steves slow 700 - Page 3

Zacktosterone · 07/07/2016, 01:49 PM

everything looks like its finally dialing in!! awesome

skanderson · 07/09/2016, 11:48 AM

thanks for the kind words, I am starting to feel like it is starting to get to where I want it. I will be adding a aquamaxx star 3 ca reactor to my system today. I also want to change my gfo and carbon. I want to take a new set of tests to see where my system is before this change. I am also beginning to plan for the change out of my frag tank into multiple smaller tanks to allow me to use part as a frag tank, and several as refugia or algae scrubbers. I want to be able to isolate any of the tanks from the system by just turning a valve. on to the readings.
calcium 480-500
nitrate<5ppm
kH 9 degrees hardness
po4 undetectable on api test
mg 1440 ppm

happy with all the readings and they seem consistent with how the tank looks.
also screwing around with a light strip to run in my light boxes behind the tank. I really like the look of the one strip I currently have running but it does mean I will have to keep another 12 square feet of so of glass clean. I will try to get some pics of some new frags up this week.

skanderson · 07/10/2016, 10:05 PM

a few pics as the lights go down. the right side shadow box light is on, I haven't received the correct connectors to hook up the center and left side lighting. only the 2 centerish 400 watt radiums are on in these pics. not great pics but you can get an idea of what I'm trying to do with them.

if you look carefully you can see my new blueface angel in there

skanderson · 07/27/2016, 02:20 PM

a few updated fts since Ive added a bunch of frags and cleaned the front glass. also the shadow box light is functioning but I'm not satisfied with the color of it or the brightness.

locito277 · 07/27/2016, 06:48 PM

Wow your terrarium is amazing as is your tank. Which one requires more maintenance?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

skanderson · 07/27/2016, 09:44 PM

the reef by a factor of at least 10. I pulled some ferns out of the vivarium today. that is the first maintenance I have done in 3 months. I feed the frogs and lizards fruit flies once a week on Wednesday and that takes about 30 minutes to make 6 fly cultures and feed the big viv and 5 other vivs as well. it is a nice balance to my reef. I go back and forth between several different hobbies which is why my reef tank still looks empty 5 years after I first filled it with water.

locito277 · 07/27/2016, 09:55 PM

Both systems look great. There is no rush in this hobby(Wish I could take my own advice LOL) but honestly amazing aquariums are created overnight.

skanderson · 10/06/2016, 08:16 PM

cleaned up the tank enough to warrant a few pictures tonight. ive had a few odd losses of corals but most stuff seems to be slowly growing and coloring up ok. lost an entire batch of fish in my QT system. I had electricians come to the house and do a little work. I think they turned the breaker with the QT system off for a few hours and I came home to dying fish. still looking for a nice blue line and regal angel. anyway here are the pics. left side to right

NeverlosT · 10/06/2016, 09:32 PM

just wow!

locito277 · 10/06/2016, 09:41 PM

Looking good

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

vinhle00 · 10/06/2016, 11:28 PM

This is amazing. I hope they make it right for killing your fish in qt. I would be ****ed especially if the fish were near done.

McPuff · 10/07/2016, 07:00 AM

It looks terrific. The only way to improve your look is to paint the back of the tank black to give the impression of greater depth... I understand that may not be possible anymore, just a thought.

I LOVE the addition of the blueface angel... one of my absolute favorites!

The vivarium is more than incredible looking... can you post some pics of that specifically? What types of animals do you have in there?

Overall, simply amazing!

biecacka · 10/07/2016, 03:47 PM

Can I see a few pictures of the frogs!!! That set up looks incredible.

Corey

skanderson · 10/07/2016, 04:11 PM

I was toying with the idea of moving all the qt fish into the display on Tuesday night. Wednesday was the wipe out. no real way to say for sure if the power was what caused it but it is my best guess as everything was looking good. I am surprised by the paint the background comment. I am using a shadow box which at least in person really adds a sense of depth that I don't see in painted background tanks. and they are lit with leds that I can control the color of as well. only downside is having to keep the back of the tank clean if I want it to look good. so first 2 fts from last night

skanderson · 10/07/2016, 04:20 PM

my viv has one lonely brown anole, and groups of 2 to 6 of 5 different dart frogs. at least one of the frog groups is breeding. here are some pics of the viv from this year.

locito277 · 10/07/2016, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skanderson

my viv has one lonely brown anole, and groups of 2 to 6 of 5 different dart frogs. at least one of the frog groups is breeding. here are some pics of the viv from this year.

