Sweet! So it's time for a FTS then! :D

any updates Brad?

Tank is fine. Same fish are mostly still there. I'm making the slow transition to LED lights. I got fed up with ballast failures on my halides. So, right now, the tank is 1/3 lit by LED. I will clean the glass sometime and take a photo for you.

Brad, what is the model # of the ballasts?

Hmmmm, interesting:wink::mrgreen::mrgreen:

Can I show up with a clipper and a bucket lol:biggrin::biggrin:

I have burned through Galaxys, then Lumenarks.... Tired of the expense associated with bulb and ballast replacement. Further, all the fluorescent ballasts in my light fixtures have blown and been replaced...and blown again... So...time to move on.

So far, I like the look of the LEDs over the 1/3 of the tank. They don't grow the coral as well, however...but I don't care.

It sounds like LEDs are perfect. :D That's weird you've burned through so many ballasts - are they overheating or something? I've never burned out a ballast - except some 10-year old T8 fixtures I use on the QT.

Update time...
 

Yes, the tank is still running along...

The conversion to AI Hydra 52's is ongoing. Now, LEDs light 2/3 of the tank. My coral doesn't much like the LEDs much. Too bad. Adapt or die is my attitude on it. One thing, the green pavona fluoresces so brightly under the UV LEDs that the fish bellys glow when they swim over it. It really looks like I have light in the bottom of the tank shining upwards!

It looks like I have successfully introduced a new fish. I don't get to buy fish very often since my existing fish have a habit of living forever and killing newcomers...I've tried before to replace my Blue Tang and failed. This time, I purchased a very thin, sickly looking, juvenile and kept him alone in the sump for a month to fatten him up. I finally got him into the main tank last week and he is doing great. Nobody seems to be harassing him and he is eating well. Might even name him soon!

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...skx7abvkj.jpeg
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r...stwlzsill.jpeg

Tank looks awesome as usual Brad.
Glad your new fish is being left alone.

Hi Brad

Your tank is still one of the best tanks out there.

Tom R

Agreed.

Brad's set up is about as good as it gets.

His aquarium is also a bar!

Tom, yours is no slouch either.

both had some great planning and execution.

Unfortunately, my Female Naso tang has suddenly decided that she dislikes my male blonde Naso tang. What could make her decide this after 7 years of peaceful coexistance I will never know.

Anyway, she has been removed from the display and is living unhappily and lonely in my sump.

Anyone interested in purchasing her? $100. She is maybe 7" or 8". VERY healthy...about 7 years old. Eats pellets, frozen food and nori. Should b fine in a 200gal system, but probably nothing smaller.

Brad

Sorry to hear that! It would be tough to sell a fish after all that time together too! :(

Do you have any tank updates? How's it looking? (Photo bomb???) :D

Bump... I'm still here.

Brad

Pics, or it didn't happen! Seriously, are you new here???

Would love to see a upadate on your tank.

Still one of the most memorable tanks I've seen in person.

How is it looking these days?

Really impressive when the shimmer is the size of a cruise missile. lol

Still there..
 

Well...the tank is still running. Most of the fish are approaching 15 years in there now. By most accounts, it still looks lovely....but I know it is not what it once was.

However, due to my planned retirement and interest in extended travel, I've decided to shut the tank down. That is not a simple thing to do. I'm trying to dismantle it in parts while it is still operating.

I have removed the ca reactor and no longer do any kind of Ca supplementation. I expected this to lead to coral death, but nothing has really changed. That was done about 3 months ago.

I have been removing rock and coral from the display for many months now. The idea behind this is to free up enough space in the tank to catch fish so they can find new homes. With all the rock and coral in the display originally, catching a healthy fish would be nearly impossible.

Many of the rocks in the display are now significantly larger than they were when they went in. Many hours have been spent with a hammer and chisel whacking off sections. These need to get small enough to lift out the top of the tank. More work needed in this regard.

Your tank has been an inspiration to many. Very well taken care of.
It is sad that you have to dismantle it.
However, life goes on and things change.
Enjoy your retirement Brad. A new chapter

Maybe one last photo for old time memoirs

This tank was one of my favorite inspirations. It was spectacular and I'm sad to hear about you getting away from things. I agree one last pic for posterity!!!!

Hi Brad

I have always loved your tank I will miss your updates.

Sorry to here its coming to an end.
I should probably do the same

Tom R

Hey Brad some one told me you may be selling your tank

If so can you send me a text 5872270964


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