Lance's 225 gal tank

[Mrfish55]

Yeah, but I bought 1 light. You've bought 100 skimmers. :lol:

I heard a saying once, you build 100 bridges and suck one @#$%, when you die nobody remembers you as a bridge builder.

P.S. awesome light, I will have to bring some of your cold beer over and check that puppy out, looks like the lid to a tanning booth.

[lastlight]

I'd hook myself alongside you Lance for a light like that. Totally different and totally better than what I had. Can't wait to see it hung...and quote me on that if you want!

[Parker]

I heard a saying once, you build 100 bridges and suck one @#$%, when you die nobody remembers you as a bridge builder.


Dammit, that happened ONCE! I was young and in college, had a few to many drinks and I swear to you at the time it looked like a girl!

[lastlight]

I REALLY don't wanna meet any of the 'girls' you used to meet Parker.

[muck]

You really did 'hang' with the wrong crowd Robb. :lol:

[Lance]

I'd hook myself alongside you Lance for a light like that. Totally different and totally better than what I had. Can't wait to see it hung...and quote me on that if you want!


I'm going to save this for future reference.

[Lance]

Dammit, that happened ONCE! I was young and in college, had a few to many drinks and I swear to you at the time it looked like a girl!



Huh. I didn't know you were a bridge builder Robb.

Pssst! (trying to get you off the hook)

[Lance]

I went looking for hardware to hang the new light for the tank, and came up empty handed. There are 1/8" threaded posts on the top of the fixture for hanging. I tried to find coupling nuts to fit at Rona and Canadian Tire but can't find them that small; 3/16 was the smallest I could find. Couldn't even find any on-line. Any suggestions?

[banditpowdercoat]

If you need, in a couple weeks, when I get back from Albian, I can machine you something :D Allways looking for reasons to play with the Metal Lathe.

[untamed]

I went looking for hardware to hang the new light for the tank, and came up empty handed. There are 1/8" threaded posts on the top of the fixture for hanging. I tried to find coupling nuts to fit at Rona and Canadian Tire but can't find them that small; 3/16 was the smallest I could find. Couldn't even find any on-line. Any suggestions?

Pacific Fasteners in Burnaby? Everything you might ever want in stainless steel...

[Mrfish55]

Are you wanting to use cable to hang it? we could do something similar to what I did for the light rack on the 750

[marie]

Don't know if it would help or not (your light is at least 4 times heavier then mine) but I have the cable hangers for my light that I'm not using

[Lance]

Are you wanting to use cable to hang it? we could do something similar to what I did for the light rack on the 750

I can't remember it. How's it hung?

[Lance]

Don't know if it would help or not (your light is at least 4 times heavier then mine) but I have the cable hangers for my light that I'm not using


Might be worth looking at anyway. I'll stop in soon and have a look.

[Lance]

If you need, in a couple weeks, when I get back from Albian, I can machine you something :D Allways looking for reasons to play with the Metal Lathe.


Thanks for the offer but I plan on having this baby hanging long before then.:biggrin:

[Lance]

Pacific Fasteners in Burnaby? Everything you might ever want in stainless steel...


Thanks Brad. Can't find that size in the on-line catalog, which doesn't necessarily mean they don't have them though. I'll check them out next time I'm in the city.

[Lance]

Ok, I'm finally ready to hang my new light fixture, but before I actually start drilling holes in my ceiling I have a question for those of you who have run 400W lighting before: How high above the water surface should it be hung? (I'm thinking about 12 inches?) The tank is 72" x 24" deep and 30" wide. (mixed reef) The fixture is a 72" Sfiligoi Infinity XR4. It currently has 3x400W Giesemann 13000K Megachrome MH, and 4x6400K T5's and 4x actinic T5's, and 8x LED moonlights. Wattage will increase from 942 watts currently to 1662 watts with the new fixture so I will start acclimating the corals with a one hour on and one hour off schedule, gradually working up to 8 hours of MH, and 12 hours of T5. Most of the corals can be moved fairly easily and the large GBTA will most likely move on his own if he doesn't like the new lighting. Any advice and suggestions are appreciated.

[PoonTang]

Ok, I'm finally ready to hang my new light fixture, but before I actually start drilling holes in my ceiling I have a question for those of you who have run 400W lighting before: How high above the water surface should it be hung? (I'm thinking about 12 inches?) The tank is 72" x 24" deep and 30" wide. (mixed reef) The fixture is a 72" Sfiligoi Infinity XR4. It currently has 3x400W Giesemann 13000K Megachrome MH, and 4x6400K T5's and 4x actinic T5's, and 8x LED moonlights. Wattage will increase from 942 watts currently to 1662 watts with the new fixture so I will start acclimating the corals with a one hour on and one hour off schedule, gradually working up to 8 hours of MH, and 12 hours of T5. Most of the corals can be moved fairly easily and the large GBTA will most likely move on his own if he doesn't like the new lighting. Any advice and suggestions are appreciated.
I hope you are going to give BC Hydro a little bit of advance warning before plugging that baby in. I wouldn't want you to overload their turbines or anything .

[Lance]

I hope you are going to give BC Hydro a little bit of advance warning before plugging that baby in. I wouldn't want you to overload their turbines or anything .

Yeah, 400-watters will suck the juice I'm sure! I'm hoping the extra wattage will mean shorter time the MH's need to be on though, so the hydro bill might not be too bad.............. I hope.........

[sitandwatch]

Apply a good sunscreen and wear sunglasses before turning it on :lol:

[Mrfish55]

I would go at least 12" from water surface, 1- less shock to current inhabitants and 2- better spread. Mine is 8" and I think that is too low, if I had the space I would go 14-16" If you need a hand when you are ready to hoist it into position give me a call.

[Lance]

I would go at least 12" from water surface, 1- less shock to current inhabitants and 2- better spread. Mine is 8" and I think that is too low, if I had the space I would go 14-16" If you need a hand when you are ready to hoist it into position give me a call.

OK I'll try it at 16". I can always lower it more later if the corals need it.

[Lance]

I was a very busy boy yesterday. I finally got around to hanging the new light fixture, but had to make a few changes first.
I ran a new 15 Amp circuit from the basement. I already had three circuits for the tank but the air conditioner/dehumidifier was on one and didn't leave a whole lot of juice for much of anything else. So now I've got three dedicated circuits for the tank.
With the added flexibility of another circuit I made some other changes: The two MP 40's and two powerheads are now on separate circuits from each other, so if one of the GFCI trips I still have the other two PH's running, as well as the big return pump which is on a third circuit.
I used to run the old lights through the controller but the new light draws too much juice for the controller to handle. The light is on three timers: one for the MH's, one for the T5"S and one for the LED's. The controller runs the two heaters in the sump, the sump light, the ATO system, dosing system and the tank and sump fans.
I was a little concerned that the new lights would overheat the tank and I would have to run the air conditioner more often. Yesterday was a warm day and I watched the tank temperature closely. No problem. The controller kicks the fans on at 81 degrees and they only ran for about an hour at mid-afternoon. Tank temp. only reached 81.2 without the air conditioner being on, so all is well.
As for the new light: Whooooaaa! 1512 watts is a lot of light! (the old fixture was 942 watts) I hung the fixture 16" above the tank and ran the lights on a two-hour on/two-hour off schedule. As the animals acclimate I will lower the light another 2" and work up to a 7 to 8 hour schedule for the MH's and 12 hours for the T5's.

[marie]

With that much light in the room, you are going to have a hard time watching TV lol

[untamed]

No pics? You are not allowed to do a bunch of work and not provide any pictures...

[lastlight]

I can't begin to understand what you said without pics Lance. You have until tonight.

Oops looks like Brad has that covered.

[Parker]

you have until tonight.

or else!

[sitandwatch]

The photo should look something like this at 1512 watts

http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/picture.php?albumid=76&pictureid=3114

[Lance]

With that much light in the room, you are going to have a hard time watching TV lol

It's not that bad Marie. The fixture is made so the light shines straight downwards.

[Lance]

No pics? You are not allowed to do a bunch of work and not provide any pictures...


I was too busy for pics yesterday Brad, but will try to take some later.

[Lance]

Ok, here are some pics of the new light, etc.


The new circuit I ran into the sump room.
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1950.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1951.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1952.jpg



The Beast
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/lights/IMG_1719.jpg

The entertainment center that I made for the wifey and had to match colour to the tank stand. The room looks so small in this pic but it is 12' wide. A door with a grill will cover the air conditioner. I've made the door and will hang it as soon as the grill I ordered comes in. I can't make up my mind whether to build another canopy for the tank or leave it as it is. Please disregard the ghetto hanging system for the light. It's just temporary until the light is lowered to its final height after the animals are acclimated. I've got some nice cable for hanging it permanently.

