Lhoy's 225 Gallon Reef - Build Thread [Archive]

lhoy

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 04:17 PM

As many of know, I found a steal off ebay for a 225 Gallon Oceanic Brick Reef Ready Tank for $610. It came with a custom stand and canopy that needed to be refinished. Here are the photos from ebay of the tank.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EbayPicture1.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EbayPicture2.jpg

The stand was a very unpleasing orange color (sort of an ugly burnt orange - sorry that is the Sooner in me). I have redone the stand and canopy in a golden oak (will post pictures soon but camera battery is dead). I have been buying lots of equipment. Here is the plan:

Lighting:
(2) Reefoptix III Pendant with Sunlight Supply Dual 250 Watt Ballast (Ebay a while back)
(1) 250 Watt AquaMedic Oceanlight Pendant (Ebay recently)

Bubs:
(3) Phoenix 14K 250 Watt Bulb (Ebay)

Circulation:
(1) Tunze Wavebox (The Big Reef Site)
(1) Tunze 6080 (Aquatek)
(1) Koralia #4 (The Dr's)
(1) Koralia #2 (The Dr's)

Return Pump:
Iwaki MD55RLT (The Big Reef Site)

Sump:
Custom made by Ace and had some mods by Brian at Kingfish (call it the Ace & Kings Sump)
(3) Sections - Skimmer Chamber, Frag Grow Out (Light will be 150 Watt MH Pendant), and Return with probe holders, and top off holder

Protein Skimmer:
Euroreef 180 with Sedra 9000 (Kingfish) with Gate Valve Mod

Plumbing:
(2) 1" Drains
(2) 3/4" Returns with dual Loc-Line outlets
(2) CJ Standpipes
Mostly using SpaFlex for plumbing

TopOff:
JBJ Auto TopOff with MaxiJet 600 (Bracket holder built into Sump)

Controller:
Neptune Aquacontroller Jr. with Serial Port, Temp Probe, PH Probe, and DC 8 Module (The Geeks)

Heating:
(2) Ebo Jaeger TS Heaters 250 Watts

Cooling:
(2) IceCap Fans controlled by Aquacontroller

Refugium or Low Light Tank:
20 Gallon Tall Tank with two drains into sump. Debating on whether to run as refugium with Chaeto and sand or with live rock and try low light corals.

Screen Cover:

White Window Frame (HD) with 1/4" white nylon mesh netting (from the Big Reef Site) to keep those expensive but jumpy fish in (will be in (3) 2' X 2' sections for easy removal).

That is all I can think of right now. Will begin to post pics when I find my recharger.

Lee

RayAllen

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 04:28 PM

Nice; this is all going to make a awesome reef. Cant wait to see the build.

erikharrison

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 04:31 PM

I see you decided against skimmerless. :) I really love brick aquariums too!

Darth-Tater

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 04:34 PM

Man lee that looks and sounds like it is great. Pictures when it gets started.

David

copperband

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 04:41 PM

keep us updated with pics sounds like its going to be an awesome tank

lhoy

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 05:31 PM

Well, I hold the right to pull the skimmer. Basically, when I saw the price, I couldn't pass it up! Kingfish rocks and so do some of our other stores. Brian has just been awesome. He had upgraded the skimmer pump and I saw it sitting in the sump beneath their huge tank. I asked what he planned to do with it. He said sell it and I asked how much. Next thing you now, I am taking it home.

Lee

lhoy

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 05:34 PM

I have been finishing my light pole. I am trying to design something that when my lid on the canopy goes up, the light pole will rotate so the lights shine down and not in my face. Will be using some large cotter pins from Tractor Supply to make it work.

I just dropped one of my Lunar Lights and broke one!!! AAAAGGGGHHHHH.

The light pole will have the three halides and (4) moonlights.

Lee

lhoy

Fri, 7th Dec 2007, 05:35 PM

Ray, I am finishing up the live rock stands I said I would post pictures of! Hopefully have photos of it tomorrow.

Lee

lhoy

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 12:42 AM

Here are some pics:

Haven't mounted the cabinet doors yet until after plumbing, etc, but here is the inside of stand painted with Kilz and you will notice the golden oak is quite a bit different than it looked before.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup023.jpg

Here is a shot from the end. I was trying to look at end of glass to see if it is low iron because it looks blue, but I have never looked at low iron specifically before:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup025.jpg

Here is one of the doors unmounted with starfish knob:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup027.jpg

Closeup of Knob (not a great picture):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup044.jpg

The canopy and light rod plan. I have always disliked opening a canopy only to be blinded by the lights. I wanted to mount the lights so that when the door opened the lights would rotate and continue to point down into tank so I could see to do maintenance and mount corals, etc. I decided to make something that would do this by using cotter pins, clips, and a bracket. Here is what I have come up with:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup036.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup037.jpg

Close up of a bracket/clip:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup038.jpg

Here are the pendants mounted to the aluminum tubing. The Aquamedic is mouted a little differently to try and get the distance from top of water to light the same for all three.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup048.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup050.jpg

Here are my fans mounted to the canopy:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup034.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup039.jpg

Now, the sump with drain area, frag grow out, and return area.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup030.jpg

Miscellaneous plumbing, equipment:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup031.jpg

Sand, salt, and the tank that will hold a DSB and benthic/cryptic zone:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup040.jpg

Acrylic rods and supports for live rock pillars:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup041.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup042.jpg

I used a mitre saw for ragged cuts on the small pieces to help grab live rock. I am looking forward to making these pillars.

The WAVEBOX:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup029.jpg

Starting to put water in and I have a Tunze 6080 to see what flow it alone produces.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetup035.jpg

Hope to have sump and plumbing done by Tuesday night. I have to attend my daughter's choir concert tomorrow night so not much work on it then!

Lee

MissT

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 12:52 AM

Coming along nicely! Keep it up, and keep those pictures coming! Great job, Lee

apedroza

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 09:08 AM

Awesome Tank!!!!! Can't wait to see it finished!!!

ismvel

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 10:06 AM

I am dying to know how that wavebox works out for you. I have been contemplating using a wavebox myself. I have the same size tank sitting in my garage, but with corner overflows.

Also, where did you get the acrylic rods from to make the rock pillars?

Thanks.

erikharrison

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 10:17 AM

Wow Lee!:thumbs_up: That is really looking good!:applause: I think those acyrlic rods with the grabbers on the bases is awesome!:lightbulb: Keep the pictures coming!:photo:

lhoy

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 11:20 AM

The acrylic was purchased at Regal Plastics in Austin just north of US 183 on Burnet Road (on the right hand side if traveling north).

I have always had something of the "pile or rocks" look and after seeing some pillars on the Big Site I wanted to try something out. Thanks to Ace and Brian at Kingfish for teaching me acrylic work.

I must confess the one piece of equipment I have always wanted was a wavebox. Whenever I have seen one on a tank, that was the one thing I really wanted. My wife will love the swaying as well. I do have corner overflows so I am sure I will have to play with it a lot (darn) to get it all to work well.

Any advice from those with waveboxs and corner overflows?

Lee

thedude

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 12:32 PM

You should be able to get a nice wave if you keep the wavebox's immediate path free of rocks and keep your dursos high. You're going to be surprised how noisy the 'box is if you don't raise the dursos so that the water only has a 1/2" to 1" to fall.

Looking great Lee!

John

ismvel

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 01:20 PM

What kind of livestock you plan on keeping?

lhoy

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 03:49 PM

Well, I LOVE inverts, LPS, and some SPS. I have to admit, the whole naming of corals with limited edition (how the crap can anything that grows biologically be a limited edition) is just ridiculous to me (but I am also in hobbies (birdwatching, herping, tarantulas) where identifying to species is important. I personally love the challenge of trying to ID to species and not some name that will help me sell a frag for more money.

I also love varied color hermits. Many people decry them and what they eat, I personally think it is because they WAY overstock and then the hermits resort to eating things they don't normally bother. I have never had a problem with a hermit eating anything I didn't want it to. They will consume the turbos that flip upside down and can't right themselves, but then again that is what you get for needing me to right you!!

I will probably only have about 20 or so snails (again - I think we WAY overstock on cleanup crews - learned a lot from Anthony Caflo).

So, enough ranting, here are some ideas:

1.) RBTA - (I love liveaquaria's stock) hopefully hosting a pair of black and white ocellaris
2.) Pair of Bellus' Angels
3.) Two-spot Bimacullatus Blenny and/or Starry Blenny/Linear Blenny (will it be a problem in tank this size for two different blennies?)
4.) Fairy Wrasses/Flasher Wrasses
5.) Haliocheres Wrasses (love the Leopards)
6.) After Tank has aged (banded pipefish pair)
7.) Two or three tangs (several I like)
8.) I really like Bluethroat and Pinktail Triggers

Those are the ideas I have now, I really enjoy watching liveaquaria to see what unique fish they get in.

Of course, the obligate clams of which there are four color patterns I love:
1.) Black and White - yea, who doesn't and who can afford it
2.) Brown and Gold Teardrop Maxima
3.) The light blue mantle with dark blue dots around the edge.
4.) The slightly bluish-gray with dark blue dots around the edge (like at River City's nano on counter).

Corals:
I love scoly's, favias, diplostrea, montastrea, encrusting monti's, zoa's, lobo's, and those acro's with color that contrast nicely. I like things you don't see in EVERY store. Color combinations (despite my wife claiming I only like red and greens). I also like the challenge of placing a coral the same way in my tank as it would be found in nature. Borneman's book on corals is awesome for this information. I hate seeing a scoly on the top of some rock wall. You would never see that in the wild.

I already have a blue banded coral shrimp that will go in my frag area so I can actually see him from time to time. The display will hopefully have a nice colorful linkia or fromia starfish, a colorfull brittle star, several cleaner shrimp (I love fire but when do you get to see them - may put in my crypic fuge), some of the colorful hermits like blue-banded and halloween which I already have.

Those are some of my thoughts right now.

Lee

lhoy

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 04:08 PM

Forgot, I have a wicked 1" long Dwarf Lionfish that will reside in Frag Tank (means blue coral banded shrimp goes into fuge). He is awesome and eats mysis!!!

Lee

Bill S

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 06:06 PM

Lee, I occasionally have RBTAs available. They are tank raised, and very nicely colored. I only make them available to Charter Members - usually people I know.

lhoy

Mon, 10th Dec 2007, 07:15 PM

MMMM, am I someone you know? ; )

Sweet, let me know when one is available!!

Lee

bozack

Tue, 11th Dec 2007, 01:19 PM

Great thread
Look forward to seeing the plumbing pics...

lhoy

Tue, 11th Dec 2007, 01:27 PM

Okay, want to hear the biggest bonehead mistake of all!! I measured my stand in width and height and had my sump made accordingly. I guess I didn't think about getting it in there, but I can't get it to slide in. Fortunately, I have a member of the church I pastor who is an amazing carpenter and he is making me an access panel on one end of the stand so I can slide this thing in.

How dopey is that? Anyway, I hope to start plumbing later today. I have the main tank filled with a lot of water, hope RO unit can keep up. May have to go into Austin and get some water later.

Lee

lhoy

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 03:30 PM

Well, I called Misti at River City and asked if they had an external pump that was similar to the Iwaki MD55RLT. Unbelievably, they had a new Panworld that is the 150PS that is the exact equivalent and to top it off he made me a killer deal on the pump. This is what a great LFS is all about and we have several in our area. Thanks to the store owners who go out of their way to help their customers!! I have had this kind of experience at numerous stores in the Austin/SA area.

Also, a little fun. Misti said the new order from ORA had just arrived. And there is now a Dustin's Deepwater Acro waiting to go in my tank. Now, I am not into names, but I had to get one just to harass those who are since they only had 3. Assuming it does well and grows nicely, I plan to have some fun with it!! So stay tuned.

Lee

RayAllen

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 03:39 PM

ismvel

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 04:02 PM

Cant wait to see water moving....

Me neither.....I smell a road trip...LOL...i have been dying to check out a wave box in person....for noise, actual water movement....how it works on corner overflows...etc...etc...

brewercm

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 04:16 PM

Just a heads up but be careful with the triggers and clams. I had a trigger that killed every clam he could by getting at the foot and destroying it that way.

BTW, I have end panels that come off of my stand and love them, then again the whole front panel comes off also.

hobogato

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 04:22 PM

ismvel

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 04:57 PM

you also may want to do a little research on waveboxes and issues with glass tanks. may just be a rumor, but i would check it out if i were you. go by kingfish, they have one on one of their tank. you could also visit marcus and dallas (gmfett), they have one on their 600 gallon reef.
Yeah we spoke about that when I stopped by Ace. I have heard of them shortening the life of a tank, causing added stress on the seams, also of tanks breaking. The couple of times I have read these stories though it is on an older tank. My tank is brand new, just sitting in the garage cause I don't have a real job to afford all that nice equipment...LOL....You're right, I will have to check it out. The one at Kingfish, is it in a glass tank or acrylic?

hobogato

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 05:10 PM

glass or acrylic? -not sure.

lhoy

Wed, 12th Dec 2007, 06:03 PM

It is acrylic. Ace - I had heard the same thing. I did some searches and couldn't find an actual case of it though. I have water moving, but one drain line is gurgling with bubbles at the bottom, not sure where air is getting in. I have no leaks whatsoever (after I fixed the bulkhead I cracked by overtightening a connection - fixed with new bulkhead!!).

I have a major sandstorm right now. Next step is the fun one - liverock pillars. Hope to get cracking on those after I get back from dinner.

The panworld from River City is very nice. Perfect for this tank!!

I had to turn off the wavebox. When I put sand in, I got the alarm on the controller beeping. Figured it had sucked some sand in or something.

BTW ACE - Sump is perfect for this stand. I literally couldn't have gone another inch in any direction.

Lee

lhoy

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 12:49 AM

Some more pictures:

The new Panworld Pump in place!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay015.jpg

Need to put a strap over that, despite being screwed in well almost went in the drink!!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay014.jpg

Starbucks Sand Froth (their newest drink):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay013.jpg

Really wanted to arrange live rock but couldn't see crap due to sand, should have done rock first:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay012.jpg

Before water:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay011.jpg

The bulkhead on the right had to be replaced, I tightened too tightly and cracked it (you can see in photo):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay010.jpg

Long shot of plumbing:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay009.jpg

Another plumbing shot - I used lots of unions for easy repairs, cleaning, etc. Was already glad I did when I noticed the cracked bulkhead:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay008.jpg

Ghetto Skimmer Waste Collector (have to get some other things for the actual collector:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay007.jpg

This is what it looked like before I started:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay006.jpg

My plumbing station (made it easy to clean up and keep track of everything):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay003.jpg

The non-working Iwaki (am going to try replacing capacitor so I can have a backup pump):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/EquipmentandSetupNextDay002.jpg

Oh, enjoy this, I got lazy and almost paid for it. I was drilling some of the larger live rock to put on the pillar stands. I didn't wipe my hands well and paid for it with a pretty healthy shock when I started the drill. I could only taste metallic for about one hour. Two of my fingers kind of had burning sensations. Needless to say, I got much more careful after a good butt chewing from the wife and getting tired of the taste. ; )

Will hope to have some pictues of the live rock tomorrow.

Thanks,

Lee

MissT

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 12:54 AM

Tank's coming along great, Lee! I'm glad that pump worked out- looks like it was meant to be!!! and it even looks like you're going to make your Friday deadline:bigsmile:

lhoy

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 01:12 AM

Here is a support structure for live rock in the cryptic fuge:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/ForSaleandSetup001.jpg

I was storing some live rock in the cryptic fuge for a while:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/ForSaleandSetup002.jpg

Starting to see some live rock:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/ForSaleandSetup003.jpg

Later,

Lee

hobogato

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 08:11 AM

looking great lee!

Darth-Tater

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 08:20 AM

Bill, don't sell my BT :rofl: I will try and swing by this week.

DAvid

ismvel

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 09:01 AM

Lee, i love it, simple enough that even I couldn't mess it up...yet effective....

ismael

JeffCo

Thu, 13th Dec 2007, 11:40 PM

Looking Good, I know that plumbing is alot of work.

bozack

Fri, 14th Dec 2007, 11:37 PM

Looking good!!
Where did you find that Spaflex? Lowes/HD???

Went by RCA today and I think they talked me into to the 2400gph Sequence over the Panworld you got.

lhoy

Sat, 15th Dec 2007, 01:00 AM

Spaflex was at HD.

Depends on what you are using it for. If it is just a circulation pump, unless you have a huge tank 2400 gph is way overkill. In fact, when I look at the flow through my sump, I think my panworld is a little large. Understand, virtually everyone runs too much pump power through the sump. I have VERY fast movement and even ratcheting back the pump it is a lot!!

How big is your tank? If the pump is for a closed loop probably great!!

Lee

lhoy

Sat, 15th Dec 2007, 01:28 AM

Well, today around 3:00 pm I finally got a lot done. I still have to organize my wires, cables, etc. and setup the Aquacontroller Jr. and Auto Topoff. Slowly but surely. I just had a friend wire my 20 Amp Circuit on GFCI and a 30 Amp Circuit without GFCI. Both are dedicated to the tank so should have plenty of juice.

Here are the pics from today. Camera wasn't doing very well (always blame the equipment) and I haven't had a chance to mess with white balance.

Here is a FTS (Dec. 14th):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup047.jpg

A view down the lower back of the tank (feels kind of creepy saying it that way):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup046.jpg

Same view, different shot:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup045.jpg

A nanostream I mounted on an overflow box along the box and a split single return from the overflow box:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup041.jpg

Picked up this Lobo at RCA the other day:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup003.jpg

Picture doesn't do this justice:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup006.jpg

The left pillar overall I was very pleased with the turnout of the pillars:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup053.jpg

Left center of tank:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup054.jpg

Zoa's:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup052.jpg

Dustin's Deepwater Acro (terrible photo):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup027.jpg

And since it is an election year coming up, a photo with a child to get your votes:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup001.jpg

ismvel

Sat, 15th Dec 2007, 07:12 AM

That looks great Lee...You didn't waste anytime getting that thing up and running. The pillars are awesome also...

bozack

Sat, 15th Dec 2007, 10:40 AM

lhoy

Sat, 15th Dec 2007, 02:48 PM

For a closed loop I would say it would be great!

Lee

hobogato

Mon, 17th Dec 2007, 06:17 PM

very nice!! good thinking leaving that space for circulation behind the rockwork.

JimD

Mon, 17th Dec 2007, 06:28 PM

Since I went bare bottom, I actualy installed a Maxi 1200 driven spraybar directed underneath the rockwork to attempt to create enough flow in that area to minimise the detritus build up, seems to be working.

RayAllen

Mon, 17th Dec 2007, 08:13 PM

Looks awesome, great job. Your rock towers/pillars turned out pretty cool.

lhoy

Tue, 18th Dec 2007, 12:02 AM

Jim - Every rock on the bottom has significant space between it and sand which is going to be great for Gobies and Wrasses to hide in.

Ace - I will snap some new pictures tomorrow. The pillars rock and my circulation is so random and perfect!! I have the wavebox, the 6080, the Koralia #4, and one Tunze nanostream. I will shoot some video of the Duncan to show the flow.

In that channel down the back I actually plan to have corals so that you have to peek through crevices to see them. I am going to try and utilize all of the tank to make it more intriguing.

Ray - The pillars turned out so much better than I expected. Both ends come within an inch or less of the top of the water. Talk about a bright spot!! I figure some light loving encrusting Monti's or such need to go there!! Drilling the rock was easier than I expected. I am glad I made them!

I thought I had done everything well and while setting up the AC JR. I turned off the main pump. Would you believe I had forgotten to drill holes in the returns as siphon breaks!!! I saw it right when the sump was about 1/8" from overflowing. I plugged the pump back in and cranked it wide open. Saved my rear by about 1/2 second!

I proceeded to drill syphon breaks immediately and then test them out! What a thing to forget.

Getting the first diatoms which I expected. Hopefully rest will go smoothly. Ready to start collecting acro frags from folks!!

Lee

hobogato

Tue, 18th Dec 2007, 08:05 AM

Ready to start collecting acro frags from folks!!

Lee

wouldnt be in a hurry for that one, they like a little "age" on a tank.

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:14 PM

Well, camera battery died the other day but wanted to bring tank up to speed:

Here are shots of the aquascaping with the acrylic rod pillars. I tried to create a variety of heights and depths. I plan to actually have some corals in the back to create more depth of field and make it more interesting to try and look through gaps, etc.

Right Side (with reflection of front door):
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate001.jpg

Middle Right:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate002.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate003.jpg

Center:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate004.jpg

Left Side:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate025.jpg

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:28 PM

Well, there has been some discussion lately of the cryptic fuges so I thought I would post some photos and information.

Basics:

29 Gallon Tank with (2) 1/2" bulkheads that I use as drains. Each drain has a durso and the inner pipe was rotated 90 degrees so it would skim the top of the tank and. The tank is fed by a "T" off of the left drain. Water movement within the tank is provided by a Tunze Nanostream 6025. The sand bed is about 6" deep (sugar sized Oolitic). I then made an eggcrate support system to provide a support for holding the live rock and to provide a place for sponges, feather dusters, and other stock to grow. The tank is unlit.

Inhabitants include (1) black brittle star to eat detritus and (1) Blue Coral Banded Shrimp which was never seen in displays so I thought it might be easier to see and enjoy here.

Photo of feed and drains:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate027.jpg

Closeup up of dual durso drains on fuge (I did put ball valves on each drain if I need to adjust the flow from the drain):
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate031.jpg

Photo showing water movement. I may need to move the Tunze down in tank to provide more movement near top of sand bed.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate032.jpg

Photo of side of fuge with sand bed, eggcrate structure, and live rock:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate062.jpg

Close up of live rock in fuge:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate061.jpg

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:40 PM

Here are some of the items I have wired and put in place since the last post:

Left Drain and Return:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate027.jpg

Close up of Drain and Return and ATO:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate033.jpg

Skimmer with Gate Volve Mod and you can see where I ziptied the topoff line to the return line:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate064.jpg

Here is my topoff tank. 29 Gallon tank with Maxi Jet 1200. Went to HD and got some tubing, a zip tie and I forgot to look for black acrylic or plexi to make a cover to keep other family pets out!
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate065.jpg

Somewhere in this is my DC8 for my AC JR:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate048.jpg

Back of cabinet and some of the wiring:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate051.jpg

Here is one of the American DJ units with labels:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate066.jpg

AC JR and Wavebox Controller:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate069.jpg

Temp and PH (Love the AC. JR)
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate068.jpg

Actual Temp and PH:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate035.jpg

Outside and Inside of House Temp:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate067.jpg

Cabinet and Top from HD for holding supplies, mounting frags on top with an easy to clean surface and a palce to acclimate, etc.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate070.jpg

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:50 PM

Well, I have to admit I am very proud of this as it was an original idea (at least for me). I didn't see it anywhere and I will tell you what was motivating me. I have seen some nice aluminum racks where people could move the lights from over the tank to work in them. I didn't have the room for such a rack and probably not the ability to make it.

I was also limited to using a canopy (which I wanted). The problems with most canopies and MH is mounting MH's directly to wood (which I don't like). When you open the hood you get a faceful of MH light and then see yellow only. Also, when working in the tank you have no light to work with.

I wanted something so that when I lifted my canopy, the lights would rotate and remain pointing down.

I spent a lot of time at the various home stores and ultimately ended up using carbine clips, a fence post mount, cotter pins, 3/4" aluminum square rod tubing, and various connectors.

Currently, the moonlights are (4) Current USA Lunar Links but I will soon be replacing those with the lunar simulator and LED's from Neptune Systems so it can fully replicate the moon cycles.

As you lift the canopy the lights rotate very smoothly and continue to face down. As you lower, they rotate back into place.

Lighting is provide as noted earlier in post.

Close up of one of the four mounts:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate053.jpg

Wide angle shot of rack:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate059.jpg

Rack and Gas Springs from Ebay to hold canopy open:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate058.jpg

Another shot of rack:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate057.jpg

Light Rack and Ice Cap Fan:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate057.jpg

Canopy closed:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate045.jpg

KarenM

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:58 PM

I've seen this tank, and it's absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait until he gets some really awesome fish in there.

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 09:59 PM

Various views of the tank:

FTS (Tough to get!!):
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate084.jpg

Left Side at Angle:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate046.jpg

Left End:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate036.jpg

Right Side at Angle:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/FinallySetup047.jpg

Starfish Cabinet Knobs:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate038.jpg

lhoy

Sat, 22nd Dec 2007, 10:04 PM

Halloween Crab:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate074.jpg

Cynarina:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate072.jpg

Zoa Corner:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate024.jpg

Pavona growing on bottom of rock:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate015.jpg

Green Slimer (Sorry Ace - couldn't pass up - but I will be waiting before I add more SPS):
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate013.jpg

Diplostrea:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate009.jpg

Cool Zoas:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate010.jpg

Duncans:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate008.jpg

And yes, there are a few red flatworms, planning on adding some Heliocheres wrasses which should finish them off or will do flatworm exit with lots of carbon, etc either way will get them out.

Lee

abe77901

Sun, 23rd Dec 2007, 12:08 PM

Lee absolutley awesome setup.....great job. Can't wait to see it full and flourishing.

erikharrison

Sun, 23rd Dec 2007, 12:31 PM

Looks really nice. I love the little table next to it, good idea!

crossxfire2

Sun, 23rd Dec 2007, 11:36 PM

love...it!

hobogato

Mon, 24th Dec 2007, 08:51 AM

awesome lee! very well thought out and clean. will be nice to watch it grow in :)

ps. i hope you dont mind, i will be somewhat copying the design of your stand and canopy for christy's new 180 gallon setup - after looking at a few, she decided she really liked yours best :wink_smile:

lhoy

Mon, 24th Dec 2007, 07:22 PM

Like I mind!!! Shoot, if I have something nice enough to copy I am proud to have it duplicated!!!

Can't wait to have enough stuff in it to host a meeting someday!!

Up in Oklahoma for Xmas. I found a sweet PinkTail Trigger at a reef shop here I want to get. There is a sale on NanoCube with Stand. 12 Gallon for $150 with Stand and 24 Gallon for $230. I might get one for a Q'tine tank for corals.

Lee

lhoy

Mon, 24th Dec 2007, 07:23 PM

Abe- Can't wait to get the cube setup at church!!! We are going to reskin the stand and canopy. We just have to get the cube polished. I started and not sure how well I am doing.

It will have more predator type fish and stuff. Hopefully in Summer 2008.

Lee

lhoy

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 01:08 PM

I am such a reef geek, I was so excited today that my Leopard Wrasse (Macropharyngodon meleagris) which is fat and healthy from pods also started eating frozen bloodworms like crazy!!!

Lee

erikharrison

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 01:26 PM

What does the placquard say? I know it's probably something inspirational, and I'm curious to know!

lhoy

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 01:32 PM

I had told my wife for the last ten years if I ever had a big tank I wanted a plaque on the tank of Genesis 1:21 which says, "So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds . . . And God saw that it was good."

She had the plaque made for me for Christmas. Flash killed me on trying to get a good picture the other day:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate043.jpg

Later,

Lee

lhoy

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 06:39 PM

Well, today I spent some more Xmas money on:

(1) Rose Bubble Anemone (this pic is after it is in tank for about 15 minutes and doing well!:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock044.jpg

(1) Orange Linckia (no pictures yet)

(1) ORA Misbar True Percula (no pictures yet)

(1) ORA True Percula (no pictures yet)

Here are some other pictures of livestock:

Hi-Fin Goby and Favia:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock040.jpg

Symphyllia recta (originally thought was Lobo):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock024.jpg

Got these Zoa's for $10.00!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock016.jpg

One of my favorites (Scoly):

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock005.jpg

Green Carpet from Oceancube:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock002.jpg

Love hermits!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock020.jpg

This dude (Dwarf Lionfish) lives in my QT for now (won't go in the reef - but hard to get rid of because he eats mysis!!). The QT will be primarily for corals so I minimize the opportunity to EVER have bryopsis again!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock035.jpg

copperband

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 08:55 PM

why wont u add him to the reef

lhoy

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 10:05 PM

He would quickly devour my CBS and peppermint shrimps and I LOVE inverts!!

Wouldn't it be cool if there was a lionfish that stayed small enough to live safely with shrimp!!

BTW, for size reference he is about 2" long.

Lee

copperband

Sat, 5th Jan 2008, 10:08 PM

yeah it would be cool

lhoy

Sun, 13th Jan 2008, 03:55 PM

Acro. milli (Rose - has a very tiny commensal crab which is very cool)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00083.jpg

Some neat zoa's:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00082.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00081.jpg

Acro. elegans (? is this elegans, thought maybe secale as well) - according to my wife this is mauve colored:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00077.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00076.jpg

Orange linckia:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/DSC00087.jpg

Picking up some more corals from Garrett (Addboy) later this evening!

Lee

lhoy

Sun, 13th Jan 2008, 10:03 PM

Earlier today my new RBTA was all shriveled up and I began to hope for the best!!! Pics to come soon. I'm a new papa!

Lee

lhoy

Sun, 13th Jan 2008, 10:27 PM

Here is the new baby:

You can see mama in the lower right corner:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals057.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals056.jpg

Picked up some frags from Garrett (Addboy):

Purple Monti Cap:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals051.jpg

Blue Cespitularia (Xenia) - Just added to tank and not fully stretched out yet:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals050.jpg

X-men still opening up:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals048.jpg

Purple Monti Digi:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals047.jpg

I also picked up a nice frag of his "Warp Speed" Monti but my pictures were browing it out.

I have had this yellow Turbinaria for a while and it is starting to get a cool purplish sheen to it:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewCorals058.jpg

greenmako

Tue, 15th Jan 2008, 02:52 PM

Everything looks great! I love the plaque.
-christina

lhoy

Tue, 15th Jan 2008, 03:31 PM

I am already wanting to come back by (I have a Tarantula for you if Brian is cool with that and you want it) and see the tank again!!

Need to take you both to dinner and have you come by and give me some ideas on adjustments!!!

The plaque was something I have always wanted on my tank!!

Lee

lhoy

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 12:30 AM

I am excited as tomorrow I have coming (2) Harlequin Serpent Stars and then on Friday a mated pair of Cryptocentrus aurora (Pinkbar Goby) and a pistol shrimp with them!!

Lee

greenmako

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 01:35 PM

lhoy

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 03:12 PM

Here are some shots of the Harlequin Serpent Stars acclimating and in tank (playing with white balance and still not quite right):

I don't drip acclimate much, but I do inverts:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos001.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos018.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos014.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos015.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos003.jpg

Can you find it in the tank?
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos019.jpg

They are 3" to 4" in length.

lhoy

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 03:20 PM

Love this picture with my Hi-Fin Goby hiding under the Favia and the Pinktail Trigger in his "hole" being groomed by the Peppermint Shrimp.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos053.jpg

Pinktail Trigger swimming around:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos042.jpg

Here he is crammed in his hole. Sometimes he goes in upside down.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos045.jpg

Not a good picture at all but here is a Haliocheres iridis (Radiant Wrasse) I picked up a few days ago:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos040.jpg

The RBTA split the other day and the "new" one is doing well:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos007.jpg

Here are the overflow covers I made to keep light out of the overflows:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos025.jpg

Here are the nylon net screens I made to keep fish in. Made three sections for easy removal for feeding and working in tank.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestPhotos029.jpg

erikharrison

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 03:53 PM

Wow Lee, you have done alot! The plaquard is very nice, and very, very appropriate! You have really thought all of this out well and it shows. :)

lhoy

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 04:00 PM

Yea, I have had a VERY strong idea of stocking (except for specific SPS because I just don't know them as well). I love inverts and I will look for what I want until I find it!! Crazy thing is I do extensive research before I buy because I don't want to make a mistake.

I was so mad last night, I moved a piece of rock and broke my Dustin's Deepwater Acro but was able to reglue the broken part so we will see what happens.

Lee

apedroza

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 06:06 PM

Excellent looking tank!!!

MissT

Thu, 17th Jan 2008, 06:50 PM

Looking really good, Lee!

lhoy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 10:28 PM

Found a mated pair (shrimp was a bonus) on liveaquaria and they arrived today:

In acclimation:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock057.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock056.jpg

Finally some decent pictures of Radiant Wrasse:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock023.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock024-1.jpg

Vlamingii Tang is growing!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock036.jpg

Played with white balance and need some feedback if I am getting it right [camera is a Sony Mavica CD-500]:

Favia:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock015.jpg

Symphyllia:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock033.jpg

RBTA:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock006.jpg

Eagle-Eye Zoa's:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock026.jpg

Orange Linckia:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewLivestock028.jpg

For those of you who take a lot of photos, does this last section still need some adjustments to white balance (no photoshopping on these).

Thanks,

Lee

hobogato

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 10:34 PM

great as always lee - you are really getting the hang of that camera :wink_smile:

lhoy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 10:39 PM

Thanks man!!!

Wish I could have made your sale!!!

Lee

cpreefguy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 11:15 PM

That RBTA is beautiful Lee! Does it look like it is going to split soon? :innocent2:

lhoy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 11:20 PM

It did just a few days ago. I will let it go a couple of weeks before offering it for "acquisition." The split is much smaller, but just as beautiful but hiding in rocks so I want to give it a while before passing along to someone else.

Want me to PM you when it is ready?

Lee

cpreefguy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 11:44 PM

A RBTA clone is one of the first things on my list for when my new tank is up, but it may be a while, so.... I might have to wait until yours splits again :D

lhoy

Sat, 19th Jan 2008, 11:47 PM

No rush to get rid of it.

Lee

copperband

Sun, 20th Jan 2008, 12:01 AM

Thats a nice lookin anemone

lhoy

Mon, 28th Jan 2008, 11:24 PM

How about the growth on the Green Slimer in just over a month!! Is this about right?

12-20-2007
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/LatestUpdate012.jpg

1-27-2008
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/growthsequence048.jpg

MissT

Mon, 28th Jan 2008, 11:27 PM

It looks happy, and BTW, really nice pictures!

cpreefguy

Mon, 28th Jan 2008, 11:30 PM

Excellent growth for 5 weeks!

lhoy

Tue, 29th Jan 2008, 10:00 PM

Ok, check out this deal, Salty Supply has the new AquaC RX-1 Calcium Reactor at a low price of $409.99. Then I saw on RC that for only one more day they had a coupon code for another 6% off!! I ordered a 10lb CO2 tank and 2 containers of ARM!!

Now, will be watching for a regulator and will be good to go!!

Lee

lhoy

Fri, 1st Feb 2008, 08:41 PM

Yellow Tang harassing him so he is a little pale, but thought I would post pics:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals020.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals022.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals023.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals025.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals026.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals031.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals058.jpg

You can see a spot on the side where the Yellow Tang got him with his caudal spine.

engwife36

Fri, 1st Feb 2008, 09:05 PM

Nice!!!

lhoy

Fri, 1st Feb 2008, 09:29 PM

Red Milli:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals024.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals061.jpg

Got several small frags of ORA German Green with Blue Polyps (was a neat yellowish in his tank). I put them in four different locations to see what colors I end up with. Here are two of the locations:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals040.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals057.jpg

My GARF Purple Bonsai (Going to be fun watching this thing color up!!)!!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals055.jpg

Pink Sarmentosa:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals063.jpg

Thanks John

Lee

lhoy

Fri, 1st Feb 2008, 09:37 PM

Got this for free with my Harlequin Serpent Star order (not bad at all for a freebie):
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals005.jpg

X-Men Paly's from Garrett:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals004.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals032.jpg

Got this at Horizon the other day (what is it called - is it a Milli?)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals009.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals054.jpg

My Warp-Speed Monti from Garrett:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals007.jpg

Eagle Eyes:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals034.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals033.jpg

Some of these have a cool red center:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals003.jpg

Blue Xenia from Garrett:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/NewFishandCorals044.jpg

Vlamingii:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/Newpics065.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/Newpics064.jpg

Porcelin Crab:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/Newpics037.jpg

Almost a great shot of my Pinktail Triggerfish:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/Newpics063.jpg

hobogato

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 12:22 AM

looking great lee!

cpreefguy

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 01:25 AM

Gorgeous new fish!
I have found that my German blue polyp really likes high light and high to med flow

apedroza

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 01:26 AM

Awesome pics!!!!! keep em comin'

cpreefguy

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 01:44 AM

I didnt even see that pinktail! Great collection of fish Lee! Im with Anthony on this one, more pics!!!

lhoy

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 01:53 AM

5" Pinktail Triggerfish
4" Leopard Wrasse
4.5" Radiant Wrasse
5" Yellow Tang
3" Vlamingii Tang
5.5" Dussumer's Tang
1.5" True Percula Clownfish
1.5" Hi-Fin Goby
3.5" Aurora Goby Pair

Hope to add:
Genicanthus Pair
Tailspot Blenny
Either another True Percula or a different clownfish pair

lhoy

Sat, 2nd Feb 2008, 02:02 AM

Coral-banded Shrimp
(3) Peppermint Shrimp

Porcelin Crab
(3) Mithrax Crabs (Green)
Marshall Islands Blue-Knuckle Hermit Crab
(4) Scarlet Hermit Crabs
Hawaiian Halloween Hermit Crab
(3) Large Blue-legged Hermit Crabs

Black (Holothuria) Sea Cucumber

Orange Linckia
(2) Harlequin Serpent Stars

(2) RBTA's
Green Carpet Anemone (Haddoni)

(3) Large Turbo Snails
(5) Large Astrea Snails
(4) Large Nassarius Snails
(2) Large Cerith Snails
Tongan Conch

Blue Finger Sponge

lhoy

Sat, 1st Mar 2008, 07:58 PM

Well, Brad has been holding a beautiful Green Bubbletip anemone for me that I am dying to get. So, yesterday was my day off and thought I would be able to get that way. But first I wanted to do a water change and finish setting up my calcium reactor.

On Wednesday, Brian came over and got a huge start. Tested water, setup the media in the reactor and made all connections except one. I hadn't checked the output diameter of the regulator (Harris Regulator) with the needle valve. So, we weren't able to set everything up.

On Friday morning, I headed out with a friend to a homebrew shop so he could get a new recipe and then we would stop by Airgas to pick up the part. The homebrew shop actually had some useful connections, PH calibration solutions, etc. I picked up a valve and some other goodies. We swung by Aquatek to see what they had available. Some good stuff but nothing I couldn't live without.

We then went to Airgas but they didn't have the part. So, we ended up finding what we needed at the good ole' Home Depot.

I put everything in place and decided to start getting the reactor flowing. This was late Friday afternoon.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/002.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/003.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/004.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/006.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/008.jpg

So it looks good, but after hours of sucking saltwater, I grew frustrated and opted to just do the water change. By this time, it was after 9:00 pm when I started the water change. I vowed to wake up the next morning and get the reactor going.

So this morning, I spent hours again fiddling with it, taking it apart, and cleaning out water storage tanks in the garage.

I finally decided to dissassemble the pump and see if there was something wrong with it that would keep a siphon from developing.

I then saw this and at least felt better that I hadn't been doing something wrong the whole time!

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/AquaCRX-1001.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/AquaCRX-1002.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b68/lhoy/AquaCRX-1003.jpg

I guess I will see how quickly AquaC's customer service rep reply's and hopefully sends me a new pump ASAP!

With the kind of growth I am getting on my SPS I will need it soon!

Lee