Spyd's 180G Mixed Reef

[Spyd]

Hi everyone,

I have decided to start a tank journal. I run a standard 180G tank that has been running since August 2012. 3 sides Starphyre glass, Starphyre Eurobracing and external overflow. Stand is metal w/ custom maple wood exterior that uses magnets to snap into place.

The sump is located behind the tank in my furnace room. I also plumbed in a water change tank and RDSB tank that will eventually turn into my frag tank once things grow out. I run a Water Blaster HY10000 pump and have plumbed all my reactors and multiple tanks off of it. Works great and runs extremely quiet!!

Other equipment:

- 2 x Tunze 6101, 1 x Tunze 6105 and controller
- 8 lamp x 80w ATI Sunpower T5 fixture. 5 x Blue Plus, 2 x Coral Plus, 1 x Purple Plus
- Vertex UF-15 reactor w/ approx 500ml of bio-pellets
- BRS Dual Reactor w/ GFO and Carbon
- 3 x BRS Dosing Pumps - Cal ALK, Mag
- Elos Osmocontroller and 30G RO/DI resevoir tank.
- Vertex Puratek RO/DI unit.
- BK Super Marin 200 skimmer
- Apex Lite Controller
- 3 x 250w Ebo-Jager heaters

As for fish I have: Foxface Rabbitfish, Purple Tang, Fowleri Tang, Sailfin Tang, Hippo Tang, 10 x Blue Streak Cardinals, 2 x Leopard Wrasses, 2 x Yellow Wrasses, Flame Angel, Six Line Wrasse, Blacker Ice Clown, Snowflake Clown both are hosted by my Flame BTA, Ultra Maxima clam.

The highlight of my tank are really my corals. I have a lot of nice SPS and LPS. I am growing my chalice and acan collections right now.

So, lets get to some pics all ready:

Here is the stand in the early stages. Custom made. It sits nice and high so you can look in the tank at eye level. I lined the inside with white melamine.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/180GStand_zpsfcbed76d.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/180GStand_zpsfcbed76d.jpg.html)

Here is my initial aquascaping. I used all most all eco-reefer dry rock and only about 20 lbs of live rock. Most of the live rock went in my sump and only a couple pieces into the display.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/180Glights_zps88ceee8a.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/180Glights_zps88ceee8a.jpg.html)

Here is the back room setup: Sump below. Water change tank above that is directly plumbed into the system. Top left is my RDSB tank and under that is my RO/DI resevoir.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/180GFishTank001_zpsd557a597.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/180GFishTank001_zpsd557a597.jpg.html)

Here is a look at my tank about 6 months ago. A lot of the larger corals were moved over from my old 75G tank which I had running for a few years.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/180GStand2_zps41535442.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/180GStand2_zps41535442.jpg.html)

So here is my tank as it stands today. You can see my mammoth show piece Hollywood stunner isn't doing so hot. I went on vacation back in the beginning of December only to have my BTA split and house on the bottom of my chalice for a week. The chalice did not take a liking to it. Ever since then, I have been trying to nurse the chalice back to health and have not had much luck. Everything else in the tank though is uber healthy.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank6_zpsec110c16.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank6_zpsec110c16.jpg.html)

Side shot:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank2_zpsa1525e70.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank2_zpsa1525e70.jpg.html)

Individual coral Pics to follow.

[Spyd]

Here are some individual coral pics:

