The Mangrove Lagoon

[cpreefguy]

Here is the latest. It is in the preliminary stage, I have some stuff on order :D

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9330.jpg

Coming soon:
Japanese "Water Bridge" to mount the Spotlight
Vortech MP20

[justahobby]

That's a very prestigous mangrove habitat :applause:. Are they submerged too much or is that what they need?

[RayAllen]

Very cool Sean, Ive had brakish water aquariums in the past and loved them. I kept magroves then. What are you keeping your salt levels at?

[LoneStar]

Pretty cool. Different for sure. I'll be watching to see this mature.

[cpreefguy]

Thanks for the comments, salt level is still at 1.025.

Everything is just kind of "in there" right now, Ill be rearranging this week.

[cpreefguy]

I went ahead and ordered a few items from a Japanese website, in Japanese :hypnotyized:

It took me almost an hour to translate everything in the 5 step process, so I hope it went through!

Here is what I got:
The "Water Bridge"

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/img10272930980.jpg

And this nifty little thing for my spotlight:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/img10272034297.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/main.jpg

[cpreefguy]

I also traded my Vortech MP40w for A.J.'s MP20w and hooked that up today.
That thing is sweet! :D

[Texreefer]

OK. I'll bite... whats a water bridge?

[cpreefguy]

Two posts above :D

Its basically a light rack, but sounds cooler

[olaggie01]

Nice spotlight Sean. Did you order that from Japan as well? I would love to use some spots along with solartubes.

[fjr_wertheimber]

I knew you'd love that MP20, it's the perfect size for that cube... What mode are you using it in?

[cpreefguy]

Nice spotlight Sean. Did you order that from Japan as well? I would love to use some spots along with solartubes.
I purchased it from Mr. Koji Wada at MACNA, here is a thread about it :)
http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=45778

@ A.J.
I played with short pulse a bit, but it is on reef crest mode right now. It is nice to be able to dial in the flow, unlike with the modded 6025 splashing water out of the tank!

[Texreefer]

Love the mangrove tank Sean.. I am getting ready to put mangroves back in since i am up and running and you have inspired me to do something a little different. I built an acrylic box that sits inside my fuge and is filled with sand,( kinda like the fosters and smith display at MACNA) and I will have 6-8 mangroves growing out of it. I will put pics on my thread so I don't mess up your thread .
PS. the spot light makes me think of the movie "flight of the navigator"

[fjr_wertheimber]

You know, considering it's a mangrove tank, wouldn't lagoon be a more correct setting? After all, it does everything reef crest does, it just takes longer to do it...

[RayAllen]

PS. the spot light makes me think of the movie "flight of the navigator"

You are right Mike, LOL

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/FOTN.jpg

[cpreefguy]

sounds cool Mike, I look forward to some pics.

AJ, I'll try it out :)

[fjr_wertheimber]

PS. the spot light makes me think of the movie "flight of the navigator"

Wow, talk about an old school reference... LOL

[cpreefguy]

AJ, you inspired a name change, see the title :)

[cpreefguy]

Also, I like to extend a "good looking out" to Drew. I went to Polly's Pets today and bought the mangroves. I got the last four, they are tall, green, and handsome :D

[subsailor]

sweet glad they went to somebody!!

[apedroza]

You are right Mike, LOL

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b108/frogguy1/FOTN.jpg


Close!!! Here's Sean's take on the movie!!

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o43/apedroza/DSC_9149Medium.jpg

[cpreefguy]

^^^ Haha I didn't know you took that pic :D

[cpreefguy]

Just a bit of inspiration. Picture from Koji Wada's blog, it is in the lobby of Two Little Fishies
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/Atlanta6297_R.jpg

[fjr_wertheimber]

So, any progress on the nano-lagoon?

[cpreefguy]

A bit.
I picked up four beautiful mangroves from Polly's Pets, and I brought some LR from home to aquascape with the mangroves. I plan to drill holes in the LR and use a stake to attach the mangroves to so they are stable and I can get some nice root structure. I went to lowes to get some plant stakes, only to find out they are aluminum coated in plastic! I am going to go back today, maybe I'll find some acrylic rod or something to use.
I also have a *few* ricordea coming tomorrow :D
Ill post some pics tomorow evening.

