JDigitals 10G "Hawaiian Biotope".

[JDigital]

I'm starting my thread in hopes that my back heals in time to get to work with some of the DIY work I had originally planned on doing. So here goes.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10GContesttank.jpg


Budget Breakdown:

Hardware:

Display Tank ..................................... Free
Mini Mag-float - $11.99 (under $15) .... Free
Sand ............................................... Free
Live Rock.......................................... Free
Overflow.......................................... . Free
10G Sump Tank................................. $16.99
Sump Baffles.................................... $5.02
AquaMedic OR2500 Return Pump......... $65.00
Hagen Glo 2x24W T5HO (used)........... $50.00
100W Heater..................................... $24.99

Livestock:

1x PomPom Crab................................ $9.95 @ JL (I paid $16.99 elsewhere)
3x Red Leg Hermit.............................. $3.87
2x Turbo Margarite Snails.................... $3.98
1x Left handed Hermit........................ $2.99
Large R/Purple Zoa frag (>15heads)..... $10.00
Large Purple Zoa frag (>15heads)........ $10.00
Large B/Orange Zoa (>15heads).......... $10.00
Large light Greean Zoa (>15heads)...... $10.00
1-2" Percula Clownfish........................ $10.45
Six-Line Wrasse................................. $12.95
Rose Bulb Anemone............................ $29.99
2 Head Frogspawn.............................. $20.00
Orange Short-tip Plate Coral................ $15.00
GSP 4"+ Frag.................................... $20.00
Pink Buttons..................................... $10.00

Total Budget Left - $47.13

Nov. 15 FTS Pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10FTSNov.jpg

Dec 15 FTS Pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/DecFTS10.jpg

[Boomboy]

THIS TANK IS GOING TO ROCK :lol::lol::lol: no.... seriously

[yeeg]

THIS TANK IS GOING TO ROCK :lol::lol::lol: no.... seriously

Oh no....

[JDigital]

THIS TANK IS GOING TO ROCK :lol::lol::lol: no.... seriously

It might not actually... not even sure if I will be able to continue in the contest.

[JDigital]

Rimless and Painted so far..

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/paintingtank.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/tankpainted.jpg

[JDigital]

Well... need to pick up a new 10G.... cracked mine today trying to drill it... Sensitive buggers!:twised:

[JDigital]

Cracked....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/cracked.jpg


Not Cracked. :mrgreen::mrgreen:

If I ever decide to drill a 10G again, someone slap me.. haha.. Such a nerve wrecking thing to do.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/notcracked.jpg

Now I need to decide whether or not to de-rim the new tank.. That wasn't much fun the first time either.. :drinking:

[ElGuappo]

looks like you changed the position of the hole? was this just for some added strenth while drilling, since it was moved closer to the wall.

[JDigital]

looks like you changed the position of the hole? was this just for some added strenth while drilling, since it was moved closer to the wall.

Well not really... I had originally planned on having BOTH holes that you see above.. the one I did today is for my overflow, and was positioned there for the added strength for drilling... that cracked hole last night was gonna be my return bulkhead... but I am not gonna tempt fate with 2 holes. LOL I'll just stick to running my return over the rim I guess. :biggrin:

[ElGuappo]

you could try to drill the other side at the back or maybe even on of the sides for the retern. ? if you crack the side you have lots of scrap to repair it from the previous tank.

Also you could put a wood block or something in so there is no pressure from the weight added to drilling.

PS what kind of paint did you use?

[JDigital]

I think its called "Painters Touch" Semi Gloss...

I'll debate with myself about the 2nd hole.. lol.. I got good odds, 6 out of 7 holes isn't too bad so far.. :mrgreen:

[JDigital]

Painted Pt. 2 haha..

couple runs in the paint.. :( oh well, it won't be seen. :wink:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/painted2.jpg

[JDigital]

Update:

Overflow / Plumbing / Sump Parts:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/plumbingstuff.jpg

Couple tank shots:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/ofbulk.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/ftsbuildshot.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/ofinstalled.jpg

Sump with baffle/skimmer/Return pump:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/sump1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/sump2.jpg

Just need to run my drain and return pipes. :biggrin:

[michika]

Still want to share plumbing costs? What size do you need for your stuff?

[JDigital]

Still want to share plumbing costs? What size do you need for your stuff?

I am running 3/4" drain and return.. I got some spare 3/4" pipe sitting around, not sure if it will be enough or not.