Here are some more close ups that I took last week. SPS growth is coming nicely as are the chalices:
Rainbow Lobo, Kryptonite Candycane, RR Cyphastrea, Ultra Maxima, Tyree Miami Hurricane, Gobstoppers? and my Magician Palys.http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank134_zpseec38d0e.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank134_zpseec38d0e.jpg.html)
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank132_zps1ba438e7.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank132_zps1ba438e7.jpg.html)
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank129_zpsee338fc4.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank129_zpsee338fc4.jpg.html)
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank127_zpse00081dd.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank127_zpse00081dd.jpg.html)
One of my Favs as it is self Grown but unnamed for now... I lack the creativity. ::) It is a nice bright red w/ blue tips and green base. Behind are frags of my Purple Dragon and MRT Northern Delight.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank126_zpse7c11f6c.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank126_zpse7c11f6c.jpg.html)
My Tyree Sand Dollar, Fire & Ice Milli, MRT Bottlebrush, Tyree Rainbow Stylo and ORA Red Planet.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank121_zps7a166fe4.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank121_zps7a166fe4.jpg.html)
Front & Center pic of my nicest frags.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank119_zpsdc74b5a4.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank119_zpsdc74b5a4.jpg.html)
ORA Birds of Paradise and Tyree Ponape Birdsnest
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank116_zpscc1c7ff0.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank116_zpscc1c7ff0.jpg.html)
MRT Mummy Eye Chalice
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank112_zps1a74fd94.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank112_zps1a74fd94.jpg.html)
Another new MRT Chalice
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank110_zps5ea69cff.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank110_zps5ea69cff.jpg.html)
BB Dragon Scale Chalice. Very nice colours!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank107_zps31f21cfd.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank107_zps31f21cfd.jpg.html)
Poison Ivy frag. It does not like the intense light. Bleached out at first but is coming back nicely. I will slowly move it up the tank.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank108_zpsa17b907f.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank108_zpsa17b907f.jpg.html)
Meteor Shower Cyphastrea growing like crazy!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank105_zpsdddc2d94.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank105_zpsdddc2d94.jpg.html)
Bought as a $10 frag. I love it!!! Bright green w/ orange polyps. I believe it is a Goni. Quickly becoming a favourite!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank101_zps42a118bc.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank101_zps42a118bc.jpg.html)
Some acan love!! Also, my gold chalice and MRT Christmas Favia.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank096_zpsc115a492.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank096_zpsc115a492.jpg.html)
Purple Valida w/ not so hot stag in the background.... My Flame BTA split and I managed to get it our right away but not before it stung the crap out of the stag.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank094_zps8194a88b.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank094_zps8194a88b.jpg.html)
BS Bright Green Stag...
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank092_zps68cca010.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank092_zps68cca010.jpg.html)
Close up of my Tyree Miami Hurricane. Started as 4 - 6 eyes and is now a good 20 plus!! Time to move it to a larger tile!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank090_zps9ca57500.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank090_zps9ca57500.jpg.html)
Close up of my Gobstoppers? Armour of Gods? I don't really know but they are awesome!!!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank083_zpsfe86f106.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank083_zpsfe86f106.jpg.html)
RR Bleeding Apple Chalice. Growing like crazy!!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank079_zps42f72e32.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank079_zps42f72e32.jpg.html)
Some beauty Rainbow Echinatas. Also, my Dragon Soul Favia which is coming back now and another Favia that I just can't seem to get it going.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank077_zpsd8c42b92.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank077_zpsd8c42b92.jpg.html)
Random Photo. Classic Palmers Blue Milli and MRT A. Convexa
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank072_zps42fea725.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank072_zps42fea725.jpg.html)
New addition - Wolverine frag. Looking really nice! Beside that is my ORA Pearlberry which is finally showing a little growth. Behind is my MRT Cobalt Tort. Love that one!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank068_zps515412b4.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank068_zps515412b4.jpg.html)
Tyree Purple Monster!!!!! MRT Sarmentosa growing nicely! In the back is an awesome Red Milli. It is hairy as all get out. I love it!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank064_zpsaff0d7fa.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank064_zpsaff0d7fa.jpg.html)
MRT Candlelight growing like mad and Mustard Acro. That thing has some SICK colours! Pic does not do it justice at all.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank061_zps93ac0e59.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank061_zps93ac0e59.jpg.html)

[Spyd]

