Evans 55 slice of the ocean

[evaneatspie555]

I am going to be putting up my 55 gallon tank because I'm finding it too hard to make a nice reef and too limited with my 30 gallon I already have about 30 pounds of live rock and will be buying about 20 more pounds or so of love Rick as well as some base rock to help with my aqua scape I'm going to do it right with a sump/fugium I am think 4 par38 screw in led bulbs as well as some power compacts I already have to help get rid of the spotlight effect I here they give off. I am planning on starting this build after Xmas and will be keeping u all posted with pictures to come. How big of a cuc do u think I would need and what should I go for fish I want one more large fish and maybe 3 more small fish that will school ??

[evaneatspie555]

i will most likely be doing lps corals like hammer coral frogspawn and i want an anemone. what kind of lighting would i get the most bang for my buck it would need to be a 36 to 48 inch light. preferably led. and if i did go with the par38 led how many would i need to have sufficient lighting. i saw nebeths system and for a 20 gallon she had like 6 that would be alot. as well if anyone has any input on a good site to buy the par 38 led were they are cheap please let me know? im kinda lost as for lighting :(

[Nebthet]

Hey.. I have five lights hung over my tak, but only three of them are on at ay one tome. I could go with a fourth if I wanted to to have max tank coverage.
If you go with a 36 inch tank, I would say 5-7 par30/38 bulbs
or for the 48 inch tank, 6-8 bulbs.

You could also try the Vertex leds. One of those with a two bulb t5 actinic would work.

[evaneatspie555]

Could u please send me a link to the site u got your bulbs from and the other option u stated ?

[evaneatspie555]

Nvm read your other thread lol

[Nebthet]

Lol.. yeah...John of Boostled, if you go the par30 route, he is a really great guy.. I actually want to buy two of his MU series lights for my larger tank eventually. But it is going to take me a while to save up for them.

Here is the link for the guy o here in Calgary selling the 6 nanotuners par38 bulbs.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=80283&highlight=nanotuners

It is a fair deal he has going on there.

[evaneatspie555]

He sold them :( I will have to find something else or check out boost led thanks for the help

[Nebthet]

No problem. Boostleds par 30s are just as good as the par 38's, and they have great color combos now. Best time to buy is when he has them on sale for $65 each.

[evaneatspie555]

i think i might go with this does anyone have experience with it and i will probably add something to make up for its small size

[Nebthet]

What are you going with? I don't see a link. If you are talking about the par30's, there isn't much of a difference between them and the par38 bulbs, just the size of the bulb itsself is smaller, but you still have 5 led lights per and boosts run at 2w each led. You still get the same coverage.

[evaneatspie555]

http://www.boostled.com/collections/mu-series/products/mu-series-135w-led-module

[Nebthet]

Actually they are rather good.. on a 48 inch tank you would want two of them. A lot of people use them on their 55-120g tanks with the most being on the 75-90-120's.
There is a person on nano reef selling 2 of these units right now.. and will take a reasonable offer..
Lets see.. 349.99 new, so I would offer 230 each unit plus shipping.
http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=287211&hl=Boostled

http://www.nano-reef.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=287211&hl=Boostled

[evaneatspie555]

thanks for the link it looks like he doesnt want to seperate the lights from the rest of the package so it just made my xmas list :p

[evaneatspie555]

k if i got the mu 135 led fixture just one and got a par bulb for each side of it do u think that would be good enough or am i in a dream world with that idea should i just splurge for 2

[Nebthet]

You honestly should just go with the two mu units for full tank coverage.

[evaneatspie555]

then thats what i will do :) as for a sump do u guys think that a 10 gallon sump is big enough for a 55gallon 48 inch long tank. what i mean is will it be large enough to house a protein skimmer and and create a half decent size refugium, or should i make a seperate refugium to have more room for gadets i might need

[evaneatspie555]

this is the tank im working with i have started to fill it up only half way to keep some rock in it with a pumphttp://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/[IMG]http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2324.jpg i ordered a eshopps nano overflow box it is rated at 200 gph and then i have a koralia 750 pump ( i might order another one for the other side of the tank). i am going to get all the plumbing done once the over flow comes in. i have also ordered a coralife 65 protein skimmer and that will be im my sump. i will be making my sump/fuge sometime this week or weekend. and soon i will have 2 boost led 135 led mu lighting fixtures for my lighting i will keep u all posted.
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/%3Ca%20href=http://s597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/?action=view&current=IMG_2324.jpg%20target=_blank%3E[IMG]http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/th_IMG_2324.jpgk well i cant get the picture to show im using photo bucket stick with me :p
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/%3Ca%20href=%22http://s597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/?action=view&current=IMG_2325.jpg%22%20target=%22_ blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2325.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Photobuc ket%22%3E%3C/a%3E

[evaneatspie555]

http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2324.jpg

[evaneatspie555]

my lights have also been purchased tonight from boost led. that was a heavy hit to my wallet. i know it will be worth it

[Nebthet]

I would say to go with a 20g Long sump if you are gonna have one.

