Paddy's Mandarin Paradise - Page 3

paddyob · #1 03-25-2011, 05:43 AM

Ok the sand is in place. I put about 2" or so in the designated baffle area of the refugium and the rest into the tank.

I was bare bottom since the move last July and man I am glad thats over.

Refugium placed. Only other circulation is a Koralia Nano. I am considering just adding another of those as they are small and place nicely.

paddyob · #2 03-25-2011, 07:39 AM

Burning the midnight oil.

Basic set up is done. I need to get more rock. More circulation. A new heater. Chaeto.

Pics tomorrow. Tired.

paddyob · #3 04-03-2011, 10:42 PM

Well here are a couple progress pics... for some reason any pics I upload lately are seriously messed up.. pixely. Not sure why. Sorry in advance.

Here is the first go round with the rock work. I am going for a mini mass in the 20 so the Mandarins can swim all sides.

Refugium beginnings...

paddyob · #4 03-30-2011, 04:04 AM

Jason and Ned came over tonight and we had a couple beers over aqua scaping the tank.

We got a pretty good base down and I'll work it from there. I am going to take the basic configuration and create more open spaces and passages between for the Mandarins to explore. I need to use the epoxy to ensure the pieces stay in place.

Do I have pics? Not tonight. Will I? Yes. See yah soon

paddyob · #5 04-07-2011, 09:01 PM

Well, I think I am happy with the rocks now.

I did some shuffling and made some neat caves. Have a look and let me know what you think!

FTS:

The cave entrance....

Also added two pounds of live rubble to my refugium. Looking good!

paddyob · #6 04-08-2011, 12:06 AM

Also... added the second Koralia Nano.

One more and I am set.

I dropped a bag of carbon in the first chamber in the fuge. As they tank is cycling it is pretty green/yellowy. Gotta clear that up.

Looking for ideas on what to put in here. It is going to be soft corals. I have currenty a Kenya tree and GSP in there.

Anyone have any nice softies to contribute to the cause? Trades for?

Wannabe · #7 04-08-2011, 05:35 AM

Looks great Pat.

paddyob · #8 04-08-2011, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabe

Looks great Pat.

Thanks Brotha Man! See yah in a week.

paddyob · #9 04-08-2011, 06:56 AM

I have a feeling. Feeling is telling me that I am probably going to move the rocks again. A little.

Something is not quite right.

paddyob · #10 04-19-2011, 05:43 PM

So the tank is cycling nicely.

However... there are flat worms.

What is the best route to eradicate them now... before adding fish?

I do not want to add any fish to do the job. I know spotted Mandarins love flat worms.... but do Blue mandarins also eat them?

I also have heard people say reduced light cycle and/or running actinic only may help.

Has anyone got advice for me?

Again,

This is a Mandarin ONLY tank being set... so adding fish is not an option. It has sand, rock, chaeto as well as Kenya tree and GSP. I do not want to also eradicate the POD population I have built up to prepare for the Mandarin additions.... if possible.

Thanks.