jkhchris 105 gallon tank build

[Chowder]

Well the tax return finally came. I ordered a tank through OA that was made by Seastar. It is 60"x20"x20" with corner bracing made with 1/2 glass. It has a overflow box in the rear left corner with a overflow and a return. The tank is made but I am waiting for the overflow box to be built. I started the stand last week at work. I based it on the Allglass style stand and made it out of pine.
Here is a poor picture of the frame of the stand.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/stand2.jpg
Another poor picture of the stand framed in.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/stand4.jpg
A picture with the doors on and ready to stain.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2605.jpg
And a few of the stand stain.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2606.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2607.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2608.jpg
I also fiberglassed the inside base of the stand to hold in water just incase I have any leaks or spills.
Chris

[Lance]

Lookin' Good! I bet you can't wait for the tank.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Nice touch with the fiberglass...looking forward to seeing the rest.

[Chowder]

Ya it's hard to go into OA and see the tank sitting there just waiting to be filled up. But on the other hand this is something I have wanted to do for about a year now and a little longer to wait is really nothing. Atleast there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thanks Drew I can't wait to see the rest too.
Chris

[Chin_Lee]

Looking good and congrats on the upgrade. Now you can grow your sps twice as big. Looking forward to the final build.

[Chowder]

Thanks Chin , I can't wait till I get it set up and going. It will be nice to have some extra space. I might actually have enough pieces to fill the new tank already. The 65 has become basically a frag tank.
Heres a shot of it so you know what I am talking about.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2622.jpg
And yes that is full colonies on trays on the front glass.
Chris

[Jason McK]

WOW Look at that 65G.
Stand looks good Chris. Can't wait to see it with a tank on it

J

[Chowder]

Thanks Jason I might have to call on your services for some help when the tank swap goes down.

[Jason McK]

Looking forward to it. But I'm really clumsy and might make a few frags 'by mistake' ;)

J

[Delphinus]

Holy mackerel. I suddenly realize there's a LOT more room in my tanks for stuff!!!! :lol:

Good luck with the new tank :)

[Chowder]

Thanks Tony , I believe I still have some room on the underside of my powerheads and I guess the trays. Hey Jason what is with the spelling today. (climsy) ........ (genitally)
Chris:lol:

[Jason McK]

I was Diving all day yesterday. With Cprowler and Jack. On Cprowlers boat. Ate dinner at 10PM then got up to take my wife to the airport at 5:00am.
Not thinking sorry

[Chin_Lee]

Chris
let me know when your transfer day will be. If i'm "around", i'll come by to help out.
Whats your plan for transferring? I ask because I've heard so many tragic stories of losing massive amounts of corals when people upgrade to bigger tanks. I lost about 60-70% of my acros when I transferred them to my 300g and i attribute the loss to the drastic change in water parameters. Start thinking about this because I would hate to see you lose any of your wonderful collection.

[Reefer Rob]

Just in case you're looking for some ideas, this is what I did when I transfered everything over from my 72 to my 180. I left all my corals and fish etc in the 72. I did all my aqua-scaping in new water, then moved the fish over. I let the new tank run for a week then I moved a couple of corals over as test pieces, acclimating them as I normally would. When the test pieces did OK for a few days I moved the rest over. No losses at all from the move, just a whole lot of stress.

Rob

[Chowder]

Thanks for the offer Chin and the advice Rob. I was actually thinking of doing a post to get some suggestions. What I was thinking of doing was to having the other tank set up and ready to run. I do a 15 gallon water change every week on the 65. I would put the change water into the new tank with some power heads running to keep it stirring. I probably would do two of these a week for two weeks. About the time my wife could stand before saying something. That would create about 60 gallons of aged water in the two weeks and still have about 75 gallons of cleaner aged water still in the 65 gallon. I would also have my skimmer running in the new tank. I am still planning on having sand but would go with new and use a couple of pounds from my 65 to seed it. Then I would set a day to change it all to the new tank. I would also like to clean my old rock as much as possible durring the transfer. I also have about 50 or so pounds of dried dead rock that I have cycling in a rubbermaid with a 8 pound piece of live rock for about 2 weeks now. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks Chris

[Tom R]

Looks great Chris

Just take it slow and plan out every move ahead of doing it.

