150g ....(some pictures)

[Chaloupa]

In February I set up our "final" (yah right) tank...its a 5 foot 150 gallon. I got the tank, stand and cap from Mike at Hidden Reef.....well worth the wait!! The pump is a Sequence Dart, the skimmer is an H&S, lighting is 2x400w and 2xT5's plus LED's for moonlighting, and a 50g sump.
We have about 185 lbs of live rock, 20-30lbs of live rock rubble in the sump, and a deeper sand bed with different sizes of substrate.... we do plan on having mostly Zoos, SPS and acros once the tank is stable and mature..so for the time being we have some softies, LPS, zoos, "easy" SPS, and a gazillion mushrooms from the liverock!

I have been asked why I didn't do a journal on this tank...to put it mildly I would totally suck on keeping it up to date....so here it is today (I also don't take the best pictures but....I must do other things well to compensate :biggrin:!)

Our only inhabitants other than a large clean up crew are;
2 Peppermint shrimp as there was some Aiptasia
1 sand sifting starfish
1 3" Naso Tang
1 African Flameback Angel
1 Trimma Goby
1 Neon Goby
1 Panda Goby (although they are so shy we have only seen it a couple of times)

FTS (bear in mind I am NO photographer)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/DSCN2422.jpg

3 of the bunch
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/3in150g.jpg

Zoo pics(can you tell I REALLY liike Zoos?!)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Zoosin150g.jpg

[Chaloupa]

MORE Zoos
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Zoorock150g.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/ZooRidge150g.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/zoocollection150g.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/VolcanoRedFrag.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/TubsBlueFrag2.jpg

[Chaloupa]

And Yet MORE
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/PiercingTealFrag.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Palyin150.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/MeanGreenfragandother150g.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Greenzoos150g.jpg

And Duncans
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Duncans150g.jpg
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Duncans2150g.jpg

[cprowler]

Very nice Sarah! It looks like it was worth the wait. :biggrin:

I'm looking forward to following along, I'm glad someone talked you into starting this thread......while I'm at it can I request a full room shot & inside cabinet shot? :mrgreen:

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Nice! I love zoas too. I just found a small patch growing on the back of my rock! Score!

I love that angel. Wow. Setup looks great....

[MikeP]

Nice set up, I like the aquascaping.

[christyf5]

Wow Sarah it looks awesome!!! Love those giant softies they must be amazing to watch. That flameback angel is gorgeous too :cool:

[muck]

Looks great Sarah!!
One question for you.. What is the pinkish/red coral behind these green zoas? Montipora Digitata maybe?

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Greenzoos150g.jpg

[Chaloupa]

THANKS everyone...I will try to update it as I go along... I'm glad that I finally started this.....

the softies are very cool to watch...but up for trades as I'd really like to start putting in more corals that will be there long term...I have enough softie tanks!

The red/pink one behind the zoos is a Montipora Digitata "freebie" from Marie...no pics of it directly yet...it's not where I want it to be...just "resting" there so I can afix it once I don't bleach it or kill it! There are actually several freebies from Marie in the tank.....just waiting to be afixed once I don't kill them;several montipora digitata frags of green, red and a previous one from her that is brown with purple tips...don't know if it will make it as it was in one of the other tanks....a yellow cap frag, and a small birdsnest frag.... I have purchased a nice Bali Green Slimer colony that is waiting for me in Vancouver and I have a Leng Sy frag that will be fragged when I actually get to Vancouver.......I do wish I lived there sometimes!

I'll post a picture of the room it's in and the sump tonight when I get home...that's if I can take a decent enough picture :redface:

[Chaloupa]

New zoo from the local shop...he's trying to bring in some cool stuff and I think this is pretty cool!

MH onhttp://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/NewPetCentreZoo1.jpg

T5's only
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/NEWPetCentreZoo.jpg

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Wow. The pink/red just POPS under the actinics!!

[fishmaster]

Sarah,
I'll need a frag of that last one.:wink: I grabbed a few things from Campbell River Pet Centre lately too. They've got some really nice corals in lately.
Shaun.

