Wayne's 105g 'Rainforest of the Sea'

[wmcinnes]

Welcome Canreef staff, members, and guests;
Reef newbies, enthusiasts and vets.
Welcome to my rebuild.
________________________________________________

Tropical Rainforests of the Sea
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/rainforestsofthesea.jpg


If you don’t know me, my name is Wayne and I have been, more or less, infatuated with marine aquatic life since I laid my eyes upon my first ever reef aquarium. Dabbling in freshwater for a couple years I decided to try my hand at reefing about 10 months ago, after many weeks of research, and put together my first 90G reef tank (http://www.canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=677770&posted=1#post677770).

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3359-1.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3864.jpg

In my short time reefing, I have lurked around every forum, read every article, and experienced success and disaster, yet I still believe I have only discovered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this rewarding hobby. I still have much to learn but am looking forward to the challenge.

Objective: I am moving into my new penthouse apartment suite on November 1st and want to create a focal point/center piece of the main room. The reef will be the first thing you see when you walk in the door, so I want a clean, aesthetic and modern looking build. Fish and high quality SPS corals will dominate this reef, with some LPS corals filling in the aquascape.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/tankinapartment.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/apartment.jpg

I have looked into the Zeovit system by Korallen-Zucht but with my schedule, doing daily dosing is just not possible. For this reason, I will be dosing the ProdiBio big three: BioDigest, BioPtim, & ReefBooster, once every two weeks in order to attain a thriving ultra low-nutrient ecosystem.

Inspiration:

v1…rotate’s ‘A Reef in the Sky’
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/15thMay2012.jpg

Leonardo’s ‘Apagon Reef’
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/apogonreef5-1.jpg

d2Mini’s ‘Reeftastic 200g’
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/d2.jpg

[Aquattro]

We'll reserve a TOTM spot for you next year :)

[wmcinnes]

The Display Tank:
Courtesy of sphelps. It was a pleasure doing business with you sir.

Original plan was to have one built custom, but Steve’s tank had very similar dimensions to what I was looking for, so I bought it, for quite a discounted price compared to building new, so that was a plus!

Since I am limited as to what weight I am allowed in a 4th Floor apartment, this isn’t as much as a size upgrade as it is an equipment, functionality, and modernization upgrade.

103 gallon ‘Rimless’ design
54”L x 22”W x 20”H
3 sides 12mm Starphire Glass (front & sides)
Clear silicone, black painted background
Internal overflow and return holes through the bottom glass are so the tank can be flush against the wall.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/100GTankRendering.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/9FEE9911-8649-4168-860D-1F3D6488383A-2048-000004C80B01B677.jpg

The Sump:
Custom built by Concept Aquatics.

Regular 3/8” Float Glass
40”L x 18”W x 16”H

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SumpRendering.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/SumpRenderingTV.jpg

The Stand:
Custom built by The Grizz.

54”L x 22”W x 32”H
Welded Steel
Black Marine Enamel Paint

In time, I plan to do the skirting for the stand myself depending upon the color scheme I decide to go with in my new flat. This will be decided later on.

[wmcinnes]

If that isn't encouragement, I don't know what is!

We'll reserve a TOTM spot for you next year :)

[Myka]

Some stunning pictures you have found! Good luck with your move!

[wmcinnes]

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/CompletePackage1.jpg

[JDigital]

Look forward to seeing this! :mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

Look forward to seeing this! :mrgreen:

Thanks! Im planning on adding one of the new CSC-250 to this system when you guys get them in!

Some stunning pictures you have found! Good luck with your move!

Agreed. If I could even come close to these gorgeous systems I would be happy! Takes a lot of hard work and careful planning but I am looking forward to it!

[The Grizz]

Hey Wayne, I notice there are 2 holes in the bottom of the tank. If you have bulkheads that fit the holes you need to put them in and measure the distance from the edge of the bulkhead to the back of the tank. There needs to be at least 2" there in order to get the bulkhead tight.

[albert_dao]

Just as an FYI, Zeovit can be used on a similar schedule to all the other probiotic products. You just gotta play with the ratios.

[wmcinnes]

Hey Wayne, I notice there are 2 holes in the bottom of the tank. If you have bulkheads that fit the holes you need to put them in and measure the distance from the edge of the bulkhead to the back of the tank. There needs to be at least 2" there in order to get the bulkhead tight.

Thanks for the input Greg. I don't have any bulkheads yet but sphelps whom I purchased the tank from was using 1 1/4" bulkheads for the returns so I am assuming this will be fine.

Just as an FYI, Zeovit can be used on a similar schedule to all the other probiotic products. You just gotta play with the ratios.

Is that right? I have never heard that and will have to look into it more!

[The Grizz]

Thanks for the input Greg. I don't have any bulkheads yet but sphelps whom I purchased the tank from was using 1 1/4" bulkheads for the returns so I am assuming this will be fine.

Oh that Steve, I am sure it will be fine but I will ask him as I recently finished & delivered his new stand. I want to make sure it will be all good :biggrin:

[wmcinnes]

Oh that Steve, I am sure it will be fine but I will ask him as I recently finished & delivered his new stand. I want to make sure it will be all good :biggrin:

Frig you've got me all nervous now! The holes are pretty close to the glass.. 1 1/4" from the back glass.. Im assuming your worried about the clearances between the bulkheads and the stand. What size pipe are you constructing the stand with?

[wmcinnes]

Oh that Steve, I am sure it will be fine but I will ask him as I recently finished & delivered his new stand. I want to make sure it will be all good :biggrin:

The tank is still a little dirty and I can see the water marks of where Steve's bulkheads went to. Measuring from the outer edge of the tanks back pain to the edge of his bulkhead mark, I got a distance of about 1 1/4". If you're using 2" pipe I may be in trouuuuble.. Let me know Greg.

Then again, I am not sure if the bottom of the bulkhead has the same diameter as the top half, so I will try and pick one up tomorrow. That way I will know for sure.

[molotov]

I'm assuming you're going with a Herbie overflow because of the two holes you have for your overflow into your sump? Also I didn't see a filter sock tray. Are you going to be using filter socks?

[The Grizz]

The stand will be 1 1/2" tubing Wayne.

[wmcinnes]

I'm assuming you're going with a Herbie overflow because of the two holes you have for your overflow into your sump? Also I didn't see a filter sock tray. Are you going to be using filter socks?

Yes, I will be doing the Herbie overflow as I used this on my 90 with great success. I do not plan to use any filter socks as I believe they do more harm then good.

