Z's All New 28g JBJ HQI Adventure

[zcatzmeow]

My OCD requires that I start a new thread since I have a new tank up and running :bigsmile: For those playing along at home, my 29g BioCube went to boyfriend frj_wertheimber. I decided to make the change because I ended up collecting quite a few SPS corals and was disappointed by their slow change in color to a uniform brown/purple.

So here's the details on the new set-up:
- 28g JBJ HQI
- Nanotuners actinic upgrade
- Using included JBJ skimmer
- Filter media pack removed
- No heater right now, we'll see what happens when winter rolls around
- 1 Koralia nano
- Both return pumps upgraded to Maxi-Jet 1200s
- HOB CPR Aquafuge (not an easy fit, but it's on there)
- 1/10hp JBJ Artica Chiller
- Approx 30 lbs of LR transferred from BC set-up
- Digital Aquatics ReefKeeper 2 (yay for gadgets!)


Livestock (transferred from previous set-up):
- 1 Tailspot Blenny (zomg I love this guy, so cute!)
- 2 young Ocellaris Clowns
- 1 Male Mandarin Dragonet ("Beemer", King of the Tank, eats anything and everything)
- 2 Emerald Crabs
- 1 Strawberry Crab
- 1 Dwarf yellow cucumber
- Mix of cleaners...blue leg, red leg, white leg hermits, turbo snails, nassarius snails, turbo snails, bumblebee snails

New Livestock
- 1 small female Mandarin Dragonet (she is not in the same good health as the male was when he was purchased; hoping to get her on track)
- 1 anemone crab (omg! way cool little dude! the clowns ignore the bubble tip so I'm so happy to have a crab sitting in it, heehee)

Fuge:
- Sea Lettuce
- 2 types of Chaeto
- Red something
- Nassarius snails and ceriths
- Ginormous pod population, extremely diverse, frequently restocked from my separate pod culture tank

Corals:
(No way I will be able to remember all that is in there)
- 2 color types of pulsing xenia
- Blue Cespitularia
- Pink/Green hammer coral
- Various colors of ricordea (my new passion...want more!....must have all colors!!! lol)
- 1 Yuma (still learning difference between yuma & ricordea)
- 1 Pink Carnation
- 1 sm green bubble tip anemone (has just started moving across the tank as I type this....eeeep!!!)
- At least 5 color variations of zoanthids (always looking for blue and always looking for rare stuff!)
- 1 frag Prism Favia (gorgeous, my fav)
- 1 frag Oregon tort
- 1 frag California tort
- 1 frag Green Slimer
- Large frag of green Warp Speed
- 1 frag of Millepora something
- 1 frag of Micromussa something
- Couple of interesting palythoas I can't remember name of
- 1 + new baby Dendrophyllia (another fav)
- Montipora digitata
- 1 frag Pink digitata
- Kryptonite Candy Cane

(I'll have to work on getting a complete list and more accurate names)

Pictures of the new set-up on the way! I am happy to report that the new lighting has made a dramatic effect even in these short couple of weeks on the coral coloration. So, yay!

[joelb]

wow! i want to see some pictures when its complete. good luck

[zcatzmeow]

Okay, pictures as promised. I'll be putting them up somewhat sporadically because for some reason Picasa just will not make the links compatible.

http://lh5.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SAz0MXEPkoI/AAAAAAAABK4/t8PZXhjb0fU/s800/DSC00724.JPG

Disclaimers: My photography needs improvement & my camera has a tendency to focus on what it wants, rather than what I want :blushing:

Notes from this pic:
- I'm still working on the micro-bubble / haziness in the water. Not sure if this is a halide lighting thing or what because I haven't dealt with this before.
- I'm experimenting with location for the blue sea fan that is attached with the magnet disk at the front. It's still in the condition is was as the LFS, basically not happy. Any blue sea fan advice is appreciated.


http://lh6.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SAz0OnEPkpI/AAAAAAAABLA/Aqq7KCPc3Ig/s800/DSC00725.JPG



http://lh5.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SAz0QXEPkqI/AAAAAAAABLI/iGKB2XUdMdQ/s800/DSC00730.JPG


- Here you can see the BTA's location before he went exploring. Note his anemone crab friend. Of course after I finished download of pics the anemone opened up, lol


http://lh6.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SAz0RnEPkrI/AAAAAAAABLQ/xpvsDUbcvY4/s800/DSC00731.JPG


- Closer view. And there is my little tailspot blenny in one of his favorites caves. (love that blenny!)


http://lh6.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SAz0bnEPkwI/AAAAAAAABL4/tStJcwIQQXs/s800/DSC00736.JPG


More later!

