Stuns' Reef

stunreefer · 03/05/2010, 02:04 PM

It's been a long ride, and will take a while to get where I want, but I figure it's time for a build thread. I ordered this AGE tank in October of '08 and took delivery February '09. Set it up and started the stocking process, then received a promotion at work early summer '09 that involved a ton of travel. I sold the AGE to a local reefer buddy and purchased an ELOS Mini which I transferred all my livestock over to, and loved that little tank dearly. Maintenance was an absolute breeze and it looked great, but I still referred to it as my "shoebox", and obviously couldn't fit much into it. In early October '09 I started conversing with a vendor about a gorgeous little (3.75") Apolemichthys arcuatus (Bandit Angelfish) he had received, and ended up purchasing him. Picked him up from Fed Ex the first week of November, and immediately knew I would want a larger tank for him sooner than later. At this time the AGE was still sitting in my room, as the purchaser had moved into an apartment that was borderline "pushin' it" regarding keeping that size tank, so I thought, "what the hell, I've already got a big tank for him!"

So it began... again...

Aquarium: 183 gallon AGE rimless - 48"L x 36"W x 24.5"H - 1/2" Starphire front and sides - 1" SCH 80 PVC bottom

SCH 80 PVC sheet cut for sump "deck" and back panel to mount equipment:

Those pics were all from the first time I had it running, these couple show the new goodies underneath. I had an ATB Medium with Airstar that I purchased in October of '08, but sold it along with two MP40s when I broke the aquarium down. I purchased a SWC Mini S Cone through Premium Aquatics off eBay for an unbelievable price once I knew the AGE was going back up, and I must say I'm very happy with it so far. This was right after livestock transfer, pre wire clean up and coral re-mounting!

stunreefer · 03/05/2010, 02:05 PM

Here are a few (horrid cell phone) pics of the ELOS Mini prior to breaking it down:

This is the true reason for the AGE going back up, and she will have some awesome friends to join her soon too:

Current other tank mate, Serranocirrhitus latus:

QT tank ready and waiting:

stunreefer · 03/05/2010, 02:06 PM

… beauty in motion:

Sardaukar · 03/05/2010, 03:48 PM

Very nice! AGE tanks are works of art and you have a fish to match. I don't think I would get a wink of sleep with a beauty like that in an open top tank though haha. What are your coral and fish stocking plans? Gonna continue with the non-photosynthetic theme?

pookstreet · 03/05/2010, 04:30 PM

Very nice, Austin

Curious minds want to know. What else are you planning or have ready in terms of fish?

stunreefer · 03/05/2010, 04:52 PM

Thanks guys!

AGE makes a very nice tank! One thing I thought about, but didn't realize how nice it really was going to be, was the weight of the tank. Due to it having a PVC bottom me and one friend carried this guy. Not a huge deal to some, but I know I'll be moving in the next couple years and that's one nice feature

On that same moving note, I have lots of fishy friends I would absolutely love to keep in here, but we all know how "fun" moving a tank can be, so I'll be holding of really stocking this guy until the move happens. Right now, I know that the bandit will be getting a mate, and potentially another Pomacanthidae friend, along with some anthias.

Corals will likely remain in the non-photosynthetic realm, although I have had some pull towards their shallow(er) counterparts as of late. At one time I was a colored stick fiend, but I don't believe I'll venture much back into them, I'm a sucker for "flowy" coral

BTW, there is a top on the tank, and QT tank. I think if a reefer likes their fish, a top is an absolute must no matter what kind of tank. All fish can and will jump in certain situations, and to me it's such a no-brainer to just put a top on and prevent that risk. However, it's not seen in pics, during maintenance, or when people come over to check out the tank

roktsintst · 03/05/2010, 08:45 PM

Awesome!!!

Im so glad to see you started a build thread as i'll be following it closely!!!

When is your other bandit scheduled to arrive???

Trademark · 03/05/2010, 08:54 PM

That angel is beautiful

the_rider · 03/05/2010, 09:04 PM

Wow austin !!

I was looking around for your build thread and couldn't find it ... Now i know why :P

What are you gonna use for water flow ? I think I see some SEIO ? Are you gonna keep that ? And your bandit is a real beauty !!

Alex B

Bax · 03/05/2010, 09:09 PM

Yes! That's a beautiful angel and tank! I love these AGE tanks.

Haffs09 · 03/05/2010, 09:44 PM

Nice setup! Bandits are absolutely beautiful! I was fortunate to see several of them this past September while divining in Kauai. They are gorgeous!