The stand will be 1 1/2" tubing Wayne.

I'm going to pick up a bulkhead tonight after work and see what my clearance is. If I have less than 1 1/2" is it possible to widen the stand slightly in order to incorporate more room for the bulkhead?

[riceboy]

[CENTER]v1…rotate’s ‘A Reef in the Sky’
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/15thMay2012.jpg

man this tank is beauty can anyone send me info on this thank?

[wmcinnes]

[center]v1…rotate’s ‘A Reef in the Sky’
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/15thMay2012.jpg

man this tank is beauty can anyone send me info on this thank?


An airline pilot out of Hong Kong, his build thread is here (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1767159).

[sphelps]

The original stand was 3/4" plywood and I recall it being pretty tight.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand1.jpg

The marks you're referring to will probably be from the gasket as well which is small than the actual bulkheads so you have less clearance than you might think. I would account for 1" max.

A couple options I could recommend:

If you're using 1-1/2 tubing an option is to make the stand 55" x 23" meaning it will extrude 1/2" out from all sides of the tank but should give you the clearance you need.

Another option is to build up a few layers of plywood on top of the metal stand, you can drill large holes for the bulkheads and use the plywood as a spacer, not great for access after the tank is in place but an option.

Other options involve build the stand around the bulkheads or notching with added support. Or make the stand from 3/4" plywood like I did.

Either way be sure to get the bulkheads first, make sure they fit the holes properly, then measure for stand clearance. If you don't follow this order you're asking for problems.

[Bblinks]

Tagging along.

[The Grizz]

Thanks for the info Steve, your always great for help & ideas.

Wayne, I think making the stand a little bigger like Steve suggested as well as 2 layers of 3/4" plywood might be the best option.

[wmcinnes]

The original stand was 3/4" plywood and I recall it being pretty tight.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a174/sphelps/new%20tank/stand1.jpg

The marks you're referring to will probably be from the gasket as well which is small than the actual bulkheads so you have less clearance than you might think. I would account for 1" max.

A couple options I could recommend:

If you're using 1-1/2 tubing an option is to make the stand 55" x 23" meaning it will extrude 1/2" out from all sides of the tank but should give you the clearance you need.

Another option is to build up a few layers of plywood on top of the metal stand, you can drill large holes for the bulkheads and use the plywood as a spacer, not great for access after the tank is in place but an option.

Other options involve build the stand around the bulkheads or notching with added support. Or make the stand from 3/4" plywood like I did.

Either way be sure to get the bulkheads first, make sure they fit the holes properly, then measure for stand clearance. If you don't follow this order you're asking for problems.

Thanks for the info Steve, your always great for help & ideas.

Wayne, I think making the stand a little bigger like Steve suggested as well as 2 layers of 3/4" plywood might be the best option.

Alright well I busted my butt over to Illusions after work and picked up some bulkheads. Like I originally thought, the edge of the bulkhead to the back edge of the back pane is about 1 1/4". Meaning a 1 1/2 tube is going to contact 1/4" of the bulkhead.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3880.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSCF3883.jpg


Thanks for chiming in Steve! I understand the theory of lengthening the stand an inch but I'm not quite sure what stacking the tank on 2 sheets of 3/4" plywood is going to accomplish.. must be having a brain fart. :redface:

I am good with increasing the stand width from 22" to 23" Greg, if that is okay with you of course!

[The Grizz]

If you shack 2 - 3/4" pieces of plywood it will raise the bulkhead nut 1 1/2" above the stand allowing you to get to it to tighten the nut, you would have to cut at least a 4"- 5" round hole in the plywood where the bulkhead is though. I can easily make it 23" no problem.

[wmcinnes]

If you shack 2 - 3/4" pieces of plywood it will raise the bulkhead nut 1 1/2" above the stand allowing you to get to it to tighten the nut, you would have to cut at least a 4"- 5" round hole in the plywood where the bulkhead is though. I can easily make it 23" no problem.

Okay gotcha! Well now that I know I have a few options I am not so worried! Phew! Lets do that then. Thank you for helping me out! :biggrin:

[The Grizz]

So go with 23"?

[wmcinnes]

Yup, the extra inch should do the trick

[wmcinnes]

So go with 23"?

Yup the extra inch should do the trick!

[The Grizz]

Done deal :thumb:

[wmcinnes]

I think the biggest issue for me right now is trying to decide what I want to do with my background...

My 90 had a black background but I think I want to do something different.. a dark navy blue maybe? Im unsure how this will look with the black overflow box in the center of my tank.
Does anyone have pics of their tanks with a blue background and black overflow? Just curious!

I also like the idea of the shadowbox background. It creates a really nice gradient affect but I think I would have trouble finding an acrylic sheet to do it with & am unsure how the box setup would fit with the open top rimless tank.

Here's an example of the shadowbox. This particular individual had a canopy.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/fts252012_zps40c133da.jpg

[Myka]

How is that shadowbox done? Is there is light running along the back above the shadowbox? That looks pretty nice, but I think the center overflow is really distracting from it. I imagine it would be a pain in the butt to clean the back glass too.

You can get a similar effect using paint and painting the low lighter and slowly fading into a darker color near the bottom. I really like this look.

[kien]

Very nice setup you've got planned out! :pop2:

[daplatapus]

There's a really cool shadow box thread on RC. Looks awesome but you'd have to be really diligent about cleaning the back glass or it'll look like crap. I thought it was awesome until I got to thinking about my glass cleaning regimen. I have problems keeping 3 sides clean and free of coraline, :D

[wmcinnes]

How is that shadowbox done? Is there is light running along the back above the shadowbox? That looks pretty nice, but I think the center overflow is really distracting from it. I imagine it would be a pain in the butt to clean the back glass too.

You can get a similar effect using paint and painting the low lighter and slowly fading into a darker color near the bottom. I really like this look.

It's essentially a box with blue acrylic inside it and a light or leds mounted inside the top of the box shining through and giving the perception of the sun on the horizon and depth into the background.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o206/dogstar74/uwe4.jpg

Very nice setup you've got planned out! :pop2:

Thank you very much. We will see how it works out!