[fjr_wertheimber]

Unfortunately, those pics really don't do that tank justice... 'tis really really nice, especially for such a "young" tank...

[DBlackman]

Here is a link that provides 'some' information on the Blue Sea Fan: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+601+609&pcatid=609


"The Sea Stalk Briareum is also referred to as the Corky Sea Fingers, Deadman's Fingers, Moss Coral, Encrusting Gorgonian, or simply Briareum. It has long, grass-like polyps which are normally extended continuously, retracted only when disturbed. Briareum asbestinum can have multiple forms including encrusting, flat or knobby crusts, or upright branches as pictured above. The polyps will vary in many color variations, size, and shape.

Briareum is fast growing and care should be taken in placing the Sea Stalk Briareum within the aquarium, allowing ample room for expansion and any interference from other neighboring corals. It is moderately easy to maintain and propagate when encrusted to substrate rubble. It requires medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will require the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Some species of Briareum are toxic.

It is highly photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which it receives most of its nutrients, but may also capture some particulate matter."

[zcatzmeow]

Here is a link that provides 'some' information on the Blue Sea Fan: http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=597+601+609&pcatid=609


"The Sea Stalk Briareum is also referred to as the Corky Sea Fingers, Deadman's Fingers, Moss Coral, Encrusting Gorgonian, or simply Briareum. It has long, grass-like polyps which are normally extended continuously, retracted only when disturbed. Briareum asbestinum can have multiple forms including encrusting, flat or knobby crusts, or upright branches as pictured above. The polyps will vary in many color variations, size, and shape.

Briareum is fast growing and care should be taken in placing the Sea Stalk Briareum within the aquarium, allowing ample room for expansion and any interference from other neighboring corals. It is moderately easy to maintain and propagate when encrusted to substrate rubble. It requires medium to high lighting combined with medium to strong water movement. For continued good health, it will require the addition of iodine, calcium, strontium, and other trace elements to the water. Some species of Briareum are toxic.

It is highly photosynthetic, containing the symbiotic algae zooxanthellae from which it receives most of its nutrients, but may also capture some particulate matter."

Awesome info, thank you! :) However I believe my blue sea fan is a different more, tempermental variety.
Notes: The Bali Blue Sea Fan grows in beautiful tree-like formations like underwater bonsai. Its branches are rusty colored and covered with beautiful blue polyps.
Underwater epoxy is useful in attaching the sea fan securely in your reef aquarium. Place it in an upright position in the bottom two-thirds of the aquarium. Although it does not require bright lighting it can be kept under bright lights providing algae does not begin to grow on it. Placing it so moderate to high currents will be able to supply it with necessary nutrients and trace elements will also help deter algae from growing on it.
Since this sea fan is not photosynthetic, it relies on additions of trace elements, marine snow, phytoplankton, and food for filter feeders to maintain proper health.

The scientific name Acalycigorgia sp. Here's a pic of the real deal:

http://z.about.com/d/saltaquarium/1/0/s/T/Blue%20gorgonian%20Pasnik_400.JPG

So far mine is a sad little skeleton with some ployps hanging in there.

[DBlackman]

Wow... okay, where did you get it??? Was it at 'Deep Blue'??

[zcatzmeow]

Wow... okay, where did you get it??? Was it at 'Deep Blue'??


Nope. Guess again.

:lauging: Just kidding.

It came from River City. They had two and I bought the smaller of the two. Both specimens looked to be in need of TLC. I'm hoping I can figure out just exactly what kind of TLC :confused:

Now I've got it placed at the bottom of the tank, moderate light area with good flow. I feed Marine Snow everyday. So far it doesn't look any better....but it doesn't look any worse either :bigsmile:

[tony]

gorgeous setup!

[DBlackman]

OOOHHHH.... I remember seeing them at RCA, now. LOL

I called Deep Blue this evening and plan to check out their reds, blues, purples, and yellows tomorrow. I really like the Yellow Gold Fingers.

It's amazing how they make to tank look and surprised not many people have them in their tanks. It is only you and I that I have seen post them, so far.

[zcatzmeow]

OOOHHHH.... I remember seeing them at RCA, now. LOL

I called Deep Blue this evening and plan to check out their reds, blues, purples, and yellows tomorrow. I really like the Yellow Gold Fingers.

It's amazing how they make to tank look and surprised not many people have them in their tanks. It is only you and I that I have seen post them, so far.

