbit Fish and Reticulated Puffer. Every gets along without any issues. I love them.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00101.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00105.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00104.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00099.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

[alien9168]

In the future I really wouldnt buy livestock from petco. Its really good that you quarentiend him. Hopefully you can clear him of any pathogens he may have carried. Please dont introduce him into the MT for a little while.
I remember a buddy of mine bought something from petco and it got 5 of his other fish sick :(

Please dont fall into the same trap.

I dont enjoy beating up petco, I just worry that something bad will happen to my tank or somone elses tank because of sick livestock :(

-alien

[alien9168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7009452#post7009452 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jasonanatal
Here are some photographs of my Porcupine Puffer, Fax Faced Rabbit Fish and Reticulated Puffer. Every gets along without any issues. I love them.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00101.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00105.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00104.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00099.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>

That being said....BEUTIFUL PICS. I really like the porcupine puffer.

Have you ever seen it inflate?

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, they actually have the Map Puffer but its labled Scribbled Puffer for $450.00 I like that and the Spiny Box Puffer. I think I'm going to invest in more live rock so aquascape before I purchase both. My as well get them at the same time. Also the Panda Puffer looks good to $250.00

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, Their is no need to explain the known issues of purchasing fish from Petco. I normally just go in their to see what fish have been sentenced to death that I might be able to save. The Blue spotted puffer was beautiful so I only went in for a bucket and walked out with her and $100 of stuff for a QT tank and food and heater. I despise Petco sometime they have fish worth trying to save. Also they give a good laugh about talking about 1 treatment ich solutions where their tank are full of Ich. Also I find it amusing that they hold Corals for sale without proper lighting.

[alien9168]

Terrable huh. lol
Its good you are trying to save some livestock.

Im gld you found some stuff you wanted on those links though :)
Tell me if you get them . And definatly post pics of the LR and aquascaping when you add to it. :)

-alien

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, I will definitely post pics of the next addition/aquascape to the tank. Keep you all posted and thank you for the links once again.

[Cyclone123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7009644#post7009644 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jasonanatal
A. Also the Panda Puffer looks good to $250.00

nice tank!!!
Yeah that panda puffer is insane! Its cool looking

[njp14333]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7001311#post7001311 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Jasonanatal Here a shot of my companion Quarentine tank. My Eclipse 10 gallon. The water is still a bit cloudy because I just set it up this weekend. I usually can find good prices for Marine fish at Petco yet their fish always seem to be sick and they never do anything about it. So my Quarentine tank comes complete with a Cleaner Shrimp to help ensure the health of any new purchases. I have a Blue Spotted Puffer in their (just a baby about 1/4 of an inch) Can't wait till she is bigger.

you might already know this but just wanted to make sure. you said you have a cleaner shrimp in your QT. don't ever dose copper (or any medication for that matter) in your QT because you will kill the shrimp. they can't tolerate copper. Just wanted to make sure you knew that since you seem to really care for your livestock.

btw sweet tank man. it's always cool to see someone break all the rules and do what everyone tells them won't work.

[Jasonanatal]

Cyclone123, thank you for the compliments. I'm seriously thinking about the Panda Puffer as my next purchase but I'm going to hold off until I purchase about 150lbs more of Live Rock before I get him. I want to make sure that everyone has sufficient room to hide.

[Jasonanatal]

Njp14333, thank you for the compliments and the support. I normally never listened as a kid and I think that it will follow me into adulthood. Even though people prefer the more advanced setups I have been successful with the more simple setups and have taken a liking to it. I personally think that if I would have jumped into sumps and other setups which I personally have not been able to find detailed information on that my tank would not be successful enough to hold all my fish.

As for the Quarentine tank. I would never dose with copper or any treatment. I am usually letting some kind of natural environment rules come into play. I placed the Cleaner their to offer any aid to the little Blue Spotted Puffer. Normally the cleaner would be dinner to the Puffer. However, the Blue spotted puffer is a baby and has offered herself for cleaning every now and then. I would love to catch it on video to post for you all to view.

[Jasonanatal]

Hello all, here is the newest addition to my Marine Aquarium. I was looking for a fish that would stir the sand but would also not become dinner for the puffer in the tank. My favorite local Aquarium had the answer. Here are photographs of my new Stonefish which is one of the most venomous Reef Fish and his dinner Domino Domels. Hope you enjoy.

<center>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00110.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00109.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket">
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00113.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
<img src="http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/Jasonanatal/DSC00111.jpg" alt="Image hosting by Photobucket"><br><br>
</center>
<br><br>
</center>

[alien9168]

Cool fish- be carful :)

-alien

[818]

O dang thats cool?

Would those get big enought to eat your puffers?

[Jasonanatal]

Alien9168, Thanks for the compliments. I will do just that. The skull and cross bones on the tank in the aquarium tipped me off. LOL

[Jasonanatal]

My F1shrd34d, from the information that my local aquarium has given me and from my observations they are not aggressive toward the Puffers and their growth is compareble to Puffers so they should be fine. But like anything else in this hobby you never know.

[XtrmCHoPZ]

I have a stellatus that looks EXACTly like that one. Currently hes living with a golden puffer and a panda puffer. Only problem is at night the panda becomes territorial and sometimes goes after the big golden.

I would be cautious about adding a map to your tank. The stellatus and the reticulated already look very similar, and so does a map. Just in my experience puffers typically get along ok if they look different.

MY puffers:
Panda
Golden guinea
Half golden guinea
Narrowlined
Stellatus
Dogface
Striped burrfish

[XtrmCHoPZ]

I think a solid black dogface would be nice in there if you absolutely need another puffer.

[Jasonanatal]

Xtrmchopz, I think I might go with the Black Dog Faced Puffer but I'm going to hold off on purchasing anything for a few. Want to see how these guys do for a couple of months. Thank you for the advice.

[alien9168]

Just curious....why dont you have a backround. Next time you go to the lfs, get a blu or black backround to stick on the back of your atank. It will make the whole thing look 1 million times beter. :)
Just a suggestion ;)

-alien

[fishes2889]

wow i need a FTS and i need to give a big compliment...THAT IS AN AWESOME TANK!!!!!

[Jasonanatal]

Fishes2889, thank you very much for the compliments.