Do you have a return pump yet? I got a brand new Rio 10HF in box.. maybe we can work out a trade + cash deal with the Snapper? I'll pm you about that..

[JDigital]

Tank is PLUMBED!!! WHOOOOOOO!!!! haha..

Drain and Return line:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10plumbing.jpg

Top Side FTS:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10topFTS.jpg

FTS Display:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10FTS.jpg

FTS w/ Sump:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10FTSwsump.jpg

[JDigital]

Only a few hours away.. :mrgreen:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/water.jpg

[Chaloupa]

Only a few hours away.. :mrgreen:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/water.jpg

I am sooooo jealous...a few parts missing.....so won't be up until tomorrow night at the earliest....BUT, I have water all ready and waiting in my WC tank! WOOHOO!

[JDigital]

WHOOO... even tho I got water it in, I might have to empty it and add an emergency drain.. haha.. i got real use to the security of the Herbie on my 75.. I'm nervous ot leave it running for the rest of the night.. :lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/water1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/water2.jpg

[motokorth]

Looking good, looking at that plumbing reminds me that I have to go redo my return plumbing this weekend to knock down some noise.

What scared me the first time was when I shut the ball valve on my one return to test that the other can handle the full load....

[Canadiancray]

Nice clean setup!!!!!!

[JDigital]

My paranoia about an flood is going to force me to drain the display tank today, drill another bulk, and add a emergency drain. Minor set-back... :lol:

[Canadiancray]

Whats the emergency drain??? Is it another drain higher than the water lever that drains back to the sump??

[JDigital]

Whats the emergency drain??? Is it another drain higher than the water lever that drains back to the sump??

Yea, it's basically going to be a modified Herbie system...

[JDigital]

Emergency drain installed! :D Wish i could have made it a bit more "undercover"... but it will do the job. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/herbie3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/herbie1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/herbie2.jpg

[JDigital]

Even after draining the tank today to add my emergency drain, I still had enough time to get er' filled back up and added the Live rock and I think this is gonna be my final aquascape... Got a couple ideas to try out tomorrow.. but, im really liking this one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/aquascape.jpg

Also picked up a used Hagen Glo 2x24WT5HO fixture today (thanks finaddict!)...

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Nice progress :) Maybe if you painted the white PVC with black Krylon Fusion, it would be more "undercover"?

[JDigital]

Nice progress :) Maybe if you painted the white PVC with black Krylon Fusion, it would be more "undercover"?

Never really thought about the white pvc.. i was talking more about the mess of tubes and hose clamps outside the tank.. haha..

[Stab_Master_Arson]

I see I am one of the few lazys that will be gambling no overflow. Nice rocks though. I was cherry picking through some for almost an hour. It is very hard finding smaller/adequate pieces when they are all 3 feet below 30 pound pieces in the holding tanks at the store.

[ElGuappo]

That Piece of rock on the right was mine..... how did you get it out of the store before i noticeed it was gone...


Even after draining the tank today to add my emergency drain, I still had enough time to get er' filled back up and added the Live rock and I think this is gonna be my final aquascape... Got a couple ideas to try out tomorrow.. but, im really liking this one.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/aquascape.jpg

[JDigital]

That Piece of rock on the right was mine..... how did you get it out of the store before i noticeed it was gone...

:black:... Ninja skills! I got it out of the store in a box. haha:mrgreen:

[motokorth]

What kind of sand are you using in there? I might use that in my 15g FW tank that I'm converting to a FOWLR tank.

[JDigital]

What kind of sand are you using in there? I might use that in my 15g FW tank that I'm converting to a FOWLR tank.

I JUST threw the bag out... haha.. It's another type of live sand, can't remember the name. Got it at Pisces though.

[JDigital]

So I have been doing some reading, and I think I am going to try and go for a mini hawaiian biotope for my tank. Couple really cool inverts, and fish I hope I can get.

That's my plan anyways. haha

[motokorth]

Good luck, it sounds like a wonderful idea.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

So I have been doing some reading, and I think I am going to try and go for a mini hawaiian biotope for my tank. Couple really cool inverts, and fish I hope I can get.

That's my plan anyways. haha

Anymore specifics? Or is that super secret until they're in the tank? I'm so curious!

[JDigital]

Anymore specifics? Or is that super secret until they're in the tank? I'm so curious!

