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View Full Version : 68G cube becomes a 95G Reef :)


GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 04:27 AM
I am finally setting up a proper reef again after a few years of trying to mix aggressive fish and corals. That was fun but I want to get back into sps after about three years away from keeping them.

I have changed tanks soooo many times over the past two years due to moving several times but I have finally decided on two. The bigger one will stay as my fish only and the new 68G will be the reef.

Both tanks are similar heights and are directly across from each other, so the stands are made to match...or will be (the new one is not finished).

The 68G was bought from a member here on Canreef and was going to be sumpless/skimmerless. After a few months, everything is doing great that way and actually I have had the best growth I have ever seen in my sps but I hate not having a sump.

The tank was already drilled, so I am not adding a sump and eventually a skimmer.

I have lots of pics but I will just start with the empty tank for now...

Well kind of empty. My cats claimed it the moment it hit the floor.

This is where its going...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi064-1.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi065.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi067-1.jpg

Oh and not quite a real cube...30x30x18. I prefer that over a deep tank.

Keri
12-02-2008, 04:45 AM
Nice size! The cats look impressed. What's in the terrarium beside it?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 04:58 AM
Nice size! The cats look impressed. What's in the terrarium beside it?

Yes the cats loved it.

The terrarium is housing this guy:

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture006-1.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture002.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture004.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture005.jpg

Keri
12-02-2008, 05:09 AM
Cute....but the kitty looks like it wants to eat it ;)

I'm not fammiliar with the arboreal geckos, is it a gargoyl, or crested?
I have an 8yr old female leopard gecko.

http://i266.photobucket.com/albums/ii254/Keri1980/KeriCameraDec2007400.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:12 AM
Nice Leopard!

Its a Gargoyle. The cats actually doesn't seem to want to eat it. He had a chance once and doesn't. In that last pic he is meowing and the gecko talks back with some very strange noises.

Im not kidding...they communicate. I thought it was just a coincidence at first but then I realized when the cat (only the little one though) lays by his terrarium, the gecko will come out and see him. Sometimes making weird noises.

So weird.

Keri
12-02-2008, 05:16 AM
Very neat... my husband had a bunch of cresteds before I met him....till the cat got into them :(

I keep the reptiles downstairs where the cats can't go because Mr Pickles (Drew's cat) is just a little bit evil.

(My cat, of course, is perfect lol)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:19 AM
Plumbing the tank...has been a huge pain!

I wish I had decided right away to go with a sump. Plumbing it full of water has been terrible.

I did not want to take up space with an overflow box, nor drain the tank, so I got an idea from someone on RC to use a PVC overflow. In my case ABS since I like using ABS.

This is the idea. The people who have tried it absolutely seem to love it. I am not going to go coast to coast like this (only about a foot) but same idea.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/DSCN2447.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/DSCN2462.jpg

I have mine done but not running yet. The problem I am trying to solve is noise. The guys who used this method have found ways to keep the thing silent but most of their idea will not work for me for various reasons.

So far with mine, I have the PVC overflow, bulkhead, "T" (drain and a way for air to escape), then down to a few 90's and to the sump. What I am trying to figure out is how to have the water enter the sump.

I will take pics since its hard to follow along with just words but I think I may have another "T" on the end of the drain plumbing right at the water surface to release any air from the water before it hits the sump.

I know people do this...does anyone have any pics? How quiet is this?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:21 AM
Very neat... my husband had a bunch of cresteds before I met him....till the cat got into them :(

I keep the reptiles downstairs where the cats can't go because Mr Pickles (Drew's cat) is just a little bit evil.

(My cat, of course, is perfect lol)

Oh no...I would hate to see what my cats would do to him if I did leave them alone together for a while :neutral:

The little grey and white cat is mine and the big one is my fiances. I am not even going to try to pretend my cat is perfect. He is a little terror. My fiances cat is really close to prefect I think though. She says its because she raised him :mrgreen:

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:30 AM
So this is my small version of the overflow.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture001-2.jpg

Nothing fancy but since its right up near the top trim of the tank, you barely notice it. So much nicer IMO than having a huger overflow box. I wouldn't do this in a bigger tank or with a large return pump though. This along with a gate valve regulated drain would be ideal. I didn't have a second hole drilled though for an emergency drain so I couldn't go with the gate valve safely.

Hopefully it will work out like this though!

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:31 AM
Actually this is a good picture. I put the return Loc Line Plumbing beside it for size reference.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture004-2.jpg

lastlight
12-02-2008, 05:32 AM
Never seen an overflow done like that! Not too invasive and looks cool too. Guess it can't be married with a Herbie really...that method brought me TOTAL silence when I finally got my gate valve perfect.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:36 AM
Never seen an overflow done like that! Not too invasive and looks cool too. Guess it can't be married with a Herbie really...that method brought me TOTAL silence when I finally got my gate valve perfect.

Yes it can. You need a second hole though that is just a bare pipe extending up just above where the PVC overflow skims water. So it will only kick in if the water rises up too high in the display. Just like in a normal overflow box except this emergency drain is separate from the main overflow.

Does that make sense?

Basically the emergency drain can be anywhere as long as it leads back to the sump and is above the water level of the main drain.

It has been done by a guy on RC on a 180G tank (I think). He says its dead silent and he has a coast to coast overflow. Not really seen in the tank.

I wish I had the second hole! That is my favorite way to plumb a tank by far. It really is dead silent.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 05:58 AM
The lights.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture003-2.jpg

I just made a simple box to retrofit lights I already had. Dual 400 watt Metal Halide and 2 - 24 watt Actinic T5's.

Overkill for a shallow tank but so far so good. I love them and my corals really seem to be happier than ever. I am running the 14K bulbs 8 hours a day and Pure Actinics 12.

Originally I hung the fixture from the ceiling but I felt uneasy because it is a bit heavy and the ceiling is concrete. Getting a good anchor in it was hard. Oh and ceilings are 14' tall in my place so the cables were really long and just didn't look right.

I rigged up a way to use the fixture I built though in a unique way. I will post pics soon of how I did it. I absolutely did not want a canopy this time.

Anyone have any ideas for reflectors to replace those ones? It would need to be something that has the same footprint to fit where those ones are. They are not great and I want to chnage them eventually.

lastlight
12-02-2008, 06:13 AM
Yeah I was referring to your lack of a second hole sorry should have mentioned that. 14 foot ceilings does make it tough. can you mount the canopy to the wall so it cantilevers out over the tank? I was going to do this but the wife vetoed and made me go the fixture route...