Creetin · 03/06/2010, 07:47 AM

Very nice! You have alot more reserve than I. Nice setup, I love bandits but i dont want to commit to cooler water though i run mine around 76 degrees.

mpoletti · 03/06/2010, 07:55 AM

Very nice Austin. You will need more rocks than that when you start adding sticks

amore169 · 03/06/2010, 08:40 AM

Very nice, awesome Bandido!!

stunreefer · 03/06/2010, 08:22 PM

Thanks everyone!

Quote:

Originally Posted by roktsintst

When is your other bandit scheduled to arrive???

He should be collected in the next couple weeks, then he'll be QT'd for several weeks before shipping to me. Once I get him he'll relax/acclimate to my care in QT for a few more weeks, then he'll meet his spouse

I figured it was about time I started a thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by the_rider

What are you gonna use for water flow ? I think I see some SEIO ? Are you gonna keep that ?

Thanks Alex, glad you found the thread

Right now I have an Eheim 1262 for my return that flows through the chiller then up to the tank. I might upgrade to an ATB Flowstar if I end up feeding reactors with it. In tank there are two modded MJ900s right now. When I first set up the tank I had two Vortech MP40s that I never had trouble with. One friend of mine had a horrific experience with them not long ago, so I don't know if I'll be going with VT's again, but I will switch out the MJs with either Tunzes or VTs, either will be on battery back-ups as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Creetin

Very nice! You have alot more reserve than I. Nice setup, I love bandits but i dont want to commit to cooler water though i run mine around 76 degrees.

Thanks Alex! Right now I'm running 68-70 degrees F, but the chiller has never kicked on yet. I'm sure it will as we start to approach the summer months.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpoletti

Very nice Austin. You will need more rocks than that when you start adding sticks

Thanks Mark!

I have plenty more rocks if necessary, we'll see about sticks

I'll have to get some new shots here soon, all the coral was remounted a while back and looks much better. I'm no Poletti though, so you guys will have to bare with crappy pics until I can get Junior over here or Poletti gets in his Jeep and takes a little road trip!

Jacob D · 03/24/2010, 10:50 AM

Awesome tank, and of course, nice fish choices

stunreefer · 03/24/2010, 01:17 PM

Thanks Jacob!

No new pics yet, but soon! Expect (new) fish in the next month... not an angel - she's still in the ocean

Hoping to see her in my QT in May.

Ian · 03/24/2010, 01:22 PM

glad to see the big tank up and running again Austin

DanW · 03/24/2010, 01:34 PM

Congrats, love the bandit. Looking forward to your fish selection.

Leonardo_ · 03/24/2010, 01:53 PM

Somehow I missed this thread... Very nice setup Austin. Like many said, the Apolemichthys arcuatus is beautiful. Maybe the most beautiful fish in the trade I think

Leonardo

stunreefer · 03/24/2010, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

glad to see the big tank up and running again Austin

Me too man, me too! The Mini was awesome, but it was VERY Mini

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanW

Congrats, love the bandit. Looking forward to your fish selection.

Thanks, me too Dan.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonardo_

Somehow I missed this thread... Very nice setup Austin. Like many said, the Apolemichthys arcuatus is beautiful.

Thanks Leo! Not much to see yet, but in due time my friend! I agree, the A. arcuatus are truly gorgeous!

Placed an order with Premium Aquatics this morning for some goodies, some of which were out of stock

Nothing cool, but necessities and was hoping to have it Friday. Oh, I did get the new "magnetic" algae clip by Julian (TLF) though... stupid thing was $16! Better than dealing with suction cups or reaching for a rock with a rubberband on it though! The bandit will tug the rock around the entire aquarium, and he pulls the suction cups right off.

mpoletti · 03/24/2010, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stunreefer

Placed an order with Premium Aquatics this morning for some goodies, some of which were out of stock

Nothing cool, but necessities and was hoping to have it Friday. Oh, I did get the new "magnetic" algae clip by Julian (TLF) though... stupid thing was $16! Better than dealing with suction cups or reaching for a rock with a rubberband on it though! The bandit will tug the rock around the entire aquarium, and he pulls the suction cups right off.

I hope its been improved as the seam used to leak over time. Your best bet is to remove it after feeding just to be safe

stunreefer · 03/24/2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mpoletti

I hope its been improved as the seam used to leak over time. Your best bet is to remove it after feeding just to be safe

Really? Crap, that's not good! I remove them after feeding anyways, but still... Is this the "new" one you're referring to Mark? I watched for them to bring these in and it's the first time I've seen them there.

Here it is: http://premiumaquatics.com/store/mer...ode=targetfeed

If that's the one I'll likely remove it from my order before it ships

mpoletti · 03/24/2010, 04:32 PM

Thats a new one so let me know how it goes. I've recently noticed that my hammerfloat does not float anymore. That can't be a good thing

stunreefer · 03/25/2010, 07:19 AM

Phew, good to know. Will keep you posted!

