View Full Version : Dez' Tank Journal
Pokerstar Monti
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3649.jpg?t=1265688735
Monti of some sort, whatever it is I like it
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3650.jpg?t=1265688769
Red Milli
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3651.jpg?t=1265688800
Living room FTS, actinics only
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3655.jpg?t=1265688833
Den side FTS, this is the side with the fiji purple, I like it (sorry, left the canopy up when I took the picture)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3656.jpg?t=1265688896
FTS Living room with halides
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3673.jpg?t=1265688948
FTS Den side with halides
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3674.jpg?t=1265688978
Thanks for looking everybody :razz:
looks great, like it's been established for years.
Carmen
02-09-2010, 03:47 AM
Looking incredible Dez! I love all the big colonies! Beautiful colors! And some great growth pics!
fishoholic
02-09-2010, 03:52 AM
The corals are saying "Yum magnesium" :lol: Your tank looks great and it was nice to meet you at the reef meet :biggrin:
Well, a slight update in terms of equipment. The 48" T5's always bothered me because of the shadows on the edges. Since my tank is 5', I wanted to switch to 60" T5 bulbs. I had an old PFO retro kit for 4 x 110 watt vho's, so I went to town and started making. I used standard sheet aluminum and bent it to my liking (I'm in the siding business so this is scrap material for window capping). Then I went to a custom lighting supplier and picked up some annalux (99.5% reflecivity aluminum that is used for reflectors). I got a cut off from them for $10 - this was enough to make 2 sets of lights. So now I have 4 x 80 watt T5 HO's. 2 on either side of my halides. I like it. It's super bright. Now you'll see in the pictures that I have an extra end cap in between the two 60" bulbs. I made room for a 48" bulb in between in case I want some extra bang or to tweak the colours a bit. I have an old workhorse 7 that I can wire up to those. But for now I'm super happy with the 60" bulbs.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P2110040.jpg?t=1265948263
I still have to bend another aluminum "cap" to cover the wires above for a cleaner look.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P2110044.jpg?t=1265948578
Anyway, thanks for looking. Kind of a boring update, but it's an update.
lastlight
02-12-2010, 03:39 AM
You are one handy guy! Nice job and at a great price too.
What bulbs? And where did you buy them?
You are one handy guy! Nice job and at a great price too.
What bulbs? And where did you buy them?
I love the price too :biggrin: The endcaps cost me $21 total. The PFO ballast cost me $60 used a while back and the rest of the scrap aluminum is free. I like free. And my old lights are sold already to be picked up next week to cover some of the cost.
I have 2 KZ fiji purples, and 2 Giesman Aquablue +. I really like it. To be honest with you though, I still haven't seen them without the halides on. My halides kick off in about 45 mins, so we'll see. I have a feeling it'll be a bit on the pink side. But that's why I left the 48" option in the middle for tweaking the colours. I bought the bulbs at Marine Aquaria. Those are the only 2 kinds of 60" bulbs so that's why I went with that colour combo. I wanted lights today. I'll get them to order some other colours too down the road so I can play around with it.
fooser
02-12-2010, 07:16 PM
Wow,
Looking real good Des. I didn't recognize the tank snce the last time I looked.. I think it has not even been 2 months and your tank looks like it has aged 2 years! Great job!
Probably won't be able to make it down for the Edmonton events :( but even if I did, I am sure I wouldn't do well. I haven't played foos since the last edmonton tourney in October. :redface: Every Monday I itch to go play but end up working on my basement, and every Thursday I wish I could skip work :lol: I hear your game has improved lots! Cant wait to play you one day!
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P2110040.jpg?t=1265948263
I still have to bend another
I see you have managed to reroute the dilithium through the EPS conduits. Great job! hehe.. looks great :-D
Kien, dude, I have no idea what you are talking about:question:
Wow,
Looking real good Des. I didn't recognize the tank snce the last time I looked.. I think it has not even been 2 months and your tank looks like it has aged 2 years! Great job!
Probably won't be able to make it down for the Edmonton events :( but even if I did, I am sure I wouldn't do well. I haven't played foos since the last edmonton tourney in October. :redface: Every Monday I itch to go play but end up working on my basement, and every Thursday I wish I could skip work :lol: I hear your game has improved lots! Cant wait to play you one day!
I'm coming to Calgary on the weekend of the 19th. Are you free that Sat the 20th? Maybe we can get some foosing in. Let me know. I was actually going to see if you were coming up for the tournament. But I guess not. Maybe we'll get some foosing in while I'm in town.
Well, I've been busy and don't have much to report except for a lighting upgrade tonight. I added 2 x 48" 54 watt T5's in between my 60" T5's. I had an old workhorse 7 kicking around and everything else so all it cost me were the bulbs. I went with the KZ coral light II bulb (about 14k I think). I really like it. Now I have the actinics come on first, then the fiji purples next, then the 14k's, and then the halides and then everything comes off in reverse order. Not that my tank wasn't bright enough before, but it does make it noticeably brighter. I like having more stages of lighting because I can enjoy my tank in different colours it seems.
Corals are growing like weeds so I've been doing lots of pruning. Colours are great, and the fish are happy.
fishytime
03-22-2010, 02:37 PM
Corals are growing like weeds so I've been doing lots of pruning. Colours are great, and the fish are happy.
and the electric meter spins like a top:razz:.....so how many watts you running in total now Dez?
and the electric meter spins like a top:razz:.....so how many watts you running in total now Dez?
I'm only running 1174 watts on my display (5 x 2 x 2). Not too bad eh?:biggrin:
Although I run 300 watts on my 4 x 2 x 14" tall frag tank, but not a long photoperiod.
fishytime
03-22-2010, 04:12 PM
I'm only running 1174 watts on my display (5 x 2 x 2). Not too bad eh?:biggrin:
Although I run 300 watts on my 4 x 2 x 14" tall frag tank, but not a long photoperiod.
"Can you see the light-a".......Enmax loves you huh?:lol:
A few random shots from today with halides on
Pink Stylo
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290005.jpg?t=1269918591
Red Milli
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290006.jpg?t=1269918670
Green Birdsnest (Hystrix)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290008.jpg?t=1269918709
Green Stag w/ blue tips....this had a rough go for the first few months - fell into a lot of things and got stung, it was browned out from a ballast that went for a week, I was considering getting rid of it, but now it's got awesome polyp extension and it turned green on me and has started growing like a weed.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290016.jpg?t=1269918740
Derasa Clam
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290019.jpg?t=1269918857
Pokerstar Monti
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290025.jpg?t=1269918877
Saltynuts Hairy Acro (was completely brown when I got it)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290029.jpg?t=1269918909
Green Acro (about 8" across and 8" tall - grew from a frag 5 months ago)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290030.jpg?t=1269918956
Lobsterboy's pink milli
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290039.jpg?t=1269919024
Pink Pocci
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290041.jpg?t=1269919054
Snufflupagus
03-30-2010, 03:23 AM
Amazing Pics Dez. Thanks for all the help. Hope my tanks look half as good as yours one day.
Red Milli
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290044.jpg?t=1269919151
Pink Birdsnest (grew this colony from a 1" frag)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290047.jpg?t=1269919178
Green Hummulis or Gemmifora, unsure of ID
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290048.jpg?t=1269919216
Pink Stylo Frag - about triple the size from original frag
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290060.jpg?t=1269919292
Bluish Milli with Pink tips - This is my largest colony, probably 10" across and I grew it from a 3" colony to start. Was brown when I got it. One of my favs
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290065.jpg?t=1269919332
Lobsterboy blue stag (This started out with only a single growth tip, now it's finally branching out)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290066.jpg?t=1269919406
Crocea Clam
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290073.jpg?t=1269919463
Don't know what Acro species this is but I like it.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290081.jpg?t=1269919489
saltynuts
03-30-2010, 03:27 AM
Saltynuts Hairy Acro (was completely brown when I got it)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290029.jpg?t=1269918909
yuppers i am going to need that one back!!!!!!!!
freezetyle
03-30-2010, 03:33 AM
wow, great pics!
A few shots under 3 T5 bulbs
This is Snappys Acropora Abrolhosensis, as you can see, when I got the frag, it was just a flat top without a growth tip. I got this frag beginning of Nov and I finally have a growth tip out the flat top. I got enormous growth out the side without a growth tip though. It'll start taking off now that there are lots of growth tips.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290008-1.jpg?t=1269920836
Snappy's bird of many colours (It's a bird of one colour for me - started out as a 1" frag with just a "y", from Nov 09)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290010.jpg?t=1269921015
Another pic of the Saltynuts hairy acro (started out as a brown frag)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290017.jpg?t=1269921076
Another pic of my green acro that started out as a frag
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P3290019-1.jpg?t=1269921117
My mandarin goby showing off
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3771.jpg?t=1269927235
Delphinus
03-30-2010, 05:45 AM
Looks great!
Murminator
03-30-2010, 04:13 PM
Looks awesome as always Dez :mrgreen:
bauder1986
03-30-2010, 04:22 PM
......Another pic of the Saltynuts hairy acro.....
hehe sounds bad haha:lol:
wow, great pics!
Thanks for the kind remarks.
Looks awesome as always Dez :mrgreen:
Thanks Murray, when you're set up again and rid of all your pests come by and grab some frags. Talk soon.
A little update - I made my system larger. I added about 20 more gallons of water volume. Joe Reefer gave me a tank a long time ago, so I decided to add it to my system. The purpose will be for overflow parking for my frag tank when my frag tank is full.