That's gonna stay a secret for awhile... But the plan is whatever goes into the tank as livestock MUST have hawaii as its origin of decent. All coral, fish, inverts. Even my black substrate is a usual key piece of this type of biotope, not planned when I bought the stuff, but sure works out well for this idea. :mrgreen:

I'm thinking that if this tank works out, I may incorporate the idea into my 75 when it gets rolling again. We'll see about that tho

[GreenSpottedPuffer]

Love the rockwork! Makes it look like a little big tank :D

[ElGuappo]

stealing the black sand concept on you sorry but if it didnt look so good i wouldnt have.:mrgreen: plus it will look nice with what i have planned.

[michika]

Just in case you didn't know, the stainless steel clamps you used don't always come with stainless steel screws. Might want to check on that if you haven't done so already.

[JDigital]

^ Thanks, I'll keep my eye on them.

Just thought I'd post a angle FTS of the tank from tonight.. like how it turned out. Plus the tank has cleared up nicely now.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10FTS-1.jpg

[michika]

Very pretty! I love the black sand!

[rocketlily]

Looks really good. Really like the rocks you picked out.

[michika]

Where did the rocks come from?

[ElGuappo]

he got the rock at RC know this because he somehow snuck theat rock on the right out from under my nose.

Did you have a hard time with air clinging to the sand????? i did...

[OCDP]

Looks really good. Really like the rocks you picked out.

+1 ! Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see it stocked up.

[JDigital]

Very pretty! I love the black sand!

Thanks.. I like it so much I am debating about using it in my 75G.. lol

Looks really good. Really like the rocks you picked out.

Thanks!

he got the rock at RC know this because he somehow snuck theat rock on the right out from under my nose.

Did you have a hard time with air clinging to the sand????? i did...

Snooze you loose... :lol:

As for the sand, I haven't had ANY problems with air/bubbles.. I love the sand actually, it doesn't get lifted up into the water column as easily as the white stuff in my 20G... I'm really impressed actually, never thought I would be "impressed" with sand..

+1 ! Looks fantastic. Can't wait to see it stocked up.

You and me both Scott!! :D

[sphelps]

So I'm just trying to figure this all out. I thought the cost of the sump had to be deducted from your budget but you managed to just happen to have the right scrap material for your sump, but either way shouldn't you still have to deduct market value for the glass baffles? Also I didn't see a hand written receipt for that light fixture since you got it for less than 75% new meaning it's a "steal of a deal".

[Chaloupa]

Yeah, I thought the sump had to be deducted....? If not, I can change my costing....:question:

[motokorth]

He has on the first post


Overflow & Sump Baffles (Scrap)......... Free
10G Sump Tank................................. $16.99
AquaMedic OR2500 Return Pump......... $65.00


I am not sure when it was added but the cost is there for his sump.

[sphelps]

yeah I was taking about the so called "scrap" for baffles, by that reasoning any used equipment I have lying around could be considered "scrap".

[ElGuappo]

i think he got all the glass for the baffles when he cracked the first tank he tried to drill. and yes most anything (building supplies) are considered free.

[lastlight]

Dark sand let's poop fly under the radar. Very nice considering how many hours each day you have your nose pressed up against the glass!

[sphelps]

i think he got all the glass for the baffles when he cracked the first tank he tried to drill. and yes most anything (building supplies) are considered free.

So if you break something or part of something it's scrap? I didn't see that in the rules. So you're saying if you build your own sump using "building supplies" it doesn't count towards the budget?? But if buy a sump it does? The way I see it is if he used the other tank for the sump that's two 10 gallon tanks that need to be deducted for the sump, not one.

I'm a little confused where all these in-between the line rules are coming from. And who's exactly is running this contest and calling the shots, you guys need to be on the same page. I would have used a sump if I had known it would not count towards the budget.

[JDigital]

The "glass" baffle that you THINK you see are not glass... it is left over acrylic from a viewing/camera box I attempted making 2 months ago.. I never went out and bought new acrylic... My cracked tank is still sitting in the backyard where I left it with all 5 sides intact, cracked, but intact.

You used scrap acrylic on your AIO tank... no different that my acrylic in my sump. I don't see any between the line rules in that respect. My sump cost me just over $80 of my budget, and I have deducted it... Whats your point? When your AIO setup cost you nothing with all your scrap acrylic and broken glass.

