Nano's 35g Cube

[Nano]

Hey Guy's its that time of year, where I get the itch to do something.
So I bought a use 35 gallon cube tank! I am hoping to do something truly
elegant, and different with the aquascape, but I need some suggestions.
its 24x24x15 so my height is a bit limited, but I am thinking 2 pillar
structures, one larger one in the back corner, and a smaller on middle
or front corner area. Both would have some shelves coming out of them.
Again open to suggestions

Equipment

Lighting
AI SOL super blue
AI controller
Still thinking of refugium light, most likely small t5/CFL supplemented with my old nano leds strips

Skimmer
Tunze 9002

Powerheads
2 Koralia 240

Custom Oak Stand built by yours truly (had some wild cherry I was going to trim it with, but decided against it), Custom AI mounting Arm being built By Greg(Thanks So much!!), not sure if I'll paint it white to match the SOL or black to match the eurobracing. (again open to suggestions)

Still figuring out the sump/fuge (will update)

The DT will be all Dry rock for aquascaping reasons, and all my live rock
will go in the sump, all though I might put one or 2 small chunks in the DT
temporarily.

I have 2 ocellaris, one bangai, one scooter blenny, that I plan on putting
in, and am looking at maybe 2 more fish, so suggest some! I want some
nice color but also functional fish (i.e. pest eaters)

Current CUC consists of
1 emerald crab
4 Hermits
2 Astrea snails
2 Turbos

Will update with pictures this weekend! But for now help me out with some aquascaping suggestions please!

[gregzz4]

Well, finally out of the 16g. It's about time :mrgreen:
Ha, honestly that didn't take you long. I kinda had a feeling this was going to happen when you found out your 20 was only a 16 or so.
Good upgrade.
You could ask Carrera75 if he'd send you some pics of his old Solana 34. I saw it before x-mas and thought it was nicely done.

[Nano]

thanks greg I will do that, yeah this tank is just too small,
its starting to come together only to get torn apart :lol: but
I secretly love cube tanks, and I think if they are done just
right they can be more appealing then long tanks. but it all
comes down to the rock work. I want it to be open, but have
the pillars for them to swim around, the main thing is creating
or the illusion of it. I just have a few more things to work out
i.e. sump, return pump, and plumbing, and I'm glad I'm getting
so much help fro all of you on here, cause I honestly would
what to do for mos of it!

[gregzz4]

If you don't already have this link Head Loss Calculator (http://www.reefcentral.com/index.php/head-loss-calculator), you do now. There are some other calculators too on the lower left. Site is finicky though. I just tried it and it won't load. Happens from time to time. The site is deathly slow, so I never chat there :razz:

[Nano]

lol wow it is slow! I have 60mbps and its like a friggen snail! I have had time to type this whole message and its still not loaded. lol

[gregzz4]

It's up now

[Nano]

lol they try to make it easy for idiots like me for making a calculator, yet, I still dont know what I'm looking at. lol i'll figure it out. I cant believe it has all those pumps loaded in to the program to! thats neat thanks gregzz

[Nano]

So today I picked up everything I was getting built, and had ordered, Thanks Martin for the AI, and stand up friendly service!
Spent the better part of the day hanging out with Greg, and Martin as well, as we tackled the tank build.
I will post photos below!
First off, you can see I have joined the sump club! Thanks for the know how and the help on this Greg!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2554.jpg
Here is a FTS of my hand built oak stand, came out nicely!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2549.jpg
And The Cream of the crop!
I designed an AI mount, and Greg helped me make it a reality, thanks to him as always for all the support
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2553.jpg

All that is left at this point Is to make my stand pipes, and plumbing, as well as find a 400-800gph return pump, and I'm ready to rock.
I will post some better pics in a bit, companies here so I can only be absent for so long :lol:

[Nano]

Bump for Greg, better pics tomorrow.

[The Grizz]

Nice job on the stand Ken, looks great :thumb: can't wait to see it all together & salty.

[Nano]

Nice job on the stand Ken, looks great :thumb: can't wait to see it all together & salty.

The door is a little bit out of square lol but you can't tell unless you stare at it hahaha. I'm hoping to mount the ARM on tomorrow for a dry run. :lol:
I can't wait to get this thing wet. :wink::twised:

[The Grizz]

I didn't think the overflow I built you turned out that bad that you had to hide it behind the AI Sol boxes :razz:.

[lockrookie]

The door is a little bit out of square lol but you can't tell unless you stare at it hahaha. I'm hoping to mount the ARM on tomorrow for a dry run. :lol:
I can't wait to get this thing wet. :wink::twised:

looking good can't wait to see aquascaping

[Nano]

LOL no I realized that when I posted the picture. I'll post again tomorrow with better pics once the inlaws give me some breathing room!!:lol:
I didn't think the overflow I built you turned out that bad that you had to hide it behind the AI Sol boxes :razz:.

Can't wait either, its going to be a tricky one for sure! I want to try to steer away from the classic, cube "pile" look. hopefully next weekend I can get the plumbing done, and maybe the aquascape too
looking good can't wait to see aquascaping

[Coralgurl]

I like this set up, looks really good! Can't wait to see it wet!! Congrats!

[Nano]

Thanks me too! I've been losing sleep over it lol just itching to get it going!

[Coralgurl]

I know exactly how you feel...:lol:

[fishoholic]

The stand looks good :thumb: love the tank size, cubes are awesome! :biggrin:

[Nano]

So I got the light mounted up, and stand drilled for plumbing today, as you can see the end result is very clean, no wires showing, I am very happy with this result
Full tank shot, tanks a bit dusty ATM, but look how clean it all looks!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2556.jpg
A few closer shots of the arm, and mounting unit
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2558.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2559.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2562.jpg
Underneath with the sump
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2561.jpg

[The Grizz]

That looks Sweet Ken, looks like you might have to shorten the bottom of the light arm a bit once you have it all dialed in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nano]

That looks Sweet Ken, looks like you might have to shorten the bottom of the light arm a bit once you have it all dialed in.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah I'm thinking so, dont want it to be to close to the sump lol, get a bunch of salt creep in there and that would suck!
The wife's digging it, I got the nod of approval lol so this is a bonus as well, cant wait to get into the living room, and junk the old nano

[Nano]

Aqua scaping started! I went for an open look with lots of swimming room, and shelf work on the rocks, a few hidden tunnels built in! Very happy with the result so far
Full tank shot
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2566.jpg
One Island
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2567.jpg
Side view, including other structure
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2568.jpg
corner shot
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2569.jpg
View from other side
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2571.jpg
Top View
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2575.jpg
corner shot
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2576.jpg

[Nano]

only took about 2 1/2 hours! I must say I like the BB look, but I'm not sure I'm ready to ditch the sand bed

[The Grizz]

Some pretty neat pieces of rock you have there Ken.

[Nano]

Some pretty neat pieces of rock you have there Ken.