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 06:24 AM
Yeah I was referring to your lack of a second hole sorry should have mentioned that. 14 foot ceilings does make it tough. can you mount the canopy to the wall so it cantilevers out over the tank? I was going to do this but the wife vetoed and made me go the fixture route...

Oh ok...I misunderstood.

No I don't want to drill onto the walls. They too are solid concrete and then finished with a thin coat of a nice concrete that crumbles really badly when you drill them.

In the first pic you can see a plam tree. That thing is 10' tall. So gives you an idea of the height.

I will get pics of what I have done with the light tomorrow. I think its ok but am looking for new ideas.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 09:00 PM
Is this similar to how some people are using a T near the end of their drain line to get air out and hopefully keep everything a bit quieter?

Advice?

Red is where air would be escaping the drain.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/quiet.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-02-2008, 11:29 PM
So if that would work ^^

Would this work just the same? Anyone know if this is how "T"'s are used to keep things quiet going into the sump?

I really can't remember but I know its something kind of like this. Or is it pointless to have both the "T" at the top of the drain and near the bottom?

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/V2.jpg

I wouldn't mind getting this glued tonight if someone knows...

Delphinus
12-03-2008, 12:18 AM
I've never tried it but I think if nothing else, that the worst case scenario you have to account for is that the lower T may need a pipe that goes all the way back up to the top to ensure water will never come splashing out of it. I suppose even if it did it would just empty into your sump so maybe it's not a big deal.

Sorry, I probably shouldn't reply to a thread when my answer really can be boiled down to "DUH, I actually don't know, DUH" but I thought I'd throw my two bits in.

Tank build looks great. Can't wait to see the results of your drain idea.. Why not just try it dry fit for now (yeah, the joins will leak a tiny bit but it would be enough to tell you if your idea is workable or not.. ??)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 01:38 AM
I've never tried it but I think if nothing else, that the worst case scenario you have to account for is that the lower T may need a pipe that goes all the way back up to the top to ensure water will never come splashing out of it. I suppose even if it did it would just empty into your sump so maybe it's not a big deal.

Sorry, I probably shouldn't reply to a thread when my answer really can be boiled down to "DUH, I actually don't know, DUH" but I thought I'd throw my two bits in.

Tank build looks great. Can't wait to see the results of your drain idea.. Why not just try it dry fit for now (yeah, the joins will leak a tiny bit but it would be enough to tell you if your idea is workable or not.. ??)

Yeah I am going to dry fit first but I was hoping to just kind of find someone who had done this. I remember seeing someone on RC had done this to keep the water emptying into the sump quieter. I just don't remember how it worked exactly.

I think I will just try everything without the T first and then see if I even need it.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 02:02 AM
This is the rubbermaid sump I am using. You can see, not much space to work with but at least I was able to get a 30G sump out of it. On the shelf to the left is a bucket that will be the Auto Top off (kalk). I would have preferred to keep using the garbage can I have been using for auto top off but there was no where to put it this time. Oh well...better than nothing I guess.

Not much else yet. You can see the drain plumbing on the right is not done. I have no idea at his point what I want to do with that.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics129.jpg

And this is the overflow in the tank. You don't see it at all when viewing unless you are looking for it.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics139.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 02:03 AM
This gives a good idea of how small it is. Hopefully it is relatively quiet too but I have my doubts.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics131.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 02:06 AM
You can also see in that last pic the "rails" that are supporting the lights. I may stick with this since I don't mind it but I will put a face on the front. I am also going to put it on a track that will allow it to slid back and forth across the tank.

This is what I mean by a "facing"...So it looks like a mini canopy with the light box on top.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics1312copy.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 02:12 AM
And while I am at it. A few pics of the fish. This is all the fish there will be. Yellow Tang and a pair of clowns. Eventually the tang will go in my fish only I think. We'll see how fast he outgrows this tank.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics137.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics138.jpg

This is my favorite view of the tank so far. From the left side. Everything is just very small frags at this point but growth has been really, really good actually. Most of these have doubled in size the last month.

The picture looses most of the depth of the tank but there are three small islands and one large one. Tons and tons of open space and even the back of the tank behind the rocks has corals to try to give the tank a more realistic feel. The tank would be viewable from all sides if it were not for the wall :)

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Pics134.jpg

This is the entire clean up crew, who even ate the clean up crew. Actually he left the Tiger tail Cucumber alone but he is the most amazing scavenger I have ever had. He does try to eat the clowns though, hopefully he will continue to fail.

He is about 6" across from leg to leg.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Arrow2.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 02:13 AM
Anyone have any advice for taking good pics of corals? The fish pics turn out fine but the corals loose most of their color whenever I take pics of them. I have no idea how to fix this but it really annoys me!

tang daddy
12-03-2008, 04:56 AM
wow looking really good what is at the front of your tank right hand side bottom looks kinda purple anymore pics of that?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:03 AM
wow looking really good what is at the front of your tank right hand side bottom looks kinda purple anymore pics of that?

Yeah its a purple photosynthetic gorgonian. I will get some pics of it tomorrow. Its been getting more and more purple as the months go on. I have been super happy with that one. It grows very fast too for a gorgonian.

Hopefully I will get the plumbing going tomorrow and then decide on a skimmer. I have not decided yet because I need to see how much room I have.

It will be nice to get the refugium going on this tank though right away. There have been no nutrient or algae problems even without it but it can't hurt.

superduperwesman
12-03-2008, 03:42 PM
http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi064-1.jpg


cool chair...where did you get it?

Delphinus
12-03-2008, 04:36 PM
The airport??? :p

brizzo
12-03-2008, 05:00 PM
Hey,

The drain type you're looking for would be an "external durso". The idea of the T off the back of the tank, with an air vent is to create a tunnel of air down the center of the pipe, so the water flows quietly down the pipe; this won't be silent, but quiet.

If you're not running the T or air-flow into the pipe, and just a 90, then you would be trying to create a syphon (herbie) which you cannot do with that type of overflow.

Do you have plans for a backup drain?? :idea:

I cannot find the proper picture of the bottom drain for in-sump that I was thinking of... but this is something similar: (found on nano-reef)

http://www.daemonfly.com/images/2.5g/lowerdurso.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:22 PM
Hey,

The drain type you're looking for would be an "external durso". The idea of the T off the back of the tank, with an air vent is to create a tunnel of air down the center of the pipe, so the water flows quietly down the pipe; this won't be silent, but quiet.

If you're not running the T or air-flow into the pipe, and just a 90, then you would be trying to create a syphon (herbie) which you cannot do with that type of overflow.