Good luck

Tom R

[Chowder]

Thanks Tom. How are you doing? Did everything go well?

[Chowder]

Worked on The cap for the tank today. Got it built , sanded and a coat of stain on it today. Will put another coat on it tomorrow and try to take a picture of it.
Chris

[Chowder]

Here are two pictures of the completed stand and cap.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2623.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2624.jpg

[Chowder]

This is the frankenstien sump I will be using for the new system. It is a Allglass Mega Flow 4 Sump. It met a timely demise when it fell off the back of a truck upon delivery to a local LFS. I picked it up for $20 dollars. I figured if I couldn't make it hold water atleast the plexi would be worth $20. The trickle area was broken off in the spill which allows lots of room for the new Skimmer. I took 3/8 plexi strips and glued them over the cracks with weldon 16 and let them set. I drilled three 2 1/2" holes in the trickle overflow to allow the water to flow through instead of cascading over the first wall. I have had it at the shop holding water for 2 months now with no lose.
So far this sump has cost me about $35 dollars and a little bit of my time.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2625.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

Well got the tank today. I moved the stand and tank into the place and put it where I want it to be.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2631.jpg

Now the fun begins. I plan on starting to fill it tomorrow with some water . I believe I will try and get it alll swapped by Sunday if it is possible.

Chris

[Jason McK]

Oh good you got it in the house.

Looks Great. I guess you can get a few Tangs now LOL

J

[Chowder]

Already have three . Don't need no more.

[tang daddy]

havent been around for awhile and stumbled on this build, finally eh!

were all dreaming but for some of us dreams come true. Happy to see that you got the new set up in what are you gonna be using for the lighting?

[Tom R]

Looks great Chris.

Tom R

[Chowder]

Thanks Chris and Tom. I will be using the same lights that are on the old setup. The hamilton reefstars 400w DE and 250w DE.
Chris

[Chowder]

Well Have the tank about half full now with fresh salt water and the new sand. Here's a shot of the tanks cloudy water and you can see the cap on it.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2639.jpg

I guess I can tell you guys about the equipment I am going to use. I have a Allglass Model 4 sump. Which will have A Eheim 1262 pump in it. It will be teed off to be my return going threw a Current 1/4 horse chiller and back to the tank. The pump will also run 2 to 3 phosban reactors and a feed line to my calcium reactor. I have a knock off skimmer as well rated for 250 gallons run by a sedra 7000 as well.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2638.jpg


For flow in the tank I will be using 2 MJ 1200's with the sure flow 2100 mods and a Tunze wavebox. On my return I added a Pacific Coast flow accelerator and am not sure what I will get out of that. Lighting I will be using 2 Hamilton Reefstar Pendents. One is a 250w DE and the other is a 400w DE. I will hang the lights to a shelf above the tank and put them on drawer tracks so I can move them out off my way when I need to work in the tank. I have 2 heaters a won bros 250W and a stealth 250W. My top off is going to be gravity fed . I added a shelf in the stand that sits higher then the sump and accomidates a smaller rubbermade tub with a 1/4" bulkhead union in it. This will be controlled by a kent float valve in the sump.

Chris

[Chowder]

I also ended up putting a piece of foam under the tank. Was having a leveling problem. I will be putting a piece of 1/4 round on the front of the tank to hide it. On the sides that you can see I might just use a brown jiffy to colour it.
Chris

[pastout]

do you like the mega overflow kit ? is it worth the money?

[Chin_Lee]

Nice Chris. Have you decided on a transfer plan?