[evaneatspie555]

Yeah I was thinking about that but I started filling the tank and the only thing I could fit was a 10 standard so I'm thinking of drilling this 5 I have and a pump putting water into it and then it drains into my skimmer chamber of my sump

[evaneatspie555]

so i came home from work and my new tank with nothing in it other then a couple peices of live rock had a temp of 84 will that kill the organizms on my live rock? it was my heater was an old one and stayed on going to get a new one tomorrow so i dont have this problem again

[reefwars]

so i came home from work and my new tank with nothing in it other then a couple peices of live rock had a temp of 84 will that kill the organizms on my live rock? it was my heater was an old one and stayed on going to get a new one tomorrow so i dont have this problem again


no youll be fine alot of tanks get higher than that in the summer, since your buying a heater you might as well buy 2, its a fail safe in case one was to give out and then they dont need to work as hard as one big one;) cheers budd:)

[evaneatspie555]

i have one from my 30 gallon and will be buying one tomorrow so i will eventually have 2 plus i have like 5 made for 10 gallons in my garage so i have plenty of heaters i want one that can go under water so that i can have it in my sump

[reefwars]

i have one from my 30 gallon and will be buying one tomorrow so i will eventually have 2 plus i have like 5 made for 10 gallons in my garage so i have plenty of heaters i want one that can go under water so that i can have it in my sump


be wary on small heaters not rated for larger than your tank as they have to work alot harder and spend alot longwer of a time heating your water, a heater or 2 rated for more than your tank will work alot less, heat up the water faster, and be cheaper on the ol electric bill;)

[evaneatspie555]

be wary on small heaters not rated for larger than your tank as they have to work alot harder and spend alot longwer of a time heating your water, a heater or 2 rated for more than your tank will work alot less, heat up the water faster, and be cheaper on the ol electric bill;)
i will take that to hart thanks for the words of wisdome

[reefwars]

i will take that to hart thanks for the words of wisdome


your quite welcome mate, is just what ive learned over the years as ive had some bad dealings with heaters, tanks looking like its coming along great man keep up the good work:):)

[evaneatspie555]

today i bought a new heater transfered all my fish and corals to a ten gallon tank and the rest of the water from my 30 whent into my new 55 as well as all the live rock that didnt have corals on it and some with a mushroom or 2 on them( mine frow like weeds) as soon as it all settles down i will finish my aqua scape and let the tank get clear before adding my fish the coral will wait untill my lights are in for the big tank they will live in the 10 gallon with more then enough lighting. i got 11 snails for my big tank some kool ones that burry themselves in the sand pretty kool stuff. once the overflow comes in and the fish and corals are in the display it will get plumed in and then it will be smooth sailing hopefully pics to come :)

[evaneatspie555]

the fish in there temporary home
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2329.jpg
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/javascript%3Cb%3E%3C/b%3E:void%280%29;

[evaneatspie555]

and the display area.
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2330.jpg

[evaneatspie555]

should i let the tank cycle before i add my fish and corals or can i add them right away since i have good live rock all the sand from the old tank and all the water

[reefwars]

should i let the tank cycle before i add my fish and corals or can i add them right away since i have good live rock all the sand from the old tank and all the water
if they are in a tank and doing fiine id wait for a bit and test to see where you stand let the test be your guide, you may see a cycle you may not alot of factors come into play and if you have the luxury of a temp home then wait for a bit and let your new tank stabilize if a cycle arises at least yur critters will be fine:):) patience is the name of the game:)

[evaneatspie555]

thats what i was thinking im going to do daily water tests untill i see some amonia and then a decline but i doupt i willive had water in there for almost 4 days wit die off from sand and 2 big peices of live rock 10 gallons ofe water from an established tank then today anothe 15 gallons of established water sand and rock have been added today and finally wen i add my fish there new homes water will be added as well as the live rock from the old tank :p

[evaneatspie555]

k so i am trying to figure out another large fish to add or 3 or so small schooling fish does any one have any suggestions they must be compatible with my 2 clowns a yellow tang and a royal dotty back must not munch on crabs cuz i love my hermits and snails :p
other then that im thinking of stocking my tank with.
my old fish
yellow tang 2 inch in size
2 clowns 1.5 inch in size
royal dottyback 1.5 inch in size
10 hermit crabs
13 snails
1 emerald crab

new fish
??
??
??
a couple more snails (maybe)
one more emerald crab ( i love them there so kool looking)
1 cleaner shrimp
1 red star fish (maybe)?
flame scallop (maybe)
thats all the stuff i would like as far as live stock just need to do research suggestions are welcomed