Theyre all smaller pieces epoxyed together to make larger ones

[The Grizz]

That's what I figured, you might want a nice flat round piece in the front left corner for zoa frags :biggrin:

[Nano]

That's what I figured, you might want a nice flat round piece in the front left corner for zoa frags :biggrin:

Yeah that's what I'm thinking am then I'm just going to toss ric's all over and some orange monti up top some where.. lots of dreaming lately lol I got it all planned out i think.

[gregzz4]

Looks really good
Can't wait to see it covered in goodies

[Skimmerking]

i like it that is what mine is going to look like I hope once i get one but its 30x30x24

looks good too simple and sexy

[gregzz4]

Personal preference :wink:
Go with 1" sand
Bare bottom looks OK, but, well, I say use sand
Or, just use sand :mrgreen:

[fishoholic]

Looks good

[Beverly]

Really like the pared down look of your mininal aquascaping. I suggest you go BB for awhile and see how how you like it. You can always add a sandbed of any depth later. I love my BB 25g. I should do a video of what I siphon out of it weekly. You'd be stunned - and I don't have any livestock that did not come with the rock.

[Nano]

Really like the pared down look of your mininal aquascaping. I suggest you go BB for awhile and see how how you like it. You can always add a sandbed of any depth later. I love my BB 25g. I should do a video of what I siphon out of it weekly. You'd be stunned - and I don't have any livestock that did not come with the rock.

Thanks Bev, lots of thought went into it! I might go bb.. we'll see! I like it, but I still love my sand beds lol.. I guess I'm just strange that way:lol:

[The Grizz]

I really hate my white sand beds in my 165 & 116 but like the black sand in the frag tank so much that the 300 is going black.

[Nano]

I really hate my white sand beds in my 165 & 116 but like the black sand in the frag tank so much that the 300 is going black.

I'm thinking I might use aclear rubbermaid food container, to make a mini in sump fuge. just to hold Chaeto in. The wife and I are really thinking about going BB atleast temporarily, maybe I'll just grow zoo's on the bottom pane lol

[Kgrizzle]

I love the rock u chose each look like a piece of art... Black on black looks slick but the sand really gives it the pop factor in my opinion.

[Nano]

I love the rock u chose each look like a piece of art...
Thanks bud I really appreciate that! :)
its a PITA to sit there and hold rock while epoxy dries,
but the result is well worth it :)

[fishytime]

I like the look too, very open, but plenty of spots for goodies........are you planning on seeding it with any live rock?

[Nano]

I like the look too, very open, but plenty of spots for goodies........are you planning on seeding it with any live rock?

Thanks :) I plan to fill it with goodies! Yeah the sump is going to be full of it. I will have a few small pieces in the DT for a few weeks as well

[Nano]

So the tank is in the living room now and it looks like a bomb went off in my house to move things around lol. The plumbing is dry fit, I am missing one or 2 pieces that can be added at a later date like the cap for my durso stand pipe and some lockline
but thanks to Steve at red coral for getting me what I need plus some nice Ric's
here are some plumbing pics
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2590.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2589.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2588.jpg

[Nano]

Only thing left to do is cap the drain, and fix the water level in the tank, however, the mini cycle has begun, I will be adding about 5g from our existing tank every other day for the week, and hope everythings ready for the weekend! I had a minor drip from the one bulkhead, but thats fixed now and I have to say the shimmer from this light is nuts on our ceiling. As you can see after some consideration we decided to go with black tahitan moon sand and it looks beautiful! the skimmer has been running 2 days and is already producing skimmate so everything is on track! I just have to make a small plexy glass lid to go over the sump where the overflow drains to keep the salt spray to a minimum, but a temporary rubbermaid lid cut to fit will work. water it a bit cloudy cause I just put the sand in a few hours ago, but you get the idea so far so good!

edit, also excuse the quality, cameras dead so the cell phone fit the bill
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2591.jpg

[Nano]

also still have to pull the AI wire through the arm. just got lazy today.

[The Grizz]

Once you put the cap on the Durso and drill a small breather hole your water level will raise.

[Nano]

right on. :biggrin:
Im glad this things finally wet, and not dripping lol

[gregzz4]

Can't wait to see it once it's cleared

[Coralgurl]

Congrats, looks great!

[Nano]

Thnks guys hopefully this weekend I can get it a little more set up and photo ready lol.

[lockrookie]

its the non photo ready pictures that reminds some of us what we have to look forward to and the work ahead .. its all good dude.. looking good take your time enjoy the rewards in the end

[Nano]

Params are stable,
nitrates and trites both 0
ammonia 0
phos 0
ca 400
alk 9dkh
Salinity 1.0245
temp 77 currently trying to get it up to 78-79
not much has changed at this point, I cleaned my skimmer cup today and am amazed at what I pulled out of the water thus far. can't believe I didnt have one before. I am still waiting for the water to get a bit more polished, but I may have to add a sock for that. all my LR is in the sump, and I have made a cage for Chaeto to sit in once I get some. not seeing any pod growth yet, but it will happen lol. here is a pic of the tank today. and the water is a bit more clear. apparently there was a cleaner shrimp in the LR I bought cause this morning there was a rotted carcass in the tank lol. did a quick water change to get the ammonia back to 0
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2595.jpg

[Coralgurl]

So...when are you transferring everything over??

[Nano]

So...when are you transferring everything over??

Well hopefully this weekend I can make time for it! I have to add to my CUC for sure. I'm itching to do it though lol

[gregzz4]

That does look clearer
Are you still working on adjusting the overflow height?
I ask because I haven't decided how I'll build my Herbie

[Nano]

That does look clearer
Are you still working on adjusting the overflow height?
I ask because I haven't decided how I'll build my Herbie

Not the overflow height no. The drain pipe is a durso standpipe it just needs a cap to slow the drain. I will do that this weekend too if I can find a cap. Greg(grizz) turned me to the durso, its really quiet. I would look into one if its an option for you. Really easy to build even I pulled it off :lol:

[The Grizz]

That does look clearer
Are you still working on adjusting the overflow height?
I ask because I haven't decided how I'll build my Herbie

Hebries are a lot simpler then a Durso, main drain is 1/3 of the height of the later level with a gate valve & emergency drain is usually just above the water level.

[Nano]

Got a couple new ric's from Steve this weekend I'll try to post some eye candy pics tomorrow before the move.

[gregzz4]

Thanks Greg. That's about what I figured too but until I get some water in it keeps eating at me how it'll end up :smile:

[The Grizz]

Got a couple new ric's from Steve this weekend I'll try to post some eye candy pics tomorrow before the move.

Ummmm.... New ric's!! Nice.

Thanks Greg. That's about what I figured too but until I get some water in it keeps eating at me how it'll end up :smile:

If you use slip bulk heads glue the pieces coming out the bottom but not the top one, this way you can play with the length of them until you get it just right.