Even more:
A better pic of my Mustard Acro!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank058_zpsabc11a0b.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank058_zpsabc11a0b.jpg.html)
ORA Hawkins Echinata, Growing like crazy and exceptional colour! Tyree Satosa slow grower but the colour is amazing!! BS Hulk Aculeus. Super Green!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank056_zps55b6afdd.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank056_zps55b6afdd.jpg.html)
Tubbs Pink Jade! Awesome coral!!!! Green base, blue tips and pink/red polyps!!! Fast grower too!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank050_zps25ce711f.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank050_zps25ce711f.jpg.html)
RR Gold Bar Acro. Took forever to start growing but has now taken off! Gold / yellow w/ purple polyps. Pic doesn’t do it justice.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank048_zps4a438873.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank048_zps4a438873.jpg.html)
Tyree Pink Lemonade! Slow grower but it has finally started spreading and new growth tips!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank045_zps2d02426e.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank045_zps2d02426e.jpg.html)
MRT Limeade. Growing fast! Another nice acro - bright red w/ some yellow tips! Behind that is my version of Strawberry Fields. Green w/ orange tips instead of red. Far left is MRT Tri-Colour A. Nana growing fast!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank041_zpsdf1dea70.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank041_zpsdf1dea70.jpg.html)
Another pic of them. Tyree Stag in the back and RR Avengers! Amazing colour! Yellow w/ blue tips & Red Polyps. It’s not doing much but it is happy!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank040_zps55da775e.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank040_zps55da775e.jpg.html)
Tyree Red Dragon. My fav! Complimented with a nice large Tyree Undata behind it.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank037_zps89cb6bd5.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank037_zps89cb6bd5.jpg.html)
MRT Ultimate Bonsai. Growing nicely now and awesome colours!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank033_zps011426a8.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank033_zps011426a8.jpg.html)
Some BS Blue Ice Birdsnest. Fast growing and great colour!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank032_zps5a9ffb63.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank032_zps5a9ffb63.jpg.html)
I bought both as Confusias and I am certainly confused because the colour difference is staggering! Lol.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank030_zpsf5b7dcee.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank030_zpsf5b7dcee.jpg.html)
BS Valentines Day Massacre chalice. This thing grows like a weed and awesome colours!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank028_zps85b52ddf.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank028_zps85b52ddf.jpg.html)
Group Shot. Tyree Red Dragon, BS Stelleta, MRT Deswali & RR Peacock.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank023_zps132164be.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank023_zps132164be.jpg.html)
MRT Crazy Chalice! Absolutely stunning chalice and growing nice!!!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank012_zps1b717cf4.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank012_zps1b717cf4.jpg.html)
Group Shot. More Acan love! Also, my Kaleidoscope Chalice growing well!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank007_zpsdf862694.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank007_zpsdf862694.jpg.html)
Close up on a nice Acan. Lots of babies!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank006_zpse54cdf46.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank006_zpse54cdf46.jpg.html)
Aussie Gold Torch – Hard to get a nice pic.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank004_zps58b7d9f1.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank004_zps58b7d9f1.jpg.html)
Two Face Hammer.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank001_zpsc50ee4ec.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank001_zpsc50ee4ec.jpg.html)
Group Shot. Again, the lower hammer and Torch are a lot more gold in colour but hard to get it right with the camera.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank1_zpse9f91ffc.jpg (http://s1160.photobucket.com/user/spyd80/media/FishTank1_zpse9f91ffc.jpg.html)

[Reef Pilot]

Beautiful tank and corals. Good job. And I like how you give names and descriptions of your coral pics. I wish everyone would do that.

[Spyd]

98% off my corals are all aquacultured frags. Most SPS have come from Reefer_Madness. He has the nicest tank I have ever seen and he has really helped me out big time with my collection.

My tank has really hit its stride now and parameters are very stable. I perform 20% water changes every 2 weeks on the dot and check levels once a week. I also blow off rocks and stir up sandbed once a week as well.

I dose MB7 once a week to help prevent cyano caused by the bio-pellets. It seems to really work and keep any cyano in check.

We held our first annual FragFest in London, ON and it turned out to be a great success! I also purchased a chalice frag pack from there and got a lot of nice pieces out of it. As for SPS I have a frag rack full of RR Pearlberry, RR Diablo Stag, RR Ice Fire Echinata, RR Blue Tenuis, MRT Pommegranate Acro and a couple Aussie Millis growing out right now that will be getting placed on the rock soon. Also, I found a beauty of an Ultra Acan and even came across a Orange / Green Convict chalice frag. Last, but cetainly not least, I picked up an awesome Orange Lepto frag from Darryl as well.

[daplatapus]

Very nice collection! I too like your descriptions. LOVE the Tyree red dragon.

[reefermadness]

Wicked as always Derek. Great work buddy, its great to see your tank doing so well.

[FishyFishy!]

Love that two faced hammer!

Tank is looking great.

[thmh]

Very nice update Derek! Like I said in darryl's thread! I think there is something in Woodstock water! Because so sooo madjelly of your growth and colour!

-Tony

[lastlight]

things look awesome you've got a sweet collection there.

That pic with the 3 acans and the chalice... aren't you going to have issues when the chalice touches them?

[Spyd]

Thanks for the compliments guys. It is really just a waiting game now and see how everything fills in.