[Chowder]

Pastout I didn't want to build one that was the only reason I used that kit. I have not gotten to the point yet of using it. Not enough water in the tank yet. Chin I am going to fill the tank 3/4 full and let it run for the week with 50#'s of dead rock and 8 #'s live rock. I'm setting up 2 powerheads and the skimmer up in the tank. I was going to transfer some of the live rock from my 65 . Basically whatever I could get out that doesn't have coral encrusted to it. There is about 20 gallons of water out of my 65 in the new tank already. Was planning on doing it all tomorrow but decided to let the tank run 3/4 full for the week to let things settle for a bit.
Chris

[Chowder]

I decided to make a good air silencer for my skimmer. How it was set up it was quite loud. So I got some 1 1/2" pipe ,two 1 1/2" end caps, two quick connect fitting that will recieve 1/4" air line and has a male threaded end and some filter floss.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2649.jpg

I drilled a 1/2" hole in both end caps. The threaded ends of the quick connects screwed in tightly without having to thread the caps. I rolled the filter floss up and put it into the 5" of 1 1/2" of pipe. put the end caps on without glue so I can open it up if the silencer gets wet or whatever.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2650.jpg

Upon hooking it up I noticed the skimmer to be way quieter then before. I added about 10" of air line to the other end and that dropped the sound a bit more. I did not notice any drop in air consumtion in the skimmer.

Chris

[Chowder]

Well got the 65 gallon into the 105. It took about 8 hours and did not get the lights set up till this morning. All and all it went well. I do have about 25ppm nitrates and have lost a few frags to the rock work. Nothing to major. I believe the week will let me know how it went. Now I have to mount all the corals , set up the top off, get the calcium reactor going and figure where the two power heads should go so they don't kick the sand up. All and all I happy how it turned out. The fish are really happy with all the extra space.
Believe I will be getting ride of most of my caps and some frags. Jason thanks alot for helping out. I deffinetly wouldn't have finished it with out you. I really appreciate your help. Anyways here is a shot of the tank tonight.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2656.jpg


Chris

[Sebae again]

It looks great already!

[Chin_Lee]

Looks great Chris. A little less crammed than the 65!! Point your powerheads towards the water's surface to minimize substrate blow-up.

[Jason McK]

Looks Good Chris, Glad I could help.

Keep us updated on the progress

J

[cprowler]

Looks good Chris, was that all from your 65g?

[Chowder]

Thanks for the replies. Thanks for all your kind words .Chin already have them pointed to the surface and the one in the middle on the other end now. The brackets provided with the mods are weak and they keep slouching. Was thinking of putting clear tubbing in between the powerhead and bracket to hopefully solve this. When I get it done or figure it out I will take a picture and post it. Cprowler I did add about 50#'s of dead rock to the mix and got ride of some live rock from the tank. Other then that most of it is from the 65 gallon tank I think Jason was quite supprissed of the size of some of the collonies when we pulled them out. I do have a shot of one of the three rubbermaids full of coral fish and clams.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2654.jpg

And here's one of me holding up one of my frag trays (1500 Seio powerhead) Ther is a 5"x3" pink millie , 3"x2" green acro and a 2"x1" piece of blue millie on it.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2655.jpg

Chris

[hockey nut]

Looks good Chris.

Can't wait to see it in person.

Congrats

[Chowder]

Thanks Callum.

[Tom R]

Hey Chris

The tank looks great. Hope the transition continues without incident.

Tom R

[Jason McK]

I found it amazing that Chris was able to remove every coral from it's mount (Powerhead or overflow box) with out as much as breaking a bit of it.
Me on the other hand trashed a powerhead and made a few frags just by putting my hand in the tank.

It must be my unfamiliarity with "levels"

J

[hockey nut]

Now that Chris has a bigger tank he has more room for more levels. SWEET!!!!! ;)

[Chowder]

It's all about those levels. They truley allow you to cram more corals into smaller spaces. I think I might have to have a work shop on levels. Chris's way to levels.:lol:

I'm also pretty sure that I can probably fit five more frag trays in this baby.