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1953.jpg


T5's only:
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1955.jpg

MH's and T5's
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/220%20May2010/IMG_1959.jpg

[PoonTang]

Just awesome lance. Don't forget your sunscreen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Stones]

The new light looks great. I know you'll be more than impressed with the light output from that Sfiligoi, plus the fixture itself is pretty easy on the eyes:biggrin:

[Lance]

Thanks guys. I think what I like most about this fixture is how quiet it is. Absolutely silent.

[lastlight]

Looks great Lance. Putting a canopy on that would be like never driving a Ferrari!

[kien]

That light is awesome. Now you have an excuse to wear your sunglasses at night.

[Lance]

This video shows what can happen when your stomach overrules your brain: Bubba Gump, my not-too-smart Trigger will do this time after time. Once out of curiosity I even lifted him out of the water with the glass. When I put him back I figured he'd take off and hide. Hah! His little adventure didn't perturb him in the least. He went right back to filling his face.


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/th_MVI_1968.jpg (http://s371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/?action=view&current=MVI_1968.flv)

[christyf5]

LOL! Go Bubba! :razz:

[Doug]

Wow Lance. Now thats a light. :lol: What do the corals thing of it so far.

[Lance]

Wow Lance. Now thats a light. :lol: What do the corals thing of it so far.


Doug, I haven't seen any bleaching and they all seem fine. Mind you I'm still acclimating them to the light. I haven't lowered it yet to its final height. I started with a 2 hours on and 2 hours off schedule and am now up to 4 hours on and 2 hours off. A couple more weeks I think until the final height and 8 hours of MH and 12 hours of T5's.

[untamed]

Next time you are playing with your trigger, (the fish...not what you are thinking...) try just gently pressing him up against the glass. My old Blue Throat used to just freeze and you could hold him there for 20 seconds or so.

I dug up this old video of my trigger's trick. I bet this response is common to all triggers.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/th_100E0502.jpg (http://s142.photobucket.com/albums/r118/untamed_photos/?action=view&current=100E0502.flv)

[Lance]

Next time you are playing with your trigger, (the fish...not what you are thinking...) try just gently pressing him up against the glass. My old Blue Throat used to just freeze and you could hold him there for 20 seconds or so.


Brad, I tried playing with my trigger, (the fish... not what you are thinking...) and it works! He's a little flighty of it but he did freeze up for a second. I'll keep practicing. :lol:

[fishoholic]

Next time you are playing with your trigger, (the fish...not what you are thinking...)

And just what is it I'm supposed to be thinking??? :lol: :razz:

[Lance]

And just what is it I'm supposed to be thinking??? :lol: :razz:


It's ok Laurie. I don't fool with the trigger. I prefer the loaded gun! :mrgreen:

[fishytime]

geez.......and they talk about my tank journal:mrgreen:

[fishoholic]

It's ok Laurie. I don't fool with the trigger. I prefer the loaded gun! :mrgreen:

:lol:

[Lance]

geez.......and they talk about my tank journal:mrgreen:


Sorry Doug, but your tank journal requires an "R" rating. :mrgreen: Mine's just "PG 13"

[fishytime]

Sorry Doug, but your tank journal requires an "R" rating. :mrgreen: Mine's just "PG 13"

says the guy with "nog facial" under his name:wink:

[untamed]

I thought I would get even for what happens on my tank journal!

[lastlight]

It's ok Laurie. I don't fool with the trigger. I prefer the loaded gun! :mrgreen:

Lance the idea is not to put them in your mouth though even if you're just fooling around!

Those videos are awesome. And cool trick with the glass. If I ever have a tank big enough to fit a glass in again i'll do it!

[Lance]

says the guy with "nog facial" under his name:wink:


:redface:

[Lance]

I thought I would get even for what happens on my tank journal!


Touche! :lol:

[Lance]

The lights have been up for a little over 3 weeks now and I've lowered the fixture every week. It is now 15" above the surface and just about where I want to leave it. I really like this fixture. It has no noisy fans yet does not heat the water much. Most of the heat is directed upwards through the top of the fixture. I've replaced all the bulbs that came with it: I'm now running 3x 400W Geisemann Megachrome 13000K MH's, 4x 10000K T5's and 4x Super Actinic T5's. I'm pleased with the colour and the amount of light. Corals are looking good so far and I have not noticed any bleaching. T5s are on for 12 hours and MH's for 8 hours. I will take some pics and post them up in the next little while.

[Lance]

The Zoas floresce much more under this light than the old one.

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2007.jpg

This guy seems to be doing nicely as well.

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2009.jpg

I'd swear the old Fox Face is more yellow.
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2013.jpg

Some more:
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2008.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2012.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2010.jpg

[lastlight]

so even with 1200W of mh you dedicated 4 bulbs to 10k? What made you go that route rather than more blue/actinic or some reds? Photos look great btw.

[galeas]

beautiful tank.. just set up my 90g recently and now your thread has made me wish i went bigger lol.

Congratulations on the tank though. Very beautiful

[Lance]

so even with 1200W of mh you dedicated 4 bulbs to 10k? What made you go that route rather than more blue/actinic or some reds? Photos look great btw.


Well, the MH's are 13K and have a blue tinge to them and the 4x Super Actinic really throw the blue. Also, the T5's are on for 4 hours a day without the MH's and if I only had T5 actinics the tank would be too blue.

[Lance]

beautiful tank.. just set up my 90g recently and now your thread has made me wish i went bigger lol.

Congratulations on the tank though. Very beautiful


Thank You :biggrin:

[Mrfish55]

Great job Lance, for sure one of the nicest FOWLR tanks out there :rolleyes:

[fishytime]

sound like a serious amount of light!......any before and after type pics?

[Lance]

Great job Lance, for sure one of the nicest FOWLR tanks out there :rolleyes:


........Yeah...........Dave I changed it to a FOWLRSLPSSPSF (Fish Only With Live Rock, Softies, LPS and a few SPS. :mrgreen:

[Lance]

sound like a serious amount of light!......any before and after type pics?


Not really Doug. My poor camera skills don't really show the differences. :redface: Although the tank looks considerably nicer with the new light the pics I took don't show it.

[Lance]

:sad: My tank sitter (nephew) informed me that he didn't want to look after the tanks anymore because it was too involved and he is afraid he'll do something wrong. So, I decided to automate most everything and make it as foolproof as possible.

Lighting: all lights are on timers including the sump light.

Cooling fans: controlled by the AquaController: on at 81.0F/off at 80.9F

Dosing: Ca, Alk, & Mg by 2 separate dosing pumps and run through the
AquaController

Sump Heaters: one controlled by a Jalli JT-1000, and one on a Ranco. Heaters
are each plugged into separate GFCI's in case of an accidental tripping.

ATO: Sump is topped up by a vacuum pump run by the Aquacontroller. Unfortunately, a 5 gallon bucket under the sump has to be manually filled each day with R/O water. I was all ready to drill a hole in the wall from the garage for the R/O tubing but the wifey caught me and informed me there was to be no more holes in any walls due to aquarium stuff. There's already 3 holes from the corner tank to the outside sump, a 6" hole in the wall of the sump room for the ventilation unit, and a 3' by 4' hole in the wall between the 225g stand and the sump room. You can't see any of the holes and what's one more little 1/4" hole going to bother right? So I'll just wait until she goes to work and drill the hole, run the tubing under the carpet of the study and she'll never even know. Then the sump can be topped up directly from the 55 gallon R/O reservoir. :biggrin:

Salt Water Mixing Station: 55 gallon R/O reservoir plumbed to 55 gallon salt water reservoir and filled by Quiet One 4000HH pump

Power Outages: In the event of a power outage the sump can of course more than handle the tank overflows; battery-driven air pumps keep the tanks and sumps aerated; and for a prolonged outage a generator is nearby with instructions. I've got the accidental GFCI tripping covered as well. Powerheads and return pump are on different GFCI's and the 2x MP40's are again on a separate circuit.

Skimmer: The skimmer drains into a large waste container that can handle at least a whole week of skimmate.

Emergency: equipment failure, etc. Dave and Marie's phone numbers for him to call. :mrgreen:


So there you have it, all automated except for feeding. Any recommendations on a fish feeder?

Of course that's only one tank done. Now I have to start automating the corner tank. :doh:

[PoonTang]

Yep...I recommend Marie :)

[Mrfish55]

I will come feed the fish, just leave it in the cooler at the beer store and drop off the keys, I will swing by and get the beer, I mean fish food at least 4-5 times daily, I or rather they will be well taken care of.:drinking:

[Lance]

I will come feed the fish, just leave it in the cooler at the beer store and drop off the keys, I will swing by and get the beer, I mean fish food at least 4-5 times daily, I or rather they will be well taken care of.:drinking:

Nice try Dave. I wonder who Lynne would be more ****ed at: you or me. Of course you could always bring her home some wine. :lol:

[Mrfish55]

I promise I will only check for freshness so the customers are getting the best, by the way you need to start carrying Lambs Black Sheep, that stuff is holy hell knock your socks off.