The tank is supported with industrial shelving that will hold 700 lbs so I think I'm pretty safe.
Sorry, forgot to use flash for all pictures.
This is looking into my fish room from outside the door. That's the 20 gallon that I added.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3772.jpg?t=1270946775
As you go to the right, it's my 75 gallon RO/DI reservoir. I added shelves above it last weekend.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3773.jpg?t=1270946844
A view from the RO reservoir side to the sump/frag tank side of the fish room. It's a little difficult to take pictures because my fish room is only about 4 feet by 8 feet I think.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3774.jpg?t=1270946936
This is the manifold I added to the main return pump. I added 2 extra ports for "just in case" I upgrade or add another tank to the system at a later date.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3776.jpg?t=1270947034
Finally, a close view of the new addition.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3777.jpg?t=1270947133
Thanks for looking.
Here's a couple of quickie shots of both sides of my tank tonight
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3781.jpg?t=1270955165
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3780.jpg?t=1270955484
Skimmerking
04-11-2010, 03:14 AM
Hey man tank is looking Sweet can't wait to come over to see your tank when Im in the City. Or when you invite me to see your tank:lol:
Delphinus
04-11-2010, 03:19 AM
Whatcha running for a heater these days Dez? Is it a single pump running all these periphery tanks or did you add any new pumps to handle the extra flow diversions?
Hey man tank is looking Sweet can't wait to come over to see your tank when Im in the City. Or when you invite me to see your tank:lol:
Thanks Mike. Just give me the heads up before you come into town.
Whatcha running for a heater these days Dez? Is it a single pump running all these periphery tanks or did you add any new pumps to handle the extra flow diversions?
I believe I have 3 x 200 watt heaters or 300 watt (can't remember) all run off of my Aqua Controller.
No, it's still just the one pump running everything. I have the pump choked off upstairs still and it's still giving me about 1200 - 1500 gallons an hour at the display.
My beckett skimmer is still skimming well even with the addition of the 20 gallon tank, and it feeds the 75 gallon water change tank and 40 gallon frag tank as well. I'm pretty happy with the pump so far.
Delphinus
04-11-2010, 03:26 AM
The pump also feeds the skimmer? Interesting. What kind was it again? Dart Gold or something?
lobsterboy
04-11-2010, 03:43 AM
hey Des, those FTS are awesome, the corals are really glowing.
bignose
04-11-2010, 04:34 AM
Wow Dez your tank is coming along very nicely. Awesome work!
hey Des, those FTS are awesome, the corals are really glowing.
Thanks John, some of the nicer pieces are from you of course :biggrin:
Wow Dez your tank is coming along very nicely. Awesome work!
Thanks. If you look at the second FTS right behind the big clam is a little mini Milli colony - that's the frag I got from you a while ago when we traded. Looking forward to your build Jason.
Not too much to update here. Just got back from a 9 day vacation. Thank is in great shape. Only thing really happened was that I ran out of C02 for my CA reactor while I was away.
I thought, not big deal, but when I tested my levels this morning it kind of shocked me. My Alk is at 5dkh:puppydog: and my Calcium at 360. Wow, I really did not know my system consumed that much.
So I guess today I'll have to get C02 right away. I did notice visual growth after 9 days though. One of my corals noticeably got brighter and more neon, it was a fairly new addition right before I left.
That's all for now.
:shocked!: Wow! So Jealous :wink:
Zoaelite
05-04-2010, 05:04 PM
Ya wow, that's quite the Ca/ALK draw but considering how much beautiful SPS you have its understandable. Glad to see everyone is happy after you came back, I'm dreading my 3 week vacation in the summer because of this :neutral:.
saltynuts
05-04-2010, 10:14 PM
with your calcium reactor m are you going to try that neomag.
I will probably try it out next Ca reactor fill which is in who knows how long, my calcium reactor is so full that it takes a long time before it runs out of media.
Des
Just a full tank shot cause I haven't taken one in a while. It's getting pretty full. I'm slowly deciding on corals that I like less and in the process of removing them to allow the favourites and more colourful ones grow out.
Living Room Side:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3849.jpg?t=1273468195
Den Side
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3851.jpg?t=1273468254
Thanks for looking.
lastlight
05-10-2010, 05:30 AM
I can't BELIEVE how fast you grew that tank so full Dez. In a way you must be a little sad to see it approaching the water's surface so fast lol. You're going to have to get the kids started on a new tank soon :mrgreen:
Brett, definitely no upgrade for me (ever), so I'll have to live with what I have. It is kind of nice that I hardly ever have to put my hands in the tank now as it's settled in quite nicely and most of the corals are encrusted so I don't have corals falling over anymore. It sometimes pains me to see corals grow. I recently removed my blue tipped stag that I grew from a frag, I measured it when I took it out and it was 10". But it was tan with blue tips, so not colourful enough. I might have to do what John is doing in about a year - tear it all down and start from scratch just for a different look. Or I might just keep removing corals and let the choice pieces grow huge. Who knows, all I know now is that I'm enjoying the tank and my major expenses are done with. Man, starting out (even with a bunch of equipment to begin with) is so expensive.
lobsterboy
05-10-2010, 06:03 AM
holy smokes Des, the tank really took off, the colors are looking awesome.
next time i up, i am making a trip to your place.
fishoholic
05-10-2010, 12:24 PM
Looks great Dez, and if you're making some frags soon, send them my way :mrgreen:
Wow Dez,
All I can say is it should be the next TOTM. :biggrin: Gorgeous!!!!
Looks great Dez, and if you're making some frags soon, send them my way :mrgreen:
Thanks Laurie, I always have frags available. If you're going on the tank tour then you'll be able to see what frags I have. Thanks for the nice comments.
Wow Dez,
All I can say is it should be the next TOTM. :biggrin: Gorgeous!!!!
Thanks Leah, I think it's far from TOTM, not quite mature enough for a TOTM. It's gotta grow another year yet and all the corals have to create that "forrest" look. Thanks for the props.:wink:
andestang
05-10-2010, 06:22 PM
Absolutely splendid Dez ! As for trimming and/or removing that's a positive problem I would think :).
Absolutely splendid Dez ! As for trimming and/or removing that's a positive problem I would think :).
Thanks Mike. It is a good problem, but if I had things my way, I'd rather let every coral I have grow huge, yet I'm limited to my little piece of ocean. Everyone should set up at least a 1000 gallon tank of the get go. My wife already gave me the "Des, you are never ever going to get another tank again" lecture even before I had time to ask about an upgrade. Oh well, we go away too much to have a large tank anyway.
lastlight
05-11-2010, 02:06 AM
Oh well, we go away too much to have a large tank anyway.
Have I thought you anything Dez? You don't need to put corals or fish in the big ones =)
Have I thought you anything Dez? You don't need to put corals or fish in the big ones =)
I'm still looking for pheasant balls for this one for crying out loud, I'd rather look at those than an empty tank :mrgreen:
fishoholic
05-11-2010, 03:38 AM
Thanks Laurie, I always have frags available. If you're going on the tank tour then you'll be able to see what frags I have. Thanks for the nice comments.
Sweet I'll make sure I have some money with me during the tank tour :wof:
Thanks Leah, I think it's far from TOTM, not quite mature enough for a TOTM. It's gotta grow another year yet and all the corals have to create that "forrest" look. Thanks for the props.:wink:
I have to agree with Leah on this one, your tank is definitely TOTM material.
fishoholic
05-11-2010, 03:39 AM
I'm still looking for pheasant balls for this one for crying out loud, I'd rather look at those than an empty tank :mrgreen:
BTW do you need chaeto?
BTW do you need chaeto?
Brett's the one with the chaeto in grotesque shapes and sizes. I don't have a fuge so don't need any. :biggrin:
Wow, awesome growth and palette. Hey, if everyone says your tank is tank of the month material (which it is by the way), just accept it and move on! :lol: It isn't so much a matter of "if", but rather, "when".. :lol:
PS. Thanks again for the Superman Digis, they are doing great! If you're ever in Cowtown give me a ring and we can geek it up.
