Contest #1 Nano - New Rock Work

[superduperwesman]

Guess who's in the game... look out people

Oh baby... oh baby it's fun already

Plate Coral Tank with a modern stand concept and a super easy water change system

Water change video on page 26

Budget = $395
Budget Exhausted = $390.00
Budget Remaining = $5.00

Details of Expenditure:

Equipment:
Heater = $24.99 x 0.75 = $18.75 - Used Via Aqua 100 watt - Originally bought at Bayside Corals
Lighting = $75 x 0.75 = $56.25 - Basically 75% of a Sunlight supply 24" New Wave T5 Fixture - Used from Saskreef c/w 4 bulbs (PM me for proof of purchase)
Pump = $52.50 x 0.75 = $39.50 -Used Rio 1400 - Originally Bought at Big Als
Sump = $17.00 - Engineered Aquariums (actually = 1 Lunch)
Total - $131.50

Livestock:
Bumblebee Snails = $2 x 2 = $4.00 - Red Coral
Hermit Crabs = 3 for $10 = $10.00 - Red Coral
Clown Fish = $10.45 - Big Als (Actually Paid $22 ahah I had a GC)
Dragonet Scooter Blenny = $8.45 - JL Price (Actually Paid $19.99 at Ocean City)- Dead
Yellow Box Fish = $25.45 - JL Price (Actually Paid $29.99 at Ocean City)- Dead
Finger Leather = $10.00 - Bayside Corals - Dead
Toadstool = $5.00 - Originally Bought at Bayside Corals
Candy Cane = $2.50 - Actually Free from sphelps but Almost Dead from Sitting in a Sump with No Lights (Almost all skeleton)
Orange Plate Coral = $5.00 - Originally Bought at Bayside Corals but is almost all Skeleton from being in a 2.5 Gallon Pico (hope it makes it) - Dead
Brown Plate Coral = $15.00 - Bayside Corals (Actually Paid $53.00)... hoping it might just be browned out and that it might get pretty
Pink and White Plate Coral = $20.00 - Actually Free from sphelps
Orange Plate Coral = $15.00 - Ocean City (Traded it for a Green Tongue Coral I bought 1 day prior $53.99)
Green Plate Coral = $15.00 - ElGuappo (Actually paid $25.00) - Dead
Green Plate Coral = $15.00 - De Iron Chef (Actually paid $20.00) - Dead
Pink Plate Coral = $20.00 - Ocean City (Actually Paid $45.00) - Dead
Brown Mushroom = Hitch Hiker so Included in Rock Prices = Free
Anthelia Frag = $2.50 - sphelps (Actually Free) - Dead
Crocea Clam 2" Shell = $20.00 - Ocean City (Actually Paid $35.00)
Frogspawn 3" Skeleton = $15.00 - Red Coral (Actually Paid $30.00)
Yellow Clown Goby = $0.25 - ColinD (Actually Free)
Green Plate Coral = $15 - Ocean City (Actually $42.99)
Orange Plate Coral = $15 - Ocean City (Actually $42.99)
Zoa Colony = $10 - Ocean City (Actually $60.00) I fragged it up
Total - $258.50

OK so some stuff died but in my defense I was planning a wedding through out the contest and then I was gone for 2 weeks for the wedding and honeymoon... just for a little back ground... I know I still let stuff die but I couldn't commit my full attention to the tank. That's just life sometimes... as I'm sure most of you know... anyway... I guess that's enough excuses for now


"Free"
Entry Fee = $26.50 - I entered late
Tank = $20.00 - Engineered Aquariums ( Actually = Lunch... same lunch as above )
MDF = $58.50 - Home Depot
Screws/Misc Hardware = $10.00 - Home Depot
Hinges = $10.50 - Home Depot
Wood Filler = $5.00 - Home Depot
Fan Speed Control = $2.50 - Ebay (not wired in yet)
Two 3.5" Fans = $2.00 ea. - Princess Auto
12 Volt Adapter = $5.00 - Princess Auto
3 Cans of Flat/Gloss Black Paint = $5.00 ea. - Canadian Tire? I had them lying around but I know I had to pay for them at some point
Sand = $11.00 - Had around, originally bought at Wai's
5.5 lbs of Live Rock = $40.00 - Ocean City/ Bayside Corals
5ish lbs of Base Rock = $10.00 - Had but, originally bought at Bayside Corals
Tank Shipping = $30.00
Plumbing Parts ~ $65 - Rona / Bayside Corals / Engineered Aquariums
Magnafloat = $13.50 - Ocean City
Eggcrate = $10.00 - Home Depot
Fuge Light = $10.00 - Walmart
Glass Lid = $15.00 - Big Als
Coralife Battery Operated Digital Thermometer = $14.00 - Had around, but originally bought at Big Als (If I had the receipt I'd return it b/c it's out by 3 degrees)
Handful of Cheato = Free - From Jay180reef
Epoxy = $20 - Bayside Corals
"Free" Total - $365.50

Actual Total Spent ~ $1064

**Note: Some prices above have tax included... at first most did but then it got hard

Pictures

Standard 10 gallon

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/wes/DSC_1495.jpg

Standard 10 Gallon w/ Overflow and sump

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/tankandsump.jpg

FTS November 15

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1275-1.jpg

FTS December 15

With Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1344-1-1.jpg

Front
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1340-1.jpg

Left Side
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1342-1.jpg

FTS January 15
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0035.jpg



Front
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0312.jpg

Front Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0297.jpg

Front Showing Storage
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC01067.jpg

Side Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0298.jpg

FTS March 15

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0309.jpg

FTS April 15

Front with Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0548.jpg

Front Close up
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0555.jpg

Side
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0561.jpg

More pictures and water change video on page 26

[JDigital]

Payment recieved.

Welcome. :mrgreen:

[superduperwesman]

Oh the things I have planned ahah

[Scythanith]

When are we going to see some of these big plans!! Inquiring minds would like to know haahaa! And with this tank you have to keep it for more than a couple months... I don't know if you're going to be able to handle it!

[Ryan_Lap]

I thought I was far behind in this comp. You better get working on the tank. Only 15 days until waters in it.:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

When are we going to see some of these big plans!! Inquiring minds would like to know haahaa! And with this tank you have to keep it for more than a couple months... I don't know if you're going to be able to handle it!

ahah I know I think this will be like the 6th tank I've had in the last 2 years... all of which I've made sphelps help me build ahahah.... I don't know??? I always get bored with them after a bit.... all the moving back and forward between toon and Calgary didn't help either.... but now that I'm back in Calgary to stay I think I'll make sure this one is a winner that I'll want to keep

Don't worry I got plans... I got plans

[superduperwesman]

I thought I was far behind in this comp. You better get working on the tank. Only 15 days until waters in it.:biggrin:

ahah Don't worry I'll make it.... oh wait... I guess that means you should worry! ahah

[superduperwesman]

Ok... thank you again to everyone who was concerned about my ability to catch up but I assure you that I am here to play :D

I started on the stand today... I made a few tiny mistakes on it but I wont tell you that they are :question::question:

Here's a little taste... enjoy

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_1252.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_1253.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_1254.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_1255.jpg

http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r227/wea747/IMG_1256.jpg

[Scythanith]

Haahaa MDF is the prostitute of the wood world. It's cheap, easy, and will do anything you want it too and if it doesn't work out you can just chuck it out and get another piece!

Looking very abstract, I like it.

[superduperwesman]

Haahaa MDF is the prostitute of the wood world. It's cheap, easy, and will do anything you want it too and if it doesn't work out you can just chuck it out and get another piece!

Looking very abstract, I like it.

Yeah I like it because you can't use the wrong side ahahah.... oh yes I did just go there.