[Lance]

I promise I will only check for freshness so the customers are getting the best, by the way you need to start carrying Lambs Black Sheep, that stuff is holy hell knock your socks off.

I've actually had a few requests now for it. That's the spiced rum with a hint of cinnamon right?

[Mrfish55]

I've actually had a few requests now for it. That's the spiced rum with a hint of cinnamon right?

Cinnamon and Vanilla. I wouldn't say a hint of cinnamon more like a lot, kinda like an amber rum and Fire Ball mix.

[Lance]

Using a turkey baster to blow detritus up into the water column in a large tank is a waste of time. So I came up with this solution and it works great. Plastic tube inserted into 1/2" tubing connected to an MJ1200. Hang the MJ in the tank and plug it in. You can move the plastic wand wherever you want to blow the crap out of the rockwork and corners. I like to call it "The Poo Pummeller" or "Poo Pounder".

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/skimmer%20june10/IMG_2020.jpg

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/skimmer%20june10/IMG_2021.jpg

[lockrookie]

great idea lance but i think maybe the aquaruim enema may be a good name?

[lastlight]

Nothing called the "poo pounder" has any place on a forum like this Lance LOL!

My vote is for the POOPELLER.

[Lance]

Nothing called the "poo pounder" has any place on a forum like this Lance LOL!

My vote is for the POOPELLER.


Yeah, maybe I should move it to a San Francisco forum huh? POOPELLER is good. I might patent that.

[lockrookie]

it doesnt suck.. it blows... for all the right reasons? sorry i just had to say it

[Lance]

:lol:

[Lance]

Whooooooo! Hoooooooooo! :whoo:

After 19 months of battling nitrates and phosphates in this tank, using every method known: large and frequent water changes (20% weekly); refugium with macroalgae; reactor running Rowaphos; reactor running nitrate remover; vodka dosing; Tailored Aquatics phosphate & nitrate destroyer; the Bio pellets are the answer. At times the nitrates would get as high as 30mg/l and phosphates were never lower than .05 ppm. Since using the pellets NO3 & PO4 have been steadily coming down. This morning I did my bi-weekly testing and the results are..... (.......drum roll please.....)

NO3 on Salifert kit = 0.00 NO3 on Elos kit = 0.00
PO4 on Hanna checker = 0.00 PO4 on Salifert kit = 0.00

Pretty damn good for an overstocked, well-fed tank. And, the pellets are saving me money as well: down to 10% water changes every 2 weeks; no more phosphate & nitrate removers; no more perfectly good vodka going to waste. And, as a bonus, the pellets couldn't be easier to use.

If I sound a little giddy and like I'm trying to promote the pellets: You're damn right I am! I love these guys!

Now, I think I'm going to sit back, watch the soccer game and sample a little, or a lot of that vodka. :drinking:

[Delphinus]

:)

[Lance]

A very pleasant surprise today.
It's the first hot day we've had this summer and I discovered the new light fixture heats the tank less than the old one did even with the extra 570 watts. Huh! (Fans only went on a few times today for short periods, and the temp. never went above 80.8 F)
Because the 400W MH's have way better penetration I have the fixture 15" above the water whereas the old fixture, (Aqualight Pro), was only about 5" above. This fixture also displaces heat much better.
And to think when I bought it I was worried about the tank getting too warm! :mrgreen:

[Leah]

Penetration, warm what? Maybe I should go read the whole thing. :redface:

[Lance]

Penetration, warm what? Maybe I should go read the whole thing. :redface:


Sorry Leah. No porn this time.

[PoonTang]

A very pleasant surprise today.....
was only about 5" :mrgreen:

was this YOUR estimate or Joans? :redface:

[Leah]

was this YOUR estimate or Joans? :redface:

I missed that one. :lol:

[Lance]

was this YOUR estimate or Joans? :redface:


Darren. I was talking about the height, not girth. :mrgreen:

[PoonTang]

Darren. I was talking about the height, not girth. :mrgreen:

OH good! because if it was height then i was going to say she must be off by at least 50%. Darn women, ALWAYS under estimating things.

[lastlight]

Even I'm feeling a little uncomfortable here. Nicely done folks!

Anybody ever consider the pervosity of Lance's username itself? I umm...haven't.

[Lance]

Even I'm feeling a little uncomfortable here. Nicely done folks!

Anybody ever consider the pervosity of Lance's username itself? I umm...haven't.


Pervosity or perversity? I didn't start it, Leah did. It was an innocent post about the light. They're the perverts!

[Leah]

Oh sure when guilty, point the finger at the innocent one. :wink:

[Greenmaster]

This has been an awesome read. I laughed almost the whole 5 hours (this includes me being ADHD and going off on tangent threads as well as posting in them) It's a great setup and I'm glad it has turned out well for you... one thing I noticed that wasn't said anywhere in here is you had 12 Chromis now there is only 7 and when you say what's in the tank a few times it went down and never anything about them... are they not important because you had 12? Or are you trying to get that beagle to choke on a fish bone so you keep trying and just hope nobody notices?
(P.S. now I'm going to have to spend a day over there at some point to look at your guys' tanks)

[Lance]

This has been an awesome read. I laughed almost the whole 5 hours (this includes me being ADHD and going off on tangent threads as well as posting in them) It's a great setup and I'm glad it has turned out well for you... one thing I noticed that wasn't said anywhere in here is you had 12 Chromis now there is only 7 and when you say what's in the tank a few times it went down and never anything about them... are they not important because you had 12? Or are you trying to get that beagle to choke on a fish bone so you keep trying and just hope nobody notices?
(P.S. now I'm going to have to spend a day over there at some point to look at your guys' tanks)


Thanks for the compliments.:biggrin:
As for the Chromis: They are Damselfish and like other damsels they tend to not play well. The more dominant individuals pick on the weaker ones until you're down to a few. My twelve went down to five in about 7 months. The remaining five squabble a little but that's about it. An interesting thing: Once the school got down to five, they began spawning like clock work. I'm thinking the school is down to a harem-like group and that's why the aggressiveness is gone.

[Greenmaster]

Thanks for the compliments.:biggrin:
As for the Chromis: They are Damselfish and like other damsels they tend to not play well. The more dominant individuals pick on the weaker ones until you're down to a few. My twelve went down to five in about 7 months. The remaining five squabble a little but that's about it. An interesting thing: Once the school got down to five, they began spawning like clock work. I'm thinking the school is down to a harem-like group and that's why the aggressiveness is gone.
That makes me rethink the group I want to get... I was thinking of getting 20 of them... but if they are just going to rip each other to shreds... oh well

[Lance]

That makes me rethink the group I want to get... I was thinking of getting 20 of them... but if they are just going to rip each other to shreds... oh well


They don't rip each other up so much as harass constantly. But yeah, they're nasty little buggers.

P.S. Feel free to visit when you're in town. Doors always open to a fellow reefer.

[Greenmaster]

They don't rip each other up so much as harass constantly. But yeah, they're nasty little buggers.

P.S. Feel free to visit when you're in town. Doors always open to a fellow reefer.
Do they harass others or just within the school?
Wife says she wants to come with me the day I stay a few extra hours would a tues or a sat be better?

[Lance]

Do they harass others or just within the school?
Wife says she wants to come with me the day I stay a few extra hours would a tues or a sat be better?

No, they don't bother other fishes.
Absolutely, bring her along. I'm off Sundays & Mondays. Tuesdays to Saturdays I'm usually home by 3:00pm

[Greenmaster]

No, they don't bother other fishes.
Absolutely, bring her along. I'm off Sundays & Mondays. Tuesdays to Saturdays I'm usually home by 3:00pm
so Saturday works best?

[Lance]

so Saturday works best?


Yup, Saturday's fine. Just PM me to let me know when you're coming and I'll make sure I'm home.

[Greenmaster]

Yup, Saturday's fine. Just PM me to let me know when you're coming and I'll make sure I'm home.
Okay maybe next week... but I'll pm you to make sure.

[Lance]

Maintenance Day from Hell! :twised:


I figured today was a good day for some long overdue tank maintenance. First on the agenda: Clean the light covers. Get screwdriver and remove 6 screws from fixture end plate. Place screwdriver and screws on floor, remove the covers and take them out to the sundeck for cleaning. Come back in the house to find the screwdriver and 2 screws missing. DAMN THAT BEAGLE!!! I find the screwdriver in her secret bone-hiding spot, but no screws. I hope she ate them and poisoned herself!

Next on the list was powerhead cleaning. Take apart the two MP40's, clean and replace them. Do you think I could get one of them to line up without rattling on max speed. I tweaked that thing for 15 minutes before it shut-up. Next up the Turbelle Streams. No problems there. And finally the Koralia Evolutions. After cleaning I put them back in place, plug them in and of course they don't go on. (These things are crap by the way. They never restart after turning them off). Take the pumps apart again: still won't start. Finally get them going and put back in the tank. One won't start again so I give it a good rap, it starts, the housing falls off and the propeller spins off the shaft and disappears behind the rock work. Grrrrr! I take the pump back out, calmly walk out to the sundeck and throw it as far as I can into the neighbour's back yard jungle!

