Proteus' Shallow reef build

[Proteus]

I've been planning this build for about 6 months. I alway like the look down appeal. This will be a slow build as its all from scratch except livestock

I build the stand and skinned in the last couple days and built the tank the other night. Just waiting for overflow glass to be cut. Should be done Monday.

And tips and pointers are very welcome

The tank is 24x24x12 external overflow. Returns are 6" down using directional bulk heads. Plumbing will start next week. And painting and finishing stand. I have a 20x20 cube to use as sump but need to build still

Equipment to be used is
Radion gen 1
Mce 600 (until omega 125 is released)
MR1 reactor
Dc return pump to be bought yet
Check valves and gates for plumbing

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/B58FDCCC-642E-4C3D-A4B9-0D187190A73A-9981-00000CE76FF3731B.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/65700EF0-FE7B-42A6-87D7-FCB364127DA1-9981-00000CE77A055D76.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/B0963271-AA04-4233-8408-135A3C5D7A71-9981-00000CE7C1479A4E.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/114C5BF8-4B2F-4D68-822A-CEB972E5F698-9981-00000CE79745C21B.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/457D3829-203B-44BF-ACA9-E992AB1263DE-9981-00000CE83DA70707.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/4A23FC1D-A243-4D5B-B66E-5E469D5CA157-9981-00000CE8DF3F1AC6.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/3ADAF1D4-3CAB-4CF3-A72E-29B267582DBD-7823-00000A4FF9B3EFBD.jpg

[lastlight]

looks great so far. what are you doing to deal with 24x24x6 worth of back-siphon assuming those are on your sump returns?

[Proteus]

In event of power failer I am installing check valves. I using a George fisher check valve. Also oversize sump with the possibility of external overflow tank. Depending on sump capacity

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/george-fisher-wye-check-valve-1.html

[Zoaelite]

Survey says: Backflow valve!?

Subscribed, this reminds me of another tank on here :razz:.

[Proteus]

Survey says: Backflow valve!?

Subscribed, this reminds me of another tank on here :razz:.

Your current tank has given me a lot of inspiration.


Would like to give thanks to concept who provide and cut the glass

Thank you

[Phil]

i got some trim and paint left if u want it. looks good by the way. and magnets.

[Proteus]

Thanks Phil.
I was going to put trim on this weekend and I just finished with a mahogany stain.

I used stove bolts on the two side pannels
The front is on magnets. Figured easy way to go.

[kien]

:pop2:

[Goatman]

http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/userpics/13049/popcorn.gif (http://www.smileyvault.com/)

[Phil]

:pop2:

U guys are going to get popcorn lung

[Proteus]

Picked up 30 lbs or so Marco rock. Put in 15g WC tank

My plan is to cycle the rock in that tank. When done ill tear down current tank put corals in bucket skid tank out move other one in place fill and put coral/clams in new tank. I am seeding new rock from sponges that were in current sump and started prodibio on it.

Does any one forsee a issue of a transfer like this. It should take 4/6 weeks to cycle rock.
Also do I need light on cycling rock

Also picked up glass for over flow box which was cut wrong size. Although it was cut too big so saves from buying more glass. I tried to cut it myself but I'm not that good with 3/8" glass.

[Phil]

U should give me all your sps just to be safe lol. No light on when cycleing rock you'll get algae. The only thing hard about transferring to a new tank is geting the tank fully cycled and stable. My new ones been running now for two months and it's just now looking good and algae's gone. And I think if tried to put any sps in it in that time it wouldn't have made it.

[Proteus]

Yeah I'm ok with 2 months to make sure it's all good

You can rent the sps off me but I need a $2000 retainer. Lol

[Proteus]

Well I was going to put tile in bottom of tank but Moma bear convinced me to do crush. So I picked up 40 lbs of natures oven gravel. It's about 3/5 mm

Overflow box is done. Stand is done, its stained with Bombay mahogany, looks black in pic but its a dark red. Just have to build sump and plumb. Should start this tomorrow

Here's a pic
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/C62B4F24-3323-4D0A-91DF-6C4CF2B90161-1286-000001633237E894.jpg

[cblair]

Well done, last year I built the exact same size tank. It's awesome watching your tank progress from 5 pieces of glass. Looking forward to seeing how yours progresses as well, have fun with it!

[Proteus]

^^^. Thank you. This is my first DIY. Honestly though I always second guess myself wondering if I should have just left it up to the pros. I already tore the tank apart and rebuilt. I used black silicone and messed up in some key spots. Took me days to get the glass perfectly clean.
All in all I am very happy with it

Built sump last night ill get plumbing today
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/9F6303F2-8DB2-418F-BBA6-49279F042604-1894-0000024F6731F798.jpg

[rhody605]

Very clean look.

Are you planning on leaving the back panel clear?

[Proteus]

I contemplated putting a piece of acrylic on the back. But not sure yet
I built the tank as a look down tank so not overly concerned about it either

[cblair]

I definitely hear you on second guessing yourself but don't stress too much all that will go away when you leak test and see it actually holds the water :lol:

[Skimmerking]

:popcorn::pop2:

[Proteus]

So I picked up plumbing today. Also got tile for the tank. I bought sand and tile so undecided. But I really like how Levi's tank turned out so I stole his idea. Thanks;). Now I'm just waiting on check valve, gate valve, and one more directional bulkhead.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/E58D59F6-F178-409F-816F-DCD56F5BF9F2-2035-0000028A0C4151FC.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/4BD7B965-5F51-42C5-81F0-AB20AA48D4F3-2035-0000028A14D328FC.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/805C74C6-87DE-4B48-9FEC-6E8D13477078-2035-0000028A43BE3409.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/83667001-BCA4-428C-869E-5BB192F88097-2035-0000028A25637337.jpg

[subman]

looks great Nick! how did you treat the tiles?