That's super cool

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mishri · 10/07/2016, 05:10 PM

yeah, I really like the vivarium... makes me want to build one...

oh.. the fish tank is cool too

vinhle00 · 10/07/2016, 11:51 PM

Having other hobbies isn't a bad idea. Maybe it'll help me stop tinkering with my tank and develope patience .

biecacka · 10/09/2016, 04:28 PM

That is incredible!!! How big is that! What sort of lights. Water flow in it. Very beautiful.

Corey

McPuff · 10/10/2016, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skanderson

I was toying with the idea of moving all the qt fish into the display on Tuesday night. Wednesday was the wipe out. no real way to say for sure if the power was what caused it but it is my best guess as everything was looking good. I am surprised by the paint the background comment. I am using a shadow box which at least in person really adds a sense of depth that I don't see in painted background tanks. and they are lit with leds that I can control the color of as well. only downside is having to keep the back of the tank clean if I want it to look good. so first 2 fts from last night

Seeing these pics makes me retract my statement. The background looks totally different here... must have been the cleaning as you said. I love it.

The vivarium is simply outstanding. Wow!

wowkingjames · 10/12/2016, 06:57 AM

Beautiful vivarium tank!

worm5406 · 11/25/2016, 09:49 PM

Any updates?

saf1 · 11/26/2016, 03:10 PM

Hi - very nice setup. Both tanks are pretty. The vivarium (?) is also very well done. Very stark contrast between the two systems. It is like having a rain forest on the right side, and ocean on the left.

Very nice idea, setup, and execution. Impressive.

Joe0813 · 11/26/2016, 08:02 PM

I always wanted to build something like that

skanderson · 01/19/2017, 12:27 AM

been ready for an update for more than a month now but having trouble with photobucket. I can upload and look at the pics in my library but when I try to get them to link the page never loads. also redoing the entire fishroom behind the tank. removed and am building a replacement sump, removing and sending in for repairs 4 of my 5 seaswirls, and putting 3 smaller frag tanks in the place of the old big one. also adding true union valves to all the plumbing so I can remove things easier next time I need to swap something around or out. if anyone has any ideas about photobucket I would appreciate it.

07/27/2016, 06:48 PM	#55
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Wow your terrarium is amazing as is your tank. Which one requires more maintenance? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

07/27/2016, 09:55 PM	#57
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Both systems look great. There is no rush in this hobby(Wish I could take my own advice LOL) but honestly amazing aquariums are created overnight. __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

10/06/2016, 09:41 PM	#60
locito277 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: miami Posts: 1,535	Looking good Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ Nothings Free in this hobby Current Tank Info: 224 and 720 gallon in progress!

10/07/2016, 05:10 PM	#67
Mishri Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Great Falls, MT Posts: 1,404	yeah, I really like the vivarium... makes me want to build one... oh.. the fish tank is cool too __________________ 300 gallon 8ft long, 2x xf250 gyre, reef octopus 250-int - work in progress Aquarist since 1986

11/25/2016, 09:49 PM	#72
worm5406 Not afriad to admit wrong Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South of WashDC in Maryland Posts: 7,774	Any updates? __________________ Stock:LPS/SPS\|1 hippo\|4 OC Clown\|4 Pepp shrimp\|2 Brittle Star\|3000+ Copepods\|10+ MiniBrittle\|8+ Bristle Worm\|2 Anemone\|100+ mini-feather\|4 boys 14,21,22,22 Current Tank Info: Tank:300g Mixed Reef 300+lb LR\|4" LS\|5x MP40W\|75g fuge\|5x RadionPRO\|RO DB250 skimmer\|Apex

07/07/2016, 01:49 PM	#51
Zacktosterone Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sault Ste Marie Ont Posts: 2,475	everything looks like its finally dialing in!! awesome

07/09/2016, 11:48 AM	#52
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	thanks for the kind words, I am starting to feel like it is starting to get to where I want it. I will be adding a aquamaxx star 3 ca reactor to my system today. I also want to change my gfo and carbon. I want to take a new set of tests to see where my system is before this change. I am also beginning to plan for the change out of my frag tank into multiple smaller tanks to allow me to use part as a frag tank, and several as refugia or algae scrubbers. I want to be able to isolate any of the tanks from the system by just turning a valve. on to the readings. calcium 480-500 nitrate<5ppm kH 9 degrees hardness po4 undetectable on api test mg 1440 ppm happy with all the readings and they seem consistent with how the tank looks. also screwing around with a light strip to run in my light boxes behind the tank. I really like the look of the one strip I currently have running but it does mean I will have to keep another 12 square feet of so of glass clean. I will try to get some pics of some new frags up this week.