[gregzz4]

If you use slip bulk heads glue the pieces coming out the bottom but not the top one, this way you can play with the length of them until you get it just right.
Thanks. I actually bought double threaded for full removeability/adjustability

[Nano]

Heres a Ricordea Shot, before the move, the rest of the pics will come tomorrow or sunday
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/ric.jpg

[gregzz4]

Holee macro, good job
They look nice

[fishytime]

Hebries are a lot simpler then a Durso

and lets not forget flood proof:wink:




saweeeeeeet rics mang......me love rics:biggrin:

[Nano]

Thanks guys. thats about as good as my macros get so far. LOL

[The Grizz]

and lets not forget flood proof

yes they are but never had my Durso's plug up on my 165 gal.

NICE RIC'S Ken, I'm jealous :mrgreen:

[Nano]

yes they are but never had my Durso's plug up on my 165 gal.

NICE RIC'S Ken, I'm jealous :mrgreen:

Don't worry I'll hook you up once they split bud.

[Nano]

So today there was a trace of ammonia in the tank, so I am seeing a slight
cycle. damn. well in the mean time, I am working on my photography skills, I
finally am figuring out a setting for actinic shots! its about time. usually I would just end up with a blue picture, but I am starting to understand the relationship
between Iso and white balance for certain type of shots. not the clearest shots but the color is great IMO
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2643.jpghttp://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2644.jpg

[gregzz4]

Awesome pics. I hope to do some macros after my tank is up and running.
As far as you parameters are concerned ...
Kenny, you have put a lot into this, and the previous tank ... don't be surprised when you see 'any' readings.
Nevermind what they are, you are going to see readings. Your tank is new. You're gonna get spikes.
Please, PLEASE, do not put any more critters into your tank right now.
I know it's exciting to add new dudes, but you must have seen at least one crash scenario on this site to know you have to take it slow :mrgreen:

[Nano]

Yea I'm gonna hold off on the cuc for now and do it right LOL

[Nano]

Lol and btw I didn't put anything in yet those pics are of my nano. I don't want to lose anything at this point if feel like I'm finally starting to get on track and want to keep it as suhc. Patience is going to havr to be my virtue for a bit

[Nano]

levels are still stable, everything is 0
ph 8.2 stable, salinity still 1.0245
Today I put in 2 hermits, 2 snails. we'll see what happens, On monday I put in 15 gallons of matured tank water from my nano that I had collected, hermits are busy cleaning atm, as well as snails, there isnt really anything to clean though so I may have to feed them a piece of mysis. should I put snails in my sump too? or will it be ok to not have any in there?

[The Grizz]

DUDE!! Those pics look great, need to figure out how my camera works better to take pics with just my blues on.

You don't need snails in your sump, if you get your refuge going with some cheto you should have pods & bristle stars in no time.

[Nano]

DUDE!! Those pics look great, need to figure out how my camera works better to take pics with just my blues on.

You don't need snails in your sump, if you get your refuge going with some cheto you should have pods & bristle stars in no time.

k cool thanks, I am going to use my aquaclear 70 as a chaeto fuge and hang it where the drain comes in with some rubble in it as well

[The Grizz]

Sounds like a perfect little refuge set up for your tank.

[Nano]

Sounds like a perfect little refuge set up for your tank.

cool! will a 13w CFL be enough for the chaeto? I have a small light that I used on an old planted nano I figured it might do the trick

[Kgrizzle]

Ya I can't wait to see how u place the rest of ur corals... I know it may be a bit but still excited to see... Ur pics look awesome and those rics look killer

[Nano]

Ya I can't wait to see how u place the rest of ur corals... I know it may be a bit but still excited to see... Ur pics look awesome and those rics look killer

Thanks bud, I'm going to be in the market for some Montipora and some other sps and the zoo's and rics will sit in the sand or on a small rock in the front corner

[The Grizz]

cool! will a 13w CFL be enough for the chaeto? I have a small light that I used on an old planted nano I figured it might do the trick

I think so, not a cheto expert though.

[Nano]

I'm thinking it'll be ok, like I said it grew plants no problem. I have a friend in town who has some small chromis for me too, so I will have my tank stocked with my clowns blenny, cardinal and some chromis, its going to be pretty full! lucky I left the tank so open.

[Kgrizzle]

That's sweet they look tempting but I'm going to try and just do Lps myself cause I'm still kinda learning but eventually

[Nano]

I'm still learning too, but I really love the look of orange montipora creating like and umbrella in the tank, I cant wait! if all goes well, I will move in a few fish this weekend, and maybe some coral, and then next weekend, the rest

[gregzz4]

cool! will a 13w CFL be enough for the chaeto? I have a small light that I used on an old planted nano I figured it might do the trick
I think you'll be OK with it - Just make sure you get a high Kelvin rating.
I got these pics from Melev's reef (http://www.melevsreef.com/fuge_bulb.html).
These are 16w/75watt replacement before and after 2 weeks
http://melevsreef.com/pics/1104/test.jpg
http://melevsreef.com/pics/1104/test_done.jpg

I decided to use these 26 watters http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/Green/EnergyConservation/CompactFluorescent/PRD~0525350P/GE+26W+Daylight+Compact+Fluorescent+Bulbs%2C+2-Pk.jsp?locale=en
http://www.imshopping.com/showImageByKey.action?type=tnail&key=1FennVNR
With one of these http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/3/HouseHome/Lighting/WorkLights/PRD~0525063P/Likewise+Incandescent+Clamp+Utility+Light%2C+8.5-in.jsp?locale=en
http://mcfineartphoto.com/art3D.22.jpg

But as you can see from Melev's pic, you don't need the reflector if you get the Flood flourescent. I prefer it as it has the clamp.

[Nano]

wow thats some major growth. mine is a fluval light for nano tanks

http://www.apexpet.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/3/a3935_hagen_2.jpg

I used it on my planted tank for 1 1/2 years awesome growth, and it fits perfectly on an aquaclear

[gregzz4]

wow thats some major growth. mine is a fluval light for nano tanks

http://www.apexpet.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/a/3/a3935_hagen_2.jpg

I used it on my planted tank for 1 1/2 years awesome growth, and it fits perfectly on an aquaclear
Oh, well that solves the mounting issue then, doesn't it? :lol:
What kind of 13w bulb are you using in that? 6500K perhaps?
Is it fairly cheap?

[Nano]

Oh, well that solves the mounting issue then, doesn't it? :lol:
What kind of 13w bulb are you using in that? 6500K perhaps?
Is it fairly cheap?

I think its 5500k if I remember correctly
And yes its a really easy light to mount LOL.

[Nano]

So today I walked in the door and boom.... Diatoms... Time for a cuc? Levels are all still stable and where they should be.

[Kgrizzle]

What do u plan on having in ur tank as a CUC?

[Nano]

What do u plan on having in ur tank as a CUC?

I picked up some hermits and turbos. Nothing fancy. I kind of want a sea hare but its hard to justify spending $30 on a slug LOL.