[LoneStar]

Give Regal or Allied a call and see if they have any acrylic rod in stock. Its pretty easy and cheap to find online as well.

Where did you get the ricordea from?

[FossilReef]

So are you using black mangroves or red mangroves? I can't see the leaves close enough in the pic to tell.

[MKCindy]

A very good read on mangrove. Time to turn my skimmer off for good. Also, be sure to watch magnesium levels.

http://toptropicals.com/html/aqua/plants/mangrove/mangrove_eng.htm

See interesting research project link at the bottom of the page.

[cpreefguy]

@ Michael
I got the rics from ebay. Ill try lowes, if not Ill check regal or allied, thanks.

@ Fossilreef
They are Red Mangroves.

@ MKCindy
Thanks for the link, it is a good read!

[LoneStar]

Check out Tropicorium too. They have a great selection of rics....
http://www.tropicorium.com/

[cpreefguy]

Quick update.
There are now 50 Ricordea in the lagoon. So far, so good. They are in little containers right now, so they aren't blown into a crack by the Vortech.
Im going to let them acclimate for a few days before mounting them to pieces of live rock.
I'll try to get a few pics today or tomorrow

[subsailor]

I looked and looked for that thread I told you about, but I couldnt find it. 50 is a lot of rics!

[cpreefguy]

I took a few pics.
I am experimenting with the rockwork, and how to mount the mangroves right now. Im not happy with how it looks, but that's why Im experimenting :D
Here is a shot of the mangroves to give an idea of the size (the tank is 18" Tall:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9352.jpg

And here are the rics after being in the tank for about 20mins. The white balance is a bit off, but you get an idea of the colors:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9355.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9356.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9357.jpg

[cpreefguy]

I looked and looked for that thread I told you about, but I couldnt find it. 50 is a lot of rics!
I found it on ARC, it is a sweet tank! Apparently it has been torn down, and is now in the office at Kingfish

[subsailor]

ohhhhh that must be where I saw it. I knew it was somewhere.

[LoneStar]

Those rics are going to look nice in there!

[RayAllen]

NICE! Ric Heavon.

[cpreefguy]

The ricordea are much fuller and happier now. Some polyps have 3 or 4 mouths!

I also picked up a sweet tank from Euclid that will take The Mangrove Lagoon to a new level!
Thanks Cody :D

[fjr_wertheimber]

LOL So I buy your tank, Cody buys mine, and you buy Cody's... As Cody put it, it's the "circle of life" for reefers...:rofl:

[BioCube14]

do these require halides? i have PC wondering if they will be ok or not?

[cpreefguy]

LOL So I buy your tank, Cody buys mine, and you buy Cody's... As Cody put it, it's the "circle of life" for reefers...:rofl:

Yeah, I know! I was laughing about that for a bit after we talked. You'd be surprised how much that happens around here! :D

@ Biocube

These dont require halides, though they wont hurt. The large mangroves I have were grown under a home depot regular fluorescent fixture.

And here she is, the Deep Sea Aquatics Neo Nano.
I spent a few hours cleaning it up last night. I just need to make some water and it'll be up and running.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9364.jpg

[BioCube14]

wow sean that is perfect for mangroves! I was thinking about buying that tank until I had ace build one for me. Maybe I will try mangroves anyone know who sells them in san antonio?

[LoneStar]

Very nice. Seems to be a better fit to your theme!

[cpreefguy]

Thanks! I think so too.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9368.jpg

[cpreefguy]

And I'll be darned if I'm not thinking about using the Powermodule on this tank :D

[BioCube14]

do it

[cpreefguy]

I just put down about a 1/2" layer of Tropic Eden Reef Flakes. I really like this sand. It is really clean when compared to others like Caribsea (with reports of impurities like cigarette butts!) It also has an awesome texture.
I also have my rocks ready to go.
Im making the needed water right now, just need to get it plumbed and it'll be up and running!

[SoLiD]

Mangroves, Mangroves, Mangroves. :bigsmile: I was at Padre Island this afternoon and I'm already starting to see seeds. I picked up 2 little ones for my QT. If you want some FREE Black Mangrove Seed Pods (Look Like Big Lima Beans) I can bring some (dozens) to the next meeting. They grow pretty darn fast which makes them fun to have and watch. LMK

-David

http://www.seabean.com/guide/Avicennia_germinans/jpg/Avicennia_germinans-fresh.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/patholleran/ParkVision/Biscayne/Bis-77.jpg

[fjr_wertheimber]

Im making the needed water right now, just need to get it plumbed and it'll be up and running!