I think I'm actually going to alter my order to incllude a light as well... yes, you read that right, a light!!!

03/05/2010, 02:04 PM	#1
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Stuns' Reef It's been a long ride, and will take a while to get where I want, but I figure it's time for a build thread. I ordered this AGE tank in October of '08 and took delivery February '09. Set it up and started the stocking process, then received a promotion at work early summer '09 that involved a ton of travel. I sold the AGE to a local reefer buddy and purchased an ELOS Mini which I transferred all my livestock over to, and loved that little tank dearly. Maintenance was an absolute breeze and it looked great, but I still referred to it as my "shoebox", and obviously couldn't fit much into it. In early October '09 I started conversing with a vendor about a gorgeous little (3.75") Apolemichthys arcuatus (Bandit Angelfish) he had received, and ended up purchasing him. Picked him up from Fed Ex the first week of November, and immediately knew I would want a larger tank for him sooner than later. At this time the AGE was still sitting in my room, as the purchaser had moved into an apartment that was borderline "pushin' it" regarding keeping that size tank, so I thought, "what the hell, I've already got a big tank for him!" So it began... again... Aquarium: 183 gallon AGE rimless - 48"L x 36"W x 24.5"H - 1/2" Starphire front and sides - 1" SCH 80 PVC bottom SCH 80 PVC sheet cut for sump "deck" and back panel to mount equipment: Those pics were all from the first time I had it running, these couple show the new goodies underneath. I had an ATB Medium with Airstar that I purchased in October of '08, but sold it along with two MP40s when I broke the aquarium down. I purchased a SWC Mini S Cone through Premium Aquatics off eBay for an unbelievable price once I knew the AGE was going back up, and I must say I'm very happy with it so far. This was right after livestock transfer, pre wire clean up and coral re-mounting! __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

03/05/2010, 02:05 PM	#2
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Here are a few (horrid cell phone) pics of the ELOS Mini prior to breaking it down: This is the true reason for the AGE going back up, and she will have some awesome friends to join her soon too: Current other tank mate, Serranocirrhitus latus: QT tank ready and waiting: __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

03/05/2010, 02:06 PM	#3
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	… beauty in motion: __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

03/05/2010, 03:48 PM	#4
Sardaukar Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: San Jose, California Posts: 1,439	Very nice! AGE tanks are works of art and you have a fish to match. I don't think I would get a wink of sleep with a beauty like that in an open top tank though haha. What are your coral and fish stocking plans? Gonna continue with the non-photosynthetic theme? __________________ Currently tank-less :(

03/05/2010, 04:30 PM	#5
pookstreet Registered Stick Killer Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Upland, California Posts: 7,332	Very nice, Austin Curious minds want to know. What else are you planning or have ready in terms of fish? __________________ Kenny Men's natures are alike, it is their habits that carry them far apart - Confucius All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing - Edmund Burke Talent is God given. Be humble. Fame is man-given. Be grateful. Conceit is self-given. Be careful - John Wooden Current Tank Info: What's that???

03/05/2010, 04:52 PM	#6
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Thanks guys! AGE makes a very nice tank! One thing I thought about, but didn't realize how nice it really was going to be, was the weight of the tank. Due to it having a PVC bottom me and one friend carried this guy. Not a huge deal to some, but I know I'll be moving in the next couple years and that's one nice feature On that same moving note, I have lots of fishy friends I would absolutely love to keep in here, but we all know how "fun" moving a tank can be, so I'll be holding of really stocking this guy until the move happens. Right now, I know that the bandit will be getting a mate, and potentially another Pomacanthidae friend, along with some anthias. Corals will likely remain in the non-photosynthetic realm, although I have had some pull towards their shallow(er) counterparts as of late. At one time I was a colored stick fiend, but I don't believe I'll venture much back into them, I'm a sucker for "flowy" coral BTW, there is a top on the tank, and QT tank. I think if a reefer likes their fish, a top is an absolute must no matter what kind of tank. All fish can and will jump in certain situations, and to me it's such a no-brainer to just put a top on and prevent that risk. However, it's not seen in pics, during maintenance, or when people come over to check out the tank __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

03/05/2010, 08:45 PM	#7
roktsintst Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Cental Cali Posts: 2,384	Awesome!!! Im so glad to see you started a build thread as i'll be following it closely!!! When is your other bandit scheduled to arrive??? __________________ --- Ryan --- Current Tank Info: 300 AGE Starfire SPS Reef75g frag tank lit w/ T5's Deltec 902ACIII4 400 Radium's4-160 vho'sGEO 818 CA RXReefTek Kalk RXDart Return on manifold to a wavy sea57 watt uvHammerHead w/ OceansMotion