I love the yellow gorgonians in the tank. They perfectly seal up the "reef picture". My yellows I picked up in Dallas and they seem to be doing really well. Polyps open every night, bright color, ect. One of my favorites by far :)

[DBlackman]

zcatzmeow, got these yesterday.

'Thorn' variant:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1046_2.jpg


Gold Finger - Sorry, very bad picture:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1068.jpg


Red Sea Fan - Very bad condition, had to 'frag' into several pieces and placed in different spots:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1063.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1057.jpg

[zcatzmeow]

Ooh! ooh! ooh! *jumps about* The gold finger is the gorgonian I have. Really lovely stuff. When it is happy and feeding it is covered in big white fluffy polyps :D I like that red too. I just may have to get some of that one day :D

[addboy]

Nice tank...very different with the gorgonia....I gave up on that stuff a while back.....I had the yellow with red spots and white polyps. I used it to determine my water changes...they like heavy nutrients,..but they don't like dirty water....it was crazy...never seemed to grow either.

[DBlackman]

Ooh! ooh! ooh! *jumps about* The gold finger is the gorgonian I have. Really lovely stuff. When it is happy and feeding it is covered in big white fluffy polyps :D I like that red too. I just may have to get some of that one day :D


I have one or two pieces of the 'Red', if you want it.... LMK

[zcatzmeow]

Nice tank...very different with the gorgonia....I gave up on that stuff a while back.....I had the yellow with red spots and white polyps. I used it to determine my water changes...they like heavy nutrients,..but they don't like dirty water....it was crazy...never seemed to grow either.

Thanks for the tank compliment! :)

It wouldn't surprise me if my water had heavy nutrients because I dose so many different things. They've definitely gone through happy and mad phases :)

[zcatzmeow]

I have one or two pieces of the 'Red', if you want it.... LMK

That would be awesome! I'd love a little piece of the red :bigsmile:

I could trade you for frag/piece of my very mad :angry:blueberry gorgonian. Maybe it might like your tank :thumbs_up:

LMK

[DBlackman]

That would be awesome! I'd love a little piece of the red :bigsmile:

I could trade you for frag/piece of my very mad :angry:blueberry gorgonian. Maybe it might like your tank :thumbs_up:

LMK

Having a piece of your 'Blueberry' Gorg in trade for a piece of my 'Red' Gorg. :thumbs_up:

We can meet a RCA on Saturday, if you like and/give me a call... PM sent.

[DBlackman]

Hey A.J. and Cory,

Thanks for the trade!

Let's continue to post pictures of these variants, to see how they develop.

My Flame Hawk is always in my business. Here is a few shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1362.jpg


Other shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1363.jpg

[zcatzmeow]

Hey A.J. and Cory,

Thanks for the trade!

Let's continue to post pictures of these variants, to see how they develop.

My Flame Hawk is always in my business. Here is a few shots:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1362.jpg


Other shot:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v109/yazadx/IMG_1363.jpg

Great idea! I'm going to take some pics tomorrow. Given the difficulty of this species I suppose I have big news to report! I have ONE blue polyp open :applause: It is roughly the size of a large grain of sand :bigsmile: Just imagine a spec of sand on the very end of your smallest branch...that's it!

I really thought the whole fan was going downhill. Many of the branches were looking lighter and lighter and this polyp did not show up on what I would consider a "healthy" branch, so maybe there is hope. If a polyp shows up on a different branch, I'll give ya the branch :)

[zcatzmeow]

Time for a tank update because I cannot think of anything else to do, lol. This Friday night is a perfect example of why I need to downsize my tanks. Why? Well, it is Friday night. I got the babies off to bed and since then I've been playing with my tanks. :nerd:

- Observed copepod culture tank..with magnifying glass...fed phyto.

- Stared and fretted a bit at the 140g. Offers are coming in slow for the tank and the one sale that was good to go has now been pushed back. My pair of discus decided now would be a lovely time to spawn again :rolleyes:. I purposefully held off on water changes to discourage them but no luck. So now I have a tank that really needs a water change but there's not much I can do. *sigh*

- Performed partial water change on the 29g JBJ. I've had a sudden outbreak of cyano and diatoms and I can't figure out what is going on. Ammonia is 0, Nitrates/Nitrites are 0, Phosphate is 0. Will take water in to be test by LFS tomorrow. Suctioned out as much cyano as possible, then created a "storm" for about a half hour (turkey baster to rock to really stir things up), and added mechanical media to clean up after the storm.