Some growth sequence pics:
Sept 16th, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3163.jpg?t=1274579564
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3852.jpg?t=1274583400
Sept 16, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3176-1.jpg?t=1274583424
May 22, 2010
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3853.jpg?t=1274583487
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3194-2.jpg?t=1274583511
May 22, 2010
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3854.jpg?t=1274583579
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3196-1.jpg?t=1274583623
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3855.jpg?t=1274583678
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3197-1.jpg?t=1274583728
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3856.jpg?t=1274583801
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3205-1.jpg?t=1274584131
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3857.jpg?t=1274584184
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3206-1.jpg?t=1274584221
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3858.jpg?t=1274584263
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3207-1.jpg?t=1274584288
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3859.jpg?t=1274584345
Albertan22
05-23-2010, 03:26 AM
Wow! Wish my sps would grow like that, you're doing something right :smile:
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3208-1.jpg?t=1274588143
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3860.jpg?t=1274588270
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3209-1.jpg?t=1274588328
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3861.jpg?t=1274588395
Sept 22, 09 (this one is sort of hard to see, it's the frag in the middle - just a stick)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3210.jpg?t=1274588444
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3862.jpg?t=1274588535
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3211.jpg?t=1274588594
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3864.jpg?t=1274588654
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3217-1.jpg?t=1274588706
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3865.jpg?t=1274588763
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3220.jpg?t=1274588798
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3866.jpg?t=1274588890
andestang
05-23-2010, 04:41 AM
Dez your killing me ! I guess I mean thats just killer :) I'm sensing some steriods happening :lol:
Sept 22, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3221.jpg?t=1274589228
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3867.jpg?t=1274589290
Oct 6, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3234-1.jpg?t=1274589343
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3868.jpg?t=1274589383
Oct 6, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3235-1.jpg?t=1274589482
May 22, 10 (this has already been fragged a few times in between)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3869.jpg?t=1274589516
Oct 6, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3236.jpg?t=1274589600
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3870.jpg?t=1274589636
Oct 6, 09 (this actually grew out of a single polyp that I saw in a hole in the live rock so I faced that hole up to the light)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3262.jpg?t=1274589671
May 22, 10 (this has been fragged a few times in between)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3871.jpg?t=1274589745
Oct 6, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3274.jpg?t=1274589807
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3872.jpg?t=1274589844
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3311.jpg?t=1274589961
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3873.jpg?t=1274590036
Lance
05-23-2010, 04:48 AM
Wow Dez! From fuzzy little sticks to an SPS forest in less than a year. Impressive!
fishytime
05-23-2010, 04:56 AM
Great growth Dez!........love that "capricoris corner"
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3312.jpg?t=1274590134
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3874.jpg?t=1274590168
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3313.jpg?t=1274590243
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3875.jpg?t=1274590279
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3314.jpg?t=1274590318
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3877.jpg?t=1274590349
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3315.jpg?t=1274590388
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3878.jpg?t=1274590424
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3320.jpg?t=1274590459
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3879.jpg?t=1274590494
Oct 18, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3332.jpg?t=1274590533
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3880.jpg?t=1274590568
Oct 30, 09 (this is the piece that had red bugs on it when I got it)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3350.jpg?t=1274590675
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3881.jpg?t=1274590729
Oct 30, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3351-1.jpg?t=1274590762
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3882.jpg?t=1274590799
Oct 30,09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3360-2.jpg?t=1274590837
Mah 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3883.jpg?t=1274590945
Oct 30, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3363.jpg?t=1274590979
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3884.jpg?t=1274591016
Oct 30. 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3364.jpg?t=1274591074
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3885.jpg?t=1274591111
lastlight
05-23-2010, 05:12 AM
Great growth Dez!........love that "capricoris corner"
Yeah those two shots really did it for me as well! Dez you are the growth OVERLORD. It's cooler than it even sounds so well done!
And did you even know your blenny was spying on you?
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3208-1.jpg?t=1274588143
Oct 30, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3366.jpg?t=1274591253
May 22, 10 (been fragged a few times in between)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3886.jpg?t=1274591293
Oct 30, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3367-1.jpg?t=1274591340
May 22, 10 (was fragged twice in between due to falling coral stinging it)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3887.jpg?t=1274591393
Oct 30.09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3369-2.jpg?t=1274591480
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3888.jpg?t=1274591520
Oct 30, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3376.jpg?t=1274591571
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3377-1.jpg?t=1274591597
May 22, 10 (they have been fragged lots because they're so delicate. The fish often accidentally frag them)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3889.jpg?t=1274591659
Nov 2, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3475.jpg?t=1274591700
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3890.jpg?t=1274591739
Dec 20, 09
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3533-1.jpg?t=1274591796
May 22, 10
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3891.jpg?t=1274591836
Dez, you need to sign up with a marine conservation group. I think you can single handedly save all the reefs of the world!! :biggrin:
fencer
05-23-2010, 06:26 AM
I have seen this tank in person and it is nothing short of amazing. Even took a water sample to have it tested for nuclear material:mrgreen:
Christy this is one of those tanks that deserves to be TOTM
fishoholic
05-23-2010, 02:44 PM
I have seen this tank in person and it is nothing short of amazing. Even took a water sample to have it tested for nuclear material:mrgreen:
Christy this is one of those tanks that deserve to be TOTM
Agreed future TOTM for sure! Also just a little bit jealous after seeing all that amazing growth. But seriously one drool worthy tank for sure.
Thanks for the nice comments all. I still think the tank has more maturing to do for the forrest to get "denser" and colonies to get larger. Here are more random shots from yesterday:
Just traded one of my Squamosas for this teardrop:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220060.jpg?t=1274626417
I have high hopes for this piece as I've never really seen a "rust" coloured acro like this before:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220056.jpg?t=1274626465
This one is going to fill the upper column of my display. I like the colour and growth pattern. it is one that I split with a friend so it's growing out into a normal store sized colony now:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220040.jpg?t=1274626508
I'm considering getting rid of this "frost polyp acro" from Lobsterboy. I like the growth pattern but I'm undecided on the colour right now:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220039.jpg?t=1274626585
I really like this green and orange tipped acro. Not sure if it's a tabling acro yet. Got it as a frag.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220038.jpg?t=1274626644
I got this Maxima when it was only 1", looking forward to it growing out.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220037.jpg?t=1274626751
My cap forrest.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220036.jpg?t=1274626811
Another favourite - that neon green acro. I'm definitely gonna let this grow out and prune around it.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220035.jpg?t=1274626851
This green hairy stag I almost got rid of cause it was brownish for about 5 months until I added a bit of iron. I love it now!
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220034.jpg?t=1274626919
Believe it or not, this piece was from Big Al's. I have a friend that used to work that and they were having a 33% off sale to clear the broniporas out.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220033.jpg?t=1274626972
Close up of my Derasa
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220032.jpg?t=1274627034
Monti
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220028.jpg?t=1274627066
I love this purple tipped hairy acro. It maintains this beautiful colour on the sand bed with not too much light. It goes sort of teal in higher light, but I like this much better. It was a brown freebee that I got with my purchase of other corals.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220025.jpg?t=1274627099
Love the variety in this shot
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220023.jpg?t=1274627250
Not much room on the sandbed, this kind of bothers my wife, but I like it
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220022.jpg?t=1274627288
Another top down, can you see the clam in the far left upper (you see just the mantle)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220019.jpg?t=1274627335
Derasa (from Red Coral)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5220014.jpg?t=1274627415
This guy's always on the glass
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5210012.jpg?t=1274627456
Another teardrop
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5210002.jpg?t=1274627489
BlueTang<3
05-23-2010, 03:59 PM
Looks Awesome Buddy
Looks Awesome Buddy
Thanks Wes. Looking forward to seeing your tank.....and trading you for the S. Shortcake Acro when you grow yours out a bit. I got some nice stuff to trade you :wink:
BlueTang<3
05-23-2010, 06:16 PM
Thanks Wes. Looking forward to seeing your tank.....and trading you for the S. Shortcake Acro when you grow yours out a bit. I got some nice stuff to trade you :wink:
yeah for sure i liked them so much i ended up with two and want to get another one just from different spots in the tank they dont even look like the same coral they really nice.
I was doing a bit of re-aquascaping to allow more room for some of my corals to grow out and had this out in a bucket. It was surprising to me how much this grew cause when I bought it, it fit nicely in a medium sized fish bag. Now it's almost edge to edge in the bucket.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P5210001.jpg?t=1274647683
Skimmerking
05-23-2010, 10:00 PM
DEZ what is the K rating on your MH bulbs to get you that fast growth, with my LPS I'm thinking of upping the K rating to a 10K
Hey Mike, I use cheap China bulbs (14K supposedly) I use 20K cheap china bulbs on my frag tank and still getting alright growth. My friend ordered them from somewhere (they were around $20 per bulb). Hope this helps.
I have seen this tank in person and it is nothing short of amazing. Even took a water sample to have it tested for nuclear material:mrgreen:
Curious Wayne, what did you test for and what were the results? I use cheap ATI test kits for the most part so I wouldn't count on my own accuracy for my personal testing. Anything nuclear that you found?
Skimmerking
05-23-2010, 10:52 PM
Hey Mike, I use cheap China bulbs (14K supposedly) I use 20K cheap china bulbs on my frag tank and still getting alright growth. My friend ordered them from somewhere (they were around $20 per bulb). Hope this helps.
where on ebay
are they nice and blue
where on ebay
are they nice and blue
I think they are fishneedit.com bulbs, cause that's where my fixtures are from on my frag tank and my friend got me those as well. I'm happy with the colour. The 20k's are really blue. Just cheap fixtures and bulbs and you can tell they're made in China. Hope this helps.
BlueTang<3
05-24-2010, 12:51 AM
what lens do u use to shoot your pics ??? lighting and flow ?? I wanna learn to take shots like u.
what lens do u use to shoot your pics ??? lighting and flow ?? I wanna learn to take shots like u.
Hey Wes, I actually just use a waterproof point and shoot. It's an Olympus Stylus tough that I use for vacations. It was fairly inexpensive. Just stick it in the water, and take pictures. I leave all my flow on, and mostly it's just the 14k halides that are on when I take pictures because I have to take my T5's off to access inside the tank. There are no colour corrections on any pictures because I don't even know how to do any of that, but the colours are generally true to real life. Hope this helps.
BlueTang<3
05-24-2010, 04:04 AM
interesting i know those are ur colours seen the tank could stare into it for days :razz:
interesting i know those are ur colours seen the tank could stare into it for days :razz:
The ones taken through the glass are all the growth sequence ones and they are pretty much all out of focus. It's too hard to take pictures through glass. I don't use a tripod though. I find the top down and in tank shots much easier.
fishoholic
05-24-2010, 05:51 AM
Hey Wes, I actually just use a waterproof point and shoot. It's an Olympus Stylus tough that I use for vacations. It was fairly inexpensive. Just stick it in the water, and take pictures. I leave all my flow on, and mostly it's just the 14k halides that are on when I take pictures because I have to take my T5's off to access inside the tank. There are no colour corrections on any pictures because I don't even know how to do any of that, but the colours are generally true to real life. Hope this helps.