As for the acans there, I am sure I will have to move that chalice at some point. My goal is to have that entire rock fill in solely with acans. Since they are all frags though, and are notoriously slow growers, I have a while before I have to move things around.

[JDigital]

Now that's what I call a photo-dump! :mrgreen: Very nice looking tank.

[Spyd]

Now that's what I call a photo-dump! :mrgreen: Very nice looking tank.

Oh, there's more where that came from! :wink: I have been trying out my new macro lens so I will post some shots later today as well.

[tang daddy]

Nice looking tank, love the sps and Lps. Great job!

[Spyd]

Thought I would share some of my chalice collection:

Brand new Rainbow Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals037_zps49e4c984.jpg
Brand new Purple w/ orange eyes:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals021_zps79c5afe3.jpg
Pink Galaxy:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals046_zps44253996.jpg
A couple random chalice frags:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals045_zps0efdbe67.jpg
Miami Hurricane: (moved to the big tile now)
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals049_zpsa9cb4611.jpg
A couple of chalice frags: orange & green convict and a cool light purple, yellow eyes and dark purple growth rim:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals039_zps4108f2a0.jpg
Crazy Chalice! Growing nicely:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals054_zps12a3721f.jpg
BS Valentines Day Massacre getting the nice blue in there now:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals053_zpse51851f1.jpg
Another awesome chalice frag:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals056_zpsedc55fd6.jpg
Mummy Eye:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals059_zps645d8752.jpg
My Kaliedoscope Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals010_zps76fc146a.jpg
And finally, an awesome lobo I picked up. Yellow, pink and mint green. Hopefully the colours stick!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals017_zps99b540a4.jpg

[Bblinks]

Very nice collection. Thanks for sharing.

[Spyd]

Finally snapped some more photos. I wanted to start off with my pride and joy. My Rainbow Chalice colours are just popping like crazy now!!! Enjoy!! I have also added some additional chalice shots. SPS coral shots to follow:

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow067_zps122376a1.jpg

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow079_zps773d38bb.jpg

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow070_zps11aa833a.jpg

http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow082_zps1f71c8a2.jpg

WWC Toxic Pie Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow217_zps679f0357.jpg

DV My Crazy Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow120_zps0d6af43a.jpg

Tyree Miami Hurricane:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/HorseShow083_zpsc5a02432.jpg

[thmh]

Derek your collection is getting out of hand! Everything looks amazing! P. S I want a piece of that wwc toxie pie!

~Tony

[reefermadness]

Really impressive the growth and color you are pulling.

[HaZRaTTy]

Coral comes 2nd to a build that in my mind "Has done did do right the first time" ... You have set yourself up for success with just the build alone.


Awesome Tank, I'm for sure jealous 1 for the space you have to set all that up. 2 for all the coral!

[Spyd]

Thanks for the compliments everyone!

Here are some of my fav recent macro shots:

Rainbow Lobo
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals6_zpsbef80658.jpg

Green / Blue Favia
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals9_zps2d01a59c.jpg

Gobstopper palys
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals14_zps1b89c1e5.jpg

Magician Palys
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals15_zps19fe6275.jpg

BS Valentines Day Massacre - One of my personal favs
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals18_zpseb967854.jpg

Rainbow Echinata
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals17_zps88d5a6ee.jpg

Pink / Yellow / Green Lobo
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals20_zps80deddf8.jpg

Kaleidoscope Chalice
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals24_zps6ca94e9e.jpg

Very cool Splatter Hammer Macro
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals28_zps583b8bda.jpg

Branching Lobo
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals35_zpsf782db45.jpg

Devil's Breath Acro
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals42_zps30ab05af.jpg

ORA Hawkins
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals47_zpse365ee2f.jpg

ORA Pearlberry
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals43_zpsc2ef89dd.jpg

Caribean Ric
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals34_zps03f925f0.jpg

Tyree Setosa - Love this one
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals49_zpsfae09f13.jpg

RR Gold Bar / Buddah Acro
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals51_zpsacb6c04e.jpg

Tyree Pink Lemonade
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals53_zps097803d2.jpg

Tyree Red Dragon
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals56_zps7977dd36.jpg

Ultimate Bonsai
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals60_zps120f588a.jpg

Tubbs Pink Jade
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals61_zpsc5d063ef.jpg

Tyree Purple Monster
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals64_zps968c2172.jpg

Red Acro w/ DV Limeade
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals66_zps15dbcb76.jpg

TriColour A. Nana
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals70_zpsd5df62f4.jpg

Tyree Undata w/ Red Dragon - Awesome shot
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals68_zps1bd14a0e.jpg

DV Limeade
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals67_zps64c71840.jpg

DV Candlelight Acro
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals75_zpsce2144a7.jpg

Purple Valida
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals81_zps03e1c7a4.jpg

SPS Growth shots to follow....

