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Jakegr
09-18-2012, 02:38 AM
Starting a new tank!

It will feature two 24”x24”x22” cube(ish) tanks,, a 36”x16”x16” sump/DSB refugium, and two standard ten gallon tanks for ATO and easy water changes.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Standandtanks.jpg

My goals:
1) Very quiet tank(s).
2) Keep power consumption low.
3) Reduce tank maintenance/ make maintenance easy.

Tank #1: Soft coral, macro algae, sea grass and seahorse tank. I have no experience keeping sea horses and sea grasses, so this build has required some reading on my part. I guess that is the main reason for this tank… I just wanted to try something new! Over time, I plan on adding a pair of Mandarin dragonets and harlequin shrimp. All of these species require special attention, and I will be adding them slowly to ensure I have a good grasp on the husbandry techniques needed to keep them healthy.

Tank #2: It will depend on the water chemistry I am able to achieve in the sea horse tank alone. This tank will be added to the system next year. I am open to theme ideas! I have not even ordered this tank yet.

Details:

Custom Concept Aquatics 24”x24”x22” starfire tank with external Bean Animal Overflow (12” long), one piece euro brace, and a blue ABS background. The return line will come back through the overflow, so there will be four holes in the external overflow box. I should get it in within a month. Like everyone else I have talked to, I have only good things to say about my experience working with Dave.

The display will have a 2.5” DSB (mixture of mud and aragonite sugar sand) for seagrass and ~20-30 lbs of Bali live rock. A Maxspect Razor will light the tank. I like the sleek form, lack of fans, and price. They are not, however, available in Canada yet.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/24x24x22onepiece.jpg (rendering by Concept Aquatics).

I was going to build my own sump, but I decided to order an Eshopps R-300 today from Ray at Reef Supplies.ca (amazing service so far by the way! I have no idea how he can ship a 40 gallon tank across the country for $25). The sump will have a 4” DSB of aragonite sugar sand. Above it, suspended by egg crate, will be a frag rack for clams and soft corals. I love clams, and I can’t let my old ones go! They are apparently not sea horse safe. They are great water filters, so why not put them in the sump. My sump light will be an AI nano I already own.

The return pump will be an RLSS DC5000. Additional flow will be provided by an MP10 on the lowest possible setting. Heating/ATO/dosing/monitoring will be controlled by a Profilux IIIex.

Some of the gear :) I try telling myself I'm not a gear-guy... but not convincingly.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Gear.jpg

Proposed stand: 80”x24”x36” power coated 2" steel. I know this is overbuilt. I thought having two separated tanks on the same stand would call for some special structural considerations. Also, I want it to hold an 80” long tank if I ever decide to get a single big tank. The bars on the bottom are to keep the sump off the floor. There will be feet on the bottom of the stand for easy leveling and to allow airflow beneath the stand. Any input on this topic would be appreciated.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Stand.jpg

Thanks for reading!
Jake

PS. This was posted on one other forum, hope that is OK!

The Grizz
09-20-2012, 03:13 PM
If your dead set on 2" tubing you can easily eliminate all the front vertical tubes and just have one in the center. I use 1.5" tube for all my stands, never any issues. Realistically if you skin the top of the stand with 1" plywood and screw it down solid you don't need all the bracing. To simplify the stand put 2 cross supports in the top, back & bottom, one in the center front. More then enough support & cost much less.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

chris88
09-20-2012, 03:17 PM
looks like it is going to be an awesome setup.

BlueTang<3
09-20-2012, 04:38 PM
Looks good, as a side note we had clams and seahorses without any issues. I did it for a few years and know of others, some say the seahorse hanging on the clam may cause it to close and I think that's people's reasoning on it.

Jakegr
09-20-2012, 05:45 PM
Thanks for the advice Grizz - I think I will reduce to 1.5" with 0.188" wall, and reduce the supports, as you suggested.

Good to know BlueTang! I was surprised when I read that clams were definitely not sea horse safe. I'll keep one in the tank and monitor it closely.

intarsiabox
09-20-2012, 05:59 PM
I had a seahorse tank for a couple years as well. If you want to keep dragonets with the seahorses make sure you get ponies that are already eating frozen otherwise they will compete for food. And see for yourself at the store that they will actually take frozen foods, I had one that was advertised as eating frozen but that wasn't true. Luckily I had a well established pod population and it wasn't an issue. Of course you can also grow your own live food but I wasn't interested in doing that.

SeaHorse_Fanatic
09-20-2012, 06:12 PM
Looks good, as a side note we had clams and seahorses without any issues. I did it for a few years and know of others, some say the seahorse hanging on the clam may cause it to close and I think that's people's reasoning on it.

Yup, had seahorses with large Squamosas, Derasas & other clams. No problem. Of course that was just my experience and other clams may be more sensitive to a curious or passing pony.

Jakegr
09-21-2012, 06:17 AM
I'm really happy about this news regarding the clams! If all goes well, clams will be a big part of the display.

Here is the new stand...

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Stand2_zpsdfe0b21e.jpg

I added in a 2nd vertical support in the front in case I ever want to up size to single 80"x24" tank.

The Grizz
09-21-2012, 06:02 PM
What program are you using for the stand sketch? Looks good to go!!

Jakegr
09-21-2012, 06:19 PM
Thanks!

I'm using Google Sketchup. I took a couple of 20 minute tutorials on it last year (free on Google). It is really easy to use. That rendering took me about 5 minutes. If you need help making a rendering, let me know.

Jakegr
09-28-2012, 05:42 AM
Dave emailed me a picture tonight. Almost there!

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Tankinprogress.jpg

Jakegr
11-09-2012, 06:32 AM
While I'm sitting on my butt at home, Dave is crating my tank at 8pm! Should be here soon.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/Crated.jpg

Jakegr
11-09-2012, 06:41 AM
Also, getting the tank built in Calgary by Concepts and shipped to Vancouver was literally half the price that I was being quoted in Vancouver.

miuYH
11-09-2012, 06:17 PM
I'm excited for you! I'm tempted to have concept build me something too..... :)

riceboy
11-09-2012, 06:23 PM
Lol don't be tempted just do it I have no regrets with my build, except I should of went bigger lol but that's everyone's regret after a while lol.

Jakegr
11-17-2012, 06:38 AM
Arrived yesterday!

The next step is to skin the stand. I think it will be done in a dark walnut. I spoke with a guy today, hopefully I can get this done quickly as I'm itching to get started!

Also, after a bunch of problems with my AI nano I got a replacement from AI. Unfortunately they didn't have a Nano in stock, so I paid a bit extra and they sent me a Sol blue. That will light the refugium/frag tank.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4902.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4903.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4904.jpg

Jakegr
01-16-2013, 05:21 AM
Very slow progress!



http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4982_zps82467a16.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4985_zps0d245e82.jpg

Came down to Mitras vs. Kessil. Went with the Kessil because of its small size, price, and I like the mounting arm. Knowing me I'll regret my decision in two weeks, but so far I like my choice.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4988_zps3e27df2b.jpg

The overflow. I used stockman-like standpipes due to a lack of space. If it doesn't work out I'll try another design.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4981.jpg

Cut out a few teeth and fed the loc-line under the eurobrace.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4992_zpsf9993d79.jpg

Not quite finished the plumbing. Still need to build something to support it, and I need to finish the return plumbing. The DC5000 has a weird sized outlet, 1.25" and I couldn't find a PVC 1.25"-1" threaded bushing in Vancouver. I have accepted I'll have to use the 1.25"/1" barbed adapter that came with the pump, which I'll attach to hard plumbing with a 1" barb/male threaded adapter.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4993_zps84cd11b9.jpg

Still lots to do.

gregzz4
01-16-2013, 05:27 AM
Good to see some progress
Where's the second DT ?

Jakegr
01-16-2013, 05:30 AM
Thanks!

I'll get the second tank in the fall.

yellowworld
01-16-2013, 10:16 AM
:jaw: one piece euro brace cube....with external overflow...and all the plumbing neatly hidden....gorgeous stand and all the right gear to make me wet myself a little in its presence...


X2!!!!! :faint2:

YUP im following this one!!

daplatapus
01-16-2013, 01:27 PM
The DC5000 has a weird sized outlet, 1.25" and I couldn't find a PVC 1.25"-1" threaded bushing in Vancouver. I have accepted I'll have to use the 1.25"/1" barbed adapter that came with the pump, which I'll attach to hard plumbing with a 1" barb/male threaded adapter.

Still lots to do.

Have you tried an outdoor sprinkler supply place? There a place here on the island called Iritex that has weird stuff like that. IF they haven't had a piece I've needed they've found it and brought it in for me at a very reasonable cost. My special order gate valves were almost 1/2 price of the major LFS price.

riceboy
01-16-2013, 02:38 PM
seeing all these nice plumbing, makes me want to rip up all my tubes and redo it, next tank i will have to use pipes for my plumbing


Very slow progress!



http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4982_zps82467a16.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4985_zps0d245e82.jpg

Came down to Mitras vs. Kessil. Went with the Kessil because of its small size, price, and I like the mounting arm. Knowing me I'll regret my decision in two weeks, but so far I like my choice.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4988_zps3e27df2b.jpg

The overflow. I used stockman-like standpipes due to a lack of space. If it doesn't work out I'll try another design.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4981.jpg

Cut out a few teeth and fed the loc-line under the eurobrace.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4992_zpsf9993d79.jpg

Not quite finished the plumbing. Still need to build something to support it, and I need to finish the return plumbing. The DC5000 has a weird sized outlet, 1.25" and I couldn't find a PVC 1.25"-1" threaded bushing in Vancouver. I have accepted I'll have to use the 1.25"/1" barbed adapter that came with the pump, which I'll attach to hard plumbing with a 1" barb/male threaded adapter.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4993_zps84cd11b9.jpg

Still lots to do.

toytech
01-16-2013, 08:35 PM
Thats a piece of pvc art right there , great job .

Jakegr
01-17-2013, 01:10 AM
Have you tried an outdoor sprinkler supply place? There a place here on the island called Iritex that has weird stuff like that. IF they haven't had a piece I've needed they've found it and brought it in for me at a very reasonable cost. My special order gate valves were almost 1/2 price of the major LFS price.

Thanks, I'll have to keep that place in mind. I have never heard of it. I have already plumbed in the pump so it is too late now, but I may renovate the plumbing when I add the 2nd tank.

Jakegr
01-17-2013, 01:15 AM
seeing all these nice plumbing, makes me want to rip up all my tubes and redo it, next tank i will have to use pipes for my plumbing

Thanks! I used hard plumbing just for the looks, I don't know if there are any other advantages. My last tank was plumbed with vinyl tubing and it was perfectly functional, plus it was a lot easier to do.

Jakegr
01-17-2013, 01:23 AM
Thats a piece of pvc art right there , great job .

Thanks! Brought a tear to my eye haha jk.

zhasan
01-17-2013, 03:16 AM
Very nice build!! Great job with plumbing... looks very nice!!

I can relate to you with the speed of the progress... I've been working on my tank for the last two months.. still in the process.

I call dibs on the Kessil if you change your mind and decide to sell it! :mrgreen:

Jakegr
01-18-2013, 08:16 PM
I just received a Walz 4pi spherical PAR meter at work. This is a roughly $3000 PAR meter/sensor, and I'm excited to bring it home once the tank is filled to get some PAR readings on the Kessil. It will produce highly accurate PAR readings.

*I didn't buy this PAR meter, grant money did. It is for phytoplankton research.

Jakegr
01-22-2013, 05:58 AM
Almost ready to fill with water!

Here is a pretty detailed run down of what I did to attach panels to the back of the stand. I'm posting it because I hope it helps someone else out with their build at some point.

Back panel with magnets in each corner. Slots cut out for the plumbing.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4995_2_zpsa3285338.jpg

Close up of counter sunk magnet. The magnet is superglued and screwed to the panel. I got them at Lee Valley.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4996_zps932fff38.jpg

Acrylic disk on top of magnet.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4998_zps88f153c3.jpg

Panel attached to the back of the stand. Plumbing is supported with hose straps on the back (not shown).
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_4999_zps489acba6.jpg

How I ended up plumbing the DC5000 pump. I would have preferred something "cleaner", but the vinyl tubing may help dampen pump noise.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5001_2_zps3e1b986f.jpg

The pump is sitting on top of a silicone trivet. The DC5000 actually comes with great rubber feet, and I can't even tell the difference between the pump running with and without the trivet beneath it, so I may remove it.

Anyways pros/cons to using magnets:

Pro: Really easy to install. Easy to change skin if you want. Inexpensive (~$2/magnet).

Con: The panel has to rest on the floor. Magnets can resist pulling forces, so the panel is firmly kept upright, but the panel slides downwards until it hits the floor as the magnet does not strongly resist up/down slide forces.

Thanks for reading!

Spyd
01-22-2013, 02:45 PM
Looks great! Nice and clean look to it!

Jakegr
01-22-2013, 06:54 PM
Thanks :)

Jakegr
01-23-2013, 10:22 PM
Started filling the tank yesterday evening, getting excited.

Jakegr
01-24-2013, 02:38 AM
Things got delayed again. I just noticed the blue ABS background isn't really attached to the back glass anymore, so I'll need to fix that. It should be an easy fix, but silicone takes a couple of days to dry/cure (whatever you call it!).

Jakegr
01-24-2013, 10:17 PM
Dave/Concepts is sending me a brand new background shortly. Gotta love when LFS's back up their products with great service. Thank you!

Jakegr
02-20-2013, 11:53 PM
Finally got it filled... I went with a low lying aquascape so I can fill in the tank with macroalgae, gorgonians, some softies, and maybe a few LPS. There is some very unhappy xenia on the right if you look carefully.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5038_zps3839cd43.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5040_zps00a49258.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5048_zpsf07b7a77.jpg

I fragged a milli from my last tank before I sold the colony so I could use the dead skeleton for something the seahorses can wrap their tail around.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5049_zps2d61d09a.jpg

DSB is about 3" deep. The bottom layer is mixed Caribsea mineral mud and sugar sand (2.5"). The top layer is sugar sand (0.5"). The mineral mud felt more like peat moss used for gardening.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5053_zps1bc46a83.jpg

Still a lot to do. The electrical is a mess and the overflow needs to be adjusted. The gate valve on the siphon makes a loud sucking noise.

I won't be adding sea horses for some time... still need to let things stabilize and add macro/gorgonians to give them plenty of tail wrapping options.

Also, I chickened out of going skimmerless and bought a Vertex IN-80 from J&L. Maybe a bit undersized, but it was a good deal and I'll have a lot of algae in the tank. It has already pulled out a lot of sand. Unfortunately I lost the plug for the skimmer cup drain, anyone know where I could get another one!?

Jakegr
02-23-2013, 10:36 PM
I cleaned up the electrical a bit, so here are some more pictures:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5056_zpsd159db15.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5058_zps2addb586.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5061_zps0413a6f8.jpg

My Q-tank.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5065_zpsffabfa55.jpg


I bought a AquaRay Mini500 HD for my refugium. Love it so far! It is a very white light, I wouldn't use it over a reef tank, but it should be great for growing algae.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5068_zpsea30e8b8.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5069_zps70035ddd.jpg

gregzz4
02-23-2013, 11:07 PM
Nicely done wiring :wink:

Where's the fish ? :razz:

Jakegr
02-24-2013, 02:07 AM
Thanks!

I could probably add fish right now. I don't expect the tank to cycle, but I'm going to wait a week or two just in case.

I think I'll add some tigger pods tomorrow though. How's that for exciting :)

Jakegr
02-25-2013, 11:11 PM
Took some PAR readings from the Kessil A350 (non-wide) this afternoon. The light is suspended 3" above water.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5070_zps667059e8.jpg

Pretty impressive in my opinion! They were far higher than I expected. I'd like to suspend the light further above the water, but the Kessil mounting arm is a bit too short for a 24" wide tank.

Jakegr
03-13-2013, 04:36 AM
Added some livestock!

Clean up crew- 5 spiny astreas, 5 regular astreas, 5 ring cowries, 1 sand sifting seastar, and 5 nassarious snails.

Corals - contents of my Q-tank, and a frag of GSP and fox coral. JL has a couple of great fox corals right now, 5-6" for $50. A couple had quite a bit of green on them too.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5112_zpsed4a7bf2.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5099_zps1a3573b2.jpg

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5095_zpsab0acdc9.jpg

Jakegr
04-21-2013, 08:10 PM
Been a while, lots to update. I have added both of the organisms the tank was originally designed for... Halophila seagrass and seahorses. The seagrass has been in the tank for over a month and is growing well. The seahorses have been in for a bit over a week. Both are eating. I'm happy I was patient and found true tank bred seahorses.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5216_zps16376244.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5216_zps16376244.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5213_zpsd7ac74b2.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5213_zpsd7ac74b2.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5233_zps3eb27613.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5233_zps3eb27613.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5189_zps2aa2f494.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5189_zps2aa2f494.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5177_zpsc0ded1ad.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5177_zpsc0ded1ad.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5160_zps1297dab7.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5160_zps1297dab7.jpg.html)

New seagrass buds around the originally planted leaves.
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5139_zpse6d684e9.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5139_zpse6d684e9.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5138_zps2af525d4.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5138_zps2af525d4.jpg.html)

gregzz4
04-21-2013, 08:29 PM
Looks very nice Jake

beefORchicken
04-23-2013, 04:25 AM
Great tank and pics!

Jakegr
04-23-2013, 05:35 AM
Thanks guys :)

daplatapus
04-23-2013, 01:33 PM
That is a sweet little tank. Very nice.

Jakegr
05-30-2013, 02:04 AM
Time for another update.

Unfortunately the feather duster died as the sea horses kept using it as a tail anchor, and broke many of its feathers. It died about a week after I purchased it.

The fox coral isn't doing well for some reason (bottom right of tank picture). I think my tank is too bright for it. I am actually giving it to a local reefer tonight so hopefully it can be saved.

Other than that, I'm really happy with how things have gone!

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5364_zps9f91f5d7.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5364_zps9f91f5d7.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5374_zps4316b619.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5374_zps4316b619.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5388_zps8bae6752.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5388_zps8bae6752.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5390_zps1142d4f1.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5390_zps1142d4f1.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5394_zpsbc48a05b.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5394_zpsbc48a05b.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5349_zps89a02f77.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5349_zps89a02f77.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5307_zpsb1bd866b.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5307_zpsb1bd866b.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5291_zps9cfc548a.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5291_zps9cfc548a.jpg.html)

asylumdown
06-02-2013, 08:49 PM
That's the most colourful and beautifully done seahorse tank I've ever seen. In my mind seahorse tanks are always weedy jungles of brown and green, you've firmly changed my opinion on what they can be.

Jakegr
06-03-2013, 01:24 AM
That's the most colourful and beautifully done seahorse tank I've ever seen. In my mind seahorse tanks are always weedy jungles of brown and green, you've firmly changed my opinion on what they can be.

Thanks so much!

Jakegr
06-26-2013, 09:17 PM
Monthly update! Sold the sun coral as it was just too much work to keep healthy. Not sure what to replace it with. I added more gorgonians in the last month. JL recently got a great shipment in from Florida and I picked up another corky finger from a fellow reefer.

Top down shots with my underwater camera.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/DSCN0700_zpsf0444baf.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/DSCN0700_zpsf0444baf.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/DSCN0695_zps5b829928.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/DSCN0695_zps5b829928.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/DSCN0708_zps29eef795.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/DSCN0708_zps29eef795.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/DSCN0703_zps01c40630.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/DSCN0703_zps01c40630.jpg.html)

Regulars:

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5482_zps45ea61e1.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5482_zps45ea61e1.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5481_zpsc58d0611.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5481_zpsc58d0611.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5476_2_zps6433f732.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5476_2_zps6433f732.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5450_zpsfcec4c3f.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5450_zpsfcec4c3f.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5448_zps6009a483.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5448_zps6009a483.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5449_zps64438099.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5449_zps64438099.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5405_zps7f131284.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5405_zps7f131284.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5399_zps8d8222c2.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5399_zps8d8222c2.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5394_zpsbc48a05b.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5394_zpsbc48a05b.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5474_zpseb3bdd9e.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5474_zpseb3bdd9e.jpg.html)

daplatapus
06-27-2013, 01:38 AM
I love that tank! Might have to try something similar with my cube once I get everything moved over to my big tank....

Well done!

reefme
06-27-2013, 02:30 AM
OMG how come it is so nice and clean.

tang daddy
06-27-2013, 03:21 AM
I skimmed through your journal, great set up!

Tom R
06-27-2013, 03:29 AM
Hi Jake

The tanks look fantastic.

It looks like the Corky Finger worked out well.

Tom R

Jakegr
06-27-2013, 04:33 AM
Hi Jake

The tanks look fantastic.

It looks like the Corky Finger worked out well.

Tom R

Thanks Tom! Coming from you that means a lot. The seahorses love the corky finger.

I skimmed through your journal, great set up!

Thanks! I think we may have met last year at my old place in Kits?

OMG how come it is so nice and clean.

I work pretty hard to keep it clean. I do a 10 gallon water change and clean the back wall weekly. A sand sifting sea star keeps the sand bed white.

I love that tank! Might have to try something similar with my cube once I get everything moved over to my big tank....
Well done!

Thanks! I have really enjoyed this tank and would recommend a softy/seagrass tank to anyone.

Madreefer
06-27-2013, 05:24 AM
Beautiful tank and great pics.
Good job and very well done.

Jakegr
12-20-2013, 04:27 AM
It has been a long time since I updated this thread. Since the last update, I have moved, so the tank changed a lot.

Before the move:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5494_zps6ec05c07.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5494_zps6ec05c07.jpg.html)

A few months after the move:
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5624_zps158d6d2d.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5624_zps158d6d2d.jpg.html)

The "new" tank needs to grow in a bit before it gets to where my last one was. The only loss of the move was the Halymenia sp. macro algae... one day without light and it died. It may also have been due to nutrient shock (being placed suddenly in a nutrient poor, unestablished tank).

The seagrass has rebounded well, and all of the corals were pretty much unaffected by the move.

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5645_zps920c1e1c.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5645_zps920c1e1c.jpg.html)

New dragonette
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5643_zps7fbe71d6.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5643_zps7fbe71d6.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5642_zps6b3c0016.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5642_zps6b3c0016.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5637_zps1c1e867f.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5637_zps1c1e867f.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5630_zps053b8d40.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5630_zps053b8d40.jpg.html)

http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5654_2_zps6f2e8b5f.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5654_2_zps6f2e8b5f.jpg.html)

Need to add a cover with the new fish (plus I have a cat...). I had this custom made, but unfortunately within days it started warping and is now pretty ugly. If anyone knows how to fix this sort of issue I'm all ears!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5623_zps8a1e2670.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5623_zps8a1e2670.jpg.html)

This probably hasn't helped with the problem...
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/photo_zps82c7c18d.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/photo_zps82c7c18d.jpg.html)

My refugium
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5614_zps7a93f829.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5614_zps7a93f829.jpg.html)

Happy holidays!

yellowworld
12-20-2013, 08:13 AM
Need to add a cover with the new fish (plus I have a cat...). I had this custom made, but unfortunately within days it started warping and is now pretty ugly. If anyone knows how to fix this sort of issue I'm all ears!
http://i778.photobucket.com/albums/yy64/jagraas/IMG_5623_zps8a1e2670.jpg (http://s778.photobucket.com/user/jagraas/media/IMG_5623_zps8a1e2670.jpg.html)


Hahah just turn it up side down and let the cat do all the work to reshape it! haha

Is it made out of acrylic or lexan/plexi glass? I had one for a tank that i made from lexan and the heat from the lights warped it and they were about 2 feet off the tank

The tank looks awesome though! keep the pictures coming!

SeaHorse_Fanatic
12-20-2013, 01:36 PM
Jake,

Got some red Halimenia here for you.

Anthony

Tom R
12-20-2013, 03:09 PM
Ha Jake

Your tank is looking better every time I see it.

I love the seahorses

Tom R

Jakegr
12-20-2013, 05:07 PM
Jake,

Got some red Halimenia here for you.

Anthony

Thanks Anthony, I will have to come by in the new year!

Ha Jake

Your tank is looking better every time I see it.

I love the seahorses

Tom R

Thanks Tom! Hope everything is going well with your beautiful tanks.

Jakegr
12-20-2013, 05:16 PM
Hahah just turn it up side down and let the cat do all the work to reshape it! haha

Is it made out of acrylic or lexan/plexi glass? I had one for a tank that i made from lexan and the heat from the lights warped it and they were about 2 feet off the tank

The tank looks awesome though! keep the pictures coming!

Thanks! I am away for the holidays so unfortunately I don't have many other pictures, but I will take more when I return.

I think it is made of acrylic. Flipping it over crossed my mind, but I was hoping for a permanent solution. If I flip it over again, I think it would just warp out of shape again.

Your 13 gallon build thread is very cool by the way :)

IanWR
12-31-2013, 01:44 PM
I see you are selling your Kessil. Are you going with a different light, or are you (god forbid) shutting this down? Inquiring minds need to know!

Claudia
12-31-2013, 04:10 PM
Jake your setup is bountiful!!

Jakegr
12-31-2013, 08:31 PM
Just making a lighting change! The gorgonians tend to shadow themselves they have so many branches, so I decided to get a light with a more even lighting distribution - a Mitras.

Thanks for the kind words Claudia!

IanWR
01-01-2014, 03:15 AM
Whew! When is the second cube going in? And what's going in it? I know you got rid of your sun corals you had early on, but now that you have happy horses, I'm sure you want a challenge... Perhaps a complete NPS tank? :)

noy
01-01-2014, 03:27 AM
fantastic setup all around. Beautifully laid out.

I am actually in the process of (slowly) building a 60g cube focusing on gorgonians (non-photo) and may put a few seahorses/pipefishes in there.

skabooya
01-01-2014, 07:16 PM
OMG I am a fan of this tank. I LOVE IT! Reminds me of my tank before the horrible calpura took over and killed everything :(

Coralgurl
01-01-2014, 10:08 PM
OMG I am a fan of this tank. I LOVE IT! (

+1000! Beautiful setup!

Jakegr
01-01-2014, 11:11 PM
Noy - Thank you! I would recommend this style of tank to anyone. It is fairly low maintenance and gorgonian's are beautiful. The only issue with sea horses is feeding them while you are away on vacation!

Skabooya - Thanks for the compliment and the cautionary tale! I was considering adding Caulerpa and will avoid it now!

Coralgurl - Thanks! Your set up is very well done too. I have some size envy!


Whew! When is the second cube going in? And what's going in it? I know you got rid of your sun corals you had early on, but now that you have happy horses, I'm sure you want a challenge... Perhaps a complete NPS tank? :)

The 2nd cube isn't going to happen unfortunately! I just can't expend the resources that would be needed to set up the second tank. I would love to try a NPS tank one day. I find the automated feeding systems some hobbyists have come up really interesting.

Myka
01-02-2014, 12:48 AM
Beautiful tank!