[wmcinnes]

There's a really cool shadow box thread on RC. Looks awesome but you'd have to be really diligent about cleaning the back glass or it'll look like crap. I thought it was awesome until I got to thinking about my glass cleaning regimen. I have problems keeping 3 sides clean and free of coraline, :D

Yeah I do hope to be diligent and have consistant schedule of cleaning the back glass but I think the shadowbox is out of the question this time. I think I am going to have to go by a few colors of paint and do some experimenting tomorrow :p

[wmcinnes]

Here's a quick sketch mock-up of my proposed plumbing plan:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/CCF25102012_00001-1.jpg

The manifold is not a for sure as I may be running my reactors from a separate pump (Maxijet), as with my last tank I noticed that a lot of debris/algae would pass into the manifold and clog up my TLF reactors.

Any ideas/comments are welcome.

[The Grizz]

Have you picked up the stand yet?

[wmcinnes]

Have you picked up the stand yet?

I went and saw it! Looks awesome and is solid as can be! Thank you.
Not gonna bother moving it right now since my buddy and I are moving in together next week.

[The Grizz]

Sweet glad your happy with it, can't wait to see a tank on it.

[wmcinnes]

Sweet glad your happy with it, can't wait to see a tank on it.

Me neither! Counting down the days till I get moved in and get to do another tank build. The build is the best part! :mrgreen:

[freezetyle]

I love the shadowbox idea. Did you try industrial paints and plastics for the acrylic sheets? they usually have a ton of varieties.

[wmcinnes]

Tank Modification:

So I decided to do a few modifications to the tank before move-in day. I didn't want standpipes in the display area of my tank so I have decided I will put bulkheads in and close them up with a threaded plug.
I found a 1.75" diamond coated hole saw at KMS tools, pulled out the ol' drill press and (nervously) drilled two holes for returns in the top corners of the back pane. It actually went very smoothly and I believe this will allow for me to achieve the aesthetics I am aiming for.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1452.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1453.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1455.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1456.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1458.jpg

The Move:

The move went well but lifting this tank up 4 floors with only my father's help was nothing to be desired.. Regardless the tank is on the stand and in it's final resting spot. :mrgreen:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4048.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4049.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4053.jpg

The 90 is still up and running at the old place and I will be transferring over livestock and equipment slowly when the tank is ready.. No rush, which helps. I have a bunch of things ordered to progress the build in the upcoming weeks, including: the sump, plumbing, ATO reservoir, dosing chambers, etc. So stay tuned.

[The Grizz]

Looks good dude, now get the pots & pans unpack & make supper :lol:

[HaZRaTTy]

Looks good dude, now get the pots & pans unpack & make supper :lol:

skip supper, drink beer instead.

[kien]

Wow, 4 flights of stairs with that beast?! That's quite a Herculean effort! Tank looks hot tho! :-)

[wmcinnes]

Looks good dude, now get the pots & pans unpack & make supper :lol:

skip supper, drink beer instead.

Hahaha I did both.:lol:

Wow, 4 flights of stairs with that beast?! That's quite a Herculean effort! Tank looks hot tho! :-)

Yeah it wasn't too fun. Karma for making Steve and my buddy carry it out of Steve's basement when I bought it because my 'hands were too sweaty' from the drive to Calgary. Sorry about that Steve!

[wmcinnes]

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Untitled-2.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4118.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Quick iPhone vid of my Nahackyi wrasse and juvie Desjardinii Sailfin in Quarantine. Sorry about having to turn your head sideways.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/th_IMG_1448.jpg (http://s1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/?action=view&current=IMG_1448.mp4)

[wmcinnes]

My sump is here!!! Pics later! :mrgreen:

[wmcinnes]

Sump (40"Lx18"Wx16"H) and ATO reservoir (6"Lx16"Wx16"H)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4134.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4130.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4129.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Well after making tons of progress and headway, I overtightened the bulkheads inside the overflow and the bottom pane of the tank cracked! Who knew plastic could compress glass enough to crack!
At first it looked fixable as the crack started from the holes and extended to the corners of the overflow but as I loosened off the second bulkhead, 'POP!!'. The crack extended the width of the tank. To make matters worse the tank was full of about 80 gallons of water panic ensued to get the tank drained before it busted completely.
Tank was basically completely plumbed when this happened so I will have to see what I can manage to save and reuse.. and worst of all is I have to be up for work in 4hrs! JOY!

BAD day to say the least!

If there is any positive to this it is that I get to start designing a nice new custom made baby now. External overflow? I think so!

[wmcinnes]

External overflow? I think so!

Okay maybe not, we will see! I'm entertaining ideas...

[sphelps]

Wow that's too bad Wayne, I'm not sure how you did it but crappy deal non the less. Replacing the bottom pane would be a fairly easy job, another option to consider.

[JDigital]

Oh Lordy! Definitely not a good way to start a Friday. At least you got it emptied before it completely broke (I assume anyways).

[kien]

ouch.. that's brutal! Ya, better it happened now than later with a tank full of salt water, rocks, fish and corals..

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

[wmcinnes]

Wow that's too bad Wayne, I'm not sure how you did it but crappy deal non the less. Replacing the bottom pane would be a fairly easy job, another option to consider.

Ya I guess I didnt really consider that option! Do you just get the glass from an aquarium builder, such as Dave at Concept?

Oh Lordy! Definitely not a good way to start a Friday. At least you got it emptied before it completely broke (I assume anyways).

Ya got pretty lucky! 80 gallonsish of water on the floor of a 4th story apartment would have been real bad news..

ouch.. that's brutal! Ya, better it happened now than later with a tank full of salt water, rocks, fish and corals..

Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.

Lol, thanks Kien!

[sphelps]

Many places to get glass, aquarium builders is definitely one of them provided they are willing. Dave is probably a good option although I obviously can't speak for him but he's helped me out with some loose glass here and there. Might be someone in Edmonton as well, best to ask around.

[sphelps]

Just looking at the latest pics, did you have foam under the tank or just wood?

[wmcinnes]

Many places to get glass, aquarium builders is definitely one of them provided they are willing. Dave is probably a good option although I obviously can't speak for him but he's helped me out with some loose glass here and there. Might be someone in Edmonton as well, best to ask around.

Just looking at the latest pics, did you have foam under the tank or just wood?

We will see what I want to do!
Yeah i added 1/2" foam just before I started filling the tank with water.. I dont really get it either lol

[subman]

Check with Neal at NWGP for the glass he will hook you up.

[wmcinnes]

Check with Neal at NWGP for the glass he will hook you up.

Yeah i've dealt with Neal before.. still think im leaning towards a new tank haha!