[sphelps]

An AIO is different, it's part of the display tank which does not count towards the budget, I clarified this with you before I built it. The sump cost is suppose to count towards the budget. So basically you agree that a sump made from scrap will not count towards the budget? That is most certainly reading between the lines. I'm sure others including myself would have liked to know that before. And you only deducted $17 for your sump, last time I checked a return pump isn't a sump.

And where's your receipt for the light fixture? I'm sorry but I don't see why you should be given any special treatment.

[JDigital]

An AIO is different, it's part of the display tank which does not count towards the budget, I clarified this with you before I built it. The sump cost is suppose to count towards the budget. So basically you agree that a sump made from scrap will not count towards the budget? That is most certainly reading between the lines. I'm sure others including myself would have liked to know that before. And you only deducted $17 for your sump, last time I checked a return pump isn't a sump.

And where's your receipt for the light fixture? I'm sorry but I don't see why you should be given any special treatment.

The sump tank cost $16.99, baffles were scrap, there is nothing else in the sump, let alone to take cost on. Was right in the rules man... it was discussed prior the contest starting.

Actually, since you refused to provide a pic for me of your SPS, when I REQUESTED one, I see no reason to provide a receipt for you... INSTEAD, I'll "compromise" (that's what you called it in your PM right????) and give you the link to the FS thread I bought it from. http://albertaaquatica.com/index.php?showtopic=21140 Take it or leave it sphelps.

[sphelps]

Well first off I can't view that link, so it's not good enough. Second I posted the picture you requested as you threatened to kick me out of the contest despite that I already corrected the budget for the one frag that was slightly bigger than 2". Plus the rules state something about the "honer system" which obviously doesn't apply here anymore. My compromise was charging the full price for the one and only one frag that could potentially be bigger than 2", but I still took the picture as requested anyway. The least you could do is set an example and follow your own rules, you should have known you needed a receipt and hassled someone else for one already so you should provide one, no if ands or buts about it.

And you still keep dancing around that fact that you should be deducting some value for the acrylic used in the sump unless you agree a sump made from scrap does not count towards the budget.

Some of the frags I put in my tank were actually "scraps" accidentally broken off corals during cleaning and fraging other corals so can I take those off my budget?

[scholar]

guys wow relax this is more about haveing fun!!! if it looks like some one is going to town and not claiming it then im sure it will come out but there is no reason to fight like this

[sphelps]

I'm all for the honer system and it's all for fun idea but I don't like being harassed, threatened and being required to take pictures with measurements to satisfy some guy on a power trip. I never liked the receipt idea and made that clear earlier but it was perused so I don't see why the pursuer should be excused.

[04scoobysti]

I can't take it anymore! It's "honor system"!

[JDigital]

Well first off I can't view that link, so it's not good enough. Second I posted the picture you requested as you threatened to kick me out of the contest despite that I already corrected the budget for the one frag that was slightly bigger than 2". Plus the rules state something about the "honer system" which obviously doesn't apply here anymore. My compromise was charging the full price for the one and only one frag that could potentially be bigger than 2", but I still took the picture as requested anyway. The least you could do is set an example and follow your own rules, you should have known you needed a receipt and hassled someone else for one already so you should provide one, no if ands or buts about it.

And you still keep dancing around that fact that you should be deducting some value for the acrylic used in the sump unless you agree a sump made from scrap does not count towards the budget.

Some of the frags I put in my tank were actually "scraps" accidentally broken off corals during cleaning and fraging other corals so can I take those off my budget?

The sump was not built out of scraps. LMAO I bought the tank from the store. The only rule for sumps was to take the cost of the tank

(Sump tank will count against your budget, should you choose to incorporate one)

Corals fall under LS, where there is nothing free. So your logic for "Scraps" fails there.

I'll get you a receipt, and have contacted the seller, but it won't be tonight.

[Chaloupa]

And let's get back to the fun part...so far I have had fun. I got to spend some quality time with my Dad that I see very rarely, I got to bring another tank into the house, and I want to see whether it can be done on a tight budget...as I think this will show people what can be done with little cash. Let's have fun! I love seeing the updates that others are doing, and it motivates me.

[sphelps]

(Sump tank will count against your budget, should you choose to incorporate one)

You see I still don't get it, I never said you built your sump from scrap but by your reasoning it seems you could build one from scrap without deducting from the budget. And you're reading between lines, a "sump tank" doesn't include baffles? Then it's more like a tank, not a sump. I'm not asking for much but I think you should deduct a couple bucks for your baffles, at one point that acrylic cost you something just like an old heater I had lying around but I still deducted 75% of it's cost as per the rules.