Easy??? Not sure how easy it will be to paint the stand well enough to not swell up like a sponge... but worst case I guess I can just chuck it like you said :)

[Scythanith]

With the right paint you should be fine or you could put on a veneer. Haahaa, you did go there! Guess your decimation at the hands of my tank will come a little sweeter now...*evil laugh*

It looks neat Wes, should look cool when it's done!

[sphelps]

It looks neat Wes, should look cool when it's done!

Yeah when it's done. What's the deal with the tank Wes, ever going to get any work done on that? Or is your plan just to make a crazy stand and hope nobody notices the absence of the actual aquarium? :wink:
I hope you're not putting any trust in another contender :lol:

[superduperwesman]

Yeah when it's done. What's the deal with the tank Wes, ever going to get any work done on that? Or is your plan just to make a crazy stand and hope nobody notices the absence of the actual aquarium? :wink:
I hope you're not putting any trust in another contender :lol:

surprise... surprise sphelps is helping me make yet another tank... what is this #6... of course this is the one that has some tiny mistakes... strange how that works??

[superduperwesman]

Ok so I've got the stand basically done except for paint... I've also updated my budget.

I forgot to take pictures of my progress tonight before I came in so... here's a picture of the source of my stand inspiration to hold you over... Enjoy

Mine is a little different... but you get the idea

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/produkt_modul011.jpg

[superduperwesman]

With the right paint you should be fine or you could put on a veneer. Haahaa, you did go there! Guess your decimation at the hands of my tank will come a little sweeter now...*evil laugh*

It looks neat Wes, should look cool when it's done!

Meh, I'll prob just spray it up with some cans I got lying around the shop ahah

Yes I did... better hold that evil laugh...We will see we will see

Thanks man... the only reason I decided to put a little effort into the stand was because of yours so what can I say... I guess you gave me a little competitive inspiration... so thanks again :) ahah

[superduperwesman]

Yeah when it's done. What's the deal with the tank Wes, ever going to get any work done on that? Or is your plan just to make a crazy stand and hope nobody notices the absence of the actual aquarium? :wink:
I hope you're not putting any trust in another contender :lol:

So you have me a little more worried than usual :eek:

[sphelps]

So you have me a little more worried than usual :eek:

You'll make it, I just got to be a little more careful packaging next time.

[superduperwesman]

You'll make it, I just got to be a little more careful packaging next time.

Yeah that's not like you... I told you I have to be there to supervise. "Shoot I accidentally broke it".... sure I smell fear.

Text me what you put in your outgoing sever on your touch for paws

[justinl]

wow that is a sweet stand. can't wait to see what you planned for the actual tank

[Chaloupa]

Your stand is absolutely wild! Can't wait to see the build...and how it's going to look on the stand...!

[sphelps]

Text me what you put in your outgoing sever on your touch for paws
:confused: I have absolutely no idea what that means

[Floop70]

I just assumed it was some type of fancy new code you two used. :lol:

[superduperwesman]

:confused: I have absolutely no idea what that means


What you put in your Ipod touch so you can send messages from your paws email account

[sphelps]

What you put in your Ipod touch so you can send messages from your paws email account

I can't remember and my ipod isn't setup with that email anymore.

[superduperwesman]

Stand is done :) of course I brought it in the house a little to soon so I guess the fiance had a headache from all the paint smell... I just happened to be gone for most of the evening.. oops.

I'll post some pics tonight

edit: I lied I have to screw the light and fans back into the lid

[Ryan_Lap]

pics!:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

So here are a few pictures of the completed stand. I just have the fans on a switch so I can turn them on if it seems like things are going to be hot. Not super loud because I only have 5.5v running through them. The top of each compartment opens which should make for easy access to the lights, tank and sump. I just decided to spray it with some tremclad I had lying around which is why the inside of the compartments is flat black and the rest is gloss. Probably should have primmed it first but whatever. The T5s are overdriven because I only used 2 bulbs from the 24" fixture. The lights sit about 5" of the surface of the water so hopefully they'll be bright enough but at least heat shouldn't be a problem.

Enjoy

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1257.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1258.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1260.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1261.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1263.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1264.jpg

Sorry the place is a little messy and nothing like some classy Styrofoam over the window for winter... ps for anyone who seen my 42" Sharp LCD TV in my old posts next to my 2 foot cube... someone broke in a stole it.. along with a ton of other stuff

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1265.jpg

[ElGuappo]

Very Nice cant wait to see it with the tank. so have you retofit t5's? what did you use as reflectors? looks like polished tin?

[Ryan_Lap]

Looks good. Cant wait to see the tank in there. You got any other big plans you care to let us know about yet?

[superduperwesman]

Very Nice cant wait to see it with the tank. so have you retofit t5's? what did you use as reflectors? looks like polished tin?

Thanks, me too. I should get the tank Saturday

I don't really know what classifies as "retrofit"? I just ripped the old fixture apart and shoved everything in the lid... I think the reflectors are aluminum?? But again just whatever comes in those fixtures. The reason the reflector looks kinda crappy is because I was being lazy when I cut the old one in half and it got a little bent by shutting the lid because it hit the back of the stand.. but it's bent to clear now.. I mean... I custom fit it everything

[superduperwesman]

Looks good. Cant wait to see the tank in there. You got any other big plans you care to let us know about yet?

Thanks.. again, me too.

None that I care to share right now :)... But thats because I just kinda make it up as I go along...?? ahah

[Ryan_Lap]

You have any cured rock? or you going to have fully cycle the tank like me?

[superduperwesman]

You have any cured rock? or you going to have fully cycle the tank like me?

I don't even have any live rock right now?? I think there's maybe a pound I could possibly steal from my 2.5 Gallon at which point I don't know what I'd do with it's contents.. I don't think I even have any sand... or at least any that I like and I've never cycled a tank in my life because I always steal water sand and rock from an established tank but I don't think that'll be happening this time because I don't know how I'll win the contest if I end up in jail again... soo things are gonna get interesting

[Ryan_Lap]

hahahahahaha. Well I have some sand that you can have, but its dry. Dont know how youd get it.

Yah dont come to jail in my neck of the woods I dont want to run into you. :biggrin:

[ElGuappo]

Just asked about the reflector as i guess i saw the cut you made and thought it was diy.

[superduperwesman]

How do you strike out word on this forum??

[Ryan_Lap]

huh?

[superduperwesman]

If you want a line through the words. I want to cross something off the list but I don't actually want to delete it

[Ryan_Lap]

oh ok .....I dont think you can

[superduperwesman]

oh ok .....I dont think you can

Gay... it should just be ...

[Scythanith]

Looking cool Wes. I give bonus points for building in useable storage into you stand design! But I take away point for the back ally lighting setup haahaa...jk! I had to run fans as well, too freaking hot under there without them.

Get a tank and some water in that badboy!

[superduperwesman]

Looking cool Wes. I give bonus points for building in useable storage into you stand design! But I take away point for the back ally lighting setup haahaa...jk! I had to run fans as well, too freaking hot under there without them.

Get a tank and some water in that badboy!

Sorry... all of us can't afford waterproof end caps and nice little wire holders ahah

Yeah I guess I should have took a little more time cutting the reflector... and I guess I could have made the wiring a little neater... oops... but it's hard when you know that besides 1 little picture you're never really going to see it... and the few times I lift it up to feed and such I don't think the reflectors jagged edge will be my focus and I'm pretty sure it still reflects the light just as good :D. Plus it's hard when the fiance is hovering and asking why you love your fish tank more than her ahahah kidding... she's good about.

