Mark's 150 gallon - Page 65

wcharon · 06/15/2017, 06:25 AM

What lens are you using in your D5500?

I also bought recently the D5600 with 18-55 and 70-300 AF-P but trying to learn a lot. Thinking if I really will invest on a macro lens.

Most articles that I have read recommend to use ISO on AUTO.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

Thanks Mike, nice to see you around!

Nothing much has changed, other than more growth. Some days colors are incredible and other days colors are a bit washed out. I'm going to have to start writing down every single thing I do again to see if I can figure out what the tank likes.

New camera body arrived yesterday, a Nikon D5500. Same lenses but better sensor, more dynamic range, WiFi, 1080P @ 60fps video and other goodies I have no idea how to use. I had 15 minutes before the T5's shut off to take a few pics. RAW format has been updated so I had to install a new codec which wiped out my settings. These are mostly natural looking but some of the colors are wonky.

These last two are testing 3200 ISO, which does fantastic compared to my older D3100.

markalot · 06/15/2017, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcharon

What lens are you using in your D5500?

I also bought recently the D5600 with 18-55 and 70-300 AF-P but trying to learn a lot. Thinking if I really will invest on a macro lens.

Most articles that I have read recommend to use ISO on AUTO.

I'm using a Nikon 35mm fixed lens, nice and cheap with very good optics.

I also have the kit lens from my d3100, which is pretty crappy, and a non-Nikon macro lens which I can never remember the brand of. It's considered one of the best least expensive macros, manual focus only.

wcharon · 06/15/2017, 07:29 AM

Thanks. I assume the Nikon is the 35mm D and that is where I have confusion if I go with 35 or 50 or 85mm but at least in my case I don't see getting a macro lens only for the tank.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

I'm using a Nikon 35mm fixed lens, nice and cheap with very good optics.

I also have the kit lens from my d3100, which is pretty crappy, and a non-Nikon macro lens which I can never remember the brand of. It's considered one of the best least expensive macros, manual focus only.

markalot · 06/15/2017, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcharon

Thanks. I assume the Nikon is the 35mm D and that is where I have confusion if I go with 35 or 50 or 85mm but at least in my case I don't see getting a macro lens only for the tank.

The 35mm ends up being equivalent to a 50mm lens on these D cameras. It's the F1.8 lens and the contrast and image quality are much better than the kit lens.

wcharon · 06/15/2017, 01:02 PM

Thanks understood... Yes that is what I have read that Prime lens are way much better.

This is a pic I took with the 18-55 and that's why to me is hard to understand the need of macro lens. By the way I am just starting in photography so maybe in the future I notice the difference.

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

The 35mm ends up being equivalent to a 50mm lens on these D cameras. It's the F1.8 lens and the contrast and image quality are much better than the kit lens.

markalot · 06/15/2017, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcharon

Thanks understood... Yes that is what I have read that Prime lens are way much better.

This is a pic I took with the 18-55 and that's why to me is hard to understand the need of macro lens. By the way I am just starting in photography so maybe in the future I notice the difference.

a 1:1 macro lens would be focused on the individual polyps.

You don't need one but it's fun to take super closeups of corals.

wcharon · 06/15/2017, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

a 1:1 macro lens would be focused on the individual polyps.

You don't need one but it's fun to take super closeups of corals.

Thanks Buddy. That's an excellent point and for sure an interesting approach to go deeper.

Thanks once again.

Arkayology · 06/15/2017, 09:16 PM

I love all the shots of the colonies and growing frags. Great stuff, Mark!

FloformAustria · 06/16/2017, 05:34 AM

man i love this tank!!

good job Mark!

Cheers

reefmutt · 06/16/2017, 10:39 AM

New camera!?! Nice!!
ISO 3200 wow. I should try that. I've only ever gone to 1000
Does the new camera transfer videos via wifi as well as images? I wish mine did. I only have image transfer. But I do love it..
As usual, love the shots, Mark.

nemodan · 06/16/2017, 02:54 PM

Nice pictures Mark....your tank is stunning !!!

Daniel

markalot · 06/16/2017, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arkayology

I love all the shots of the colonies and growing frags. Great stuff, Mark!

Ark! You going to start up a new tank yet?

Quote:

Originally Posted by FloformAustria

man i love this tank!!

good job Mark!

Cheers

Thanks Flo!

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefmutt

New camera!?! Nice!!
ISO 3200 wow. I should try that. I've only ever gone to 1000
Does the new camera transfer videos via wifi as well as images? I wish mine did. I only have image transfer. But I do love it..
As usual, love the shots, Mark.

It has WiFi but this refurb didn't come with a manual so I'll have to find one online and figure out how to use it.

Oh, and by the way, that boring green acro frag I bought.

Muhahahahahaha *cough* *wheeze*

Quote:

Originally Posted by nemodan

Nice pictures Mark....your tank is stunning !!!