[Nano]

so after adding a total of 30g of tank water to the new tank over the weekend, I shut down the nano. good riddance. everything is in place and everyones happy, I have 30 gallons of stand by water ATM in case of any problems but I doubt there will be any. heres a few shots of the tank, frag rack I made (no magnets yet!) and sump, I move the skimmer to the first chamber, and made the middle a refugium, where the emerald crab no lives.. far.. far away form the coral:twised:
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2679.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2680.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2681.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2682.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2684.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2685.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2686.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2688.jpg

[fishoholic]

Must feel nice to have everything moved over. Hope the transfer went smoothly, the tank looks good :biggrin:

[Nano]

Must feel nice to have everything moved over. Hope the transfer went smoothly, the tank looks good :biggrin:

feels great, everything went really smooth all the corals are opened and they seem to dig the lights so far. all the fish are getting along good, but the chromis are probably getting rehomed, I decided I dont want them lol.

[Nano]

oh yeah, I moved the skimmer to the first chamber, and made the middle a refugium.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2689.jpg

[gregzz4]

Lookin' good. Bet you're glad to have it done

[Nano]

Is it ever done? :wink:

[Coralgurl]

Tank looks great! Time to fill it with corals! What are you doing for fish after the chromis are gone?

[Lampshade]

Wow, that looks great. makes me want to start up my nano I've been putting off for awhile now.

[Nano]

Thanks guys! Once the chromis are gone, I want a mandarin but not for a while atleast 6 months. Also im not 100%on it cause of the blenny needing pods too. So we'll see excluding the chromis the stock is 2 ocellaris, one bangai cardinal and one scooter blenny. So maybe a sailfin tang.... Haha just kidding. I'm not completely stupid. Id love to try a dwarf angel sometime but am nervous about them eating coral.. I dunno I have time to think but suggestions are welcome for stocking.

[Nano]

So I got a bunch of frags over the weekend from Denny(reefwars) and Greg(The Grizz) swapped a few of mine, and hope to swap more, once they grow back again. I figured I would share some pics, they arent out standing, but hey I'm tired so bare with me. I got a bunch of wicked zoo's from Greg and Denny, including some of Denny's mixed zoos which are really nice and some really beautiful colored ones from Greg as well. Also got some Monti, frogspawn, and candy cane. I still have to take some of the frags off the plugs and glue them in place, but all in good time. here are a bunch of shots, some are better pictures then others.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2707.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2710.jpg
Still Closed ATM.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2712.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2713.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2714.jpg

More to Come!

[Nano]

Monti
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2716.jpg
Pics from above the water
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2718.jpg
Denny's mixed Zoos
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2722.jpg
Gregs on the left, (others I got from PMC)
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2723.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2725.jpg

[Nano]

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2726.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2729.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2730.jpg
last pic is a bit dark, but these are some I got a while ago, and actually lost in my tank, found them! Teal ring Zoas. and beside you can see my once dead Acan, is back to life! It was just skeleton last week!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2731.jpg

[fishytime]

man.....you sure got fragged up bigtime on your trip!:mrgreen:.......and blennies dont eat pods, they concentrate more on algae:wink:.....(not saying I think you should do a mandarin in a tank that size:mrgreen:)

[Nano]

scooter blennys eat pods dont they?

[Nano]

and yeah lots of awesome frags!

[The Grizz]

scooter blennys eat pods dont they?

Not that I'm aware of.

[Nano]

Not that I'm aware of.

weird mine just eats shrimp never seen him graze on algae.

[The Grizz]

weird mine just eats shrimp never seen him graze on algae.

I'd take shrimp over algea any day too :lol:

[Nano]

lol

[noirsphynx]

Blenny's aren't pod eaters but scooter's are. Scooter's aren't actually blenny's(even though they are called scooter blenny's) they are dragonette's.

[reefwars]

Blenny's aren't pod eaters but scooter's are. Scooter's aren't actually blenny's(even though they are called scooter blenny's) they are dragonette's.



haha good i was starting to think i had them all wrong lol but yeah they arnt blennys their dragonettes:P

[reefwars]

looking good buddy!!:P

[Nano]

lol k I thought they ate pods, had him for 3 months now feeding mysis every other day. probably my favorite fish ATM

[lockrookie]

scooter's like flat worms. so i was told...

[Nano]

I had to cut some eggcrate for the overflow, cause he's conisdering going in for a feast.

[Nano]

Got some better pics today of some of my new, and old corals. My Frogspawn is Huge!!!!!!!!! Thanks again Denny
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2736.jpg
Oxides(from Ken at BWA) and "Green tea with lemon" (from PMC)(almost like nuclear greens)
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2747.jpg
mixed Radioactive Dragon Eyes& Watermelons
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2750.jpg
And some of the Rics
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2753.jpg

[The Grizz]

Damn nice shots there Ken

[Nano]

Damn nice shots there Ken

thanks man. I want to DIY a coral viewer with some acrylic and a pvc tube for closer close ups. its cheaper then a water proof case lol

[fishytime]

scooter blennys eat pods dont they?

oooooooh.....you didnt say scooter before.......ya scooter blennies are bigtime pod preds......

[Nano]

oooooooh.....you didnt say scooter before.......ya scooter blennies are bigtime pod preds......

lol yeah, my bad :lol:

[gregzz4]

Yeehaaaw !!! Great pics :mrgreen:
As for my build, hrmmm, fighting plumbing.
Hey, what's up with your black sand? I haven't seen anything about it since my powerhead/pump comment

[Nano]

Well I've had a lot of PMS from people who have used it in the past with no problems so I'm going to hold on for now. if it becomes a problem then its gone

[Nano]

I know everyones probably tired of seeing my beautiful corals :wink: but I placed some zoo's on the rocks to get some colonies started and took more pics, cause I just like doing that sort of think.. lol
Denny that fricken frogspawn is as big as both my fists its HUGE
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2762.jpg
One of the zoo colonies ATM the watermelons are close from me being a jerk putting my hand in the tank..
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2763.jpg
My orange and purple zoo's anyone know what they really are? I was told orange explosions, but I dont think so. Also the Ricordeas mmm they look delicious! but what would they actually taste like? (a few too many wobbly pops at this point me thinks..)
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2771.jpg
Pink feather duster from BWA and the green candy cane from Denny
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2772.jpg
This ones from Marine aquaria, bought it 3 months ago from Harvey, I thought you have to target feed, but I never have! just feed the tank reef roids and everything seems to be ok ATM.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2774.jpg
this will be a sexy rock soon. Purple hornets and Orange Oxides? sounds like a good combo to me!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2777.jpg
and a FTS its a big change from the one below it!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2782.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2595.jpg

[reefgirl189]

I have to hand it to you, that black sand sure makes the colors of your corals pop out. Looks great!

[Nano]

thanks, it sure does! lets just hope it doesnt back fire!

[The Grizz]

thanks, it sure does! lets just hope it doesnt back fire!

I personally think you will be just fine with the black sand.

[ensquire]

I keep forgetting to put on my sunglasses when I check out your thread. Wow bright
Looks great.

[plumbyshoe]

Great upgrade ! want to see it all together & salty.