I also cut the fan switch to short so I was kinda limited in where I could put it. How many volts you running through your fans?? At 12 volts it was just WAY to loud for me. at 5.5ish I can barely hear it and I'm sure I wont hear it at all once I get the pump going. Are you overdriving you T5s??

I tried to make the stand as usable as possible... I always see peoples nice fish tanks circled by a cluttered mess of food, additives etc. so I want all that crap hidden so I figured the more cupboards the better. And I want super super easy access to the sump so that I'll actually do water changes and change the filter floss etc.

[superduperwesman]

Here's a bit of an idea of what it should look like with the tank in:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/stand.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Now all I want to do is go home and re-cut the reflectors edge and wire things a little cleaner ahah

[rocketlily]

What a beautiful idea for a stand.

[superduperwesman]

Ok..... so I finally got my tank from my good buddy over at Engineered Aquariums... took him a little longer than usual but I'm assuming it's because he is scared of the game I'm going to bring now that I have the tank to fill up ahah or maybe because I'm no longer in Saskatoon to hover over his shoulder and offer the assistance of my mad skills... but seriously a big Thank you... and YES I owe you a nice big lunch next time I'm in town ;)

Now for some pictures:

Standard 10 gallon

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/wes/DSC_1495.jpg

Cut cut
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/wes/DSC_1496.jpg

Overflow
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/wes/DSC_1543.jpg

Finally at my Place w some outputs and the return inlet
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1266.jpg

It's soon to be next door neighbor the SUMP
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1268.jpg

In the Stand... with some Sand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1269.jpg

Top View
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1271.jpg

This is the point at which you can see my little screw up... I had meant to leave the hood overhanging the tank a little more than it is.... so now the front half of the tank does not get lit very well... I think I'll try to lower and angle the lights at a later date... and hopefully that will sort things out

Top View w/ Sump
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1272.jpg

I finished plumbing things in today and now have water in but never got a chance to snap some shots... so those will come later

[Chaloupa]

WOW! looking good...your sump sure is nice!

[superduperwesman]

WOW! looking good...your sump sure is nice!

Thanks... yeah Steve's pretty good with scraps ahah.. I'm just glad it's super easy access

[sphelps]

looking good buddy! But is it good enough? :razz:

[rocketlily]

Looks beautiful. Love the stand and built in look.

[superduperwesman]

Looks beautiful. Love the stand and built in look.

Thanks... I'm happy with it so far... I just need to get my rock work figured out now

[superduperwesman]

So I got some rocks in the tank... only about 4.5lbs in the display but I don't think I'll add anymore cause I kinda like it with lots of open space... I'll try and post some pictures tomorrow

I switched the light bulbs around and the tank seems to be a lot better lit now with the actinic in front... I still might try to lower the light a little later but for now I'm happy

As the stand sinks into the carpet the left had side is just lifting off the ground a touch.. it's not at a risk of tipping over but the floor is already slightly off level so this just adds to the sloped water level inside the tank... so I think I'll have to put a piece of foam or something under the tank portion of the stand to level things out because even if I put the salt and everything in the left lower cupboard it's not enough weight to sink that side into the carpet to level things out

Thankfully the tank is super quite and seems to run at about 82 with the fans off and 80 or less with them on

[sphelps]

Thankfully the tank is super quite
Told you :mrgreen:

[superduperwesman]

Told you :mrgreen:

Well... I still had to strategically place some filter floss in the overflow and I have to run the sump water level really high so I don't have to hear the water trickle over the 2nd baffle... which makes me wonder if I should add one more baffle so that the pump chamber is separate?? Because with the water level so high cheato could float into the return chamber and clog the pump. Maybe I'll just put some egg crate between the refuge and the pump return?

Here's some pictures to better explain what I mean... hopefully??

Noise Problem... not probelm as below ahah
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/low.jpg

Current Situation... with new problem
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/high.jpg

Possible Egg Crate Solution??
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/eggcrate.jpg

[sphelps]

Yeah I figured you might have to with the overflow, the water level had to be as low as possible to reduce the first sump chamber, which is still a little too high.

Is the sump level? If the sump is level the water flows against the baffle but if the right side is sagging the water will separate. The eggcrate will work if you want to run a higher water level. You could also hang filter floss on that baffle, the water will have to go down through the floss to get into the second chamber. Don't run the sump too high that you can't turn the pump off.

It would have been better if that second last baffle was taller but that's what you get for working with scraps :razz:

[superduperwesman]

No big deal... I'll just add some egg crate where I showed it in the diagram

ahah good thing you reminded me about the water level... I almost forgot that it needs to be down enough so the sump wont overflow... I marked where the level should be maximum tonight

You doing anything for water top off? Or just doing it manually? I forget do you have lid?

[sphelps]

I'm topping off manually to keep things simple, I might have to rig something up later down the road when I'm gone for over a week. I did make a lid but it's not all glass, it's a glass frame with mesh in the center. This way it cuts back a little on evaporation, keeps livestock from escaping and still allows heat exchange so the tank doesn't over heat from the lights.

[superduperwesman]

So how much you topping off per day??

[sphelps]

So how much you topping off per day??

about 2 cups a day, but I usually just put in a liter or two a week.

[superduperwesman]

So tonight I'll be trying to get the fuge light mounted to the lid of the right compartment.

and adding egg crate... and I still need to find something to put under the one side of the stand to level things off... I was going to use the pink foam but its $20 a piece

[Ryan_Lap]

and I still need to find something to put under the one side of the stand to level things off... I was going to use the pink foam but its $20 a piece


Use cardboard...its free. You shouldnt be able to see it either.:biggrin:

[sphelps]

I think you should get 4 screw-in stump legs, similar to what you would find under a common couch and similar to left leg shown below. But a lower profile so you won't see them.

http://www.swivel-chair-parts.com/Catalog%20resources/CouchLegs.gif

This could also allow for adjustment, a couple washers should do the trick. It might be easier using foam or cardboard but I don't it will work as well, using legs will also make it more stable.

[superduperwesman]

Yeah I'll have to find something??? Like a box that I can flatten and use... or some kind of small leg??

[superduperwesman]

Maybe something like this

http://rona.ca/img/product/full/2002198.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

If you have a stud in the wall right behind the very right of the stand you could possibly use a couple "L" brackets to support it where you need. You also wouldnt be able to see them since the stand sits so low.

[superduperwesman]

If you have a stud in the wall right behind the very right of the stand you could possibly use a couple "L" brackets to support it where you need. You also wouldnt be able to see them since the stand sits so low.

Yeah the stand is just a bit off level... just enough to bug me, so I'll prob just put something small under the one side

[sphelps]

Maybe something like this

http://rona.ca/img/product/full/2002198.jpg

Yeap, but you can get ones exactly the same except they screw in and have leveling adjustment, HD sells them.

[superduperwesman]

Yeap, but you can get ones exactly the same except they screw in and have leveling adjustment, HD sells them.

Yeah but the problem now is that I need something simple if I'm gonna be able to do it with the full tank and sump on there

[superduperwesman]

Here is the light I got for my fuge... but I ripped it apart and made it smaller

http://wal-mart.ca/cms-portal/cmscontroller?size=2&width=500&height=500&command=filetransfer.ServletgetScaledLargeThumbnai lFile&imageid=40885

Basically just using the head and the base... $10.00 :D

[rocketlily]

Where did you get the light?

[sphelps]

Yeah but the problem now is that I need something simple if I'm gonna be able to do it with the full tank and sump on there
Just drain the tank and sump, don't be stupid and try and install legs with it full. It'll only take an hour tops.

[brizzo]

If you go with screw in legs, get some T-Nuts .. drill a hole, hammer/glue them in.

http://www.woodpeck.com/media/main_tnut.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Where did you get the light?