So where's the pics?!?? Dude, you've had HOURS and no pics?? Get off your lazy duff and show us the pics!!

[fjr_wertheimber]

If you want some FREE Black Mangrove Seed Pods (Look Like Big Lima Beans) I can bring some (dozens) to the next meeting.


I want some! I want some! I want some!!

[cpreefguy]

Yeah yeah :)

Right now I have this awesome Accounting spreadsheet project to do (free ricordea for anyone who wants to do it! :D ), so I cant work on the tank until tomorrow :(

[cpreefguy]

David, I'll take a few at the next meeting :)

[SoLiD]

I want some! I want some! I want some!!

I'll make it a point to go down to the coast and pick up as many as I can find. :thumbs_up: Did you want some too, Sean???

[cpreefguy]

See above post :)

[Euclid]

Sweet, she cleaned up nice Sean!

You end up using the sump or no? Might as well, it's there.

[FossilReef]

Hehe, I found some out on the island right after I moved down! :D

[apedroza]

I'd like some if you can spare em!!

[Euclid]

ill do your excel for some frags... lol

[cpreefguy]

Sweet, she cleaned up nice Sean!

You end up using the sump or no? Might as well, it's there.

Yeah, I decided to use it using your reasoning. Might as well!

I just finished the excel project, managerial accounting is boring!

Oh well, now that it's finished, Im going to make a list of parts needed and stop by the Lowes across the street after class tomorrow.

[Euclid]

The possibilities for that sump are endless... You could breed groves or put a MH in there and grow some coral or whatever.

AWESOME!

I'm really excited to see how it turns out.

[cpreefguy]

There are quite a few possibilities, I'm still not sure what I want to do yet. Some mangrove pods down there would be cool.

I'll be sure to post some pics tomorrow

[SoLiD]

I put 2 Black & 1 Red Mangrove Pods in my Fuge 2 years ago. I've only ever had to prune the Black Mangroves. They grow quick!

[SoLiD]

I'd like some if you can spare em!!

Sure.... I will bring a bunch (as many as I can find) to the next meeting. Y'all, just PM me. Now, with that said I will stop Hi Jacking Sean's Thread. :shades:

-David

[cpreefguy]

Only a bit of progress today. After two trips to Lowes, I got it mostly plumbed, just need to plumb my chiller in tomorrow and Im done.
Here is a pic:
http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9379.jpg

[fjr_wertheimber]

Yeah, that Lowe's plumbing department sucks... surprised they had what you needed, even after two trips... It's sad, but the tiny little Ace Hardware down the street had a better selection than that big ol' Lowe's did...

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, well I had a few helper beers in between trips so I have to make the last trip tomorrow :D

[cpreefguy]

It's alive!!!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9381.jpg

I wonder if I need to clean up?

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9382.jpg

[DrMark]

I like the neo-nanos. Almost got one a while back when I saw one up and running in front of Aquadome.
mark

[ErikH]

I like those tanks! I was just talking to Jeremy about them today. That chiller looks ice colddddddd ;)

[LoneStar]

How loud is the water tower? Are you planning on clipping your halide to the back wall or suspend it?

[cpreefguy]

the waterfall is silent, however, the drain is pretty loud so Im thinking of ways to quiet it down...

[fjr_wertheimber]

**** you and your painted chiller... I almost want a chiller just so I can get it powder coated to match my tank stand... LOL

[cpreefguy]

Cant powder coat plastic :D

[BioCube14]

tank looks great!

[LoneStar]

the waterfall is silent, however, the drain is pretty loud so Im thinking of ways to quiet it down...


Mine is a tad bit loud too. They have told me it will get quiet as the drain slimes up too. Its in my living room but when I watch tv, I can't hear it over the surround sound. Filter Floss might work but got to be carefull of a clog.

[fjr_wertheimber]

Cant powder coat plastic :D

Wanna bet?

[cpreefguy]

Wanna bet?
It can be done, but it would have to be a specially formulated high temperature resistant plastic that can withstand being baked at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, and with a grounded conductive surface behind the plastic so it would hold an electrostatic charge.