Daniel

Thanks Daniel, still working on that wild forest look.

Arkayology · 06/16/2017, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

Ark! You going to start up a new tank yet?

I'm in the planning stages right now

I'm hoping Fall 2018.

markalot · 06/16/2017, 07:28 PM

Not sure how I managed this next shot. It's at an angle and looking down but focus is clear with minimal parallax distortion. This is with a foxed focus lens (prime), maybe that is the reason?

Anyway this is my big milli that is super hairy, green polyps and red/purple skin. Not showy but neat looking.

This one, the one that woke up, continues to morph. Shin is white to greenish with a pink or purple blush on the tips.

Pife · 06/16/2017, 10:07 PM

Because of all your great pictures I think I'm going to pick up a prime lens tomorrow. Your tank is just looking better and better.

Hentz · 06/17/2017, 11:14 AM

Wow Mark, always blown away by your tank!

I also never realized how much Xenia and things you have covering your rocks in-between corals! Guess I'm just so mesmerized by your huge colonies that I overlook the crevices between the corals!

Maybe one day I'll get a nice camera like you guys have. Love these close-ups!

reefmutt · 06/18/2017, 08:43 PM

I don't own a prime.. I'm sure the fewer layers of glass make a dramatic difference for the parallax effect.. hm..
Mark I love that sleeper coral. Like, I love it! It is way cool...

markalot · 06/19/2017, 07:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pife

Because of all your great pictures I think I'm going to pick up a prime lens tomorrow. Your tank is just looking better and better.

Good luck, hope you like the lens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hentz

Wow Mark, always blown away by your tank!

I also never realized how much Xenia and things you have covering your rocks in-between corals! Guess I'm just so mesmerized by your huge colonies that I overlook the crevices between the corals!

Maybe one day I'll get a nice camera like you guys have. Love these close-ups!

The Xenia needs to be pruned on a regular basis. It's about time for me to roll up the short sleeves (damn tall tank anyway), break the purple cap back and use my ice tongs to pull a ton of it out. It's not a horrible pest and killing them doesn't harm corals but it's still a pain.

Quote:

Originally Posted by reefmutt

I don't own a prime.. I'm sure the fewer layers of glass make a dramatic difference for the parallax effect.. hm..
Mark I love that sleeper coral. Like, I love it! It is way cool...

Thanks Matt.

Here's a quick video I took to test the camera. Much better quality than the D3100. I use a free PC program called ShotCut to fix the white balance but it's not perfect. Presentation is horrible, just a sloppy handheld tour.

codydemmel4 · 06/19/2017, 08:02 AM

video is awesome Mark!

Ucantwin · 06/19/2017, 09:04 AM

Great video!

westreef · 06/19/2017, 10:19 AM

I love your video. Thanks for sharing.

Wrangy · 06/19/2017, 10:29 PM

Just kicking goals Mark

It would be an absolute pleasure watching your tank go about it's business

reefmutt · 06/20/2017, 08:29 AM

Love it, Mark!
Top down time..

markalot · 06/20/2017, 06:13 PM

Thanks all!

I ran the tank out of gas, both topoff and 2 part ran out this morning without me noticing. Stupid stupid. KH down to 5.7 this evening so I brought it back up quickly to 6.5 where it I am guessing it was last night.

Colors looks fantastic, growth is fantastic ... figures.

kevlow · 06/21/2017, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markalot

Thanks all!

I ran the tank out of gas, both topoff and 2 part ran out this morning without me noticing. Stupid stupid. KH down to 5.7 this evening so I brought it back up quickly to 6.5 where it I am guessing it was last night.

Colors looks fantastic, growth is fantastic ... figures.

In this respect, reef keeping reminds me of one of those video games that speed up the better you do.
Increased performance equals increased consumption.

The husbandry game speeds up until you drop the ball on something.

06/15/2017, 09:16 PM	#1608
Arkayology Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,597	I love all the shots of the colonies and growing frags. Great stuff, Mark! __________________ -Matt in between tanks

06/16/2017, 05:34 AM	#1609
FloformAustria Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Vienna, AUT Posts: 1,351	man i love this tank!! good job Mark! Cheers __________________ Flo from Austria ^Austrian Reef Club^ "Founding Member of CCC - The cool couch club of SPS keeping" - Biggles Current Tank Info: The Austrian Dropoff Tank

06/16/2017, 10:39 AM	#1610
reefmutt Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mtl. Canada Posts: 7,824	New camera!?! Nice!! ISO 3200 wow. I should try that. I've only ever gone to 1000 Does the new camera transfer videos via wifi as well as images? I wish mine did. I only have image transfer. But I do love it.. As usual, love the shots, Mark. __________________ Matt. Current Tank Info: 53x32.5x26 190g dt 60g of sumps 3 tank-100 gal frag system 6xAI prime 8xt5. 4x maxspect gyre. Skimz Dual internal sicce pump skimmer Deltec PF601s ca rx+Kalk stirrer