Chris

[Chowder]

Tom I actually lost my rabbit fish today to a tragic power head accident. and my green millie has some tissue sluffing off. We will see what tomorrow brings.

Thanks, Chris

[hockey nut]

How's it coming along now Chris? Pull out all your hair yet? :)

[Chowder]

Did not have to much time last week to work on the Tank. Was busy painting my down stairs neighbours washroom. I did have some time to mount some of the corals. I did have some lighten up considerably . Do to the fact I replaced the bulbs. I had one of my gomezie that STN on me then stop before it all was lost. My green millie went. Just trying to figure out a flow issue I have in the front center of my tank. The sand is getting kicked up in that area. Believe it is where the two powerhaeds in the front meet and the flow is deflected down towards the sand. Also not 100% happy with the rock work. But other then that I have a few strands of hair left. I will try and take a few pictures tonight if I have time. Have to start repairing the wall where the tank was.
Chris

[christyf5]

Wow Chris the tank looks great! I can't believe you managed to get all those corals off the rocks. Looking forward to some close up shots of the tank :wink:

[Chowder]

We made a few frags along the way. Alot of my corals have lost there colour. I also stopped dosing the Ultra Lithe. So really just trying to get it all hooked back up and running. Most of the colour should come back.

[christyf5]

Are you going to discontinue the ultralith permanently or was it just for the move?

[Chowder]

Just for the move.

[Chowder]

Here's a few pictures of where I'm at. I have lost a few pieces and had to chop a few due to RTN or STN. Here's a full tank Shot.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2667.jpg

Left Side

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2668.jpg

Right Side.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2669.jpg


As you can see still have a lot of pieces to mount. Never thought I could go through so much 2 part epoxy and glue. Hope you enjoy it so far.

Chris

[christyf5]

Wow that clam is crazy! :eek:

Whats the yellow fish in the last photo?

[Chowder]

It's a yellow assessor.

[Chowder]

Have not posted on this for a while here is a fts and a left and right.I have lost a few pieces and three clams one 6 inch crocea and a 1 1/2 inch maxima and squamosa. I also swithched out the two Mj 1200 mods for Tunze 6060's. I also got a bigger calcium reactor a superfudge special. Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures.

FTS
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2688.jpg

Left
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2700.jpg

Right
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2699.jpg

Chris

[JDigital]

OMG CLAM!!! :eek:

[Jason McK]

Where is the new Squamosa?

And you promised the level would be gone as soon as you mounted everything

J

[Chowder]

The level is gone tomorrow . Might sell it at the swap. The clam is between the big squamosa and the derasa. Here's a poor shot.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2701.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

Thought I would post a shot of the tank from tonight.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2722.jpg

Here's a piece I picked up yesturday. Australian Micromussa.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2728.jpg

[Chowder]

Sorry I have not posted here lately but thought I would show a updated tank shot and some more.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/Tank.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/abro.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/Blueprostrata.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/GermanBlue.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tenius.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/insignis.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tang.jpg

[Chowder]

I have also recently changed the rock work. I really hated the camel hump look it use to have.

[Rbacchiega]

OMG look at the size of that PJ cardinal! He's ginormous!

[Snappy]

Looking good, well done.

[Chowder]

Thanks Snappy.

[tang daddy]

Wow chris, the new camera really makes a diff in picture quality nice growth and colour on your corals can't wait to see it in person :mrgreen:

[Lance]

Very Nice!

[Chowder]

Thanks

[Tangman]

VERY, VERY NICE tank shots !!

[Chowder]

Thanks Ron.

[Delphinus]

Yeah ok I was just going to ask .. so is the lighting the same and it's just a different camera? Or is the lighting different too? The colours are really popping.

[fishytime]

The tank is looking great! Pictures definitely look better. Killer shot of the scopas.