Wal-mart

http://wal-mart.ca/wps-portal/storelocator/Canada-Hardware.jsp?selection=listingDetails&tabId=21&singledept=null&lang=&assetId=29573&imageId=40885&suggestedItem=&priceType=1&page=null&departmentId=20&categoryId=919

[superduperwesman]

Just drain the tank and sump, don't be stupid and try and install legs with it full. It'll only take an hour tops.

But I love being stupid

[superduperwesman]

If you go with screw in legs, get some T-Nuts .. drill a hole, hammer/glue them in.

http://www.woodpeck.com/media/main_tnut.jpg

Nice! I might just have to go with adjustable legs. Can I get those at HD too?? Prob hey... or Rona... checking.....

[superduperwesman]

Did I mention I got a lid today?? :D

[Ryan_Lap]

Did I mention I got a lid today?? :D

No......what you using?

[superduperwesman]

No......what you using?

Just went to Big Als and bought a glass lid with a hinge... the only sucky part is that the back 1/3 of it is plastic so you can cut out for all your cords and such... and I don't have anything to cut out for... except... possibly on the right hand side where the inputs come in, so hopefully it'll fit length wise??

[Ryan_Lap]

Why are you running a lid at all? Plan on keeping jumpers?

[sphelps]

Why are you running a lid at all? Plan on keeping jumpers?
Wes likes jumpers :lol:

Probably just to cut back on evaporation. Wes is that plastic part blocking your light? Why not just replace one of the pieces of glass with a larger piece so you don't need the plastic?

[superduperwesman]

Wes likes jumpers :lol:

Probably just to cut back on evaporation. Wes is that plastic part blocking your light? Why not just replace one of the pieces of glass with a larger piece so you don't need the plastic?


Yeah both evap.. and possible jumpers.

yeah I'll prob replace the back plastic piece cause the plastic will be right under the light... but we'll see how it looks... but gotta start somewhere :)

Probably should have just went to a glass shop from the get go... but whatever ahah

[superduperwesman]

And I'm thinking I might just try some hockey pucks under the stand :)... but i guess that wont fix the floor being off level problem... we'll see??

[Ryan_Lap]

And I'm thinking I might just try some hockey pucks under the stand :)... but i guess that wont fix the floor being off level problem... we'll see??

Or you could just rip the entire carpet out, ect. The rip out the subfloor and completely redo it so its level.:razz: Its easier than it sounds.:biggrin:

[ElGuappo]

i bought a sheet of pink foam today for under my 45 still have half left if you want it. $5 PM me if interested and i will let you know.

EDIT: Well just less than half left its about 36" x 21"

[superduperwesman]

Thanks... I'm gonna try one thing tomorrow but then I'll let you know.

What part of town? NE, SE, NW, SW?

[ElGuappo]

im in bowness. its actually closer to 46x21

[superduperwesman]

So the old Sedra seems to be causing me some heat problems....? 86-87ish at night. So I think I'm gonna have try giving the old Rio a try??

[superduperwesman]

im in bowness. its actually closer to 46x21

Thanks for the offer but I think I found something that should work... but maybe I'll swing by some other time to check out the competition in person

[superduperwesman]

So the old Sedra seems to be causing me some heat problems....? 86-87ish at night. So I think I'm gonna have try giving the old Rio a try??

Looks like the Rio Sorted out my heat issues 79-80ish. I should have went with it to begin with... especially b/c I knew the Sedra ran hot but I wanted to try it b/c it does have a little more flow.

[superduperwesman]

FTS November 15

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1275.jpg

Sump Shot with Fuge Light and Plumbing

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1277.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Or you could just rip the entire carpet out, ect. The rip out the subfloor and completely redo it so its level.:razz: Its easier than it sounds.:biggrin:

It's my parents Guest House... the front half is on two telephone poles because we dragged it across the field from our old house when we moved.... so the entire front half (we added a new section on to the back) is off level b/c the ground must have been a little off level ahah. I think we might have lifted up all the sides and leveled it at some point but it must have sunk in a bit so all the pictures on the walls also slowly go tilted given enough time ahah.

So it would be do able to level it... but I don't think ripping up the carpet/subfloor would be the route you'd wanna take... but I'm not really interested in fixing it ahah.

[JDigital]

Contest Reminder:

**Updated FTS and Budget Required today (Nov 15/08) to remain in the contest**

[superduperwesman]

Contest Reminder:

**Updated FTS and Budget Required today (Nov 15/08) to remain in the contest**

Already did??

[superduperwesman]

Every other tank I've ran t5s on it was always a even split of Aqua Blue Plus and Actinic but for whatever reason (maybe reflector location??) this tank was super blue with one of each.

The picture makes it look a little more blue than it actually is but it's pretty close to the actual color:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1274.jpg

For my Nov 15th FTS I had to adjust the white balance to get this:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1275.jpg

But today I decided to swap out the Actinic for another Aqua Blue Plus I had around, so now the picture is pretty representative of the actual lighting... which I think is better. I guess there is some other bulb out now that is a little more blue than the Aqua Blue Plus?? so I might give it a try down the road??

[sphelps]

I guess there is some other bulb out now that is a little more blue than the Aqua Blue Plus?? so I might give it a try down the road??
KZ Coral Light New Generation

[superduperwesman]

KZ Coral Light New Generation

Thanks... I'll watch out for them

[superduperwesman]

So I'm hoping to get some live stock... soon!

[sphelps]

So I'm hoping to get some live stock... soon!
Interesting, going to let us in that little head of yours and tell us your plans? Got a theme in mind?

[superduperwesman]

Interesting, going to let us in that little head of yours and tell us your plans? Got a theme in mind?

I've had a suggestion I like but we'll see?? I figure I gotta save some surprises until the end.. keep people guessing ahah

[superduperwesman]

Looks like someone learned how to do a watermark in photobucket.... ahah

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1275-1.jpg

For those who are slower in the crowd... it was me :D I learned how to do one ahah

[superduperwesman]

If you've seen my other post you might notice a theme developing...

[superduperwesman]

Really...?? No one is gonna guess the theme?

I can't wait for my cycle to be over so I can get this baby rolling

[karazy]

is the theme... trio? or..lemonade?


lol, you never said how close the guess has to be

[Scythanith]

I guess cubic or box orientated. Maybe a longhorn cowfish? Or maybe geometric shapes? Prism favia?

Do I win a prize?

[sphelps]

Is it a second place theme?

[superduperwesman]

ahah you're all soooo funny.

I love box fish but unfortunately every time I've had one in the past I come home to it stuck to the gutter guard... the first few days I peal him off he's ok... but by the third or fourth day he's usually gone

Guess I'll just have to get the tank cycled so I can show you all my wonderful theme

[ElGuappo]

Is it a second place theme?

i thouhgt that was your theme and this was a 3rd place theme:mrgreen:

[superduperwesman]

i thouhgt that was your theme and this was a 3rd place theme:mrgreen:

ahaha To be honest when the contest first started I thought about calling my tank "The Winning Tank" ahah but I thought it might rub people the wrong way, but I guess I could go with "Last Place"

Hey my cycle doesn't seem to be done yet so can I see how the week goes before getting that plate coral?? I still want it... I just don't want to kill it. If you want I can prepay... do you have paypal??

[ElGuappo]

makes no difference to me. i dont mind hanging onto it at all. have been trying inactivly to sell for a while so i see no need to hurry now.

[ElGuappo]

ahaha TO be honest when the contest first started I thought about calling my tank "The Winning Tank" ahah but I thought it might rub people the wrong way, but I guess I could go with "Last Place"



I know what what your saying it seems that some people on this site lose their sense of humor when they log on. ( providing they had one to begin with):wink:

[superduperwesman]

makes no difference to me. i dont mind hanging onto it at all. have been trying inactivly to sell for a while so i see no need to hurry now.