[Nano]

Thanks :) and its salty finally. Just have to trade the chromis and pick out one or two final fish. And then let nature takes its course

[Nano]

Update.

Today I got the chromis up to Edmonton and swapped them for some frags. Also picked up a pygmy cherub angel, thought I'd give one a shot. If he becomes a pest then its an easy trade. He's very pretty and very friendly with the others so far, and seems to enjoy algae and mysis so I'll see how he behaves and who knows maybe I'll be another person with a testimonial to angels in reef tanks. Maybe it'll be the opposite. LOL

[Nano]

2 actinic shots from tonight, they turned out pretty good, I still wish my macro setting could get a bit closer and still focus
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2928.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN2931.jpg

[Nano]

Skimmer is now off, for a few days, as I am treating my angel for ich.. yay. i wish I had room for a QT but I dont so the whole tank is being treated.. just as well, to help avoid any further outbreaks. Nice thing about my angel so far is he is very friendly, and doesnt nip the corals, so I'm happy with him so far, just gotta get him back to normal

[b16a2]

Wow, looking great! Your thread really does show the benefits of experiance, and proper equipment. I look forwards to following your posts.
Oh, and my sump is pretty much the exact same as yours, how are you managing with your skimmer? My water level has a hard time staying constant in the inlet chamber of the sump without a ato.

[Nano]

Thanks and I'm actually quite new still myself. I got a lot of help online here to build this. Atos will well keep your water level and salinity stable but for me I'm just topping off daily at the moment. I hope to get an ato eventually but for now I'm ok with topping off. I marked a spot on thr return chamber so I can top my water up to the line and keep it stable. If you don't have an ato that's your best bet for now, and still check your salinity regularly

[Nano]

So as some may know, I got Dwarf Cherub angel last week, and a day after being introduced He got ick. I should have quarantined but dont have a QT atm. anyways, I am treating him, and all is well so far, I got a cleaner shrimp today, and this video is within literally 2 minutes of him being introduced, they are best buds! p.s. sorry about the cloudy water, I was just rearranging the zoa rocks and kicked up a bunch of detritus! :lol:

Video here :) (http://s1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/?action=view&current=Untitled-3.mp4)

[ensquire]

Things are off to a great start , your tank is looking well. Sand really provides a contrast , makes things stand right out.

[Nano]

^^ Thanks Mike


Now, as some may have read, I had a wicked weekend on the 17th and 18th, with my little crash, lost almost all my inverts, and all the sps, except maybe one monti. Things are slowly starting to come back, thankfully, and its been a while since I updated this thread, so here are 2 pictures. a FTS and a cool pic of the scooter dragonet by the ricordea(which survived after all!!!) After dosing Vitamin C for a few days now, I am noticing my zoo's look a lot better and are starting to come back, and my acan frag looks fat! so as Martha Stewart would say (that criminal ;)) "Its a good thing"

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3109.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3111.jpg

[Nano]

meh.. what the heck heres one more for ya.

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3106.jpg

[RDNanoGuy]

Bummer about crash... Any thoughts on the cause?

[Nano]

I'm leaning toward my carbon. I think I got a bad batch after putting it in the next day the crash happened and after 30%water change my copper level was about.5ppm

[reefgirl189]

I just wanted to say that I'm sorry that you had to deal with that crash so early into the new tank. It must have been beyond frustrating. I'm glad it hasn't dampened your spirits though and btw your tank is looking very nice! Good work!

[Nano]

thanks reefgirl. it was so frustrating, I was like "why do I even bother.." but it seems to be getting back in order now so hopefully things go a little better now.

[gregzz4]

Just heard about your crash. Sorry you are having issues.
I hope this is the end of your problem

[Nano]

Just heard about your crash. Sorry you are having issues.
I hope this is the end of your problem
Thanks Greg all seems to be slowly going back to normal, lost some SPS, and maybe LPS but other then that everything is getting better

[Nano]

So today is the first time since my "mini" crash that my montipora is showing signs of true life, looks like the whole frag is back, nice and blue-green like before :mrgreen: very happy about this. Also my birdsnest I got on the weekend now has polyps fully extended thanks to you guys who suggested turning down the lights a bit. Also finally capped my durso, just have to get a valve to control the water level in tank now. All is well :)

[Nano]

I love it when I get to report good news, so as Brad says I can "relax" ;)
I have officially kept alive 2 sps frags for 2 weeks, the polyps on them as well as my new sps are fully extended and look very happy.
Here is my success story.

I turned down my light from 65% to:
RB 35%
B 35%
W 30%

I am dosing vitamin c, reef roids, and a 1/8 of a tsp of calcium, magnesium and strontium, every 3-4 days to help get up my CA and Mag, as my CA way 340, and mag was at 1210... :surprise:
I have over 2 weeks slowly adjusted my mag and calcium up to an almost ideal level of, CA 420, and mag, 1320(is this ok?)

My once bleached monti I received from Denny, is nice and colorful again, and I have some great growth on a few zoa colonies in just the last 2 weeks since the crash. I have 3 new orange explosions, 1 purple hornet, and 2 water melons that have sprung up. Happy to report, that also feeding the tank live pods into the fuge, has brought my pod population back up to speed, so my scooter doesnt have to hunt so hard anymore :)

all and all a good report me thinks

Thanks to you guys who made these suggestions as I feel my tank is now, getting back on track! Just have to get an ATO still and I will be golden

[ensquire]

Time for some pics , Me thinks.
Glad to hear things are coming back.

[Nano]

Time for some pics , Me thinks.
Glad to hear things are coming back.
thanks, I will post a picture or 2 tonight if I can find my memory card :P went to take it out last time, and it shot out of the camera into oblivion

[gregzz4]

if I can find my memory card :P went to take it out last time, and it shot out of the camera into oblivion
:lol:

You Ca/Mag readings seem pretty much ideal. Myka writes 415-425 and 1350 but, of course, your critters will tell you more than 'perfect readings' ever will.
So how's your Alk?
And Myka also writes "I prefer to dose magnesium to ~1350 ppm before adjusting calcium and alkalinity"

[Nano]

:lol:

You Ca/Mag readings seem pretty much ideal. Myka writes 415-425 and 1350 but, of course, your critters will tell you more than 'perfect readings' ever will.
So how's your Alk?
And Myka also writes "I prefer to dose magnesium to ~1350 ppm before adjusting calcium and alkalinity"
alk has come down a little, it was at 13, now at 10-11 still higher then I'd like but not to sure how to get it any lower. it seems that new water with IO has higher alk IME

[gregzz4]

it seems that new water with IO has higher alk IME

I've heard and experienced that too. Mine didn't hit 13, but was over 10 the last time I tested it.
Dosing Ca helps drop Alk
Have you read Myka's write-up about all this ?
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48321

[Nano]

I've heard and experienced that too. Mine didn't hit 13, but was over 10 the last time I tested it.
Dosing Ca helps drop Alk
Have you read Myka's write-up about all this ?
http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=48321

yeah, so my alk is better now in relation to my CA, but I would like to bring the CA up just a touch more, to drop the alk to 9 hopefully

[b16a2]

Sorry for the strange series of replys I have been sending. My computer is acting up and not updating, showing me that my replies are not sending. So i write a new one, only to find out the old one sent... now I just look stupid.