Whatever I'm over this but you still have to post a receipt for the lights when you get it as per the rules :lol:

[sphelps]

I can't take it anymore! It's "honor system"!

Trust me I beat that to death many times but basically some define the honor system as a system that can be questioned by anyone and if questioned you must provide whatever proof is necessary until the questioner is satisfied.

I know I don't get it either. But the way I see it the person that provides the definition should at least abide by it.

[Ryan_Lap]

Whatever I'm over this but you still have to post a receipt for the lights when you get it as per the rules :lol:

Items on which you scored a "good deal"- If you can provide proof of the price you got, cost will be figured at the actual price you paid. If it was a transaction with a private individual, have them hand-write you a receipt, scan it, and post it on your thread.

[JDigital]

Whatever I'm over this but you still have to post a receipt for the lights when you get it as per the rules :lol:

I already told you I would. But thanks for the reminder. :razz:

[sphelps]

You have to admit this is kinda fun, our views have gone up by like 500 in the last hour, haha.

[Chaloupa]

You have to admit this is kinda fun, our views have gone up by like 500 in the last hour, haha.

You guys have a following now....everyone waiting to see what happens next!:lol: But it at least gets it all out there so there is clarity! Someone like me now doesn't have to ask the question...you guys did it all!

But I do see JDigital's thread in the lead for views...now the contest is on!

[JDigital]

You guys have a following now....everyone waiting to see what happens next!:lol: But it at least gets it all out there so there is clarity! Someone like me now doesn't have to ask the question...you guys did it all!

But I do see JDigital's thread in the lead for views...now the contest is on!

But scholar's thread views is still kicking our butt! LOL

[sphelps]

But scholar's thread views is still kicking our butt! LOL

Noooo, why'd you have mention that now everyone will look at his thread :lol:

[Chaloupa]

HUH...he has 1800 and you have 1963.....guess I better post on his now:biggrin:

[scholar]

with all this fighting and my lack of updates all you guys are catching up to my veiw count ohhh.....

[Chaloupa]

WOAH...Scholar has the winning numbers..holy!

[JDigital]

Hmm so my Live Rock has been in for 9-10 days now.. and I haven't seen any spike in Ammonia or Nitrates.. i haven't seen any rise in anything really..:confused:

[Chaloupa]

Mine too...but my rock was all cycled from other tanks, the water was from another established tank and I used live sand...not sure that I will get a cycle unless I force one with a shrimp. Have been trying to decide what to do.....what are you gonna do?

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Why force a cycle?

[Chaloupa]

am worried that I haven't got the right bacteria's going as a cycle never happened at all......and ok ok, it just seemed too easy!:redface:

[JDigital]

Yea, the Rock I am using was the massive order of Tonga rock that Red Coral brought in a few months ago.. so it had time for LOADS of die off (the store STUNK) and then sat in the tanks for awhile. Then I brought it home tossed it in a black, dark garbage can and cooked it for a few more weeks. The sand was Live Sand.. "No waiting, just add fish"... LOL ya right...

I'm don't want to force a cycle, but would like to know if I am gonna have one seeing as this is a time sensitive tank.. :lol:

[Chaloupa]

I'm don't want to force a cycle, but would like to know if I am gonna have one seeing as this is a time sensitive tank.. :lol:

I'm with ya, it has just been too easy...and I just want to add stuff NOW as a few others have...I just don't want it to crash and put me behind everyone several weeks

[JDigital]

One more question that I haven't been able to find an answer for... Can Emerald Crabs be found in the Reefs of Hawaii? I've googled and can't find anything..

[sphelps]

Anything from Hawaii is pretty expensive. Emerald crabs can be found throughout the Caribbean so even if there were emerald crabs in Hawaii no one would export them.

[JDigital]

Anything from Hawaii is pretty expensive. Emerald crabs can be found throughout the Caribbean so even if there were emerald crabs in Hawaii no one would export them.

I don't need one from hawaii... just need to know if they are found in the reefs there... you know, as part of my theme.. :wink:

[JDigital]

Well, I can scratch Emeralds off my stocking list.. They are Atlantic..

[OCDP]

I like this Hawaiian Biotope theme going here. Seems like it could be a good creative challenge! Interested in seeing your stocking choices.