K thanks... just don't sell it to someone else on me :)

[ElGuappo]

No worries. :biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I know what what your saying it seems that some people on this site lose their sense of humor when they log on. ( providing they had one to begin with):wink:

Yeah I was just worried that people might think I was being serious depending on what kinda day you catch them on.

[superduperwesman]

So I'm assuming cheato is like LR and LS... meaning free?

Because I got some for free today :)

[Ryan_Lap]

I would imagine so...

[ElGuappo]

i neve deducted anything for mine. never paid for mine either.

[superduperwesman]

Deal... Free it is

[superduperwesman]

Still cycling... and driving me crazy. My parents have seen some of my past tanks but they seen this one for the first time last night "oh you decided to give up on this one?? It's not looking so great doesn't seem like anything is really going on?" ahah Prob because nothing is... YET

[superduperwesman]

So I think I might pick up my first piece of live stock this weekend :)

[superduperwesman]

I was going to assume my tank is cycled but I guess I'll have the water tested to confirm

[superduperwesman]

So I've decided to get a CUC and maybe a coral this weekend

[superduperwesman]

Oh yeah... bought a plate coral this weekend

[superduperwesman]

possibly another. still waiting to hear??

[Ryan_Lap]

http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii239/Ryan_Lap/nopic.jpg

:razz::razz::razz::razz::razz::razz::razz:

[superduperwesman]

ahah I know... but I got to keep the people checking back... don't want to give it all away at the start as I'm sure you know

[StirCrazy]

ahah I know... but I got to keep the people checking back... don't want to give it all away at the start as I'm sure you know

we're going to stop looking all togeather if we don't start seeing pictures..

Steve

[superduperwesman]

we're going to stop looking all togeather if we don't start seeing pictures..

Steve

ahah ok... I'm working on it. Tonight or at some point this weekend

[superduperwesman]

So one of the main things I wanted with my new tank was easy water changes because I hate doing them. So I made the sump very accessible and also made removing the water very easy while keeping things clean.

For those who forget what my stand looks like:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1269.jpg

The sump is in the right

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1277.jpg

Water change video:
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/th_MVI_1306.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/?action=view&current=MVI_1306.flv)

[sphelps]

Sweet system buddy!

Hey you need a plate coral like this:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/wilson0204/10d_32651.jpg

[Ryan_Lap]

^^^^^^
Ill take 3.....:lol:

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Sweet system buddy!

Hey you need a plate coral like this:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/wilson0204/10d_32651.jpg

Whaaaaaaat? Is this for real? And where can I get one?!?!?!

[Der_Iron_Chef]

P.S. Pretty nifty water change system there. Kudos :)

[superduperwesman]

Sweet system buddy!

Hey you need a plate coral like this:
http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t64/wilson0204/10d_32651.jpg

^ This can't be real.

I still like this one...
http://www.geofloors.com/CMAS/FragFest2007/redcyclo.jpg

[superduperwesman]

FTS

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1337.jpg

[sphelps]

Oh it be real, real expensive.

I like you tiny FTS
Posts a tiny little picture ahah What a hoser.

[superduperwesman]

P.S. Pretty nifty water change system there. Kudos :)

Thanks... I thought it was kinda cool and super easy.

[superduperwesman]

Oh it be real, real expensive.

I like you tiny FTS

So that other one isn't real right??

ahah I know :)

[sphelps]

So that other one isn't real right??

It's real, I've seen a few similar ones but never seen one for sale. I guess you gotta get a purple one and an orange one then get them to spawn.

[superduperwesman]

It's real, I've seen a few similar ones but never seen one for sale. I guess you gotta get a purple one and an orange one then get them to spawn.

yeah i guess... put them close together and hope they spread onto each other???

[Ryan_Lap]

So when do we get to see a real FTS?

[sphelps]

yeah i guess... put them close together and hope they spread onto each other???
:confused: I guess no one ever told you about the birds and the bees :wink:

[sphelps]

So when do we get to see a real FTS?
We'll get it eventually he's just stalling to get his view count up :lol:

Quit stalling Wes!

[Trigger Man]

It's working for view count, I keep clicking on this thread to see the new tank shot, hopefully it comes soon.

[Ryan_Lap]

Yah who cares about the view count. Wes, if you think the contest is the most views wins you been grossly misled. :lol:

[Ryan_Lap]

It's working for view count, I keep clicking on this thread to see the new tank shot, hopefully it comes soon.

And isnt it just annoying you so much you dont want to vote for his tank?....:mrgreen:

[sphelps]

Yah who cares about the view count. Wes, if you think the contest is the most views wins you been grossly misled. :lol:
I care I'm #1
Mwaahahaha...

[superduperwesman]

I just don't want people to get to good of a look... familiarity breads contempt. If people see my tank basically stalked with 4 months to go they'll be sooo bored of it by the time voting comes around.

[superduperwesman]

Plus I want to get a new camera so I can post some quality pictures

[JDigital]

I care I'm #1
Mwaahahaha...

Just barely. :lol:

[superduperwesman]

And isnt it just annoying you so much you dont want to vote for his tank?....:mrgreen:

ahah it's not about view count... just want to save some surprises.

Plus I posted a video on my easy water changes and pretty much no one commented :( so why the fuss over not having a big fts

[karazy]

lookin kool

that water change system is really neat. i dont understand how it works, but it's neat

[superduperwesman]

Yeah I guess I should have explained it a little better. I just drilled a hole in the 45' elbow that's below the ball valve on the pump return. The I heated it up and threaded in a fitting with some glue on it. Then I ran that to a ball valve, then down the side of the sump and out the bottom of the right side of the stand.

I turn off the water returning to the display and open up the small blue water change ball valve and the water drains out the bottom of the right side into my water change bucket

[superduperwesman]

A little something else I picked up...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1332.jpg

[superduperwesman]

This might help to understand the water change system better...

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/WaterChange.jpg

Now this might make more sense:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/th_MVI_1306.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/?action=view&current=MVI_1306.flv)

[superduperwesman]

It's working for view count, I keep clicking on this thread to see the new tank shot, hopefully it comes soon.

it's on page 13. They're just mad because it's small

[superduperwesman]

:confused: I guess no one ever told you about the birds and the bees :wink:

I've heard that expression before but I've never actually "heard" about the birds and the bees... i think I'll have to google it

[superduperwesman]

ok so it's just about how they pollinate flows... lame! Not the best metaphor if you ask me.

[Ryan_Lap]

ok if your having a hard time just google "sex". I think its pretty much the number 1 googled thing. :lol:

[superduperwesman]

ok if your having a hard time just google "sex". I think its pretty much the number 1 googled thing. :lol:

ahah I know what it's referring too... I just never knew what the parallel was specifically.

I thought it would be a little more exciting.

[Ryan_Lap]

I guess its hard to emphasize saracasm online.... damnit

[sphelps]

ok so it's just about how they pollinate flows... lame! Not the best metaphor if you ask me.
Yeah I never really got it either

http://images.elfwood.com/art/n/o/nobbynobody/birds_and_the_bees.jpg

I was however referring to corals spawning not people if you didn't figure that out already.

[superduperwesman]

ahaha

[superduperwesman]

I only have the overflow box uncovered and the pump chamber but I'm still getting 1-2cups of evap a day. I kinda figured it'd be less than that

[superduperwesman]

Every time I get a box fish I find him stuck to the gutter guard 2 days later... peal him off and he's good... for a day then I find him stuck to it all over again usually by the 4th day he's gone... I bought a bit bigger one this time so hopefully it'll go a bit better??