[Chowder]

Thanks for the comments. I got a new Canon XSI on New Years Eve. Finally gave up on the old camera. Can't get ride of the grainy look of the pictures.

Chris

[Delphinus]

So same lights as before?

[Chowder]

Sorry Tony same lights.

[Chowder]

Few more shots from tonight.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/bonsai.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/calitorte.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/clam6.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/crab.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/frog.jpg

[Chowder]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/greenric.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/ric2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/ric1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics4.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/SPS1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tenius1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tips.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/zoa1.jpg

[fishytime]

Holy ric garden. Very nice! Dont you love the way hermits seem to have a knack for making the most sensitive coral in the tank their look-out point?:lol:

[Jason McK]

Looks Great Chris that new camera was worth every penny

J

[Chowder]

Ya That Halloween Hermit seems to be on a different SPS every day. Thanks Jason I just need to learn how to use it now.

chris

[Lance]

Ya That Halloween Hermit seems to be on a different SPS every day. Thanks Jason I just need to learn how to use it now.

chris

I'd say you have a pretty good idea of what you're doing. Pics look great!

[Chowder]

Thanks Lance . Just want to get them a little less blurry and more clear.

[Chowder]

Heres some top downs from today.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/valida1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/thick.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tenius1-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rainbow.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice4.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice1.jpg

[Chowder]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/millie1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/millie.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green5.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green4.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green3.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/digi.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/deep-1.jpg

[Chowder]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/cross.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/blue2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/deep.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics4-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics3.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/purpledeathpaly.jpg

[Chowder]

FTS

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/1.jpg

[fishytime]

Couldnt help but notice the size of your ....polyp extension....wow.

[untamed]

Wow...things look really good. Your orange digi w/green tip now looks better than the original!

[Chowder]

Fishytime I run Ultra Lithe so I'm sure that helps with the polyp extension. Brad it is doing real well in the center of my tank in reflected light. My halides don't fully cover there. But I do really like the piece. Hope it begins to grow soon though.

Chris

[christyf5]

Damn Chris, the tank looks spectacular!! That ultralith is really kicking butt eh? :cool:

[Chowder]

Thanks Christy. I do like the Ultra lith system.

Chris

[Chowder]

A few shots from tonight.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sweet.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green1-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/purple2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/Gomezi.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/cap.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/OPE.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/commons.jpg

[Trigger Man]

Those are some nice shots you took and great coloring on your corals.

[Tangman]

Hey Chris the 3rd photo is amazing ! to say the least.

[tang daddy]

Nice buddy.... I don't know what to say tho the pictures look bang on from when I was last over, most times pics are washed out and not true to the tank but yours are bang on. I may just have to get a nice camera next x mas.

[Chowder]

Thanks for the nice comments . I would have to say the new camera takes great pictures and picks up the colours of the corals bang on the top down shots. Definetly hard to pick up the right colour straight on though. And the third shot not sure on a pssotive ID yet but waiting for one on RC.

Chris

[Tom R]

Great pictures Chris.

What is the new camera?

One day you are going to have to help me out. My corals just lack the colours and polyp extension that yours have.

Tom R

[Chowder]

I picked up a Canon Rebel XSI. Just using the stock lens 18mm-55mm.

[Chowder]

OMG look at the size of that PJ cardinal! He's ginormous!


Sorry missed this post . I have Three in the tank . One of them has been my longest standing fish. It`s been around for three years.

Chris

[Tom R]

I picked up a Canon Rebel XSI. Just using the stock lens 18mm-55mm.

Well if I had a camera like that, I would still need the coral to look that good.

Tom R

[Chowder]

Thanks Tom.

[Boomboy]

HOLY BEJEBUS- amazing coral shots and corals, it looks like you got a lot of corals in there, if you need to make room, i will gladly help you out with that :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

GReat shots too. im green with envy

[Chowder]

Thanks Boomboy. There are alot of frags that I am waiting to grow or colour up. I am sorting out what I want to keep and what will be removed. Trying to create more space for them to grow in.