[reefwars]

k so i am trying to figure out another large fish to add or 3 or so small schooling fish does any one have any suggestions they must be compatible with my 2 clowns a yellow tang and a royal dotty back must not munch on crabs cuz i love my hermits and snails :p
other then that im thinking of stocking my tank with.
my old fish
yellow tang 2 inch in size
2 clowns 1.5 inch in size
royal dottyback 1.5 inch in size
10 hermit crabs
13 snails
1 emerald crab

new fish
??
??
??
a couple more snails (maybe)
one more emerald crab ( i love them there so kool looking)
1 cleaner shrimp
1 red star fish (maybe)?
flame scallop (maybe)
thats all the stuff i would like as far as live stock just need to do research suggestions are welcomed


hard to get fish to school in small tank chromis would prob be your best bet but their aggressive and territorial towards each other as they mature so get them small all the same size all added at the same time.i have 4 in my 90g that stay together but they harass any newcomers pretty bad.

id say your good on snails and crabs too so maybe use that money for an extra ceaner shrimp.

wouldnt attempt the star untill your tank matures

flame scallops are cool but they eventually hide and you may not see it again plus they also do better in established systems

emerald crabs are cool as are porcelain crabs especially the whites


you could try a small wrasse for nice colour, maybe a goby and shrmp pair too would fit in nicely.

hows everything doing good i take it??):)cheers buddy:)

[evaneatspie555]

Everything is great get everything but the lights right now the fish will be added to the main tank soon so I can plump in the over flow and hide the protein skimmer the corals will stay below with my old lights untill the new ones get here. As for my cabinets the inside of the top what's the best way to seal it from water or can I just paint it white with regular old paint?

[evaneatspie555]

And ur saying get 2 cleaner shrimp ?

[evaneatspie555]

?

[reefwars]

your call theres no harm in having 2 if you want them id rather have 2 shrimp then a whack load of snails and crabs ive had more than one cleaner shrimp in tanks many times....i never seen any harm:)

[evaneatspie555]

Kool I love shrimp I will deff have 2

[evaneatspie555]

so today i noticed my yellow tang has ich wich makes me think all my fish have it i found white dots on the tangs body so i am planing on feeding with garlic as i have heard it works good then once i get my lights and corals go into the display i will take the carbon out and use a medication on the fish since there in my q tank i hope i dont loose anyone. and now that i have the ich scare i will be getting 2 cleaner shrimp forsure and isnt there a wrasse or goby or something that cleans fish of parasites as well .?

[evaneatspie555]

The medication has started today I also raised the temp and will be feeding garlic soaked food hopefully I don't loose anyone. If I do I will have just corals in my tank for a while get some shrimp first then slowly add fish

[evaneatspie555]

k well the medication period has ended and the fish are fine now no signs of ich. i also got my lights in today and will be posting pictures of the old lights and the new lights soon. all is well
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2354.jpg
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2353.jpg

[evaneatspie555]

and this is the new lights they have all blue mode all white mode and a mixed mode i love them my corals already seem better.
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2356.jpg
my mushrooms
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2360.jpg my hammer coral and an unknown zoa or paly not sure
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2361.jpg
and emerald
http://i597.photobucket.com/albums/tt55/EvanMcKay/IMG_2363.jpg

[evaneatspie555]

Fish are in and happy eating lots. I started using kalk drip an a coral supplement. U can really tell al the fish were from a small tank they still stay really close to eachother only using Hal the tank at a time hopefully they spread out a little once I get my 2 cleaner shrimp and 3 blue reef chromis and some kind of show piece fish I'm still undecided I was thinking a flame or a bicolor angel any thoughts

[evaneatspie555]

well it looks like i will be waiting 8 weeks to add any new fish as i had to catch my fish and stick them in quarintine. i guess the ich wasnt all gone so i gave my fish a 5 minute freshwater dip in the medication then added them to quarentine wich i filled with water from the display. i then added the correct amount of medication water is blue again and they will be living in there for 8 weeks now. the only fish i couldnt cath was my royal dottyback. hate that guy too small and fast i will be feeding him from the net to help make it easier to catch him. i will also be feeding with garlic soaked food and am getting my 2 cleaner shrimp sometime this week. other then that major disapointment everything is good i got a torch coral a few days ago and it is loving my lights my hammer coral is groing everyday and my mushrooms are neon. my zoas are showing colors they have never shown before and my kenya tree is getting bigger everyday. its a sad day in my aquarium career

[evaneatspie555]

ok so after my novice reefer mistake of thinkin the medication can cure ich over a week sucks i now have all my fish in a 5 gallon qt and they will stay there medicated for ive been told at least a month so that the main tank can get rid of the ich in it. is that long enough and i also purchased my 2 cleaner shrimp today there transition into the main tank was flawless as well as 5 more snail and hermits( i have been having alot of browny green hair like algea lately and was figuring its due to the rocks i bought having it on them and no skimmer on that tank yet and i hadnt done a water change in like 2 weeks so i will be doing a couple water changes over this week to help with that. now that i have a large tank im thinkig of using vodka dosing or something just a thought. any suggestions on how best to get rid of this algea other then get a tang lol i have one and he would e a fatty but ich is still there :(

[evaneatspie555]

http://img.tapatalk.com/18393bea-5007-b2e9.jpgmy new addition and a tank update too come

[evaneatspie555]

I'm going to be moving soon so I am sadly taking this tank down soon but will downsize it all into a 30 gallon tank or around that size