Any tips? Many people had success with these guys?

[karazy]

maybe try toning down the flow in the overflow box a bit,and adjust the return pump as needed.

doesn't that kind of boxfish get like 20 inches or something when they are adults?

[brizzo]

Perhaps a larger U shaped gutterguard guard around the overflow? Prevent him from getting into the suction area

[superduperwesman]

maybe try toning down the flow in the overflow box a bit,and adjust the return pump as needed.

doesn't that kind of boxfish get like 20 inches or something when they are adults?

Not sure... but once he gets too big I'm sure someone will take him off my hands.

[superduperwesman]

Perhaps a larger U shaped gutterguard guard around the overflow? Prevent him from getting into the suction area

That's I good idea that I might try... guess I should have done a little more research... but I'm guessing he would have released his poison why stuck against the gutter guard if he was going to??

[Scythanith]

I guess cubic or box orientated. Maybe a longhorn cowfish? Or maybe geometric shapes? Prism favia?

Do I win a prize?


Ok so where is my prize Wes!

[superduperwesman]

Ok so where is my prize Wes!

ahah Ok so I bought a Box fish... but it's a plate coral tank.

6 so far :D

[JDigital]

Your not the only one with a Plate. :mrgreen: And mine has been in for while, so I didn't steal the idea. :lol:

[superduperwesman]

Your not the only one with a Plate. :mrgreen: And mine has been in for while, so I didn't steal the idea. :lol:

ahah no worries... I doubt you have 6 :) I have some corals that are pretty far gone so I`m just hoping they make it or it`ll be a total waste even though they were priced accordingly... but I got pretty good light so as long as I keep up on water changes I think they might recover.

Sometimes it`s more fun to try and save corals that are in bad shape then starting with nice ones ahah... if they make it. And I`m even curious to see if the one brown one I have will color up

[superduperwesman]

PS So I guess if your tank breaks you`ll know who to give it too

[superduperwesman]

So after peeling the box fish off the overflow twice yesterday I reduced the flow to give him some recovery time, and repositioned some rocks to introduce some more sheltered low flow areas. Then I turned the flow back up. As of this morning is was still ok so I think things must be better.

How often does everyone feed?? With such a small tank I'm scared to feed every day??

Maybe I should grad some more hermits and toss a few in the sump to clean up excess food??

[JDigital]

So after peeling the box fish off the overflow twice yesterday I reduced the flow to give him some recovery time, and repositioned some rocks to introduce some more sheltered low flow areas. Then I turned the flow back up. As of this morning is was still ok so I think things must be better.

How often does everyone feed?? With such a small tank I'm scared to feed every day??

Maybe I should grad some more hermits and toss a few in the sump to clean up excess food??

I haven't re-stocked fish yet.. so I am only spot feeding my plate every 3-4 days. But even on my 20G I usually feed every 2nd day..

[Leah]

Those are the sweetest plates ever, My mouth is watering are you sharing that info on
where they came from? You can p.m. and I won't tell, and if not I won't vote for you. Oh maybe I should check and see if we get to vote. Cause it wouldn't be to scary if we don't. No all kidding aside I have not seen anything like those, more pictures would be awesome.

[superduperwesman]

Those are the sweetest plates ever, My mouth is watering are you sharing that info on
where they came from? You can p.m. and I won't tell, and if not I won't vote for you. Oh maybe I should check and see if we get to vote. Cause it wouldn't be to scary if we don't. No all kidding aside I have not seen anything like those, more pictures would be awesome.

ahah I hope your not thinking the purple/orange one or the red on are mine...? or I'll have sadly disappointed you. Sorry!

Mine are all pretty standard and can be bought at any lfs.

Yes you do get to vote... but it prob wont be for me now ahah.

I'll be posting more pics of the ones I have soon but like I said... I think you might be confusing the ones I have with the ones I want :)

[superduperwesman]

I haven't re-stocked fish yet.. so I am only spot feeding my plate every 3-4 days. But even on my 20G I usually feed every 2nd day..

Yeah I'm not too worried about the plates because I think with adequate lighting they don't need feed at all.

I was more wondering about the fish.. I was also thinking every 2nd day would be best with such a small tank.

What part of Calgary are you in?

[JDigital]

Yeah I'm not too worried about the plates because I think with adequate lighting they don't need feed at all.

I was more wondering about the fish.. I was also thinking every 2nd day would be best with such a small tank.

What part of Calgary are you in?


NW, Tuscany. 15mins from Red Coral. lol

[superduperwesman]

NW, Tuscany. 15mins from Red Coral. lol

Ok so looks like I'll be checking your tank out... NEVER. I live out by Chestermere so pictures will do I guess.

In case your confused... I was going to invite myself over if you were close :D ahah

[ElGuappo]

on the 10 i ran before this contest i had a pair of clowns with some coral and fed twice a day sparingly. i still do but this time around i having some major issues with cyno. the tank is SLOWLEY getting better but i should have let the tank cycle a more. at least i have been lucky enough to only lose one fish to carpet surfing.

[Leah]

I have learned that when things appear to good to be true. Well you know the rest.
But at least we can now make an informed decision not to vote for such a fraud.

[superduperwesman]

on the 10 i ran before this contest i had a pair of clowns with some coral and fed twice a day sparingly. i still do but this time around i having some major issues with cyno. the tank is SLOWLEY getting better but i should have let the tank cycle a more. at least i have been lucky enough to only lose one fish to carpet surfing.

Twice a day... then your tank just becomes a chore :) I'm too lazy for that ahah

[sphelps]

But at least we can now make an informed decision not to vote for such a fraud.
hahaha :lol:

[superduperwesman]

I have learned that when things appear to good to be true. Well you know the rest.
But at least we can now make an informed decision not to vote for such a fraud.

ahah I never made such implications... jost a few posts on corals I would ideally want ahah

If I'm gonna be accused of fraud I should go get photoshop then I can "have" whatever corals I want :)

But someone has those corals... so it's not always too good to be true :D Just too good to be true for me

[superduperwesman]

hahaha :lol:

ahah that ridiculous orange and purple plate was all you... I still have a hard time believing it's real

[sphelps]

ahah that ridiculous orange and purple plate was all you... I still have a hard time believing it's real
I was thinking the same about your so called plate coral tank, how about a bigger FTS?

[Ryan_Lap]

No wonder they think they are your plate corals when we still havnt seen a FTS. :lol:

[superduperwesman]

Well after all the hype I'm sure everyone will now be disappointed

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1344-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1340.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1342.jpg

[ElGuappo]

looks good. are you spot feeding them all?

[superduperwesman]

looks good. are you spot feeding them all?

A little bit but not a ton... from what I've read they should be able to live off of light with only occasional feeding as a treat.

[nanoreefer]

how do you like the box/cowfish? i have whanted one for a wile they look so cool, but i keep reading there hard to feed, eat corals and the releasing toxin if they get stressed or dies realy scares me, whats yours eating?

[TheMikey]

I think it's looking good, Wes. Liking the theme a lot (as well as the stand... perhaps get a patent on it? Might be a hit in some modernist houses... just an idea, might fund this addiction one day (: ). Do your plates move around a bunch? I'm thinking of adding one to my 15, but not sure if I have the sand-room to accomodate one that's on the prowl.

[Leah]

Okay, well at least the cow fish is cute, what is he eating for you? I hope that Santa
brings you a colorful plate or yea photo shop.He He, love your stand. Nice tank too.

[superduperwesman]

how do you like the boxfish? i have wanted one for a while they look so cool, but i keep reading there hard to feed, eat corals and the releasing toxin if they get stressed or dies realy scares me, whats yours eating?

I like it a lot! It's a cool fish.