[HaZRaTTy]

A little late but, Bulkheads should be hand tightened. Sorry to hear about your bad luck I guess you know now. It could be worse and that water could find the fastest possible way into the parking garage and if you don't have condo insurance yet... Yikes......

[wmcinnes]

A little late but, Bulkheads should be hand tightened. Sorry to hear about your bad luck I guess you know now. It could be worse and that water could find the fastest possible way into the parking garage and if you don't have condo insurance yet... Yikes......

Yeah I've figured that out now haha! I made sure I got my insurance before the tank got wet, this just shows its worth it!!

[The Grizz]

Shyte that is a crappy deal!! If I was in Edmonton I could strip that tank down and replace the glass in a few hrs for ya, i have perfected a technique :wink:

Don't feel bad Wayne I have crack glass from tightening a bulkhead by hand before as well.

[wmcinnes]

Shyte that is a crappy deal!! If I was in Edmonton I could strip that tank down and replace the glass in a few hrs for ya, i have perfected a technique :wink:

Don't feel bad Wayne I have crack glass from tightening a bulkhead by hand before as well.

You should come grab it then! $200 bucks to haul it away and make it brand new again. Small scuff on the right pane and some scratches on the front pane (and of course the cracked bottom) but you could have er fixed up in no time :mrgreen:

[MMAX]

Yeah I've figured that out now haha! I made sure I got my insurance before the tank got wet, this just shows its worth it!!

I remember a thread in here a while ago about aquarium insurance for water damage. I'm insured through Intact and when I asked my broker about it, she said she's never heard of this. Just wondering who your insurance company is.

[wmcinnes]

I remember a thread in here a while ago about aquarium insurance for water damage. I'm insured through Intact and when I asked my broker about it, she said she's never heard of this. Just wondering who your insurance company is.

Im insured by TD Molleche Monnex

[wmcinnes]

Well new tank has been ordered and should be here within a few weeks.. Crossing my fingers. If anyone wants the old one with the cracked bottom for cheap, PM me.
While we wait for the tank to get here I thought I would keep the thread alive with some new equipment photos.


Brand new from our friends at Aqua Digital, the CSC-250 protein skimmer. She is a thing of beauty.

SICCE PSK1200 (0.454A/23W)
Air intake: 840 l/h
Dimension: L 233 x W 233 x H 555mm
Cone base diameter (mm): 200
Tank Volume Rating: 250+ Gallon


http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4176.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4178.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4175.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4177.jpg

[Xadieu]

Following this build, full of great ideas so far!! I will have to use for my future builds!

[wmcinnes]

Following this build, full of great ideas so far!! I will have to use for my future builds!

Glad to have sparked your interest. Enjoy!

[kien]

sucky about the tank bro, but glad to hear you're not throwing in the towel just yet :-) And man, that's a handsome skimmer!

[wmcinnes]

sucky about the tank bro, but glad to hear you're not throwing in the towel just yet :-) And man, that's a handsome skimmer!

I couldn't throw in the towel, too much money has gone towards this already.. whats a little more? haha :lol:

[kien]

I couldn't throw in the towel, too much money has gone towards this already.. whats a little more? haha :lol:

Yup, I hear ya man. Had a buddy once that got so fed up with his build that he just packed it in before even getting water into the tank. He was so frustrated. I'm kinda of the same mind set as you though.. so much hard earned time and money poured into this tank that it is going to keep running come hell or high water (or low water too actually). :lol:

[wmcinnes]

Yup, I hear ya man. Had a buddy once that got so fed up with his build that he just packed it in before even getting water into the tank. He was so frustrated. I'm kinda of the same mind set as you though.. so much hard earned time and money poured into this tank that it is going to keep running come hell or high water (or low water too actually). :lol:

Im friggen addicted. Going without one is just not an option! I think im actually most addicted to the build process haha.:mrgreen:

[lastlight]

Im friggen addicted. Going without one is just not an option! I think im actually most addicted to the build process haha.:mrgreen:

Reefing is fairly cool but builds are exhilarating :mrgreen:

Yours is looking great so far just keep opening your wallet lol.

[wmcinnes]

Reefing is fairly cool but builds are exhilarating :mrgreen:

Yours is looking great so far just keep opening your wallet lol.

I'd have to agree with you! :razz:

My wallet is starting to tear from the constant opening.. :mrgreen: If all goes well now I shouldn't have to open it up much more equipment wise. Just stocking with fish and sticks!

[wmcinnes]

I broke. Didn't think I was going to buy a different return pump but what the hell, might as well go all out.

ReefOctopus Water Blaster HY-5000

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1498.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1499.jpg

[wmcinnes]

These are a few renderings of what I am having built. Very similar to what I had before, only the return is through the overflow and not the back wall & the overflow is off of center. Oh, and it will be eurobraced.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/54x23x20FrontView.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/54x23x20LeftSideView.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/TankinApartment2.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/TankInApartment-1.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/TankinApartment3.jpg

[windcoast reefs]

Looks great so far!

[wmcinnes]

I have been a very impatient boy waiting for the new tank to get here..

A few updates of things of done while waiting..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1567.jpg
Here is the set up as it sits.. everything ready to go!

Put up the light fixture last night. I am going with a 6x 54W ATI Powermodule because in my opinion, the most gorgeous tanks are run with T5s. So I am going to try them out!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4161.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1583.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1584.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1586.jpg

Hoping to move things along quickly after the tank arrives. So until then!...

[Toongraeme]

Looking great so far, can't wait to see the replacement tank arrive. I've just bought a 6x39w light unit. What tube combo have you gone for?

[wmcinnes]

Looking great so far, can't wait to see the replacement tank arrive. I've just bought a 6x39w light unit. What tube combo have you gone for?

Thank you, and I cannot wait either! So far the combo is:
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue+
ATI Fiji Pink
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
ATI Aquablue Special

I will see what this looks like with water in the tank and adjust from there but I feel like this is a good starting point

[wmcinnes]

Its here! It's finally here!

Got the call that the new tank had arrived at AI last night at 5 and I had it in my house by 545 :mrgreen:

You will notice in the pictures that the overflow is on the opposite side from the renderings.. honest mistake on my part and miscommunication with Dave. Oh well, no problems! It will work just the same! :)

Dave was avid on the fact that if I wasn't okay with it he could rebuild it for me so it just goes to show the great customer service that he provides. Thank you very much Dave.

Anyways, here is a couple shots of the tank on the stand (iPhone 5). Plumbing has already commenced today.. will have pictures of that later.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1597.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1600.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1601.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1602.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1603.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1604.jpg

[lastlight]

It always blows my mind when talking to Dave the lengths he will go to for his customers on the tank builds. He's never hesitated to completely redo a tank if the customer is not happy. No better place to have a tank built.

Tank looks awesome now GET TO IT (and tighten gently).

[wmcinnes]

It always blows my mind when talking to Dave the lengths he will go to for his customers on the tank builds. He's never hesitated to completely redo a tank if the customer is not happy. No better place to have a tank built.

Tank looks awesome now GET TO IT (and tighten gently).

Agreed. He has a customer in me for life! I'm working on it. Hoping to have FW in it tonight for a leak test

[ChizerBunoi]

Dude that looks sweet. Why is that Christmas tree so bare? Apparently all the funds went into the tank build. Hope the kids aren't dissappointed.

[ChizerBunoi]

Thank you, and I cannot wait either! So far the combo is:
ATI Aquablue Special
ATI Blue+
ATI Fiji Pink
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
ATI Aquablue Special

I will see what this looks like with water in the tank and adjust from there but I feel like this is a good starting point


I have the exact same combo on mine, except blue+ then blue special. Also using kz pink instead. You can the color in my build thread. Its more a 20k look.

[kien]

Dude that looks sweet. Why is that Christmas tree so bare? Apparently all the funds went into the tank build. Hope the kids aren't dissappointed.

LOL, I was going to say something about that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there but I didn't want to be insensitive. It's like he was right in the middle of decorating but then he got the tank call and DROPPED EVERYTHING. I would have too. Tank looks sweet.

[lastlight]

I see drawer slides! Now this build has my attention. :biggrin:

[wmcinnes]

I have the exact same combo on mine, except blue+ then blue special. Also using kz pink instead. You can the color in my build thread. Its more a 20k look.

LOL no kids! This is my first christmas tree on my own!
I like the look so far, gonna pick up some bulbs to try and make it not so blue and see how I like that. Time will tell.

LOL, I was going to say something about that Charlie Brown Christmas tree over there but I didn't want to be insensitive. It's like he was right in the middle of decorating but then he got the tank call and DROPPED EVERYTHING. I would have too. Tank looks sweet.

Hey now! It has character! From what I've heard, Ol' Xmas tree hunting out in Lodgepole, AB isnt what it used to be!

I see drawer slides! Now this build has my attention. :biggrin:

Good eyes! :wink: Going to try and do something like this, eventually.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/Slidingdoorsforstand.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Plumbing: Done.
Freshwater Leak Test: Successful. (& no overtightened bulkheads this time...:razz:)

As you can see, I didn't plumb a manifold off of my return piping as I am going to have a dedicated Maxijet to run them.

Again, sorry about the iPhone pics. Roomate has the camera with him.

Will start filling with RO when I am home from work tomorrow hopefully. Until then, cheers.:mrgreen:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1607.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1613.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1614.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1621.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1618.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1622.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/IMG_1623.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Is it possible for a Mod to add '105g' to the thread title?..

" Wayne's 105g 'Rainforest of the Sea' "

Thanks!

[gregzz4]

Looking very awesome Wayne :smile:
Mods will only get involved if you contact them directly

[wmcinnes]

Looking very awesome Wayne :smile:
Mods will only get involved if you contact them directly

Thank you!

[zhasan]

This is sweet! A fantastic build thus far and very inspiring!

[wmcinnes]

This is sweet! A fantastic build thus far and very inspiring!

I haven't even done anything yet! :razz: Appreciate the praise though!

[wmcinnes]

Well the tank is full and salty! Got the Apex hooked up and threw about 1/4 of the live rock I have into the tank.. I'm thinking I am going to have some live rock for sale soon.. For the aquascaping I want to do, I have way too much.

Regardless, here a a few shots of where she stands as of tonight. (The maxijet is only there temporarily)

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4389.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4391.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4393.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4394.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4395.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4399.jpg

[kien]

love the minimal scape! That looks rad.

[wmcinnes]

love the minimal scape! That looks rad.

I like it too actually. Ill be adding some more to the right side too fill it in but not much more!

[Xadieu]

any plans for a refugium wayne?

[wmcinnes]

any plans for a refugium wayne?

Not this time, gonna see how it goes without one! The large open area of the sump is going to be a frag tank section.

[Xadieu]

Not this time, gonna see how it goes without one! The large open area of the sump is going to be a frag tank section.

What kind of lighting are you planning to put down there?

[wmcinnes]

What kind of lighting are you planning to put down there?

Going to use one of my Sols from my old 90.

[ChizerBunoi]

I like it. Very open.

[Skimmerking]

I like it I like it well done

[wmcinnes]

Added some more rock. Don't think I want much more than this.. Kind of like it!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4400.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4404.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4405.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4408.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4407.jpg

[Xadieu]

Very nice and very open Wayne, I like it!!

[cuz]

looks awesome!!!

[wmcinnes]

Very nice and very open Wayne, I like it!!

looks awesome!!!

Thank you, thank you! Hoping the open space will be filled by healthy growing corals soon enough! :mrgreen:

[gregzz4]

Looks very kool Wayne
What are your stocking plans ?

[wmcinnes]

Looks very kool Wayne
What are your stocking plans ?

Thanks! Well in the old tank I have a Scribbled Rabbitfish, Ocellaris Clown, Blue-sided Wrasse and Nahakyi wrasse that needs to be transferred over. As of now I am not really sure what else I want to add!

[wmcinnes]

Couple shots with fish and corals moved over. Corals have not yet been placed.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4499.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4505.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4507.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4484.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4482.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4498.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4496.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4491.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4490.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4489.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4493.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4488.jpg

New Addition to the family: Lavender Tang (bad picture, hes a shifty bugger)
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4503.jpg

[Xadieu]

i that a gold torch i see wayne or just regular yellow tip?

[wmcinnes]

i that a gold torch i see wayne or just regular yellow tip?

White tipped purple torch

[noirsphynx]

Looks great Wayne. I love your Nahacky, such a beautiful wrasse and that torch is beautiful. If you ever frag it I'd be interested in a head off of it.

[wmcinnes]

Looks great Wayne. I love your Nahacky, such a beautiful wrasse and that torch is beautiful. If you ever frag it I'd be interested in a head off of it.

Thanks Dawn! I will be sure to keep you in mind. It has doubled in size since I got it and I think another head is coming soon!

[wmcinnes]

New harem of Anthias! There is actually a smaller third female that found a nice hole to peek out of and wasnt feeling too photogenic.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4544.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4568.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4570.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4511.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4556.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4560.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4567.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4581.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4593.jpg

[gregzz4]

Nice additions Wayne
I don't see a chair in front of your tank ...

[wmcinnes]

Nice additions Wayne
I don't see a chair in front of your tank ...

Tank is basically in the entrance! No excuse, I know.. haha:mrgreen:

[Xadieu]

Will the mandarin be ok in a new tank? how are you feeding him?

[wmcinnes]

Will the mandarin be ok in a new tank? how are you feeding him?

Hes nice and fat, eats plankton and I bought live pods so he should be okay

[wmcinnes]

Just ordered these guys from Blue Worlds new WYSIWYG site. Can't wait to see them in person Wednesday :)

http://www.blueworldaquariums.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13c22-490x490.jpg

http://www.blueworldaquariums.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/13g3-490x490.jpg

http://www.blueworldaquariums.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/4i3-490x490.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Well I made my first big boo boo.

Yesterday afternoon I was making water with the RO and turned it off around 430 to go to work for the nightshift. I went straight to bed when I got home at 6am the next morning and got up at about noon today.
It was then when I noticed the water in my apartment was shut off...

Turns out when I shut my RO off I just unplugged the booster pump and did not shut the inlet valve... This caused water to continually feed into my Brute trashcan and eventually onto the floor. Neighbours below me called in a leak last night but due to the only number my condo having being my roommates and hes up north working, they had to cut my water off. Turns out I spilled enough to do some damage to the utility room of the residence below and I was quoted a ceiling cost of around $1300.

Frig. Such bad luck. Bad day.

[Xadieu]

Well I made my first big boo boo.

Yesterday afternoon I was making water with the RO and turned it off around 430 to go to work for the nightshift. I went straight to bed when I got home at 6am the next morning and got up at about noon today.
It was then when I noticed the water in my apartment was shut off...

Turns out when I shut my RO off I just unplugged the booster pump and did not shut the inlet valve... This caused water to continually feed into my Brute trashcan and eventually onto the floor. Neighbours below me called in a leak last night but due to the only number my condo having being my roommates and hes up north working, they had to cut my water off. Turns out I spilled enough to do some damage to the utility room of the residence below and I was quoted a ceiling cost of around $1300.

Frig. Such bad luck. Bad day.

oh man Wayne that sucks bro....i can't quite say it happens to me but couple of times i turned the water on and forgot about, but many times I can down just in time before it spilled....I know the feeling

[wmcinnes]

oh man Wayne that sucks bro....i can't quite say it happens to me but couple of times i turned the water on and forgot about, but many times I can down just in time before it spilled....I know the feeling

Live and learn! I will be installing a float switch on my brute bucket ASAP.

[Leah]

Tank looks great. All your Anthias are male.

[Tn23]

tank looks great! awesome build thread!
appears the new trend is to go with as minimal live rock as possible?

[wmcinnes]

Tank looks great. All your Anthias are male.

Thanks. Hahaha someone caught that hey! They're my shemales! And much less dominant than the big male so I have no worries. The third that I didnt have pictured is a true female as it is the smallest and has no dorsal spine.


tank looks great! awesome build thread!
appears the new trend is to go with as minimal live rock as possible?

Thank you! Less rock, more coral! :razz:

[Leah]

I am a Lyretail Junkie...you need more females. :wink: I really like the more corals... less rock idea as well.

[kien]

Ouch sorry to hear man! Float valves in the RO reservoir should always be installed in my opinion. This has happened to a lot of people but is totally preventable.

Also, I would not use the float valve as your primary shut off. If you do you will burn out your membrane faster due to small in and off surges due to evap in the reservoir causing the float valve to move frequently. When you are done making RO I would still turn off the source water into your RO unit.

[FishyFishy!]

Ouch sorry to hear man! Float valves in the RO reservoir should always be installed in my opinion. This has happened to a lot of people but is totally preventable.

Also, I would not use the float valve as your primary shut off. If you do you will burn out your membrane faster due to small in and off surges due to evap in the reservoir causing the float valve to move frequently. When you are done making RO I would still turn off the source water into your RO unit.


Agreed. I always shut off the source water for a piece of mind. In my new build i'm even plumbing in emergency overflows that go right to a drain just in case. No more floods for me!

[gregzz4]

Rotten luck about your spill Wayne

Any pics of the new corals ? :smile:

[wmcinnes]

Ouch sorry to hear man! Float valves in the RO reservoir should always be installed in my opinion. This has happened to a lot of people but is totally preventable.

Also, I would not use the float valve as your primary shut off. If you do you will burn out your membrane faster due to small in and off surges due to evap in the reservoir causing the float valve to move frequently. When you are done making RO I would still turn off the source water into your RO unit.

Normally I'm not so boneheaded and do turn my inlet water off. Just forgot to in this instance for whatever reason.. I'm sure my neighbours below me are so pleased!

Agreed. I always shut off the source water for a piece of mind. In my new build i'm even plumbing in emergency overflows that go right to a drain just in case. No more floods for me!

I might have to look into doing that!

Rotten luck about your spill Wayne

Any pics of the new corals ? :smile:

Kinda crappy part of my bonus at work has to go towards damages.. But what can you do!
I placed all my corals on the rocks today before I left for work so I will take some pictures tomorrow.

[gregzz4]

Have you even met your new neighbors yet :rolleyes: Hi, nice to meet you, I'm the guy who just flooded your suite :mrgreen:

Curious to know where you keep your brute - have any pics ?
You probably won't want to do what I did in your new place ...

[wmcinnes]

Have you even met your new neighbors yet :rolleyes: Hi, nice to meet you, I'm the guy who just flooded your suite :mrgreen:

Curious to know where you keep your brute - have any pics ?
You probably won't want to do what I did in your new place ...

Haha nope havent met them! Its in the utility room where my hot water tank, furnace and stacked washer/dryer is. I'm assuming their place is identical to mine so I woulda leaked into their utility room. No pictures yet.. Ill try to remember to take some.

[ChizerBunoi]

Don't tell them you have a fish tank. They might change the condo rules and then you won't be allowed to have such a large fish tank anymore.

[gregzz4]

Don't tell them you have a fish tank. They might change the condo rules and then you won't be allowed to have such a large fish tank anymore.
" It was a careless spill on my part. I was planning a new home party and left a bucket full of ice and spirits in my utility room, which overflowed when the ice melted and the bottles displaced the water " :mrgreen:

There are plenty of ways around insurance issues :wink:

[ChizerBunoi]

Hehhe that's funny.

[Xadieu]

Hey Wayne hope your tank is doing well. Just wondering what is your ATI module unit? and do you know the power consumption for the whole unit?

[wmcinnes]

Hey Wayne hope your tank is doing well. Just wondering what is your ATI module unit? and do you know the power consumption for the whole unit?

Its a 48" 6bulb x 54W = 324W

[wmcinnes]

Mounted most of my corals and things are starting to actually look pretty good. I am noticing little spots of the flourescent yellow cyano starting to form on my rocks which you can see in some of my pics.. i might be proactive and do a 3day blackout or maybe even dose chemiclean and try and get rid of it for good. Here are some pics:

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4624.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4624.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4629.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4630.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4631.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4633.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4634.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4635.jpg

Some of the new acan lords I picked up from Titus
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4636.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4639.jpg

Know what this is?
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4640.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4641.jpg

Sunset Milli
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4645.jpg

Red Planet
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4646.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4649.jpg

Fatty and his entourage
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4650.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4651.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4653.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4654.jpg

[Skimmerking]

very nice looking tank Wayne the color is awesome icy blue

[kien]

Know what this is?
http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4640.jpg



Looking great Wayne!! My guess would be Montipora Confusa :-)

[wmcinnes]

very nice looking tank Wayne the color is awesome icy blue

Ya been playing around with the bulb combos, not sure if I like it this way or if I should replace a Blue+ with an Aquablue Special

Looking great Wayne!! My guess would be Montipora Confusa :-)

Thanks!

[wmcinnes]

Here's a couple shot of the new beauties I picked up.. I love wrasses..

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4666_zps7976b0e7.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4665_zpsd742d793.jpg

[kien]

Oh nice! I'm a bit of a wrasse addict too! Are you going to put a mesh cover over the tank or just roll the dice and cross your fingers? :-)

[noirsphynx]

Here's a couple shot of the new beauties I picked up.. I love wrasses..

Wow, gorgeous!

Oh nice! I'm a bit of a wrasse addict too! Are you going to put a mesh cover over the tank or just roll the dice and cross your fingers? :-)

+1 I'd definitely go for a mesh cover. They will jump. I can guarantee most(if not all) my wrasse's would have made it to the floor by now if my tank wasn't covered. My Lubbok's has even made to the floor 3 times already from me just lifting a corner enough to get my arm in the tank.

[fishoholic]

Oh nice! I'm a bit of a wrasse addict too! Are you going to put a mesh cover over the tank or just roll the dice and cross your fingers? :-)

Ya unfortunately it's not so much a matter of "if" they will jump but more so a matter of "when". I've had wrasses that I thought were safe and would never jump, then one day out the blue, months (sometimes years) after owning them I'd find them dried up on the floor :sad:

[wmcinnes]

Oh nice! I'm a bit of a wrasse addict too! Are you going to put a mesh cover over the tank or just roll the dice and cross your fingers? :-)

Wow, gorgeous!



+1 I'd definitely go for a mesh cover. They will jump. I can guarantee most(if not all) my wrasse's would have made it to the floor by now if my tank wasn't covered. My Lubbok's has even made to the floor 3 times already from me just lifting a corner enough to get my arm in the tank.

Ya unfortunately it's not so much a matter of "if" they will jump but more so a matter of "when". I've had wrasses that I thought were safe and would never jump, then one day out the blue, months (sometimes years) after owning them I'd find them dried up on the floor :sad:

Thanks for the heads up guys.. Might just have to do make one. I made one for my 90 so it shouldn't be too tough to whip up another.

Do they actually manage to jump out even with 4 inches of euro bracing around the rim?

[Rice Reef]

Thanks for the heads up guys.. Might just have to do make one. I made one for my 90 so it shouldn't be too tough to whip up another.

Do they actually manage to jump out even with 4 inches of euro bracing around the rim?

Yes, I had two wrasses for about 4 months and found then dried up outside my tank. I have decided at this time not to go for any wrasses unless I build a mesh.

[wmcinnes]

Well strangely enough my male Rhomboid Wrasse has gone AWOL :cry:.. not really sure what happened to him but it isnt looking good at this point. Obviously, his girlfriend annoyed him to death.. :lol: Poor guy!

Everything else has been going pretty good, I have been keeping up with weekly 15 gallon waterchanges thanks to one of those handy 'hook up to your sink' syphons. NO MORE BUCKETS!
Although I was having a little trouble with Alk swings for a bit there and have come to the realization that 15 gallon waterchanges w/ H2Ocean salt does not keep my Alk above 8 for a week.. Lost a mini-colony and a couple frags.. Thus I set up my Marine Magic doser to keep things in check. Alk is now steady at 8.5 dKH where before, it would drop as low as 6 dKH in a week. Might try out the Fluval salt here soon.

Parameters as of today:
Temp: 79.2F (APEX)
Salinity: 1.025 (Refrac)
Calcium: 410ppm (Sailfert)
Alk: 8.5 dKH (ELOS)
Mag: 1310ppm (Sailfert)
NO3: ~2ppm
PO4: 0.00 (Hanna)

Every second water change I have been dosing Prodibio BioDigest (1vial) and BioPtim (3vials). I have not yet dosed ReefBooster but am planning to do so next week.
I am also starting to dabble into using a couple Zeovit products; Coral Vitalizer, Pohl's Xtra, and Amino Acid Concentrate, so we will see how that goes!

[Xadieu]

Good stuff Wayne, I think you will find good result with zeo, no complaints here. BTW what's your color combinations for your T5s?

[wmcinnes]

Good stuff Wayne, I think you will find good result with zeo, no complaints here. BTW what's your color combinations for your T5s?

Yeah looking forward to seeing how it turns out! Right now I am running
ATI Aquablue Special (Front)
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
ATI Fiji Pink
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+ (Back)

Think I might put an aquablue special in the back.. we will see.

[Xadieu]

Did you check your overflow? Wrasse loves to jump and suicide mine loves to jump in my overflow when it get spooked out by new fish or something.

[wmcinnes]

Did you check your overflow? Wrasse loves to jump and suicide mine loves to jump in my overflow when it get spooked out by new fish or something.

Yeah I looked friggen everywhere!

[ChizerBunoi]

Go very slow with CV and AA" like one drop every 3 days. Its highly concentrated.

[Xadieu]

Go very slow with CV and AA" like one drop every 3 days. Its highly concentrated.

His tank is over 100 gallon 1 drop will not do much :)

Also it depends on how much sps corals he has. Full tank size colonies will just eat through that the foods. But yes go slow at the begining since wayne does not have much corals atm.

[kien]

Sorry to hear about your wrasse :-(

He's either already been cleaned up by your clean up crew or shriveled up behind the sump or under something. They can flop an amazing distance.

[wmcinnes]

Sorry to hear about your wrasse :-(

He's either already been cleaned up by your clean up crew or shriveled up behind the sump or under something. They can flop an amazing distance.

I've looked all over around the tank and its nowhere to be seen so I'm assuming it surcumbed to something and the cleanup crew had a midnight feast.

[Xadieu]

D: but he was so nice, how much for the pair?

[wmcinnes]

D: but he was so nice, how much for the pair?

They were enough.. haha

[wmcinnes]

Morning on the reef.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4721_zps489c5f99.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4722_zps77b5c88c.jpg

[Xadieu]

What lights do you have on in the morning? Are those LEDs or t5s?

[waynemah]

Nice setup you got there!

What type of wrasse did you add a page or two back? They are amazing!

[wmcinnes]

What lights do you have on in the morning? Are those LEDs or t5s?

That is two T5s. 2 blue+ and it's quite accurate in the pic. I've been considering adding a reef brite LED strip to the powermodule just to add some shimmer... I miss the shimmer.

Nice setup you got there!

Thanks Wayne. Those are Rhomboid wrasses

What type of wrasse did you add a page or two back? They are amazing!

[Xadieu]

That is two T5s. 2 blue+ and it's quite accurate in the pic. I've been considering adding a reef brite LED strip to the powermodule just to add some shimmer... I miss the shimmer.

I love the shimmer the led gives but find alot of great reefers out there still prefer to use T5s because it gives a powerful accent of color on the corals.

[91Atrac]

Wicked nice livestock in the tank man. Setup looks sweet :)

[wmcinnes]

A little update. I got back from Mexico not long ago to find that both my Rhomboids and my male anthias had passed, for whatever reason. That hurts a little but what can you do, part of the hobby I guess. The deaths I am assuming are the reason for the GHA and turf algae I came home to, although nitrate and phos tests read negligible amounts I am thinking this is due to NO3 and PO4 being consumed (by the algae) faster than the tests can detect.

I have cut the photoperiod by an hour, been performing lighter feedings, bought a sea hare and ordered algefix marine. The sea hare has done absoluetly nothing so I think i bought a dud haha, I barely see him!
I am planning to pick up a small army of turbo snails to see if they will help at all as my current clean up crew is quite small.

Other than all that, I am fairly happy with where the tank is at right now and have begun to build the stand skin finally.

Here are a few top down shots, FTS and an algae pic.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4869_zps97d9a865.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4870_zps02d8c600.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4871_zpsa2ab1d87.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4874_zps215d4a4b.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4879_zps8f71dcd1.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4881_zps51ca7172.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4882_zps1135c5df.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4890_zps77dd2dab.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4891_zps3333f3e2.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4892_zps9ece2d3d.jpg

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4889_zps0a0d16a3.jpg

[Bblinks]

Sorry about the rhomboids, it's not easy to swallow a 500 dollars lost. The more I look at your tank the more it reminds me of v1 rotate's reef in the sky from reef central. In time it will become a beautiful reef. Keep up the good work.

[wmcinnes]

Sorry about the rhomboids, it's not easy to swallow a 500 dollars lost. The more I look at your tank the more it reminds me of v1 rotate's reef in the sky from reef central. In time it will become a beautiful reef. Keep up the good work.

Thank you! Its nice to hear such nice words from someone with such an awesome reef. :biggrin:

[zhasan]

Tank is looking awesome Wayne!

[kien]

sorry to hear about the wrasses.. fish are annoying like that.

Love your aquascape and it is going to look killer once it fills in.

[wmcinnes]

Haven't put anything up in a while so here are some photos of some new and old additions. I am no photographer and adjusted the white balance and am still playing around with the camera, so bare with me.

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4932_zpscd8cab6c.jpg
Ultra Elegance

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4935_zps68473bc7.jpg
Tongan Maxima

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4938_zps146736fd.jpg
Yellow Mille

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4939_zps9251a231.jpg
Ultra something or other

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/DSC_4951_zps11d23b59.jpg
Browned out Strawberry Shortcake!

http://i1091.photobucket.com/albums/i389/wmcinnes/bluesidecopy_zps527a42ec.jpg
Supermale Blue-sided Wrasse

[noirsphynx]

Beautiful, love the elegance. The Ultra "something" is an ultra Lobophyllia.

[kien]

looking great Wayne. That yellow milli is going to look stunning once it fills in.

[wmcinnes]

Beautiful, love the elegance. The Ultra "something" is an ultra Lobophyllia.

I wish I could take better, in focus, pictures! Thank you! I knew the name but was having a brain cramp when I was posting this. :biggrin:

looking great Wayne. That yellow milli is going to look stunning once it fills in.

Its growing! I'm actually quite happy with how my tank is looking at the moment. A couple more fancy sticks and I'll be set! :wink:

[wmcinnes]

I'm still alive people!.. and so is the tank! Summer was really busy and the tank was neglected quite a bit but I'm back at it and have started working at getting it back into good shape. Unfortunately, I lost a few corals and fish but despite the neglect there was quite a bit of growth in many of the corals so not all was lost.

As of today I did my third 20% water change in the last 2.5 weeks, and am working on getting my alk, which is at 9 dKH, down to closer to 7.5 dKH as I have found in ULN systems that corals respond better to lower alkalinity levels.

Parameters as of today:

pH: 8.30 (APEX)
Temp: 78.8 F
Salinity: 1.025
ALK: 9.0 dKH (ELOS)
Mag: 1250 ppm (Sailfert)
Ca: 410 ppm (Sailfert)
Nitrates: Undetectable (Sailfert)
P04: 0.02 (Hanna)

Hope to get some pics up soon.

[eli@fijireefrock.com]

I feel your pain for the loss as I did loose a couple mother colonies for neglecting my system for a while.
glad to hear your gain over powered your losses....now to the pictures:biggrin:

[wmcinnes]

I lied. Putting the system up for sale. Stay tuned.