[sphelps]

I don't need one from hawaii... just need to know if they are found in the reefs there... you know, as part of my theme.. :wink:

Oh I get it :biggrin:
Good idea but like I said before Hawaiian stuff is fairly pricey, how do you plan on keeping within budget? You know if you wanted you could always bump up the budget for livestock. Most will only have $150 left for livestock which as we all know is pretty small for saltwater, kind of limits the options. For example no one will likely put a clam in their tank cause it will use half their budget. Just think about it, this is canreef we can make our rules :razz:

[JDigital]

I think alot of people joined because of the budget idea though... Plus, its not exactly a bad challenge to try and stock a tank on budget.. :mrgreen:

Could put it to a vote. I'll sleep on it for the night, and maybe you guys will see a voting thread tomorrow..

[sphelps]

Could put it to a vote. I'll sleep on it for the night, and maybe you guys will see a voting thread tomorrow..

Good idea, but I don't know if a poll will work as I think only people in the contest should have a say, right? Perhaps just a thread asking all contenders to post yes or no. That may have been your idea but just thought I'd throw it out there.

[JDigital]

Got my first bit of livestock today...

PomPom Crab (native to hawaii)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/pompom.jpg

3x Red Leg Reef Hermits (bought them thinking they were Zebra Reef Hermits, which are native to Hawaii)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/hermit.jpg

2x Turbo Margarita Snails:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/snails.jpg

Small Red/Purple Zoa frag.. will get another pic when they open.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/zoas.jpg

[md14]

Looks good!

[JDigital]

Looks good!

Thanks

[X-Treme]

DUDE...... Is that Pom Pom really THAT pink as in your picture? (aren't they usually more red?) If so.... my g/f MUST have one. LOL

[JDigital]

DUDE...... Is that Pom Pom really THAT pink as in your picture? (aren't they usually more red?) If so.... my g/f MUST have one. LOL

Yea, that pic is pretty color accurate.. :mrgreen:

[JDigital]

Added some zoas today.

These are from my last update, but they are finally out, so updating the pic.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/Zoas1.jpg

These are the new ones today:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/Zoas2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/Zoas3.jpg

[Chaloupa]

Nice!

[JDigital]

Oops.. Forgot the FTS.. :wink:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/NovFTS10G.jpg

[EmilyB]

OMG, I love the dog !!!

[JDigital]

OMG, I love the dog !!!

Dog???? :confused: What dog?

[EmilyB]

The rock on the right hand side.....clearly a dog !!!

[X-Treme]

The rock on the right hand side.....clearly a dog !!!

OK then...... :drinking:

[Delphinus]

LOL I see it too. :lol: Ruff ruff!! Bark bark?

[JDigital]

You guys are nutz! lol

[JDigital]

Updated first post with Nov FTS pic and updated budget. Added another Zoa frag and a left handed hermit.

[EmilyB]

LOL I see it too. :lol: Ruff ruff!! Bark bark?

Little dog, pointy ears and it is shaved...agreed? :lol::mrgreen:

[JDigital]

Picked up 2 tiny guys today... :mrgreen: Both are just over an inch or so...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10Gclown.jpg

This little guy will probably get transferred to my 75G down the road.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/10G6line.jpg

[JDigital]

This tank has turned into a disaster in the past 48 hours... Lost the 6line sometime between saturday night and sunday night, come home today, and find my clown dead and stuck between the teeth on my overflow, and the Anemone has pretty much melted in the past 2 days (and now pulled out)... I will be testing the water as soon as I'm done eating dinner, but I can't understand it... I have let the tank run for a SOLID month without adding anything (1 zoa frag & couple hermits/snails). All my parameters have been where they need to be in my previous tests, so I'm at a complete loss until I get my test results tonight...

Talk about a hit to the pocketbook (and budget).... :bad-word:

[sphelps]

That sucks. Maybe the tank never got a real chance to cycle because no waste was introduced? So as soon as some was it triggered a cycle, probably a miniature version of the real thing??

Also I've noticed salinity and temperature are probably the hardest things to manage in these small tanks. Noticed any issues? perhaps too hot in day, too cold at night?

[ElGuappo]

Yikes sorry to hear that. and i was complaining about the cost of 1 dead fire fish.

[JDigital]

That sucks. Maybe the tank never got a real chance to cycle because no waste was introduced? So as soon as some was it triggered a cycle, probably a miniature version of the real thing??