[Chaloupa]

I just got it yesterday from Dave...noticed your "on hold" colony...very nice indeed!

cprowler asked for some inside pics...here ya go

sump
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/sump1.jpg

room that 120g and 150g are in, it's the kitchen and family room


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/roomshotwithbothtanks.jpg

and view from kitchen table..each way you look you get a view of water (except of course behind the house...then you get a view of the neighbors!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/roomviewoutwindow.jpg

[marie]

...


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/roomshotwithbothtanks.jpg



A white couch? So you don't have kids and dogs? ...and a husband? :lol:

[fishmaster]

[QUOTE=Chaloupa;255710]I just got it yesterday from Dave...noticed your "on hold" colony...very nice indeed!

I have a feeling that pink will be quite bright under good light:biggrin:

[Chaloupa]

Shaun-I totally agree that it will look amazing under the right lights...wasn't too sure when I bought this how it would actually look....man am I glad I got it! It is spectacular!

Marie-yah, bought the off white leather couch for my first house (no kids, or husband just 2 dogs) then I got married, kids, different dogs....and well the couch carries on......I have dark green leather in the living room where we all hang out the most! Gotta love leather...just grab a cloth and it all wipes off easily! Wouldn't have it any other way!:biggrin:

[Chaloupa]

My gorgonian from Pet Centre
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/GorgonianfromPetCenter.jpg

my only concern is the tips of some of the branches....bit of rough handling I think in transport....any tips on what to watch for in regards to recession or anything? (hoping Anthony will pipe up here:biggrin: or any other successful gorgonian owners) it was in a low flow area and wasn't happy so moved to a higher flow and polyps were opening right away....

[fishmaster]

My gorgonian from Pet Centre
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/GorgonianfromPetCenter.jpg

my only concern is the tips of some of the branches....bit of rough handling I think in transport....any tips on what to watch for in regards to recession or anything? (hoping Anthony will pipe up here:biggrin: or any other successful gorgonian owners) it was in a low flow area and wasn't happy so moved to a higher flow and polyps were opening right away....

I was eyeing those up too. Really nice!!! Seeing as you an Jim have both of them......my chances of getting a frag are looking good!!!!:mrgreen:

[cprowler]

cprowler asked for some inside pics...here ya go

sump
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/sump1.jpg

room that 120g and 150g are in, it's the kitchen and family room


http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/roomshotwithbothtanks.jpg



Very nice Sarah! I like the full room shots, it gives a bit of perspective on things. I just started a thread to see if anyone wants to share. :mrgreen:

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=256807#post256807

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

For the gorgonian, I like to keep mine in high flow (right near the Tunze nanostream that is pointed at the glass & so the flow is more disrupted). I squirt a mix of spirulina powder (health food store), freeze dried cyclopeeze, Reefroids, and Coral Frenzy. I squirt in at least twice a day, with a small squirt first to get them to open up if they are closed.

[Chaloupa]

Added a pair of Tunze 6080 to my tank (thanks Steve-Stircrazy) I think they are great, and a HUGE change in polyp extension...but WOW do I regret having a sandbed...never thought I would say that.....it is a PITA! UGH, now to get it so that the flow is good, and the sand stays put! Am still considering adding the Wavebox...still waiting to try it out!

Added some new corals at the frag trade in Nanaimo...got there late, of course, and missed some really good stuff...but I also got some REALLY good stuff! Thanks Marie, Christy, and a few others...some of the pictured frags; Green Cap, Teensy Acro, Bali Green Slimer are from Bill (cprowler) and yes, I know the Slimer is facing the wrong way but is really heavy and I can't find a good epoxy for it to stick where I want it...suggestions are welcomed!!

All softies/LPS except 1 frogspawn, 1 donut, and 1 Fox coral are gone! Gone I say!! YaY! the last 3 are...well...staying for now!