06/16/2017, 07:28 PM	#1614
markalot ... Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Florence, KY Posts: 3,806 Blog Entries: 3	Not sure how I managed this next shot. It's at an angle and looking down but focus is clear with minimal parallax distortion. This is with a foxed focus lens (prime), maybe that is the reason? Anyway this is my big milli that is super hairy, green polyps and red/purple skin. Not showy but neat looking. This one, the one that woke up, continues to morph. Shin is white to greenish with a pink or purple blush on the tips. __________________ -- Mark 150G (72x18x27) \| 35G sump \| SRO-XP2000INT Skimmer \| ATI SunPower T5 / NanoBox LED hybrid 60" x 4 + 8 NanoBox v3.1 arrays

06/16/2017, 10:07 PM	#1615
Pife Registered Member Join Date: May 2013 Posts: 7,408	Because of all your great pictures I think I'm going to pick up a prime lens tomorrow. Your tank is just looking better and better. __________________ Brandon I'm not saying let's get rid of all the stupid people.* I'm just saying let's remove all the warning labels and let the problem work itself out. Current Tank Info: 150g DT plumbed to an 80g frag tank and 220g sump in the basement. ~6-MP40s ~ 12 ATI powered t5s ~ Reefbrites and Radions supplementing ~ Custom GEO Skimmer ~ GEO CA Reactor 6x24~ Iwaki 70 Return ~

06/16/2017, 02:54 PM	#1611
nemodan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Westford, MA Posts: 1,063	Nice pictures Mark....your tank is stunning !!! Daniel

06/17/2017, 11:14 AM	#1616
Hentz Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Las Vegas, Nevada Posts: 2,016	Wow Mark, always blown away by your tank! I also never realized how much Xenia and things you have covering your rocks in-between corals! Guess I'm just so mesmerized by your huge colonies that I overlook the crevices between the corals! Maybe one day I'll get a nice camera like you guys have. Love these close-ups! __________________ A Reef in the Desert: 120 Gallon (4x2x2) - MP40 x2 - Gyre 130 - ATI Sunpower - Simplicity Pump/Skimmer - Controlled by Apex

06/18/2017, 08:43 PM	#1617
reefmutt Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mtl. Canada Posts: 7,824	I don't own a prime.. I'm sure the fewer layers of glass make a dramatic difference for the parallax effect.. hm.. Mark I love that sleeper coral. Like, I love it! It is way cool... __________________ Matt. Current Tank Info: 53x32.5x26 190g dt 60g of sumps 3 tank-100 gal frag system 6xAI prime 8xt5. 4x maxspect gyre. Skimz Dual internal sicce pump skimmer Deltec PF601s ca rx+Kalk stirrer

06/19/2017, 08:02 AM	#1619
codydemmel4 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Center Valley PA Posts: 1,479	video is awesome Mark! __________________ -Cody SPS Dominant 180 gallon. Link to my tank: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2618245

06/19/2017, 09:04 AM	#1620
Ucantwin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: some where Posts: 559	Great video!

06/19/2017, 10:19 AM	#1621
westreef Lost as usual Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Really California? Posts: 846	I love your video. Thanks for sharing. __________________ Bernie 75g, ATI 4x58wT5 LED Hybrid Powermodule, AquaMaxx ConeS 1, 2xMP40wES, RKL controller, Tunze Osmolator

06/19/2017, 10:29 PM	#1622
Wrangy Acrotrooper Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Australia Posts: 1,614	Just kicking goals Mark It would be an absolute pleasure watching your tank go about it's business __________________ Dom Courtesy of Nils: "you are welcome to your nem / flub tank because we need people like you to balance the sick ( sick in the head SPS OCD ) speaking for myself here!!"

06/20/2017, 08:29 AM	#1623
reefmutt Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Mtl. Canada Posts: 7,824	Love it, Mark! Top down time.. __________________ Matt. Current Tank Info: 53x32.5x26 190g dt 60g of sumps 3 tank-100 gal frag system 6xAI prime 8xt5. 4x maxspect gyre. Skimz Dual internal sicce pump skimmer Deltec PF601s ca rx+Kalk stirrer

06/20/2017, 06:13 PM	#1624
markalot ... Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Florence, KY Posts: 3,806 Blog Entries: 3	Thanks all! I ran the tank out of gas, both topoff and 2 part ran out this morning without me noticing. Stupid stupid. KH down to 5.7 this evening so I brought it back up quickly to 6.5 where it I am guessing it was last night. Colors looks fantastic, growth is fantastic ... figures. __________________ -- Mark 150G (72x18x27) \| 35G sump \| SRO-XP2000INT Skimmer \| ATI SunPower T5 / NanoBox LED hybrid 60" x 4 + 8 NanoBox v3.1 arrays