Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread - Page 21

melev · 12/17/2007, 12:38 AM

Very nice plane! I can't believe it is that old, it looks like it is in excellent shape. How do you measure age: flying hours or mileage traveled?

Alaska_Phil · 12/17/2007, 01:45 AM

Thanks. It's in really good shape now, I'm hoping to fly it down to the lower 48 in 2009.

Aircraft age is measured in hours not miles. I don't have my logs handy, but my recollection is that mine has about 3500 hours on it. Very low for it's age. But time takes it toll as well, I've replaced a lot of 40 year old plastic parts.

And it's not old, it's CLASSIC!

Phil

melev · 12/17/2007, 01:58 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alaska_Phil
And it's not old, it's CLASSIC!

Phil

You just tell it that when it starts shaking itself to pieces while you attempt to maintain airspeed and altitude, buddy.

Alaska_Phil · 12/17/2007, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
You just tell it that when it starts shaking itself to pieces while you attempt to maintain airspeed and altitude, buddy.

That's why I'm building a new one.

http://bearhawkpatrol.tripod.com/id1.html

Oh, and the receptionist just handed me a TDS meter.

Phil

jnarowe · 12/17/2007, 04:27 PM

wow, it can lift its own weight.

melev · 12/17/2007, 04:42 PM

Phil, that's great. We had a guy that used to be in our area that built planes himself, and leased space to others wanting to do the same. I was really interested in building my own after I found out it wasn't that expensive.

Alaska_Phil · 12/17/2007, 04:47 PM

Well, I've got some space I could lease you Marc. I'm sure we could work something out. Maybe you could pay me with reef keeping advice.

So far the plane is on step 1: Finish other projects first!

And, Tap water at work has 201ppm TDS and my jug of DI from home is 000ppm

Can't wait to get home and see how bad my tap water there is!

Phil

melev · 12/17/2007, 10:47 PM

After I was done feeding the aiptasia in my tank this evening, I sat back and enjoyed the tank for a bit before the pumps had to be turned back on. The fish were swimming around wondering if I might drop in some food for them.

The Toadstool Leather is easily 16" wide now.

The Purple Tang is what I would consider medium to large, pretty much a mature fish. It should give you a reference for size. Plus the overflow behind the leather is 12" wide.

This little Birdsnest 'colony' is from a bunch of broken frags I brought back from Austin (Thanks greenmako!) in September. I glued them onto one rock, and they are doing well.

This Sarmentosa came from Austin (Thanks Gabriel!) as well. Note: The tiny bit of Purple Milli is still alive.

melev · 12/17/2007, 10:48 PM

My Lawnmower Blenny has been perching on the Maxima's mantle. Pardon the particulates: it's Aiptasia Control blowing around after the pumps were restarted. Think of it as snow, as my reef gets into the spirit of the holidays.

I had a beautiful frag that died some time back, and it left a puddle of SPS DNA. I almost recognize it at this point, but I don't recall its name yet. If you think you know, be sure to post it.

My other Birdsnest frag. It was a boring twig forever, but now that nitrates are down it is growing out.

The Hammer colony is about as big around as a softball now.

These are Fungia Plate babies. The grow in my tank, but never into a full fledged colony. The original baby came from a DFWMAS club member years ago. Maybe I should move these guys into the angled tank to see if they'll turn into something large and recognizable.

Hope you enjoyed it. I need to scrape the back glass and get a better full tank shot.

NanoGurl · 12/17/2007, 10:59 PM

WOW! Amazing photos your tank is so beautiful! =)

Hop · 12/17/2007, 11:18 PM

Well I have to admit that the little things look great in there... The big things too

I can only hope that some of my coral DNA grows as yours did. On my last frags I ordered the monti and the tri-color had little broken tips in the bag from transport and shipping. Since the little tips had PE I threw them in the tank, not knowing where they would land (both were about 1/8 of an inch) and hopefully someday I'll have little guys growing out of the rocks

jnarowe · 12/17/2007, 11:30 PM

love that FTS Marc.

wabio · 12/17/2007, 11:30 PM

Looks awesome. Did you ever end up using the two sealed-off bulkheads in the back for a CL? I can't remember.