07/10/2016, 10:05 PM	#53
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	a few pics as the lights go down. the right side shadow box light is on, I haven't received the correct connectors to hook up the center and left side lighting. only the 2 centerish 400 watt radiums are on in these pics. not great pics but you can get an idea of what I'm trying to do with them. if you look carefully you can see my new blueface angel in there

07/27/2016, 02:20 PM	#54
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	a few updated fts since Ive added a bunch of frags and cleaned the front glass. also the shadow box light is functioning but I'm not satisfied with the color of it or the brightness.

07/27/2016, 09:44 PM	#56
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	the reef by a factor of at least 10. I pulled some ferns out of the vivarium today. that is the first maintenance I have done in 3 months. I feed the frogs and lizards fruit flies once a week on Wednesday and that takes about 30 minutes to make 6 fly cultures and feed the big viv and 5 other vivs as well. it is a nice balance to my reef. I go back and forth between several different hobbies which is why my reef tank still looks empty 5 years after I first filled it with water.

10/06/2016, 08:16 PM	#58
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	cleaned up the tank enough to warrant a few pictures tonight. ive had a few odd losses of corals but most stuff seems to be slowly growing and coloring up ok. lost an entire batch of fish in my QT system. I had electricians come to the house and do a little work. I think they turned the breaker with the QT system off for a few hours and I came home to dying fish. still looking for a nice blue line and regal angel. anyway here are the pics. left side to right

10/06/2016, 09:32 PM	#59
NeverlosT A bit fishy Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: San Luis Obispo, CA Posts: 416	just wow!

10/06/2016, 11:28 PM	#61
vinhle00 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 201	This is amazing. I hope they make it right for killing your fish in qt. I would be ****ed especially if the fish were near done.

10/07/2016, 07:00 AM	#62
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	It looks terrific. The only way to improve your look is to paint the back of the tank black to give the impression of greater depth... I understand that may not be possible anymore, just a thought. I LOVE the addition of the blueface angel... one of my absolute favorites! The vivarium is more than incredible looking... can you post some pics of that specifically? What types of animals do you have in there? Overall, simply amazing!

10/07/2016, 03:47 PM	#63
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	Can I see a few pictures of the frogs!!! That set up looks incredible. Corey

10/07/2016, 04:11 PM	#64
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	I was toying with the idea of moving all the qt fish into the display on Tuesday night. Wednesday was the wipe out. no real way to say for sure if the power was what caused it but it is my best guess as everything was looking good. I am surprised by the paint the background comment. I am using a shadow box which at least in person really adds a sense of depth that I don't see in painted background tanks. and they are lit with leds that I can control the color of as well. only downside is having to keep the back of the tank clean if I want it to look good. so first 2 fts from last night

10/07/2016, 04:20 PM	#65
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	my viv has one lonely brown anole, and groups of 2 to 6 of 5 different dart frogs. at least one of the frog groups is breeding. here are some pics of the viv from this year.

10/07/2016, 11:51 PM	#68
vinhle00 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 201	Having other hobbies isn't a bad idea. Maybe it'll help me stop tinkering with my tank and develope patience .

10/09/2016, 04:28 PM	#69
biecacka Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Columbus Ohio Posts: 6,361	That is incredible!!! How big is that! What sort of lights. Water flow in it. Very beautiful. Corey

10/12/2016, 06:57 AM	#71
wowkingjames Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 242	Beautiful vivarium tank!

11/26/2016, 03:10 PM	#73
saf1 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: California Posts: 2,259	Hi - very nice setup. Both tanks are pretty. The vivarium (?) is also very well done. Very stark contrast between the two systems. It is like having a rain forest on the right side, and ocean on the left. Very nice idea, setup, and execution. Impressive. __________________ -saf1 Current Tank Info: 210 gallon mixed reef

11/26/2016, 08:02 PM	#74
Joe0813 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Boston strong Posts: 2,766	I always wanted to build something like that __________________ Joe and Jenny Current Tank Info: 180 reef

01/19/2017, 12:27 AM	#75
skanderson Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: baraboo,wi Posts: 428	been ready for an update for more than a month now but having trouble with photobucket. I can upload and look at the pics in my library but when I try to get them to link the page never loads. also redoing the entire fishroom behind the tank. removed and am building a replacement sump, removing and sending in for repairs 4 of my 5 seaswirls, and putting 3 smaller frag tanks in the place of the old big one. also adding true union valves to all the plumbing so I can remove things easier next time I need to swap something around or out. if anyone has any ideas about photobucket I would appreciate it.