SALTMAN123's 12 Gallon Aquapod-First Tank-PIC INTENSE!

[saltman123]

This is my first Salt water tank. I've done fresh and some hard core exotic fish so I am no newbie to keeping a tank. :)

So after reading the forums and a ton of books on salt water, the fall has finally arrived. I told myself to wait for the summer to end so I would have more time to invest into the hobby.

FISH TANK
I considered just about everything from my own 5 gallon nano set up, to the Nano Cube, to the Aquapod and I went with the 12 gallon Aquapod. I also read that a must do mod was upgrade the pump to a Maxi Jet 900. So I have the Maxi Jet in the tank now. So far it seems to be a really nice setup.

STAND
So with the tank chosen, it was time to build a stand. My brother had the tools and helped me build a really nice oak stand. We trimmed it all up and it came out really nice. All I have to do is put on the knobs and it will be complete. Check it out below and tell me what you think.

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/stand1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/stand2.jpg

LIVE ROCK/LIVE SAND/ESTABLISHED STUFF
A friend was taking down his tank of 2+ years so he hooked me up with some live sand, some nice live rock, a few critters, and a few polyps on a little piece of coral. I had these things in a little holding tank for almost 6 weeks until I was ready to fire up the AP. So I got a little taste of taking care of the tank with water changes, checking parameters, temperature issues, etc. So I sort of skipped a lot of the live rock curing/cycling.

SETTING UP TANK
I'm a complete newbie to aquascaping and just about everything else related to salt so I just did my best. My bro is also setting up the exact same tank, built a stand almost identical, and has the same plans I do. It's kinda cool so I have someone who is also going through it.

Check out a few pics while I aquascaped and filled it with water
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/aquascaping1.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/aquascaping2.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/water-in2.jpg

Filtration
Taking everyones recommendations, I ditched the ceramic rings that came with the stock tank. Instead I have the sponge in my first chamber, a bag of Chemi-Pure in chamber 2, and the heater and upgraded Maxi Jet pump in chamber 4. My plans are to get some live rock rubble for the second chamber and some other suggestions I've read. I am not going to do a Fuge back there yet, but may consider it in the far future. For now i'll stick to figuring out which setup works best without the fuge mod.

DAY 1
Here are some pics of the tank the next day after the sand storm calmed down.
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/onstand.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/left-side.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/frontshot.jpg

Water Parameters-Day 1
80.1 Degrees
1.022 Salinity
29ppt

PH=8.2-8.4
ALK=1.7 to 2.8
Ammonia=0.25
Nitrite=0.05
Nitrate=.25 to .50

I'm continuing water changes and don't plan on adding much more than a few critters and polyps before the tank really establishes itself. From the move from the holding tank to the AP I figure I am experiencing a mini cycle and things will eventually balance themselves out. I have also watched the temperature climb as high as the mid 83's but I already know that heat is an issue with the all in one enclosed tanks. I have future plans to upgrade the fan and add another one.

UPDATE
It has now been just about 1 full week and the tank is still doing good. The water parameters have danced around a little bit and I am gearing up to do a water change. It seems like my rocks have grown a lot more green algae in the last few days too.

I will post pictures of the last week as the tank and the days passed. I don't want to make my first diary post a mile long so i'll plan to post more pics soon.

I also wanted to thank a few members on the board for feeding me full of knowledge. Especially the other Aquapod owners and everyone else who has helped me learn something.

I hope you all enjoy my AP 12 Diary and my adventure into my first salt water tank.

Saltman123

WHAT DO YOU THINK???:)

[gobind]

VERY NICE.

[camarojweed]

Frank,

Looks great. Nice work on the stand. I have some mushrooms or Green Star Polps to help populate it once you are ready. Let me know when you want me to bring them to a meeting. Once again, really nice job...

Jason

[ShiftNation]

looks good man , but dont do a water change until the tank has fully cycled .

[frantzml1982]

looks good so far

[amiricle]

very nice stand

[BFisher244]

looking good! that stand looks professionally made. good job.

can't wait to see the pod once it's done cycling.

[Herpn]

Looks Good. That stand came out Awesome!

[HAMsmith]

Looks great! Keep the updates coming!

[chocolateblnt]

awesome ... first time I seen someone use those gloves :lol: I think they should redesign them so the finger tips have algae scraping pads on them :)

[Mr Sh0tgun]

The aquascaping could use some work, but as you get more aquanted to the hobby I'm sure you'll move it around 100 times before you find a look you like. My first aquascape job was a pile of LR in the middle of the tank lol. Keep us updated and don't hesitate to ask questions. :D

[saltman123]

Thanks for all of the feedback!!!!

My brother is a carpenter so I cheated on the stand:) He is more of a contractor but has a few tricks up his sleeve. It is really nice all trimmed out.

Thanks (camarojweed) for the offer on some Green Star polyp and mushrooms. I'll be sure to take you up on that once my tank is right and a meeting is near :)


UPDATE10-3-06
My levels are still all wacky so I think my tank is still cycling from what people have told me. My parameters today were:

Salinity-1.023 (planning on bringing it up after the cycle)
Salinity PPM -30
Ammonia-about a .15
Nitrite-close to 0.10
PH-about 8.3
Alklinity-2.2
Nitrate-50+ high

Seems like my Ammonia is slowly creeping down while my Nitrite is still on the rise. I am dying to change out some water but everyone says its cycling and to ride it out. Keep in mind that my rock was already cured from a 2+ year old established tank so if you are commenting on the parameter situation, keep this in mind.

I am quickly learning that pictures are very boring without cool stuff going on. My tank doesn't have much, but here are a few new pics for the pic-a-holics.

Here are some random updated pics from the last week or so

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/frontshot-day3.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/frontshot-algae-day5-6.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/crabs.jpg

[Mr Sh0tgun]

haha, nice crabs.

I had the same parameter situation you are having. I added cured LR to my 24 and the ammonia never got very high, but my nitrates got up around 75-100. Atfter about 4 weeks it got down to around 10 and I added my first fish. The tank has been running 8 weeks now and my nitrates are finally <5. Give it time and they'll come down.

p.s.-Even though I added a fish when my nitrates were around 10 I'd reccomend waiting until they 0 out before adding anything.

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8272350#post8272350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Mr Sh0tgun
haha, nice crabs.

I had the same parameter situation you are having. I added cured LR to my 24 and the ammonia never got very high, but my nitrates got up around 75-100. Atfter about 4 weeks it got down to around 10 and I added my first fish. The tank has been running 8 weeks now and my nitrates are finally <5. Give it time and they'll come down.



Did you do any water changes in the 4 week period? If so, how much?

[Mr Sh0tgun]

At 4 weeks I did a 4 gallon water change.

[freezb]

nice tank, im waiting for mine, im from montreal quebec, an i order one. how do you set up de maxi 900 with the doubble pipe in your tank?? do you have some pictures?

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8282826#post8282826 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by freezb
nice tank, im waiting for mine, im from montreal quebec, an i order one. how do you set up de maxi 900 with the doubble pipe in your tank?? do you have some pictures?


The Aquapod so far as definitely been a cool tank (for the short time I've had it so far).

The tank comes stock with the double tubes. So all you need to do is reach into the 4th chamber and pull out the stock pump. You then take the small piece of tube that goes from the stock pump to the hole in the wall and hook it onto the maxi jet. It is literally plug and play.

Many people suggest getting a Hydor-Flo instead of the tubes. Others suggest removing some of the plastic length in the 2 tubes. I think I am going to try this.

[freezb]

it comes with? with the 12 gallons aquapod i will have the doubble exit for water? , wath do you think of a spray bar at the bottom of the tank at the back of the live rock ? for not having dead zone in the tank. (excuse my english , im from quebec)

[saltman123]

Yes, my stock aquapod came with that double tube. I've heard that the earlier models did not have a double tube but the most current do. So you will more than likely get the double tube.

I am also a complete newbie so I am not sure about the water in the back of the rocks. I have mine set where the water seems to reach all areas.

[freezb]

cool, i think the better way to make a good water flow is with a spray bar at the back bottom of the main tank with one nozzle for the front windows, when i will make it i will post some pics.

[AVALover5498]

Nice start!
:)

[saltman123]

Update 10-8-06
Its been a few weeks now and I am still waiting for the levels to balance out. The Ammonia is getting lower with time so I think things are on the right track. Nothing really exciting to update on so I figured I would show off some of the wacky things I've found in my tank. Help identifying them from the boards of course.

Chiton- 1 little guy that moves really slow
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/mystery1.jpg

Vermatid Snail- 2+ in the tank found
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/mystery4.jpg
and its wacky web:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/mystery3.jpg

[phisquare]

Nice tank and cool stand, I like it a lot. I'll be starting up my first tank ever here in a few weeks myself after I finish some reading and research (and acquire all the necessary funds :rolleyes: ). Keep the pics and updates coming.

phi

[saltman123]

Update 2-18-07 - Last 3 months of details

Ok,
So I am finally finding a little time to write an update on my tank. I am just realizing the last time I truly updated was WAY TOO LONG AGO!! I've taken a ton of pics since then so be ready for some pics.

My tank has really been a great little adventure. Nothing major has gone wrong, other than the typical algae blooms and stuff.

Since its been so long, I am going to go ahead and post some of the pics through these stages with hopes that someone can see the progress and learn something from them.

11-2006
Here are some random pics of my tank at this time. Be sure to take a look at the batch of reverse gorilla nipples and the pulsing xenia in this pic to see how much they've grown. WOW is all I can say as they literally tripled, if not more. Check them out in the earlier days here:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/11-2007-pic2.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/11-2007-pic1.jpg

11-2006 and early 12-2006 - Green and Red Algae
Sometime after my tank was running for nearly 2 months, I had some green hair algae issues. Mostly on the back wall, and on the loc-line tubes. I would sometimes suck this out, but overall it ended up clearing itself after a few weeks. First was the green, and then the red lingered and eventually cleared up. NO, I did not use any chemicals in this process other than time, manually sucking it out at random, and water changes.

Check it out:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/alage1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/algae2-1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/algaered1.jpg


Notice the bulbs undernear the red algae on the rock in the center:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/algaered2.jpg



Algae Disappeared in mid december I think?
Most of the algae disappeared other than some minor red algae that sometimes lingers on the back wall. The camera makes it look much brighter than it really is. I do however still battle a small bit of red algae on the back wall.



1-2007 - New Additions
So into the new year, the tank was looking much better with most of the algae blooms passed, and all that stuff. So, it was now time to acquire a few more things. I ended up getting some more zoos, a really cool cleaner shrimp, a frogspawn,and some other random stuff I can't remember. Here are some pics of it all.

I was still learning how to use the camera so bear with me, but enjoy the additions. Some pics of it all:

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/tank1-2007-2-1.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/1-2007-pics1-1.jpg


1-2007 - New Camera

I also got a really nice new camera for christmas. It is water proof and will eventually be taking actual pictures in my tank, and video so stay tuned for that :)

So in my next post, be ready for some nicer pics:) I've hit the picture limit on this post so there will be more to follow.

Be sure to give all your feedback!

[StunnaShadez]

i like how your tank is coming along so far. ill be getting one in less than a week but instead of the stock hood, ill be getting the 70W MH instead. howd you fight the algae problem?

[saltman123]

Definitely wish I got the 70W MH. If I could do it all over I would definitely have sprung for it.

I just kept up with my water changes and sucked it out manually whenever I had the chance. I still battle it a little here or there so I am trying to run some new combinations in my chambers. I was running nearly nothing but filter floss and live rock for a while. I've reintroduced chemi-pure, and may even try a little phosban.

[Eliz]

Hi saltman your tank is looking good. I have had my 12 AP (which I love) running for about 9 weeks. I have not got up the nerve to post pics yet :) I have filter floss in chamber #1, Chemi pure in # 2 maxijet 900 #4. (Trying to decided what to do with #3)

I missed it in your post but are you running the 27 watts bulbs or 32 watts? My 12 AP came with 27 watts but was thinking about going with the nanocustoms 32 watt upgrade for $69.95! I only plan on keeping it simple with shrooms, softies, polyps.

Good luck with everything and keep the update coming!!!!

[saltman123]

Hey Eliz,
I have discussed my filter combination in many posts, but forgot it in this one.

I currently run:
Chamber 1 - Filter Floss
Chamber 2 - Live Rock Rubble (In a mesh filter bag)
Chamber 3 - Nothing/Chemi-Pure and am considering Carbon/Phosban/Polyfilters
Chamber 4 - Maxi Jet 900 upgraded pump.

I still have the stock 27 watt lighting. I've considered the 32 watts, but for such a small jump I would rather wait off and consider a Metal Halide custom built hood/canopy, or a retrofit to get it into the current hood. A guy on the boards here has done it successfully.

SHOW YOUR PICS!!! 9 weeks, i'm sure your tank will be showing more and more signs of life all the way through. Nice or not, show them! People understand that nice displays take time to create, so you will get positive comments, and helpful suggestions.

[StunnaShadez]

i just got my aquapod12. imo, you should upgrade to the MH, but thats just me. i even started loving the moonlights more than the halide itself hehe

[StunnaShadez]

i just got my aquapod12. imo, you should upgrade to the MH, but thats just me. i even started loving the moonlights more than the halide itself hehe. i wanna c more recent pictures!!

[StunnaShadez]

oopz sorry for the double post with one that i tried editing after pressing submit

[saltman123]

I DEFINITELY love the Moon lights:) Everything glows so bright, especially my zoos, and frogspawn.

[saltman123]

Update 4-7-07 - Last 2+ months of details
Ok,
So it seems like I update my tank thread every 2 to 3 months at this rate. In the last 2 months or so, my tank has grown a ton, and is looking better than ever!

I am posting multiple messages today to catch you all up, so be sure to read them down:)


I have had many additions in this timeframe so I will showcase all of that in this message update.

The reason why I got motivated to do this is because I am going to be adding in about 10 different zoo frags next week. I bought around the boards, and a few other places and have some real nice zoo polyps coming soon.

And, I am GETTING MY FIRST FISH TOMORROW!!!
So before my tank goes from a 'REEF ONLY' Tank, to a Reef and Fish tank I decided it was a good time to update you guys.

I am a big picture guy and I know everyone enjoys pics...so...Enjoy!

1-2007
I placed a few orders for different Zoos, a few Ricordea's, porcelain crab, and a few other things. Here are some pics of the items in the acclimation stage, and in the tank, enjoy.

Cleaner Shrimp that I got early in the month
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P2230568_P2230568.jpg

Arrival of different items:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1290189.jpg


Ricordea's
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1310233.jpg

Porcelain Crab
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1310254.jpg

Random pics from January
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1200071.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1200069.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P1200036.jpg


2-2007
Some pics of the new stuff in my tank after the QT period.

My tank straight on:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P2230543_P2230543.jpg

I am hitting the ReefCentral Picture Limit so I will post a few more messages.

Next Message coming up!:)

[saltman123]

Continued from last message.....

Ricordea
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2180382.jpg

Fire and Ice Zoo's and Purple/Green Zoo's
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2180422.jpg

Check out these Reverse Gorilla Nipples and how they have grown!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2250659.jpg

Blue Zoo's - My Favorite - The Picture doesn't do them justice. They glow wild!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/bluezoo1.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P2230550_P2230550.jpg

Porcelain Crab with his fans out
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2180402.jpg

Burgundy/Yellow Zoos
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2250685.jpg

My Pulsing Xenia had a baby:)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P2180417.jpg

[saltman123]

Continued from last message.....

3-2007
Here are some more complete pictures of my tank after everything has settled in for the past few weeks.

All Sides:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250692_P3250692.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250687_P3250687.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250688_P3250688.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250690_P3250690.jpg

Porcelain near the Frogspawn - His new territory
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250667_P3250667.jpg

More Blue Zoo Pics - My Favorites:)
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250673_P3250673.jpg

Check out how this Xenia and Kenya Tree have grown!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3250679_P3250679.jpg

Random Starfish Hitchhiker - I've seen a few in the tank
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P3200743_P3200743.jpg

[saltman123]

Continued from last message.....

4-2007
I haven't taken a ton of pictures for April so I will just share 2 pics of my Frogspawn starting to grow 5 new baby heads. This is definitely something exciting and it is new to me, so I figured I would share it to show other newbie's.

Frogspawn with 5+ baby heads at the bottom
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4100674_P4100674.jpg

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4100672_P4100672.jpg


I also made a trade for a Snake Polyp. This thing is definitely wacky and glows an awesome fluorescent green. I will share a pic of it in my tank (2 days so far), and the guy who traded it with me's pic.

My Tank
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4100712_P4100712.jpg

His Tank
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/snakepolyp.jpg

I am expecting this to get used to my tank and hopefully start opening in another few days



Tomorrow I am getting my very first fish!
A Nemo - Small Occelaris Clown Fish. So as I am graduating from a 'Reef Only' Tank, to a tank with fish as well. I am sure I will have plenty more to do, but it will be a good start.


If you just read this last post, I encourage you to read the last 4 messages since I posted them all at once, and all the pics are fresh and new.

Next week I have 10+ different types of polyps coming. Addiction is slowly but steadily setting in:) I am hooked. I want more zoos!:)


Let me know what you all think!!

[SugarFox03]

Looks great!! I think that star is a bad guy...but I'm sure others will comment on that one. That snake polyp is wild, I've never seen or heard of that before!!

[quy_nquyen]

frank the blue zoo and crab are really neat!

[BFisher244]

the tank is looking good. the asterina starfish is is a good hitchiker.

the addiction is increasing. looks like it's taking more and more to get yor fix.

[KUDA]

Nice!!!!

[saltman123]

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for the feedback! Glad you all like the tank and goodies inside.

The Blue Zoos are definitely my favorite so far...but I have a ton coming in the mail so we will see if another becomes my new favorite. These rock either way:)

I got my Clown Fish!!!
It was sold as a True Percula but near a tank full of Occelaris so I am not sure. I will post some pics soon.

Keep the comments coming!:)

[Jadams]

great start...looks good!

[saltman123]

Hi Everyone,

I got my first fish!!!

Last Saturday I went down to the local fish store and picked up my very first salt water fish. I've been waiting so long to finally get a tank, and then even further to learn enough to maintain a reef tank and add a fish.

It came right into the tank with a huge appetite. It is eating frozen mysis and pellets all day long. Check out some Pictures:

It was sold to me as a Tank Raised True Percula Clown Fish. Can anyone tell me if this is a True Percula? It was right next to a tank full of Occelaris Clowns and I always thought this style was an Occelaris.

Do True Percula's have more black?
Can someone confirm the type of Clown this is?
Either way I don't care which type this fish is, I am just happy to have a healthy clown.



Acclimating
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4120703_P4120703.jpg


Some Close Ups
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4140781_P4140781.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4140798_P4140798.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4140801_P4140801.jpg


Happy in his new home
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/100OLYMP-P4130741_P4130741.jpg

[StunnaShadez]

looks like the bug bit another one ;]

[StunnaShadez]

did the snake polyp open up?

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9713644#post9713644 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by m1enbo1
did the snake polyp open up?

Nope...
It moves around a lot though. Every time I look at it, it is either straight up, pointing down to the left, right, etc.

Hopefully it opens soon.

[reefman13]

Looks like an Occelaris. The Percs have more black in them and slightly more jagged fins. But because of it being tank bred it could vary from the real thing.

[reefman13]

Oh, forgot................NICE TANK!!!

[saltman123]

New Zoanthids

I have been going zoo crazy and ordered up a bunch of different new zoanthids. I also traded someone some blues for Armageddon's. These Armageddon's are SWEET!!! I also purchased some zoo's from a few members on this board.

Some zoo's arrived 2 different days this week, and even more arrive late next week.

PICTURES TO COME once everything is settled in!

[saltman123]

Tank Update - New Zoo's

It's been a few weeks since I last updated, and I posted a message a few days back that got people posting and motivated me to write this update.

I ordered up a bunch of zoanthids from various sources a few weeks back. I haven't had much free time so most of them are still hanging in a soap dish on the side of the tank. Today I managed to drop a few onto the ground, but I still have plenty of gluing to do and positioning.

I have a few things to post about so here goes:

CLOWN FISH Update
My clown has been very happy and healthy. I've been feeding it lots of pellets, and frozen mysis shrimp. I can't help but to stop by the tank every few hours and drop a few pellets in.

This is a very odd clown. It seems to have chosen the top front of the tank as its territory. It usually doesn't swim around much, and just stays between the top 3 inches of water in the front. At first I thought it was hurt, and then realized it could swim deep if it wanted too. Guess it just chooses to hang at the top. Here is a top pic for fun:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300386.jpg

Another weird thing it does is sleep on its side. Maybe this is common? Or my clown is a little "special". Either way it is welcome in my tank. It has an appetite of a gorilla, and I love to feed it within reason. The pic is blurry since I had to stand way on the other side of the room and zoom in or else it stands straight up when you get close. Check it out sleeping on its side:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4180032.jpg


Zoanthids
I bought a whole bunch of random zoanthids. Some on the boards, some on eBay, and traded a few.

I have a new FAVORITE PALY - Armageddon's!!!
These things look like a fluorescent high ligher they glow so bright!
Get ready for a bunch of pics
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P5110011.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4270341.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4200250.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4200234.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P5110012.jpg

[saltman123]

continued from last message...

Other Zoa's
Here are a bunch of pics of my new collection still in the soap dish. There are at least 20 different zoa types waiting to get placed:) er1c_the_reefer put together an awesome frag pack so some below are his collection!
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300451.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300443.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300435.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300374.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4290355.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4230318.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4220292.jpg

[saltman123]

continued from last 2 messages - Read back to the bottom of page 2...

http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4220291.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4220289.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4220284.jpg

NEW ADDITIONS
I got a few other things as well including a Blood Fire Shrimp, and a new purpleish blue mushroom. Check them out:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P5070245.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P5070248.jpg
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P5070256.jpg
New Mushroom
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/P4300427.jpg



That is all for now. Once I glue everything in place I will plan to take more pics.

GIVE ME YOUR FEEDBACK!!!!! :)

[Butchdawg14]

thats cool where did you get your blood shrimp???

[saltman123]

Scored it at a local place. As cool as it looks, I hardly see it much. It hides a lot like my porcelain crab, but pokes his head out when the frozen mysis hits the water.

A cleaner shrimp has a ton more personality. I am going to buy another cleaner in the next few weeks I think.

[BFisher244]

your tank is getting full. perhaps an upgrade in the near future? ;-)

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9897351#post9897351 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BFisher244
your tank is getting full. perhaps an upgrade in the near future? ;-)

The upgrade bug is always trying to get me....but I am fighting it. Eventually I will consider the upgrade, maybe after summer?

[reefman13]

Again, nice tank, good job on it.

You have a clown with one heck of a personallity. Just make sure you are keeping the tank topped off correctly as to high of a salinity level will make fish "sleep on their side" and "stay at the top" but either way he looks happy and I am sure you are happy with him and your tank;)

If you do upgrade........you will be taking more pics:D And you could get your current O.Clownfish a mate!!!!

[saltman123]

Thanks for the comments.

Yes, this clown is definitely a character. At first I felt sort of ripped off since he was such a wacky clown compared to others that swim throughout the tank. Then it grew on me quickly and I love to feed this guy. It eats pellets, mysis, and just about anything else I throw in. As long as it keeps its appetite, it is cool with me :)
To comment on your salinity feedback, I usually keep my salinity around 1.025 to 1.026 these days so my guess is he is just a wacky fish.

If I decide to upgrade, I will be sure to bring my camera along and start another diary. Since it is almost summer time I will be holding out and considering an upgrade in the fall or later.

[reefman13]

Good stuff. Just one wacky fish..........always fun when you run into a fish like that.

[Apachie]

I love your coral

when we gonna get more pics???

[Mykel Obvious]

Very nice looking tank... I'm thinking about starting an AP12 after I get my 65 gallon up and running

give us an update with some more pics!!

[Moonstream]

its actually very common for non-hosting clowns to sleep on their side at the top of the tank. A very pretty and cute clown I should add lol. oh and by the way NICE TANK!

[saltman123]

Update 9-9-07

Thanks for the compliments and bringing my thread back alive:)

The clown still likes to hang out at the top, and will sometimes sleep on its side. It also likes to hover in one spot swimming upward in the back corner. This is definitely the wackiest clown I have ever seen, but it seems happy so I am happy. It was just a baby when I got it and it is growing its last white stripe towards the back of its tail. At first I thought it might have had some ick or something because it started as one teeny white spot, but I soon realized it was a new clown line. This clown rocks! :)

My tank has gone through some extremes over this past summer. I had to leave the top feed door open since it was running a little hot and it caused hard core ups and downs in my salinity levels. Lots of the tank still looks great, but I lost a few zoo's and stuff.

No worries, the Fall is coming quickly so I will be getting back to my tank since there won't be as much to do outside. It is rehab time, and time to start spending money, trade and buy some new stuff.

I have a 70W SUNPOD Metal Halide setup ready to go on! I've had it in the box for a few months now but decided I would wait till fall to install it. I will be getting it going soon.

My tank turns 1 year old at the end of September too:)

[Herpn]

Any new pics?

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10731350#post10731350 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Herpn
Any new pics?

My car got stolen and my awesome camera went along with it! So I haven't come around to getting another camera so no recent pics of the tank.

I lost a few zoanthids, and my pulsing Xenia since I wasn't paying close attention to the tank with it being summer and all. It is still full of coraline and seems healthy overall. My clown is also really happy. I put in an order with the CTARS group buy for some extra inverts and another cleaner shrimp as well.

This winter should bring some great new stuff, especially since the 70MH is going on soon.

[SaltyBoG Water]

i love all your zoo collection!!! Your tank is SWEET ... I like your design of your tank too. how did you plan it out? ever have any nudibranches eating your zoo's? Sorry to hear about your car what kind was it? "CRACKHEADS" prolly sold your car for some rocks! not live rocks

[saltman123]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11179015#post11179015 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SaltyBoG Water
i love all your zoo collection!!! Your tank is SWEET ...

Thanks for the compliments!:) Nope, never had nudibranchs in the tank, maybe I was lucky? I am a hard core Lugol's, Flawworm Exit, and fresh water dipper so I am sure that all helps keep the chances lower. And you are right, the car was stolen by some idiot but was found. It is an older ride so I didn't mind, but they stole my awesome camera so that sucked. I just got a new point and shoot camera a few days back so I will be back to snapping the best macro's I can on an average Canon.

About how I planned out the tank, there was no planning really. I was given live rock by a friend who was taking down a 72 gallon bow so all of the pieces were on the larger side. I just put them in, stacked them however they fit, and went to work. I like having the zoo's separate from each other so I try to utilize the different areas of the rocks, and the sand bed so I can maintain them like this. There are always things I wish I could change with the setup, but then other days I love the layout. I would recommend trying to set up your tanks so you have a lot of horizontal area so you can set the different corals and stuff out in areas, rather than glue them to verticals or clutter them.

I hate to say it, but my tank took quite a hit over the past few months. With summer bringing lots of business and extra travel, I wasn't maintaining my tank like I usually do, and I paid the price.

I lost the Xenia, and the majority of my zoo's. One of the zoo frags brought this stringy green algae into the tank and it eventually spread onto all of the zoo's on the ground floor, where the majority of them were. I attempted to scrape it off and clip it a few times but it was an endless battle in the end. I ended up deciding to just toss them, even though it hurt thinking about how beautiful some used to be, and how much cash was going down the drain. Yes, very sad indeed.

The tank is still doing great through. I have the algae under control, my frog spawn has grown a ton, and my fish is happier than ever. He eats like a champ, and has grown its last white stripe towards the back of its body. The fish probably doubled or tripled in size.
I also have a hammer coral, a few ricordea, and some shrooms.

What's Next?
TONS of plans. I am going to be buying some more stuff soon and am starting to scout out some cool stuff. I want to get a few Acan's this year, and will probably stock back up on tons of zoanthids and ricordea.

I also have a 70W Sunpod Metal Halide waiting in the box to be put on. So this is also something I may eventually get into so I can try to keep some other stuff. I always wanted a small Crocea clam, but who knows since 12 gallons is very limiting.

I hope to make my tank better than it was, so everyone keep your eyes on my thread as the winter months roll in!

[InsaneClownFish]

Sorry to hear about your car and camera..sheesh!

Your zoas look nice!

[greenlm]

sweet zoas

[saltman123]

Thanks for the compliments everyone! :)

As I mentioned I lost the majority of those sweet zoanthids, but there is no need to fear since I have more on order :)

Plenty of new stuff and pics to come soon now that I have a new camera :)

[reefman13]

Remember......pics make all the difference!:D

[raysxb]

looks really god man! great job!

[saltman123]

Its been a LONG while since I updated this thread. The tank is still running after all these years. Unfortunately I've lost most of the stuff (Zoanthinds, Most Soft Corals, Etc) in it as life got in the way, and water changes became less frequent. I knew things were heading down hill so I gave a few things away a while back. The clown fish still runs the tank, and I have a few things still alive since way back.

Its amazing to see what new hitchers still show up after all these years. I've been seeing a few cool soft type bubble coral hitchhikers around. Its also crazy to see snails that have been alive all this time. The nassarius snails maybe show their face every few months. Kenya tree and mushrooms are definitely bullet proof.

I have a new order of clean up crew, a Ricordia, and some zoa's on the way late this week. Pictures will eventually come.

I'm considering building a pico one of these days.

[BFisher244]

Blast from the past!!!!

Let's see some pics!

[saltman123]

UPDATE 4-2014
So the tank is still running since around 10/01/2006, wow, has that much time passed?

My post above (2 posts back) from a year ago still applies today. Another baby came and I did the minimum to keep the clown fish alive, and the tank functioning.

Since then, even the Kenya tree and mushrooms died off, so you can imagine if Kenya tree can't make it my water change schedule was pretty scary.

TIME TO BRING IT BACK TO HEALTHY!
I posted a thread specifically on the clean up and plan to get things healthy again if anyone wants to check it out.
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2399885

This is what it looked like after I spent a few hours cleaning it all up:
http://i104.photobucket.com/albums/m196/saltman123/Fish%20Tank/Clean%20Up%20Phase/IMG_4704.jpg

So where do I go from here?
-Ordering some more snails and a few crabs to help in the clean up. There are still maybe 2 hermits, and 2 turbo snails alive. I haven't seen the Nassarius snail in a solid 8+ months so I'm guessing he is gone.
-Putting in a new pump, either a Hydor Koralia Nano, or the Jebao WP-10 wavemaker. If the WP-10 isn't overkill, that is what i'm going to use.


Other things I'm considering:
-LED Lighting. Either a retrofit kit right into the hood, or, go topless with hopes of one day removing the trim around the top for that clean glass edge look
-My 2nd chamber is live rock rubble. Seems like this was the "popular thing to do" many years back, but now I see people think its just a detritus trap. I'm going to research and see if its worth putting a refugium in the rear chamber and if that's ideal without too much headache or maintenance.

and oh yeah, I bought everything to set up a 4 gallon pico, led included, but life again got in the way so that is on the back burner but I have everything for it ready to go except the live rock. Once this tank is healthy, that is next up if I can find the time.

Follow along as I bring this tank back to life and stock it once again.

[saltman123]

Update
Tank is coming along nicely. Slowly but steadily looking a little better with each day that passes.

I added a new Chemi-Pure Elite to the tank, rinsed out all the live rock rubble and put it back in, and change the filter floss every few days. I'm doing weekly water changes and will probably stick to that, or shorten the time in-between for a few in a row if I can find the time.

Sandbed
I still need to suck up some detritus off the sand in some areas where I missed last time. I'm considering cleaning the sand with a gravel siphone cleaner, but I don't like the idea of killing off all the worms and live that are in there now. The Nassarius snails are definitely stirring things up so at least they are doing some work down below. Over at Nano-Reef most people suggest siphoning and cleaning the sand with a gravel cleaner or turkey baster. I've done it a little bit but am still hesitant.

Clean Up Crew
I added an order from ReefCleaners and have a ton of snails all in the tank. Seems like they are doing a good job in certain areas, and not touching others. Guess i'll just have to give it time and keep up on the water changes and then assess form there. A tiny hermit came along with the order so he is in there buzzing around as well.

How are things looking?
MUCH BETTER ALREADY! Right now the rocks are looking better and better, but the back wall is starting to grow some green hair algae again. I expect to be dealing with some algae for quite a while.

LED Lighting
I've been researching high and low, and am trying to decide what I want to do. Keep the hood and retro fit? Remove the hood and use the glass cover I have instead with a pendant of some sort? I was all for Retro fitting the hood, but i'm starting to lean back towards going topless and using a pendant light of some sort, or an LED fixture that I can then later use elsewhere and not be married to this tank/hood. Decisions decisions....too many!


Overall things are moving in the right direction.

[Charley Diesing]

Looks awesome! You're well on you way to have a successful tank again!

[saltman123]

Update
Goodbye Aquapod 6-22-15

After 8 years and 8 months (3000+ days to really put it into perspective), I have sold this tank to another forum member. This was my very first salt water tank, and will definitely NOT be my last. Life has gotten hectic the last few years so I haven't been able to keep up with the tank the way it deserved to be kept. Looking back at this diary I can remember the very first days, and being so clueless to the hobby and what needed to be done to keep a healthy tank. This tank had forced me to learn so much, and made some great friends in the hobby along the way. Thanks to everyone who's ever commented or helped answer a question.

Good luck to MIKE with the next chapter of this great 12 gallon Aquapod.

Would I have a nano tank again?
A word to anyone considering starting up a Nano tank. Nano's are not too hard, some will say there is so little water volume that things turn nasty quickly. I stayed true to a solid water change schedule, didn't overcrowd it, and kept it balanced and it never had a major crash. On the downside, I was always wanting more space for corals and fish, so that's the only true downside I see. My next tank might be a 3 gallon so there is definitely something special about keeping a small tank.

What's next?
No immediate plans to start a tank right away, but I already have everything purchased for a 3 gallon pico. Nice glass tank, LED Lighting, mini pump and heater, sand, really nice dry rock, salt, etc, etc. Pretty much just needs water and inhabitants. When I get that started I will be sure to start a new diary.

Thanks to everyone who has followed along in the early days!

[BFisher244]

congrats on surviving 8 years!

[saltman123]

congrats on surviving 8 years!

Thanks Bro!

[jaylensdad06]

nice job brother