[Dearth]

Some pretty sweet pictures there keep 'em coming

[kien]

Wow, great stuff you got there!

[Bblinks]

NICE!

[Spyd]

Here are some before & after growth shots from the beginning of February to present. The Red Dragon before shot was from Sept of last year. This is still relatively a young tank as it has only been up and running for exactly 1 year now. I would say the first 6 months were pretty bad for growth and colour. The last 6 months I have really seen a big difference in both.

Tyree Pink Lemonade. This thing took forever to grow. I actually had this frag for about 1 1/2 years. It did nothing in my old tank whatsoever and pretty much only took off over the last 4 months I would say.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Lemonade_zps547ed69d.jpg

Tyree Red Dragon. Actually got amazing growth as this is typically a slow growing coral. Not bad for 1 year.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/RedDragon_zpsbf3ef57c.jpg

DV Candlelight. Not a ton of growth over 6 months but it has easily doubled in size.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Candlelight_zps5752e8cf.jpg

Tubbs Pink Jade - This has really grown well over the last 6 months. I even accidently fragged a large branch off when I bumped it once.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/PinkJade_zpsf20de1aa.jpg

Ultimate Bonsai - This has really taken off as well over the last 6 months. The colour is amazing now and has really only got nice and bright over the last 2 or 3 months.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Bonsai_zpse8abc065.jpg

Tyree Setosa. Another notoriously slow grower. It is doing its thing though and the colour is just getting deeper and brighter by the day it seems.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Setosa_zps6c5d851b.jpg

RR Gold Bar - Here is one that did absolutely nothing for 4 months until Feb where you can see some little tips starting to grow. Over the past 6 months it has easily quadrupled in size.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/GoldBar_zps83c31c23.jpg

ORA Hawkins - It actually started growing right when I got it and just keeps going nice and steady. The branches are growing really tight together and the colour is just unreal. One of my favourite pieces!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Hawkins_zpse030549c.jpg

Here's a shot of my Red Acro and DV Limeade. Both have grown nicely but that Limeade grows like a weed!!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Limeade_zpsc806a0af.jpg

FTS Comparison. Lots of things have moved around and I lost my massive Hollywood Stunner. :( It's in frags now... You can see the big change in colour though. Some of it is the photo I am sure but the colours on my SPS is 10x better than 6 months ago.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FTS_zps64acf2b1.jpg

[Sahin]

An absolutely beautiful reef. Awesome collection of corals too. Look forward to more photos.

[madkeenreefer]

Nice work/ results your superb collection is growing well

[DAVE]

An absolutely beautiful reef. Awesome collection of corals too. Look forward to more photos.

+1, Derek has one bada** tank!

Love the growth shots!

[reefermadness]

Really looking forward to seeing Dereks tank mature !

[ReefHero]

Woah that's some amazing growth Derek!! Great work!! Colours are looking terrific as well!!

[LoJack]

Wow you've done an amazing job!!

Your corals look unbelievable. Especially that Hawkins. If you ever feel like making a bit of cash and feel like shipping some frags, let me know ... you have some stunning pieces.

Again ... your tank looks so great!

--Tyler

[thmh]

Damn Derek! I love your progression shots..... You got some awesome colouration and growth! +1 with Dave for bada** tank!

~Tony

[Spyd]

Thanks everyone. It is still running smoothly for the most part. Had a wee bit of phospahtes registering though not much. I have switched to some high cap GFO to help control that issue. I have a lot of fish. Probably too much and need to cut down some. I am just waiting on my fish trap to arrive. Hopefully, it comes soon.

I will shoot some more pictures today or tomorrow.

Also, I am currently constructing my new LED Actinic supplement lighting to go with my ATI fixture. Hopefully, I can have them up and running by the end of the week!!

[ReefHero]

Can't wait to see what your tank looks like under the actinic LEDs!! Which ones did you get?? Royal blue?
I got some royal blues and a driver and such awhile back now from rapidled and still haven't got them going....maybe you will motivate me! :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[Spyd]

Yup. All RB from rapidled. 48 leds in total and 4 dimmable drivers to run off my Apex. Lights are built. Just waiting on my Apex expansion outlets for the 4 additional power cords. Pics to follow shortly.

[reefermadness]

You might have to raise your lights a bit after getting that LED on there Derek. Not a bad thing though.

[Spyd]

So, I was FINALLY able to get my Actinic supplement LED lighting hooked up during the Christmas holidays. I have added 2 strips of 24 LEDs on either side of my ATI fixture. Looks nice and clean IMO. LEDs all came from RapidLED and are 3w Cree RB XT-E with dimmable drivers that are running off my Apex Controller. Please forgive the super purple pics but it is very hard to shoot pics with solely RB LEDs going:

Here is the modified fixture with solely the RBs running.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank084_zps24541e2c.jpg
Here's a FTS with solely RBs running:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank086_zps78719357.jpg
Here's a FTS with my Actinic T5's and RB's running:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank193_zpsbfb60cb3.jpg
Here's a FTS with all my T5's and RB's running:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank223_zps2d3fd2ad.jpg
Here are a few stand out corals with solely the RB's running:
Absolutely insane colour on my Rainbow Lobo!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank128_zps169d617b.jpg
Darryl sure named this coral correctly: The DV Glowstick:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank167_zpseab25977.jpg
Tyree Pink Lemonade. The polyps just glow like crazy!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank097_zps1c679289.jpg
Here is my Tubbs Pink Jade:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank118_zps0a76e875.jpg~original
Here is my ORA Hawkins growing nicely!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank145_zpsfe16eeb7.jpg
And of course my Tyree Red Dragon:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/FishTank114_zps8cc68864.jpg

[ReefHero]

Very nice Derek!! How did you go about mounting those LEDs to your ati fixture?? I have an ati fixture and want to add some LEDs.....thinking about putting them inside around the perimeter of the canopy but kinda like your setup.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)

[Spyd]

All I did was drill and tapped the ends of the aluminum heatsink and used an L bracket. I then drilled and tapped holes into my ATI fixture for the othe end of the L bracket. With the one hole at each end of the heat sink, I can swivel the LED strips to get them angled properly.

[Rice Reef]

Wow! What a great assortment of corals you have! How long have you had the Hawkins and red dragon? It looks like they are really doing well...
:biggrin:

[Spyd]

I purchased both as frags about a year ago. The Red Dragon is definitely a fast grower. The Hawkins is a decent grower as well. I may have to move it though eventually just to give it a little less flow. It is growing very tight together but not branching off a whole lot.

[Sahin]

Stunning Reef! Can you please detail what you feed the fishes and the SPS coral? Thanks.

Your tank TOTM worthy! Keep up the great work. :)

[Spyd]

Thanks for the kind words. I feed my fish nori everyday along with NLS pellets a couple times a week and some mysis a couple times a week as well. As for the SPS, I dont feed them anything. I do feed my LPS with some mysis once in a while to get them growing faster.

[Spyd]

All right party people... Time for a photo dump! I have been working on my white balance and am starting to get the hang of it. Pics look a tad on the greener side of things but its getting better.

Spongodes growing like crazy and starting to cap now.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals025_zpsf34a291c.jpg

Here's a new clam I just picked up along with my Branching lobo, open brain, superman monti and Tyree Mystic monti.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals028_zpsf5b02b65.jpg

Ultimate Bonsai is growing like crazy! Love the ultra green polyps!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals044_zps6f2e6fa2.jpg

Here's a sweet new frag. It's the RR Subzero. I bleached it a bit from those new RB strips. I didn't think they would add as much par as they did and am now only running them at 50% for now. It is bouncing back nicely now. More baby blue with dark blue tips.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals038_zps155b1b5d.jpg

My RR Gold Buddah up close. It is a fantastic golden colour with burgundy polyps. Nice tabling growth pattern as well.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals040_zpsf0dbf8ab.jpg

Love this pic of my Leopard Wrasse swimming past my Purple Dragon and DV Bottlebrush Acro.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals045_zpsccd11878.jpg

Here's a sweet shot of my Flame BTA. I have about 5 of these things now... I would love to get rid of some but it sure would be a whole lot easier if the rock they are on wasn't the only one that is doweled and epoxied into place....
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals048_zps297b6177.jpg

Group Shot of my Tubbs Pink Jade, DV Cobalt Tort and DV Candlelight
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals049_zps85a4a752.jpg