[Zoaelite]

Glad your on board, mine are already starting to get a coraline coating.

The tiles themselves are travertine marble so they are inert, I washed them off in the sink to remove any dirt/ grime but other than that they went straight into the tank.

[Proteus]

Good to know

Man these tiles look slick. So glad I bought them

[Zoaelite]

Pretty sure your going SPS but unlike glass softies will grow directly onto these things.

[gregzz4]

Coming along nicely - good work
That tile is kinda kool

You guys are makin' me think about a shallow frag tank ...

[Skimmerking]

So nothing will leach out of the tiles then

[Proteus]

From my understanding they won't leach. I'm putting my trust in Levi.

The other reason I went woth the tile is I'm sure sps will encrust on them. Giving me a little more room for frags.
Also I like the cleanliness of barebottom but not the look so I hope this is the best of both worlds

The directional bulk heads are to be pointed down to blow directly on the bottom keeping organics suspended.

[gregzz4]

Are there some kinds of travertine to stay away from ?

[Proteus]

Are there some kinds of travertine to stay away from ?

It just cal carb from hot springs. Though its a softer stone it will not disolve in tank. So I've read. The whiter the stone the less impurities. I read several threads on reef tank of people using it without issue

[gregzz4]

Thanks for the info
I want to add it to my BB QT to subdue the lighting some

[subman]

I did have my frag section covered with them but I used the small ones and they were glued on a sheet. I had to boil them to get the sheet off. I placed them in the tank of my toilet for about a month to make sure they were completely clean and free of any glue residue. I figured it would clean out any impurities as well

[Proteus]

. I placed them in the tank of my toilet for about a month to make sure they were completely clean and free of any glue residue. I figured it would clean out any impurities as well

As long as no one pulls a upper decker lol

[subman]

I've had that a couple times at work :censored: if that ever happened at home there would more trouble than poopy tiles :twised:

[Proteus]

I've had that a couple times at work :censored: if that ever happened at home there would more trouble than poopy tiles :twised:

Hahahaha. Too funny.

[daplatapus]

It just cal carb from hot springs. Though its a softer stone it will not disolve in tank. So I've read. The whiter the stone the less impurities. I read several threads on reef tank of people using it without issue

Those travertine tiles you have are the tumbled stone. I wonder if the filled and honed travertine would be safe as well?

[lastlight]

looking great!

curious tho... why are people choosing the small tiles over something standard like four 12 x 12s or trying to source a larger 24x24 even? fewer seams might look a bit more natural?

[subman]

I picked the smaller ones because I wanted to grow zoas on them and it made for easy fragging. The coraline will make it a blanket of purple in no time anyway.

[Proteus]

I wanted 12". But none to be found. These are 6"x6" and considered wall tiles

[ensquire]

I found 12 x 12 at Home Building Center

I wanted 12". But none to be found. These are 6"x6" and considered wall tiles

[Jeff000]

looking good.
Lets see all the frags you have already though. I know I want some of them. lol.

[Proteus]

Haha. Jeff yeah all in due time.

Finally got my hole saw in mail. Was a little Leary about it as its from Hong Kong and seemed a little lite for 3.5".
But it cut great less than 5 minutes and my sock holder is done.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/5CF28B3A-1471-413D-AF0D-3476C23BB360-9135-00000C409E3A812B.jpg
Plumbing is done. Just waiting for a pump should be in this week.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/11C2F9EF-ABC3-462B-B67F-8237C5610471-9135-00000C4833F6847E.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/9B4A97D2-EF1D-465A-9F84-471350586B07-9135-00000C481DFF871F.jpg
Marco Rock been wet for a month now u guess. From beginning I added a sponge that was in sump and some rubble. Should be long now. Also been using tank water and nsw for WC on rock.

Had to build light hanger as the one I built on frame wasn't going to work. I am going to use black stove bolts on this but didn't feel light going into city so I used bolts I had. This side is not viewable as it will be against a wall
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/7E432CCE-1036-427F-943D-09E082C68488-9135-00000C48527B1EAD.jpg

[wmcinnes]

Looking awesome buddy

[TheMikey]

What are the dimensions of your external overvlow box? Moreover, what is the depth of your cut for the weir?

[Proteus]

Over flow is 12"w x 6"d x4"

Cut out is 2". If it is to low ill put a piece on glass behind it

[TheMikey]

Thanks for the quick response! I'm currently planning out a semi-cube with an external overflow and trying to figure out what successes people are having with different kinds of designs. Yours looked to be about what I was looking to do. I have smaller dimensions, but was thinking of something very similar.

[Zoaelite]

Dayyummm this is a sleek looking build, I really want a wood cabinet now :razz:.

Your going to love those tiles, I'm a little blown away at how quick the coralline took. You will have a quick green session but over a couple months the purple starts growing and it starts to look really good.

Not sure about SPS but my zoas have no problem growing right on it.

[Proteus]

It wouldn't take much to skin your stand where it sits Levi

I'm just waiting on a pump. Then it gets wet. I'm filling the skimmer section of sump with rubble from exsisting tank to help with seeding the Marco rock. Also have the reactor full of seeded hydroton also. So I should be ok to set up ASAP.

As for sps on the tiles. I don't think there would be a issue. Never had problems with sps encrusting on plugs. Though I'm putting my dw acros on tile and I found the dw have never been good at encrusting.