Do you have plans for a backup drain?? :idea:

I cannot find the proper picture of the bottom drain for in-sump that I was thinking of... but this is something similar: (found on nano-reef)

http://www.daemonfly.com/images/2.5g/lowerdurso.jpg

Thanks. You can do a herbie with this overflow but you need a second hole drilled. I have seen it done and it works the exact same as a regular herbie. So its just in my case that it can't be done.

Off the back of the bulkhead is a T for airflow. I am also wondering though about putting a T somewhere near the bottom. I know some people were apparently doing this to make things even quieter but I can't remember why or how?

Thanks for the link. I will check it out.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:26 PM
Yeah that link is basically what I am talking about I think.


The only thing I worry about with that one is how the water drains down to a "U" and then back up. I don't like the idea of having anywhere in the drain line with back pressure or a place for things to get stuck easily. I think I will do something like this but without that "U" in there.

Thanks again, that gives me a good idea.

brizzo
12-03-2008, 05:28 PM
Plumbing is always interesting, one thing I've seen posted on RC about durso style, is they quiet down over time once you get a 'slime coat' on the inside of your pipes. My nanocube is running a 1" herbie and is almost dead quiet. It makes splashing noise entering the overflow box though, hopefully going to fix that tonight :)

Not sure if you saw this link I posted in some other threads, but it's a very neat concept I'm going to put on my 75g;

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

brizzo
12-03-2008, 05:30 PM
I don't like the idea of having anywhere in the drain line with back pressure or a place for things to get stuck easily. I think I will do something like this but without that "U" in there.

Yeah I agree, there is a different style... but I cannot find the diagram for the life of me! I think I have it in my favorite's at home though...

So whats the plan for backup drain? :razz:

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:39 PM
Yeah I agree, there is a different style... but I cannot find the diagram for the life of me! I think I have it in my favorite's at home though...

So whats the plan for backup drain? :razz:

No back up drain since I am not doing the herbie. Just the traditional single drain plumbing. Same as if say I bought an already drilled tank from the store with a single overflow.

You don't need an emergency as long as the drain keeps up with the pump. The reason for the emergency with the herbie style is because you are restricting the drain pipe so much that all kind of stuff could get stuck in there. Although on my big tank, the herbie is dead quiet and nothing has ever been stuck in it. The emergency drain is never used.

But I am sure you already know that :)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:41 PM
Plumbing is always interesting, one thing I've seen posted on RC about durso style, is they quiet down over time once you get a 'slime coat' on the inside of your pipes. My nanocube is running a 1" herbie and is almost dead quiet. It makes splashing noise entering the overflow box though, hopefully going to fix that tonight :)

Not sure if you saw this link I posted in some other threads, but it's a very neat concept I'm going to put on my 75g;

http://www.beananimal.com/projects/silent-and-fail-safe-aquarium-overflow-system.aspx

You just need to adjust the valve to get the water level higher and eliminate the splashing. With mine, it doesn't even look like water is going over the overflow I have matched it up so perfectly.

brizzo
12-03-2008, 05:44 PM
I was under the impression that the flow rate through a durso can change very easily, especially caused by salt creep blocking the air vent.

Personally I'm just a paranoid freak when it comes to a tank overflowing! Knock on wood I've never had a spill yet! I just prefer to have a measure of safety, "just in case".

Man I would love to have a cube tank... or a shallow cube like yours :)

brizzo
12-03-2008, 05:46 PM
You just need to adjust the valve to get the water level higher and eliminate the splashing. With mine, it doesn't even look like water is going over the overflow I have matched it up so perfectly.

Haha, you're killing me with this "I post 2", "You post 2" !!

The problem with the nanocube is I'm using the built in 'false wall', which has three chambers .. the center chamber runs at a different height (which has the drain), than the chamber where the water enters..

I'll post pics once it's all done, and I'll resist hi-jacking your thread :drinking:

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 05:58 PM
Haha, you're killing me with this "I post 2", "You post 2" !!

The problem with the nanocube is I'm using the built in 'false wall', which has three chambers .. the center chamber runs at a different height (which has the drain), than the chamber where the water enters..

I'll post pics once it's all done, and I'll resist hi-jacking your thread :drinking:

Oh I see....yeah thats a tricky one then. Do you have an idea of how to deal with it?

The flow rate can and will change with any drain but as long as the drain can handle the maximum flow your pump can put out then your fine. In my case, the pump is so small it will never be a problem. So the only other problem really is things getting into your plumbing like snails and clogging it up. Which of course would flood your display. But with mine, there is no way anything big enough to clog a 1-1/4" pipe can get through that small opening in the overflow, so anything that may get into the overflow should just end up in the sump. If I had a herbie though, it would probably get stuck in the gate valve and slow the drain down making the water level in the display rise. The herbies are just much more sensitive to things getting into the plumbing because of the restriction. I love them though and wish I had the second hole for an emergency drain!

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 06:17 PM
This is the drain plumbing coming off the back of the tank.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture005-1.jpg

And here is what I decided to try near the end of the drain. Just another durso type thing. I don't know if it will do much but I seem to remember people doing this and saying it was quieter. I think I will cap it still and drill some smaller holes in the cap like the other one.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture007-1.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 06:20 PM
Anyone using this stuff? Does it regenerate well? I bought it because I like the idea of being able to recharge the media. Hopefully its worth $50!

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Picture008-1.jpg

brizzo
12-03-2008, 06:24 PM
Oh I see....yeah thats a tricky one then. Do you have an idea of how to deal with it?

Yup, I'm going to post my build thread all at once for the masses. I think of the tootsie-roll slogan, how many licks to the center... but how many mods can I do to my nanocube to make it awesome! :lol:

But with mine, there is no way anything big enough to clog a 1-1/4" pipe can get through that small opening in the overflow, so anything that may get into the overflow should just end up in the sump. If I had a herbie though, it would probably get stuck in the gate valve and slow the drain down making the water level in the display rise. The herbies are just much more sensitive to things getting into the plumbing because of the restriction. I love them though and wish I had the second hole for an emergency drain!

Durrrrr, for some reason all this morning I was thinking there was a valve on the drain; but this is not the case... Slurpees when its -5C out makes the brain slow.

How is the noise with the plumbing done now ?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 06:31 PM
Yup, I'm going to post my build thread all at once for the masses. I think of the tootsie-roll slogan, how many licks to the center... but how many mods can I do to my nanocube to make it awesome! :lol:



Durrrrr, for some reason all this morning I was thinking there was a valve on the drain; but this is not the case... Slurpees when its -5C out makes the brain slow.

How is the noise with the plumbing done now ?