Chris

[Chowder]

Well here's some more. Atleast I can document colour changes this way.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/wee1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/wee.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/oregon.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice9.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice8.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice7.jpg

[Chowder]

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice6.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice4-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice3-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/nice2-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/l.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/green-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/cali.jpg

[Chowder]

Well I was busy at work today. Ended up building a second chamber for my calcium reactor and a new view finder for my camera to take top downs.
Here's my first atempt at building a reactor.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/2nd.jpg
Disregard the middle hole . The tube had it in it when I picked it up. Put the fitting in to make it easier to plug. The whole thing cost me about $15 dollars and a little bit of my time that my boss payed for.

View finder
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/view.jpg
Used a piece of 4" drain pipe because it would block out the stray light and only allow light in from the bottom. Used weldon 16 to glue the bottom piece of plexy on. It worked quite well as I took a few more pictures with it. It blocked out the reflection of the lens I was getting on the bottom pain of plexy in my old box.

Chris

[Chowder]

Here are the shots I took from tonight.

Aussie Acans
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/acan2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/acan.jpg

Polyps
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/polyps2.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/zoas2.jpg

Florida Rics

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics2-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics1-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rics.jpg

Chris

[Tom R]

Hi Chris

That view finder is fantastic.

If your days is that busy tomorrow you could make me one of those. LOL

Tom R

[Chowder]

SPS

Digi

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps5.jpg

Rainbow Monti

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps4.jpg

Tenius

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps1-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

More SPS

Unknown To Me?

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps6.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps8.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps3.jpg

Purple Cross

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sp.jpg

Purple Bonsai

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps7.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

More SPS

Millies

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/millie-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/millie1-1.jpg

Chris

[Lance]

Those top down pics are great!

[Chowder]

Tom I will make you one for you birthday.

Chris

[Keri]

I'm drooling!!

[Chowder]

Thanks Lance and Keri. Keri you might want to put a napkin over your keyboard.

Chris

[lorenz0]

oh man, the more i scrolled down that page the more my jaw dropped. absolutely amazing

[Chowder]

Thanks lorenzO

[Tom R]

Tom I will make you one for you birthday.

Chris

That would be great Chris

Tom R

[Jason McK]

Sweet DUDE, Those Acans are P.H.A.T

[Chowder]

Word!!!

[Chowder]

A FTS in pieces.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/left1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/center1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/right1.jpg

Chris

[christyf5]

Wow Chris, it looks fantastic.

Whats the red circled fish? He's a beauty.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b365/christyf5/left1.jpg

[Chowder]

Christy the fish is a damsel. I can't remeber what the name was and on searching the web can't see it anywhere. I beleive it is listed in the Marine Fish Pocket Book. It is it's juev colours and tuns black basically when it is an adult.

Chris

[hockey nut]

SWEET PICTURES MAN!!!!!!! Great looking tank Chris! Well done.

I need you to come over when you have time to take some pics of my tank. Beverages would be provided of course. ;)

Cheers

[Chowder]

Thanks Callum. Should have some time to spare in the near future.

Chris

[Chowder]

Three week change in polyp colour of a raindow monti.
Three
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/rainbow.jpg

Two weeks ago.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sps4.jpg

Today
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/ch.jpg

[Chowder]

Was playing with camera today.
Aussie Acan
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/b.jpg

Zoa
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/zoa.jpg

Frogspawn
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/frog-1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/frog1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/frog2.jpg

Clams
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/sqam.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/squam.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/h.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/crocea.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/derasa.jpg

[Chowder]

SPS
A. Gomezi
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/gom.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/mac.jpg

Tri Colour
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/change-1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/change1.jpg

Bonsai ?
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/bonsai-1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/b1.jpg

Unknown
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/joy.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/hey.jpg

[Chowder]