Also I've noticed salinity and temperature are probably the hardest things to manage in these small tanks. Noticed any issues? perhaps too hot in day, too cold at night?

The room its in stays at a fairly consistent temp, as for salinity, I manually top-off religously everyday to keep it stable (even if its only a small amount). Once I do my tests, I'll know for sure if it was a mini cycle that nuked everything, and if thats what it was, shame on me for not testing before purchasing this weekend. :neutral:

[Pan]

The room its in stays at a fairly consistent temp, as for salinity, I manually top-off religously everyday to keep it stable (even if its only a small amount). Once I do my tests, I'll know for sure if it was a mini cycle that nuked everything, and if thats what it was, shame on me for not testing before purchasing this weekend. :neutral:
I feel for ya, my imperator angel juvy just died today....3 days i had him. looks like some lesions on him, but i am not sure. it always sucks when something dies, first new fish i have added in like 5 months. and well..

[michika]

Sorry to hear this.

[JDigital]

Thanks...

Test results.

Elos PH: 8.3
Elos NH3/4: 0
Elos NO3: 0
NO2: No Kit
Salinity 1.026 (refractometer)
Temp: 26-27C

Doesn't look like anything is out of wack.. So I am at a completely loss... neither fish had any ick that I could see. Both were eating well (for what that's worth over the course of 48hrs)...

[sphelps]

You need to test NO2, that would have been my guess from the start as the problem.

[JDigital]

Anyone in the NW have an Elos NO2 test kit??:lol:

[superduperwesman]

That really suck. Sorry to hear that... I think I will be taking things really slow

[EmilyB]

How do you maintain o2 in such a small tank?

[Scythanith]

How do you maintain o2 in such a small tank?

Surface agitation, protein skimmer, drop into overflow chamber...

[JDigital]

Thanks...

Test results.

Elos PH: 8.3
Elos NH3/4: 0
Elos NO3: 0
NO2: No Kit
Salinity 1.026 (refractometer)
Temp: 26-27C

Doesn't look like anything is out of wack.. So I am at a completely loss... neither fish had any ick that I could see. Both were eating well (for what that's worth over the course of 48hrs)...

Elos NO2: 0.00 - 0.02

Pretty hard to tell the difference... but its not above 0.02 (by my eye)

[sphelps]

Elos NO2: 0.00 - 0.02

Pretty hard to tell the difference... but its not above 0.02 (by my eye)
Could have dropped back down in the last couple days. I would definitely say that was the issue. Waste wasn't introduced to spike a proper cycle and as a result insufficient bacteria was present when the fish were added and you got a little nitrite spike.

I would try adding some food or better yet some protein skim to the tank and measure your nitrite over the next few days, if it stays at zero you'll be good.

[JDigital]

Sand was fully Live when added.. and the tank would have had a solid 3 weeks to seed from the sand... Inverts were added end of 3rd week... I think there was enough to build up the proper cycle.

Ah well... :neutral:

[sphelps]

Sand was fully Live when added.. and the tank would have had a solid 3 weeks to seed from the sand... Inverts were added end of 3rd week... I think there was enough to build up the proper cycle.

Live sand may help a cycle by supplying some bacteria but it's not enough and a cycle can take up to 6 weeks. You obviously had the right bacteria in there I just don't think enough was built up to support two fish at once. Remember it's a 10 gallon tank, it's the same as adding 10 fish at once to a new 50 gallon. Seems obvious to me what the issue was. Hermit crabs will survive almost anything and they can't supply enough waist to produce the bacteria needed for fish.
Not trying to argue here, just get to the bottom of your issue. I mean what else could it be?

[JDigital]

Not trying to argue here, just get to the bottom of your issue. I mean what else could it be?

For the clown, I really think it was just the fact that it was crammed between the overflow teeth (I'm guessing all day as the clown was under the overflow when I left at 6am) for a very small specimen, I think it could stress out being stuck like that... The wrasse, is a mystery, I'm GUESSING it got nicked by the anemone (which I admit was an implulse buy) and being such a small fish, couldn't handle the sting...

My testing in the 3rd and 4th weeks showed the cycle, so I know it went thru it, I just never tested again before adding the fish. I realize that todays test of Nitrite read 0.00 to 0.02, but I'm not getting any reading for Nitrates even if the Trites dropped in the past 24 hours...