Hey I had a slurpee today already too! Weird.

Its not quite as cold here though. More like 8 I think.

No valve :)

I don't know about the noise yet because I dont have enough water. I need to make some more saltwater to fill the sump. Which means I have to go across the street and get some RO water. And I don't want to go back out right now! LOL.

I don't have a RO/DI unit anymore so I am using store bought RO water. Probably not the best water but its been working fine. I do test the TDS and its usually around 4.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-03-2008, 06:42 PM
I have a question for clam experts too. I have a Squamosa clam (I think) that I left in the sand for a day while I was aquascaping and it attached its foot to the bottom glass. I thought most clams were not suppose to be in the sand? My others are on rocks. It looks really good and I have tried but can't get it off the glass. Will it be fine like this?

It really had to burrow down quite a bit to get to the glass, I am surprised at how quickly it attached. The mantle on either side is touching the sand because of how deep it went.

superduperwesman
12-04-2008, 04:34 AM
cool chair...where did you get it?

You can tell me. I mean even if I do go get the same one I won't post pictures of it and even if I did everyone would still know you got yours first

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 08:00 AM
You can tell me. I mean even if I do go get the same one I won't post pictures of it and even if I did everyone would still know you got yours first

LOL...sorry I am not trying to be secretive! I actually missed that!

Its a classic mid century modern design and actually quite common. The chair is designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and is known as the "Barcelona Chair" It was unveiled in 1929 at the Ibero-American Exposition, which was hosted by Barcelona, Spain.

You can either find knock offs for around $600-800 per chair or originals (not made in 1929 but made by Knoll Studio these days) for $6000-$10,000 per chair. The difference is noticeable :wink:

I am a huge Mid Century Modern fan...so I could go on all day! I try to collect as many pieces as possible. Gets more expensive than aquariums if you can believe it!

Not the best pic but my favorite piece is in the far right corner of the room in this picture...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi038-2.jpg

Just realized...I have no idea where the Barcelona Ottomans are in any of these pics! LOL. The chairs look funny without them...

Leah
12-04-2008, 12:51 PM
Cool, Is this a sunroom? Question how do you find all the extra sunlight on the tank?
In the summer I get this algae on one side of my tank, its not the side closest to the window but the opposite side. Winter it goes away! Hard as heck to get off then magically poof it's gone. Back to your kitty and lizard love is blind. Love your tank too!

superduperwesman
12-04-2008, 03:31 PM
LOL...sorry I am not trying to be secretive! I actually missed that!

Its a classic mid century modern design and actually quite common. The chair is designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and is known as the "Barcelona Chair" It was unveiled in 1929 at the Ibero-American Exposition, which was hosted by Barcelona, Spain.

You can either find knock offs for around $600-800 per chair or originals (not made in 1929 but made by Knoll Studio these days) for $6000-$10,000 per chair. The difference is noticeable :wink:

I am a huge Mid Century Modern fan...so I could go on all day! I try to collect as many pieces as possible. Gets more expensive than aquariums if you can believe it!

Not the best pic but my favorite piece is in the far right corner of the room in this picture...

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi038-2.jpg

Just realized...I have no idea where the Barcelona Ottomans are in any of these pics! LOL. The chairs look funny without them...

Dang your place is sexy... what's the deal??? What kinda place is that. Concrete floors concrete walls. I really like it!

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 05:17 PM
Dang your place is sexy... what's the deal??? What kinda place is that. Concrete floors concrete walls. I really like it!

Yeah its a Loft style Condo building designed by a European Designer to be artist live/work spaces. They have since opened it up to anyone but originally meant for artists only from what I have heard. The main entrance and hallways (outside my place) are HUGE and open and were set up to be an art gallery to host events. The most common question is "when are the floors going to be finished?" ;)

This is what the building looks like...

Front Entrance

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/XLEntranceScannedimageopt.jpg

Outside

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/1412exterior.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 05:19 PM
Cool, Is this a sunroom? Question how do you find all the extra sunlight on the tank?
In the summer I get this algae on one side of my tank, its not the side closest to the window but the opposite side. Winter it goes away! Hard as heck to get off then magically poof it's gone. Back to your kitty and lizard love is blind. Love your tank too!

No sunroom. Its just a living space/main room of my condo. The place is very small actually.

I never get algae in my tanks...Its seems like I should for various reasons but just don't. I think it has a lot to do with all the Limewater I top off with.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 05:21 PM
superduperwesman

Here ya go...

http://calgary.en.craigslist.ca/fud/944080949.html

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 05:26 PM
As for the tank itself...WAY too loud. The overflow is nice and quiet but the water near the bottom of the drain is LOUD. I have no idea how to fix this though. I think its just going to either have to stay like that or I have to try to get someone over who can drill another hole with the tank half full. I don't like that second idea for obvious reasons.

Its hard without seeing the tank in person but if anyone has any ideasfrom the pics, let me know!

rocketlily
12-04-2008, 05:56 PM
The overflow in my tank was also very quiet, with the noise of the water entering the sump way too loud. I had a 1" return line from the pump and a 1 1/2" drain, with a gate value to control the output. I was told by co-workers that I was probably creating a vortex at the gate valve because the drain was to big. I then reduced the drain size in the overflow to 1". There was a considerable reduction of noise at that point.

After that, just for fun and because I had it, I attached a Tee to the bottom of the drain, below the water level. I don't know why it worked but it made a considerable reduction in the noise. The Eheim pump is now the noisest part of the tank.

superduperwesman
12-04-2008, 06:23 PM
superduperwesman

Here ya go...

http://calgary.en.craigslist.ca/fud/944080949.html

Cool thanks

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 06:28 PM
I think I am going to try to get another hole drilled in the tank. If your in Vancouver and have a diamond hole saw for a 1" bulkhead and are willing to drill my tank, let me know!

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 06:33 PM
Actually the other option and I don't know if I like this is to take down the FOWLR and set it up as a reef instead. I was debating this originally but didn't want to see my Puffers go. Now I am debating it again just because having two tanks in here is really taking up a lot of space and the maintenance is too much for me I think. The FOWLR looks horrible now because I am spending all my time on the reef.

Hard decision.

brizzo
12-04-2008, 07:30 PM
Actually the other option and I don't know if I like this is to take down the FOWLR and set it up as a reef instead. I was debating this originally but didn't want to see my Puffers go. Now I am debating it again just because having two tanks in here is really taking up a lot of space and the maintenance is too much for me I think. The FOWLR looks horrible now because I am spending all my time on the reef.

Hard decision.