[LoneStar]

It can be done, but it would have to be a specially formulated high temperature resistant plastic that can withstand being baked at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, and with a grounded conductive surface behind the plastic so it would hold an electrostatic charge.


Yup. Otherwise you get a melted pile of **** :wink_smile:

[subsailor]

Yup. Otherwise you get a melted pile of **** :wink_smile:

lol

[SoLiD]

Here's some black mangrove seed pods for you and our fellow MAAST Friends. At over a hundred seed pods there will be plenty to go around. :thumbs_up:

Black Mangrove Seed Pods
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/dd285/SoLiDST33L/BlackMangroveSeedPods.jpg

[fjr_wertheimber]

OOhh!! Oohh! Ooh!! I want one! I want one!

[MKCindy]

They look totally different from Red Mangrove seeds.

[SoLiD]

They look totally different from Red Mangrove seeds.

They start off much smaller, but they sure make up for it by growing about 5 times faster. Also, by starting off with seed pods instead of immature trees; I've had better luck getting them to successfully acclimate.

I can't wait to see what your tank is gonna look like in 6 months, Sean. :)

-David

[cpreefguy]

Thanks for the comments David, I can't wait to try out a different type of Mangrove :)

Here is the tank as of today, Im testing a few mangroves in the system, and hope to have the lights up by next week.

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9411.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Also, for size reference, the tank is 13" tall and the black back wall 24" :D

[Euclid]

Looks great Sean!

[cpreefguy]

Thanks Cody :D

I hope to get my new return plumbed in today, and the Powermodule hung and the ricordea/the rest of the mangroves transferred over by next week.

[BioCube14]

did you stick the mangrove inside the rock?

[happityLogan]

sweet setup :)

[subsailor]

is the spotlight you have a g12 hid socket light?

[cpreefguy]

did you stick the mangrove inside the rock?
Yeah, that rocks are man-made and have a hole in the top with an open cavity so the roots fit in there perfectly. Kinda lucked out on that one since I bought these rocks a few years ago and have just been holding on to them.

@ happityLogan

Thanks :)

@ subsailor

It is an e26

[BioCube14]

aragocrete rock right? I saw the article on that stuff it is really cool

[subsailor]

Yeah, that rocks are man-made and have a hole in the top with an open cavity so the roots fit in there perfectly. Kinda lucked out on that one since I bought these rocks a few years ago and have just been holding on to them.

@ happityLogan

Thanks :)

@ subsailor

It is an e26

No not that one the spotlight you bought at macna.

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, it is aragacrete

@ subsailor, that's the one, here is a link:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www18.ocn.ne.jp/~seaagora/page028.html&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=10&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3DMSC-150W/BLW%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DG

[subsailor]

oh ok.... I was reading stuff and ran accross a couple thing related, Very interesting stuff.

http://www.reefbuilders.com/2008/10/31/aquaticlife-brings-new-metal-halide-standard-to-us-reefers/

http://glassbox-design.com/2008/japanese-metal-halide-spotlights/

http://glassbox-design.com/2008/japanese-metal-halide-with-internal-ballast/

[cpreefguy]

Well, looks like this tank will be spotlight less.
I just hung the 6x24w ATI Powermodule! :D
I used a couple of double track rails used for garage storage. I bolted them to the back of the stand and used 18" shelf brackets to act as mounting points for the light.
I need to add a brace in the back for rigidity, Ill do that tomorrow.
A few pics:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9416.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9415.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9421.jpg

And a little TEC-O-boo!

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9412.jpg

[LoneStar]

Looking good. What are you doing to do with that spotlight now since you are not using it?

[RayAllen]

Looking good. What are you doing to do with that spotlight now since you are not using it?

Im curious about that to, thought it was a major part of the japanese build. Tank looks friggin sweet none the less.

[cpreefguy]

The spotlight was going to be a major part when I was going to do SPS. Since this tank will be mostly covered in ricordea, I figured the Powermodule was a better option.
The spotlight will be up for sale soon...

[BioCube14]

too bad you did not use the spotlight that would have looked really cool. You cant go wrong with the ATI though nice setup!

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, I really wanted to integrate the spotlight into my new set-up, but it is bleaching the ricordea that are under it now. I don't really want to sell it, but that is just $350 siting there lol

[BioCube14]

i would hold on to something that hard to find JAPAN! ..i dont think you can get it anywhere in the US not sure if thats a good thing or bad

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, Ill have to think about it.
There is a company that will ship bulbs to the US so that is cool

[stoneroller]

When are the cardinals coming in?