Sadly I have the same camera but any underwater shoots I've tried to take in my tank never turn out very good :neutral: What exact settings are you using?
Sadly I have the same camera but any underwater shoots I've tried to take in my tank never turn out very good :neutral: What exact settings are you using?
I just use the underwater macro setting and turn the flash off. I find that the flash washes out everything, even when taking regular pictures outside of the water. The flash on that camera is a little "strong". I'm pretty happy with the camera as it's the first digital point and shoot I've bought new. All my other digital cameras were hand me downs from my dad to my brother to me, so this is a treat.
fishoholic
05-24-2010, 02:29 PM
I just use the underwater macro setting and turn the flash off. I find that the flash washes out everything, even when taking regular pictures outside of the water. The flash on that camera is a little "strong". I'm pretty happy with the camera as it's the first digital point and shoot I've bought new. All my other digital cameras were hand me downs from my dad to my brother to me, so this is a treat.
Hummmm flash off good to know. My pic.'s look washed out, but I've never turned the flash off, I'll have to try without a flash. Thanks for the advice :biggrin:
Since I sold some frags recently. I used that money to invest more into my reef. Here are some pictures of the goodies. I'm pretty excited.:biggrin:
Here is a tabling acro:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3923.jpg?t=1275704884
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3963.jpg?t=1275704976
Another purchase today - Hawaiian Flame Wrasse. Absolutely no one is bothering him in my tank. I was quite worried about my twin spot hog bothering him but I got lucky. He was eating frozen food at the store so I'll keep my fingers crossed. Sorry for the fuzzy picture, he's a fast swimmer.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3933.jpg?t=1275705117
I also bought a clam last week:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3926.jpg?t=1275705171
And another one:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3927.jpg?t=1275705217
And a pink pocci:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3946.jpg?t=1275705249
Pretty excited about my purchases. I bought a couple of other things that are sitting in my frag tank to see if they colour up at all. We'll see. Thanks for looking.
Parker
06-05-2010, 02:48 AM
Thou shalt not covet thy forum members tank! :mrgreen:
Beautiful Tank Dez!
A few random quick shots from tonight:
Yellow Acro - good growth tips
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3966.jpg?t=1275705398
Unknown smooth yellow acro
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3959.jpg?t=1275705458
Purple Pocci, my friend started this as a tiny frag, and it was about half this size when I got it a few months back.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3958.jpg?t=1275705488
Elegance - my one clown fish goes in here once in a while.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3957.jpg?t=1275705512
Standard run of the mill pokerstar - I have a feeling my other corals are gonna shade this one :(, but I can't get it off because it's encrusted all over my live rock.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3956.jpg?t=1275705716
Unknown baby blue/teal stag. Started as a small tiny white frag that I found out a day later was INFESTED with red bugs the next day. Treated the whole tank for red bugs and this coloured up so nicely. Defnitely one of my favs.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3955.jpg?t=1275705820
Green Hulk Monti - I have no idea what kind of monti it is but I am diggin these growth tips pattern. This coral has changed so much since I got it.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3953.jpg?t=1275705901
Lemon Lime Gemmifora I think - LOVE this coral. Slow grower. But I'm finally getting multiple growth tips and encrustation.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3951.jpg?t=1275705969
I call this my Rusty Acro - when I got it from my friend, it was rust colour, now it's got a pink hue to it. I'm excited for this to grow out. It's probably grown by a third already.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3950.jpg?t=1275706021
Snappy's Orange Grove - this was just a single nub when I got it. I am digging the thick growth.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3948.jpg?t=1275706079
Rare baby-blue polyped digi - what a fast grower. I've always liked the digi's growth patterns.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3944.jpg?t=1275706133
Lobsterboy-bi's pineapple express - this started out as one branch. I like it.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3942.jpg?t=1275706181
I have no idea what this is, but I like it. ID anyone?
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3941.jpg?t=1275706237
My bluey-purple milli with pink tips. I wish I could let this grow to fill the tank, but unfortunately no upgrading for me. What a fast grower. 1 foot accross now.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3940.jpg?t=1275706367
First picture I've ever taken of my blotched anthias. I've had a pair of them for a few months already
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3939.jpg?t=1275706463
My purple acro with yellow tips. This thing has grown like crazy as well. It's encrusted onto 3 different pieces of live rock now, so the good thing is I won't be having a rock slide there. I've been pretty fortunate (or maybe skilled) - I have only stacked all of my rock together and never zip tied or glued any together and I haven't had a rock slide yet *knock on wood*
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3936.jpg?t=1275706548
This is the first picture I've taken of my firefish (I forgot what the actual name is. I bought this fish so long ago and did the quick research before buying it but I've got such short term memory that I don't remember). Maybe it's a Helfrichi?
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3930.jpg?t=1275706669
My sun coral which hides in a cave
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3924.jpg?t=1275706758
Thanks for looking all.
Thou shalt not covet thy forum members tank! :mrgreen:
Beautiful Tank Dez!
Thanks Robb. I'm still pretty excited to see yours come together, great build so far.
fishoholic
06-05-2010, 03:52 AM
Thou shalt not covet thy forum members tank! :mrgreen:
Sorry but I do! It looks like a beautiful SPS forest in there.
lastlight
06-05-2010, 04:37 AM
holy cow the new table, lemon lime and rusty are so gorgeous. Those shots are incredible man. Fury forest of color fun! Your blenny is one lucky SOB.
holy cow the new table, lemon lime and rusty are so gorgeous. Those shots are incredible man. Fury forest of color fun! Your blenny is one lucky SOB.
Yeah, the lemon lime grows slower than a turtle can walk. I've had the thing since Sept 09. I like rusty too, everybody was asking for a frag of it, but I ain't fragging it unless it runs out of room to grow, and I made sure there's at least a few inches around him for future growth.
Delphinus
06-05-2010, 05:42 AM
Amazing tank. Very nice man.
Do you have any shrimp in there? Curious on account of the flame hawk.
Amazing tank. Very nice man.
Do you have any shrimp in there? Curious on account of the flame hawk.
I HAD a couple of large cleaner shrimp. But the Candy Hog ate one a few months ago and just ate the other 2 nights ago. :sad:
Snappy
06-05-2010, 07:20 AM
I have no idea what this is, but I like it. ID anyone?
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3941.jpg?t=1275706237
This one looks to most likely be A Loripes.
FYI - That new table looks to be A solitaryensis.
Love the 2nd clam as well. Things are looking great Dez. Keep up the good work.
Thanks so much for the ID Greg. It always amazes me how you are so good with the scientific names of the corals. Any special care on the A solitaryensis? I love it.
What's the diff. between the A loripes and the A granulosa? They are similar aren't they. The granulosa has smaller branching pattern correct?
Thanks for the comments Greg. Your tank was one of the main tanks that inspired me going mainly sps. I remember contacting you during my initial stages of the build for bits and pieces of advice. Thanks for all of that and taking the time to respond to me. Cheers!
Colors are really looking real good , love the new table, probably one of my favorite growth patterns for acros
hillegom
06-05-2010, 06:25 PM
A tank to envy all right.
Keep up the good work Dez. Amazing tank!
Zoaelite
06-05-2010, 07:27 PM
Dez I blame you for my SPS addiction :lol:. Beauty of a tank you got going there!
Dez I blame you for my SPS addiction :lol:. Beauty of a tank you got going there!
Well, you can pass the blame on to Snappy :). I blame him. Thanks for the props. You'll have to change your name to spsElite soon!
Zoaelite
06-05-2010, 09:33 PM
Well, you can pass the blame on to Snappy :). I blame him. Thanks for the props. You'll have to change your name to spsElite soon!
Haha, funny that you mention that as after seeing Greg's tank in person I caught the beginning of my addiction :lol:. I like the way MixedReefElite sounds over SPSElite but ZoaElite works just fine for me.
Well, I'm officially sick of saltwater for today. I decided to do some major aquascaping of the tank today. It's 11:10pm and I'm pooped. It all started with my deciding to get rid of my blue stag. I grew this stag from a frag and it barely fit in a bucket when my friend came and picked it up. It was hard for me to get rid of it since I grew it from a frag but it just wasn't fitting with the colour scheme I had in mind for my tank. Seeing that I have zero opportunity for an upgrade, I have to make this tank full of choice pieces. So here we go....I call up my friend to see if he still wants the big stag and a few colonies, he comes over and we started taking stuff out. I ripped out my pink birdsnest this morning since I have 3. I ripped out the biggest colony mainly cause it was running out of room to grow. My magnet barely fit by it and it was up against the right side of the glass. That came out without much of a problem since it was still on the original frag plug and birdsnest don't tend to encrust onto the rock at it's base. I had fragged up my other pink birdsnest that was a mini colony and sold it off due to popular demand. So now I'm left with one birdsnest that I started from a frag - it has the most room to grow now.
Out came the green fuzzy acro that trippled in size from my original purchase.
I also took out a big colony of my tricolor acro because I have one on the other side of the tank that started out as a frag and is growing into a nice mini colony now. No sense in having the same coral on different ends of the tank.