Well, how I had been discussing with you about myself setting up a FOWLR aggressive tank ... After starring at my reef tank, I questioned myself "Why the hell wouldn't I want a reef setup in a bigger tank??"

In small spaces, do you need 2 salt setups, 2 cats, and a terrarium? I guess thats a trick question.. of course you need it all! But you get the point :)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 07:38 PM
Well, how I had been discussing with you about myself setting up a FOWLR aggressive tank ... After starring at my reef tank, I questioned myself "Why the hell wouldn't I want a reef setup in a bigger tank??"

In small spaces, do you need 2 salt setups, 2 cats, and a terrarium? I guess thats a trick question.. of course you need it all! But you get the point :)

Actually the terrarium is with my brother now. But I get your point.

My fiance really, really wants just the big tank. She is too nice to admit it but I know she does. When I mentioned maybe just keeping the bigger tank as the reef and moving the big fish to a new home, she seemed happy :)

I am not sure yet though. I need to find good homes first. That is the most important part.

The nice thing would be that the big tank is already plumbed nicely. I would change a few things but most would stay the same. Plus I could probably keep my Niger Trigger as he is reef safe. I just don't know if I would or not.

tang daddy
12-04-2008, 08:02 PM
Yeah its a Loft style Condo building designed by a European Designer to be artist live/work spaces. They have since opened it up to anyone but originally meant for artists only from what I have heard. The main entrance and hallways (outside my place) are HUGE and open and were set up to be an art gallery to host events. The most common question is "when are the floors going to be finished?" ;)

This is what the building looks like...

Front Entrance

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/XLEntranceScannedimageopt.jpg

Outside

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/1412exterior.jpg


Nice pad man, do you live right beside burger king......
No worries not trying to stalk you or anything just looks familiar I use to work down the street and had lunches at BK all the time I remember looking at the place thinking this would be nice to live in someday.....

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 09:07 PM
Nice pad man, do you live right beside burger king......
No worries not trying to stalk you or anything just looks familiar I use to work down the street and had lunches at BK all the time I remember looking at the place thinking this would be nice to live in someday.....

I am right beside Wendy's on 8th ave. near Broadway and Cambie.

Did it used to be Burger King?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 09:30 PM
SO I think the decision has pretty much been made...the FOWLR is being taken down. I have a few good homes for some of the fish and will find homes for the rest.

The tank is not going though...it will be the sump for the 68G. Sounds confusing right? :lol: Its 6' long and the 68G is 2.5" long (or wide).

Well I am going to draw up some plans and I will post them tonight. Basically the 68G is going where the 130 is now as a room divider. The stand will be 6' long but the tank will only take the the left side. The rest will be a bar that faces the TV. So it will be a 68G display with a 130G sump/refugium. I think the 130G will be divided up so that 4' of it is a refugium with a bunch of LR. In this section I will most likely keep one of my puffers! I can't imagine not owning a puffer! I just have to decide which one stays. Actually two will stay. My Green Spotted Puffer will be living in the fuge for sure as well. Then its between the Burrfish and Dogface. Man...how can I make that choice???

Drawings to come.

I do have to still drill the 68G with another hole because I need to be able to set up the herbie drains.

How hard is it to drill a tank?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-04-2008, 10:37 PM
This is the new design with the 68G with 130G sump. Beside the tank is a bar/table with viewable refugium below (about 3.5' will be viewable) through a sheet of removable acrylic. The area where you see the plumbing behind the tank is actually partly against a wall and party in a little alcove. It hides the plumbing perfectly and also fits a brute garbage can perfectly for auto top off. This all faces into the room and right at the TV. The only thing I don't like is that there is no room to put your feet under the table but the stools I have already have foot rests. Plus I doubt it will actually get used all that much ;)

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/NewTank1.jpg

Boomboy
12-04-2008, 11:52 PM
if you put the refugium before the skimmer, wont the skimmer take all the pods and everything out before they hit the tank?? just curious thought it was best the other way around.

tang daddy
12-05-2008, 12:09 AM
Hahaa I meant Wendy's not BK must have been sniffing too much skimmate and after I saw your post in the equiptment section to confirm that yes it is. I think the new set up will be pretty cosher it already looks pretty neat that you can combine the 2 together. btw pm sent

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 12:12 AM
if you put the refugium before the skimmer, wont the skimmer take all the pods and everything out before they hit the tank?? just curious thought it was best the other way around.

I don't know but I have done it this way many times and it seemed fine. Pods are not likely to go over the baffles anyways and get to the skimmer. Especially in a 4' refugium. I didn't draw it since that was a quick 5 minute drawing but only half the drain goes to the far end and the rest goes straight to the skimmer. This is how I have set up all my tanks pretty much and been fine.

Pan
12-05-2008, 01:13 AM
Is this similar to how some people are using a T near the end of their drain line to get air out and hopefully keep everything a bit quieter?

Advice?

Red is where air would be escaping the drain.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/quiet.jpg
I wouldn't use the crooked pvc pictured in the drawing.... :)

Pan
12-05-2008, 01:15 AM
This is the new design with the 68G with 130G sump. Beside the tank is a bar/table with viewable refugium below (about 3.5' will be viewable) through a sheet of removable acrylic. The area where you see the plumbing behind the tank is actually partly against a wall and party in a little alcove. It hides the plumbing perfectly and also fits a brute garbage can perfectly for auto top off. This all faces into the room and right at the TV. The only thing I don't like is that there is no room to put your feet under the table but the stools I have already have foot rests. Plus I doubt it will actually get used all that much ;)

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/NewTank1.jpg
Put in some more baffles, have the refugium seperate, have a big skimmer section, have the return in the middle. Have the drain go into both the skimmer section and refugium...then drain to the middle for return.

Here is a link to, I think, a nice design.
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 01:33 AM
I wouldn't use the crooked pvc pictured in the drawing.... :)

Yeah I tossed that idea out right away ;)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 01:35 AM
Put in some more baffles, have the refugium seperate, have a big skimmer section, have the return in the middle. Have the drain go into both the skimmer section and refugium...then drain to the middle for return.

Here is a link to, I think, a nice design.
http://www.melevsreef.com/acrylics/sumps/f/sump_f.html

Sounds like a plan. To be honest that drawing was not a real plan for the sump, just a quick sketch to show where the refugium will be. I am set on keeping the fuge 4' long though because I am keeping one of my puffers in there for now. Plus aesthetically for viewing it needs to be 4' give or take.

Your idea with the return in the middle will work perfectly though. Thanks.

Boomboy
12-05-2008, 01:49 AM
is it going to be right on the floor? are there going to be those chairs in the way cause if they are you really wont be able to see it very good, unless it doesnt matter to you at all, just a place to put some unwanted fish and other things.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 02:48 AM
is it going to be right on the floor? are there going to be those chairs in the way cause if they are you really wont be able to see it very good, unless it doesnt matter to you at all, just a place to put some unwanted fish and other things.

I think you meant "see it very well..."

Anyways...

Its exactly where my viewable fuge is now and I have been very happy with it. Its not quite on the floor. The Bar stools do not cover much space at all. They certainly do not cover up 4'. I would say the "support pole" is about 3" wide max. So yeah I guess about 6" will be in the way.

I find your "unwanted fish and other things" ridiculous. Why would I keep unwanted fish? I am not really sure how to take that or what your point was?

fishytime
12-05-2008, 03:05 AM
Sounds like a plan. To be honest that drawing was not a real plan for the sump, just a quick sketch to show where the refugium will be. I am set on keeping the fuge 4' long though because I am keeping one of my puffers in there for now. Plus aesthetically for viewing it needs to be 4' give or take.

Your idea with the return in the middle will work perfectly though. Thanks.

Looks like a a cool design. Do you know what material your gonna use or what finish for the cabinet? I am running a sump with the return in the middle and I think it works great. I think doing it this way eliminates one obstacle at least for the pods (etc.)....they still have to survive going through the return pump:neutral:

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 03:32 AM
Looks like a a cool design. Do you know what material your gonna use or what finish for the cabinet? I am running a sump with the return in the middle and I think it works great. I think doing it this way eliminates one obstacle at least for the pods (etc.)....they still have to survive going through the return pump:neutral:

No I am not sure yet but probably just the same MDF I am using now. Sealed and painted with a semi gloss black. One of my brothers works at an auto parts shop and can get me really cheap car paint. I may go with that.

The other option I am considering is counter top laminate. It gives a nice perfectly smooth finish. The problem is, I have not been able to find the right finish in laminate yet. Its not all that common to have glossy counter tops I guess.

The only thing I forgot to think about was that the tang is going to outgrow the 68 pretty quickly. I had planned to move him to the big tank once he did but if its not set up, there goes that idea...

My fiance's vote is to just use the big tanks current set up as the reef. She said she likes the new plan but thinks the bigger tank where it is now is still nicer. That way too she can keep her trigger.

So I am going to have to really think about this. I am not in a hurry. I do prefer not to spend too much more money though :wink:

This is the big tank a few months back (The canopy was not completely painted yet):

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi039-1.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Digi051g.jpg

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 03:33 AM
LOL...after seeing these pics, she may be right. It does make a nice reef. And I would do the lighting the same with it fading away down the length of the tank.

Sebae again
12-05-2008, 03:38 AM
Dont take down the 130,put the bar in front of it.It really suits your place. I would love to have a tank like yours as a room divider and focal point.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-05-2008, 03:49 AM
Dont take down the 130,put the bar in front of it.It really suits your place. I would love to have a tank like yours as a room divider and focal point.

Hmmmm...you basically said exactly what my fiance said earlier!

You guys are probably right. It is a great focal point. The problem is that focal point right now is not a very nice looking tank. Since switching it to a FOWLR and spending all my time on the reef, its gone downhill.

It would be pretty nice as a reef again and hey, no more plumbing! Its done! Plus that tank is very quiet.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-06-2008, 05:53 PM
So weird...without exception, every single acro that did NOT come from someone elses tank (which is most of them) died overnight. The one or two I got from members on here are ok but anything from the LFS I shop at died all at once. I have checked everything and all I can find that is different from a few days ago is alk. It rose from 8.3 to 10.2 I don't know how quickly though, it could have been overnight or over the past week.

Temperature, salinity, PH, Calcium, ect. stayed the same.

I just find this really strange and too bad because I have some really nice little acro frags I bought over the past three weeks.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-08-2008, 05:38 PM
What!

I moved the 68G to my bigger tank and everything looks great considering but I decided to measure my tank (I never had before) and its NOT 72"x20"x20"...Its more like 71.5"x19.5"x19.5" and thats including the glass thickness. Then I have the overflow about 2" below the water line. So when you do all the math, this tank is actually closer to 95G. Thats a huge surprise to me! For a while it was in the same room as a 180G I had and certainly did not look half the size!

Anyways, I will take pics soon. I am just building a canopy.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-10-2008, 04:19 PM
Ugh....My yellow tang has ich of course. He was QT'd when I bought him. 5 weeks. No problems, so he went into the display. The clowns he lived with were also QT'd. They went two months and no disease. He got really stressed after moving tanks the other day and now has a decent amount of ich.

I am so sick of dealing with this. I have QT'd and been so careful and still almost every tank I have ever set up gets it. I am done QTing for more than a few days anymore with this tank. If new fish look ok after a week of QT, I am not going to bother making them wait longer to go into the display.

Of the dozen or so members tanks I have seen lately, I would say all of them have very healthy looking, active fish and 3/4 of them have ich in their tank. It just seems to be such a wide spread problem.

Hopefully the small fish I plan on keeping can deal with it...

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-10-2008, 10:46 PM
So this is where I am at...

Moved everything to the 95G...yeah its only 95G in the display. I was shocked. It would be 125 if I had it filled to the top but I have the water level quite low. So its a 95G with 75G sump (only about 40G water in sump though). The corals are ok but very dull after three days. The skimmer went nuts and skimmed the heck out of the water. I think its starving the sps to be honest. They still look ok but dull. I need more fish ;) The stand/canopy is not close to done. No doors on anything. We are choosing a stone or concrete looking tile for the stand and not sure about the canopy yet. Probably just painted though.

Here are the latest additions and tank shots.

Pair of Fang Blennies. They do not leave each others side. Sorry bad pic. I will have to try for a better one.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Yeah045.jpg

And the other addition that I have only seen once is this Clown Goby. I think you get an idea from the second pic of how small he is!

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Yeah042.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Yeah044.jpg

And the tank from both sides. Its a room divider still.

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Yeah056.jpg

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r179/Justinpsmith/Yeah059.jpg

The plan now is to fill this bad boy with tiny fish! All kinds of gobies and blennies, ect. I just have to find out how well they get along. Anyone have a general rule for these small fish?

untamed
12-10-2008, 11:19 PM
Your yellow tang should kick that ich. I know I have ich in my tank but my yellow tang is one of the fish that never shows any sign of it. They must have better natural resistance than something like my achilles, which always shows it to some degree.

I like the rockwork in that tank! That will look fabulous in about 1 year.