Should I quit and try another day? What else could possibly go wrong? Right? So I remove the overflow covers to clean the algae out of the overflows. First one goes smoothly enough, so on the the second one. After cleaning it I notice a chunk of algae had fallen onto the rockwork beside the GBTA. I go to grab it and Uh-oh I forgot about Mama Clown! Whack! There goes a good-sized chunk of my arm. Get my bleeding arm out of the tank before the Tuskfish thinks he's a Great White and takes the rest of it. Unnnnhhh!
That's it. I quit because I was on the verge of digging out the shotgun and blasting the Beagle, powerheads and clownfish. :snipersm:



P.S. I'm really having a run of bad luck! Three weeks ago I ran out of gas, the Beagle ate the fish food and I plugged the toilet paper with paper towels and skimmate.
FML

[Greenmaster]

Wow... that sucks... (note to self, never let the wife get a beagle).

p.s. You sure have a way of making disaster sound comical... sorry that I laughed at your misfortune.

[Lance]

Wow... that sucks... (note to self, never let the wife get a beagle).

p.s. You sure have a way of making disaster sound comical... sorry that I laughed at your misfortune.


Hey, no sweat. If I didn't laugh at myself I'd go stark raving mad. :silly: Or drink too much.:drinking:

[christyf5]

LOL, that sounds like the kind of maintenance days I have when I decide to go whole hog on light covers/powerheads etc (minus the beagle but I would still manage to lose those screws or step on one and have it go through my foot). Probably why I don't do that kind of maintenance very often :razz:

[Lance]

LOL, that sounds like the kind of maintenance days I have when I decide to go whole hog on light covers/powerheads etc (minus the beagle but I would still manage to lose those screws or step on one and have it go through my foot). Probably why I don't do that kind of maintenance very often :razz:


I think I might just ignore the PH's cleaning until they seize up with coralline and just buy new ones. :lol:

[christyf5]

I think I might just ignore the PH's cleaning until they seize up with coralline and just buy new ones. :lol:

Hehe, I only clean my powerheads one at a time, keeps the frustration factor lower :wink:

[lastlight]

Wonder what replacement screws will run ya. I'm scared to find out!

Sounds like a crap day...I especially hate pumps that won't restart. Then you try and get them going near the surface...put back in place...gah!

No beagles for me ever...or another dog to be truthful. We are getting back into the kitty world tomorrow. Giving the wife an early birthday present.

[Lance]

Wonder what replacement screws will run ya. I'm scared to find out!

Sounds like a crap day...I especially hate pumps that won't restart. Then you try and get them going near the surface...put back in place...gah!

No beagles for me ever...or another dog to be truthful. We are getting back into the kitty world tomorrow. Giving the wife an early birthday present.


We've got a cat as well. Way less stressful than the Beagle. :biggrin:

[PoonTang]

Sorry Lance but I just couldnt stop from laughing, but I really do feel for ya man.
are the Evo's really that bad? because I was thinking of getting a pair for my tank and putting them on my apex an the wave program.

[Lance]

Sorry Lance but I just couldnt stop from laughing, but I really do feel for ya man.
are the Evo's really that bad? because I was thinking of getting a pair for my tank and putting them on my apex an the wave program.


When I first got them I thought they were great, until I found out they don't start up again. Maybe I just got two lemons. :cry:

[PoonTang]

Are you using them on any kind of a wave maker?

[Lance]

Are you using them on any kind of a wave maker?

No. I have the two MP40's for wave action.
I use one of the the 1400's to create surface agitation and the other points down, keeping the bottom clear.

[trinac]

My Evo started spinning the wrong way once when I turned it off lol :lol: I turned it off / on again and water was shooting the proper way once more. :wink:

[fishytime]

You could try putting a small piece of rigid tubing (like the 1/4" tubing for R/O unit) between the top of the impeller and the "cage"......

[Lance]

You could try putting a small piece of rigid tubing (like the 1/4" tubing for R/O unit) between the top of the impeller and the "cage"......

Yeah Doug, that could help. Why didn't they just make them better in the first place? New & Improved my ass! :mrgreen:

[Greenmaster]

.... Why didn't they just make them better in the first place? New & Improved my ass! :mrgreen:
They want to sell new ones... they make em crap and then it's easy to improve... Makes you think well this one sucks I wish they would fix (insert item here) you see the "New and Improved" so you automatically think they fixed what you wanted fixing.... Keeps you coming back for more :D

[Mrfish55]

I can make you feel a little better about your day by letting you know how mine went, just got back from having 5K worth of work done to the car only to find it needs another $1300 and I get home to a note telling me to call the guy that just ran into the back of my new truck! never mind my super helpfull wife fed the fish (big chunk of frozen mysis) before heading off to work, it somehow made it into the overflow and plugged the drainline, did I mention the sump used to hold 250 gallons, I aint even cleaning it up, just opened the door and let it run outside. I need a drink.

[PoonTang]

Ouch, that smarts. I hope the pump is OK.

[Lance]

I can make you feel a little better about your day by letting you know how mine went, just got back from having 5K worth of work done to the car only to find it needs another $1300 and I get home to a note telling me to call the guy that just ran into the back of my new truck! never mind my super helpfull wife fed the fish (big chunk of frozen mysis) before heading off to work, it somehow made it into the overflow and plugged the drainline, did I mention the sump used to hold 250 gallons, I aint even cleaning it up, just opened the door and let it run outside. I need a drink.


Holy Crap! You make my powerhead problem kind of redundant. Not the new truck? :sad: That sucks. How much damage?

[Mrfish55]

Holy Crap! You make my powerhead problem kind of redundant. Not the new truck? :sad: That sucks. How much damage?

Small ding in the bumper and pushed it in just far enough to F-up the paint on the corner, now to fight with ICBC over repairs. on a positive note I tend to buy myself something nice when I get depressed, question is Shelby GT500 or SRT Challenger :suspicious:

[Greenmaster]

Small ding in the bumper and pushed it in just far enough to F-up the paint on the corner, now to fight with ICBC over repairs. on a positive note I tend to buy myself something nice when I get depressed, question is Shelby GT500 or SRT Challenger :suspicious:

Get both! :twised:

[Lance]

The Shelby! I've always been partial to Mustangs. I've owned two of them and lately have been thinking about looking for a stock '67 GT I had one years ago and loved that car.

[Mrfish55]

The Shelby! I've always been partial to Mustangs. I've owned two of them and lately have been thinking about looking for a stock '67 GT I had one years ago and loved that car.

Go for it Lance, you only live once and I just about spend enough at the beer store every month to cover the payment :lol: Just make sure it's the fastback
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170518373319&viewitem=

[Lance]

Go for it Lance, you only live once and I just about spend enough at the beer store every month to cover the payment :lol: Just make sure it's the fastback
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170518373319&viewitem=


Oh yeah. Gotta be the fastback!

[PoonTang]

You might have to sell a frag or 2 to help pay for that baby :)

[Lance]

You might have to sell a frag or 2 to help pay for that baby :)


The biggest selling I have to do is selling the idea to my wife. :wink:

[muck]

Ehh.. just bring it home one day Lance.
So it costs you another Tropical Vacation... :razz::lol:

[lastlight]

That thing looks to be MANY tropical vacations on hot rubber.

Wonder what the reserve is?!

[Lance]

Unnnhhh! I can just hear it now:

"You love that car more than me; it was bad enough playing second fiddle to your fish tanks, now this!"

"You just want to cruise chicks with your hot car, pretending to be young again!"

"You'll probably wrap that thing around a telephone pole and kill yourself!"






J/K: She's usually pretty good about my crazy ideas, but this might be pushing it a little. On the other hand, she's got a new Nissan Murano while I drive around in the frumpy company van. :mrgreen:

[Delphinus]

Aren't Shelby's about a billion dollars for a real one?? Nice though.

I had a stock '67 for a few years. My favourite year, although '68 is a close second but '67 was the nicest looking year. Wish I had had the 289 but I had a straight-6 200. There is a sum total of ZERO aftermarket parts for that engine, at least in the 80's and 90's there was nothing. Roared like a lion but was a total stylish wimp otherwise. :lol: Biggest mistake I ever made was selling that thing. Mostly I did it so my parents couldn't nag me about it and the funny thing is that I failed to take into account that they'd just find something else to nag about. Times were tough and I ended up practically GIVING it away for approximately 10% of the going rate for them nowadays. Thanks a LOT, Mom and Dad.

Er, did I just say that out loud? Sorry, um ... what I meant to say was .. uh .. nice tank and stuff.

[Mrfish55]

That thing looks to be MANY tropical vacations on hot rubber.

Wonder what the reserve is?!