- Stared an fretted at the HOB refuge. Several days ago I accidentally nuked it. I was doing a flatworm treatment (which I've done before) but I guess I added to many drops. Next morning I woke up to a layer of dead amphipods and a big mess :what_smile: I then did a big clean up of the fuge to get rid of as much dead pods as possible and since then I've been waiting for the population to grow again. Very disappointing. But a word of caution to other pod cultivators...make sure the macro algae you add to pod area is free of flatworms. Do a dip if necessary. There is one species of flatworm that specifically eats pods. I've watched them eat the pods and I watch the pods run from them. To date, I have not been able to get rid of flatworms entirely.

- Performed simulated rainy season water change on the 29g zebra pleco tank to try to stimulate spawning. I've been dropping the temp slowly over the last 24 hrs, turning down flow, hiding their tank from view a little bit. So tonight, close to 50% water change with cooler water, trying to get down to upper 70s, turned back on all air stones and Koralia with high flow, all lights are off. For kicks, I even through in some simulated lightening to try and make a more realistic cold rain storm. Tomorrow I will start raising the temp back up to the upper 80s and see what happens!

(Wow, this sounds like a blog. So sorry, just bored)

Items in tank of interest (because I like to collect unusual or difficult to keep species) :

- Blueberry Gorgonian (trying to revive it)

- Dendrophylia - it's doing great, stays nice and open all day, has started a new polyp, and loves to eat mysis, even the baby polyp tries to shove them in, lol

- Blue Cespitularia - doing great and has doubled it's colony since I've had it

- Pink Carnation - finally have it in a happy spot, shady area & hanging upside down, really pretty pink coral that expands and deflates tremendously

- Yuma - finally has attached to the darn rock and is growing

- Assorted ricordeas - these creatures have it out for me, they are difficult to get attached to rubble and seem very picky about placement, they just detach and leave :at_wits_end:, several have been placed in jar with rubble to ensure attachement

- Green Bubble Tip Anemone - it's happy! yay! It made it's move around the rock and ended up in a pretty cool spot, sort of center in the tank, it now has it's very own friend, an anemone crab that is the coolest thing ever

- Duncans - ginormous, I think I need to stop target feeding them for a bit

- Mandarin (Beemer) - eating all the time

- Mandarin (Beemette) - too much of an impulse purchase and I did not ensure she was eating before purchase, I don't have high hopes for her but I'm trying


Wish List

- Sun coral - I have a perfect shady cave area
- Ricordea - pinks or yellows
- Yuma - multi-color


And that's it because I've run out of room!

[Hamp]

I would be glad to trade that ric for a frag of oregon tort, and frag of the prism favia when/if you frag them out. I am in no hurry to get rid of it, so check with me when the time comes.

[zcatzmeow]

Yep, it's update time :) There have been a few changes since my last update.

- Beamette was rehomed to a large established tank.
- Small tank remodel was completed to get more flat surface area to take advantage of the 150w 20k. Oh my, that was a sight to see. I'm glad my tank is still alive, lol. But I made the rocks fit and that's what was important, heehehee
- I've continued to slowly collect more zoas and palys and a few sps frags.
- My love of ricordea has resulted in a designated ricorea rock. Zoas and palys have to go across the way.
- Added gorgeous fish! I looooves him! He is a Fiji Yellow Sailfin blenny. And he's bright, bright yellow, good little algae eater and gets along fine with my tailspot blenny.
- And one other new addition.... a pipefish. He's very cool looking and he chows down on frozen cyclopeeze.
- The cats attacked and destroyed my pod culture tank :cry_smile: Those little F'ers sent it crashing down to the tile floor only to be discovered the next morning.
- I'm loving my clams and find them fascinating creatures.

And finally, new pictures! Blenny will give you a little preview :)
http://lh6.ggpht.com/zcatzmeow/SErV96ug20I/AAAAAAAABzQ/QPUY0pIog2A/s400/DSC01009.JPG

If blenny has you curious and you'd like to see more go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/zcatzmeow/SaltwaterNano28gJBJHQI

Start at about the 4th row to see the very recent pics. And sorry, my camera focuses on whatever it wants to. We do not get along well at all, so please excuse the quality of the pics. And to do something new, I tried to label some of my corals & the vendors they came from :)

[addboy]

UNBELIEVABLE.......I was just thinking about getting a Tail-spot Blenny.....Tank looks awesome.

[dustint21]

Very Nice:bigsmile:!!!!

[Aquapod24]

Any updates? Let's see some pics. :thumbs_up: