The start of my 300Gal starfire SPS tank

[cpreefguy]

Sweet! Cant wait to see its progress

[LoneStar]

Nice Brian. I love reading tank builds.

[LoneStar]

And is that carpet in that room? Going to lay any tile down? :unsure

[z28pwr]

Looks good Brian, just make sure that the holes drilled in the bottom will not weaken the glass.

[aggie4231]

thats going to be a really nice tank. i think you will like the quality of work on the tank.

[matt]

So there's no glass bottom? How did they attach the PVC bottom to the glass sides?

Looks like this will be a really nice set up.

[aggie4231]

there is basically a channel cut into the bottom. creates 2 contact points for siliconing. go to the marsh forums and look for a thread on a 180 same basic design.

[z28pwr]

Looks good Brian, just make sure that the holes drilled in the bottom will not weaken the glass.

bottom of the tank is schd 80 PVC so no weakening at all :D

That is pretty interesting, does it require full support or just perimiter support?

[cpreefguy]

http://marshreef.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=16459

[LoneStar]

Naka has the write up going on Reef Central also. Thats where I first came across the PVC bottom tank. No center brace :) No need for one really in that design.

[fishypets]

Freaking SWEET! :)

[gjuarez]

It should look very clean with the external overflows. Good planning brian

[fishypets]

Here is what the external overflow should look like, only with a shorter overflow. Did Brian mention the front panel is starfire? ;)

http://www.personal.psu.edu/sbj4/aquarium/newtank/tankbeingbuilt2.jpg

[cpreefguy]

How do I contact these people with my dimensions?

[fishypets]

www.kingfishaquarium.com

[cpreefguy]

Cool, sent them some info :)

[mojo]

I'm as excited for you to get this tank as you must be! This is going to be an awesome thread.

[JimD]

Thats gonna be shweet!

[thedude]

I also want it and the other 4 tanks here now lol.

Brian, your stand is already being built and the glass isn't too far off.

[fishypets]

I also want it and the other 4 tanks here now lol.

Brian, your stand is already being built and the glass isn't too far off.

Scratch my 125 John. After seeing Dallas and Marcus's tank today I've decided I need a 600 gallon reef!

[hobogato]

that is going to be incredible :) cant wait to see it full!

[JeffCo]

Nice design. Is the hole in the middle of the tank at the bottom the drain for the closed loop?

Also, just a suggestion, but I noticed your placing the tank near an external wall. Mine was the same way and I plumbed in an auxilary drain that goes outside the house off the closed loop. This way I can do water changes easily or if I ever need to drain the tank, it's no problem. I also really like the idea of the 4 drains. I only have 1 drain on mine into a filter sock and I have to change if every couple of days. Keep us informed, looks like a great project.

[Ram_Puppy]

so no calfo?

[cpreefguy]

yeah, brians tank has an external calfo

[TexasTodd]

Hey, did you find 8' VHOs somewhere? I thought 6'ers were as long as they made them.

????

Todd

[TexasTodd]

D@mn, I was hoping you found some!

Todd

[NaCl_H2O]

Wow, I missed this thread - nice project Brian!

Regarding:

I was probably fibbing lol what ever the longest ones are
There you go again, exaggerating about the length :o

[gjuarez]

Lol.. Good one steve. Its nice to see that after all this time you still have the same avatar. Nice project brian.

[LoneStar]

Any updates???????

It got kinda quiet here. Seems like you just picked up your life and moved to another city or something :roll :innocent

[LoneStar]

Well if you didn't up and leave SA I'd help out. This is going to be a sweet tank. I can tell already :)

I'm just going to have to sit back...relax...and enjoy the photos of the tank move :)

[caferacermike]

PM me for help.

[fishypets]

Looks like you are going to get a head start on Mike and myself. Good thing as you will need it. :P

[caferacermike]

Thursday is right around the corner.

[thedude]

If today was any indication, Brian's tank should get here about 3:15 Thursday. We should have pictures of it tomorrow as today the external overflow was secured.

Awesome RO unit Brian. We're using a modified Great White RO Unit from Aqua FX at the store and it's an amazing performer.

[z28pwr]

Looking Good Brian, one question though why did they make the etching for the bulkhead nut on the inside, don't you want the smaller part of the bulkhead on the inside of the tank (IE the lip part)?

[prof]

The haywad bulkheads are nut shaped on the inside. A matching nut screws on from the outside. Hayward bulkheads are really nice.

Great looking tank...

[thedude]

Somebody spilled the beans about your new toy coming too! When are you going to spill the beans haha!

John

[caferacermike]

Somebody spilled the beans about your new toy coming too! When are you going to spill the beans haha!

John

Must be a Deltec...LOL..

[thedude]

:roll

[LoneStar]

I've been hearing great things about the performance of Deltec calcium reactors.

[z28pwr]

The haywad bulkheads are nut shaped on the inside. A matching nut screws on from the outside. Hayward bulkheads are really nice.

Great looking tank...

Cool, learn something new everyday.

[TexasTodd]

Dude, that was about the best Christmas present on the PLANET for you!

Super stoked for you. Great job Chrissy!

TOdd

[carlinsa]

if my helper ever worked like you look in the pic of helping the electrician i would fire him :D :angel

[TexasTodd]

Nice. MORE POWER!

Great play by play.

BTW.....YOU SUCK!

:)

Todd

[Texreefer]

i think i have tank envy :blush

[Texreefer]

what i really want to know is did you win the lottery? 300 gal tanks, fork lifts, Electricians, :huh

[caferacermike]

I'm bummed out that it came during my work hours. Would have loved to have helped.

[fishypets]

Where are all the empty beer cans?

[cpreefguy]

They had a keg :lol

[sharkboy]

That is absolutely insane! Totally cool!

[GMFett]

mako- that tank is going to be so sweet man! you're in good hands with brian and john! trust me- they've helped me more than i can ever tell you! can't wait to see it rocking out!

[TexasTodd]

Hey Brian, you high on PVC glue yet?

:sick

Todd

[LoneStar]

Who made the stand?

[TexasTodd]

Maybe it'll fit better if you change to the Ehiem pumps. :skeezy

Todd

[GMFett]

todd must like the new eheims i hooked him up with!!!!

which deltec are you going with? it has some SWEET eheims!

[LoneStar]

AP902


:shades That is going to be a KILLER skimmer if you score one.

Why not go for bust and get the self-cleaning head too :innocent

[C.Mydas]

OK....so the list of 'kids' Brian is not allowed to hang out with unsupervised is growing...Todd you're still joint account enemy #1, but now you have company at least. John and Michael are banned too...sheesh...self-cleaning head :cry :P :lol

[thedude]

Hahahahaha I had this strange feeling I was going to make the list. Now to overtake Todd as NUMBER 1!!!

[LoneStar]

John and Michael are banned too...sheesh...self-cleaning head


:lol I'm just trying to save Brian back breaking work in cleaning that skimmer constantly!

[TexasTodd]

:), good luck others, I know where his true weaknesses are! And I'm not telling.

Actually I've been wondering why Brian is trying to find a skimmer to fit under the stand.............he's got that BIG *** room back there, let's see a MONSTER skimmer. :skeezy

Proximity is key though, so John does have somewhat of a upper hand.

Seriously though, Brian and Chrissy, your system is shaping up to be killer. I still "vote" for a sand box sleeper for the wrasses though. :)

Todd

[GMFett]

AP902....thats what I'm talking about baby!!!!

[shockz]

thats pretty amazing.

[prof]

Thanks for letting me check out the tank yesterday. It looks awesome. The tank and stand are beautifully constructed. I can't wait to see it when you get it stocked. Let me know if you need any more help.

[z28pwr]

This is looking great Brian, at this rate you should have the tank fully running within a few weeks.

[mojo]

Agree, looks great! Unless there are some anti-MAASTites or anti-ARCites, you could cut down on your Internet time and increase your tank time by ending one of your threads and consolidating to just 1 site. Just a thought.

[z28pwr]

This is looking great Brian, at this rate you should have the tank fully running within a few weeks.

a few weeks....try a few days :D

Go ahead and rub it in that I got my tank before you got yours and your tank will be completely up in a few days and mine isn't even on it's stand. Just rub it in ;) .

[LoneStar]

Looking good!

Where did you get the black flexible PVC (spa flex) at?

Hows the Aqua FX unit been performing?

[LoneStar]

The light rack looks good. Almost a cookie cutter to the one I made for the tank I'm SLOWLY building :lol

Don't feel bad...I have broken my fair share those rivet guns at work. I guess thats what happens when your a manly man ;)

[LoneStar]

I think it will work well I'm going to put it on a pulley system is that what your going to do?

I believe I am. I'm still trying to decide on how I want to make my canopy. Either run eye bolts into the ceiling and then run the pulley system from there OR attach the aluminum rack to the wood canopy permanently OR devise some way to have a free standing tank (in the middle of a room) with a skirted, open canopy up top and still be able raise the lights just enough to work. Maybe I can get some actuators and hook them up to a motor controller :lol

Since yours is fixed, I have seen some people get bicycle raising kits for their garages. Basically has the pulleys and everything....Or you can just look at the kit and make a cheaper copy :) I know MikeyBoy had a light rack he could raise via pulleys. And acutally thats where I got most of my material for my light rack when he sold me his old VHO's.

[LoneStar]

And another thing I just thought. Have you seen people on Reef Central put a rail track in the ceiling so they can slide the entire light rack away from the tank? If you got the space behind in your fish room, that would give total access to the top side of the tank. And even with that you can run the rails on the ceiling and then attach the pulley system to those so you can raise/lower the lights and then slide them out of the way when you are working on the tank.

So from the front edge of the tank to the back wall, are you going to frame and drywall in the 'fish room'?

Another thing I would do is add a little cat walk behind the tank. Something where you can stand on to get better access to stuff. Since that is such a large tank.

[LoneStar]

Here is the light rack I am in the process of making. I still need to get the Lumenarc III's and the LED's to finish my moonlights. Once I get those reflectors, I can make the cross pieces to mount them. Then I'm going to get Line-X of SA to spray it :)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/75g%20Build/lightrack1.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/75g%20Build/lightrack2.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/75g%20Build/lightrack3.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a142/LoneStarSA/75g%20Build/lightrack4.jpg

[TexasTodd]

Hey, what's that dirty looking stuff all over the bottom? :innocent

Todd

[BIGBIRD123]

Brian
Another thing you could do is mount the light rack on a swing-arm system. The same principle as the cables but more sturdy. It is what I would use in your situation. I was at one time, gonna hook-up a cable system on a low rpm 110v winch with fwd and rev switches using plastic-covered cable. Just a couple of ideas. We are trying to get a house and if we get it. I will be having a tank built by the same people. I looking to get a tank 7' x 36" x 25" as a divider with starfire three sides and external calfo on one end. The calfo end will have a closet on that end for reactors, pump, such with a temp controlled exhaust fan. My 135g will become my sump/refugium. I won't have all the bells and whistles like yours but it should be pretty nice. Looking forward to seeing yours in person.

Steve

[C.Mydas]

CHECKING INTEREST:

FS or Trade: 300gallon blah blah blah really nice tank, blah blah halides, blah blah return, deltec this and deltec that blah, tunzes, blah coated stand, and ALL livestock including a blue-eyed, 6' male human (Already eating frozen). Will consider all *reasonable* offers...so nothing less than $.01
























;) :skeezy >_< :sick :lol

notice what time it is...I gave up...Brian is still unloading corals.... :cry

[fishypets]

Will you throw in Frankie Jo to sweeten up the deal a little?

[hobogato]

will you part out?

[LoneStar]

I'm interested in some Tunzes ;)

[fishypets]

If Brian ever wakes up I'd like to come check it out.

[TexasTodd]

They're probably both a sleep. Poor puppy is probably locked outside!

:)

T

[hobogato]

I'm interested in some Tunzes ;)

tunzes - heck, im interested in the male human - he seems to be a good worker :lol

and you cant beat the fact that he is already eating frozen food ;)

[Texreefer]

:w00t if that worked my wife would have done it years ago.. still cracks me up though :lol

[GMFett]

light rack looks very professional! rock it!

[LoneStar]

So how did the big move go for the corals into the new tank? ....or are we still waiting on that :unsure

[brewercm]

Now we all sit around a wait and see how many frags have busted off in the move. Brian can have a nice frag sell and recoup some of the money for the move etc.

See there, somebody is on your side Christina. ;)

[LoneStar]

So was all the coral bagged? Or strategically placed in the cooler with dividers so not pieces would hit each other or rattle around?


Seems like some big colonys....I WANT! haha

[~TG~]

So was all the coral bagged? Or strategically placed in the cooler with dividers so not pieces would hit each other or rattle around?


I saw it while they were in the the process of breaking it down..LET ME TELL YOU.... :o
It was all very well planned out and very methodical. The time and patience of placing each coral in its own individual baggie all in rows in those flat containers deserves an AWARD or something!! It was definately a sight to see. Shows the hard work and dedication of a true "Reefer"... :D Great Job you guys!

There they were, ALL those containers, stacked up in front of me.. VERY Tempting.. :innocent I shoulda done a "Coral Heist"!! :ph34r Brian was to tired, he wouldnt have caught up...lol JK

Thelma

[LoneStar]

LoneStar-yea I found some really neat double sealed 4mil bags on unline that were "leak proof" they worked very well


Ahh sounds good! 4mil, I bet they were sturdy enough to stand up on their own, with enough water in them. We use a similar type of material here at work. But its not totally leak proof. Comes in a big spool and you just apply a 'heated clamp' in order to seal it.

[shockz]

heh put me in line for some of those frags! :P that looks like such an amazing setup, i think i would break down and cry if i had something like that. its....beautiful ^_^

[mojo]

While you've had an extraordinarily successful transfer of your reef, I'm still sorry for the loss of your fish, particularly the Swissgard basslet. I'm actually thinking of getting one of them for my 30g tank. Were you happy with that fish and are you thinking of replacing it? If so, maybe we could get Kingfish to order us a couple. Looking great so far!

Mike

[blueboy]

i too was sorry to hear of the passing of the swissgaurd basslett. it was a beutifull fish.

[LoneStar]

The light rack is turning out nice. If you can take some photos of how you mounted the 24" and 6ft VHO's, I'd be interested in seeing how they are mounted to the chains. It could give me some ideas for modifications to mine :)

Christina did a great job on the Aquascaping!

Oh and.....GOT NOG????? :sick
http://www.deltecusa.us/images/clubDeltecT.gif
http://www.deltecusa.us/fun.php

[Marlin]

Brian:
With the high flow you have, how are you preventing a sand storm in your tank? I'm in the process of setting up my 180 Glass Cages tank and I want a lot of flow, but I also want to have a sand bottom.

Rick

[technomex]

If that much stuff can be taken out of a newly set-up tank, I could just imagine how much crud is in mine.

[LoneStar]

Thanks for the closer photos. Thats what I thought it looked like. I like the chain idea to suspend the VHO's. Plus I like the fact that your tank is at least 24" deep to be able to fit a bulb perpendicular to the long side of the tank. Makes positioning them alot easier!

Did you mount a safety chain to the light rack? Just in case the rope for the bike rack comes undone.... >_< You could set the length at the farthest you would want the lights to fall (if they should) before armageddon happens :mellow

[Darth-Tater]

oh you have chains :w00t and they are in the living room? I thought this was a family website. :lol


DT

[LoneStar]

Lets see the Calcium Reactor hooked up and running! :w00t

[JeffCo]

If that was the first time you had used those filter socks, that's why the skimmer went nuts. Mine did the same thing, you need to wash them first. I usually throw mine into the washer with bleach, let it run, then run the cycle again without bleach just to make sure their is no trace of bleach left on the sock.

[technomex]

My skimmer always goes nuts after changing filter socks even after washing them....trying to figure out why.

[LoneStar]

When I used filter socks, I had the same issues. Not sure if there is any residue on the brand new socks or what.

[hobogato]

cant wait to see it in person! looks great already ;)

[cpreefguy]

Starphire....... I can see clearly now the green is gone

[purplesprite]

WOW! Very nice, Its lookin good.I havent been following the thread though do you plan on painting the back of the tank? I think the corals would stand out wicked if it was painted black! Just a thought.

[purplesprite]

oh wow thats a great idea I never thought about that or seen it.Yup that birdnest is off the hook BTW!

[BIGBIRD123]

Got to see the tank today. The pix in NO WAY do this tank justice! Man, Brian...YOU'RE MY HERO!

Steve

[sharkboy]

Are you running a kalk reactor?

[technomex]

By the way Brian, you may want to add some water into your tank before all of your stuff dies. :lol [/img]

[Mr_Cool]

That's a pretty nice tank you've got there. Mine is like that, too. :innocent

Only yours is bigger, brighter, more colorful, has a skimmer that works better, etc ....... I think you may have more flow than mine, too, but it's hard to tell from the pics. I also don't have all of the same types of corals and fish that you have in there, but that's just because of the size, I'm sure. ;)

Nice tank, though. :D

(Oh! I'm just jealous. Believe me, my tank is NOTHING like that. Yours is just awesome. Nice job with the whole project. Can't wait to see pics with the wall in place. I love that built in look.)

[apedroza]

OMG what a tank! Glad your closer to me now that your in Austin. I would love to see your tank in person one day :shades

[sharkboy]

Do you have an automated system to keep the kalk stirred?

[caferacermike]

So do you like the Tunze better then the Vortex? I've heard of troubles with the Vortex pumps.

[LoneStar]

I'm a Tunze fan too. Can't beat 'em. I'm going to do a mix of Tunze and Vortech. Best of both worlds!

Vortech is slowly working their way to the top. It just takes time like any other start up company. Coming this spring (no specific date set) for the wireless controllers. For existing Vortech owners, $50 will give you this:

- a wireless capable driver.
- $25 credit towards a wireless controller.
- 12 month extended warranty (24 months total).
- free controller ($100 value). Any new pump purchase will not come with this controller and will have to be bought seperatly.

This will be a 2 minute DIY at home upgrade to the pump you are currently using now. Its really an awesome deal. Now once they start doing this, any new pump will come with the wireless driver so no need for the upgrade. The free controller is going to be a single controller that will act similar to the Tunze single controllers...or so thay say LOL.

Last I heard the wireless multi controller is going to be coming out around December of this year....but most likely early 2008.

[sharkboy]

You mentioned something about "filter socks" earlier in this thread. What exactly is one of these and how is it used?

[aggie4231]

you meen 200 micron. if you filtered at 2 micron, then you be changing sock every day.

[stoneroller]

I've seen 50 and 100 micron online. Are those too fine? How often do you have to wash out those 200 micron socks?

[caferacermike]

And if you waited longer then 2 weeks won't the detritus break down into a more liquid form and leech back into the tank? Isn't that the entire reason that mechanical filtration is so frowned upon these days? You'll hear that canister filters are the death of reef tanks, unless that its, you clean them every week. No bio balls cause they trap waste, unless you clean them all the time. Etc...

[Bill S]

The idea behind mechanical filtration is that you physically remove detritus from your system - but, it breaks down rather quickly and kind of defeats the purpose if you don't clean/change it on a regular basis.

[sharkboy]

Can you take some closeups of the filter socks? Tank progress?

[NaCl_H2O]

Got my new toy in today:
Milwaukee Instruments Smart Lux Light Meter
Brian, I consider you a close friend and really enjoy your company. You should drop by and visit sometime.

Oh, and bring your new toy along ;) ;)

[sharkboy]

update?

[cpreefguy]

Whats up Sharkboy!

[apedroza]

I finally got to see this tank in person and all I can say is WOW!!! :w00t Brian you have put alot of time and effort into this project and it really shows. Great job!!

[cbianco]

All I can say is, awsome!

Your tank looks great.

Christopher

[sharkboy]

Speechless......

[cpreefguy]

Speechless......

All I said was hi..... :innocent

Brian, stop it. :cry

[apedroza]

OMG, where did you pick up that efflo? Did Mike finally breakdown? Ilove that meridiana!!

[apedroza]

Hey Brian what are you using to take those pics?? What size lens?

[scuba_steveo]

Brian & Christina,
To say that I have been out of touch for a while is a big understatement. Your new setup is awesome. But I guess you already know that. Next time Dawn and I are up there we will have to stop in and see the system in person. Too cool.

[sharkboy]

Are you gonna be able to get into the tank from the frontside also?

[cpreefguy]

Sweeeeeeeeeet! That is going to look so much better all closed off :)

[LoneStar]

Too bad you didn't set up a hammock and swing the lights over.... behind the tank. Get a nap and some rays 8)

[sharkboy]

How is the humidity right now without the duct work? which program will you be running off your laptop?

[josephatmbimortgage]

You have the dream system if you haven't heard that yet!!! One day I will have to start one too.

-Joseph

[erikharrison]

wow.

[5.0Stang]

I got the QL-40 it was easy to hook up takes 1600 gph flow. Its a lil big for my tank (100 gal) but it did not cost that much more than the other choice i had a cora-life turbotwist 24x

[5.0Stang]

But to answer you ? I love mine! super clear water,no algae,NO PARISITES,LESS PODS :angry But hey thats what a fuge is for :w00t

[scuba_steveo]

very sharp!

[caferacermike]

Much more interesting then the last time I visited. I had no idea it was going to become an inwall tank. I actually liked the hardware everywhere approach. This kinda cleans that up a bit. Very nice. Maybe for the kitchen you could get that little tank and fish room from Steve..

[don-n-sa]

WOW! Brian I am speechless...I have been wanting to post on this thread from day one, but you move so fast it is hard to keep up. I can't believe what you have done in what ...2 months???

You have done an outstanding job, the tank, the planning, the room, everything....well thought out and super sweet. Also some serious props to Christina, I know she had some input, and getting you to go with a sand bed must have been a looong talk. :D :D :skeezy . IMO you just can't have an ultimate reef without at least a shallow sand bed, some people underestimate the reflective qualities of white sand has.

Beautiful set up, I hope to get a chance to see it someday.

Donny

[LoneStar]

Pretty cool! 8)

[GMFett]

Mako- when you said wall i didnt realize how awesome it was going to look!!! WOW! Absolutely awesome man...

[josephatmbimortgage]

Looks great before, now it's beyond amazing how it looks. I can't wait to see it in person!!

-Joseph

[Krys]

Wow Brian that looks absolutely amazing! ..(jealous!!!). Hope to come see it again VERY soon. Post some close up shots of the coral!!! i bet they are looking P-R-E-T-T-Y cool by now!..-- K & D

[watson0720]

can i borrow your camera so i can take some pics lol.

[cpreefguy]

can you tell me what kind of wrasse that is? or is it a mystery? :o

[brewercm]

You gonna stain it the same as the crown molding that's in that room.
Looking very nice Brian and Christina.
I agree with Donny on the shallow sand bed, good work Christina on that win. ;)

[thedude]

It's a mystery :pics

[LoneStar]

Brian...I need you to turn in your 'Bare Bottom Members Only' card and Jacket :innocent :P

[JeffCo]

Great job Brian,
well thought out, don't you love it when things come together so well!!

I have the same exhaust fan and it's been working great with no problems for 2 years.

Keep us updated.

[cpreefguy]

Brian, I have to say I like the sand in your tank! Good job (Chrissy)! :lol
What kind of fish is that? It looks super

[josephatmbimortgage]

Nice pics.!

[5.0Stang]

On your 1st pic post whats the white coral in the pic before the last one

[cpreefguy]

On your 1st pic post whats the white coral in the pic before the last one
AKA This one :lol
http://www.greenmako.com/photos/129914870-L.jpg

[5.0Stang]

thats the one what is it and how much?

[5.0Stang]

nice

[5.0Stang]

Wife said we call 1st frag

[lhoy]

Brian,

Where did you get the wrasse? I just got one today. I had one before, but another fish chased him into an anemone.

Lee

[apedroza]

Hey Brian doesn't Christina feed your tank enough already?? Good job on the staining, and thanks again for the help on the red bug problem you two are lifesavers!!!! Awesome pics you should teach a class on snapping pics of aquariums!!

[Mr_Cool]

Do you have to call "Shotgun" to get to sit in the recliner? :huh

The tank is simply awesome! Very nice work. You've given all of us the definitive "How to" when it's time to upgrade.

Someday....Someday....

[prof]

Wow, the stain looks great!

[brieman]

Have been following this since you started this, all I can say is you are going all out. Looking very impressive!

[Krys]

WOW! Very nice Brian. How about a pic of that awesome Cats Paw. :D

[apedroza]

Nice fish!!! Gotta love those wrasses!!! What kind is it?

[LoneStar]

Those flow shots are AWESOME!


and nice coral too :lol

[thesponge]

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/127924729-L.jpg
Is this a Vlamingi Tang?

[5.0Stang]

YUP I KINDA WANT ONE NOW

[lido]

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/132941663-L.jpg

If that is a Galaxia you might want to move it away from those other corals. They're tentacle sweeping machines and will kill other corals in a heart beat.

[NaCl_H2O]

PUT THE CAMERA DOWN AND STEP AWAY FROM THE TANK :wacko

The first step is accepting that you have a problem :lol

Next time you find yourself loading new batteries, call Mark for support :P

[edawgm]

Ok I REALLY need to make one of Melev's photo boxes b/c I spent an hour taking top-down shots and only a few came out without glare


just wondering but have you tried using a cup or coffee can (something cylinder) cutting both ends out (if is like a coffee can) then putting some translucent tape, glad wrap or material like glass to one end (make sure it is sealed up. Put the end that is covered in the water to break the surface and wa la you will be able to take pictures the same as if you where from the side of the tank and there should be no reflection from the surface.

unless this is what you did then i am out of options

[caferacermike]

Very nice. I recognize a lot of those corals and one of those fishes. Always enjoy visiting and seeing the work that you've done.


How about some pics of the extra large brown *** frag? It'd be nice to see you track that one. Brown is King.

[erikharrison]

IT ROCKS! Cheers to someone else that likes photoshop!

[z28pwr]

Brian, it's looking great.

Who did the woodwork for you?

[jc]

Wow! How about some wallpapers of those shots?

[sharkboy]

Nice....you've got mad skills with that camera!

[LoneStar]

Thanks I'm hoping I'm getting better I love to take shots


So do I!! http://planetsmilies.net/eat-drink-smiley-5179.gif

[rocketeer]

OMG! That's awesome! :o

You've got some awesome corals too. I love that Tyree's Bali Tricolor.

Jack

[KyleV]

That's awsome!!!!!!!

How about some more FTS!

[josephatmbimortgage]

Pics don't do the tank justice ! Seeing it live is well worth it. Amazing tank!

-Joseph

[LoneStar]

Pics don't do the tank justice ! Seeing it live is well worth it. Amazing tank!

Can't wait for the May meeting ;)

[LoneStar]

Pics don't do the tank justice ! Seeing it live is well worth it. Amazing tank!

Can't wait for the May meeting ;)

hows your tank planning and building coming a long?

Not too bad :) I got 175lbs of home made rock doing the 'fresh water' cure in my garage and we are still tinkering with the stand at work as I type this. 2 of the rails got a little distorted while finishing up the welding. Hopefully we can get those straightened up. Other than that its just a waiting game for the rock to cure and to aquire enough money to at least put water in it! :roll Then add lights later :lol

Who knows, maybe I'll win that EuroReef skimmer at the April Meeting. :innocent

[DaBird47]

all I can say is WOW! You really put in the work and it shows...I was just reading on RC about the PPE and it morphing in high MH lighting, the thought was to take it down to a more subdued part of the tank...hope this helps...That info was in the Zoa thread under PPE's...

[ClownReef®]

WOW! I hope i get to see it someday!.. :skeezy

[erikharrison]

SUCH DEPTH! I love your pics!

[ClownReef®]

..Can't wait to see it again this weekend!..Uh, and you guys too..lol

So getting rid of the regal angel? Its an amazing looking fish..

[hobogato]

man, im gonna have to get some pointers from you on photography! great pics as always, and things are growing like weeds eh?

[erikharrison]

YEAH RIGHT! You stayed home to take pictures didn't you!!!!! :pics :pics :pics :pics

[kyle]

Brian. This is the first time I have viewed your thread. Unreal job. Those wrasses are incredible. Do you buy from local shops or online? Do you mind me asking where you get the black flexible PVC. Are you happy with the standpipes you purchased? And what about the wavyseas? I am considering 2 of these? Great reef and thanks for the vortechs!

[cbianco]

Your tank is looking good! Everything is glowing as usual.

Question, Do you have recent a FTS showing the false wall you built around your tank?

Thanks

Christopher

[LoneStar]

Do you mind me asking where you get the black flexible PVC.


You can get it at:

http://flexpvc.com/

[cbianco]

All I can say is, wow!

You've got the whole package there, including the leather recliner to sit back and watch it grow. Kudos to you!

Christopher

[LoneStar]

More claims to fame:

Just figured out it was your tank on the Nautilus website....showing off the CJ standpipes! Nice work

[LoneStar]

http://www.nautilusreef.com/index.html

[greenmako]

Well on the transfer I lost all of my posts.
So I guess I will have to find a way to put the posts back in?
Until then how about some updated photo's


Fish shots first:
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189898975-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189898989-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189899047-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189899048-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189900744-L.jpg


Some Coral Shots:
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189899352-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189899652-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189900134-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189899752-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189900657-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189900849-L.jpg


Now some top down shots:
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901334-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189902035-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189902709-O.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189902858-L.jpg

[LoneStar]

I was wondering what we were all commenting about! :lmao2:

[C.Mydas]

lol I know really sucks but oh well

[hobogato]

those pictures are rediculous! i quit.

looks great as always they are awesome.... the fish, corals and pictures :)

[matt]

Amazing photos!

[txstateunivreefer]

that mystery wrasse is so cool!!!

[greenmako]

Thanks!

Yea love the mystery wrasse he looks like a dinosaur now way different from when he was a juvenile

[greenmako]

How about some more shots:D
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189900824-M.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901362-M.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901461-M.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901833-M.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901465-M.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189901697-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189902512-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/189902430-L.jpg

[greenmako]

here is a 4month growth picture

FTS from 4-21-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/145671868-L.jpg
FTS taken 8-30-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/190823544-L.jpg

[tropicana]

Great looking tank! I gotta hand it to ya, this is one of the nicest ive seen :)

[apedroza]

Geez Brian how do you get your fish to stand so still. I've been trying to get a good pic of my new wrasse and this is the best I could do!!!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o43/apedroza/DSC_3455Small.jpg

[jl1199]

Does your reagal angel ever mess with your corals

[greenmako]

Great looking tank! I gotta hand it to ya, this is one of the nicest ive seen :)
Thanks!


Geez Brian how do you get your fish to stand so still. I've been trying to get a good pic of my new wrasse and this is the best I could do!!!


patience and a fast shutter:cool:


Does your reagal angel ever mess with your corals
It doesn't mess with SPS but it does mess with LPS

[greenmako]

Got a new toy today the new MRC Nilsen Reactor
It has a built in timing mechanism, one timer when the mixing occurs and another for the length of the mix. Each timer is selectible between 10 different positions which I thought was pretty cool.
Not to mention that it holds 4 cups of Kalk:bigsmile:
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198185130-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198185068-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198185050-L.jpg

[greenmako]

took some side shots also, sorry the glass is dirty too lol I haven't cleaned them in a couple of weeks. I really need to get a wide angle lens to get some better shots.
Side shot of the Birdsnest
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184357-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184505-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184527-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184549-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184682-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/198184770-L.jpg

[erikharrison]

wow.

[LoneStar]

Cool Nice reactor. Those were put off so long through MRC. Good to see its finally on the market!

[cpreefguy]

Wow Brian, your tank is growing in nicely!

[greenmako]

Cool Nice reactor. Those were put off so long through MRC. Good to see its finally on the market!


I know lol I was asking about them 8 months ago and they kept saying "any day now" :not_talking: but yea just recently they released them.

[greenmako]

Thanks Erik and Sean!

[Marlin]

Brian:
Your tank is looking better all the time. I can't believe how much your birdnest has grown since I last visited. Your tank is awesome!!!
The 75 gal I bought from you is really doing great. Corals are growing like crazy. I'll have to post some photos.
I'm still working on setting up my new 180 Glass Cages tank. I completed building the stand and the canopy is next. I need some recommendations for maintaining Ca & Alk. Calcium reactor, calc reactor, Kalkwasser drip or all of the above. I'll get in touch with you for recommendations.

Rick

[greenmako]

Brian:
Your tank is looking better all the time. I can't believe how much your birdnest has grown since I last visited. Your tank is awesome!!!
The 75 gal I bought from you is really doing great. Corals are growing like crazy. I'll have to post some photos.
I'm still working on setting up my new 180 Glass Cages tank. I completed building the stand and the canopy is next. I need some recommendations for maintaining Ca & Alk. Calcium reactor, calc reactor, Kalkwasser drip or all of the above. I'll get in touch with you for recommendations.

Rick

Good to hear from ya! and yes you need to get me some pictures of the tank.
I'll help you out when your ready just give me a holler.

[apedroza]

Breathtaking as always!!!! Great job Brian!!!!

[greenmako]

thanks man!

[greenmako]

Had some free time a few nights ago so I took some actinic shots with white balance corrected.

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173695-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173752-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173822-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173846-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173994-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205173995-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174039-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174106-L.jpg

[greenmako]

continued...
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174164-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174210-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174247-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174277-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174293-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174356-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174386-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174420-L.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Awesome shots Brian!

[greenmako]

thanks Sean

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174422-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174485-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174636-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174742-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174798-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174822-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174883-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174917-L.jpg
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205174999-L.jpg

[greenmako]

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175013-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175093-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175139-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175173-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175280-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175296-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175413-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175419-L.jpg

[erikharrison]

I can tell you this, it really looks like you have fine tuned your picture taking skills! Those are some of the best shots I've seen yet. Keep it up bud! :applause::photo::shades:

[greenmako]

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175542-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175624-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/205175829-L.jpg

[greenmako]

I can tell you this, it really looks like you have fine tuned your picture taking skills! Those are some of the best shots I've seen yet. Keep it up bud! :applause::photo::shades:

thanks man!

[JimD]

Love that clam pic!

[MissT]

very impressive! keep them coming!!! :applause:

[txstateunivreefer]

Thought i would dig this up for some updated pics

[lhoy]

I went to Brian's house the other day and met he and his lovely wife. I had drooled over his pics on MAAST and that other reef site. I have to say that as amazing as the photos he posts, the tank is so much better even in person. The colors are amazing and talk about great hosts. I could have talked reef for days with them. I really enjoyed meeting them and to see the colors, aquascaping, and fish in the tank is simply unreal.

Lee

[Texreefer]

I went to Brian's house the other day and met he and his lovely wife. I had drooled over his pics on MAAST and that other reef site. I have to say that as amazing as the photos he posts, the tank is so much better even in person. The colors are amazing and talk about great hosts. I could have talked reef for days with them. I really enjoyed meeting them and to see the colors, aquascaping, and fish in the tank is simply unreal.

Lee

yes, if he didn't live so far away he would be seeing a lot more of me:ph34r:

[MissT]

Yeah, I had a chance to stop by there last night, and Brian and Christina really are awesome people to be around; not to mention they have one of the best setups around. Keep up the great work guys and keep those pictures coming, we all enjoy your photography skills!

[greenmako]

Thanks everyone!

There will be a large picture update in January as that is the tanks one year mark.
If I get some free time I will take a few before then but December is going to be a crazy month for me.

[RayAllen]

That clam is wicked. Looks like really cool snake skin.

[copperband]

yeah i have never seen a clam like that its awesome

[greenmako]

Its my favorite it came from Ed at wolfreef its the only maxima I've seen like it

[beareef19]

That is a Teardrop Maxima They come from Veitnam, I use to have one but it died from something eating its mantle.

Barry
Beautiful Vietnam
Teardrop Maxima's
Description:Teardrop Maxima's name comes from the teardrop-shaped markings on their mantles. For a long time good ones were hard to find. Now we have a new exclusive source for the most beautiful, Teardrop Maxima clams. They are being collected in a region close to the equator where the colors are the most brilliant in a large atoll in the middle of the Pacific. Maximum size is approximately 14".
Natural Environment:
Indo-Pacific in reef top, shallow water, high current areas where they embed themselves partially into the substrate (rock or rubble) attached by their strong byssus filaments. They are also sometimes found at depths of up to 45 feet.
Hardiness: T. maxima is a moderately hardy clam which usually does well in reef tanks given strong lighting and clear water conditions with low to moderate water flow.
Lighting: Requires fairly intense lighting, Metal Halide, VHO, or Power Compact depending on tank size. The clam coloration can change depending upon lighting conditions.
Water Current: Low to moderate.
Temperature: Does well within normal reef tank temperature ranges of 75-84°F.
Feeding: Primarily photosynthetic. They may benefit from feedings of phytoplankton, but it is not required.
Supplements: Proper calcium levels (350-500 milligrams per liter) are important for growth as is maintaining good alkalinity levels.
Tank Positioning: Position on the substrate in the bottom of the tank in a low to moderate water flow area. Can also be positioned on live rock if care is taken to locate it so that it cannot move and fall from its perch.
**Advanced Aquarist Species

(up to 2") $49.99 (21/4 - 3") $79.99
(31/4 - 4") $119.9 (41/4 - 5") $149.99

[greenmako]

a small update before the large update in January. Here are just a few pictures I took the other night.

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872244-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872286-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872322-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872347-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872395-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872440-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872541-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872583-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872747-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872818-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872898-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233872941-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233873015-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233873117-M.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233873154-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233873181-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/233873364-L.jpg

[apedroza]

Wow!!!!!

[lhoy]

Looking sweet Brian. The Efflo is wicked!

Lee

[Bill S]

Freakin' nuts. WOW. I'd love a frag or few...

[clone]

i second that Bill,the tanks nutts dude.

[ckimble]

The colors in your tank are awesome... Man, I want to be in line when it comes time to frag some of that stuff.

[MissT]

:hypnotyized: as always

That is Brian saying:
http://www.easysmileys.com/img/other_kneelsuckers.gif

LOL

[greenmako]

Well the time has finally come for the Year update on my thread.
I have a had a great year with this tank and am looking forward to what this year will bring. I'm going to doing a bit of looking back and posting of new pictures to show the progress. Thanks for all the support and comments through the year!

First stop on memory lane will be the FTS from a year ago followed by the FTS from this month.

1-13-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/122968495-O.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245798184-L.jpg

actinic with wb correction
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245798166-L.jpg

Just a little bit of change lol also all of these pictures are taking with year old VHO bulbs I just recently changed them all out and wow were they in need of a change so my color should look even better in the next month or so.

A. Florida 1-13-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/122968738-M.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794387-M.jpg

GM's Blue Samoensis 1-13-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/122968981-M.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245792479-L.jpg

1-13-2007 ORA Blue Mille
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/122969106-M.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245793547-L.jpg

Meridiana 1-13-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/122969361-M.jpg

1-21-2008 center of photo
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245791977-L.jpg

1-27-2007 GM's Soli which at the time I thought it was an efflo
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/125849056-M.jpg

1-21-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794687-L.jpg

more to follow:bigsmile:

[Texreefer]

Is your pm box empty? it wont be for long.. awesome

[Bill S]

Absolutely jaw-dropping. All I can say is "WOW".

[greenmako]

ORA Green Stylophora 1-27-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/125849020-M.jpg

1-21-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794936-L.jpg

ORA Green Birdsnest 2-28-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/132942130-L.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794460-M.jpg

Oregon Blue Tort 2-28-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/132941519-M.jpg

1-21-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245793663-L.jpg

ORA Chip's 2-18-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/130464912-M.jpg

1-11-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245792892-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245797510-L.jpg

[erikharrison]

lol plug and play. :)

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794460-M.jpg

[greenmako]

1-27-2007 Gm's Blue polyp Birdsnest
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/125849301-M.jpg

1-21-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245793800-L.jpg

3-10-2007 GM Insignis
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/134999661-M.jpg

1-21-2008 Middle
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245791892-L.jpg

2-05-2007 DG's Bali Table
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/127924306-M.jpg

1-21-2008 Colony on left
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245792375-L.jpg

4-14-2007 GM Turaki
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/143685883-M.jpg

1-21-2008
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245794746-L.jpg

[apedroza]

Those are soem of the most amazing corals I have ever seen!!! I can't wait til the frag swap!!!

[greenmako]

4-28-2007 Mike Paletta's Lovelii (blurry coral in the front of the photo is my soli for reference on the next photo)
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/147729396-M.jpg

1-21-2007 The coral that sticks out to the left and up to the top of the water(Coral that is behind the soli )
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245792166-L.jpg

Top down
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245795552-L.jpg

2-18-2007 Atlantis Meteor Shower Cyphastrea
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/130464527-M.jpg

1-21-2007
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245797460-L.jpg


Now for clam shots
http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245795557-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245795598-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245795817-L.jpg

http://greenmako.smugmug.com/photos/245795128-L.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Simply amazing!