He eats mysis shrimp like crazy

He's been sucking gutter guard twice and not released any toxins that I know of?? I've heard the rumor but don't know anyone who's actually had a tank nuked? and I kinda doubt lfs would bring them in if it ever happened to there tank.

And I had one die in my old tank

[superduperwesman]

I think it's looking good, Wes. Liking the theme a lot (as well as the stand... perhaps get a patent on it? Might be a hit in some modernist houses... just an idea, might fund this addiction one day (: ). Do your plates move around a bunch? I'm thinking of adding one to my 15, but not sure if I have the sand-room to accomodate one that's on the prowl.

Thanks.

Plates haven't moved around at all yet. I had one move around a little in my old tank but nothing note worthy

[superduperwesman]

Okay, well at least the cow fish is cute, what is he eating for you? I hope that Santa
brings you a colorful plate or yea photo shop.He He, love your stand. Nice tank too.

Thanks

He sure is. He eats Mysis.

Hopefully he's not stuck on the egg crate again when I get home but I did turn the flow down so I hoping he'll be ok.

[rocketlily]

Beautiful looking tank. Very nice Dec pictures.

[superduperwesman]

Beautiful looking tank. Very nice Dec pictures.

Yeah nothing will change before the 15th and I'm worried I might get busy and forget with everything else going on this month

[superduperwesman]

Dec 15 FTS

I'll try not to sharpen so much for next month ahahah

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1344-1.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1340.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1342.jpg

[JDigital]

Nice plates...

I'm debating about keeping mine.. If I do, I gotta move it to the 75G (and I don't know if I want a plate in my main tank).. Otherwise I'm gonna sell it.

[Mrfish55]

Well done, like the whole set-up, too bad you arent closer I would give you one of my neon green plates to add to it. keep up the good work.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Mrfish55/IMG_1496.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Well done, like the whole set-up, too bad you arent closer I would give you one of my neon green plates to add to it. keep up the good work.
http://i472.photobucket.com/albums/rr88/Mrfish55/IMG_1496.jpg

Cool. It would make a good addition... I'll pay for shipping :) ahah

I'm pretty happy so far. But I don't think I'll have any additions for the next few months... I'll need some time to recover from the Christmas season

How do you have so many... are those lil baby ones I see also??

[Mrfish55]

I originally had one about 4", my toadstool was kind enough to shed its toxic slime coat over it and it died, I left the skeleton in the tank and about 3 months later it started developing little green spots, there is now approx 20 new plate ranging in size from 1/8" to 1 1/2", I will talk to my brother in law and see if he would be willing to bring you one (pilot with West Jet, he flies Vancouver to Calgary all the time) I would just have to figure out how to get it to him. My pics aren't that good they are a real cool neon green.

[Marlin65]

looking good like the theme.:biggrin:

[superduperwesman]

I originally had one about 4", my toadstool was kind enough to shed its toxic slime coat over it and it died, I left the skeleton in the tank and about 3 months later it started developing little green spots, there is now approx 20 new plate ranging in size from 1/8" to 1 1/2", I will talk to my brother in law and see if he would be willing to bring you one (pilot with West Jet, he flies Vancouver to Calgary all the time) I would just have to figure out how to get it to him. My pics aren't that good they are a real cool neon green.

Wow that's awesome! I've "heard" of it happening, a friend of a friends who saw it on some site, but never actually met someone first hand who's had it happen. That's so cool and 3 months later. I totally would have tossed it.

Yeah I'd for sure take one of your hands if it's something that's not too difficult. That'd be really nice of you... no worries if you can't but I'll pm you my number in case he can. Then he can just give me a call if manages to get one here. I'm really close to the airport.

[superduperwesman]

looking good like the theme.:biggrin:


Thanks. I'd still like to get one long tenticle but having a bit of trouble tracking one down, and like I said I'll be holding off the purchases until after Christmas

[JDigital]

You want a bright orange plate? My 10G popped on the back pane of glass this morning, so the tank is basically empty... :sad:

PM me if ur interested.

[superduperwesman]

You want a bright orange plate? My 10G popped on the back pane of glass this morning, so the tank is basically empty... :sad:

PM me if ur interested.

Yeah I saw that in your thread. That really sucks. I already have one good sized orange plate and another that's hopefully on his way to recovery so it'd have to be a really good deal :)

[superduperwesman]

so the orange plate coral looks like it's having some trouble in it's recovery :(

[superduperwesman]

Here's a pic of my one plate looking pretty hungry

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC01057.jpg

Anyone have any idea what this is??? I found it in the sand today

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC01062.jpg

[noirsphynx]

Rock Flower Anemone??

[superduperwesman]

anyone else have any idea??

I googled rock flower anemone and it doesn't look too much like it from what I can tell and hasn't opened up and bigger???

[Scythanith]

Try and get a better shot and it may help.

[superduperwesman]

Sorry Scoot, some of us can't afford a really nice camera with all the bells and whistles

It's pretty small so it's kinda hard for my crappy camera, but I'm sure you saw the hermit crab for a size reference

[JDigital]

Nudibranch maybe?

http://www.seaotter.com/marine/research/dirona/albolineata/pics/1alabaster_nudibranch.jpg

[JDigital]

Ever figure out what that white thing was??

[superduperwesman]

Ever figure out what that white thing was??

Nope... but I left it in the tank and can't find it now :) ahah

[sphelps]

So I'll be expecting some pretty good pictures this month buddy, no more excuses.

[04scoobysti]

Do you have any clams in your tank? It looks like a byssal gland, which clams will sometimes eject.

[Delphinus]

+1 on the shed byssal gland too, looks just like it. But I don't see any clams in any of the pictures?? Unless I missed it somewhere...

Do you have any clams in your tank? It looks like a byssal gland, which clams will sometimes eject.

[Whatigot]

+ 1 for nudibranch....
I have had similar in my tanks before, never last long though...

[superduperwesman]

I came home to a small rock slide today so things are not in the best of shape but here is my Jan 15th FTS:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0035.jpg

It's a terrible picture considering I just got a new Nikon D90 ahah but I'm pretty busy these days so this one will have to do

As you can see I've lost the one orange plate coral (I think it was likely a water change that dropped the tank 5 degrees instantly that put it over the edge) and the Anthelia Frag. The finger leather also seems to not like his home as it's been shriveled the entire time I've had it and small pieces break off from time to time and float around.

I'm not sure where the clown and the cow are in this pic but they're in there.

As you can see I'm stacking up the one side to make room for a few to friends in the future

[superduperwesman]

+1 on the shed byssal gland too, looks just like it. But I don't see any clams in any of the pictures?? Unless I missed it somewhere...

I think you are both likely right... ask you can see I have added a clam :)

[Delphinus]

I think you are both likely right... ask you can see I have added a clam :)

Oh .... Ok. 100% certain it's a shed byssal gland then. They very often shed this when moved into a new tank and placed on new substrate.

Top down picture of the clam! Pretty please. :lol: Hinty hint. :mrgreen:

[sphelps]

Looking good wes, pic is great!

[sphelps]

Haha, hope you don't mind. I took this when I was at your place :biggrin:

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/Nano%20Contest/Wes1.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Cool! Thanks dude. That one has no Cow and no Dragnet ahah you think with a tank that small it wouldn't be hard to get everybody.

I had to move the pink plate on the far right b/c the half that was shaded from the frogspawn seemed to be receding. But as you can see the leather does not seems happy? Anyone have suggestions?

[superduperwesman]

Looking cool Wes. I give bonus points for building in useable storage into you stand design! But I take away point for the back ally lighting setup haahaa...jk! I had to run fans as well, too freaking hot under there without them.

Get a tank and some water in that badboy!