[Nano]

thanks lol actually I am closer to edmonton, I take a trip down to calgary from time to time however.

[b16a2]

Could you post some more pics of your sump and plumbing? I tried ordering my new shallow tank from glassbox' but they claim they cannot ship to me here in Calgary Alberta.... grr. I envy you and your set up, but soon I hope to give ya some friendly competition :)
You near calgary by chance? I would be willing to donate to your acan colony, one of my acan colonies (small) is struggling :( although all my other are doing well.

[Nano]

So Greg you asked for pics, I tried lol, I can't figure out why I am getting so much of a white glare off of the coral though... it cant get the true colors to come through, oh an harvey, if your following, look at the sps you gave me, and how its starting to color up under the leds compared to halides!
P.s. lots of pics here lol, they arent outstanding but you get the idea
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3145.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3156.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3162.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3149.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3153.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3163.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3164.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3167.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3168.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3172.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3177.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3182.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3194.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3195.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3196.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3197.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3198.jpg

[Nano]

Could you post some more pics of your sump and plumbing? I tried ordering my new shallow tank from glassbox' but they claim they cannot ship to me here in Calgary Alberta.... grr. I envy you and your set up, but soon I hope to give ya some friendly competition :)
You near calgary by chance? I would be willing to donate to your acan colony, one of my acan colonies (small) is struggling :( although all my other are doing well.

I could a little later, gotta get some groceries ;)
also I'm about 2 1/2 hours north of calgary, but I do come down from time to time.

[Nano]

pics dont do it justice. I cant get the color mode right on my camera to capture the sps... :( but atleast you can see the polyp extension I am finally getting

[ensquire]

Nice garden you have going there.

[Nano]

Nice garden you have going there.

thanks Mike, it will be nice once it grows in :)

[Nano]

thinking of eventually possibly adding one more fish. anyone have any suggestions? stock list is pretty full but the bioload seems on track.

currently have
2 ocellaris
1 bangai cardinal
1 scooter dragonet
1 Dwarf Cherub Angel

[fishytime]

thinking of eventually possibly adding one more fish. anyone have any suggestions? stock list is pretty full but the bioload seems on track.

currently have
2 ocellaris
1 bangai cardinal
1 scooter dragonet
1 Dwarf Cherub Angel

I know I seem to recommend these a lot but.....how about an assessor?....great fish that stay small, are not usually aggressive, are not usually jumpy, and wont compete for food with your scooter

[Nano]

Thought about those. Just don't have enough color IMO

[gregzz4]

Thought about those. Just don't have enough color IMO
Bright yellow is not enough color?
Do you mean it should have multi-colors?

[Nano]

Kinda yea. Like mandarin colors but I'm not ready for a mandarin

[Coralgurl]

Nice work!! How about a fts??:lol:

[gregzz4]

Are you lookin' for another bottom dweller or a mid-swimmer? Or ?

[Nano]

Bottom to middle swimmer I suppose. Maybe I'll get a hand full of tangs ;) jkjk

[gregzz4]

800 ! :smile:

[Nano]

Nice work!! How about a fts??:lol:

As requested :)
Still cant figure out how to get good color, I can on macros, but fts its kind of fuzzy/glaring, any tips?

http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3212.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3213.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3214.jpg

[Coralgurl]

You've got lots of room for more.....sand!!:lol: no tips on photos, mine are really blue too and I still suck at the macros. But your tank looks awesome!

[Nano]

You've got lots of room for more.....sand!!:lol: no tips on photos, mine are really blue too and I still suck at the macros. But your tank looks awesome!
lol rigggghhhtt... I'm slowly taking a bit out each water change, just want to keep a small amount, I have a good 3" lol.. (too much)

[gregzz4]

Try turning off the blues and use a higher iso/shutter speed.
A tripod helps
If your camera has it, the pet/child setting helps too

[Nano]

Try turning off the blues and use a higher iso/shutter speed.
A tripod helps
If your camera has it, the pet/child setting helps too

I'll give it a shot

[gregzz4]

If you keep that sand, you could consider firefish gobies
But you would do well to read up on them lots first

http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSCylbWzJSeJwI3MUG6WaixkqatMXaDF nWOn7mVO6xQVZq_pKNtzAhttp://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSnYIC9t9nhvFV0pGg0cQK_dSNtxeJl9 bnaBoukAPYnLefZ8_LrgQ

[gregzz4]

What I meant was these dudes need sand depth

[Nano]

Yeah, but i am afraid for them to get metal from the sand in their gills lol...

A better Fts and some macros, still a bit blue but what ever, I'll figure it out when my battery isn't dead.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3225.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3230.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3231.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3228.jpg

[gregzz4]

Wrasse maybe?

[Nano]

That's what I'm steering towards but then there is the fish police to worry about ;)

[reefwars]

ken if you want to get the blue out of your fts, change the angle that your shooting at, in your pics you can see your light from under your black plastic trim, try getting down on one knee on an angle that the trim covers the light.

when your taking macros its easier to get the right angle as your so close, so when your lined up for your macro shot and the colours are there, slowly walk back untill the color turns to blue, this is where the angle needs to be changed, while standing in the spot where the color dissappeared play with your cameras "angle to tank" by going higher or lower and left to right, when you get the color back you can move back again.

of course now things are far away and hard to see so you will need to zoom in a bit:)

tank looks great buddy:)

[Nano]

ken if you want to get the blue out of your fts, change the angle that your shooting at, in your pics you can see your light from under your black plastic trim, try getting down on one knee on an angle that the trim covers the light.

when your taking macros its easier to get the right angle as your so close, so when your lined up for your macro shot and the colours are there, slowly walk back untill the color turns to blue, this is where the angle needs to be changed, while standing in the spot where the color dissappeared play with your cameras "angle to tank" by going higher or lower and left to right, when you get the color back you can move back again.

of course now things are far away and hard to see so you will need to zoom in a bit:)

tank looks great buddy:)

Thanks denny! BTW I have three new candy cane heads, and the zoos you gave me are doing well also

[reefwars]

Thanks denny! BTW I have three new candy cane heads, and the zoos you gave me are doing well also



goodstuff buddy when you come out again ill hook you up with some more goodies:):)

[Nano]

lol only if I can find room! i might have to part with a few corals to make room

[reefwars]

haha time for a frag tank or an upgrade.....i do have that 80g cube just lying here collecting dust:P

[Nano]

haha time for a frag tank or an upgrade.....i do have that 80g cube just lying here collecting dust:P

DONT TEASE ME!! I'M ABOUT TO BE A DAD!! lol but if you dont set it up in the next few months I may consider lol...:lol:

[The Grizz]

Oh Ken you have tons of room in there for more goodies, have you not seen my tank lately :lol:

A McCoskers Wrasse would be sweet but you would need to put a cover on your tank first.