I think I read in the description it was appraised at 160K US. as cool as the classics are you can buy a 2011 GT500 for around 60K and have just as much fun with it.
Just buy one Lance I'm sure if you talk to the accountant they will find creative ways to write off your new "fast response delivery vehicle", hell buy 2 and I'll do deliveries for free!

[Lance]

I can't afford a Shelby Tony. :cry: But I'd love to get my hands on a stock '67 Fastback. Red! I think the stock red colour that year was Candy Apple Red. They came stock with a 390 cu.inch, 320 HP. 0-60 in 7.4 seconds, painted side scoops. My idea of a "Muscle Car"!

[Lance]

I think I read in the description it was appraised at 160K US. as cool as the classics are you can buy a 2011 GT500 for around 60K and have just as much fun with it.
Just buy one Lance I'm sure if you talk to the accountant they will find creative ways to write off your new "fast response delivery vehicle", hell buy 2 and I'll do deliveries for free!


Yeah sure! I'd have to get one for the auditor too!

[PoonTang]

Unnnhhh! I can just hear it now:

"You love that car more than me; it was bad enough playing second fiddle to your fish tanks, now this!"

"You just want to cruise chicks with your hot car, pretending to be young again!"

"You'll probably wrap that thing around a telephone pole and kill yourself!"



Are you sure our wives arent related?

[Lance]

Are you sure our wives arent related?


They're all related Darren. :mrgreen:

[Greenmaster]

Unnnhhh! I can just hear it now:

...."You just want to cruise chicks with your hot car, pretending to be young again!"

"You'll probably wrap that thing around a telephone pole and kill yourself!"....


Sounds familiar... Only it was a motorcycle... and then I got in an accident... Now I have a fish tank :D

[Lance]

Sounds familiar... Only it was a motorcycle... and then I got in an accident... Now I have a fish tank :D


Yeah, she can't argue that a fishtank is safer than a bike. Not cheaper: just safer!

[Lance]

My Triggerfish is in love: Not with a female Trigger, but my MP40's!


On the left-hand end of the tank I have two MP40's mounted quite close together. I had one of them running on the Reef-Crest Random mode and the other on Constant Speed mode. The other day I switched them both, (in sync), to Long Pulse mode and ramped up the volume.
My Trigger has totally fallen in love with the new setting. He used to like to ride the surf from one end of the tank to the other. Now, he just hovers right in front of the impellers and doesn't move except for feeding time. He reminds me of an old man in a new vibrating Laz-E-Boy! I hope his infatuation wears off as he is now very boring: Just sits there with a stupid-looking grin on his face. I might just as well hang a plastic fish on fishing line just like the Submarine Ride at Disneyland. :lol:

Maybe a mate will take his mind off of it. I was thinking of getting him a girl friend anyway.

[Greenmaster]

That is hilarious... lets see a pic :D

[lastlight]

Can't you have it ramp down every hour or something like that? Give him a bit of a startle every now and then? That's hilarious man.

[Lance]

That is hilarious... lets see a pic :D


There's not much to see; just a fish who doesn't move. His body stays motionless and his dorsal fin goes like hell.

[Lance]

Can't you have it ramp down every hour or something like that? Give him a bit of a startle every now and then? That's hilarious man.

I'm thinking I should squirt some ice water into the powerhead every once in awhile and shock him out of his stupor. :mrgreen:

[PoonTang]

I'm thinking I should squirt some ice water into the powerhead every once in awhile and shock him out of his stupor. :mrgreen:

...or all of a sudden shut it off and watch him crash head first into the wall lol. Seriously tho, is there something in that Powell water that makes fish go all loopy? Might just have to put him and Doofus in a special padded tank together.

[Greenmaster]

...or all of a sudden shut it off and watch him crash head first into the wall lol. Seriously tho, is there something in that Powell water that makes fish go all loopy? Might just have to put him and Doofus in a special padded tank together.

Not sure I want any frags from you Lance... might be some contagion in the water... a new sickness called... Powell Disorder. :D
On a side note anyone know if anything is happening with that frag swap?

[Lance]

On a side note anyone know if anything is happening with that frag swap?


It's still on as far as I know. I'm definitely coming.

[Greenmaster]

It's still on as far as I know. I'm definitely coming.

You or anyone else over there going to need a ride?

[Lance]

You or anyone else over there going to need a ride?

Don't know yet. I don't know who's coming from here yet. If my wife decides on coming she'll most certainly want to do some shopping, so I'll have to bring the car.

[Greenmaster]

Don't know yet. I don't know who's coming from here yet. If my wife decides on coming she'll most certainly want to do some shopping, so I'll have to bring the car.
... My wife is going... and she would love a reason to shop... but then carrying onto the ferry... it's up to you but I don't mind being a chauffeur.

[Lance]

... My wife is going... and she would love a reason to shop... but then carrying onto the ferry... it's up to you but I don't mind being a chauffeur.

Will let you know closer to swap time. Thanks for the offer. :biggrin:

[Lance]

If you're looking for a single doser with a slower drip rate I recommend the Accudoser II Reef Doser from Oceanic Corals. I've had it running for a couple of weeks now and I'm very happy with it. At 1.5 ml per minute it takes 2 hours to drip the 180 ml of alk my tank requires. And at only $80 it doesn't break the bank.
I tested it with water three times and got exactly the same volume per 2 hours running time. Filll a 1/2 gal container with BRS soda ash, program the doser through the controller and I'm good to go for 10 days before refilling. :biggrin:

[Lance]

Some fish pics and one weird snail

There is no hair algae in this tank except for this thatch growing on the back of a large Turbo snail. "Hey Buddy! You're supposed to eat it not wear it."
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2086.jpg

This guy is a beautiful fish but what a dink! He hogs most of the food, spits sand over everything, splashes water all over and loves to harrass smaller fishes. He may end up in Dave's huge FOWLR one of these days.
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2087.jpg

Sydney the Aussie Tuskfish
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2088.jpg

CBB
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2091.jpg

Poon the Tang
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2092.jpg

Chromis
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2096.jpg

Can you find the Fire Clowns?
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2099.jpg

Bannerfish
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_3830.jpg

Hawkfish
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_3341.jpg

Lamarck's Angel
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/angel.jpg

Toro the LM Blenny
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/fishJune09/IMG_4076.jpg

Michael J. Foxface
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/fishJune09/IMG_3951.jpg

Bubba Gump
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/fishoct09/IMG_0973.jpg

Kole Tang
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/Fish%20May%202010/IMG_1924.jpg

[hillegom]

Nice pics, everything looks healthy Except for that snail! Nobody in the tank eats it off the turbo? Wierd

[Lance]

And some more:

Chocolate Tang and Toby the Goby peeking out of his barnacle
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/Fish%20May%202010/IMG_1922.jpg

More clowns. You can just see the tail of the wifey ahead of him. I just can't seem to get these two in the same pic.
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/fish%20pics%20new%20camera/IMG_0498.jpg

ClamFish
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/May232010/IMG_1978.jpg

PJ Cardinalfish (Crappy pic! Easiest fish to photograph and I come up with this lame shot)
http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/IMG_2103.jpg


Only two fish I didn't get. Ruby Headed Wrasse and Coral Beauty Angel. They are both very camera shy and won't co-operate, but I'll get them next time.

[Lance]

Nice pics, everything looks healthy Except for that snail! Nobody in the tank eats it off the turbo? Wierd


No. Weird eh? The LM Blenny scarfs back HA but won't touch it from the snail.

[Doug]

Great pics Lance. Some really nice looking fish there.

[Greenmaster]

Looks great... Almost makes me want to get a few large fish instead of a bunch of small ones.

[Lance]

Great pics Lance. Some really nice looking fish there.

Thanks Doug

[Lance]

Looks great... Almost makes me want to get a few large fish instead of a bunch of small ones.


Big fish are fun. But remember big fish = big poop = big skimmer!

[Lance]

So, my CBB has developed a liking for zoas........
I put 3 new frags I bought at the swap last Sunday in the tank and something has been picking at them. I caught him this morning right after the lights came on. The weird thing is that there are lots of zoas already in the tank he doesn't touch. I guess he figures if it's new it must be food. Now that he has a taste for them I hope he doesn't go for the old ones.


These he leaves alone but the new arrivals he gobbles up. I guess I'll have to move the new ones to the other tank..........little bastard!

http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/corals%20new%20lights/IMG_2007.jpg

[marie]

So, my CBB has developed a liking for zoas........
I put 3 new frags I bought at the swap last Sunday in the tank and something has been picking at them. I caught him this morning right after the lights came on. The weird thing is that there are lots of zoas already in the tank he doesn't touch. I guess he figures if it's new it must be food. Now that he has a taste for them I hope he doesn't go for the old ones.