Nice Macro shot of a Confused War Coral Frag.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals052_zpsde6ba2dd.jpg

Close up of my Mystic Monti. Glass could be cleaner at the bottom of the tank...
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals054_zps3d4169f1.jpg

Close up of my new clam!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals056_zps06075414.jpg

Group Shot of my BS Birdsnest, DV Sunset Milli and my own Devil's Breath Acro
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals058_zps11887443.jpg

Close up of my DV Limeade. Growing nicely!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals059_zpsb703a743.jpg

Group Shot of my DV Limeade, Red Dragon, ORA Cali Tort in the back, noname Pink & Yellow acro and another Bonsai frag.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals060_zps97bd2810.jpg

Right Side shot of Tank
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals065_zps2559c3dd.jpg

Left Side shot of Tank
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals101_zpsa09a48de.jpg

Full Tank Shot
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals063_zpse48bccfb.jpg

I am getting excited to switch over my frag tank to a LPS dominated tank. Rock is all most done curing. Sand is rinsed and the corals I have for it are SPECTACULAR!!!! I will show them off in my next post.

[Sahin]

Just beautiful. The Mystic Monti looks sweet. One of the only few Montis I even like.

[Reef Pilot]

Wow, that is beautiful indeed, lots of nice pieces in there. And thanks for incl names of the corals.

[FishyFishy!]

I hate when people dont post a FTS with their photo dumps!! Way to go!

Looks amazing

[Stones]

Your corals and tank look great. Good to see all those designer SPS looking and growing so well.

[Spyd]

Thanks everyone. So here are the show pieces that are going to be on display in my LPS / frag tank makeover:

I will start with some beautiful colonies I got a little while back:

This is the original RR Hurricane chalice purchased years ago. I love the blue speckle covering the entire piece:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals149_zpscb20d95d.jpg

Massive War Coral Colony:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals146_zps20a5363c.jpg

Massive dual coloured chalice with glowing yellow eyes:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals151_zpsb0c803b2.jpg

Here's a cheap $10 frag I purchased from a show last year. It was brown when I bought it but saw some potential. I think it is going to be stunning and is growing fast! Red / Green with orange eyes.
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals142_zpsf85accb1.jpg

Another stunning chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals152_zps60281551.jpg

Here's a killer Lepto I got from Darryl as well. Growing nicely and far more orange than the phot shows:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals165_zps74a016d3.jpg

I love this piece! Cheap little $10 frag that has turned into a beauty! Base is actually going blue in some spots as well:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals122_zpsfa808f53.jpg

Here is an absolutely CRAZY Astralomussa!! Starting to grow. Just needs to be fed lots. Red, green, yellow and blue!!
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals125_zps4ebfc7a2.jpg

Some BS acan love:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals123_zpse1f5bf46.jpg

Here's another beauty of an acan:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals133_zps95a3985a.jpg

My Utter Chaos palys that started from 1 large head and 1 small baby head:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals154_zpsac431309.jpg

Dragon Scale chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals139_zps6bb61047.jpg

AND NOW SOME OF THE REAL SHOW STOPPERS:

JF Vivid Riddler Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals175_zps8a4afcaf.jpg

My own Rainbow Raceway Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals130_zps2d9403fb.jpg

What I believe is a PPE Chalice. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals135_zpsa365c378.jpg

My own Raging Inferno Chalice:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals127_zps533298fe.jpg

Time to mount this on a tile as the growth rim is growing underneath:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals129_zpse7689a52.jpg

and the one and only Tyree Space Invaders Pectina:
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals134_zpsbf10ce54.jpg

[Skimmer Juice]

wow I'm jealous of that coral selection. Gotta love when you buy a cheap piece that does not look very good and turns out to be a super colorful piece .

[Rice Reef]

Close up of my Mystic Monti. Glass could be cleaner at the bottom of the tank...
http://i1160.photobucket.com/albums/q489/spyd80/Corals054_zps3d4169f1.jpg

Nice pics and thanks for sharing! Can you tell me where you got the Mystic encrusting monti? Is it DV's Tyree Mystic? Yours is so red while the one I have, also from DV, via MJC it is Pink.

[reefermadness]

He did so it is the same tyree mystic sunet. Mine always looked like what Dereks does too but the growth edges are always a bit lighter.

Maybe yours just needs to mature or its a matter of different tank conditions.

[Spyd]

Pics are back! Enjoy them while they last. Lol. I will post a bunch more later today.