[Nano]

Oh Ken you have tons of room in there for more goodies, have you not seen my tank lately :lol:

A McCoskers Wrasse would be sweet but you would need to put a cover on your tank first.

I put Eggcrate on it :) and hey is a beauty Greg thanks for the suggestion :)

[gregzz4]

DONT TEASE ME!! I'M ABOUT TO BE A DAD!! lol but if you dont set it up in the next few months I may consider lol...:lol:
Ah, why not, then in July you could get a 125 or 180 and by X-mas you could buy Greg's 300 long :mrgreen:

[The Grizz]

Ah, why not, then in July you could get a 125 or 180 and by X-mas you could buy Greg's 300 long :mrgreen:

The 300 will not be for sale any time soon, hell I hope to have it befor Xmas :twised:

[Nano]

Ah, why not, then in July you could get a 125 or 180 and by X-mas you could buy Greg's 300 long :mrgreen:

haha man my wife would castrate me lol

[gregzz4]

haha man my wife would castrate me lol
With the pending birth that may just happen regardless :mrgreen:

[Nano]

With the pending birth that may just happen regardless :mrgreen:

:lol: if she gets my nuts I get more tanks. Thats my deal ;)

[gregzz4]

:lol: if she gets my nuts I get more tanks. Thats my deal ;)
Seems like a painful way to get big tanks
So no action with the baby yet?

[Nano]

Seems like a painful way to get big tanks
So no action with the baby yet?

not yet.. :(

Lots of back pain though so its going to be very soon. couple of days is my guess.

[gregzz4]

Give her a back rub for us :wink:

[Nano]

Give her a back rub for us :wink:

LOL you do it my hands are killing me jkjk

[Coralgurl]

Baby is going to need a tank, an upgrade sounds about right!! Hope your wife is doing ok, very exciting and nervous times for you both! Make sure you get as much sleep as you can now....keep us posted!

[Nano]

Haha yeah the tank upgrade or secondary tank wont be in the budget for a while but I got her a betta fish, and one of those fisher price fish tank things lol hopefully she catches the reef bug so i have another helper for the next build. :)

[b16a2]

Update pics of sump please?

[Nano]

Update pics of sump please?

I'll try to take some tonight its pretty low tech down there

[Nano]

So as requested, pics of the lowest tech sump on earth ;) its cramped so I can get great shots, also you can see, I need an ato, as the tape on the glas represents where I like my water level, and then that is 2 days evaporation.. (yikes) about 1 1/2-2 gallons)
so here you go
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3237.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3238.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3239.jpg
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3240.jpg
Last shot is side ways, (sorry) but it shows the plumbing from the return line, I have the pump sitting on a bag of filter floss to dampen sound (its silent now) and then the line goes up to a shut off valve for maintenance as well as flow control. From there it goes to gate valve (I think thats what its called) for emergency purposes, so when the power goes out the force of gravity automatically closes the line thus preventing overflow in the sump.
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3241.jpg

[gregzz4]

That's a swing check valve ya got there pilgrim

[Nano]

That's a swing check valve ya got there pilgrim

thanks thats the word I was looking for ;)

[gregzz4]

BTW, food for thought.
Next time you think about buying one of those, you may want to get either a clear one, a clear true union one, or clear wye style one. That way you can see if there's crud/someone in it and with the union and wye ( of course ) you can dismantle and clean it out. Otherwise, when you need it most, it may not close :surprise:

[Nano]

BTW, food for thought.
Next time you think about buying one of those, you may want to get either a clear one, a clear true union one, or clear wye style one. That way you can see if there's crud/someone in it and with the union and wye ( of course ) you can dismantle and clean it out. Otherwise, when you need it most, it may not close :surprise:

yeah I have thought about that since installation. Kinda wish I had..
Oh well once we move the plumbing will be dismantled and redone, possible plumbed into a basement, along with a frag tank (a small one for the time being)

The dream is eventually to do a nice 6Lx3Wx2H(270ish gallons + sump) in wall viewable from the front and one side pain, with everything enclosed into a room, with a nice large sump & skimmer as well as a frag tank around 50-75 gallons...


Hey a guy can dream right?

[gregzz4]

Nothing wrong with a little mansca err I mean mancaving :wink:
So, it's Wed PM ... Where's the Baby ?

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldrbxfSR9t1qaxxvao1_500.gif

[Nano]

Nothing wrong with a little mansca err I mean mancaving :wink:
So, it's Wed PM ... Where's the Baby ?

http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ldrbxfSR9t1qaxxvao1_500.gif

Oh yeah definitely going to have a man cave when we buy a house. Baby is still cooking.. she was supposed to have her membranes ruptured (induced) but she isn't quite ready at 39 weeks LOL this kid is already as stubborn as her mom.. :wink:

[gregzz4]

Looks like I need one of the crappy swing valves you bought :mrgreen:
Check my build ....

[Nano]

Looks like I need one of the crappy swing valves you bought :mrgreen:
Check my build ....

lol what? you dont have any?

[gregzz4]

No, I never wanted one of the non-serviceable ones before
I'm off to Corix tomorrow to get one
Sux to be me

[Nano]

No, I never wanted one of the non-serviceable ones before
I'm off to Corix tomorrow to get one
Sux to be me

You could make it serviceable with threaded fittings that you could unscrew I believe.

[gregzz4]

What I meant was the union-style ones can be easily removed and cleaned out, plus the clear ones are useful for visual assesment.

[Nano]

What I meant was the union-style ones can be easily removed and cleaned out, plus the clear ones are useful for visual assesment.

It's definitely a good fail safe to have I know cause i already had one power outage, when we move AMD I re do the plumbing every thing will be serviceable. Overkill, yes but better safe then sorry

[gregzz4]

Like this

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_41_2.jpg

Or this

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/c/sch-80-plumbing_check-valve-wye-1.jpg

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/g/f/gf-wye-check-valve_1_1.jpg

[Nano]

Like this

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_41_2.jpg

Or this

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/s/c/sch-80-plumbing_check-valve-wye-1.jpg

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/g/f/gf-wye-check-valve_1_1.jpg

I like the serviceable one looks nice lol

[Nano]

Oops didn't see they both were I'd do the first one personally

[gregzz4]

Only drawback to the George Fisher (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/plumbing-sumps-drill-bits-overflows-uniseals/schedule-80-plumbing-fittings-and-valves/check-valves/1-george-fisher-wye-check-valve-swiss-made.html) wye one ( besides price ) is the angle you install it on. Some say it works on any angle. Hmm ....

The flapper-style one is called a swing valve (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/products/pumps-and-plumbing/plumbing-sumps-drill-bits-overflows-uniseals/schedule-80-plumbing-fittings-and-valves/check-valves/1-spears-true-union-swing-check-valve.html). That's what you have now, minus the clear housing, and the unions.
It works best when it's installed vertically, but again, others say it works in other angles. Again, hmmmm ....