[cpreefguy]

When are the cardinals coming in?
Not sure yet :D

[cpreefguy]

A few new developments...
I visited Aquarium Designs today and picked up some Reef Nutrition roti feast for the ricordea. I am also so so so tempted to go pick up a sweet little fish tomorrow.
I also got a great deal on a Deltec FR509 fluidized reactor from Cliff at the meeting today and will be hooking that up tomorrow to run some carbon.

Pics to follow...

[cpreefguy]

Here are a few updated pics. I installed two braces between the rails and my light is now straight

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9451.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9452.jpg

[semperfimarine1]

absolute gorgeous

[cpreefguy]

absolute gorgeous

Well, thanks! I think it looks ok right now. How about some fuzzy pics? Will get some better ones this weekend. :D

A few rics :)

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9450.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9447.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9446.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9448.jpg

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c66/wantedwrx/DSCN9453.jpg

[subsailor]

wow! that is looking sweet!

[cpreefguy]

wow! that is looking sweet!
Thanks man!
My camera was 1 second away from running out of battery so I didn't mess with the white balance or macro mode. I need to get some better pics.
I hope to get my top-off container figured out and the Deltec reactor w/ carbon running in the next few days too.

[rpc]

Wow, I've never seen someone do a 'mat of rics' before. That is an awesome looking setup. Never thought a couple of stalks and some mushrooms could look so good.

Richard

[stoneroller]

Pretty cool. How about a ric-rug?

[happityLogan]

and now your selling it.

[cpreefguy]

Sadly, yes.

[LoneStar]

bummer.....

[RayAllen]

You remind me of someone I know, Me, lol.

A while back I went about 2-3 months without a tank and it was nice not to have to submerse my arm in water or buy anything for a tank.

Im in my mid 20's and I think its harder for us (the younger peeps) to keep a tank going. I say this becasue we want to do things. My wife and I plan on going on lots of trips to Europe, South America etc... and you just cant to do that with a tank you have to worry about it. And you know as well as I that while away know one will care for your tank as much as you do. There are obviously other reasons not to have a aquarium at certain times, but traveling is the one that sticks me the most.

Have fun while you are out and we will see you again.

[Mr Cob]

Man, the ric garden is awesome!

[Mr Cob]

Oops, I mean... was awesome!!!

[rz1a]

nice setup you got there!! looks nice

[happityLogan]

you have any of those rics still available?

[cpreefguy]

you have any of those rics still available?
Kind of, PM me if interested.

[longhorn_20m]

Hey Sean,

Where did you get this sand? Tropic Eden Reef Flakes, somewhere local?

I'm having problems with my Caribsea sand blowing everywhere and getting moved around. I was thinking of adding a 1/4" layer of something a bit larger in particle size to help keep movement and dust storms down.

How did this work with your Vortech / Modded Tunze?

[cpreefguy]

I ordered it from Premium Aquatics
Hands down the best sand I've ever used. A lot cleaner than others, and no problems with pumps blowing it around

[chrismunn]

well i must have missed a sale going on in another thread because by the looks of it ide guess that you sold the system??? i was really looking forwards to seeing what the offspring of 50 rics looks like growing on the roots of a bunch of mangroves! why did you decide to sell it?

[cpreefguy]

Yeah, actually just sold the tank a few minutes ago.

At one point, I had 200+ rics in there. I was hoping for 100% ricordea coverage :D

I sold it because it was too large for the space, plus some other stuff, but I hope to do something similar in the future

[chrismunn]

well thats too bad. i hope it all works out for you next time. a mature mangrove lagoon with rics up the whazoo would look pretty sweet!

and can i saw WOW! 200 rics man?!?!??! i woulda loved to have a piece of that buy off! i probably woulda bought them all! :bigsmile:

can i ask where you got all your rics from? the few that i have now i got from coralmorphologic.com for a decent price on the WYSIWYG stuff. im very happy with that company. back in california i was able to pick up some rics from a place in sacramento for 5 bucks a head! :what_smile: never again, i got lucky!

[cpreefguy]

Some guy had an ebay auction, but I have not seen him list any since...