Are you planning on doing anything more with your lighting? It looks like you are lighting the reef portion with MH, but not trying to light that sandy end too much. What is your plan there?

untamed
12-10-2008, 11:22 PM
Don't fang blennies feed on skin/scales of larger fish? I saw those guys the other day at JL, and I was wondering about that as I looked at them.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-10-2008, 11:37 PM
Your yellow tang should kick that ich. I know I have ich in my tank but my yellow tang is one of the fish that never shows any sign of it. They must have better natural resistance than something like my achilles, which always shows it to some degree.

I like the rockwork in that tank! That will look fabulous in about 1 year.

Are you planning on doing anything more with your lighting? It looks like you are lighting the reef portion with MH, but not trying to light that sandy end too much. What is your plan there?

Have not decided yet on the lighting. The pictures loose the effect but the light shimmers really nicely on the far side and is not nearly as dark as in the pics. I guess it depends on if I ever add anything to that end. Right now there are some softies that seem to have enough light but I may sell those.

The tang only had the spots for half a day and they are gone again. Well there are a few still but nothing to worry about I don't think. We'll see. He doesn't rub or seem effected at all.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-10-2008, 11:39 PM
Don't fang blennies feed on skin/scales of larger fish? I saw those guys the other day at JL, and I was wondering about that as I looked at them.

I don't know to be honest. I wasn't going to buy them because I haven't done any research but it was kind of an impulse buy. They ate mysis as soon as I put them in the tank and they spend all day eating pods. Its actually really cool how they hunt pods. They kind of hover, almost still just about 3" above the sand then suddenly dart down and grab a pod and dart back up to hover mode again. Very cool fish but I don't know about the skin/scales thing. I will have to read up in that.

They eat nori and pellets too. The only thing I did know about Fang Blennies is that they have a poisonous bite.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 07:28 PM
Can't find anything anywhere about Stripped Fang Blennies eating skin of other fish. Doesn't mean they don't though. Most sites say small foods. Mine eat like little pigs. Even nori. No aggression so far from them, which I was warned can happen. I think the tank is big enough though to keep them from getting too nasty.

Anyone have advice for keeping different gobies and blennies together? I guess body shape/color needs to be different? Any species I should stay away from? Looking for all kinds of advice here as I have never kept small fish.

Here are some of the ones I hope to keep and what I have:

Have these:

Yellow Tang
Pair of Stripped Fang Blennies
Pair of False Perc Clowns
Clown Goby

Want :) :

Swissgaurd Basslet (can you keep them in pairs?)
Purple Firefish
Helfrichi Firefish (maybe not both though?)
Some kind of shrimp/goby pair (open to ideas)
Pearly Jawfish
Pair or group of Chalk Bass

There are a bunch more I like too but I can't remember names.

Can anyone recommend a nice small wrasse or two that would fit in? Any other suggestions would be great!

seanoman
12-11-2008, 07:55 PM
We have a yellow fin fairy wrasse in our tank...he is the coolest fish. Tons of personality! That's what I would recommend if you can find one and they're inexpensive too. We also have a green coris wrasse, it is also a neat fish, not quite as much personality but a helpful fish in the tank as they eat pests and it's a nice colour.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 08:11 PM
We have a yellow fin fairy wrasse in our tank...he is the coolest fish. Tons of personality! That's what I would recommend if you can find one and they're inexpensive too. We also have a green coris wrasse, it is also a neat fish, not quite as much personality but a helpful fish in the tank as they eat pests and it's a nice colour.

Thanks! I just looked up the Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse and will be adding that to my list I think! Very nice. I like the coris wrasse but I think they get a bit bigger. I want to stay small if possible with this tank. Looks like that Fairy Wrasse stays under 3".

Pan
12-11-2008, 08:18 PM
Thanks! I just looked up the Yellow Fin Fairy Wrasse and will be adding that to my list I think! Very nice. I like the coris wrasse but I think they get a bit bigger. I want to stay small if possible with this tank. Looks like that Fairy Wrasse stays under 3".

ooh oooh POSSUM WRASSE!!! I'm getting one...a friend had one and it was quite cool....
http://www.themarinecenter.com/fish/wrassereefsafe/possumwrasse/

When the new tank goes up it is the only non goby I will be getting. :)

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 08:25 PM
ooh oooh POSSUM WRASSE!!! I'm getting one...a friend had one and it was quite cool....
http://www.themarinecenter.com/fish/wrassereefsafe/possumwrasse/

When the new tank goes up it is the only non goby I will be getting. :)

WOW! Thanks! That fish in amazing.

What kind of gobies do you plan on?

Pan
12-11-2008, 08:50 PM
WOW! Thanks! That fish in amazing.

What kind of gobies do you plan on?

Well, other than the mated mandarins (maybe just one, I have live food so no problem) and the Possum wrasse I would Like:
Green Clown Goby - Gobiodon atrangulatus
Spotted Watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus leptocephalus
Red Headed Goby - Gobiosoma puncticulatus - RedHeaded Gobies
Trimma Goby
My little red headed jawfish of course :)

Oh and a couple blennies :)
Starry Blenny and Red Spotted Blenny (Istiblennius chrysospilos)

I would also love a Blue Sapphire Damselfish but i never see them :(

There are other gobies, but seem next to impossible to get, as well they require a darker tank which mine will not be.

Any suggestions ?

Oh yeah I have tentatively on the list a Discordipinna griessingeri

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 10:11 PM
Well, other than the mated mandarins (maybe just one, I have live food so no problem) and the Possum wrasse I would Like:
Green Clown Goby - Gobiodon atrangulatus
Spotted Watchman Goby - Cryptocentrus leptocephalus
Red Headed Goby - Gobiosoma puncticulatus - RedHeaded Gobies
Trimma Goby
My little red headed jawfish of course :)

Oh and a couple blennies :)
Starry Blenny and Red Spotted Blenny (Istiblennius chrysospilos)

I would also love a Blue Sapphire Damselfish but i never see them :(

There are other gobies, but seem next to impossible to get, as well they require a darker tank which mine will not be.

Any suggestions ?

Oh yeah I have tentatively on the list a Discordipinna griessingeri

Nice list. I have no suggestions for you...I was hoping to get some myself!