I had taken out my pink stylo a couple of weeks ago because I saw that my flame angle had developed a tast for it and was biting chunks out of it so that was a hard one to let go of.
I hacked out my lime green/yellow birdsnest simply cause I have quite a bit of greens and yellows in my tank and that nest is too fast of a grower. I have a colony in my frag tank that I had to break a couple of the tips off to get into the bucket.
Lastly the blue stag. I tried to get it off the rock but it had encrusted around the frag plug and onto the rock. This is when I put too much pressure and had my rock colapse on me....argh.
So after taking this many colonies out, I still had trouble rearranging the rocks and corals back in place. The corals were so close together and almost intertwining at some places. I managed to get it back together however many hours later and still feel that there is no room in the tank. I do miss the stag as I really enjoyed the growth pattern but it wasn't a coral that "popped" enough. I'm hoping that my yellow stag with blue tips will fill out that void of open water there. We'll see how that goes.
I know, none of this text means anything without pictures. I'll get some up sometime. I'm too tired.
On another note, my Hawaiian flame wrasse that I've had for 3 days is eating pellets now. I'm pretty excited about that as I was worried about other fish harassing it, and next I was worried about him being a slow feeder. He was slow to get food at the LFS.
Good night!.....phew!
lastlight
06-07-2010, 04:30 PM
Des what were you saying about not putting your hands in the tank for GREAT SUCCESS? Lol...sounds like she looks a lot different. I'm glad I got a chance to see v1.0 and look forward to seeing the new and improved.
And about your upgrade...you have room to go half a foot wider on each side without anyone noticing I think =)
Des what were you saying about not putting your hands in the tank for GREAT SUCCESS? Lol...sounds like she looks a lot different. I'm glad I got a chance to see v1.0 and look forward to seeing the new and improved.
And about your upgrade...you have room to go half a foot wider on each side without anyone noticing I think =)
When you sell a colony that's been encrusted you gotta put your hands in Brett. I just have to start the growth over again with the new stuff that I put it. It doesn't look that different, just really empty where that huge stag was. I'm kind of sensing a little bit of regret now but the longer I waited, the harder it would be to pull it out. I want to give other corals a chance to grow it that water column.
And once again, there will be no upgrade for me as much as I'd like to :biggrin:
lobsterboy
06-07-2010, 08:19 PM
new aquascape sounds exciting, the tank is awesome Dez.
I cant wait to see it sometime.
My wife was checking out the aquarium last night and said, "Des, quick take a picture." It's not often my strawberry conchs show both their eyeballs. I bought 10 strawberry conchs when I first started the aquarium and all 10 of them are still kickin'. I like them. They are hardy and fun to watch. They don't knock corals over cause they typically stay on the sand most of the time eating detritus/leftovers.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3975.jpg?t=1275961395
Here is the new aquascape. I am still going through withdrawal of my blue stag and bright purple acro. Miss them, but it'll be better in the long run. Living room side:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3978.jpg?t=1275961582
Den side:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3976.jpg?t=1275961670
Zoaelite
06-08-2010, 02:02 AM
New Aquascaping is looking great Dez, actually prefer it over the old one. Tank looks much more open now (Although I'm sure that will change shortly :lol:)
reefermadness
06-08-2010, 03:19 AM
Wow Dez...amazing tank.
Is this a zeo system? Also sorry but I've tried to find the specs in the thread....what lighting are you using.
The rusty/pink acro has orange tips from the picture. That one is something special ....
ya, this tank looks like a lot of fun to plunk ones self in front of and just oggle. So may pretty things to look at!
Wow Dez...amazing tank.
Is this a zeo system? Also sorry but I've tried to find the specs in the thread....what lighting are you using.
The rusty/pink acro has orange tips from the picture. That one is something special ....
Thanks for the nice comments. Yes it is a zeo system. It is a 5 x 2 x 2 150 gallon tank. I have 3 x 250 watt halides with cheap China 14k halide bulbs, and 4 x 84 watt T5's (Giessman Actinic plus and KZ fiji purples) and 2 x 54 watt T5s (Aquascience 10K I think). Also 2 x single LED moonlights.
Thank you Kien and Cuz for the nice remarks.
fishoholic
06-08-2010, 05:01 AM
ya, this tank looks like a lot of fun to plunk ones self in front of and just oggle. So may pretty things to look at!
Trust me it is :mrgreen: Looks great (as always) Des
lastlight
06-08-2010, 05:29 AM
Really like the open look as well but can't imagine just yanking colonies. I hope my growth is never as good as yours man =)
Really like the open look as well but can't imagine just yanking colonies. I hope my growth is never as good as yours man =)
You just gotta go bigger Brett :), you're the one always bugging me. Have to yank colonies cause I can't go bigger, although I did trick my wife once into saying yes, but she quickly retracted her statement.
Joe Reefer
06-08-2010, 09:19 PM
You just gotta go bigger Brett :), you're the one always bugging me. Have to yank colonies cause I can't go bigger, although I did trick my wife once into saying yes, but she quickly retracted her statement.
A wise man (rus) once said "It is better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission"
yeah it is definitely easier to ask for forgiveness than permisssion... :mrgreen:
So here's the plan then. Order a new tank, order new lights etc. Send my wife and kids away for a week....then during that week install the new tank and everything. Then when my wife and family comes back, they can't really make me take it out..... think it'll work?:mrgreen:
So here's the plan then. Order a new tank, order new lights etc. Send my wife and kids away for a week....then during that week install the new tank and everything. Then when my wife and family comes back, they can't really make me take it out..... think it'll work?:mrgreen:
Nope, I don't think it will. :neutral:
Chowder
06-08-2010, 10:32 PM
So here's the plan then. Order a new tank, order new lights etc. Send my wife and kids away for a week....then during that week install the new tank and everything. Then when my wife and family comes back, they can't really make me take it out..... think it'll work?:mrgreen:
I think it all depends on where you send your wife for the week. If it is to her mothers it definetly won't work. If it is somewhere spectacular where your wife can get some spa treatments everyday and not worry to much about anything. It would probably be better for you to keep the kids yourself. If you do all the your wife probably won't even notice a new tank for a few weeks.
Chris
Joe Reefer
06-08-2010, 10:58 PM
Sounds like a plan.
Maybe Vegas would work. It would be even better if I sent her away alone and kept the kids with me, then they could help. I'll just tell her it was the kids' idea :biggrin:
A got something in the mail today!!!!!!:mrgreen: So excited to open it!
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P6140003.jpg?t=1276573323
What great workmanship......like a kid getting candy!
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P6140004.jpg?t=1276573375
And installed:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P6140005.jpg?t=1276573489
16" custom skimmer extension. I also have a 12" extension that I ordered as well, so I could stack them and have a 5' tall skimmer if I wanted. I put the 16" extension on to start and started the water level low to break it in. Excited to see how it performs.
whatcaneyedo
06-15-2010, 04:50 AM
If those extensions work well for you I may have to try out your idea myself. If you don't mind me asking, how much did they cost?
If those extensions work well for you I may have to try out your idea myself. If you don't mind me asking, how much did they cost?
Sent you PM
lastlight
06-15-2010, 05:27 AM
Length isn't everything man but it sure can't hurt your system. Do you have to feed more flow from the pump in there now that you're skimmer is fully erect?
Length isn't everything man but it sure can't hurt your system. Do you have to feed more flow from the pump in there now that you're skimmer is fully erect?
Well, at this point I really couldn't do anything about girth, so all I could do was to extend the length of it. No I don't have to feed more flow from the pump, I simply raised the water level with my gate valve. My theory is that the more erect it is, the more contact time the bubbles have, thus skimming more? I don't know. And Brett, FYI the skimmer isn't fully erect yet. I still have a 12" extension sitting in the box :biggrin:
fishoholic
06-15-2010, 02:31 PM
So here's the plan then. Order a new tank, order new lights etc. Send my wife and kids away for a week....then during that week install the new tank and everything. Then when my wife and family comes back, they can't really make me take it out..... think it'll work?:mrgreen:
Maybe Vegas would work. It would be even better if I sent her away alone and kept the kids with me, then they could help. I'll just tell her it was the kids' idea :biggrin:
Sounds like a good plan to me :biggrin:
Well, at this point I really couldn't do anything about girth, so all I could do was to extend the length of it. No I don't have to feed more flow from the pump, I simply raised the water level with my gate valve. My theory is that the more erect it is, the more contact time the bubbles have, thus skimming more? I don't know. And Brett, FYI the skimmer isn't fully erect yet. I still have a 12" extension sitting in the box :biggrin:
Yet another good reason to fully read the whole comment. Somehow I read the part in bold and I missed words in front of it. Makes more sense when you read it all together :redface:
seriously, not the right time to skim posts.. all I pulled out on my first pass was.. blah blah blah 12" blah blah blah extension blah blah blah 16" blah blah blah erect blah blah blah more extensions! ..:surprise:
whatcaneyedo
07-27-2010, 03:47 AM
You've been using that extension for over a month. Got any updates for us to say how it worked out?
Skimmerking
07-27-2010, 12:31 PM
Dez make sure that you add more air now with the extension since you have longer contact time or you will find that the mid way up you will see the skimmer get really dirty
Skimmerking
07-27-2010, 12:32 PM
oh ya what pump are you running Dez on the skimmer
You've been using that extension for over a month. Got any updates for us to say how it worked out?