I'm excited and nervous. Lol

[Proteus]

Got my pump yesterday. I picked up a speedwave 1320 gph. I finished the plumbing but was disappointed as I wanted to put in a small manifold to run reactors but didn't have the room. I guess I'll have to run a small maxi jet for reactors.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/31453711-3DEF-4687-A1A3-4A6BDCB683D4-514-000000DB10756FA5.jpg

So tank got wet now that I can do leak test. Right away I had two leaks in the directional bulkheads. When I too them apart I noticed that the rubbers are half the size of a regular bulkhead. So I siliconed the rubbers in place and made sure the bulk heads are centered. If they fail again I will go with standard bulkhead with loc line attached.

[Proteus]

Tanks wet!!!!

Have one tiny drip on bulkhead which ill fix tonight. I really love these bulk heads. Makes me question the mp10s if there needed. At full bore from the pump the current makes wave bounce off the front on tank. The speed wave pump is great so far. The loudest part of the sump is the drain into filter sock.

Ill let the tank circulate for a few days the drain and set up a plan to transfer.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/C6844E6D-7D6B-4D4B-9B86-2EDF4D040385-514-0000011EBE5BEBE4.mp4

[Proteus]

Ok I found three small plumbing leaks. Would it be best to use syringe and PVC glue. Or silicone

And to euro brace or not to

[Zoaelite]

Ok I found three small plumbing leaks. Would it be best to use syringe and PVC glue. Or silicone

And to euro brace or not to

I personally PVC glue, Teflon wrap and then reglue the outside. Not 100% on it but it has always worked for me.

No brace with a high water line splashes easy but it looks sleek.

[Proteus]

I used PVC and a pipette ill monitor for a couple days just to be sure. Also have plastic weld

If I did euro brace at all it would be one piece and only 2" wide. But we will see as I like the rimless look

[Phil]

On my tank I could just see the mess I would have with no euro brace I have lots of water always on the underside but I'm running hi flow.

[Proteus]

Well being that I worked a 22 hour shift and kids won't let me sleep I took the opertunity to swap tanks. It took about 4 hours. All coral was dipped in RPS then put into basin with carbon powerhead and heater

Clams and fish went into a bucket. Only loss was a shrimp which for some reason was lathargic from the moment I turned on the lights

Sump is pretty chaotic as I need to buy a new in sump skimmer and ato is yet to be hooked up. Also new to build a electrical panal.

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/1473DD04-63B5-4ECE-B8A9-6492D361B10E-4030-000004FFBD588254.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/22A88B81-FE34-4286-A48E-F872B42ED3B0-4030-000004FFC68DD438.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/03AFB902-D55A-472F-8A3C-36CE0C664648-4030-000004FFD65A00BF.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/DBE30F64-E8BA-48C3-B26B-7F9CBD5BABC4-4030-000004FFE5F59173.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/DF0A25AB-4C86-4E32-AA6E-A7FFC47C4F9D-4030-000004FFF7D66B5B.jpg

[Coralgurl]

I like it, looks great Nick! Scaping really works for top downs shots!

[subman]

Looks wicked Nick!

[Proteus]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/0966E5E3-465E-4E15-BA3C-E864E9C12929-4465-000005DB011586CF.mp4

[philg3]

This build is killing it with simplicity, and I'm a big fan of the top down aquascape.
Cant wait to see it grow out and purple up!

[gregzz4]

Likin' that scape :wink:

[Proteus]

:):)

The cove has quite a bit of overhang with a large cave. All three fish love that spot. I also aquired two more clams today (7) now.
Haven't been able to turn the pump up past 4 as its blowing the clams around

Not sure what to use as a cuc I dropped in 4 stomella and one large nassarius snail that I had for a couple years now lol. Maybe another blood shrimp maybe peps who knows.

New skimmer to come also. Csc 150 or omega. Again who knows lol

[Proteus]

Not having a shelf to set food and such on sucks, also was unsure of where to put controllers and ballast. I searched for a curio cabinet but didn't like what ikea had and didn't want to spend alot on it. So here's the solution

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-4.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-3.jpg

[monkE]

tank looks great man! good job on the build, can't wait to see more updates!

[waynemah]

Wow! Looks nice and clean. Love the rimless look, scape is perfect and the tile idea is very cool.

Looking forward to this thing growing out!

[Skimmerking]

dude that top down looks sick man well done. I like the look of the tile on the bottom

[Proteus]

Thanks guys. I love the tile. (Stole from Levi ) nice thing about the tiles is the deepwater acros get mounted right to them. Lol

My wife tried to convince me against it but even now she's diggin it.

I have the mp10s set at 30% and the speedwave on stage 3 if I go any higher clams end up on their side and fish hit the deck.

[Phil]

I stoped by nicks place the other day and I have to say this tank is one of the nicest Tanks I've seen. I think this build need some new pictures!!

[Proteus]

Thanks Phil

Tanks not worthy if new pics yet. Lol

[Proteus]

Well my yellow assessor that I've had for 2 years jumped today. Fml.

Now to get a MAC or ORA to replace it.

[fishoholic]

Well my yellow assessor that I've had for 2 years jumped today. Fml.

Now to get a MAC or ORA to replace it.

That sucks :sad:

[SanguinesDream]

I stoped by nicks place the other day and I have to say this tank is one of the nicest Tanks I've seen. I think this build need some new pictures!!


Agreed! This is a beautiful tank. I love how it is totally accessible and the top down view is amazing. Sorry about fishy though. :sad:

[asylumdown]

Wow. I think you and Levi are going to start a Canadian trend with those tiles. I'm sold for my next tank.

[Proteus]

Could be...

I'm going through a small diatom bloom right now so its a bit fury. But I'd like Levi to post a pic as his is more mature and will show a better outcome

[Proteus]

I to moved one rock from display opening up the cove. Allows for more coral on the floor and should grow in nicely. Goining through diatom bloom right now. Picked up about 20 cerith snail to help remedy that problem
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-21.jpg

Also new addition. Black cap basslet. What a beautiful fish. Fins are huge on this guy.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-24.png
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-23.png

[reeferfulton]

nice fish .
just read your build thread. Everything looks great , Will be really nice when it all fills in .
good job

[lastlight]

really jealous of the new fish... they're gorgeous!

[Proteus]

Thanks guys

I have currently added som acros that are from a tank that was stn ing. Lol

His zeo reactor pump stalled along with alk doser getting unplugged so I fille up my lil tank with a bunch of his stuff. Ill take pics when it gets better as its cramped and crappy right now.

[fragbox.ca]

i'm really digging that scape man very unusual and unique
inspiring overflow as well nice job

[Proteus]

Thanks. I need to update this weekend

[fragbox.ca]

is the black cap mean? like aggressive?

[Proteus]

Semi cryptic and a great fish. Though I lost it a little while ago. Will get another in fall

[thmh]

damn nick!!! your rock work reminds me a lot like the one we made for kraken:D great minds think a like?

[Proteus]

Been long time since I updated.

Honestly been wanting tank to mature. Lost some colors on a few and some just different colors like a yellow and green red planet. My stocking list is very small with 3 chromis and one blue assessor. I'm not a huge fan of fish but understand there role.
My skimmer bit it sometime while I was on holidays. Not a bad thing as my tank may be a little too clean. Maybe I should stop running filter socks for a while. Cause my skimmer didn't pull much.

Also changed my light schedule to 10k in the morning to 20k in the eve topping out at 80%. With lights on 7 hours a day

Still loving the tile. Done like coralline so have a small urchin that keeps them shiny.
Any way here's some bad iPhone pics. Should try camera but I'm not good at it

Purple poison shortcake.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-41.png

Red dragon from snappy
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-42.png

A. Deswallii. Very much like Daryll v
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-44.png

Colorful stick
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-43.png
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-46.png
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null-45.png

[fragbox.ca]

colorful stick is a really beauty!

[Proteus]

Well I'm done with the led for now. I've tried to enjoy them for two years and while I was happy at first to join the cool club. While some corals did well others not so much. I just wasn't 100% impressed with the radion. I thought about upgrading to the radion pro as it's the same price as a new halide. But after reading Denny's thread I decided I would take his experience and not follow through. Even though I've seen some nice led tanks. They were never IMO as nice as halides. So I decided to go back
I absolutely hated seeing corals I bought from halide driven tanks loose there luster.
I am going to take some pics of the key corals that didn't do it under led and follow up in a months time with pics from the halide.

I've decided to go with a vertex ballast a luminarc pedant and a geissmann 21k bulb. I may feel the need to add t5 or some led as supplement but that will be determined in due time

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null_zps0a360003.jpg
Classy

[kien]

Sexy! Welcome (back) to the dark (light) side. :-D

I can feel the UV burn from here.. Ahhhh...

[Proteus]

I'm looking forward to getting this drop of sunshine above my ocean. And more so to see how the acros react.

Need to modify my hanger though so I hope my day at work is short tomorrow. :)

[reefermadness]

Oh crap...this just reminded me of your PM that I forgot to answer. Hope you figured it out. If you still have any questions PM me again and I promise not to forget to reply this time....doh.

[Proteus]

Oh crap...this just reminded me of your PM that I forgot to answer. Hope you figured it out. If you still have any questions PM me again and I promise not to forget to reply this time....doh.

No worries. Later on ill look to retrofit it with som led t5 super hybrid. Lol and I'll def ask

[Aquattro]

Can't wait to see it. Oh, changed the title of your thread to fit with new name :)

[thmh]

Game changer!

~Tony

[Proteus]

Thank for changing it Brad

And tony I am going to take your advise and in time will do a super hybrid retro fit on it.

You wouldn't believe some of the flack I'm getting for dropping LEDs. Man some people are haters

[thmh]

Lmao haters going to hate! Everyone reefs differently and there is no right or wrong as long as you can achieve the end result of keeping healthy colorful corals! :-)

~Tony

[kien]

ya, as Tony said, who cares what anyone else thinks. Results are results, no matter how you get them :-) Seriously, some people are just jacked up on Hatorade. :lol:

[Aquattro]

You wouldn't believe some of the flack I'm getting for dropping LEDs. Man some people are haters

That's dumb. As I told you, I'm right behind you. New fixture should be up and running by the weekend!

[kien]

That's dumb. As I told you, I'm right behind you. New fixture should be up and running by the weekend!

WHUT WHUT ?? This is news, are you switching back to halides too brad??

[Aquattro]

WHUT WHUT ?? This is news, are you switching back to halides too brad??

No, T5 actually. Rich's frag tank inspired me :)

[kien]

No, T5 actually. Rich's frag tank inspired me :)

Good choice! I love T5s. The light is so uniform and silky smooth and the colour temp is adjustable :-) Plus T5s are by far the easiest to photograph.

[Fesso]

I am glad this thread got bumped today, great morning coffee read. Awesome build man. Inspiring! I love the tile idea.

[Proteus]

I am glad this thread got bumped today, great morning coffee read. Awesome build man. Inspiring! I love the tile idea.

Thanks. I really enjoyed building this from the ground up. I would believe that the tiles also add some biological as well as the tile is porus. But the big thing for me was I wanted the cleanliness of bare bottom and the look of sand so to speak

[reefwars]

weird..

[kien]

i dropped leds all together for the time being except for my fuges , running t5 tek fixtures and all i can say is its a complete turn around , growth is incredible, colors are what they are supposed to be, healing corals heal quicker and encrusting corals are encrusting faster, its funny how you dont notice the small things untill you get them back.

some corals loved leds , alot hated them.....at least t5 and halide can keep a larger variety of corals happier continuously.


i had the biggest trouble in particular with sps color, encrusting....chalices would bleach easily and in turn mess with the colors and patterns, some lps like scolys,symphyllias and favias would either take it or reject it.

last going off my pros were at 35% peak , and half the colors were off and still was messing with corals.

OH NOES! Not you too!

[reefwars]

i dropped leds all together for the time being except for my fuges , running t5 tek fixtures and all i can say is its a complete turn around , growth is incredible, colors are what they are supposed to be, healing corals heal quicker and encrusting corals are encrusting faster, its funny how you dont notice the small things untill you get them back, i think i slowly got use to how leds were and not noticing what was happening.

some corals loved leds , alot hated them.....at least t5 and halide can keep a larger variety of corals happier continuously.


i had the biggest trouble in particular with sps colors and encrusting....chalices would bleach easily and in turn mess with the colors and patterns, some lps like scolys,symphyllias and favias would either take it or reject it.

last going off my pros were at 35% peak , and half the coral colors were off completely and still was messing with thin fleshed corals, made it to 85% and then had to cut it off.....this is 12"AWL

watching the progress pics of certain corals made me second guess the light , the immediate results i got from going back to t5 made me drop them all together and sell them off.

for the price of the pros and other high end leds and with tek going out of business i was able to buy some used tek lights cheap , and enough bulbs to last 3-4 yrs....and still have enough to take the wife out for supper lol

bingo!!!

[Proteus]

I talk to a few reefers. Brad,Kien,D.V,Dave and tony. I believe I have made the right choice on the halide. And I consulted Denny on the radion pro as I did consider that route. Being the same price as the halide.

I love this forum for the fact that I've learned there is great advise from seasoned reefers here. And though I've been in hobby for three years I am still new and count on all of you.

Thanks peoples

[waynemah]

Glad your making good use of that light! Can't wait to see what it does to the corals.

My ATI 8 bulb should be here any day :mrgreen:

[kien]

Glad your making good use of that light! Can't wait to see what it does to the corals.

My ATI 8 bulb should be here any day :mrgreen:

OH NOES not you too! I don't even know what's going on anymore!

[Proteus]

Glad your making good use of that light! Can't wait to see what it does to the corals.

My ATI 8 bulb should be here any day :mrgreen:

Nice choice Wayne. Gunna have some hydras for sale soon?

I think I got a touch of burnt retina from staring into the bulb. Haha

[wayner]

Yup - going ATI Hybrid - T5/LED - first time for everything :biggrin:

[Proteus]

Yup - going ATI Hybrid - T5/LED - first time for everything :biggrin:

Very nice. Seems to have amazing reviews

[Proteus]

OH NOES not you too! I don't even know what's going on anymore!

It's a revolution

[waynemah]

Nice choice Wayne. Gunna have some hydras for sale soon?

I think I got a touch of burnt retina from staring into the bulb. Haha

The Hydras are actually quite amazing, I've never seen better growth or coloration out of my corals. The Abro is still colored up and everything pops. The down side is the coverage, these things cover exactly what they claim on the sand bed, but the corals above get shafted.

Make sure you keep that glass on there before staring at it... From what I've read it blocks out some pretty harmful stuff *halide noob talking here*.

[Proteus]

Oh yeah the glass was on. Just attracted to bright shiny objects

[kien]

The Hydras are actually quite amazing, I've never seen better growth or coloration out of my corals. The Abro is still colored up and everything pops. The down side is the coverage, these things cover exactly what they claim on the sand bed, but the corals above get shafted.

Make sure you keep that glass on there before staring at it... From what I've read it blocks out some pretty harmful stuff *halide noob talking here*.

Oh yeah the glass was on. Just attracted to bright shiny objects

oh yes, the glass on an HQI DE is a must! They are not UV shielded like Single Ended mogals are. You'll burn everything in its path without the UV glass!

[Proteus]

oh yes, the glass on an HQI DE is a must! They are not UV shielded like Single Ended mogals are. You'll burn everything in its path without the UV glass!

Or pop popcorn

[reefwars]

The Hydras are actually quite amazing, I've never seen better growth or coloration out of my corals. The Abro is still colored up and everything pops. The down side is the coverage, these things cover exactly what they claim on the sand bed, but the corals above get shafted.

Make sure you keep that glass on there before staring at it... From what I've read it blocks out some pretty harmful stuff *halide noob talking here*.

had the same problem as well great coverage down low but about 16" up i lose all spead and par, my coraline was growing up the glass and stopping about 16" all around....clear sign somethings off with the spread:)

[waynemah]

:pop2:

[Kryptic4L]

wow it all makes so much sense now. there has been alot of things going on with my corals that i couldnt explain or figure out.

[Titan445]

Are these units expensive, And who would sell them?:biggrin:

[Proteus]

Are these units expensive, And who would sell them?:biggrin:

What unit are you wanting. Halide or t5 hybrid?

[Proteus]

wow it all makes so much sense now. there has been alot of things going on with my corals that i couldnt explain or figure out.

What's happening

[reefwars]

wow it all makes so much sense now. there has been alot of things going on with my corals that i couldnt explain or figure out.

me and you buddy are in the same boat both running pros;)

[Titan445]

t5 hybrid

[Proteus]

t5 hybrid

I'm sure jl sells them as prob ray at reef supplies. But your looking at $1200+

[Titan445]

I'm sure jl sells them as prob ray at reef supplies. But your looking at $1200+

Ok cool thanks.

[Kryptic4L]

What's happening

yellow zoas turned green, bright really bright yellow mini carpet turned a bit green

super sweet lobo, hated my tank and died asap.

really bright pink favia has been put from top to bottom in my tank and doesnt wanna color up and stays bleached in some areas.

with that being said, some corals are doing really well and I am seeing some good growth, so i might mess with the settings and go from there. But I do miss the t5s. But didnt miss them this summer when my tank was really stable for temp even when my house was an oven.


anywho this thread has now costed me money, because i finally ordered up the replacement ballast for my 24 ati sunpower sitting in the basement, as I should unload that one of these days.

[Kryptic4L]

me and you buddy are in the same boat both running pros;)

to non reef nerds i have the sweetest fn tank ever with the neon disco party.

Id love to show the world, but cannot photo it for the life of me.

[Proteus]

yellow zoas turned green, bright really bright yellow mini carpet turned a bit green

super sweet lobo, hated my tank and died asap.

really bright pink favia has been put from top to bottom in my tank and doesnt wanna color up and stays bleached in some areas.


I didn't know this until recently but to much light will make for nice green colors to come out.
I may be safe to say your lights are to bright

What's peak %

[Kryptic4L]

just running the eco tech deep reef setting, so im not sure, but thanks for the advice. Ill mess with the lights tonight when i get home from the rig.

[kien]

t5 hybrid

If you want a t5 hybrid you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a whole new unit. You can simply add a T5 retrofit kit to your existing LEDs. There, instant hybrid :-) Probably cheaper this way too.

[Titan445]

If you want a t5 hybrid you don't necessarily have to go out and buy a whole new unit. You can simply add a T5 retrofit kit to your existing LEDs. There, instant hybrid :-) Probably cheaper this way too.

Thanks Kien:biggrin:

[Zoaelite]

I talk to a few reefers. Brad,Kien,D.V,Dave and tony. I believe I have made the right choice on the halide. And I consulted Denny on the radion pro as I did consider that route. Being the same price as the halide.

I love this forum for the fact that I've learned there is great advise from seasoned reefers here. And though I've been in hobby for three years I am still new and count on all of you.

Thanks peoples

Swapped back to T5's over here as well :neutral:.
Same reasoning as Denny, the lights were amazing for my SPS and zoas but just are not tolerating when it comes to LPS. Even @ an intensity of 35% bleaching still occurred.

[thmh]

Did you guys all had a secret meeting? And decide to drop led at the same time!? :-)

~Tony

[waynemah]

Did you guys all had a secret meeting? And decide to drop led at the same time!? :-)

~Tony

Nope just saw what MJC was pack'n and decided to roll with it. I have no clue what's going on. People just want to dust off the old car and take it for a spin.

Not sure what the LPS bleaching is all about, I've never bleached anything in my tank :redface:

[thmh]

I am still riding my led bike! I just added the T5 bells, safely night Light and a fender :-)

~Tony

[Proteus]

Did you guys all had a secret meeting? And decide to drop led at the same time!? :-)

~Tony

Yeah gunna see what happens with ecotech and ghl now that were all off the led train. Better pull your shares before the plummet

[Kryptic4L]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y223/kryptic4l/31268D68-8945-4CFD-BAD8-F65B547BC9A9-963-00000171A325BDF8_zps42459dc5.jpg

[kien]

Swapped back to T5's over here as well :neutral:.
Same reasoning as Denny, the lights were amazing for my SPS and zoas but just are not tolerating when it comes to LPS. Even @ an intensity of 35% bleaching still occurred.

Not you too!!

Wow, bleaching at 35% ??? I keep hearing of people having to run their LEDs at 50% or lower. I understand why this may be necessary, but it still boggles my mind, especially after all the threads about, "is there enough light in LEDs ??" Clearly, even in the cheapest LEDs there must be enough light ? I guess I don't understand why LEDs are bleaching corals when halides crank out more wattage ? This may not be the best place to discuss that though. Maybe I'll ask it in the "is there enough light in LEDs" thread.

[thmh]

Not you too!!

Wow, bleaching at 35% ??? I keep hearing of people having to run their LEDs at 50% or lower. I understand why this may be necessary, but it still boggles my mind, especially after all the threads about, "is there enough light in LEDs ??" Clearly, even in the cheapest LEDs there must be enough light ? I guess I don't understand why LEDs are bleaching corals when halides crank out more wattage ? This may not be the best place to discuss that though. Maybe I'll ask it in the "is there enough light in LEDs" thread.

depending on what optics they use, LEDs can be a cannon !!:D

[Aquattro]

I run 6 AI Sol over my tank at 100% and everything does well. Even the LPS on the bottom (euphylia sp.)

[neoh]

don't mean to hijack - but I've been having a hell of a time with my LPS with Vertex Illuminas over a 18" deep tank at 52% - overall health is suffering, and considered going back to my T5's with some ATI's. My nano tank on the other hand with a PAR33 bulb is a life saver. Any corals that are diminishing in health I drop in there, and overnight they transform.

[thmh]

don't mean to hijack - but I've been having a hell of a time with my LPS with Vertex Illuminas over a 18" deep tank at 52% - overall health is suffering, and considered going back to my T5's with some ATI's. My nano tank on the other hand with a PAR33 bulb is a life saver. Any corals that are diminishing in health I drop in there, and overnight they transform.

If your tank is lps dominant try running more blues and less whites in my experience lps loves led.

~Tony

[Proteus]

If your tank is lps dominant try running more blues and less whites in my experience lps loves led.

~Tony

Agreed. Wifey has a par38 on her tank and lps love it

[neoh]

I currently run 10W/50/52. Not much white in there. I did have a semi tank crash a little over a week ago and the corals are starting to wake up again, so - we'll see.

[Proteus]

Bling Bling Baby

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null_zpsb1160bb9.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null_zps255d9c8f.jpg

Wow what a difference. I have it at 14" to start. I'll leave it for a while and see how coral reacts. Been so long since having halide I forgot how crisp and clean it looks
The spread of that luminarc is crazy. No shadows at all

[lastlight]

The spread of that luminarc is crazy. No shadows at all

the reflector has nearly as much volume as your display. that doesn't hurt lol.

[Proteus]

Lol. Yeah never thought of that.

[waynemah]

I really like how your setosa is spilling onto the ground! Cool effect.

Any updates? How's the halide?

[Proteus]

Halides great. Sort of. I had some ballast issues. The vertex ballast was from a bad batch and was under driving the bulb to the point of flicker. Vertex has since stopped production and abandoned that line. I borrowed a ballast from MA until new one arrives. Going to try a luxcore eballast.

In turns of the outcome it's been great. Growth has increase dramatically and colors on new growth is amazing. I have one pieces that gone from green to blue and purple. Really has become a fav
For the most part colors are coming around as I had a bleaching incident just prior to switching

The setosa has I crusted 5x that pic since puting the halide on

[waynemah]

Post up some pics when you get around to it. I like progression shots. :biggrin:

[asylumdown]

FWIW I've found that certain LPS families just cannot take my radions either. Chalices, most brains, scolies, etc... no go in my tank. They bleach to death rapidly wherever light hits them directly. Elegance corals, frogspawns, and *some* acans do ok. The funny thing is that under a Kessil ocean blue in my pico tank, all my brains recovered beautifully, got back their super deep, rich reds and greens. That fixture is LED, but it has no red or green diodes, and the mixture of blue to white is completely different, which might be the reason

In any case I'd likely try T5s on a smaller tank in the future.

Have you had any corals that have morphed in an unappealing way under the halides?

[Proteus]

FWIW I've found that certain LPS families just cannot take my radions either. Chalices, most brains, scolies, etc... no go in my tank. They bleach to death rapidly wherever light hits them directly. Elegance corals, frogspawns, and *some* acans do ok. The funny thing is that under a Kessil ocean blue in my pico tank, all my brains recovered beautifully, got back their super deep, rich reds and greens. That fixture is LED, but it has no red or green diodes, and the mixture of blue to white is completely different, which might be the reason

In any case I'd likely try T5s on a smaller tank in the future.

Have you had any corals that have morphed in an unappealing way under the halides?

It's funny you spend so much on a led and expect great results but in fact the par38 on our other tank did a better job with lps than the radion. Now I wouldn't say I care for the par38 just based on the color seperation and the fact I had to were bell bottoms and put abba on the ok turntable.

As for the halide the only piece that's not what I hoped is the first fire digi. The colors are still there but the pop is not. Though it may just be a adjustment period. My setosa keeps it's pop. So I don't think its a halide vs orange issue

Should also say that since the ballast is currently under driving the bulb it's a little whiter than I would like. New luxcore eballast is on route

Also have a RB led retro coming as IMO RB led helps the pop

All in all halides kick ass. It just disappointing that it will soon be harder to get ballast as most companies have stopped supplying. Vertex, lumetek for example are out. But eballast are still avalible at most hydroponic shops

[asylumdown]

vertex has stopped making ballasts? wow, I didn't know that. It would be a shame if MH were to die out because equipment stopped being available. It's a tried, tested and true method.

I've sometimes wondered if I could tweak my radion program to make it more hospitable to the LPS that hate them, but since my tank is 95% SPS that seem to be doing fine (though some of the colour issues that you described are definitely happening in my tank as well) I'm too freaked out to tweak things in a way that might harm them.

[thmh]

Have you guys seen the new reefbrite mh+led!? Trina @ reef wholesale was telling me about it and I think it's definitely will be a contender! Now all reefbrite has to do is incorporate t5 then we might have a winner winner chicken dinner!

~Tony

[typezero]

Have you guys seen the new reefbrite mh+led!? Trina @ reef wholesale was telling me about it and I think it's definitely will be a contender! Now all reefbrite has to do is incorporate t5 then we might have a winner winner chicken dinner!

~Tony

+1 tis be true

[Proteus]

vertex has stopped making ballasts? wow, I didn't know that. It would be a shame if MH were to die out because equipment stopped being available. It's a tried, tested and true method.

I've sometimes wondered if I could tweak my radion program to make it more hospitable to the LPS that hate them, but since my tank is 95% SPS that seem to be doing fine (though some of the colour issues that you described are definitely happening in my tank as well) I'm too freaked out to tweak things in a way that might harm them.

That's a big issue I think is because you can tweak people do. Not allowing enough time for coral to acclimate. Most of us I would expect don't have a lot of patience and want instant results

I'm sure there will always be mh. Just have to start looking in other areas for parts.
I just found out about vertex ballast since I returned my defective one.