Tri color Acro
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/TricolorAcro.jpg

Pink Table
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/PinkTableAcro.jpg

Pink Birdsnest
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/PinkBirdnest.jpg

Bali Green Slimer
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/GreenSlimer.jpg

Green Cap
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/GreenCap.jpg

Blue Stag....came to me broken so now instead of 1 I have 2!! AND I think it is showing growth already....(could be that I stare at the tank WAY too much and am imagining it!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/BlueStagin2pieces.jpg


Teensy Acro frag...and I mean teensy!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/TEENSYacrofrag.jpg

[Chaloupa]

New, almost softie less, FTS

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/newFTS.jpg

[Mik_101]

I LOVE the gren cap:shocked!:

[Chaloupa]

thanks Mik101 ...It's pretty nice, if I do say so...I got it from a reefer in Vancouver area and am very happy!

[Mik_101]

thanks Mik101 ...It's pretty nice, if I do say so...I got it from a reefer in Vancouver area and am very happy!

looks so rare...

[Chaloupa]

Pink Mille arrived "free shipping" from Hidden Reef yesterday and is gorgeous! Pics will come in the next day or so...

Blue Spot Jawfish and McCosker's Flasher Wrasse arrived today from J&L...Jawfish is settling in....Wrasse ... in the sand! Will be out in the next day or so....will take pics of them too!

I think I gotta stop splurging on the tank as we bought a new truck today (2007 Dodge Durango.....:biggrin:) but I know that just won't happen! I think it will just "slow down" a bit!!:lol:

[Redrover]

Look's great...When it fill's out it will look even better...keep up the nice work


RJ

[Snappy]

Looking good

[Chaloupa]

Thanks guys, that really means alot! I am (as we speak) hooking up the "borrowed" Tunze Wavebox that GuySmiley lent me (yes, lent me to try it out!!!!!) so I can see what kind of flow I get and if my tank being only 5 feet can handle it! AND then I am heading to OA and Hidden Reef etc etc on the 28/29th to pick up frags! I am actually finally suceeding at keeping SPS (easy ones but finally!) I have many white skeletons from previous attempts with other tanks:cry:

[Chaloupa]

WOOOHOOOO heat pump is in and cooling our house as we speak! (or type) yay! Of course, it's not very hot out today but it will be and I will be prepared! :biggrin:

[Mik_101]

Nice tank(s) relay like the arrangement in the tank it very eye catching chaloupa.

[Chaloupa]

staring at my new acros...I know pictures, pictures...but I just suck at taking them.....here is one that was taken tonight by my brother...it's a new acro about 3 inches high from Ocean Aquatics...and if you stare really really hard at the tiny white spot on the acro upper left side...it's a teensie tiny acro crab!!!! VERY tiny! (now you can really tell I was STARING at the acros!!!:redface:)

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/IMG_3223c1233x1637.jpg

[Chaloupa]

was at the Hidden Reef Midnight Madness Sale and came home with this beauty; Red Sea Sailfin as I have wanted for along time.....I didn't post pictures until today as I could not get it to eat anything except algae...most frustrating and it was losing weight, but my Naso, wrasse, Timmons Goby and Neon Goby are quite happy with my attempts. Now, as of yesterday it eats! YAY! I picked up a couple of other things too...but sadly lost the small PB Tang...:cry: that was the last tang (other than a black or Gem Tang) on my list of "would love to own; Tangs"

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/tangs3.jpg



http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/tangs4.jpg

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Tangs6.jpg

[Delphinus]

Awww, he's tiny! :) Very nice!

[Chaloupa]

he is pretty cool! I'm very happy now that he's eating! Whew, thank God for that!

[super7]

Just wondering where you get most of your zoos from as I really like them.