Oops, totally missed this post. The skimmer extension is awesome. The skimmate seems worse. My wife has recently started to complain about the stench from the fish room and the tank has been up for a year already, and it's only recently she's complaining about the smell. I agree with her. I need to get some sort of carbon soon for my external skimmate collector cause it really does smell.
oh ya what pump are you running Dez on the skimmer
Mike, the pump is my return pump - blackfin 6000. It's got lots of juice and yes I did increase the air a bit but I don't want the bubble size to be too big.
Well, I have not upgraded this thread in a long time. I've actually been quite bored with it. Stuff is still growing fast. I know that I'm not bored bored, but just busy. With summer there are so much other things to do that the aquarium is not on my mind as much. I bought another mini kind of for parts. I've been going to a lot of festivals here in Edmonton like the Street performers festival and heritage days. There's been many weddings to attend and busy planning our 10 year wedding anniversary party. I noticed that the tank is now 1 year old, so that deserved a couple of pictures.
Here goes - August 6, 2009 Den side of tank
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_0899.jpg?t=1249602530
Today - Den side of tank (that purple frag in my last year's shot is now that big colony in the middle of the tank still in the exact same spot). (The brown frag on the left became a colony 10" accross that I sold cause it got too big.)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_4021.jpg?t=1281142888
August 6, 2009 - Living room side of tank
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_0900.jpg?t=1249602581
Today - Living room side of tank
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_4020.jpg?t=1281143087
What can I say, corals are amazing. It excites me that a 1" frag can become a colony in such a short time. And I have made about 500 frags from this tank already. Thanks for looking.
lorenz0
08-07-2010, 01:18 AM
dude your tank is on crack. love the difference in one year. what do you do weekly/ monthly for maintenance?
fishoholic
08-07-2010, 01:26 AM
That is truly crazy how much it's changed in a year.
dude your tank is on crack. love the difference in one year. what do you do weekly/ monthly for maintenance?
Hey Laurier,
I just do weekly water changes (the only ones I've ever missed is when I've been on vacation. Then it had a 10 day period without a water change. I've used 5 different kinds of salt on this tank already. Started with instant ocean, then bought a half pail of H2Ocean from Fencer, then switched to reefer's best, then mixed reefer's best with Salinity (Seachem), then went to Reefer's best mixed with Brightwell, and lately I've been mainly H2Ocean. It only takes me about 7 minutes to do a 40 gallon water change so it's no big deal.
Other than that, I've filled my calcium reactor once. I empty my external skimmer collection cup weekly. I've cleaned the skimmer 4 times in the year.
Every 3 days clean the glass with the magnet. I've only used the magnet with the razor attachement twice in the last year. I've never vacuumed the sand or rock.
I haven't changed any bulbs yet but I'm about to.
I feed and dose zeo daily. Mainly pellets and flake in the last few months due to laziness of not defrosting frozen food.
I think that's about it. I haven't test parameters in 2 months I think. I just watch the corals.
Oh yeah, I frag lots as corals grow to touch each other. Sometimes it's weekly - gets annoying.
lastlight
08-07-2010, 03:05 AM
Oh yeah, I frag lots as corals grow to touch each other. Sometimes it's weekly - gets annoying.
Really makes me wish we were neighbors or something! Congrats on having one of the sexiest looking reefs I've seen Dez. Bored or not you da man.
Really makes me wish we were neighbors or something! Congrats on having one of the sexiest looking reefs I've seen Dez. Bored or not you da man.
Thanks Brett. In time corals do grow. It usually starts out slow but once you have more than one branch, the growth is exponential.
Lots of houses for sale in my neighbourhood ;)
Lance
08-07-2010, 03:47 AM
Wow! Amazing growth!
Skimmerking
08-07-2010, 04:04 AM
Vent the waste collector out side then you wont get the stink. that is what i use to do and it worked great.
Vent the waste collector out side then you wont get the stink. that is what i use to do and it worked great.
I've been meaning to draw air from outside too sometime, but just can't find the time as of late cause my ceiling is drywalled in that room so it's a little difficult. I think carbon will suffice for now. Their is a bathroom fan that is on constantly in the summer that vents directly outside too.
Skimmerking
08-07-2010, 04:13 AM
Dont draw air from the outside its makes the skimmer unstable. and your Ph will go up and down . in the winter its ok the summer with all the spraying and otherthings. With the winter you are getting pure dry air too.
Madreefer
08-07-2010, 02:45 PM
Your tank looks awesome! May I ask what Zeo products your using and the dosage?
ALang
08-07-2010, 03:00 PM
WOW! Dez, that's such a huge differance in one year. Wouldn't have believe it without the pics! Here's me trying and killing those SPS for years. I have been trying my hands on LPS, and recently bought a few sticks of frags to try...again. So I will step up on my water changes. Again, wow. Lenny.
Your tank looks awesome! May I ask what Zeo products your using and the dosage?
Thanks for the comments. I only use the following:
7 drops coral vitalizer daily
7 drops sponge power daily
last few months 4 drops amino acids corals daily
0.3 mL Start 2 twice a week
10 drops bak twice a week
3 drops zeo food twice a week
I have played around with iron (zeo) 6 drops once a week - this really gets the greens brighter
I would like to try pocci glo - just waiting for Marine Aquaria to get some in.
I have also played around with Pohl's Xtra - haven't noticed anything different.
It's expensive but I'm still on the original bottles of everything but Bak (2nd bottle). That's pretty good considering I have about 340 gallon water volume. So if something expensive lasts a year, I'm happy with that.
WOW! Dez, that's such a huge differance in one year. Wouldn't have believe it without the pics! Here's me trying and killing those SPS for years. I have been trying my hands on LPS, and recently bought a few sticks of frags to try...again. So I will step up on my water changes. Again, wow. Lenny.
From past experience it is difficult to convert a softy tank to accept sps with lots of growth for the sps. I don't know how others have done it. I think the key is low nutrients and keeping the balance Alk/Calcium/Mg.
On my previous tanks I have never been as diligent with water changes, so I think this has something to do with it.
A year, amazing!
Thanks Mark, how are the frags that you got from me doing - doubled in size by now?
whatcaneyedo
08-07-2010, 05:35 PM
Oops, totally missed this post. The skimmer extension is awesome. The skimmate seems worse. My wife has recently started to complain about the stench from the fish room and the tank has been up for a year already, and it's only recently she's complaining about the smell. I agree with her. I need to get some sort of carbon soon for my external skimmate collector cause it really does smell.
So which would you recommend? The 12", 16" or both?
Madreefer
08-07-2010, 05:52 PM
I have also played around with Pohl's Xtra - haven't noticed anything different.
I use the same as you. But when I use Pohls's Xtra or B-Balance I get a small patch of cyano. I'm not sure which one of the 2 is causing it. Do you get the same? Went off of Zeo for the last month and will be starting up again on monday. Just seeing if I will notice a difference in color or growth.
So which would you recommend? The 12", 16" or both?
I've only tried the 16" extension and I'm happy with it. Maybe one day I'll daisy chain them both.
I use the same as you. But when I use Pohls's Xtra or B-Balance I get a small patch of cyano. I'm not sure which one of the 2 is causing it. Do you get the same? Went off of Zeo for the last month and will be starting up again on monday. Just seeing if I will notice a difference in color or growth.
I have never had cyano in this tank ever. I did try B balance once, but didn't notice anything different so never bought it again.
Well Dez, as I'm mending my broken bones on light duty at work (VERY SLOW DAYS) I finally decided to read through this build thread as I've been meaning to for ages. Truly amazing! I sat shaking my head from the first growth sequence post on wondering what I need to do to even come close!! lol. Amazing build my friend! Keep up the good work! Oh, and keep growing out that Teal Acro buddy!!
Well Dez, as I'm mending my broken bones on light duty at work (VERY SLOW DAYS) I finally decided to read through this build thread as I've been meaning to for ages. Truly amazing! I sat shaking my head from the first growth sequence post on wondering what I need to do to even come close!! lol. Amazing build my friend! Keep up the good work! Oh, and keep growing out that Teal Acro buddy!!
That teal acro is growing fast hey? You probably noticed last time you were here it's practically touching 2 neighbouring colonies.... Thanks for the encouragement.
I DID!! I was tempted to see if Caley would sneak me a little piece!! lol. Hopefully someday... and that yellow one with the pink tips!! Man you've got some nice stuff in there! I'm gonna have to put in some high end orders soon and have some bargaining leverage with you!!
I can't believe you read through the whole thread. Don't tell me you did it all in one sitting. Sorry to have wasted a few hours of your life :)
LMAO!! No need to appologize. It was a good way to pass a boring day with nothing to do... plus... I got paid to do it!! HAHAHA! I read it off and on throughout the day. I skipped all the talk that I had no interest in... some questions asked had no relevance to me. Overall though, really good info in there... I may have to 'borrow' some of your ideas come time for the upgrade! One question for you though... how's the Wavy Sea, and do they still make them? I can't find them.
LMAO!! No need to appologize. It was a good way to pass a boring day with nothing to do... plus... I got paid to do it!! HAHAHA! I read it off and on throughout the day. I skipped all the talk that I had no interest in... some questions asked had no relevance to me. Overall though, really good info in there... I may have to 'borrow' some of your ideas come time for the upgrade! One question for you though... how's the Wavy Sea, and do they still make them? I can't find them.
I think that WavySea went under shortly after I purchased it. However, I think that Vertex bought them out and they are the exact same thing. I am super happy with it as it randomizes the flow in the entire tank. I have about 1200 gph pumping through the Wavysea alone.