Ok so Scott's lil "back alley" comment has been bugging me from the start, probably because I know he's right ahah. But not only was the light installed terribly but it was too high up in the hood to light the tank properly. Especially because the hood is so narrow and close to the back of the tank. So I finally took the time to lower the light down and clean it up a bit.

Basically I disassembled the fixture cut it in half and reassembled it.

So here's what I started with:

http://www.jlaquatics.com/images/sunlight/new_wave.jpg

and here's how it looked when I first put it in:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1264.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/IMG_1263.jpg

UGLY... soo here's how it looks now:

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0106.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0108.jpg

Unfortunately the large plug is still in there to power the fans but it's a lot better than it was... and most important it lights the tank WWWAAAYYY better

[superduperwesman]

Oh .... Ok. 100% certain it's a shed byssal gland then. They very often shed this when moved into a new tank and placed on new substrate.

Top down picture of the clam! Pretty please. :lol: Hinty hint. :mrgreen:

I keep meaning to do this but every time I have a chance to do it the light is off ahah I'll get you one.

[JDigital]

Lighting = $75 x 0.75 = $56.25 - Basically 75% of a Sunlight supply 24"

So I could have taken another 25% off the great deal I got on my Hagen T5 light?

That's not the way that 25% rule is meant to be used... If you got it for a good deal on something that you had to go buy (ie: u didn't already have it laying around), that was your "discount".. you don't go adding on more discounts. LOL

I bought these used and those are the prices I paid.. I didn't tack on the extra 25% because they were used by someone else.

AquaMedic OR2500 Return Pump......... $65.00
Hagen Glo 2x24W T5HO (used)........... $50.00

If I take 25% off those 2 things, that would have saved me alot of money of this contest.. but that's not how its suppose to work.

Used gear you already had is only meant to have the 25% thing.

[superduperwesman]

So I could have taken another 25% off the great deal I got on my Hagen T5 light?

That's not the way that 25% rule is meant to be used... If you got it for a good deal on something that you had to go buy (ie: u didn't already have it laying around), that was your "discount".. you don't go adding on more discounts. LOL

I bought these used and those are the prices I paid.. I didn't tack on the extra 25% because they were used by someone else.

AquaMedic OR2500 Return Pump......... $65.00
Hagen Glo 2x24W T5HO (used)........... $50.00

If I take 25% off those 2 things, that would have saved me alot of money of this contest.. but that's not how its suppose to work.

Used gear you already had is only meant to have the 25% thing.

So are you using 25% of the AquaMedic return pump and 25% of your Hagen light on something else?? I have 2 bulbs, a reflector for 2 bulbs, and 4 end caps that can be used on another tank. I didn't take 75% percent of the used price because it's used used. I took 75% of the price because I only used 75% of what I bought and the rest can, and will, be used on something else.

[JDigital]

So are you using 25% of the AquaMedic return pump and 25% of your Hagen light on something else?? I have 2 bulbs, a reflector for 2 bulbs, and 4 end caps that can be used on another tank. I didn't take 75% percent of the used price because it's used used. I took 75% of the price because I only used 75% of what I bought and the rest can, and will, be used on something else.

Ahhh... I didn't know you split it like that.. my mistake. haha..

[superduperwesman]

ahah yeah but that'd be funny if I did do it b/c it was used used ahah

[superduperwesman]

Well neglect has taken it's toll on the tank.. lost a few things but it's tough to keep up on water changes amidst all the wedding planning.

Here are some Feb 15th Pics:

Front
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0312.jpg

Front Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0297.jpg

Side Including Stand
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0298.jpg

[superduperwesman]

Oh .... Ok. 100% certain it's a shed byssal gland then. They very often shed this when moved into a new tank and placed on new substrate.

Top down picture of the clam! Pretty please. :lol: Hinty hint. :mrgreen:

Sorry for the delay..

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0295a.jpg

[Scythanith]

Congrats on the engagment man! So do you put junk all over the stand usually but clean it off for the pictures? I know my remote, cell, truck keys, etc would be all over that stand haahaa!

[superduperwesman]

Congrats on the engagement man! So do you put junk all over the stand usually but clean it off for the pictures? I know my remote, cell, truck keys, etc would be all over that stand haahaa!

Thank you sir.

No the stand stays pretty clean. It's got too b/c I'm in all of the compartments fairly regularly so it'd just make more work for me to move everything off it to feed, top off, do a water change etc.

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC_0297.jpg

http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/DSC01067.jpg

[sphelps]

Looks good buddy! I think you got the best stand, looks sweet and very practical. Your pictures are getting much better as well.

[JDigital]

Yea, that looks great! Nice to see how it looks in the rest of the room.

[lobsterboy]

sweet set up.

[BlueAbyss]

I love your stand, its ingenious! :idea:

[superduperwesman]

Looks good buddy! I think you got the best stand, looks sweet and very practical. Your pictures are getting much better as well.

Yeah I really just wanted something that kept things clean and hidden, and made for easy water changes / sump access... and something that looked cool ahah

I'm working on getting some better pictures... the last one of all the stand compartments open was actually taken with C's old camera cause the D90 was up at my parents house. I still haven't had the time I'd like to sit down and really figure the camera out. It's weird the wireless remote I ordered doesn't seem to work if it's more than a foot or two away?? Stupid ebay... I'm assuming it's just a crappy remote??

Yea, that looks great! Nice to see how it looks in the rest of the room.

Thanks... I try to show some of the room from time to time cause I know I like to see where people have their tanks, and b/c it keeps things in perspective. That was the only place the tank could really go but it's pretty good viewing from the couch so I'm happy. Now I just need to get a nice fish eye lens and I'll really be able to show how it looks in the rest of the room ahah

Plus I always see tanks that look good on the close up but then when you get a true fts with stand and all it's just buried in test kits, buckets, fish food, nets etc. nothing worse than a nice tank being a total eyesore b/c of the mess of everything else. Which is why I designed the stand with lots of usable space.

sweet set up.

Thank you sir.. Tunze working out ok for you??

I love your stand, its ingenious! :idea:

Thanks... my favorite part of the design is still how accessible the sump is and how easy it makes water changes... even though somehow I still don't do them as often as I should.

Here's the water change video again.
http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/th_MVI_1306.jpg (http://s103.photobucket.com/albums/m141/superduperwesman/?action=view&current=MVI_1306.flv)

[lobsterboy]

yeah it sure is, 10 foot swells, lol, i will get ya a pic.

[sphelps]

I'm working on getting some better pictures... the last one of all the stand compartments open was actually taken with C's old camera cause the D90 was up at my parents house. I still haven't had the time I'd like to sit down and really figure the camera out. It's weird the wireless remote I ordered doesn't seem to work if it's more than a foot or two away?? Stupid ebay... I'm assuming it's just a crappy remote??

Is the remote made by Nikon?

[superduperwesman]

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Remote-Control-IR-for-Nikon-ML-L3-D40-D50-D60-D80-D90_W0QQitemZ230324500291QQihZ013QQcategoryZ109858 QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

[sphelps]

Yeah cheap imitation and the savings aren't even worth it. You can get the real Nikon ML-L3 for under $20 (http://donsphoto.com/spec_sheet.html?catalog[name]=Nikon-ML-L3-Infrared-Remote-Control-Nikon-Remote&catalog[product_guids][0]=5a752ecb-3b28-42ce-8e93-08064fc44c42).

[superduperwesman]

Dang that sucks... cause it should work from more than a foot away right??

[sphelps]

Dang that sucks... cause it should work from more than a foot away right??
The Nikon ML-L3 is rated at 16 feet.

[superduperwesman]

k the guy told me to replace the battery and try it again... works great :)