Monti
Superman and Rainbow encrusting
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/super.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/ch.jpg

Caps
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/cap-1.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/f.jpg

Confusa?
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/confusa.jpg

[Chowder]

Millie
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/millie-2.jpg

Oregon Tort
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/oregon-1.jpg

Tenius
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/tenius-1.jpg

Unknowns
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/p.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/ya.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/yo.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/yup.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/yuo.jpg
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/colour.jpg

[Chowder]

Deep water
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/deep-2.jpg

Loisetteae
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/blue-1.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

New inhabitant in the tank.
Already eating mysis and picking at the rock.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/regal.jpg

His Friend

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/shrimp.jpg

And the bully

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/blue-2.jpg

[christyf5]

Gorgeous :cool:

[Chowder]

Hey Christy the Damsel is a crosses damsel.

[christyf5]

Thanks Chris!

Hehe the other pics didn't come up for me at first. I now see the friend and the bully. Hard to believe that a whatever type of wrasse that is is a bully, I always thought those guys were rather timid.

[Chowder]

It's a blue sided wrasse. It takes runs at the other fish in the tank. But usually they are timid. It has basically run all wrasses that I put in the tank.

[Lance]

Nice score on the Regal. He's a beauty. Hope it leaves your corals alone.

[Chowder]

It does pick at a few things here and there but mostly the rocks. Mostly fly byes right now.
Chris

[Chowder]

Took a few shots tonight.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1448.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1481-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1479-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1446-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1478-1.jpg

Chris

[Chowder]

Few more.

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1410-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1427-1.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1483.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1488.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1490.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_1486.jpg

Chris

[Lance]

Nice pics!

[Chowder]

Thanks

[lastlight]

Your polyp extension is so RAD! You've sure gotten the knack of taking pics as well. Keep up the awesome work. Do you ever sell frags? Some of your stuff needs to migrate when I'm ready!

[Chowder]

Yes I do sell some frags but I do not ship. Sorry ...... As for the pictures take a hundred post 10 . You really have to take the same shot 3-5 times before you get a half decent one to post.

Chris

[lastlight]

Last update in MARCH.

Balls are in your court bud.

[Chowder]

I am going through a move and have nowhere to run that tank right now. Tank was taken down about 3.5 months ago. I have a 72 gallon Bow and a 40 Gallon breeder at work that I am storing the corals and rock in untill I can set it up again. Should have it running again in the beginning of the New Year.

Chris

[lastlight]

I guess this is a case where everyone knew but me. Good luck!

[Marlin65]

Looks like I might have to stop by someday now that i know where you work.:wink:


I am going through a move and have nowhere to run that tank right now. Tank was taken down about 3.5 months ago. I have a 72 gallon Bow and a 40 Gallon breeder at work that I am storing the corals and rock in untill I can set it up again. Should have it running again in the beginning of the New Year.

Chris

[Chowder]

Looks like I might have to stop by someday now that i know where you work.:wink:

Your welcome anytime....

[Chowder]

As you can see the tank has been reserected.......

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2266.jpg

http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t4/jkhchris/IMG_2273.jpg


I have built a new hood for the tank. I have had this tank running since the first week of January and am slowly moving things over from my two tanks at work. I have upgraded the sump to a 50 gallon long tank and built a refugium compartment into it. I still have alot of things to hook up to it as they come off line from the two tanks at work. I will try and keep you guys updated as I put this all back together.

Chris

[christyf5]

Woohoo!! Awesome! :cool:

[Chowder]

I have so far taken one tank down at work which was most of my LPs and a fair number of my fish and my three clams. I am going with less rock this time for more swimming room for the fish. My other tank at work has what is left of my SPS and a few pieces I have collected. It also has my zoa, paly collection and a few dendros. I lost half or more of my collection of SPS to the tank transfer and Acro flat worms. I have the flat worm problem in check.
This tank is going to be a mixed reef.

More pictures to come as I add things and try to document the progress.

Chris