I finally figured out what to do with the empty space on both sides of my aquarium. We got filing cabinets because our office has now taken over the den space.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P1040004.jpg?t=1294188171
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P1040005.jpg?t=1294188591
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P1040007.jpg?t=1294188612
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P1040008.jpg?t=1294188632
Also at the end of November I added a Goldflake Angel. I was scared since I have 31 or 32 fish, but the Goldflake gets along with every tank mate. Couldn't get a good picture cause of the cell phone camera.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/PC180002.jpg?t=1294188775
lastlight
01-05-2011, 12:23 AM
Dez are those beauties safe? DRool!
Nice cabinetry too. Those fit in nicely =)
Also...I see feathers but no balls?
Dez are those beauties safe? DRool!
Nice cabinetry too. Those fit in nicely =)
Also...I see feathers but no balls?
The angels are safe (I'm assuming you mean for clams and corals?) I'm pretty fortunate.
You were supposed to supply the balls (pheasant I mean). :)
Lance
01-05-2011, 01:23 AM
:thumb::thumb::thumb:
I am really liking having the filing cabinets up here now so when I do paperwork now, I can actually multitask and stare at the fish tank while doing mundane tasks of filing and "working". Sometime soon I will move my router and printer up here. I will actually be placing my printer underneath my fish tank since my sump is in the basement.
lorenz0
01-05-2011, 09:38 PM
that is one nice angel. really like how you cleaned up around the tank as well with the cabinets
Thanks Laurier. This is actually my second goldflake angel. About a year ago when I was stocking the tank I tried a juvenile goldflake - it just got picked on and only lasted 3 days. A lot of $ down the drain. I'm actually the 3rd owner of this specimen. Bluetang<3 had it first, then the Codfather then myself.
I tried feeding my fish bananas tonight, it was fun and the fish thought it was a blast. We got a new fish today (My wife actually asked for it for Valentine's Day) - it's a Niger Trigger and it loved the bananas. Here's a couple of short video clips.
http://www.youtube.com/user/FoosDez#p/a/u/1/yAnnh2TpWj4
Here's the Trigger :)
http://www.youtube.com/user/FoosDez#p/a/u/0/keeCA_nr4iU
Sorry for the crappy quality - it's just a cell phone video on the fly.
The Grizz
02-04-2011, 04:13 AM
So what's up with the bananas, were you just bored and standing in front of the tank eating one and thought hhhhhmmmmmm.........I wonder if the fish would like some to. :lol:
So what's up with the bananas, were you just bored and standing in front of the tank eating one and thought hhhhhmmmmmm.........I wonder if the fish would like some to. :lol:
No, years ago we fed our FOWLR tank bananas. Our lunar wrasse used to love it. I think some aquariums feed bananas to the fish too. Doesn't mean it's right though. I know that my fish go bananas (drum roll) for it ;).
So what's up with the bananas, were you just bored and standing in front of the tank eating one and thought hhhhhmmmmmm.........I wonder if the fish would like some to. :lol:
:question: I always wondered how they harvested the banana's out in the middle of the Ocean. I see I am not the only one maybe. Bet the pay is great.
lockrookie
02-04-2011, 04:29 AM
i so want a niger trigger .... i just fear for my clams safety looks awesome il have to try bananas:)
Just an update of the size of my corals. These 2 corals were only about 4" when I got them - typical store sized colony. I used my computer as a reference for size. Sorry, cell phone pics:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_0862.jpg?t=1298860203
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_0863.jpg?t=1298860276
lastlight
02-28-2011, 01:37 AM
Nice stuff Des! That last one your pink tip purple mille? Mine's not even really visible where it ended up but not for long. It grows so fast it's going to eventually tower up from behind I'm thinking.
Yes, that's the pink/purple mili. I have no idea what to do with it. It's about touching the glass at 8 different places.
lastlight
02-28-2011, 02:19 AM
Dedicated loftOffice tank. Just a little cube for it to dominate =)
I'm curious if you've made an even thinner magnet scraper than the last one I saw to get in those tight spots!
fishoholic
02-28-2011, 02:26 AM
Yes, that's the pink/purple mili. I have no idea what to do with it. It's about touching the glass at 8 different places.
I know what you could do........Give me a piece :mrgreen:
The Grizz
02-28-2011, 02:33 AM
WOW nice job Dez, absolutely amazing
fishytime
02-28-2011, 02:33 AM
Man....love the look of all those big colonies.....but they do create their own problems sometimes....I had a millie that I stuck in a hole in a piece of rock that I had on one of my overhangs....it was mounted when it was a wee colony and as it grew into a large piece it started to shift the balance of the whole overhang....I ended up having to redo part of the over hang to keep the rocks from shifting...
to get in those tight spots!
gotta love trying to get into those tight spots
Dedicated loftOffice tank. Just a little cube for it to dominate =)
I'm curious if you've made an even thinner magnet scraper than the last one I saw to get in those tight spots!
Problem is I have no water source over there in the winter (even though it's a 30 second walk). Walking buckets of water in the winter can't be fun :) About the magnet scraper, it's still about 3/16th of an inch thick, I just scrape off the coral now with the magnet....now they all have flat ends.
ALang
03-11-2011, 08:17 PM
Dez,
Questions about your DE MH bulbs.
I know that you use those cheap China bulbs, but how often do you have to change them out? I ordered some today. Hopefully they are good for my tank/corals, too.
Thanks Lenny.
Hi Lenny, I responded in the other thread. Hope this helps.
ALang
03-12-2011, 01:35 AM
Thanks!
reefan
03-12-2011, 02:54 PM
Very impressive, thanks for sharing
spawn
03-21-2011, 10:54 PM
I've been reading through your build today & being that this is my 1st year in the hobby I'd say that growth is awesome. I've had sps for the last 6 months in my tank that haven't grown that much. Although with the addition of a profilux things have definately started to take off in the last 2.5 months. I just upgraded to a 150 gal for my future build in the basement & will likely use your build as a guide for success with an sps dominant system.Wow.....I was looking through the date stamp on my pictures and I can't believe that this was only 26 days of growth:
Sept 22
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_3208.jpg?t=1255969133
Oct 18
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_0474.jpg?t=1255969183
Thanks Spawn. Yes that colony is now 18" accross with me constantly fragging it. Just be patient and this hobby definitely pays off.
reefermadness
03-22-2011, 12:53 AM
One of the best reefs on canreef!
One of the best reefs on canreef!
I am humbled as I think that there are tons of tanks out there that are of higher calibre on canreef. Thank you.
Anyway, here's a full tank shot from my cell phone yesterday. I only took one from the living room side.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/IMG_2053.jpg?t=1300766687
Reefpins10
03-22-2011, 04:55 AM
TOOOOO JEALOUS !
The Grizz
03-22-2011, 05:01 AM
That is some HARD CORE reef porn, had to put my iPad down to wipe the drool from my chin. Soooooooooo very jelous, can't wait to see in person
reefermadness
03-22-2011, 12:58 PM
I am humbled as I think that there are tons of tanks out there that are of higher calibre on canreef. Thank you.
Dont think so buddy.....just admit its the bomb.
Just took a couple of quick pics tonight. Some updates as of late:
1. New frag tank (Just wanted one with an external overflow box). It's the same size. I did it cause I have connections to glass.
2. I have now switched to LED lighting. Just some cheap ebay brand ones. So the halides are officially down now and I'm gonna give these LEDs 6 months before I sell my halides. This saved me close to 400 watts. I went from 3 x 250 watt pendants to 3 x 120 watt LED pendants. We'll see, only time will tell.
Anyway, here are a few pics.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060027.jpg?t=1302149849
Pink Milli - Started from a 2" brown smooth frag
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060022.jpg?t=1302149883
Started from a white almost dead 1" frag
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060021.jpg?t=1302149920
Teal Acro - Started from a sickly smooth pale frag infested with red bugs (I didn't know it at the time - it is now the size of a cantelope)
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060020.jpg?t=1302149995
That Red Convexa at the bottom left of this picture was started from a tiny 1/2" frag from Snappy - it is now about 6" around
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060016.jpg?t=1302150097
Tough to get the colour right, this is way too blue.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060015.jpg?t=1302150205
This pineapple express was originally from Lobsterboy, started out as a 1.5" frag.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060012.jpg?t=1302150254
Saltynuts frag - started out as 1.5" brown frag. It is about the size of a cantelope as well, slightly taller than wide as I've been keeping its width in check.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060008.jpg?t=1302150309
This is one of my frag tanks. The other is just as crowded.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/P4060001.jpg?t=1302150386
fishytime
04-07-2011, 04:39 AM
Love the first and sixth pics Dez.....beautiful "coralscape" type shots .......wowzers:eek:....... perhaps its a good thing that we havnt been able to hook up so I could see your tanks.....judging from that frag tank my wallet would likey have taken a huge hit:wink:......some really sweet stuff there man!
bignose
04-07-2011, 04:40 AM
Hey Dez your tank is amazing as usual.
Love the first and sixth pics Dez.....beautiful "coralscape" type shots .......wowzers:eek:....... perhaps its a good thing that we havnt been able to hook up so I could see your tanks.....judging from that frag tank my wallet would likey have taken a huge hit:wink:......some really sweet stuff there man!