Have you guys seen the new reefbrite mh+led!? Trina @ reef wholesale was telling me about it and I think it's definitely will be a contender! Now all reefbrite has to do is incorporate t5 then we might have a winner winner chicken dinner!

~Tony


I just saw last week. It looks ok I wasn't impressed with the look of the pendant myself though it may be prototype.
You can also buy just the led part to add to existing pendant
http://reefbuilders.com/2011/03/16/reefbrite-halide-hybrid/

[Proteus]

New ballast came In today. Bought a luxcore. So far it's great. It has a overdrive option but I don't think I'll need it there quite a difference between the two settings
Also picked up a couple old 250 HQI ballast as it's good to have back up
Also picked up a red fromia and Midas Blenny a while ago
In hopin when Phil sees my iPhone pics he'll pop over with his camera

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null_zps2a4259a4.jpg
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/null_zpsb8d630a4.jpg

[reefermadness]

Looks nice and sleek. Do you have a par meter to check out the levels? It does look a little bit high.

[Proteus]

Looks nice and sleek. Do you have a par meter to check out the levels? It does look a little bit high.

As in the pendants is high?
It's 14" above water and I do plan on lowering it once I find a par meter to borrow
The tank is only 12" deep I didn't want to bleech everything

Don't mind the heater in the overflow. I just tossed it in there as wife kept back door open for the dogs and the cold air went downstairs. It's in sump now

[reefermadness]

Ya that is what I meant. It looks like its pretty high and you are getting a lot of light spillage. Always best to be cautious though. If things start getting brown you can lower it. Of course a par meter is going to help a lot.

[Proteus]

Before I put the halide on I had a bleaching incident with the led. I didn't want to shock the coral any more as my thought was brown is better than dead. Lol
I am planning on lowering a few inches at a time
I am using my setosa as a indicator now as its very pink lol

[wreck]

very nice build!!

[Proteus]

So its been quite some time since I updated. But I figured if anything this is for my own record

About a month ago I decided to get a new fish. A Aussie multicolor dottyback. Amazingly colorful fish. I thought tgat it be ok as my McNeilli assessor is large and in charge. Well not so much. I was going to sell the assessor as the two fish didn't get along. But within 6 hours the assessor was in ICU. So I had to dismantle the entire tank to remove the dottyback. Which wasn't a huge ordeal as I wasn't happy with the scape. But in doing so I ended up with some po4 issues that prodibio would not take care of. So after rescaping and getting the fish back up to health I made the jump to zeo.
At first I just followed the labels on the bottle, not the best move. After watching the po4 rise I went on to zeo forum and got direction. Upping the dose of Zeobak and cutting out the zeo start I'm now on the good side with po4 around 0.08.
Now just to get colors back
I needed to start taking care of the big three as values were declining faster than water changes could keep up. I researched dosing kalk and ca reactor and decided that dosing was in my tanks best intrest.
I bought a cheap but easy to use marine magic doser and tm balling salts. Took about a week to get it tweaked but overall a very easy system. Down side I lost a amazing green blue tip milli. Due to alk drop.
System is stable now and po4 dropping looking forward to when I can start using other zeo products to tweak colors.
I'll post a pic when lights are on

[Proteus]

After a battle with aefw and loosing some corals I decided to tear down and start over.

I completely dismantled tank put remains coral in qt, dipping every 5 days with rps.
All rock went into qt also.
I took this opportunity to paint the tank as well.

I bought some new rock and new substrate. While I liked the cleanliness of the tile I opt for black substrate.

All put back together now and happy to be aefw free.
Added some peppermint shrimp which from what I read will consume flatworm. Worth a shot I guess.
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0139_20140607164012308.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0139_20140607164012308.jpg.html)

[kien]

Reboot? How trendy of you ! I'm going to miss the tiles though.

[Rice Reef]

Good to see the tank up and running again!

[Proteus]

Yeah I liked the tiles but didn't care for the look with the blacked out glass.

Did 50% new water when refilled and alk was at 11.2 dkh.
Had a few Burnt tips hoping it comes down soon

Being I'm still new at this the flatworms almost made me quit but I'm glad I didn't

[kien]

.. almost made me quit but I'm glad I didn't

Never give up. Never surrender.

[Proteus]

Lol no couldn't quit. I am still learning at times though lol

[Proteus]

So upon restarting tank i had two boxes of salt that had really high alk and low mg.
I never thought of testing nsw as ive been using reefers best for a couple years and was always good.

My alk was at 11.2 dkh wow!!

I notice very quickly that i was haveing alk burn on acros.
After some reading i decided to use muriatic acid to slowly lower alk buy rotaing and treating water in seperate bin.
I was suprised at how fast the muriatic acid works to lower alk. Although i took a week of water rotations to get it to 7.5

Funny though ever thou having alk burn some of the brown acro colored up greatly.

[Proteus]

http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0167.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0167.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0182.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0182.jpg.html)
http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0187.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0187.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0186.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0186.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0184.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0184.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0192.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0192.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0172_20140720173124644.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0172_20140720173124644.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0198.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0198.jpg.html)http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd400/titus991/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0183.jpg (http://s1217.photobucket.com/user/titus991/media/Mobile%20Uploads/DSC_0183.jpg.html)

[Proteus]

So I figure a small update and I'll get a pic when lights come on...
I was using geissmann 21k bulb on my tank but upon setting up a new Coral bed I got a halide with a new xm 20k..to my surprise the geissmann looked violet compared to the xm. So I bought a new bulb for my dt.. Very nice bulb.
Still fighting a slightly anorexic tank with pale colors. I upd the feeding and now have upd the AA and CV. should see a difference in a week or so.