I don't know much about gobies. Do they mostly all get along? I would love to keep a bunch of small ones if possible.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 11:14 PM
I would love to find one of these...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+2755&pcatid=2755

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-11-2008, 11:21 PM
Found a few more I really like:

Pacific Candy Basslet
Yelllow Assessor
Circus Goby
Blue Spot Jawfish
Red Head Elegant Pseudochromis
Strawberry Purple Pseudochromis really like this one http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/pseudochromisdottybacks/strawberrypurplepseudochromis/

Lined Dartfish


Now I just have to figure out which I can find and what will get along. :D

Pan
12-12-2008, 12:37 AM
I would love to find one of these...

http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+2755&pcatid=2755

I've seen them on jl aquatics new and noteworthy from time to time. After seeing them called dracula gobys they actually look creepy to me now :(

Pan
12-12-2008, 12:40 AM
Found a few more I really like:

Pacific Candy Basslet
Yelllow Assessor
Circus Goby
Blue Spot Jawfish
Red Head Elegant Pseudochromis
Strawberry Purple Pseudochromis really like this one http://www.marinecenter.com/fish/pseudochromisdottybacks/strawberrypurplepseudochromis/

Lined Dartfish


Now I just have to figure out which I can find and what will get along. :D
I love the blue spot jawfish, but I have my red headed one...any jawfish though is cool....mine is weird looking.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-12-2008, 12:49 AM
SO how well do species of gobies get along? I am having a very hard time figuring out what I can and cannot do.

I know blennies can get nasty, so I may not be able to add more. I have the two stripped ones and wanted a Canary yellow one but I will have to keep reading.

Its hard to find any good info on keeping all these small fish together. Not like Tangs or Triggers where there is an abundance of advice and knowledge out there. I guess many people keep them in nano's and have no interest in mixing too many species.

I have been very impressed so far with my Fang Blennies. Very peaceful and swim/use the 6' of the tank. Very entertaining to watch them hunting pods. They have huge fat bellies already...I guess between the pods and mysis they go nuts for, they are getting a lot of food. I feed three times a day.

Pan
12-12-2008, 01:34 AM
SO how well do species of gobies get along? I am having a very hard time figuring out what I can and cannot do.

I know blennies can get nasty, so I may not be able to add more. I have the two stripped ones and wanted a Canary yellow one but I will have to keep reading.

Its hard to find any good info on keeping all these small fish together. Not like Tangs or Triggers where there is an abundance of advice and knowledge out there. I guess many people keep them in nano's and have no interest in mixing too many species.

I have been very impressed so far with my Fang Blennies. Very peaceful and swim/use the 6' of the tank. Very entertaining to watch them hunting pods. They have huge fat bellies already...I guess between the pods and mysis they go nuts for, they are getting a lot of food. I feed three times a day.
Nothing i've read suggests the small gobies won't get a long, but I am still looking into it. I've seen a few goby only tanks though ranging from 20 gallons to 90 gallons...so i think for the most part you are okay with gobies. Every tank had a myriad of crevices nooks crannies, corals etc for them to perch and hide though, not open sand based systems, at least not the smaller ones anyways.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-12-2008, 05:39 AM
Nothing i've read suggests the small gobies won't get a long, but I am still looking into it. I've seen a few goby only tanks though ranging from 20 gallons to 90 gallons...so i think for the most part you are okay with gobies. Every tank had a myriad of crevices nooks crannies, corals etc for them to perch and hide though, not open sand based systems, at least not the smaller ones anyways.

I have not found too much to suggest they don't either.

I am going to be picking up a few more this weekend, so we will see. Depends what J&L has right now though. Nothing as small as that Clown Goby I have already though...I never see him.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-13-2008, 02:14 AM
One of the Fang Blennies was super fat the last two days and I thought it just ate too much. I couldn't find it anywhere today and thought it maybe went down the overflow or something :sad:

Finally found "her" in a small cave. I couldn't figure out why she wasn't coming out for food until I saw the eggs. I guess she wasn't just fat! She has a decent amount of eggs in this tiny dark cave. I am guessing she had them already when I bought her. Or maybe they are a pair? But that seems kind of fast. They really don't leave each others side though until today.

Just thought it was kind of cool. I will try for pics but she choose an almost impossible place for me to photograph.

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-13-2008, 02:46 AM
Well quite the day!

Went back to the tank and couldn't find the other blenny. My carpet anemone did though :( The anemone was pulling the blenny into its mouth as the blenny frantically tried to escape. Kind of sad to watch but thats nature. Very interesting to watch too.

I kind of figured fish instinctually stayed away from anemones like this.

banditpowdercoat
12-13-2008, 03:07 AM
sorry to hear about the fish :( Was there any way to intervene? por was it too late when you seen the goings on?

on your drain into the sump. Did you get the sump noise cleared up? I too am stuck with one drain hole in my tank. If I knew how easy it was to drill a tank before I started, I would have drilled it. But alas, Im stuck. I have a Durso style drain. with the ail vent up top. I also tried the T style thing down at the sump, to let the air escape instead of going into the sump with the water. I found it was noisy. The upright tube was like a megaphone. Did you have success with it?

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-13-2008, 03:13 AM
sorry to hear about the fish :( Was there any way to intervene? por was it too late when you seen the goings on?

on your drain into the sump. Did you get the sump noise cleared up? I too am stuck with one drain hole in my tank. If I knew how easy it was to drill a tank before I started, I would have drilled it. But alas, Im stuck. I have a Durso style drain. with the ail vent up top. I also tried the T style thing down at the sump, to let the air escape instead of going into the sump with the water. I found it was noisy. The upright tube was like a megaphone. Did you have success with it?

My success has been moving the reef to the big tank! I guess you missed all that :lol: Its got two drains and a proper herbie style overflow. Dead silent.

As for the fish. No I was not going to intervene. I did think about it though. But I think I would have ripped the poor thing in two. That anemone is one of the mini carpets and is the stickiest anemone I have ever felt. Nothing comes back out! Its sting is very painful too. I can easily touch bubbletip or long tentacle anemones but the mini carpet...forget it!

Oh well...like I said thats nature. Don't know if I will replace that fish. I may though. I am going to J&L tomorrow and Im sure I will be tempted.

banditpowdercoat
12-13-2008, 03:50 AM
Ya I missed the moving to the big tank. I think I skipped a page. LTA's sting? Do they all? I ahve one and have never felt any kind of sting from him. Itt is weired feeling when it sticks to you. Like Let go LOL let go allready...

GreenSpottedPuffer
12-13-2008, 04:57 AM
Ya I missed the moving to the big tank. I think I skipped a page. LTA's sting? Do they all? I ahve one and have never felt any kind of sting from him. Itt is weired feeling when it sticks to you. Like Let go LOL let go allready...

Yeah I guess they don't...I don't know. Just assumed they did. I have touched them and never really felt anything. Maybe thats because those species don't sting. I just know the carpet stings and leave your hands really, really red after.