[gregzz4]

Oops didn't see they both were I'd do the first one personally
Actually, the second, more expensive one, is apparently the more reliable and easier to service one

[Nano]

Actually, the second, more expensive one, is apparently the more reliable and easier to service one

It does look very easy to service, but IMO the swing valves are tried and true from what I've seen, but then I am limited to what I've seen being wet behind the ears still :lol:

[gregzz4]

Nothing wrong with the swing valve ..
The wye valve works on weight instead of a spring. It'll never get soft due to wear.
Something to think about, hmm ?

Oh ya, I'm still more wet behind the ears than you are :wink:

[gregzz4]

Hey, did you check out my build thread ?

[fishytime]

I've been using the flapper style one for several years on my system without issue...... that being said, my sump also has enough room in case the seal on the check valve fails.....I bought two when I first plumbed the tank and swap them out periodically to clean them

[gregzz4]

I've been using the flapper style one for several years on my system without issue...... that being said, my sump also has enough room in case the seal on the check valve fails.....I bought two when I first plumbed the tank and swap them out periodically to clean them
I am definately going to buy one for my Chaeto tank. Unfortunately it will be the non-clear kind.
I would love to test the clear ones, especially the union kind, but I can only find the best prices from BRS and the shipping is what's keeping me from trying one

[gregzz4]

Guess I should compile a BRS shipment :rolleyes:

[Nano]

Hey, did you check out my build thread ?

Lol who hasnt? It's so clean and organized :)

[Nano]

Not an outstanding picture in anyway, but I thought it was cute. Scooter having a nap mid day in the sand
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3245.jpg

[gregzz4]

Are you sure the tank mafia didn't do a crappy job ?
Ya, that is a cute pic

[Nano]

Are you sure the tank mafia didn't do a crappy job ?
Ya, that is a cute pic

lol that would suck hard if they did, hes my favorite fish ATM

[gregzz4]

I love scooters. Have always been my fave, ever since my first pet store job, way back when

[Nano]

I would like to get a video of mine one day, I feed him with a turkey baster and the greedy pig just comes to the turkey basters tip to eat as it comes out :lol:

[noirsphynx]

Not an outstanding picture in anyway, but I thought it was cute. Scooter having a nap mid day in the sand

That's adorable!

[Nano]

That's adorable! yup hes quite the little character this one. Always sleeps in this same spot.. Weirdo fish.. :lol:

[gregzz4]

yup hes quite the little character this one. Always sleeps in this same spot.. Weirdo fish.. :lol:
Is Daddy gettin' the motherin' thing goin' on ?
Time you learned to change nappies Daddy :mrgreen:

C'mon, where's the baby already

http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/2/0/0/70/0/AAAAAiAuKnMAAAAAAHAG7A.jpg?v=1190177239000

http://images.wikia.com/iceage/images/3/37/Wheressid.png

Awww, c'mon, you know you want one of these.
Bill Cosby said that's what they look like anyway, so why not just try to love them and get it over with :twised:

[Nano]

SH***TTT!!! TIME TO GO TIME TO GO!!!
WOO WOOO!!
CONTRACTIONS ARE HAPPENING BIGTIME HERE!!!:mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgree n::mrgreen:

[gregzz4]

Yea !!!!!!!!!!! It's about time :razz::razz::razz::razz::razz::razz::razz::razz:
I hope everything goes very well
We'll miss you while you tend to the missus this week or so, or more
Remember, I reminded you about the whole 'I hate you, you did this to me'
I'm happy for you .... Kenneth Jr Kehwai Kenwhatthehelllllll HEHEE

YEAAAHHHHHHH :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgr een:

[gregzz4]

Ava Maureen Hobden
Don't know why I couldn't find it

[Nano]

Ava Maureen Hobden
Don't know why I couldn't find it

Yup thats it! she's a real angel, kept me up all night :lol: but today she has been up "talking" (making noises) and smiling and pooping all day so she should have a good little sleep tonight hopefully:razz:

finally got around to cleaning up the tanks a bit, just the algae growth on the glass + top offs, man, one of my sps has some major growth on it, its branching!!! probably 6 little branches beginning to grow, as well as 3 baby frogspawns popping up on the stock of the main branch of frogspawn. weird.. I leave my hands out of the tank for a week and BOOM things happen!

[ensquire]

All kind of new things growing over there .

[Nano]

Lol tell me about it, its weird what happens in the spring time ;)

[ensquire]

Lol tell me about it, its weird what happens in the spring time ;)

I bet you got a smile a mile wide these days :wink:

[Nano]

Oh yeah even as tired as I am I couldn't wait to get home from work today and as soon as I did I picked her up :)

[Nano]

SO I have what I think is some pretty substantial growth on one of my SPS, I will post pictures tonight, this thing is growing noticeably week by week, got it as a $10 frag and didnt have high hopes for it, judging by some of my previous sps losses but I am very surprised to see it still going strong as well as my other frags :)

Stay tuned :mrgreen:

[Nano]

so this is my little sps frag that i am so proud of (since I kept it alive) :P

3 weeks ago
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3156.jpg
Today
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3309.jpg
:mrgreen: not too shabby Imo

[gregzz4]

Since I've never owned coral yet, I have no idea how well that growth is and I'll just have to agree with you :mrgreen:
Hard to tell what color it is in the pic

[Nano]

Some more pics, just cause
Gregs Zoo's (doubled in size) a few of Denny's fragenstein Zoos in there too :P
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3313.jpg
This is the aftermath of my carbon crash, the monti came back, but its got a nice hole in it now
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3314.jpg
Red monti, and green monti with red rim
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3316.jpg
now up to 3 heads of hammer coral :D
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3317.jpg
Some of the zoo's I wish the orange oxides would grow faster!!!!
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3334.jpg
the biggest colony ATM, as well as zoo's from Denny
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3337.jpg
and A top down ricordea shot, hard to get it clear with out a coral viewer but it turned out ok, I think the blue one is going to split soon
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3339.jpg

[gregzz4]

And here comes the FTS :razz:

[Nano]

And here comes the FTS :razz:

lol you asking or guessing?
I didnt take one the glass is dirty :P I can though

[Nano]

forgot to post this one :P
Favia from PMC, got 4 heads, now 10-15? 2 months :mrgreen: BTW can anyone ID this one?
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3333.jpg
FTS for Gregzz
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/DSCN3342.jpg
Zoolander Pose
http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h401/thehobdenmarina/LOL.jpg

[gregzz4]

Ya, that's coming along nicely, especially since your crash
And I think I can ID that for you ...
It's a coral

[Nano]

LOL I thought it was "WYSIWYG" :lol::wink:

[reefgirl189]

Some of the zoo's I wish the orange oxides would grow faster!!!!


Me too. That way you could frag some for me.

[Nano]

Me too. That way you could frag some for me.

Yup no problemo soon as I can I will be fragging :)

[fishytime]

judging by your very last photo, you've already been fragging around:wink:

[Nano]

:lol: I had very little input in the matter :wink: