62G Starfire Reef [40x18x20] [Archive] - Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board

JDigital

09-21-2012, 02:20 AM

Well, here we go again.... Although this tank, is not at the office! :mrgreen:

A bit of background can be found here on the last few pages: http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=57734. Basically, evicted, tank sale, new place/roommate didn't want to risk a tank in his new house/no reefing for 3 years. Fast forward to today, and here I am typing up a new tank journal.

Background: A week or so ago I brought up the idea to my roommate asking if there was any possible incentive for him in allowing me to setup this tank in return for me upping my own monthly rent to him. I never heard a reply from him for close to a week, we actually barely even spoke for days on end, but I just left it with him to think about and didn't push the question any further. 2 days ago I come home from work and he is outside working on his car, I stopped, we chatted, and the discussion of the tank came up and he asked me a few questions, mentioned some things he had read during his research in the days prior (when we hadn't spoke to one another). I told him my plans and precautions, design ideas, etc. Gave him a few more days to think and sent a text msg today asking if he had given it anymore consideration.

We just finished speaking about it this evening and obviously, since I am typing up this journal, have come to an agreement.

So here begins my next reef tank.

Anyone who has read my 180G Office journal has probably seen the tank that I will be starting. It is a 62G, 40"x18"x20" euro-braced tank, with an external rear overflow and a starfire (low-iron) front glass. This wasn't a tank that I ordered, it just happened to be a tank that Dave @ concepts had sitting in the shop. Something about it called out to me.. I'm not sure if it was the dimensions, the euro-bracing, the polished edges, external overflow. Maybe a combination of all those, but I immediately told him that I wanted to take it, even though at the time I really had no place to set it up, but wanted it for the future anyways. They finished the tank up (overflow, silicone trimming, etc) and I picked it up a week or so later.

Couple pics during construction:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0180.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0181.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0183.jpg

And the final pic after getting it home.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0206.jpg

Unfortunately, my roommate and I lugged this tank up 2 flights of stairs to my room where is has sat since.. taunting me to setup it up, even if that meant moving out. :lol:

Now after my agreement with the roommate, it has to go back DOWN 2 flights of stairs to where it will be positioned. FUN!! :lol:

JDigital

09-21-2012, 02:21 AM

Here is a break down of the equipment I plan to use on this build.

62G Euro-braced Tank w/ Low Iron Front Glass
- 40x18x20 w/ External Overflow with 2-1" drains and 2-3/4" returns.

- Digital Aquatics Reef Keeper Lite w/ SL1
- Custom Sump (35x20x16)
- Skimz SK181 Skimmer or a CSC equivalent
- Water Blaster HY-3000W Return pump
- 2x VorTech MP10W w/ Battery Backup
- Puratek RO/DI System
- LED Lighting (undetermined which brand) with DIY light rack

JDigital

09-23-2012, 07:11 AM

Another piece of the puzzle! :mrgreen:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/RKL_zps90319de0.jpg

fishoholic

09-23-2012, 04:33 PM

Cool! So glad you are able to set it up :biggrin: There's nothing worse then having a tank sitting around that you're itching to set up, only to know you're not allowed to.

JDigital

09-23-2012, 09:42 PM

Thanks Laurie! Definitely excited to get this build going. Finalized my stand design today with The Grizz. That should be done around Oct 3rd.

Between now and then I will get the tank back downstairs and into the garage to leak test it, although I have full confidence in Concepts tanks, it's just a precaution really. Aside from that I will have to plan out and order my sump as well.

JDigital

10-01-2012, 12:43 AM

Picked up my sump tank from dave@concepts yesterday after I was done fiddling with the 180G at the office.

Actually, I went into see Dave to place my order for a sump, and when he asked what dimensions I was looking at and I told him, he mentioned he had a sump already built @ 38x18x20 which wasn't a whole lot different that my original plan of 35x20x16 (which didn't include an RO reservoir). This one does. So I had to have a look and after measuring the compartment sizes and double checking that it would work with my stand I decided to take it.

The right side is the RO reservoir, which holds about 17G, the middle section at the front is the refugium, the middle section in the back is the return area, and the large section on the left is for the skimmer.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0405.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0407.jpg

Brought it into the garage this evening and filled it with freshwater to leak test and also rinse out the dust that it accumulated sitting in the shop.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0408.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0409.jpg

JDigital

10-03-2012, 03:20 AM

Well The Grizz (Greg) came through for me a day early, and dropped off my tank stand tonight on his way to the Carrie Underwood concert. Thanks again Greg! :)

I went a bit different that most and had it finished in white. Now I need to get the water out of the sump from the leak test, and get the DT back downstairs to leak test that.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5.jpg

michika

10-03-2012, 04:49 AM

Lookin' sexy, very very sexy. I really like the white stand.

Skimmerking

10-03-2012, 01:58 PM

hey looks great

mseepman

10-03-2012, 03:01 PM

Wow! Looking great and moving fast!

JDigital

10-03-2012, 04:18 PM

Lookin' sexy, very very sexy. I really like the white stand.

I like it to.. fits in the the trim in the house nicely and gives it that clean clinical operating room look. As you can see I got a patch to clean up on the right side that stuck to the wood bracing Greg had it sitting on. My sump is going to be a tight fit though!

hey looks great

Thanks Mike!

Wow! Looking great and moving fast!

Thanks!

I wouldn't say its moving fast.. haha The display and sump were quick because they were already built when I walked into Concept Aquatics, so I just had to pay, load it in the car and drive home, zero waiting around.

I still need to purchase my RO Unit and supplies for my mixing and water change system, skimmer, return pump, lighting, plumbing supplies, sand, rock, another 150W heater, ATO system, so much! :neutral:

The Grizz

10-04-2012, 03:25 AM

As you can see I got a patch to clean up on the right side that stuck to the wood bracing Greg had it sitting on.

Really really sorry about that Josh, I thought I had an extra day to let the paint set but I messed up my dates on the tickets I got for the wife for Carrie Underwood.

Hopefully you are still pleased with the stand Josh :pray:

JDigital

10-04-2012, 05:16 AM

Really really sorry about that Josh, I thought I had an extra day to let the paint set but I messed up my dates on the tickets I got for the wife for Carrie Underwood.

Hopefully you are still pleased with the stand Josh :pray:

Don't worry too much about it Greg.. It will be getting covered when I skin the stand anyways (unlike fishytime, I prefer my sump hidden), so to be honest I probably won't even bother fixing it up as it won't be seen.

Love the stand. As you can see, I'm not the only one who seems to like it, and it has gotten some good feedback on another forum too.

Test fit the tank tonight and the height is perfect. :mrgreen:

JDigital

10-07-2012, 05:08 PM

Not much of an update but I finally got both tanks leak tested during the week. Got them situated on the stand last night. Actually starting to look like a tank build now. :razz:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2.jpg

reefgirl189

10-07-2012, 05:59 PM

Very nice! Glad you and the roomie came to an agreement, he won't be sorry ;)

JDigital

10-11-2012, 07:35 PM

Very nice! Glad you and the roomie came to an agreement, he won't be sorry ;)

Thanks reefgirl. He shouldn't be sorry. He has enjoyed my previous tanks as well as fishytimes too. He just thinks he has bad luck in all of life and that this will be no different. :lol:

I'm currently trying to figure out if I want to plumb the tank now or wait and setup my water system in the back room. Ultimately, I'm working on a budget per pay period to chug along in this build so one or the other has to come first.

michika

10-11-2012, 07:48 PM

Tank now, water system later. Why? Tank now = more photos sooner.

JDigital

10-11-2012, 08:29 PM

Tank now, water system later. Why? Tank now = more photos sooner.

:lol:.. Good excuse Catherine! What's to say I wouldn't post photos of the water mixing/change system just as soon?

kien

10-18-2012, 08:53 PM

sphelps

10-18-2012, 09:25 PM

looking good, hopefully you're done moving furniture up and down those stairs :surprise:

FishyFishy!

10-18-2012, 09:45 PM

looking good, hopefully you're done moving furniture up and down those stairs :surprise:

And you can sit on the washer and dryer to watch the tank! (reflection) :lol:

Just catching up with what everyone's been up to and it's nice to see you back at it! I do have one concern with the placement of the tank though. Have you taken into consideration the "morning after benders" ? You know, when you're hung over and staggering down those stairs? There doesn't appear to be much margin for error :lol:

AND KIEN LIVES!!!!!!!!!

JDigital

10-19-2012, 01:33 AM

Just catching up with what everyone's been up to and it's nice to see you back at it! I do have one concern with the placement of the tank though. Have you taken into consideration the "morning after benders" ? You know, when you're hung over and staggering down those stairs? There doesn't appear to be much margin for error :lol:

Good to see you on the forums kien! I haven't been back long, but I haven't seen you around since returning! How's things?

I didn't take them "morning after benders" into consideration, because they don't happen anymore. :lol:

looking good, hopefully you're done moving furniture up and down those stairs :surprise:

Thanks Steve. haha.. It's not to bad really, it's been there for a few weeks now and I have yet to even graze it with my arm, even in the pitch dark when I go to work. We shouldn't need any furniture coming in. We've both got everything we need really. It can actually go back a few more inches when I'm ready to fill it.

Besides getting the plumbing going on the tank, I've been working on how I'm going to have my waterchange/mixing station setup in back room. Plan right now is to have dual 15G Tanks. One with Fresh RO and another with Mixed SW for WCs. Each with a bulk head in the bottom and a ball valve attached for transferring the contents to the tank.

Progress is a bit slow with my current work load at the office ramped up this last little while. Should be able to get a few things rolling next weekend.

And you can sit on the washer and dryer to watch the tank! (reflection) :lol:

I actually think I will be doing a lot more viewing from the stairs :lol: Something about looking into 40" of water tickles my fancy! If anything, this will encourage me to do laundry more often! :mrgreen:

gridley

10-19-2012, 03:59 AM

I've been enjoying watching your office build and am looking forward to following this as well.

kien

10-19-2012, 05:40 AM

AND KIEN LIVES!!!!!!!!!

Indeed :-)

______
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

kien

10-19-2012, 05:44 AM

Good to see you on the forums kien! I haven't been back long, but I haven't seen you around since returning! How's things?

That's because I have not been around.. I feel like a newbie again LOL. This past year has been crazy busy. Now that summer is over I think things might actually be settling down a bit. I'm hoping to dedicate more time to the hobby this fall/winter.

______
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

Aquattro

10-19-2012, 06:03 AM

I'm hoping to dedicate more time to the hobby this fall/winter.

Unless you get snow tires for the bike ? :razz:

kien

10-19-2012, 06:10 AM

Unless you get snow tires for the bike ? :razz:

WTF?! They make those?! Excuse me while i google..

JDigital

10-27-2012, 03:28 AM

Couple more bits and pieces for the system... Will be picking up plumbing parts tomorrow. Hopefully have this thing plumbed by end of the weekend.

http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t75/joecollette_photos/135%20gallon/7-28-10_waterblaster-3000.jpg

And a 2nd 150W Heater.
http://www.goreef.com/images/P/Eheim_Ebo_Jager_150W_Heater.jpg

lastlight

10-27-2012, 05:32 AM

Good to finally see you back where you belong. I love the tank too it's sexy as hell !

Skimmerking

10-27-2012, 04:18 PM

Good to finally see you back where you belong. I love the tank too it's sexy as hell !

Then you get yourself one then Brett

JDigital

10-28-2012, 01:08 AM

Well I got a majority of the plumbing done today, and like usual it took more than 1 trip to Lowes for parts. :lol: I don't think I have ever successfully plumbed a system by making only 1 trip to the store for parts.

I say the majority of the plumbing is done, when in fact I should be completely done, but for the 3rd time in a row I've got issue with brand new pumps. Certainly not Concepts fault, but I'm definitely having bad luck with gear lately. This pump was sealed brand new, and yet when I open it up the Union coupling was COMPLETELY different that what it should be. So that has left me hanging with the return portion of the plumbing not done until I can get back in to Concept and hopefully get the right coupling to finish the job.

Couple photos:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/plumb4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/plumb3.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/plumb1.jpg

And I threw in a few lbs of sand I had left over from the Office tank, just to give it that look of progress. :mrgreen:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/sand.jpg

wmcinnes

10-31-2012, 01:12 PM

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/plumb1.jpg

What did you use for seals at the return lines? They don't look like standard bulkheads?

michika

10-31-2012, 01:48 PM

And I threw in a few lbs of sand I had left over from the Office tank, just to give it that look of progress. :mrgreen:

:lol:

So whats the plan for inside the tank once its filled? Colourful sticks? Current-swept blobs of waterfilled cells?

JDigital

10-31-2012, 01:59 PM

What did you use for seals at the return lines? They don't look like standard bulkheads?

They are bulkheads installed backwards. I realized once I started doing my plumbing that the "back end" of the bulkheads + 90' elbows were going to stick out to far and my down pipe would not clear the edge of 1.5" crossbeam of my stand. So I flipped them around and used the "front side" which saved me that crucial 1-1.25"

:lol:

So whats the plan for inside the tank once its filled? Colourful sticks? Current-swept blobs of waterfilled cells?

:lol: Likely a combination of mostly sticks and few cells. I can't not do SPS, so that's a for sure. I've got a bit of a coralscape in my head of certain things in certain spots.

My fish choices are going to be well thought out, and I'm still trying to narrow down my tentative list.

lastlight

10-31-2012, 03:36 PM

Every time I see your thread pop up I consider making an offer until I realize it's a build thread. That's a very nice tank it's coming along nicely.

JDigital

10-31-2012, 03:41 PM

Every time I see your thread pop up I consider making an offer until I realize it's a build thread. That's a very nice tank it's coming along nicely.

I won't turn down an offer.......... to fund the build. :lol:

JDigital

11-11-2012, 01:39 AM

Slowly adding parts to this build.

Picked up some Seafloor Special Grade substrate (crushed coral style) and 1 of my 2 MP10wES powerheads.

Nothing interesting otherwise. Going to try and finish up my plumbing tomorrow.

Powerhead and Pizza!

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/mp10-1.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-1.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-1.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3.jpg

JDigital

11-24-2012, 04:55 AM

Did a bit more work on the tank tonight. I started the "power center" last week I think but never ended up finishing it or cleaning up the wiring, so I took care of that tonight.

Picked up a Tunze ATO from Concepts and some Dry Rock as well. So I set that up as well as placed the rock in the tank.

Still need to finish my plumbing (just the return portion left) this weekend, but I picked up the wrong size PVC part on my way home so will have to get around to that tomorrow.

Couple photos, as crappy as they are.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-5.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-6.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-5.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4-3.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-3.jpg

kien

11-24-2012, 05:30 AM

Looking good. I can almost taste the salt!

lastlight

11-24-2012, 06:36 AM

The Tunze only comes with the one magnet set. You sneaky bastard you split the pair and used something metal on the other side of them didn't you? I like you eggcrate mounting board too that's handy.

JDigital

11-24-2012, 02:36 PM

Looking good. I can almost taste the salt!

Better add a bit more salt to your Popcorn then.. ;)

The Tunze only comes with the one magnet set. You sneaky bastard you split the pair and used something metal on the other side of them didn't you? I like you eggcrate mounting board too that's handy.

:mrgreen:

I actually got 2 of them in the box. I was pretty confused as to why they provided me with two, I couldn't understand it! 1 has a spot for both the float switch and the electronic sensor, the other just one spot. In the instructions it shows that you can use the single holder one for when you want to have the float switch higher than the other dual magnet provides. I decided to use it for holding the feed pump hose in place.

I stole the eggcrate board idea from someone over on Nano-Reef. Works really well. Cable management is very important to me on this build. Clean clean clean..

JDigital

11-25-2012, 08:34 PM

w00t! Finally finished my plumbing today. :D I should have had it done weeks ago when I started it, but got a bit lazy @ home and busy @ work which delayed me in picking up the correct plumbing parts I needed to finish the job. But it's done now.

My plans now are to sell off that Bubble Magus NAC6 and pick up a Reef Octopus XP1000sss, then my Lights which I am back to being undecided on :neutral: , then Salt and RO unit.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-3.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-3.jpg

JDigital

12-19-2012, 02:36 PM

Small update before life gets crazy for the christmas season.

Picked up my Vertex Puratek 100GPD RO/DI unit. It's felt a bit strange buying 2 of these things in a matter of a couple months apart. :lol:

Also decided on my salt after finding that the parameters of the CoralLife Salt I am using at the office is completely unacceptable out of the bag. So I will be going with H2Ocean salt. I've liked it in past so figured I would use it again. Also picked another 23lbs of dry rock to finish my aquascape. :) Unfortunately I probably won't get a whole lot of progress made before the New Year, but I will definitely have something to do after the holidays are over. :mrgreen:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-2.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4-1.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-1.jpg

lastlight

12-19-2012, 03:25 PM

looks good! i am using the same salt these days. been happy with it so far and it mixes a lot cleaner than RC.

kien

12-19-2012, 03:38 PM

looks good! i am using the same salt these days. been happy with it so far and it mixes a lot cleaner than RC.

Ditto on the salt. H2Ocean is one of my fav. Although I will occasionally rotate in a WC with RC still, just for fun. So who gets to tank sit during the Christmas holidays?

JDigital

12-19-2012, 03:56 PM

Ditto on the salt. H2Ocean is one of my fav. Although I will occasionally rotate in a WC with RC still, just for fun. So who gets to tank sit during the Christmas holidays?

This tank, shouldn't need much babysitting...:lol: My office tank however will, I am topping off my ATO Friday which will last till monday, then my manager will come in monday to 2 pre-filled jugs of water to top up the ATO which will last until I get back in on Friday. As for feedings, I am going to use an Autofeeder with flake/pellet for the weekend, manager will feed Frozen and Nori on Monday and the autofeeder will take care of xmas day and boxing day. Skimmer should be ok for the entire time I'm gone. I'm also leaving a 35G batch of fresh SW in the case that things go horribly wrong. *knock on wood*! :lol:

kien

12-19-2012, 03:59 PM

This tank, shouldn't need much babysitting...:lol: My office tank however will, I am topping off my ATO Friday which will last till monday, then my manager will come in monday to 2 pre-filled jugs of water to top up the ATO which will last until I get back in on Friday. As for feedings, I am going to use an Autofeeder with flake/pellet for the weekend, manager will feed Frozen and Nori on Monday and the autofeeder will take care of xmas day and boxing day. Skimmer should be ok for the entire time I'm gone. I'm also leaving a 35G batch of fresh SW in the case that things go horribly wrong. *knock on wood*! :lol:

oops sorry, had a bit of a brain fart there, ya I was thinking of your office tank with that question more than this tank. Always thought about doing something at my office but the whole issue around vacations and holidays has me wondering if that would actually work for us here. In other words I would not really trust any of my co-workers with a tank :lol:

JDigital

12-27-2012, 05:14 AM

oops sorry, had a bit of a brain fart there, ya I was thinking of your office tank with that question more than this tank. Always thought about doing something at my office but the whole issue around vacations and holidays has me wondering if that would actually work for us here. In other words I would not really trust any of my co-workers with a tank :lol:

I wouldn't say I have FULL faith in them. And even after leaving detailed instructions on what to do each day while I was away, they forgot/missed a few things, but this is a conversation for my other thread. :lol:

On the other hand...

I installed the RO/DI before leaving for christmas holidays and ran it for about 1.5hr as per the instructions. (Which only recommended 30mins actually, but I prefer to run longer for the initial flush)

Got home from the airport about 10pm tonight, got settled in and unpacked... figured it was time to turn this bad boy on!

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/rodi.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/water.jpg

michika

12-27-2012, 05:19 AM

Awesome!

Leah

12-27-2012, 10:57 AM

This tank needs water. :razz:

JDigital

12-27-2012, 07:42 PM

Awesome!

Indeed.. :biggrin:

This tank needs water. :razz:

I'm working on it!
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/water2.jpg

Seeing how I was out of the province on boxing day I didn't get to do any reef shopping so I took today off work to stop by a few places and grab a few more things for this build. I was looking to grab my new skimmer, but that will have to wait it appears. Otherwise I picked up my 2nd MP10, a bottle of Zeobak (and was hoping to get some Zeostart3, but Concept was sold out), and also picked up a stock 20H tank for my SW mixing station (not photographed)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/boxingday.jpg

JDigital

12-28-2012, 07:48 PM

It's pretty much filled as of last night, but when I switched on the return pump to see where my sump would level off at, I wasn't getting any pumping action, just my tank draining back to the sump. It's a brand new Reef Octopus Water Blaster pump, so tonight when I get home I will have to disconnect it, open it up, fiddle around with the impeller, put it back together and expect it to work.

While I do love these pumps for their solid build quality (housing wise) and low noise output, this is the 2nd of 3 that I have had start up issues with brand new out of the box. My first issue was with the HY7000, impeller seemed to constantly rattle vibrate, so I swapped that out for a HY5000, which worked really well. Now I'm having issues with the HY3000. Hopefully its as simple as just pulling the impeller out, rinsing it out and re-assembling it.

Fingers Crossed!

JDigital

12-29-2012, 05:11 PM

Well I officially have water circulating through my system. [:)] Now I just have to get it up to temp and start adding the salty white stuff. [:happy:] Still gotta clean up some of the cabling too. Now where did I leave my zip-ties?

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-7.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-6.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-3.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4-2.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-2.jpg

Arok3000

12-29-2012, 05:23 PM

Looking very nice! Well thought out, can't wait to see this stocked.

Skimmerking

12-29-2012, 06:12 PM

looks really good man. other then that thing in the first compartment. now I know you can do better then that.:biggrin:

lastlight

12-29-2012, 07:34 PM

holy crap you're slow josh! i'm equal parts excited and impatient.

MOVE IT!

JDigital

12-29-2012, 08:44 PM

Looking very nice! Well thought out, can't wait to see this stocked.

Thanks! I can't wait for it to be cycled, let alone stocked.. :lol:

looks really good man. other then that thing in the first compartment. now I know you can do better then that.:biggrin:

I'm not actually using that skimmer Mike.. That's just where I put it for "storage". I'm getting one of the Reef Life Support System skimmers actually. Unless I get impatient and pick up a Reef Octopus XP1000sss. Either way, it'll be an improvement.

holy crap you're slow josh! i'm equal parts excited and impatient.

MOVE IT!

:redface: Sorry Brett.. my reef budget isn't endless with this tank. ;) I got 2 big purchases left.. Skimmer, hopefully next week, and lights. At this rate I'm looking at T5's for one simple reason.. CHEAP(er) than LEDs (initially). Hoping to find a 36" 4 or 6 bulb unit. I really don't need lighting during the cycle, but the skimmer sure would be nice.

Also need to track down some Zeostart3... Concept and Oceans are both out of stock.. Does Golds sell that stuff?

JDigital

01-03-2013, 02:49 PM

I got it salted and heated last weekend. 1.026 @ 25.3'C.

Changed my aquascape too as I wasn't thrilled with my previous layout. Still not sure about this one. What do you guys think?

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/newscape.jpg

gregzz4

01-03-2013, 02:57 PM

I think it looks great, but you should take the day off and enjoy your HAPPY B-DAY :razz:

JDigital

01-03-2013, 07:21 PM

I think it looks great, but you should take the day off and enjoy your HAPPY B-DAY :razz:

Haha.. I don't know where you found saw that info, but Thanks greg! I would love to dip out of work early. :mrgreen:

Arok3000

01-03-2013, 07:39 PM

On the front page, under members birthdays. You're actually the only one listed today.

Happy Birthday!

kien

01-03-2013, 08:14 PM

looks great Josh! So what's your bday present to yourself? :-)

lastlight

01-03-2013, 08:34 PM

All I'd do is remove that top rock so your sticks have room to stretch out otherwise looks great.

I know all about building when budget allows. But you still need a few jackasses on you throughout the process to liven things up =)

JDigital

01-03-2013, 09:35 PM

On the front page, under members birthdays. You're actually the only one listed today.

Happy Birthday!

Ah! The one part of the site I rarely see or check on.

Thanks!

looks great Josh! So what's your bday present to yourself? :-)

Thanks. I'm not really sure. I still need to get my skimmer and lights, and a bottle of Zeostart3 so I can start the cycle. I will likely swing by Concept tonight after work and see what they have kicking around. :)

All I'd do is remove that top rock so your sticks have room to stretch out otherwise looks great.

I know all about building when budget allows. But you still need a few jackasses on you throughout the process to liven things up =)

See I was thinking about moving that rock, but I really don't have anywhere else in the tank to put it. I like having that canyon-esque looking between the left rock and the right, so bridging that isn't really an option. I suppose I could toss it into the sump, but that one rock would fill my entire fuge area. haha I might try it tonight, see what it looks like.

I'm always up for some jackassing. Hmmm wrong wording? :lol:

lastlight

01-03-2013, 10:17 PM

See I was thinking about moving that rock, but I really don't have anywhere else in the tank to put it.

When I got my nano setup I promptly threw out half the rock. You don't always need to put it somewhere. Toss it or sell it. I'm not a fan of rock in sumps. I used to do this but it traps stuff.

I saved one piece which I smash with a hammer if I need a rubble piece to attach something to.

JDigital

01-04-2013, 04:48 PM

When I got my nano setup I promptly threw out half the rock. You don't always need to put it somewhere. Toss it or sell it. I'm not a fan of rock in sumps. I used to do this but it traps stuff.

I saved one piece which I smash with a hammer if I need a rubble piece to attach something to.

I can't toss it.. haha The thing is, if I move it, there really isn't much of a "frag mounting base" there. That rock is perched across 3 others so it leaves a big open space kind of.

I'll figure out what I like sooner or later.. right now though I'm driving myself crazy trying to make a final decision on a skimmer purchase.. As soon as I THINK I know which skimmer I want, I change my mind and start looking again or doubting whether I would be happy with X or Y purchase..

I either stick with my Bubble Magus NAC6 for a bit and purchase my lights (which I'm also back and forth on, ATI PM T5s or LEDs.. haha)... or....

- RLSS RS8i
- Reef Octopus XP 2000sss
- ATI Powercone I-series 200 (just added to the list today, but almost BK $$$ for something new and relatively untested)
- BK Mini 160 (not really, but it crosses my mind once in a while.. haha If i found one used in Canada I probably would bite)

Everything else on this build I had so well planned out what I wanted, now I'm sooo indecisive on the Lights and Skimmer (obviously 2 important parts of a reef).

Arrrrrrrrrrrrggggggghhhhhhh!

freezetyle

01-05-2013, 12:31 AM

what about one the the new Vertex omega skimmers? or were you hoping to keep the skimmer pump inside the body?

JDigital

01-05-2013, 03:31 AM

what about one the the new Vertex omega skimmers? or were you hoping to keep the skimmer pump inside the body?

I like the idea of the pump being in the body. Especially if I am going to be having a GFO/Carbon reactor(s) running in the sump as well. Just saves a bit more space.

Plus I went out tonight and did some birthday shopping for myself. Picked up the following goodies.

Going to try the probidio products on this tank.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/Untitled.jpg

Vertex 1.5 Reactor, likely for GFO:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-7.jpg

Reef Octopus XP-2000sss
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-4.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-8.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-9.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-6.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4-5.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-8.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-5.jpg

The reason why I went with the Reef Octopus is pretty simple. It's the one that was in stock tonight. I told myself before I went in the shop that I was going to end my headaches and come home with a skimmer tonight. Canadian Customs made it really easy to choose as the Concepts RLSS skimmer shipment was being held at Customs for whatever reason and the Reef Octopus Skimmers arrived yesterday. I didn't feel the XP-1000sss was rated high enough for my system, so I went with the XP-2000sss which has a very similar Air draw as the RS6i (900+ lph). Also just realized I said RS8i above, I meant RS6i.

I am happy with it so far. The build quality is really nice, I like the Reef Octopus pumps and this is a very quiet skimmer.

Time to get this tank on the road to glory! :mrgreen:

JDigital

01-15-2013, 07:13 PM

reefwars

01-15-2013, 07:38 PM

While I was at Concept last night talking to the guys about my 180G issues and to get a few test results on my water I ended up walking out with one of these.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/mitras_zps79df9289.jpg

cant wait to see that bad boy over your tank josh , your fish are gonna need sunglasses as well lol :P:P

cheers buddy:)

denny

freezetyle

01-15-2013, 11:19 PM

pretty damn big impulse buy!

kien

01-15-2013, 11:26 PM

pretty damn big impulse buy!

Go big or go home!!

..actually, I think in this case Josh did both.

JDigital

01-16-2013, 12:21 AM

pretty damn big impulse buy!

Shhhh.... Don't tell my wallet.

Go big or go home!!

..actually, I think in this case Josh did both.

...actually.. I went back to the office THEN went home.

freezetyle

01-16-2013, 02:46 AM

Well worth it! Those lights are getting great reviews. It will fit your tank perfectly

Skimmerking

01-16-2013, 03:14 AM

k ok ok man that is a enough who do you think you are showing us all these fancy pieces of gear. well you have some explaining to do mister.:razz:

But more pictures will do thou im easily perswaded

JDigital

01-16-2013, 04:24 PM

Well worth it! Those lights are getting great reviews. It will fit your tank perfectly

To be honest, I'm finding them to be quite a pain in the butt to program via my PC. Compared to the Ecotech anyways. Once I get that figured out I should be happier with it.

The light spread is actually what sold me on it. I tested out a Radion and found that I was going to need 2 to get the coverage I wanted on the tank.

Hoping to weld up a light rack for it this weekend.

k ok ok man that is a enough who do you think you are showing us all these fancy pieces of gear. well you have some explaining to do mister.:razz:

But more pictures will do thou im easily perswaded

What sort of explaining am I suppose to do? :mrgreen:

As for pics, I'll get some up after I get it hanging over the tank. :wink:

reefwars

01-17-2013, 04:25 AM

To be honest, I'm finding them to be quite a pain in the butt to program via my PC. Compared to the Ecotech anyways. Once I get that figured out I should be happier with it.

The light spread is actually what sold me on it. I tested out a Radion and found that I was going to need 2 to get the coverage I wanted on the tank.

Hoping to weld up a light rack for it this weekend.

What sort of explaining am I suppose to do? :mrgreen:

As for pics, I'll get some up after I get it hanging over the tank. :wink:

i wasnt too sure on the programming as i havent had a chance to play on the pc with them too much as far as programming goes, cant wait to see some pics.

i gotta say you picked one hell of a line up for equipment on this tank this is gonna run pretty smoothly for ya:)

sphelps

01-17-2013, 04:46 AM

Once you get the hang of the light composer you'll like the program, probably not as simple as ecotech but it does a lot more in the end.

JDigital

01-17-2013, 01:48 PM

i wasnt too sure on the programming as i havent had a chance to play on the pc with them too much as far as programming goes, cant wait to see some pics.

i gotta say you picked one hell of a line up for equipment on this tank this is gonna run pretty smoothly for ya:)

I hope it runs smooth. I may still add a dosing pump to the setup down the road, but that's about it. I've put so much into the build I got nothing left for livestock.. :lol:

I actually got my light rack welded up here at the office yesterday after work. Just need to get a couple coats of black paint on it and pick up was rubber weather stripping so it does slide around and scratch the euro-bracing.

Once you get the hang of the light composer you'll like the program, probably not as simple as ecotech but it does a lot more in the end.

My main issue so far has been that no matter what I tell it to do at night at 9 or 10pm (ie. all leds off) at 12:09am the HV come back on for the night until the first stage of the program starts in the morning. So basically, I can't get them to turn off at night except for 2 hours between 10pm and 12:09am.

I'll play around with it more tonight and see what happens.

sphelps

01-17-2013, 02:09 PM

It maybe your moonlight setting, go to the channel that stays on and uncheck the moon simulation.

sphelps

01-17-2013, 02:31 PM

Also make sure you have a zero setting in the morning, ie at 9pm @ 10%, 10pm @ 0%, 7am @ 0%, 8am @ 10%

JDigital

01-17-2013, 03:30 PM

Thanks.. Will give those things a try tonight! :)

michika

01-17-2013, 06:42 PM

So your tank is in the land of the Midnight Sun?

What do you think of the colours in the light so far?

JDigital

01-18-2013, 06:09 AM

So your tank is in the land of the Midnight Sun?

What do you think of the colours in the light so far?

Well I haven't really played around with them enough to say for sure, but so far I love them.

Got the program figured out tonight and got the light hung above the tank. My phone doesn't like LEDs, so apologies for the pics.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-7.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4-6.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-10.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-9.jpg

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5-6.jpg

Whiston

01-18-2013, 02:34 PM

That is awesome. I like how you've changed the scape up a little also. Looking great!

Skimmerking

01-18-2013, 04:50 PM

So J that mitras is 1200 plus taxes for that unit

JDigital

01-18-2013, 06:37 PM

So J that mitras is 1200 plus taxes for that unit

Something crazy like that.

kien

01-18-2013, 07:48 PM

wow, that looks perfect over your tank!

lastlight

01-18-2013, 07:54 PM

tough to say yet but what do you think about the amount of light reaching the ends of your 40" tank? how high is the light mounted and how bad is the light bleed into the eyes if you crouch beside the tank?

</million_questions>

JDigital

01-18-2013, 08:19 PM

wow, that looks perfect over your tank!'

Looks pretty good eh.. :)

tough to say yet but what do you think about the amount of light reaching the ends of your 40" tank? how high is the light mounted and how bad is the light bleed into the eyes if you crouch beside the tank?

</million_questions>

I've currently got it mounted 11.5" above the eurobracing, with room for to go upwards for coral acclimation. Has no issues really covering the length of my tank.

Got to remember that I have 3" euro-bracing so I'm losing 6" in overall length, so I really only need to cover 34"x12"

These pics were also taken at around 9 or 930pm, so my lighting was already down to 15% brightness. Can't really comment on the light bleed into my eyes, I didn't really notice it though.

You are welcome to come have a look if you're thinking about buying one. :wink:

lastlight

01-18-2013, 08:33 PM

JDigital

01-18-2013, 08:39 PM

yeah i'd def be interested in checking it out once you have sticks and stuff under it.

how does eurobracing affect coral placement? you can still have corals spanning the full ~39" of useable tank space can't you?

Yea, I shouldn't have any problems placing coral. Just saying that the euro-bracing is going to hinder light penetration around the edges a bit (even if it is star-fire glass).

I'm really not concerned with light coverage based on what I saw last night and this morning. Plus GHL has been saying this light is good for a 40"x40" footprint. There is a tank on RC that is 40x40 with this light over it and no issues.

AquaDigital might have posted a link in his vendor area to that tank too.

lastlight

01-18-2013, 09:05 PM

your fixture is in the centre and the light radiates down at an angle to hit the tank ends so your eurobrace won't have an effect. looking forward to seeing some livestock in there!

JDigital

03-14-2013, 03:04 PM

looking forward to seeing some livestock in there!

I've got a few things, just no pics right now. :(

Fish:

1x Yellow Coris Wrasse
1x Female Redfin Flasher Wrasse (I think, I'm not confident in Big Al's I.D.)
1x Lubbock Wrasse
1x Candy Hogfish
1x Algae Blenny

Yes, this is turning out to be a Wrasse tank..

Coral:

1x Blue Polyp Birdnest
1x Monti. Confusa (Frag)
1x Green Acro. (Frag...unknown right now)
4x Various zoa frags
1x Green/Purple Favia
1x Acan Echinata
1x Pineapple Express Acan frag (2 heads)
1x Purple MaxiMini

lastlight

03-14-2013, 03:37 PM

I've got a few things, just no pics right now. :(

maybe if you spent a little less time living at concepts and more time at home you'd have something to entertain us with?

kien

03-14-2013, 03:39 PM

maybe if you spent a little less time living at concepts and more time at home you'd have something to entertain us with?

The ASSASSINATOR strikes again!

JDigital

03-14-2013, 04:53 PM

maybe if you spent a little less time living at concepts and more time at home you'd have something to entertain us with?

but if I don't go to concepts I won't have anything to put in the tank.. it's a catch 22.. :lol:

Truthfully, My iphone sucks when photographing the tank and quick moving wrasses. :(

JDigital

03-18-2013, 07:20 PM

maybe if you spent a little less time living at concepts and more time at home you'd have something to entertain us with?

Hey pUnk.. I took pitchars this weekend.. :mrgreen: Just having issues getting them off the memory card now..

lastlight

03-18-2013, 07:26 PM

Hey pUnk.. I took pitchars this weekend.. :mrgreen: Just having issues getting them off the memory card now..

you didn't put the sd card into the dvd slot like i did now i hope? :lol:

JDigital

03-18-2013, 09:40 PM

you didn't put the sd card into the dvd slot like i did now i hope? :lol:

LOL! No, I certainly did not sir.

For some reason my card reader won't recognize the memory stick.. Will have to get my roommate to download them and send them to me. (his memory stick anyways)

kien

03-18-2013, 09:41 PM

Hey pUnk.. I took pitchars this weekend.. :mrgreen: Just having issues getting them off the memory card now..

We don't want excuses, we want results.

michika

04-19-2013, 06:17 PM

We don't want excuses, we want results.

I don't want results. I want pictures and pitchers. Preferably the kind that are full of cold frothy drinks and not the sweaty ball throwing variety.

I wanna see your new additions! Especially that digi.

JDigital

04-21-2013, 06:00 PM

I don't want results. I want pictures and pitchers. Preferably the kind that are full of cold frothy drinks and not the sweaty ball throwing variety.

I wanna see your new additions! Especially that digi.

Ask and you shall receive... sometimes. :mrgreen:

My Phone messed up the color of these acans.. they are closer to a light green.
Pineapple Express Acans:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/PineappleExpress1_zpsb7eb52e2.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/PineappleExpress1_zpsb7eb52e2.jpg.html)

These are almost spot on regarding color.
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/Acans1_zps052bc79d.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/Acans1_zps052bc79d.jpg.html)

Hydnophora Colony.
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/Hydnophora1_zps7583e8b2.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/Hydnophora1_zps7583e8b2.jpg.html)

I'm thinking this is gonna take a bit to properly color up.
Forest Fire Digitata:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/ForestFireDigi1_zps74f590ae.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/ForestFireDigi1_zps74f590ae.jpg.html)

michika

04-22-2013, 02:27 PM

Love the Pinapple Express! I never really loved acans before, but I'm really starting to appreciate them more and more as I see them. I like the photo colour, even if it is 'off'.

I loved the different oranges I could see in that digi at the store. Its going to pop under those led.

JDigital

04-30-2013, 03:57 PM

Picked up a few things on the weekend from Concepts.

Chilliwack Tort:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-8_zps99656ef0.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3-8_zps99656ef0.jpg.html)

A-Grade Acro (Looks sorta like a Cerealis(??)):
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-10_zps7785ef7c.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2-10_zps7785ef7c.jpg.html)

Blue Tipped Pink Millepora:
http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-11_zps44870e93.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1-11_zps44870e93.jpg.html)

I also got a Blue tipped Gold Stag, but I can't get a photo of it which shows the colors properly. It's a decent size piece too, probably about 5-7" on the longest branch.

Aside from the corals I also picked up some KZ Amino Acids and Coral Snow to begin my dosing regiment. (will add sponge power and coral vitalizer soon)

fishytime

04-30-2013, 04:03 PM

Meh!:mrgreen::wink:

kien

04-30-2013, 04:09 PM

that stuff looks great Josh! You snagged some sweet pieces from Concepts there!

JDigital

04-30-2013, 04:57 PM

Meh!:mrgreen::wink:

Welcome to my thread buddy. :)

that stuff looks great Josh! You snagged some sweet pieces from Concepts there!

That's only because I got there before you probably! :lol: Unfortunately I had to pass up one of the Bali Tri-colors they had.. :(

kien

04-30-2013, 05:00 PM

That's only because I got there before you probably! :lol: Unfortunately I had to pass up one of the Bali Tri-colors they had.. :(

and that's because I haven't gone there yet! :biggrin: But now that everyone else has had a chance to cherry pick I think I'll make the trip today and see what's left :-)

yycguy

04-30-2013, 08:09 PM

Unfortunately I had to pass up one of the Bali Tri-colors they had.. :(

I didn't pass on it :)

JDigital

05-17-2013, 02:29 PM

Picked this little guy up last night. My favorite pygmy angel but first time onwer.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo_zpse574a474.jpg

michika

05-17-2013, 02:43 PM

Sweet. I think I missed seeing him when I was there.

and that's because I haven't gone there yet! :biggrin: But now that everyone else has had a chance to cherry pick I think I'll make the trip today and see what's left :-)

Actually it's because I was there first and cleaned out everything. :)

freezetyle

05-17-2013, 03:08 PM

Love the potter's angel. Lots of orange and red on that beauty

JDigital

07-14-2013, 03:04 AM

Love the potter's angel. Lots of orange and red on that beauty

Unfortunately he is long gone (as far as I can tell). Haven't seen him for weeks and never found a body. :(

July 13, 2013 Test Results :

Mag: 1300
Ca: 450-460
Alk: 7.78 dKH
PO4: 0.08ppm
Salinity: 1.026
Temp: 25.5C
NH3/4: No Test
NO2: No Test
NO3: No Test

I forgot my test kits for the last three items at work.

I was expecting these to be a lot farther out of wack considering how much difficulty I have had keeping any coral really. Now I'm really confused. Unless I've got Ammonia, Trites or Trates..

JDigital

07-18-2013, 04:17 AM

Operation "Skim Damn You!!!"

I can't recall if I made any mention of it in this thread but I have had a lot of frustrations with trying to dial in my Reef Octopus XP2000sss skimmer since day 1.

From what I can remember I read that 9" was the optimal depth for the water level in the sump, I'm almost bang on 9" so you can see how things could get frustrating when I can barely get this skimmer to skim.

By my math, I've MAYBE collected 3/4 of the skimmer cup full worth of skimmate since I started this tank. Really not that good and I considered myself to be feeding rather heavy, so this lack of skimming has not been ideal.

While my PO4 reading this week gave me a 0.08ppm reading I still feel this lack of skimming has had a part in my difficulties with this tank so tonight was the last straw. The boys at Concepts had suggest that I raise this skimmer to around 5" of water depth rather than 9" to get better performance from this thing.

So I went out to Home Depot to pick up some egg-crate. Home depot here in Airdrie apparently closes at 8pm now!! I ended up finally finding egg-crate Rona. $12.59 (and 1 Large Steeped Tea) later I was on my way home.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1207_zpsc6b843bb.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1207_zpsc6b843bb.jpg.html)

I didn't go right up to 5" yet. I built my skimmer perch to 3" to raise my skimmer to 6" depth and in doing so my sump level dropped somewhere between 3/16"-1/4" putting me at approx 5.75" (which just so happens to be what Bulk Reef Supply has on their site for optimal depth). I'll try that out for now and see if my skimmate increases.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1209_zps5c7fdab3.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1209_zps5c7fdab3.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1211_zps369aa2eb.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1211_zps369aa2eb.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/th_IMG_1212_zpsf1d286dd.jpg (http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1212_zpsf1d286dd.mp4)

daplatapus

07-18-2013, 01:49 PM

JDigital

07-18-2013, 02:03 PM

Ya, I had an SRO int2000 as well and it didn't work well at the depth they said either. Mine seemed to work the best right around 6" if I remember correctly. One thing I found though is that it raised the effluent discharge a fair bit and the water exiting the skimmer got noisy. I put an elbow on it which did quieten it down but I found out that if you turn that elbow down all the way so that it's totally submerged, it air locked. SO I had to turn it a bit so at least a bit of the elbow was out of the water so that air could escape.

The other problem I had was that piping isn't standard size and I had to use a bit of spa flex filed down on one end to connect the elbow to the discharge of the skimmer.

I'm curious where you had your gate valve set on the outlet nozzle. Mine doesn't seem to be much more open that it was before.

As of this morning I still didn't really have any substantial amount of skimmate in the cup. Good amount of foam right at the top of the collection cup neck though.. I've had this thing overflow on me a few times so I'm nervous to close down the gate valve much more than it already is.

daplatapus

07-18-2013, 02:48 PM

It's been almost a year since I've had that skimmer, but it seems to me I had it closed a fair bit.

JDigital

07-24-2013, 02:17 PM

**TURN AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO READ A WALL OF TEXT**

Ever since I got back into the salty side of things, wrasses seem to be my bad luck charm.

I had a very healthy Leopard Wrasse that I got off reefwars for my 180G which vanished one weekend with no trace or body.

I lost another Leopard Wrasse in my home tank. Similar scenario, just vanished one day, no body to be found.

I picked up a Blue Sided Fairy Wrasse for my 180G tank yesterday from Ocean Creations that I had put on hold Friday until Han was OK to sell. This wrasse is now not doing that great in my QT tank. Won't swim and barely even bothers to keep himself upright. Only thing is he seem to be very attentive when it comes to his eyes, he's always scanning around the tank but I don't have high hopes for him. I can basically reach in and grab him with my bare hand.

And to top it off, I get home last night, my fish are doing well and all accounted as I walk in the door. Few hours later (only minutes before I was about to go down and feed the tank) I can hear my roommate hollering at me that my tank is making some noise.

I head down stairs and the alarm on my Tunze ATO is beeping wildly and my skimmer is overflowing. Wonderful.

After unplugging the skimmer and ATO I tried to diagnose the problem. Yup, you guessed it... A Wrasse.

As far as I can see, one of my smaller wrasses was able to get through an extra wide gap in my overflow teeth, which would have instantly forced him down the main drain line. Likely getting mangled when he got to the gate valve and forced through whatever small opening there might be. This in turn slowed the flow of the tank and my tank level increased until it began to go down the Emergency drain (thank goodness for Herbie Overflows). With more water going into the tank than what was draining from the tank for a few moments activated my ATO as the levels in the sump dropped a bit.

Once the wrasse had been forced out of the piping the system settled back down which then elevated my sump levels about normal (and above my ATO emergency float switched). This caused my already sensitive skimmer to overflow what it had been skimming since my mini-project on the weekend.

And to top it off, I had a dead, mangled wrasse in the skimmer section of my sump.

Ultimately it could have been a lot worse I suppose but I was finally starting to get this tank back on the road to recovery with my levels, PO4, and what has seemed to be a successful fix for my skimmer issues. So certainly frustrating. :neutral:

WRASSES!

lastlight

07-24-2013, 02:50 PM

JDigital

07-24-2013, 03:01 PM

sorry to hear of your wrasse's demise. i'd definitely put drain guards on your herbie lines to prevent a repeat of that. on the plus side i'm not hearing anymore talk of selling this tank which is great to hear (or not hear i guess).

I wouldn`t say its not for sale.. :lol: I'm just not actively bumping the thread because all I got was requests to part out which I refuse to do. Nothing seems to be going my way with this tank so if someone comes along with the $750 I am asking for it (minus GHL and Vortechs) I`d sell, but if I`m only going to get requests to part out a currently running system it`s not worth the effort.

I will definitely be looking for a bulk head strainer in the coming days.

It`s sort of ironic... ever since I accidentally made this slightly larger gap in my overflow teeth I have been thinking "I really hope a fish doesn't go through there" while the whole time thinking that if one of my fish did decide to go on an adventure it would likely be the wrasse that actually DID. It's like I could see into the future man.

michika

07-24-2013, 03:23 PM

That just sucks so much. Sorry to read this. :cry:

kien

07-24-2013, 03:43 PM

As you said, it could have been worse and we're all glad it wasn't!!

JDigital

08-13-2013, 09:13 PM

Funny you should mention that kien.:redface:

Came home one day last week, had a peak at the tank after walking in the door and everyone was there and accounted for. Came back down about 1-1.5hrs later to feed the tank.. Put the food in, stood back to watch... most of the food was gone when I thought to myself.. "There seems to be a lack of yellow in the tank...hmmm"

Start looking around in the rocks and sure as sh!t, BOTH my Candy Hogfish and Yellow Coris Wrasse are missing. Immediately I checked the surrounding floor to see if they had been spooked and jumped. Nope, no bodies laying around so next was checking the Overflow. BINGO! Sort of.. The Candy Hogfish had managed to stay away from the suction of the main drain and was chillin in the corner of the overflow box. Netted him and got him back in the tank.

Next was trying to find the Wrasse. I started looking around the refuge, nothing, then in the skimmer section of my sump. Nothing that I could see. My last thought was the return pump section, which I thought would be highly unlikely but somehow that little bugger made it through my baffle system and was in the return section. I tried netting him but he was too bloody quick and the space was too confined with the pump in there. So I had to shut down my main pump, un-couple and remove it. By then I stirred up enough detritus that I couldn't even see the darn fish anymore. In the end I tired him out trying to blindly catch him in the net and he just cowered in the corner. Finally got him back into the main Display. He looked a little beat up but he seems to be doing well now.

I HAVE to take care of this gaping hole in my overflow teeth. (or my fish need to grow fat enough to stay out). :lol:

IanWR

08-13-2013, 10:35 PM

Could you use a narrow strip of eggcrate and attach it to the back of the teeth with small zip ties? Not an expert, just brainstorming. :)

- Ian

JDigital

08-21-2013, 02:25 AM

Took some crappy iPhone pics tonight (gawd, I miss my old DLSR these days. :( )

Finally brought home my Acan's from the Office tank (again, a favorite of food of the Butterfly I risked):

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1280_zps588652a4.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1280_zps588652a4.jpg.html)

Some crazy Mushrooms I picked up last weekend:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1278_zps1dbe29b4.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1278_zps1dbe29b4.jpg.html)

My Butterfly that perished picked this coral to almost nothing... the nubs that remained are starting to come back! I can't even remember what this LPS coral was..

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1279_zpsa235f0c2.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1279_zpsa235f0c2.jpg.html)

I've never been one for trying out Chalice corals. I don't recall ever having much luck with them, but I picked this one up last weekend too.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/92bf759c-2acc-43f5-823d-2b26f3590ea4_zps30eabb78.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/92bf759c-2acc-43f5-823d-2b26f3590ea4_zps30eabb78.jpg.html)

Misc Zoas:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1282_zpsb64f0e3f.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1282_zpsb64f0e3f.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1281_zpsad8d8cc1.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1281_zpsad8d8cc1.jpg.html)

And finally 1 of 3 SPS frags I am testing out now that I THINK my tank is ready for them. The photos of the other 2 aren't much to look at unfortunately so I didn't upload them:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/afe8ad68-0afa-412c-a2d6-161e0002755f_zps7e0c4880.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/afe8ad68-0afa-412c-a2d6-161e0002755f_zps7e0c4880.jpg.html)

lastlight

08-21-2013, 06:13 AM

sps looks happy to me. fingers crossed i guess. did you say all your appropriate prayers?

JDigital

08-25-2013, 10:52 PM

sps looks happy to me. fingers crossed i guess. did you say all your appropriate prayers?

2 out of 3 aren't looking to bad. The digitata isn't showing much polyp extension. That could have been due to my 1.028SG though. Just finished a water change to help bring it back down.

The Acan colony looks much happier/healthier in this tank than it did in my 180G.

Trevor W

08-25-2013, 11:38 PM

Did you ever get your skimmer issues resolved or get it dialed to where it will skim properly. I seem to be having the same issues with my vertex in-180, and its making me consider going with a different skimmer.

JDigital

08-26-2013, 01:10 AM

JDigital

09-04-2013, 08:57 PM

So I almost added a new fish yesterday..

I saw this little guy at Big Als yesterday with no price tag on the tank. It's supposedly a Super Male Ember Blenny (I doubt that it will go Super). I'll be honest I have not seen one before so I could be wrong, but I would assume you'd need some females to help coax this guy into Super Male coloring. So I hung around for 20mins waiting for some service and finally got someone to stop and give me a hand. Asked how much he was.......

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo_zps8973ab1c.jpg

........ $250!

Needless to say I passed on it.... not because I think it's to expensive (although based on Liveaquaria, it is overpriced, LA sold one a Super Male in the Divers Den for $80US) but because I didn't have $250 on me... Ok, seriously, I'd maybe pay $120-150... $250 is a stretch! :lol:

ruslicus

09-05-2013, 03:00 PM

kien

09-05-2013, 03:02 PM

Love those guys! But, um.. ya, $250 is a bit steep ! I'm sure someone will snatch up that beauty of a blenny though.

lastlight

09-05-2013, 03:54 PM

funny i was staring at that fish the other day for like 10 min. i never asked how much but my wife and i really liked the little guy.

wayner

09-05-2013, 04:28 PM

funny i was staring at that fish the other day for like 10 min. i never asked how much but my wife and i really liked the little guy.

Was it bright Red?, I put in an order for one through someone else a while ago and it never came in - I think its pretty rare that they just show up in a fish order., that's if it is a Super Male - I wouldn't pay $250 though.

lastlight

09-05-2013, 04:36 PM

it def did not look like a reg ember blenny. the reds were quite red which is why he caught my eye. can a fish remain half changed or would it complete the transformation? and can they change back if there's no female ?

gorgeous fish but i've promised myself no more fish as I feel my load is great as is.

JDigital

09-05-2013, 04:38 PM

Was it bright Red?, I put in an order for one through someone else a while ago and it never came in - I think its pretty rare that they just show up in a fish order., that's if it is a Super Male - I wouldn't pay $250 though.

According to Big Al's it's on it's way to becoming a super male. I would have thought he would need a harem of females to become a Super Male. So no, he wasn't bright red like the pic below.. If he looked like this pic, I would drop $250 in a heartbeat I think.:mrgreen:

http://blog.aquanerd.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Ember-Blenny-Super-Male-Cirripectes-stigmaticus.jpg

wayner

09-05-2013, 04:47 PM

That was the Red I was expecting for a Super Male - Really nice Fish!

lastlight

09-05-2013, 05:01 PM

no def not red like that. but i'd believe he's undergoing the change for sure. my wallet doesn't care if he is though lol. $250 ouch!

michika

09-05-2013, 09:07 PM

That is one schmexy schmexy fish there.

I wonder how easily they can be ordered in up here? I'd be in for a group order with some locals, depeding on price of course.

reefwars

09-05-2013, 09:29 PM

That is one schmexy schmexy fish there.

I wonder how easily they can be ordered in up here? I'd be in for a group order with some locals, depeding on price of course.

not easily enough , the ember blennys can be got from time to time but the super males arnt easy to get and ive yet to get one.

i see them on my list very rarely but i order one everytime and anytime i do its cut from the list , meaning that one of the larger stores who do large orders get it(or a buddy of the supplier)

for an example there may be 100-200 embers available on my list(usualy juvies) but only 3 super males , divide that by 100 stores or people who want them... and its not easy

alot of the larger stores are dropping 10-20g a month with suppliers so i dont think a grouporder of several is gonna do it.

beautiful fish though and my fave for blens:)

JDigital

09-16-2013, 05:55 PM

Well I added a few pieces of SPS from denny a few weeks ago and this is backfiring on me.. again...........

I'm currently losing a Frogskin Acro, Red Monti Cap, Blue Tip Stag to STN, and 2 random frags from Reef Wonderland. A Monti Confusa that isn't STNing yet, but has NO polyp extension what so ever. The only piece still hanging on is a Red Planet I got from Denny. (knock on glass)

I'm at a complete loss as to what's going on in this system. I'm at 9months. There isn't a single piece of SPS that has survived longer than 1 month in my tank. My params are all in good standing these days, I'm doing weekly 10G water changes with H2Ocean salt, I'm careful on my feeding to not overfeed the tank, I'm running HC GFO, I've dialed back my lighting with regards to intensity and also raised the unit another 1-2" off the water level as suggested by others over on Nano-Reef. I've tried varying strengths of flow thinking that I was possibly blowing the tissue right off the skeletons. None of my fish are to blame. The tank is completely free of any algae except for the little bit of film algae on the glass every few days.

I'm AGAIN about ready to shut this tank down and sell it off at this point. Mainly due to the fact of how much money I've been investing and loosing, not because I can't figure it out. I wanted this tank to be an SPS dominant tank with a few pieces of LPS and zoas down along the sand bed but that doesn't seem to be possible. Although my Acans are rocking, but even certain zoas are struggling while others are doing fine.

My only other option besides shutting down completely is to gut the live portion of the tank and restart with ALL LIVE ROCK, no dry rock whatsoever. Every tank I've previously ran has used Live Rock and I've been fairly successful in keeping most SPS (or anything for that matter)

This hobby can really be a struggle sometimes.. :neutral:

reefwars

09-16-2013, 06:08 PM

KrazyKuch

09-16-2013, 06:11 PM

My only other option besides shutting down completely is to gut the live portion of the tank and restart with ALL LIVE ROCK, no dry rock whatsoever. Every tank I've previously ran has used Live Rock and I've been fairly successful in keeping most SPS (or anything for that matter)

This hobby can really be a struggle sometimes.. :neutral:

I will have to agree on this point...seems tanks started with dry rock take forever before they can handle sps for some reason!!!

kien

09-16-2013, 07:01 PM

Sorry to hear about your issues Josh :( There's definitely something not right in your tank. That monti cap should be bullet proof! I wouldn't worry too much about the confusa. I've never had major polyp extension out of them but they still thrive.

I don't know much about the frogskin acro. I don't think I've ever had one. Stags can be touchy.

Anyway, swing by and grab some bullet proof red/orange digi and yellow/green birdsnest. I can't seem to kill that stuff!

JDigital

09-16-2013, 07:40 PM

you know what ive always said.....cough cough **dryrock** cough

dude pull out a huge chunk of the rock and ill give you some actual liverock to replace i have lots , theres something missing and i believe its partly because of the rock and the lack of biological diversity of micro flora and fauna:)

worth a try right?

if you want to swap it out let me know and swing by my place in the evening we will figure this out for you piece by piece.

Definitely worth a try, but to do that I will need to pull out my fish as I'm sure to experience a cycle.

I will have to agree on this point...seems tanks started with dry rock take forever before they can handle sps for some reason!!!

Wouldn't be the first tank I've seen this happen on.. my 180G @ the Office had similar issues but I have since decided to not have SPS at all in that tank.

Sorry to hear about your issues Josh :( There's definitely something not right in your tank. That monti cap should be bullet proof! I wouldn't worry too much about the confusa. I've never had major polyp extension out of them but they still thrive.

I don't know much about the frogskin acro. I don't think I've ever had one. Stags can be touchy.

Anyway, swing by and grab some bullet proof red/orange digi and yellow/green birdsnest. I can't seem to kill that stuff!

Thanks, the Monti Cap was the first piece to start showing signs. No matter how bomb proof you think those pieces are I'm not adding anymore SPS till I start changing a few things (ie: the rock). No point killing off more frags when I don't have too. I don't want to be the guy that is known for killing Kiens unkillable SPS. :lol:

lastlight

09-16-2013, 08:21 PM

Sorry to hear Josh. Definitely start with new live rock before you throw in the towel. You've been successful at this before something is not right and it could very well be the rock.

reefwars

09-16-2013, 08:35 PM

Definitely worth a try, but to do that I will need to pull out my fish as I'm sure to experience a cycle.

Wouldn't be the first tank I've seen this happen on.. my 180G @ the Office had similar issues but I have since decided to not have SPS at all in that tank.

Thanks, the Monti Cap was the first piece to start showing signs. No matter how bomb proof you think those pieces are I'm not adding anymore SPS till I start changing a few things (ie: the rock). No point killing off more frags when I don't have too. I don't want to be the guy that is known for killing Kiens unkillable SPS. :lol:

swap a few at a time and then no cycle , come fill up a bucket and take your time swapping them out , when you have a aquascape you like just bring me what ever you dont use. i got a mix of tonga, pukani and god knows what else for liverock lol :P

JDigital

10-16-2013, 04:09 AM

I think I have found my new love/hate relationship.. and the love part is hopefully still to come, so as of tonight it's all hate. :lol:

ROX 0.8 Activated Carbon.... This stuff caused me to rage tonight.. It's so damn lightweight that even with the valve on my 1.5 Vertex reactor nearly completely closed the flow still caused a mess everywhere when the pump fired up. What a nightmare to clean up with how fine this stuff is.. embedded in the threads of the of reactor, sticks to your fingers, floats right to the top of the reactor, it made it's way into my display tank, sump... EVERYWHERE. After about 1hr or so I finely got it dialed in but it was more effort than I was planning to exert tonight. :lol:

Before I pull the rock out I'm going to try carbon on this tank. It's the one thing that I have always used in the past that I haven't setup on this system until tonight so will see how it works out and if there are any noticeable changes.

One coral that does seem to excel in my tank is my Acans so I picked up a few frags from the grand opening of Concept Aquatics today. So many things I wanted to buy but didn't want to risk any expensive stuff till I get this tank sorted out. :)

I'll get some photos soon.

JDigital

10-16-2013, 05:01 AM

One thing I forgot to mention in my last post was that as I was leaving the house this morning for work I looked at the skimmer and made a mental note that I should empty it and clean the cup when I got home. I haven't touch my skimmer in weeks and it had about 1.5-2" of DARK skimmate sitting it in it too. So I felt it was due for a cleaning.

Got home tonight, walked in the door, and the damn thing was overflowing into my sump like crazy... all the skimmate was gone and back into my system. NO IDEA what happened to cause it to go haywire, as I said, I hadn't touched it in weeks with NO problems what so ever. So that sparked me to start mixing up WC water tonight (thankfully I bought a new bucket of H2Ocean along with my new acan frags today). Will do that tomorrow night when I get home from work, ya know, if the house hasn't burnt down or something.

Kryptic4L

10-16-2013, 10:43 AM

airdrie air, mine does the same thing, works well forever, then goes bloody haywire for no apparent reason.

gotten in the habit of emptying mine every chance. nothing more frustrating then seeing a nice cup o skim end up back in the tank.

JDigital

10-17-2013, 02:57 PM

It must be that crazy air we have out in Airdrie...:lol:

Curious what skimmer you got?

sphelps

10-17-2013, 05:26 PM

JDigital

10-17-2013, 09:24 PM

Check was happens during a power cycle. If your sump level rises during shut down and everything turns back on at the same time, the short time the skimmer runs at the elevated level can sometimes be enough the fill and overflow the cup, once full it just continues to bubble over because of the lid extension. So a brief power cut could explain such skimmer issues.

Definitely a possibility! I know just from switching off my power bars for water changes that the sump rises. I suppose with all the construction in my area there is a likelihood of power being cut briefly, although it NEVER happens when I'm actually home :(. Thanks Steve. I'm not sure my Reef Keeper Lite tracks power outages like my Apex at work though. Will have to check that out or upgrade.

sphelps

10-17-2013, 09:42 PM

Most controllers allow blackout delays so if it turns out to be an issue adding a delay to the skimmer circuit will fix the issue.

SoloSK71

10-18-2013, 01:37 AM

+1 on the cycle time between power off and the sump filling and turning everything back on. I have now incorporated this into my feeding and dosing schedule. I power off everything, feed, and then power on the power head, then the return pump, then the skimmer. Dosing, I turn the skimmer off, dose, add live bacteria, and turn the skimmer back on in the morning.

Charles

JDigital

11-18-2013, 07:21 PM

Well I have decided that I am going to restart this tank. I'm going to pull all the marco dry rock I started with out, re-home most of the fish to my 180G tank at the office, and start from scratch. New water, new rock, fresh start. There is just something not right in this tank that I can not put my finger on. This tank has been up and running for nearly a year with absolutely ZERO progress and hundreds of dollars in coral down the drain. I have lost EVERY SINGLE piece of SPS I have tried in this tank. Everything from easy to keep montis/digi's, red planet, to harder to keep stuff that was doing very well in MUCH younger, less mature frag tanks at the LFS.

I tried feeding Oyster Feast and Live Copepods per some conversations with a fellow reefer on NR.com that yielded no results with regards to improved coral vitality (SPS specifically). None of my fish are coral nippers so I can rule them all out. I've inspected and dipped all frags before putting them in my tank (although still could have missed something, the procedure was still there and I have no seen bugs or pest of any sort). Carbon and GFO made no difference in my tests with them.

I got 2 things that seem to do ok in this tank. The fish and a few (4) acans. Zoas don't grow (or gradually disappear), ALL SPS dies, I'm not interested in softies for this tank so haven't even tried putting them in.

So I'm gutting it and starting fresh. Maybe in a years time I will actually have something to show off in this tank, because as of right now after nearly a year hundreds of dollars in dead coral, I basically have a handful of fish and 4 small acan pieces (which are for the most part less than 6 weeks old). Something clearly isn't working/right/balanced in this tank and no test kit new or old can give me any indication to the problem as they all point to average readings for Ca/Mag/dKH, low PO4, no trates/trites/ammo.

kien

11-18-2013, 07:51 PM

good to see you back at it. If you're losing pretty much everything that you put into your tank then something is definitely up. Especially if your water parameters are in check. Good luck! The only suggestion I can think of to give to you is to maybe invest in a Prayer Reactor.

lastlight

11-18-2013, 08:11 PM

That sucks Josh but a fresh start might do wonders. Good luck.

Skimmerking

11-19-2013, 01:27 PM

Josh I was having problems too man. and once I moved my tank from the old house to the new house and with a fresh new water like 98% my tank is looking amazing. I feel for ya bro I have had crappy luck but now with the new house:biggrin: new girlfriend,:mrgreen: new water completely the tank is doing amazing. the wallet isn't doing good thou lol corals are flourishing thou so im happy. the Red Algae is all gone. I really think the Mitras Light has helped with the Algae. It has to be i have checked everything that I can think of. the rocks are all purpling up really nice too.

JDigital

11-19-2013, 02:37 PM

whooooo!!! more good luck... My skimmer overflowed AGAIN last night... Awesome! :neutral:

gqlmao

11-19-2013, 02:53 PM

JDigital

11-19-2013, 03:11 PM

Damn man, I have been following this thread on Nano-reef and Canreef. It seems like this hobby is throwing quite a bit of curve balls at you. But you got the grapes to last this long and to even willing reset the tank. Therefore more reason to give her because when something good happens it will be that much better!

I have a SRO in my tank, I found that playing with the gate really messed with the skimmer water levels. So I left mine all the way open, built a little egg crate stand to raise it so it has about 5 inches of water. I think the key to mine running was to allow the open gate to be above the water line so there isn't any back pressure running back into the exit. When I had it below the water line even the slightest, it would flood every 3-4 days, it would gradually creep up while I was at work and when I got home the skimmer would of emptied it self back into the tank.

Stanley

Oh I have the egg stand too.. has helped with skimming (as it dumped about half a cup of BLACK skimmate back into the tank last night) but I don't think I can get the gate valve above the line and still get the performance out of it.

My office tank is basically on auto-pilot right now. I feed the fish, clean the skimmer cup once a week, and scrape the glass every few days. Although it is due for a water change, but otherwise nothing to complain about *knocks on glass*... This tank at home has been a constant headache for 11 months.

Reef Pilot

11-19-2013, 03:16 PM

This tank at home has been a constant headache for 11 months.

Maybe you were giving it too much attention, and rushing it. Corals (esp SPS) like stability.

gqlmao

11-19-2013, 03:29 PM

True, what I have noticed is that my skimmer isn't truly skimming wet and can never be with this height. Its rather in between both wet and dry due to the water level being lower and not being able to adjust the water to the appropriate neck height is a bummer. I have crude building up 3 inches before the neck due to the lower water levels. Its frustrating to not be able to dial in a piece of equipment at the risk of overflowing, especially when its considered reef octopus' higher end line and a mid range skimmer in the market.

Oh I have the egg stand too.. has helped with skimming (as it dumped about half a cup of BLACK skimmate back into the tank last night) but I don't think I can get the gate valve above the line and still get the performance out of it.

denny_C

11-19-2013, 03:44 PM

you know my thoughts lol :P:P:P

denny_C

11-19-2013, 03:44 PM

just do it!!!

im off thurs and fri so we can do it anytime then if you like , weekend im can do it to if its later in the day:)

what do you have to lose right?

lastlight

11-19-2013, 03:56 PM

just do it!!!

im off thurs and fri so we can do it anytime then if you like , weekend im can do it to if its later in the day:)

what do you have to lose right?

are you guys eloping or working on the tank. stop being so mysterious Denny!

denny_C

11-19-2013, 03:59 PM

are you guys eloping or working on the tank. stop being so mysterious Denny!

working on the tank..........i think :mrgreen:

i invented a new product its a clear water like substance and the process is basically you remove all your old dry rock , replace with live rock and then do a very large water change , add a few drops of my product into a prayer reactor and allow tyhe tank to settle down , soon enough and walla instant turn around

yes it will be available to everyone soon enough:P

JDigital

11-19-2013, 04:08 PM

I know Denny... It's just a matter of finding the time. Maybe I will use my last vacation day on friday and get this sorted out.

JDigital

12-01-2013, 03:06 AM

The rebuild begins....

Pull all the marco rock and the sand bed out of the system today.. Took my fish to my LFS, and then picked up some Fiji and Tonga Branch LIVE rock from good ol' Denny. I've got water going to make a fresh batch of Saltwater which I will use for an initial WC to pull out some of the junk that got disturbed. After that I will do another 30-40G in the next day or 2.

Let any sort of mini-cycle that's gonna happen run it's course and then check all params and adjust accordingly.

Fingers Crossed!

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps256edfbc.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps256edfbc.jpg.html)

Doug

12-01-2013, 04:03 AM

:thumb:

JDigital

12-02-2013, 02:30 AM

Well, 45G worth of water changed out since last night. Got a bit of a aquascape going but will likely pick up a few more pieces from the LFS tomorrow to finish it off along with a filter sock to help polish the water and get the fine sand dust out of the water column. Will do another 10G WC tomorrow and see where I'm at with my levels, I'm not expecting much of a cycle.

One of the pieces of LR I got from Denny had some Black Sun Corals on it and I'm actually getting some polyp extension from them already, even with all the fluctuations I've had in the past 24hrs... Temp, Salinity, Dust Clouds, etc

Feather dusters are coming out too.. I've noticed a few nasty 'nems that I need to blast though..

I've also decided to bail out on the LED trend and go back to what I know so I put an order on an ATI Dimmable Sunpower 6x39W light fixture today.

Will update again when I've got more info. :)

Doug

12-02-2013, 02:35 AM

Skimmerking

12-02-2013, 03:40 AM

wow. Im super glad with the LED that have I really like the color and the spread that I have with the light. having not to worry about it for the nest 5 years is awesome. When it goes I cant wait to take it apart and see how it clicks. But for now I wil enjoy the light with all the fancy gadgets.

gqlmao

12-02-2013, 03:48 AM

A complete reset should do the trick! Things should be better from here on, cause I want to see this build take off. I am with you on the t-5 boat, finally decided to ditch my leds and get a dimmable ati fixture as well :).

JDigital

12-02-2013, 04:12 AM

And another makes the switch. :smile:

hahaha.. It's worth a shot, right?.

wow. Im super glad with the LED that have I really like the color and the spread that I have with the light. having not to worry about it for the nest 5 years is awesome. When it goes I cant wait to take it apart and see how it clicks. But for now I wil enjoy the light with all the fancy gadgets.

I'm not un-happy with the light, but I have read some articles and threads around that get me thinking about certain things regarding LEDs. I suppose there is one thing that I HATE about LEDs and that is how much they screw with cameras, especially cheap cameras or cell phones, as I don't have my high end gear anymore. Good example is the photo above... All my pics turn out like that, which I don't like!

A complete reset should do the trick! Things should be better from here on, cause I want to see this build take off. I am with you on the t-5 boat, finally decided to ditch my leds and get a dimmable ati fixture as well :).

If a complete reset and traditional lighting don't do the trick then I guess it's just not meant to be for me. lol

The Grizz

12-02-2013, 04:56 AM

So......whats the plan for the Mitra?????

JDigital

12-02-2013, 05:54 PM

So......whats the plan for the Mitra?????

It's already been spoken for. :)

michika

12-02-2013, 07:26 PM

JDigital

12-03-2013, 03:39 AM

Nice progress, even if it is to rebuild everything. I like the photos.

I too found the secret to my issues was many large water changes which eventually equated to about 200% WC on my system.

I've got my fingers crossed for you.

Thanks Catherine.. I got everything crossed!

My temporary aquascape.. I still want to fill in the left side a but with some self or something. Unfortunately I didn't get to Concepts today with the blizzard.. Will be amazed if I can even get out of my neighborhood tomorrow morning. :lol:

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps3520eca3.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps3520eca3.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2_zpsfca82f29.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2_zpsfca82f29.jpg.html)

kien

12-03-2013, 03:44 AM

And so it begins! Again, again.

JDigital

12-03-2013, 04:58 PM

Couple pics with the lights on and a few Acans that I salvaged and seem to have pulled through the tank change OK. Lights had only been on for a few mins before taking these pics.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5_zps1e7b0789.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo5_zps1e7b0789.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2_zpsf2f16f6e.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo2_zpsf2f16f6e.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps5f7c1258.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo1_zps5f7c1258.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3_zps11264e7d.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo3_zps11264e7d.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4_zps09213d0f.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo4_zps09213d0f.jpg.html)

gqlmao

12-03-2013, 05:06 PM

Looks like those acans are enjoying themselves. Hopefully it will be a smooth ride from here on out. How was the quick cycle? Did you notice anything significant jumps in any of the big three?

michika

12-03-2013, 05:08 PM

I like it from the front and the right side a lot. I can see exactly what you mean about wanting more for the left. It's sexy!

JDigital

12-03-2013, 05:22 PM

Looks like those acans are enjoying themselves. Hopefully it will be a smooth ride from here on out. How was the quick cycle? Did you notice anything significant jumps in any of the big three?

To be honest I never got around to running a test on the tank for any of those 3 things. :redface: I will do a Nitrate test later today probably as I'm stuck at home, just hope my test kit is here and not at the office. This rock wasn't out of water for very long so I'm not expecting much of cycle.. and I've likely missed the window for seeing Ammonia.

I like it from the front and the right side a lot. I can see exactly what you mean about wanting more for the left. It's sexy!

Yea, it just seems a bit empty over there. Also not sure if I'm liking the BB or not yet but I want to give it a honest try as it's not something I have done yet in the hobby.

michika

12-03-2013, 06:08 PM

working on the tank..........i think :mrgreen:

i invented a new product its a clear water like substance and the process is basically you remove all your old dry rock , replace with live rock and then do a very large water change , add a few drops of my product into a prayer reactor and allow tyhe tank to settle down , soon enough and walla instant turn around

yes it will be available to everyone soon enough:P

To be honest I never got around to running a test on the tank for any of those 3 things. :redface: I will do a Nitrate test later today probably as I'm stuck at home, just hope my test kit is here and not at the office. This rock wasn't out of water for very long so I'm not expecting much of cycle.. and I've likely missed the window for seeing Ammonia.

Yea, it just seems a bit empty over there. Also not sure if I'm liking the BB or not yet but I want to give it a honest try as it's not something I have done yet in the hobby.

My biggest argument against BB is that fish poop...and eventually if you don't have the right flow or tools for removal you get pseudo-sand. This was a regular issue for me in my 90g cube as my tangs decided to pile it all in the one low-flow area in the whole system.

JDigital

12-03-2013, 07:36 PM

My biggest argument against BB is that fish poop...and eventually if you don't have the right flow or tools for removal you get pseudo-sand. This was a regular issue for me in my 90g cube as my tangs decided to pile it all in the one low-flow area in the whole system.

SPS tank = Lots of Flow and Ecotechs.. I can stir up stuff pretty easy right now.. Just finished another water change too and that stirred up more. This tank will be spot-less soon!

Doug

12-03-2013, 08:11 PM

Oh, no sand Josh. I was going to add sand to my new one but like that look. My 20 is bare also. Then no leopard for me though. But yours looks good like that.

JDigital

12-03-2013, 08:47 PM

Oh, no sand Josh. I was going to add sand to my new one but like that look. My 20 is bare also. Then no leopard for me though. But yours looks good like that.

I can live without a leopard.. plenty of other expensive wrasses to buy. :mrgreen:

I figured I'd try out BB.. always easier to add a sand bed than it is to remove.

Doug

12-03-2013, 10:23 PM

I have always liked mine bare.

lorenz0

12-03-2013, 10:30 PM

YES! t5's are the only way to go. funny how you finally made the switch

JDigital

12-03-2013, 11:28 PM

I have always liked mine bare.

That's what she said.... :razz:

YES! t5's are the only way to go. funny how you finally made the switch

HOLY STRANGER! Where you been!?

Doug

12-03-2013, 11:55 PM

That's what she said.... :razz:

Pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff...:lol:

lorenz0

12-04-2013, 02:10 AM

HOLY STRANGER! Where you been!?

being a troll. i check the site everyday. will have to put up a photo of the nano sometime

JDigital

12-18-2013, 04:59 AM

Goodbye LED's... Hello Dimmable T5's.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo13_zps74c87a51.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo13_zps74c87a51.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo32_zpsf0c70115.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo32_zpsf0c70115.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo43_zps09345137.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo43_zps09345137.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo51_zps1a3fbb18.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo51_zps1a3fbb18.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo52_zpsea482aab.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/photo52_zpsea482aab.jpg.html)

lastlight

12-18-2013, 02:08 PM

Your sps collection closely rivals mine nicely done! What bulbs are you running?

gqlmao

12-18-2013, 02:35 PM

Man o man, that is sweet! I wished my lights weren't on back order. How does these compare to the mitras in terms of brightness, light spread footprint, overall which one do you prefer more?

JDigital

12-18-2013, 02:55 PM

Your sps collection closely rivals mine nicely done! What bulbs are you running?

Uh oh.. Is your SPS non-existent these days? :(

As for bulbs:

Front
KZ SuperBlue
ATI Coral Plus
KZ SuperBlue
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Coral Plus
KZ SuperBlue
Back

Man o man, that is sweet! I wished my lights weren't on back order. How does these compare to the mitras in terms of brightness, light spread footprint, overall which one do you prefer more?

Seemed brighter, but right now I've got the light setup for the 50hr burn in phase so they are at 100% from 10am-10:30pm. So it's pretty bright. Light spread seems to be about the same to be honest. I have this fixture much closer the water level than I ever had my Mitra, so it's pretty much didn't change, either way my front room is flooded with light and it looks like a grow-op from the street and neighbors. :lol:

I can't answer the last part of your question just yet. I need to see how dimming function works after the bulbs burn in and see how my current corals (yes, there are some in there) take to the new light.

kien

12-18-2013, 03:18 PM

oo, very nice! Love that crisp T5 look.

JDigital

01-06-2014, 05:04 PM

Didn't feel like I had enough real estate in the tank so I picked up a small pre-built tower from Concepts on the weekend made from Eli's Pukani Dry Rock. Add's a nice touch to the left side I think.

Added some a zoa colony, SPS colony (on the tower in pic) and a Red/White Acan colony as well. :)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1553_zps895883fc.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_1553_zps895883fc.jpg.html)

wreck

01-06-2014, 05:09 PM

looks great!

asylumdown

01-06-2014, 05:22 PM

That's really cool! When you say pre-made what do you mean? Is Concept selling pre-assembled/glued/epoxied/whatever rock structures these days? That's a really great idea...

ronau

01-06-2014, 05:28 PM

That's really cool! When you say pre-made what do you mean? Is Concept selling pre-assembled/glued/epoxied/whatever rock structures these days? That's a really great idea...

I think it's the piece Eli did for his videos and he had it at the shop for a sample piece, I guess it was for sale.

reefwars

01-06-2014, 05:54 PM

everything is for sale lol and yes its the premade structure we had for demo:)

actually funny it was mentioned as i had last year sat with dave and thought about doing pre -made rock structures and incased in a small glass box or wooden box.

structures would be somewhat smaller but in a variety of unique shapes and ideas:)

who knows maybe ill sit down with eli and work something out if people are interested in stuff like that:)

reefwars

01-06-2014, 05:56 PM

josh how does it feel to be on the plus side of the coral game again lol? noticed your sps isnt white actually looks to have flesh and color:P

i had a feeling a fresh start with traditional practices would bring the life back in the hobby for you:)

good on ya bro glad to see it its been a battle for too long

cheers

denny

lastlight

01-06-2014, 06:12 PM

bad fortune must be digitally communicable. best of luck josh the tank is looking good. how long can i expect my tank to look like crap now?

JDigital

01-06-2014, 08:02 PM

Thanks guys... and thanks for all the help Denny.. I owe you big time!

As denny said, EVERYTHING IS FOR SALE! The demo piece caught my eye before NYE but I never snagged it.. saw it there yesterday and couldn't pass it up a 2nd time. I think it really finished off my tank nicely.

Now I'm just debating about BB or SSB. BB has been a PAIN to keep clean so far and now with the rock tower I added it will be even more difficult to vacuum detritus around/under/behind it. Sand+Sand Sifting Goby may be the winning combo, it works in my 180G. :)

bad fortune must be digitally communicable. best of luck josh the tank is looking good. how long can i expect my tank to look like crap now?

Thanks Brett.. My tank looked like poop for almost 1 year to the day.. just as a reference. :lol: I truly hope yours doesn't look like mine did for a year! I wouldn't wish that on anyone.

Madreefer

01-06-2014, 11:43 PM

Looks good. Will look even better with sand:lol:

eli@fijireefrock.com

01-09-2014, 07:54 AM

JDigital

01-09-2014, 05:00 PM

UH hUh I just found my rock...is it Denny or Dave that sold it on me ...:twised:...wait till I see them tomorrow....
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PtAeUS534ZVfzhcsYvMbHF13gOmFlA58Bpq638iydxs=w423-h316-no

Josh I am happy for you .Your system is looking good .:thumb:

I'd hate to get anyone in trouble, so I'll just say their name starts with a "D" :mrgreen:

Hope you're not upset Eli... but the rock does look good in my tank. :razz:

eli@fijireefrock.com

01-09-2014, 08:12 PM

upset..no.. :biggrin:
"D" Hmm I wounder who that could be...well we rule out Matt and Roger that leaves Dave and Denny ...I will get it out of them...
That rocks fills your tank nicely,glad you are enjoying it.:thumb:

JDigital

01-09-2014, 08:44 PM

And that FijiCrete is good stuff! holds these 2 rocks together with no issues!

matt_C

01-10-2014, 01:00 AM

The rock fits perfectly in your tank!

wow looking good!

JDigital

02-06-2014, 02:35 PM

The rock fits perfectly in your tank!

wow looking good!

Thanks Matt!

Possible disaster this morning.. I won't know the short term affects till I get home today but a quick summary.

Got home last and walked inside the house. As anyone who has followed this you will know my tank is near the front door. Closed the door behind but apparently forgot to flip the deadbolt. Either way, the door was closed and I cleaned the glass, checked/fed the fish, had my daily observation of things and went upstairs for the night.

Come downstairs this morning to leave for work and my front door in open with about a 3-4 gap and the frosty -25 degree air is pouring into my front entrance area, right where my tank is. I immediately checked my RKE display to see what the temp was at... It had dropped to a chilly 14.1C from 24.6C. I have no idea what time the door popped open during the night, but I'm fully expecting that temp drop/shock to nuke all my SPS I have added in the last few weeks.

This tank has been a bloody nightmare to deal with and EVERYTHING that can go wrong seems to. Granted this was my own fault for forgetting to lock the deadbolt but still, what are the chances your front door blows open randomly like this.

UGH!! :cry:

michika

02-06-2014, 02:55 PM

OMG Josh, this is terrible. I feel for you. I am so sorry.

kien

02-06-2014, 03:36 PM

Sorry to hear Josh. That is just bad luck !

lastlight

02-06-2014, 03:41 PM

good luck bro that really sucks.

where i live i'd never leave my door unlocked. i'd suggest having a few kids or downgrade neighbourhoods to heighten your perceived need for security =)

JDigital

02-06-2014, 03:54 PM

Should be an interesting tank to go home to after work..

As for locking.. I lock that door all the time usually, just something caught my eye in the tank and took me out of my routine I guess.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to inspect much before leaving for work. but none of the fish were floating or stuck to the powerheads. But Im not sure what effects that sort of temp drop will have.. Fingers crossed that the temp can get back up to something a bit better over the course of the day. The door is LOCKED for sure now.

Maybe it's a sign to just shut this puppy down.

kien

02-06-2014, 05:51 PM

FishyFishy!

02-06-2014, 07:52 PM

My tank temp dropped significantly in the spring when I had a 24h power outtage. I only lost two fish and a few corals. I was expecting much worse. It may surprise you how resilient some organisms are.

Totally agreed. I had a heater break on a 30 gallon once. The temp went down to 56 F from 79-80 F (sorry... all my stuff is in Fahrenheit). Everything but a clam survived.

I've got my fingers crossed for you mang.

JDigital

02-07-2014, 12:38 AM

Well got home and had a look at the damage..

Copperband Butterfly - Dead.

All other fish.. seem ok so far.. Wrasses have a couple spots of ich, will keep an eye on them.

Acans - ****ED OFF! closed up and puking out stringy gunk.

Zoas - Seem to could care less, all open and looking fine.

SPS - ****ED OFF! 1 colony is likely to STN on me. Every tip of every branch is white skeleton. My Blue Stag is looking pretty rough, the coralites do not look healthy at all but no noticeable skeleton showing yet. All other SPS has FULLY retracted polyps right now. The only one that looks even remotely unfazed is the Montipora Confusa colony.

Duncan Frag - Fully retracted polyps.

Hammer Frag - 90% retracted

The temp when I got home had risen to 20.4C. I have since added another heater to help out a bit before the lights go out.

Ultimately I feel it could have been a LOT worse, but who knows what the long term affects will be over the next week or two.

I put some HC-GFO online tonight to help battle any PO4 I will get from the 1) dead fish, 2) possible STN of SPS.

Finger crossed!

JDigital

02-12-2014, 04:34 PM

Just wanted to post a couple pics before my the Sub-Freezing event transpired with my tank.

First time trying out my new Canon 70D on the tank. Really need to pick up a fast macro lens though.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0078_zps99d2e9c6.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0078_zps99d2e9c6.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0094_zps6de0c7d3.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0094_zps6de0c7d3.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0096_zpseecf8b50.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0096_zpseecf8b50.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0114_zpsdae838ab.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0114_zpsdae838ab.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0116_zpsf4c2c1b3.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0116_zpsf4c2c1b3.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0130_zps7d364d87.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0130_zps7d364d87.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0113_zps5348d143.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/IMG_0113_zps5348d143.jpg.html)

lastlight

02-12-2014, 04:39 PM

love those dark red acans!

JDigital

05-12-2014, 04:27 PM

Update:

I'll be shutting this tank down soon. It has been in a downward spiral for quite a while now.. every square inch of live rock is covered in Valonia bubble algae, hair algae, and leafy algae... It currently looks more like a refugium than a reef. :lol:

This tank just doesn't seem like it was meant to be...

matt_C

05-12-2014, 04:30 PM

FishingGoalie

05-12-2014, 04:58 PM

GSP's and also BLUE CLOVES !!! :)

lpsreefer

05-12-2014, 06:35 PM

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/skabooya/Aug1620115tank.jpg
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a221/skabooya/July2011.jpg

JDigital

05-22-2014, 01:39 AM

Mine looks more like this mess! :(

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/CAM00036_zps7784f148.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/CAM00036_zps7784f148.jpg.html)

JDigital

06-10-2014, 03:42 PM

Well...

I pulled the plug on the old setup and have decided to start from scratch, literally.... I spent a solid 5.5hours last night scraping, scrubbing, draining and cleaning out the system as best I can.. Not sure how to get much more out of my sump, pretty difficult pulling a syphon from a few inches off the ground, and I've got no pumps/powerheads that work for this duty so I will have to live with the left over water sitting in there I guess. haha I'm gonna see what else I can do tonight to get more waste water out but there is really only about 2-3 gallons sitting in the sump right now.

I picked up some new rock, Pukani Dry Rock. Really nice pieces and was able to come up with my aquascape in the store (photos below).

I really think this is the best thing to do.. The old rock just left too many chances for me to miss something when scrubbing/peroxiding the misc algaes only to possibly have more issues down the road. Not to say that I won't face challenges starting over, but I feel its a safer option.

Here are a few pics of the pukani rock I picked up and what my aquascape will look like... This was a very UNSTABLE design in the store so I picked up some "Fijicrete" to cement the pieces together. Hoping to get started on that tonight.

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00081_zpsbf8e622f.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00081_zpsbf8e622f.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00083_zps341d4e9e.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00083_zps341d4e9e.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00080_zps9bff8be6.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00080_zps9bff8be6.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00082_zpsd7275e45.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00082_zpsd7275e45.jpg.html)

Fingers crossed!! :drinking:

FishyFishy!

06-10-2014, 04:03 PM

You should do an acid treatment on your old rocks. Works amazing. Won't have to worry about pests staying on the rock at all.

... Or just give the old rocks to me... and i'll take care of it!

lastlight

06-10-2014, 04:10 PM

i use a plastic dustpan with a rubber tip to scoop water from tanks. I can get every last drop and it works like a squeegee. Just an idea...

JDigital

06-10-2014, 04:25 PM

i use a plastic dustpan with a rubber tip to scoop water from tanks. I can get every last drop and it works like a squeegee. Just an idea...

That's not a bad idea actually! Thanks Brett

lastlight

06-10-2014, 04:29 PM

Walmart carries it:

https://ralik.ca/img/Produits/250x250/masm120110_ralik_balais_oscar__porte_poussiere_osc ar_broom__dust_pan_un__vileda_ma__marino_manufactu ring_ma.jpg

Oscar broom / dustpan. So handy!

michika

06-10-2014, 04:56 PM

I also use that trick!

JDigital

06-11-2014, 05:29 AM

Another night of working on the tank tonight..

Cleaned out the rest of the sump and started working on "Fijicreting" my rock structure in the tank. Decided to go back to a sand bed too, mainly for esthetics.

Couple quick pics I took..

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00084_zps97f78b3f.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00084_zps97f78b3f.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00085_zps9b585fa0.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00085_zps9b585fa0.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00086_zpse25f681f.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00086_zpse25f681f.jpg.html)

http://i1258.photobucket.com/albums/ii524/DarkFader10/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00087_zps9bd66a21.jpg (http://s1258.photobucket.com/user/DarkFader10/media/JDigitals%2062G%20Reef/CAM00087_zps9bd66a21.jpg.html)

I will keep you guys updated.. :)

lpsreefer

06-11-2014, 07:32 AM

Wow. Looks awesome.

kien

06-11-2014, 02:48 PM

that's looking pretty good! Reboots are all the rage right now. All the cool kids (and Hollywood) are doing it.

Dez

06-11-2014, 03:04 PM

that's looking pretty good! Reboots are all the rage right now. All the cool kids (and Hollywood) are doing it.

I've never been cool :(

kien

06-11-2014, 03:07 PM

I've never been cool :(

Join the club, man.. I'm still running halides.. Seriously though, there is a club.

Doug

06-11-2014, 03:22 PM

Looks good Josh

JDigital

06-11-2014, 04:05 PM

Wow. Looks awesome.

Thanks Matt. That Fijicrete is a bloody mess to work with.. haha Only got 1 of the 2 towers done last night..

I've never been cool :(

If you have even a remotely healthy tank, you're cooler than me!

Join the club, man.. I'm still running halides.. Seriously though, there is a club.

I run halides too... just not on this tank. Old skool FTW.

Looks good Josh

Thank Doug

JDigital

06-14-2014, 01:24 AM

Well, I have finally gotten everything cleaned up with the tank/sump this week... I've let the fijicrete "cure" for 2-3 days so my rock structure should be rock solid.

Basically, I'm at the point where it's "Turn the RODI on and fill er' up!"............

And for the first time in my reef keeping "career" I'm actual hesitant about filling this tank up as I'm worried its going to be ANOTHER failure. This "system" is about 1.5years old... and it has not looked like a healthy reef tank for more than maybe a few weeks to a month before something has always gone wrong, corals have died rapidly, fish deaths, etc..

I'm truly at a point where I'm not sure I could deal with more failure if this reboot fails. I was actually pretty excited to get home from work today, put the hose in, and start the long slow process of filling it up this weekend... and yet, I haven't pulled the triggered tonight. :neutral:

Doug

06-14-2014, 02:59 AM

Cmon Josh. You inspired me to do a redo AND add a sandbed. :D

Aquattro

06-14-2014, 03:49 AM

This is kind of what I'm scared of using previously dead rock in my reboot build.

freezetyle

06-14-2014, 02:31 PM

This is kind of what I'm scared of using previously dead rock in my reboot build.

Keep some sort of phosphate removing going at all times. when i started the 90 gallon with dead rock I ran it until i continually was testing zero's for phosphate. took the reactor offline and the po4 continued to leach out of the rocks causing a hair algae bloom just like in Joshs tank.In the end some carbon dosing and gfo cleaned it up.

New scape looks good Josh. looking forward to what comes out!

JDigital

06-14-2014, 04:32 PM

Keep some sort of phosphate removing going at all times. when i started the 90 gallon with dead rock I ran it until i continually was testing zero's for phosphate. took the reactor offline and the po4 continued to leach out of the rocks causing a hair algae bloom just like in Joshs tank.In the end some carbon dosing and gfo cleaned it up.

New scape looks good Josh. looking forward to what comes out!

Thanks Jon. :) My main concern wasn't even the dry rock... just worried in general. :redface:

I got my 2 TLF reactors hanging on the side of my sump for that exact purpose though. Just need to pick up some plumbing parts and tubing today.

I turned the RODI on last night at about 1030pm. Tank is full, heater in the display bringing the temp up, MP10's are going. Now just waiting for the sump to fill. Skimmer has been cleaned out and the skimmer pump is currently going in a bucket of Water/Vinegar mix for a final cleanse.