Oh, and speaking of the holidays.....I see the green, but where's the "red" in your tank?

melev · 12/18/2007, 12:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by NanoGurl
WOW! Amazing photos your tank is so beautiful! =)

Thanks. Makes you want that 240g now, doesn't it?

Quote:

Originally posted by Hop
Well I have to admit that the little things look great in there... The big things too I can only hope that some of my coral DNA grows as yours did. On my last frags I ordered the monti and the tri-color had little broken tips in the bag from transport and shipping. Since the little tips had PE I threw them in the tank, not knowing where they would land (both were about 1/8 of an inch) and hopefully someday I'll have little guys growing out of the rocks

A lil' DNA goes a long way.

I never give up on stuff, and watch closely and patiently as it turns into something familiar again. It can be a hobby in itself watching and watching, waiting for it to finally form into a recognizable coral again. And if that piece RTNs, it's twice as painful.

If you have specks of coral, be sure to glue them to a small rock, then putty that to your rockwork. Few fraglets survive if they fall down to the sand, because the cleanup crew is constantly sifting and flipping stuff over. Once SPS face down in the sand, they become part of the substrate.

Quote:

Originally posted by jnarowe
love that FTS Marc.

That's because I keep the glass clean. No coralline mess to deal with.

Quote:

Originally posted by wabio
Looks awesome. Did you ever end up using the two sealed-off bulkheads in the back for a CL? I can't remember.

Oh, and speaking of the holidays.....I see the green, but where's the "red" in your tank?

No, they are still not being used. I doubt they will ever be used by me, but one of my Anthias likes to sleep in there.

I saw the most beautiful Flame Angel at my LFS a few days ago. It was the perfect fish, and its color could not have been more vivid. However, I'm resisting the urge to drop a dwarf angel in my reef due to the 50% chance it'll be a nipper. Maybe I'll just hang some Red LEDs over the tank.

mbaychuk · 12/18/2007, 07:22 AM

the tank looks amazing, how long have you had this tank up?

krajacich · 12/18/2007, 08:51 AM

Marc- How long have you had that toadstool and how big do you think it was when you first got it? Amazing pics as usual

jnarowe · 12/18/2007, 09:53 AM

You are so right about the DNA thing. I find new corals all over my tank.

Alaska_Phil · 12/18/2007, 10:36 AM

Looks awsome Marc! I still can't believe that toadstool, that's an amazing sized coral. And your SPS's are showing awsome colors. I'm getting tempted to try some myself.

And I'll second (or is it third now?) the comment on DNA particals. I had a little 1/8" spot a couple months back that's now a 1/2" encrusting monti in my 20 gal.

In the FTS, what's the large coral just left of center about midway up the reef?

Very nice shot of your Lawnmower blennie too, but very different markings from mine. I'll try and get a shot of him for comparison.

Phil

melev · 12/18/2007, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mbaychuk
the tank looks amazing, how long have you had this tank up?

It has been up for over 3 years now. Back in August 2004, once the tank was installed I transferred the livestock and liverock from the 29g and the 55g into this system.

Quote:

Originally posted by krajacich
Marc- How long have you had that toadstool and how big do you think it was when you first got it? Amazing pics as usual

When I got the frag at MACNA 4 years ago, it was a tiny piece, about the size of a dice. It was rubber-banded to a rock.

Once I fly home and got it in the tank, it didn't take long to open up.

The rest is just nature taking its course.

Quote:

Originally posted by jnarowe
You are so right about the DNA thing. I find new corals all over my tank.

Always a bonus.

Quote:

Originally posted by Alaska_Phil
Looks awsome Marc! I still can't believe that toadstool, that's an amazing sized coral. And your SPS's are showing awsome colors. I'm getting tempted to try some myself.

And I'll second (or is it third now?) the comment on DNA particals. I had a little 1/8" spot a couple months back that's now a 1/2" encrusting monti in my 20 gal.

In the FTS, what's the large coral just left of center about midway up the reef?

Very nice shot of your Lawnmower blennie too, but very different markings from mine. I'll try and get a shot of him for comparison.

Phil

I think you are referring to the stuff to the left of the white feeding clip. Those are a bunch of Lavendar Frilly mushrooms.

Alaska_Phil · 12/18/2007, 01:30 PM

Thanks, that's the bunch. Right behind and to the left of the clip. Couldn't see the individual shooms in that pic.

Phil

melev · 12/18/2007, 02:00 PM

Even from above they don't look like individuals.

lhoy · 12/18/2007, 02:05 PM

Dude - that is probably some of the best frillies I have ever seen. That is gorgeous!! How quickly do they reproduce?

Lee

melev · 12/18/2007, 02:41 PM

I'd say they are a slower grower, which is a good thing. They eat up space and like most mushrooms, nothing nearby survives.

Goodwin9 · 12/18/2007, 03:18 PM

Awesome pictures, I should have gotten a few photo instructions from you while you were here......

Alaska_Phil · 12/18/2007, 04:21 PM

No kidding Marc. If I'd seen that shot from above I'd have guessed it was some kind of star polyp. Hmmm...that said, I think I just saw one at the LFS at lunch.

And Speaking of the LFS, I tested the TDS of the water they sell for $1.99/gal at 52ppm. They seemed to think that was pretty good.

Phil

12/17/2007, 01:45 AM	#502
Alaska_Phil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Pole Posts: 986	Thanks. It's in really good shape now, I'm hoping to fly it down to the lower 48 in 2009. Aircraft age is measured in hours not miles. I don't have my logs handy, but my recollection is that mine has about 3500 hours on it. Very low for it's age. But time takes it toll as well, I've replaced a lot of 40 year old plastic parts. And it's not old, it's CLASSIC! Phil __________________ Don't be afraid to fall - if you're not falling down once in a while, you're not trying anything new and probably not having much fun. Current Tank Info: 50 gal mixed reef, 65 gal freshwater planted.

12/17/2007, 04:27 PM	#505
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	wow, it can lift its own weight. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

12/17/2007, 04:47 PM	#507
Alaska_Phil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Pole Posts: 986	Well, I've got some space I could lease you Marc. I'm sure we could work something out. Maybe you could pay me with reef keeping advice. So far the plane is on step 1: Finish other projects first! And, Tap water at work has 201ppm TDS and my jug of DI from home is 000ppm Can't wait to get home and see how bad my tap water there is! Phil __________________ Don't be afraid to fall - if you're not falling down once in a while, you're not trying anything new and probably not having much fun. Current Tank Info: 50 gal mixed reef, 65 gal freshwater planted.

12/17/2007, 11:18 PM	#511
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	Well I have to admit that the little things look great in there... The big things too I can only hope that some of my coral DNA grows as yours did. On my last frags I ordered the monti and the tri-color had little broken tips in the bag from transport and shipping. Since the little tips had PE I threw them in the tank, not knowing where they would land (both were about 1/8 of an inch) and hopefully someday I'll have little guys growing out of the rocks __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

12/17/2007, 11:30 PM	#512
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	love that FTS Marc. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

12/17/2007, 12:38 AM	#501
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Very nice plane! I can't believe it is that old, it looks like it is in excellent shape. How do you measure age: flying hours or mileage traveled?

12/17/2007, 04:42 PM	#506
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Phil, that's great. We had a guy that used to be in our area that built planes himself, and leased space to others wanting to do the same. I was really interested in building my own after I found out it wasn't that expensive.

12/17/2007, 10:47 PM	#508
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	After I was done feeding the aiptasia in my tank this evening, I sat back and enjoyed the tank for a bit before the pumps had to be turned back on. The fish were swimming around wondering if I might drop in some food for them. The Toadstool Leather is easily 16" wide now. The Purple Tang is what I would consider medium to large, pretty much a mature fish. It should give you a reference for size. Plus the overflow behind the leather is 12" wide. This little Birdsnest 'colony' is from a bunch of broken frags I brought back from Austin (Thanks greenmako!) in September. I glued them onto one rock, and they are doing well. This Sarmentosa came from Austin (Thanks Gabriel!) as well. Note: The tiny bit of Purple Milli is still alive.