03/05/2010, 08:54 PM	#8
Trademark Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Potomac, IL Posts: 776	That angel is beautiful

03/05/2010, 09:04 PM	#9
the_rider Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Montreal Posts: 449	Wow austin !! I was looking around for your build thread and couldn't find it ... Now i know why :P What are you gonna use for water flow ? I think I see some SEIO ? Are you gonna keep that ? And your bandit is a real beauty !! Alex B __________________ DT (The Zen Garden): Miracles Custom Rimless 155G (60x30x20) Marinetech Sump full equip 80G Marinetech 3200 GPH Deltec SC2560 Tunze 2x6105, 2x6055 2xKoralia 4 (In sump) Profilux III ATI Sunpower 6x54W + BLAU 6x54W FRAG : Miracles Custom Rimless (24x24x12) Illumagic M-60S Koralia 4 Live: Fish :One Spot Foxface, CBB, Trio of Royal Gramma, Borbonius Anthias, Multicolor Angel, Multifasciatus Angel, Semi-Picasso Pair

03/05/2010, 09:09 PM	#10
Bax Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,619	Yes! That's a beautiful angel and tank! I love these AGE tanks. __________________ 150 gallon Perfecto with 1500 gph GH overflow / DIY stand-wine bar / Dart Return / SRO XP3000 Ext skimmer / 75 g frag / 40 g fuge / 40 g DIY sump / Orphek P156 & Kessil 150A Current Tank Info: 150 DT/ 40B fuge/ 75g frag/ 40 g sump/ SRO XP 3000 Ext/ TUNZEs & VorTechs circulation/Dart return/ MTC Pro Cal/ UV & Oz

03/05/2010, 09:44 PM	#11
Haffs09 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 924	Nice setup! Bandits are absolutely beautiful! I was fortunate to see several of them this past September while divining in Kauai. They are gorgeous!

03/06/2010, 07:47 AM	#12
Creetin Limestone Cowboy. Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In a little place i like to call a little place. Posts: 4,552	Very nice! You have alot more reserve than I. Nice setup, I love bandits but i dont want to commit to cooler water though i run mine around 76 degrees. __________________ If only common sense was common. Current Tank Info: 300 gal marineland deep

03/06/2010, 07:55 AM	#13
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	Very nice Austin. You will need more rocks than that when you start adding sticks __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

03/06/2010, 08:40 AM	#14
amore169 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,250	Very nice, awesome Bandido!! __________________ Arnie. Current Tank Info: 400 Gallon Starphire Rimless. 8 A360WE Kessils with controller. Sfiligoi Infinity DDE 6X250 light fixture. Bubble King Internal 300 Deluxe. 215 Gallon Oceanic Starphire Ultimate FOWRL. 34 Gallon Solana.

03/24/2010, 10:50 AM	#16
Jacob D Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Bay Posts: 6,613	Awesome tank, and of course, nice fish choices __________________ Jacob. Current Tank Info: Retired from reefing...

03/24/2010, 01:17 PM	#17
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Thanks Jacob! No new pics yet, but soon! Expect (new) fish in the next month... not an angel - she's still in the ocean Hoping to see her in my QT in May. __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive. Last edited by stunreefer; 03/24/2010 at 01:22 PM.

03/24/2010, 01:22 PM	#18
Ian I <3 Corals! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Santa Barbara, Ca Posts: 4,555	glad to see the big tank up and running again Austin

03/24/2010, 01:34 PM	#19
DanW Certified Stick Killer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: So. Cal. - North Tustin Posts: 2,784	Congrats, love the bandit. Looking forward to your fish selection.

03/24/2010, 01:53 PM	#20
Leonardo_ TRC Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,568	Somehow I missed this thread... Very nice setup Austin. Like many said, the Apolemichthys arcuatus is beautiful. Maybe the most beautiful fish in the trade I think Leonardo __________________ 450G Office Reef

03/24/2010, 04:32 PM	#24
mpoletti You'll never walk alone Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sacramento, Ca Posts: 18,245	Thats a new one so let me know how it goes. I've recently noticed that my hammerfloat does not float anymore. That can't be a good thing __________________ -Mark a.) I believe... The curse is a reality b.) Fish poop is your friend c.) Why chase numbers? #CoralsLiketoDisco #ReefSerenity

03/25/2010, 07:19 AM	#25
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Phew, good to know. Will keep you posted! I think I'm actually going to alter my order to incllude a light as well... yes, you read that right, a light!!! __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.