If you will persist in putting corals in a fowlr what do you expect :razz:

Hopefully mine remains a model citizen. When I transfer everything into the new tank I'm going to put my angels into a tank of their own so I can have clams again....here's hoping my CBB doesn't develop a taste for clams

[PoonTang]

Someone is also eating the new magician zoos that I got at the swap too. I am down to 1 pollyp now. I suspect my powder blue and I have also caught him giving my new clams a little nip. :(

[Lance]

If you will persist in putting corals in a fowlr what do you expect :razz:


Haven't you heard Marie? I've upgraded to a FOWLRSAVEFF (Fish Only With Live Rock, Softies And Very Expensive Fish Food)

[Lance]

Someone is also eating the new magician zoos that I got at the swap too. I am down to 1 pollyp now. I suspect my powder blue and I have also caught him giving my new clams a little nip. :(

Uh Oh! :sad:

[Lance]

What the #%&* is going on?

I dose 250ml of BRS Calcium Chloride every morning via dosing pump (which takes 2.75 hours); and 230ml of Soda Ash via dosing pump in the evening (which takes about 2.5 hours). I manually dose 100ml of Mg every third day.
This regimen keeps Ca steady at 420 to 430; Alk at 8 to 9 and Mg at 1300 to 1325. I test every 2 weeks and these numbers never change.

UNTIL TODAY! :sad: Ca = 520 Alk = 5dKH Mg = 1320
I immediately thought the doser dripping the calcium had gone wonky and was over dosing which would also drive the alkalinity down. I checked the doser and it measured out exactly 250 ml. So I checked the alk doser as well and it is working perfectly. WTF!

I remember I opened a new container of BRS calcium chloride a while ago. Is it possible that BRS's mix is off? Or the wrong label was put on the pail? Anybody run into this before? I don't know whether I should throw the pail out or keep using it and adjust the dosing volumes. :noidea: Thoughts?

[marie]

What the #%&* is going on?

I dose 250ml of BRS Calcium Chloride every morning via dosing pump (which takes 2.75 hours); and 230ml of Soda Ash via dosing pump in the evening (which takes about 2.5 hours). I manually dose 100ml of Mg every third day.
This regimen keeps Ca steady at 420 to 430; Alk at 8 to 9 and Mg at 1300 to 1325. I test every 2 weeks and these numbers never change.

UNTIL TODAY! :sad: Ca = 520 Alk = 5dKH Mg = 1320
I immediately thought the doser dripping the calcium had gone wonky and was over dosing which would also drive the alkalinity down. I checked the doser and it measured out exactly 250 ml. So I checked the alk doser as well and it is working perfectly. WTF!

I remember I opened a new container of BRS calcium chloride a while ago. Is it possible that BRS's mix is off? Or the wrong label was put on the pail? Anybody run into this before? I don't know whether I should throw the pail out or keep using it and adjust the dosing volumes. :noidea: Thoughts?

Check your pumps and heater for precip. I've had that happen to me over a period of a few weeks...couldn't keep the alk level up for the life of me and then my pumps seized up and I discovered where it went. It could be your cal/alk demand has dropped causing your alk levels to get high and then precipitate out

[Lance]

Check your pumps and heater for precip. I've had that happen to me over a period of a few weeks...couldn't keep the alk level up for the life of me and then my pumps seized up and I discovered where it went. It could be your cal/alk demand has dropped causing your alk levels to get high and then precipitate out

Nope, pulled a pump apart: very little precip. I just don't understand what could have caused the Ca level to rise so fast. There has been no change in the tank, except for a few SPS and zoa frags I added four days ago. Corals are growing so the Ca requirements shouldn't have dropped. I'm really baffled by this one. I have stopped dosing Ca until the levels get back to normal and will see what happens.

[lastlight]

I would have suggested checking with another test kit but if all 3 went nuts since your last test then something must have really changed. You'd think you'd notice a bunch of unhappy corals if your consumption changed THAT much? At least it's easy enough to deal with but it'd be nice to know wth happened.

[Greenmaster]

Maybe the tank isn't consuming as much of the calcium as usual. I would try adjusting the levels. But I know nothing about dosing. That's just what makes sense to me.

*edit: I didn't see the other posts before posting mine as they were on the next page.

[Lance]

I would have suggested checking with another test kit but if all 3 went nuts since your last test then something must have really changed. You'd think you'd notice a bunch of unhappy corals if your consumption changed THAT much? At least it's easy enough to deal with but it'd be nice to know wth happened.

I did double check: Salifert and Elos kits. Mg levels are fine, it's the Ca and Alk that went wonky. Like you say, it's an easy fix, it's just baffling as to what would cause it.

[Mrfish55]

I know how to fix this, get a bigger tank and dilute with freshly mixed water till the level is correct! easy. P.S. dolphins don't care what the calcium level is.

[lastlight]

I know how to fix this, get a bigger tank and dilute with freshly mixed water till the level is correct! easy. P.S. dolphins don't care what the calcium level is.

This ain't West Ed Mall man lol.

[Greenmaster]

Maybe because the temp of the water is down, now that the summer is over, so the corals are not using as much calcium?

[Lance]

Maybe because the temp of the water is down, now that the summer is over, so the corals are not using as much calcium?


Nope. We have air conditioning. Tank temp stays pretty constant.

[Greenmaster]

Was just a guess... Does your tank get any light from outside?

[PoonTang]

Lance, any chance that you accidently mucked up the recipie? perhaps a double batch or something?

[Lance]

Was just a guess... Does your tank get any light from outside?


Yes a little in the afternoon.

[Lance]

Lance, any chance that you accidently mucked up the recipie? perhaps a double batch or something?


I don't see how I could have. Simple recipe: 2 cups of calcium chloride to 1 gallon of water. Pretty hard to screw that up, and I never, seldom, sometimes, frequently make mistakes.

[Greenmaster]

I'm not sure but we have been having a lot less sun and the days are getting shorter... maybe that has caused your calcium consumption to go down.

[Lance]

I'm not sure but we have been having a lot less sun and the days are getting shorter... maybe that has caused your calcium consumption to go down.


Anything is possible I guess, but the corals are growing well so assumedly consumption shouldn't be down.

[untamed]

I assume you've double checked the test kit....

I don't use that method of Ca/Alk supplementation, but it is obvious that there are only two variables in play...

1) the concentration of the mix (if the supplier changed something, how would you know?)
2) the amount you add over time.

So..you can measure the volume that the pump is adding over time, so you know is unchanged.

You have no way to measure the concentration of your mix. You need to find a system that will enable you to check on the concentration of your mix. It won't tell you if this particular batch is wrong, but it will save you next time something goes off. Maybe you can dilute a sample 10:1 with RO and use your test kit to measure Ca/Alk/Mg. Maybe you can get a SpG reading?

[lastlight]

Lance I'd just use the BRS calculator. Let your params fall to a little below ideal than calculate how much you need to raise back to ideal. If they do as advertised the mix is good. If the params jump again it's somehow more concentrated. I doubt that's the case though...seems to me if the BRS solutions were that much more concentrated they wouldn't fully disolve? Just thinking...don't actually KNOW anything.

[MitchM]

What about an indoor air quality problem? (excess CO2)
You mentioned that you have air conditioning.
Has your PH changed at all?

Mitch

[Lance]

EUREKA!!! I've solved the riddle!

BRS had changed the concentration of their calcium chloride. The older formula was 2 cups per 1 gal of water. The new formula is 2.5 cups per gal. I order it in 5 gal pails which I keep in the garage. From it, I fill a 1 gal pail which I use to mix the solution. Labour day weekend I spent up the lake and my tank sitter for some inexplicable reason switched this 1 gal pail with an older, formula one gal pail I was using for the frag tank in the basement. So, therefore when I made up new solution I was using 2.5 cups of the older, more concentrated calcium chloride instead of 2 cups and was unknowingly overdosing the last two weeks. :eek:

[PoonTang]

See i knew it was someone elses fault. ;)

[Lance]

See i knew it was someone elses fault. ;)


Well I knew it couldn't be my fault. :mrgreen:

[marie]

Another 56 posts and you'll have me beat

*edit* Damn wrong thread :redface:

[Lance]

Another 56 posts and you'll have me beat


HaHa Wrong thread Marie. :mrgreen:

Yes, whereas you only post when you have something important to say, I on the other hand, tend to go on and on and on..............

[christyf5]

Good to hear you figured it out and that it was something "common sense" instead of being one of those stupid reef mysteries that will haunt you forever (I HATE those!!).

[Lance]

Good to hear you figured it out and that it was something "common sense" instead of being one of those stupid reef mysteries that will haunt you forever (I HATE those!!).


Yeah, I figured it had to be something with the dosing and not some voodoo curse or something. I still can't figure out why the tank sitter switched the pails though. I'll have to ask him when I see him. I only discovered it because I was looking for some clue and realized the older pail says: "Anhydrous Pellets" and the newer pail says "Crystalline Dihydrate".

[Lance]

For those of you who are using BRS Calcium Chloride, be aware that the newer product is 2.5 cups per gal of water vs. 2.0 cups in the older product.