[noirsphynx]

I saw a hawaiian strawberry crab today at the lfs. As soon as I saw it I thought of your themed tank. It would look purdy against your black sand.

[JDigital]

I saw a hawaiian strawberry crab today at the lfs. As soon as I saw it I thought of your themed tank. It would look purdy against your black sand.

I think Red Coral might be getting a Hawaiian shipment in soon. So I will have to pick thru it if it comes. :mrgreen:

[JDigital]

Well, some not so good news tonight... Got home tonight and was looking at my tank, like usual, and glanced at my overflow randomly to see a fracture in the glass between the bulkhead and vertical edge of the tank.. It's not leaking water, but i am getting salt creep thru it..

Debating whether to leave it and hope it stands up for the remainder of the contest, or drop out and empty the tank.. :neutral:

[Ya Dude]

anemone spells disaster for nano.need a well established and really stable system.

[Boomboy]

so then in other words anemone doesnt spell disaster for nano tanks, just one that arent taken care of. because you cant say because a tank is small you cant keep an anemone in the tank, just that it needs to mature, and be stable.

[JDigital]

anemone spells disaster for nano.need a well established and really stable system.

Not even close to being on my "concern" radar anymore...

[superduperwesman]

Get some silicone... maybe some extra glass and go crazy on it... no need to drop out. It's only 6 months and it's only 10ish gallons to clean up

[Ryan_Lap]

Yah Ive already cleaned 10+gal off the floor. Its really not that bad.:lol:

[JDigital]

Get some silicone... maybe some extra glass and go crazy on it... no need to drop out. It's only 6 months and it's only 10ish gallons to clean up

I got zero glass, not even a small peice, so I might just have to try and gob a ton of silicone over the fracture and pray it holds for 4-5 months.. lol

[JDigital]

Been awhile since I posted any pics.. So here are a few, and Decembers FTS (on 1st page too)... Also threw in a short tank video too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/Cave10G.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/Tower10G.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/PinkButtons.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/DecFTS10.jpg

[JDigital]

Forgot the video... :lol:

Don't mind the music.. :razz:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/th_MVI_0006.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v314/JDigital/10G%20Contest/?action=view&current=MVI_0006.flv)

[noirsphynx]

Almost looks like your clown is dancing to the music :lol:

[JDigital]

Well, I am officially out. My back pane of glass popped on my this morning while I was trying to remove a snail from my drain pipe.. Emptied a good portion of the tank onto my bedroom carpet, the rest i was able to syphon out..

Saved the GSP, frogspawn and one batch of zoa's to the 75G. My orange plate, pink buttons and blue zoa's are on my frag rack in my 20G...

I've decided to not rebuild.. I'm too busy right now to start over.. :sad:

[superduperwesman]

Really sorry to hear that. Especially b/c you started the contest. That really sucks!

[sphelps]

Damn, you should consider rebuilding. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know. I'd be happy to mod your next 10 gallon for you if it means you'll stay in the contest.

[StirCrazy]

Well, I am officially out. My back pane of glass popped on my this morning while I was trying to remove a snail from my drain pipe.. Emptied a good portion of the tank onto my bedroom carpet, the rest i was able to syphon out..

Saved the GSP, frogspawn and one batch of zoa's to the 75G. My orange plate, pink buttons and blue zoa's are on my frag rack in my 20G...

I've decided to not rebuild.. I'm too busy right now to start over.. :sad:

this realy sucks, I was looking forward to seeing how yours turned out.

Steve

[JDigital]

Yea, needless to say I wasn't a happy camper this morning at 5:40am..

And I didn't have enough time to properly empty the tank, so the LR will be sitting out in the open air all day. I'd have to re-cycle the tank which would eat in to the contest time. I just don't think it's worth while to re-build, after cycling for another month, it will only leave me 3 months for grow-out... I really got no time between now a the New Year to do any work on it.

[Chaloupa]

that is really sad. I think your tank idea was excellent and as others, I was waiting to see how it grew out. Please reconsider and restart the tank. Is there no way you could just stick the rock into your other tank sump so it stays healthy??? There's gotta be a way to do it! You've put so much into the contest itself that to be out is a true shame.

[rocketlily]

I'm really sorry this happened. Nothing worse.

[OCDP]

Ah, drag dude! Really sorry to hear the unfortunate news. I was also looking forward to this Hawaiian Biotope. Again, sorry for all the troubles.

[leslie hempel]

pictures are awsome quality and so clear. very nice