Thanks Doug,
It's so hard to actually get the colour right. I'm just using a point and shoot so everything looks blue. I much prefer the colours in real life. They seem to "pop" more than with the camera's eye. Maybe it's cause it's a cheap point and shoot. Anytime you are up in Edmonton seeing your girl, you come by and visit. I live about 2 mins off the hwy coming up from Calgary right when you enter Edmonton.
lastlight
04-07-2011, 05:38 AM
Love your pic updates man. For starters everything is gorgeous and secondly I can see what 75% of my current coral collection might look like someday =)
The Grizz
04-07-2011, 05:40 AM
Amazing as usual. Is that the new frag tank we put in Dez?
still fantastic
Can you give some details of the LED you're using.
still fantastic
Can you give some details of the LED you're using.
They are brandless but "claimed" to have good par values. I bought them from eBay. 120 1 watt LEDs fan cooled unit. They were $300 per unit with $30 shipping each. So basically $1000 shipped for 3 pendants. Keeping my fingers crossed. Great colour but only time will tell. They've been on for a week and a half now.
Flash
04-07-2011, 03:27 PM
i'm guessing i should tell you now that the pic i took of ur tank last time i was over is now my desk-top on my computer! lol! love it! hands down the most amazing tank i have seen!!
i'm guessing i should tell you now that the pic i took of ur tank last time i was over is now my desk-top on my computer! lol! love it! hands down the most amazing tank i have seen!!
:redface: Flattered. Thx :wink:
Lance
04-07-2011, 10:16 PM
Terrific as usual Dez! Keep us updated on the switch to LED. Interested to see how the corals fare.
Amazing as usual. Is that the new frag tank we put in Dez?
Yup, that's the new tank. Thanks for all of your help and I hope that your old frag tank serves you well.
Terrific as usual Dez! Keep us updated on the switch to LED. Interested to see how the corals fare.
I'm really keeping my fingers crossed on this one. The colours are great, the corals seem to pop more because of the blue leds. The reds and greens just glow!
Man, what I would give for 5 min. in that frag tank. :lol:
spawn
04-08-2011, 04:38 AM
That green A. Humilus is awesome.
That green A. Humilus is awesome.
It is an excruciating slow grower though. I think it's only grown 2" since I've got it. It was part of my first batch of corals I got for this aquarium 1 year and a half ago.
The Grizz
04-08-2011, 05:04 AM
It is an excruciating slow grower though. I think it's only grown 2" since I've got it. It was part of my first batch of corals I got for this aquarium 1 year and a half ago.
I know what you mean Dez, I got a nice little colony of the same thing from Lobsterboy over a year ago and it hasn't grown a single millimeter. It's the only SPS that I have been able to keep so far.
chris88
04-08-2011, 01:36 PM
Everything looks great in there, even your frag rack looks like it has been growing like wild.
bryceschutte
04-08-2011, 07:26 PM
I just found this build. 4 hours later, my mind is BLOWN. I never knew such growth was possible in this amount of time. You have motivated me to do regular water changes and save my pop cans to buy zeovit!
Leon71
04-09-2011, 03:49 AM
Damn........:shocked:. I really need to come see that tank sometime. I am still collecting equipment to start my first salty tank. You are truly an inspiration.
I just found this build. 4 hours later, my mind is BLOWN. I never knew such growth was possible in this amount of time. You have motivated me to do regular water changes and save my pop cans to buy zeovit!
Zeovit isn't that expensive, just to start. I'm still on my very first container of ZeoStart 2 (1/1/2 years later). I'm only on my second containers of the others. I really don't dose much zeo anymore considering the size of my system. Sorry for wasting 4 hours of your life...:redface:
Damn........:shocked:. I really need to come see that tank sometime. I am still collecting equipment to start my first salty tank. You are truly an inspiration.
I collected used equipment over a period of years before even starting this tank. If you are patient, good deals will come. I am the 3rd owner of my closed loop pump and it's still going. My wavebox was used and my lights were 6 years old.....so just be patient :)
I played around with my phone camera last night and snapped this quick video. Hope that you enjoy. The quality isn't as great as I thought it'd be, but what do you expect from a cell phone right? The colours don't come out right and everything looks pretty washed out. Well, hope you enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwHI6E54xn8
lastlight
04-22-2011, 07:17 AM
Thanks for the disclaimer man a simple 'this vid rocks fuzzy sticks' would have sufficed! Tank looks fab. I see your monti caps are climbing up the walls now lol. Those massive thick branches with the blue tips... that your abrol or the shag stag?
KILLROY!
Thanks for the disclaimer man a simple 'this vid rocks fuzzy sticks' would have sufficed! Tank looks fab. I see your monti caps are climbing up the walls now lol. Those massive thick branches with the blue tips... that your abrol or the shag stag?
KILLROY!
Brett, not sure which coral you're talking about. What's the time in the video of the appearance of that coral? Thanks for the props :)
lastlight
04-22-2011, 07:28 AM
I think I've attached a photo. Never used canreef's photo upload before.
That's the shag stag. That coral was in the very first batch of corals that I bought for the tank. It took forever to colour up and start growing. I was brown for the first 6 months, now it's a darker green with blue tips and sort of pink coralites.
lastlight
04-22-2011, 07:38 AM
Mines the same other than the blue which really sucks bigtime.
Time to start tossing some Pohl in the tank maybe...
Mines the same other than the blue which really sucks bigtime.
Time to start tossing some Pohl in the tank maybe...
I've actually cut down on the dosing by quite a bit. I'm down to 8 drops of coral vitalizer daily only. I've quit the aminos, sponge power, pocci glo. Once a week I'll stick a capful of K-balance, and Pohl's Xtra and that's it.
Also, so far it's been just about a month on LEDs and the coral colours haven't changed.....knock on wood. The corals seem to be growing still. So we'll see. I'm gonna give it 5 more months before selling the halides.
Great Video , I must say your tank is looking awesome great color and growth you have ... well done
Great Video , I must say your tank is looking awesome great color and growth you have ... well done
Thanks Rus, your tank is quite amazing. Congrats on your TOTM. I've always enjoyed the mixed reef and kudos to you for being able to manage the coral fighting in a mixed reef.
Skimmerking
04-22-2011, 07:02 PM
and who so you think you re Dez putting that n there. you have some nerve showing up amazing beauty. :biggrin:
Well done buds i love that vid. Hows the Flame in there I'm wanting a flame angel now.
does she nip alot?
and who so you think you re Dez putting that n there. you have some nerve showing up amazing beauty. :biggrin:
Well done buds i love that vid. Hows the Flame in there I'm wanting a flame angel now.
does she nip alot?
I'll have to say that all my angels seem to be good. I have a coral beauty, flame angel, goldflake angel and a majestic angel. All have been in there for a while now. Corals and clams and even my blue sponge are growing well.
es355lucille
04-22-2011, 11:16 PM
Cool video Dez. Nice looking tank!
whatcaneyedo
05-24-2011, 06:32 PM
So Dez, now that you've had some time to play with them, how do you feel about the skimmer neck extensions on your Bullet? Which would you recommend? I've got a bullet 3 with an iwaki 70 on my 200gal system. Eventually I plan to upgrade to a 350gal system.
Parker
05-25-2011, 01:34 AM
Looks great as always Dez!
So Dez, now that you've had some time to play with them, how do you feel about the skimmer neck extensions on your Bullet? Which would you recommend? I've got a bullet 3 with an iwaki 70 on my 200gal system. Eventually I plan to upgrade to a 350gal system.
I don't think I'd ever run it without the extension on my size of system. I really do think it helps with the bubbles having more contact time. It is effortless to clean. Hope this helps.
whatcaneyedo
05-25-2011, 04:29 AM
Which one do you prefer or are you using both at the same time?
I actually never tried out the shorter one. I run the larger one and have actually never put both of them together at the same time.
New fish today after not adding anything in months on end. Spontaneous purchase. This is a few hours after acclimating.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/10fish.jpg
Canadian Man
06-17-2011, 03:08 AM
Very cool! I'm assuming it's the group? How many?
The Grizz
06-17-2011, 03:10 AM
WOW Dez that is some addition, I count 10 of those whatchamacallem's :biggrin:
Very cool! I'm assuming it's the group? How many?
Yeah, I bought 10 of them. It was very spontaneous. I just went to Marine Aquaria to buy carbon and ended up walking out with that group. I like em. Hey, do you by chance have a Dx6i or similar for sale?
Canadian Man
06-17-2011, 03:40 AM
Nope. Your 1 year too late. I started with a dx6i then went to a dx7 now have a jr9505.
Check on Calgary heli. There may be someone selling one. I am headed there and will check for you.
Well, today I took down my 20 gallon frag tank and replaced it with a 5' x 14" x 14" frag tank. Now I'll finally have enough room to prune. My tank is a mess right now with everything growing into each other. Here's a picture.
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/5fragtank.jpg
The Grizz
06-18-2011, 02:50 AM
Where are all the frags Dez? Did you sell them all already before I got there:sad: Nice second frag tank too by the way.
H22_TURBO
06-18-2011, 03:22 AM
That new frag tank looks sweet dez!
I'll need to swing by again to drool.......I mean get some more frags when it's full.
wow, I see you've openned up shop! :biggrin:
I still have about 140 frags in my other frag tank Grizz....no worries. I was out of room and couldn't prune my display, so this should by me some time :)
bignose
06-18-2011, 04:55 AM
Dez how much do you think you can fit in that room!:lol:
Here it is with some frags:mrgreen:
http://i600.photobucket.com/albums/tt88/des_sublime/filled.jpg
HOLY CRAP !! You fragged those clams?!?
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