[PoonTang]

Now come and fix my "reef mystery" and then everyone will know how smart you really are :)

[lastlight]

For those of you who are using BRS Calcium Chloride, be aware that the newer product is 2.5 cups per gal of water vs. 2.0 cups in the older product.

Lance are you saying the label instructions on the new containers is wrong?

[Greenmaster]

Lance are you saying the label instructions on the new containers is wrong?
No, he is saying that his containers got switched. (new/old) So he was over dosing.

[Lance]

Yup, like Greenmaster said.
BRS changed their product awhile ago and the new product requires 2.5 cups per gal whereas the old formula was 2 cups per gal. My tanksitter switched a new pail with an old pail.

[Lance]

It amazes me how quickly the tank buffered itself and reached equilibrium. After I discovered the Ca/Alk problem, I quit dosing calcium and continued to dose the usual 230ml of Alk. Within 48 hours the parameters were at: Ca 420, Alk 8 and pH 8.1 (Right back to where they were before the trouble.) I wish everything in this hobby was this easy. :lol:

[MitchM]

Something GOOD happening fast.
You don't hear about too often!:cool:

Mitch

[Lance]

A few questions for the Nem experts......... Tony?

My BTA has been growing like crazy lately. Probably doubled in size in the last 4 to 5 months. It's now about 14" across with tentacles 6" long. I feed it twice a week: one day a 1/2" long shrimp and four days later half a silverside.
I'm certainly no expert on nems and was wondering if it's pretty much full grown now. Is this growth spurt leading up to splitting?


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/May232010/IMG_1972.jpg

[PoonTang]

Nope...its just telling you that your going to be doing a upgrade sooner than you thought lol.

[MitchM]

I think that Tony's certainly the anemone expert here, but I'll share my experience with BTA's - a number of years ago I had around thirty-some splits from my BTA's, 12" - 14" was the biggest that they got. I think I was able induce them to split by doing larger water changes (~20%) with room temperature water.
The anemones were in a DSB with live rock sump for the most part. I had slow water rate turnover from the main tank so the main tank wasn't affected as much.
But there still were splits happening in the main tank.

Mitch

[Lance]

Thanks for the info MitchM. Sounds like it's about done growing in size then.
On a different note: Where is Water Valley? I've never heard of it before.

[MitchM]

About 1 1/2 hours northwest of Calgary, in the foothills.
We have a 4-way stop, a saloon (with a place to tie up horses) and a grocery store.:smile:
Oh..and a separate liquor store across the street ...lol

Mitch

[Lance]

About 1 1/2 hours northwest of Calgary, in the foothills.
We have a 4-way stop, a saloon (with a place to tie up horses) and a grocery store.:smile:
Oh..and a separate liquor store across the street ...lol

Mitch


Oh yeah I found it. Highway #579. Kinda out in the middle of nowhere isn't it?
Foothills, saloon with a hitching rail, liquor store. Must be cowboy country? :mrgreen:

[MitchM]

...
Foothills, saloon with a hitching rail, liquor store. Must be cowboy country? :mrgreen:

Yes, it's all that and more!:mrgreen:

Mitch

[Delphinus]

I found that there didn't seem to be a huge correlation between size and when they'd split. Well, sort of, and sort of not. If some wanted to split at say 4" then usually they'd split some time after reaching 4", but there'd still be the occasional bigger one or occasional smaller one.

When I started off in the hobby I just used a copious amount of regular normal output fluorescents over my tank. I found that when I switched that tank over to halides the anemones all changed their max sizes to about double.

But it just seems to me they will pick a size to be at and that's sort of that (there is probably a host of variables). The largest BTA I ever saw was an enormous beast, some public aquarium I was at ... think it was London of all place. Anyhow it was easily 18" across. They had mislabelled it as H. magnifica but I'm pretty sure it was BTA (bubble tips and everything. Also it was your typical brown colour of BTA). I have two roses right now that are clones and one is 4"-5" and the other maybe 2" at best. I feed them both the same. I have another one in the same tank and he's barely 1" and I feed him as much as I can. One thing I do notice though is that both small ones are on rock that I'm having a very difficult time removing caulerpa from so there could be some allelopathy going on. (If I could just put the rock in the big cube the tangs and rabbit would eradicate the caulerpa but the butterflies would probably mistake little BTA's as big majano's so that's sort of a no-go!)

Wow, what a long winded way of saying "I don't really know." In any case, your BTA sure does look awesome. :)

A few questions for the Nem experts......... Tony?

My BTA has been growing like crazy lately. Probably doubled in size in the last 4 to 5 months. It's now about 14" across with tentacles 6" long. I feed it twice a week: one day a 1/2" long shrimp and four days later half a silverside.
I'm certainly no expert on nems and was wondering if it's pretty much full grown now. Is this growth spurt leading up to splitting?


http://i371.photobucket.com/albums/oo151/lancefishtank/May232010/IMG_1972.jpg

[Lance]

Thanks for the info Tony. Hopefully it stays this size; any bigger and I'll have to start moving corals away from it. Am I feeding a BTA of this size enough? (see my last post) I'm sure it gets some mysis, etc. from the fish feedings and it is certainly getting enough light.

[Delphinus]

Seems fine to me. They need to eat but they don't need to eat a lot. If you're happy with it (and it seems to be doing well) you could just continue on. Alternatively you could probably easily get away get away without the silverside and just feed weekly. Silversides are a little bit messy, kinda oily and I've heard stories on RC of people losing, or almost losing their anemones after they suspected was "a bad silverside". Usually those were in reference to carpets though, I've never heard the same thing said about a BTA, but then BTA's are more resilient overall so it's probably not even a concern.

I tried feeding various things to anemones including mussels, clam, fish meat, mysis, shrimp/prawn .. I found with BTA's they tended to eat shrimp with the most gusto. Fish with less gusto and shellfish the least (in fact would usually get spat out the next day). It seemed to me anyhow that BTA's were preferring shrimpy food. Nowadays I pretty much just give mine mysis and/or krill.

[lobsterboy]

hey lance, nice tank

[Lance]

hey lance, nice tank

Thanks! :biggrin:


And Tony, that's good to know about the silversides. I should probably chuck out the last of them anyway. They're going on a year old.

[Lance]

WANTED: Hair algae. (You don't hear that very often).
TORO, my LM Blenny is looking a little on the skinny side. If any Powell River reefers have some let me know and I'll come pick it up. The only thing I can get him to eat is Romaine lettuce and though he eats lots of it he is losing weight.

[marie]

WANTED: Hair algae. (You don't hear that very often).
TORO, my LM Blenny is looking a little on the skinny side. If any Powell River reefers have some let me know and I'll come pick it up. The only thing I can get him to eat is Romaine lettuce and though he eats lots of it he is losing weight.


All my hair algae has been replaced by that red cotton candy algae :sad:

Could you not try to trick him by clipping Nori and lettuce together?

[Mrfish55]

Sorry Lance I'm fresh out, check with Bob I think he has a cube tank dedicated to growing algae. Mine was getting skinny when the corner tank cleaned up and he took to mysis no problems, try shooting some his way.

[Mrfish55]

Sorry been sniffing paint all day, mom's tank has lots of H.A. give me a ring tomorrow and I'll hook you up.

[Lance]

Sorry been sniffing paint all day, mom's tank has lots of H.A. give me a ring tomorrow and I'll hook you up.


I'll take you up on that Dave. I'll give you a call when I get a chance to pick it up.

[Rbacchiega]

this makes me rethink something I had given thought to doing a while ago. I wonder how hard (if at all) it would be to set up a small tank..even a 2.5 gallon lets say...for growing problem algae. We grow "good stuff" in our fuges...what about growing some HA specifically for this reason.

Mind you, I am tired, short on coffee and cigarettes and have a headache, so I could be talking nonsense.

[Lance]

this makes me rethink something I had given thought to doing a while ago. I wonder how hard (if at all) it would be to set up a small tank..even a 2.5 gallon lets say...for growing problem algae. We grow "good stuff" in our fuges...what about growing some HA specifically for this reason.

Mind you, I am tired, short on coffee and cigarettes and have a headache, so I could be talking nonsense.


This is what I'm thinking. I can grow out some hair algae in the sump of the frag tank and have readily available food for the LM Blenny. The things we do for our fish eh?

[Rbacchiega]

I'd consider a separate tank all together....strickly to avoid ANY chance of some HA getting anywhere it shouldn't...mind you...if you're going to feed it to the DT anyways,.....self, shut it..you are rambling

[PoonTang]

Lance. Won't he eat nori? Mine practically lives perched on-top of my feeder. Kind of funny watching the fat old bastard laying there asleep on top of his dinner.

[Lance]

Lance. Won't he eat nori? Mine practically lives perched on-top of my feeder. Kind of funny watching the fat old bastard laying there asleep on top of his dinner.