12/17/2007, 10:48 PM	#509
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	My Lawnmower Blenny has been perching on the Maxima's mantle. Pardon the particulates: it's Aiptasia Control blowing around after the pumps were restarted. Think of it as snow, as my reef gets into the spirit of the holidays. I had a beautiful frag that died some time back, and it left a puddle of SPS DNA. I almost recognize it at this point, but I don't recall its name yet. If you think you know, be sure to post it. My other Birdsnest frag. It was a boring twig forever, but now that nitrates are down it is growing out. The Hammer colony is about as big around as a softball now. These are Fungia Plate babies. The grow in my tank, but never into a full fledged colony. The original baby came from a DFWMAS club member years ago. Maybe I should move these guys into the angled tank to see if they'll turn into something large and recognizable. Hope you enjoyed it. I need to scrape the back glass and get a better full tank shot.

12/17/2007, 10:59 PM	#510
NanoGurl Moved On Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Earth Posts: 4,306	WOW! Amazing photos your tank is so beautiful! =)

12/17/2007, 11:30 PM	#513
wabio Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 86	Looks awesome. Did you ever end up using the two sealed-off bulkheads in the back for a CL? I can't remember. Oh, and speaking of the holidays.....I see the green, but where's the "red" in your tank?

12/18/2007, 07:22 AM	#515
mbaychuk Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: long island ny Posts: 201	the tank looks amazing, how long have you had this tank up?

12/18/2007, 08:51 AM	#516
krajacich Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Montana Posts: 984	Marc- How long have you had that toadstool and how big do you think it was when you first got it? Amazing pics as usual __________________ Danielle Current Tank Info: 72g bow reef tank with TBS package

12/18/2007, 09:53 AM	#517
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	You are so right about the DNA thing. I find new corals all over my tank. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

12/18/2007, 10:36 AM	#518
Alaska_Phil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Pole Posts: 986	Looks awsome Marc! I still can't believe that toadstool, that's an amazing sized coral. And your SPS's are showing awsome colors. I'm getting tempted to try some myself. And I'll second (or is it third now?) the comment on DNA particals. I had a little 1/8" spot a couple months back that's now a 1/2" encrusting monti in my 20 gal. In the FTS, what's the large coral just left of center about midway up the reef? Very nice shot of your Lawnmower blennie too, but very different markings from mine. I'll try and get a shot of him for comparison. Phil __________________ Don't be afraid to fall - if you're not falling down once in a while, you're not trying anything new and probably not having much fun. Current Tank Info: 50 gal mixed reef, 65 gal freshwater planted.

12/18/2007, 01:30 PM	#520
Alaska_Phil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Pole Posts: 986	Thanks, that's the bunch. Right behind and to the left of the clip. Couldn't see the individual shooms in that pic. Phil __________________ Don't be afraid to fall - if you're not falling down once in a while, you're not trying anything new and probably not having much fun. Current Tank Info: 50 gal mixed reef, 65 gal freshwater planted.

12/18/2007, 02:00 PM	#521
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Even from above they don't look like individuals.

12/18/2007, 02:05 PM	#522
lhoy Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Georgetown, TX Posts: 431	Dude - that is probably some of the best frillies I have ever seen. That is gorgeous!! How quickly do they reproduce? Lee __________________ I'm not A.D.D., I'm just . . . Hey look, a Squirrel! Current Tank Info: 34 Gallon Current Solana, (2) Tunze Nanostreams 6025, (1) Koralia Nano, Current Outer Orbit 150 Watt X 2 65 Watt PC, Current Prime 1/10th Chiller, Soon to be upgraded Skimmer

12/18/2007, 02:41 PM	#523
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I'd say they are a slower grower, which is a good thing. They eat up space and like most mushrooms, nothing nearby survives.

12/18/2007, 03:18 PM	#524
Goodwin9 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: South Dakota Posts: 2,374	Awesome pictures, I should have gotten a few photo instructions from you while you were here...... __________________ Chuck ----------------------------------------------- Current Tank Info: 470 Gallon tank

12/18/2007, 04:21 PM	#525
Alaska_Phil Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: North Pole Posts: 986	No kidding Marc. If I'd seen that shot from above I'd have guessed it was some kind of star polyp. Hmmm...that said, I think I just saw one at the LFS at lunch. And Speaking of the LFS, I tested the TDS of the water they sell for $1.99/gal at 52ppm. They seemed to think that was pretty good. Phil __________________ Don't be afraid to fall - if you're not falling down once in a while, you're not trying anything new and probably not having much fun. Current Tank Info: 50 gal mixed reef, 65 gal freshwater planted.