[Chaloupa]

THANKS!! I get some from the LFS here, some frags from a few people in Victoria, Vancouver, and Nanaimo and I buy from a guy in Ontario also. I love zoo's and wanted my tank to have many many colors. CProwler has some frags of gorgeous colors....Borderjumper has some gorgeous frags too

[super7]

Thanks for telling me

[Chaloupa]

no problem! I hope you get some really nice ones! When I was first starting, I jumped on any zoo frag...in my mind they were "hard to get"....boy was I wrong! I have some lovely different shades of...BROWN, Brown mottled, light brown with peach.....ugh...was I wrong! There are some very very cool ones! You'll have to post pics when you get some!

[Chaloupa]

UPDATE...well after quickly adding NUMEROUS acro's....I had red bugs. That totally sucked. Once I figured out that I had them....and read and read and read, then bugged a few people for their experiences I tried treating the display for them. I removed all the hermits that I could find and sorry to say the Peppermint shrimps were too hard to catch, and I have now treated the tank twice. Not a red bug to be seen.....really easy to do, and effective...and the hermits that were left behind...they perished along with the shrimps...but I don't have any red bugs anymore. So now my motto "Q tank for any Acro corals" of which I have set up in my garage right now with 250w halide, skimmer, etc etc. Why on earth I didn't do it before?! At least the treatment was easy and effective. The only bad thing that I experienced other than the hermit and shrimp deaths, which I knew would happen, is a lovely diatom algae bloom.....but that should go soon enough....and hey, if I had any bad hitchiker crabs in the tank..they're gone now!:lol:

[niloc16]

you treated the 3rd time as well right?

[Chaloupa]

Hey Colin....not yet, not due until tomorrow. Then it will be done! I know I have to treat 3 times as it is not known how long the life cycle etc is...some people treat once, but I am following Marc's (Melev on RC) recommendations and Borneman's page....and doing 3 treatments, 1 week apart then carbon after 12 hours. So far so good..I have some polyps coming out that were absent before which is a good sign!

[mark]

Rather frustrating bringing the bugs home eh? Brilliant to the guy who come up with the treatment though. I did the whole tank treatment (x3) from the RDO link about a year ago and not one of the little buggers since.

[Chaloupa]

yah, I am very thankful there is a treatment!!! Or else...back to softies!:lol:

[Chaloupa]

Here's a Paly I got from Burc (fragalot) in Ontario...(the red one) it's color is absolutely AMAZING...the picture does not do it justice!
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/redpaly.jpg

[Chaloupa]

this is an acro I acquired that I just really like! (notice...no red bugs:lol:)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/Yellowacro.jpg

[Chaloupa]

Table Acro....I know it has to be flat...it's just there until I glue it down ..... the color is great..when you see it in person it is a gorgeous yellow with pink undertones! (such a girlie thing to say but....)
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/table.jpg

[Delphinus]

HOLY CRAP!!! :eek: No seriously.

I'm on my way over. No seriously. I'll be right there. Can I wash your car or something? Do your dishes? Buy you spa gift certificates? Any walls need painting?

Where did you find that thing? Oh and PULEEEZ put my name on the waitlist!!!

[Snappy]

Sarah your tank & corals look great.

[Chaloupa]

Thanks! I'm pretty happy with things...even with dealing with the bugs I am doing OK!

[Chaloupa]

Full tank shot....

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c212/Chaloupa/150gfull.jpg

[niloc16]

wow sarah, youve done a really good job. i love the aquascaping.

[marie]

Looks great, but I would recommend moving the monti caps down near the bottom, they grow so fast that they will shade everything else in no time

[Chaloupa]

Colin; THANKS! I wish I had less rock now...but oh well, what can you do?!

Marie; the monti caps kind of were a mistake.....they were "set" where they are until I figured out where I wanted them..and then.....they're stuck. I am thinking of breaking the ones at the top off and putting them really low as even on the ground they are colorful and grow. The giant cap I have no where else for.....it's too big! I had a bit of a problem when I first started this tank that after having low lighting for so long...my knee jerk reaction was that it all had to go up high....not so when you have good lighting :redface: ! Now to break them off and figure out what to do! That's half the fun! Thanks for the advice!

[Jaws]

Looks Great!

[Chaloupa]

Thanks Jason! Your corals are all doing very well!