Nope. Won't touch it. I've placed small amounts of nori near all his favourite haunts. Turns his nose up at it. He will only eat hair and film algae of which the Kole gets most of.

[Lance]

Sitting on the couch tonight watching TV and I hear a loud crack from the big tank: exactly like glass cracking. Oh ****! I check out the tank but cannot find anything. No leaks, no cracks that I can see. Kept a close eye on it for the better part of an hour. I'm thinking, and hoping, it was the light fixture. The noise came about 15 minutes after the halides went out so maybe the metal cooling down caused the noise. Hasn't happened before though. Going to bed with my fingers crossed tonight. Will set my alarm for 3am and check things out.

[Delphinus]

Oh dear God. Good luck. Hope it was nothing!

[lastlight]

+1!

My reflector sometimes does that after cooling a bit hopefully that's all it was!

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

Having just recovered from that, I really hope your tank isn't making the noise & it's only the reflector. Good luck my friend.

Anthony

[Mrfish55]

Hopefully all is well, any recent additions? could have picked up a pistol shrimp hitch hiker, I remember having one and it souded exactly like cracking glass (unfortunately I have lived thru that also) The sound happend on a regular basis for about three years and suddenly stopped, guess the little bugger finally shot himself, good luck.

[Parker]

Sitting on the couch tonight watching TV and I hear a loud crack from the big tank: exactly like glass cracking.

Damn, sounds scary. Sometimes I wish mine would crack, then I wouldn't be so frustrated with it! :lol:

[muck]

Lance? Please tell us the tank is fine this morning... :pray:

[Lance]

Well I came down at 3am to check things out and couldn't see anything. The water level in the tank is fine and no wet spots anywhere. Checked again at 6am before going to work and again just now: no apparent problem. I think it must be the reflectors cooling down. The sound seemed to come from up higher. Don't know why this would happen all of a sudden, the light has been on the tank since May?

[Delphinus]

Good to hear, I continue to hope it's nothing.

Have you checked the lights themselves? It's happened to me where the glass envelope itself cracked and fall partly off. This was bad news I lost a pile of corals to UV damage and when it happened to Christy she lost fish to UV burn as well so it's something you'll want to confirm ASAP.

[Lance]

Good to hear, I continue to hope it's nothing.

Have you checked the lights themselves? It's happened to me where the glass envelope itself cracked and fall partly off. This was bad news I lost a pile of corals to UV damage and when it happened to Christy she lost fish to UV burn as well so it's something you'll want to confirm ASAP.


I checked the lights last night and they're fine. I'm pretty sure it's just contraction of the reflectors. Sure scared the crap out of me though!

[Parker]

Good news!

My reflectors pop all time as well.

[PoonTang]

dumb stoopid light! I think you should sell it, cheap! asap!

[Rbacchiega]

I was bored so decided to re-read this journal (cause this tank has always been one of my faves)....

*ahem*

awwweeeeeee you guys missed me!

[michika]

That would have scared me quite a bit! I'm glad it seems to have been nothing!

[Lance]

Good news!

My reflectors pop all time as well.

Yup, pretty sure that's what it was.



dumb stoopid light! I think you should sell it, cheap! asap!

Not gonna happen. I'd sell my first born and left pheasant ball before I let this light go.



I was bored so decided to re-read this journal (cause this tank has always been one of my faves)....

*ahem*

awwweeeeeee you guys missed me!

Wow, you must have been really bored to re-read that much drivel, and yes we did miss you.


That would have scared me quite a bit! I'm glad it seems to have been nothing!

Won't lie to ya, my knees were knockin' pretty good there for a bit.

[fishytime]

Man I hate those little noises that you hear (or think you hear)....sets up hours of paranoia:twised:....good to hear all is well Lance...

btw....you still running the pellets?.....nitrates still low?....just curious as I use your tank as an example of a successful pellet story all the time at the shop....

[Lance]

Man I hate those little noises that you hear (or think you hear)....sets up hours of paranoia:twised:....good to hear all is well Lance...

btw....you still running the pellets?.....nitrates still low?....just curious as I use your tank as an example of a successful pellet story all the time at the shop....


Doug, I couldn't be happier with the pellets. Nitrates start at 0 and only get to .25 before changing 15% of the water every two weeks. (Salifert & Elos) Phosphates are always zero on the Hanna checker. I used to have to do 15% changes weekly to keep the nitrates under 25. Tank has never been clearer and corals are growing well. I run the pellets in a Vertex UF-15 and just a small amount of GFO in a TLF reactor. I find if I don't run at least a little GFO I get some cyano.

[fishytime]

Doug, I couldn't be happier with the pellets. Nitrates start at 0 and only get to .25 before changing 15% of the water every two weeks. (Salifert & Elos) Phosphates are always zero on the Hanna checker. I used to have to do 15% changes weekly to keep the nitrates under 25. Tank has never been clearer and corals are growing well. I run the pellets in a Vertex UF-15 and just a small amount of GFO in a TLF reactor. I find if I don't run at least a little GFO I get some cyano.

Thats great mang!.....do you find the need to clean your equipment(mind outta the gutter kids:wink:) more?....

Briefly thought about running them on the old version but nitrates sat around 5 so I figured "why bother"....thought about it briefly again right after the crash and the algae explosion happened....was kinda sittin on the fence waiting to see what time would tell with them....sounds promising!

[Lance]

Thats great mang!.....do you find the need to clean your equipment(mind outta the gutter kids:wink:) more?....

Briefly thought about running them on the old version but nitrates sat around 5 so I figured "why bother"....thought about it briefly again right after the crash and the algae explosion happened....was kinda sittin on the fence waiting to see what time would tell with them....sounds promising!


When I first started them I had a small outbreak of cyano and film algae on the glass. This lasted no more than a couple of weeks. They are pretty much maintenance free. Pour them in the reactor, turn on the pump and forget about it.

[Lance]

Dammit I hate when equipment doesn't last.
$150 per bulb and one burns out after 5 months. Grrrrrrr! Would have liked to get another 5 months out of it. The next bulbs will be the cheaper XM's.

[fishytime]

eeeek! 150 bones for a bulb!.....what flavor were they?.....seems pretty steep for a bulb these days.....

[Lance]

eeeek! 150 bones for a bulb!.....what flavor were they?.....seems pretty steep for a bulb these days.....


Geiseman Megachrome 400w 13000K = $130 plus tax plus freight = $150

[Lance]

Anybody using the XM 15000K 400w MH? Would like to hear what you think of them.

[Mrfish55]

I am using the SE 14K XM, little on the yellow side but getting good growth.

[Lance]

I am using the SE 14K XM, little on the yellow side but getting good growth.

I wonder how much difference between the 14K and 15K? The sales pitch is a blue/white colour.

[Mrfish55]

I wonder how much difference between the 14K and 15K? The sales pitch is a blue/white colour.

I figure the difference would be somewhere around 1K :eyebrows: seriously tho that may just be the difference between the SE and DE bulbs as I have not seen a 15K SE. I am due for a city trip if you want me to pick you up a bulb (save some shipping, and know it won't get smashed on the way here)

[Lance]

I figure the difference would be somewhere around 1K :eyebrows: seriously tho that may just be the difference between the SE and DE bulbs as I have not seen a 15K SE. I am due for a city trip if you want me to pick you up a bulb (save some shipping, and know it won't get smashed on the way here)


Thanks Dave but I'm good for bulbs. I've still got about 6 months left on the other two and I just stuck one of the original bulbs in the centre to replace the burnt out one. When are you going down?

[Mrfish55]

It will be next week now, you want to take a day off and go for a road trip? just be one day down and back, most likely Thursday.

[Lance]

It will be next week now, you want to take a day off and go for a road trip? just be one day down and back, most likely Thursday.


Can't make it this time, but definitely something we should do.

[Lance]

Holy crap Chromis are prolific little buggers! Once a week like clockwork. The female (?) guards the eggs from all intruders, even keeping the Tuskfish and Lunare Wrasse at bay. The eggs are always laid in the same place; out in the open on the end glass.
From the thirteen I originally bought in January '09 I am down to five. Since arriving at five the bickering stopped. I suspect I now have one male with a harem.

[muck]

No photos for us Lance?

[Lance]

No photos for us Lance?

Sorry, no camera tonight. But I will take some.

[Delphinus]

Neat!!

[lastlight]

They get pretty aggressive when paired or what? I'm down to 2 and they are definitely displaying some courtship-style behavior. I'm thinking I don't want them to get jiggy...

[Lance]

They get pretty aggressive when paired or what? I'm down to 2 and they are definitely displaying some courtship-style behavior. I'm thinking I don't want them to get jiggy...


They're Damsels. That's what they do: pick on the weak one until it's gone and then move on to the next poor soul. Funny thing is though, I only had a couple of spawns when I had the larger group. Now that the group is five they spawn regularly.

[michika]

I'm thinking I don't want them to get jiggy...


Maybe you should sit them down and give them 'the Talk'.