Finnex 30 Gallon Journal (REHAB TIME: Post #499)

[cbianco]

If it were me I would look at trying a pure actinic and an actinic white (UVL)

The combo in my large fixture is
Blue +
UVL 75/25
Blue+
UVL Aquasun
UVL Pure Actinic
Blue+

My tank is very washed out, too blue. I liked the blue color at first but it gets old. All the blue is doing nothing for growth, I know if I change my combo I can get better growth.

Is your tank too blue?


There are so many different combos that it starts to become no fun picking them out

Preaching to the choir brother. Figuring out the color combo is like a chore.

Christopher

[corruption]

I like the color combo I get from one 420nm BlueLife bulb, 1 460nm BlueLife bulb, and 2 15,000 white BlueLife bulbs... picked em up from Gabe, cuz I'm too lazy to order bulbs online... The color combo is quite nice -- the blues push enough of the actinic spectrums for my tastes, and give everything that 'pop' -- but don't blue out the whites to where it has that 'frozen' look... I don't care for the extreme blue that many go for, personally.. I'm using the same combo in both a 36" fixture on my 40gal, and a 48" fixture on my 75... the 75 is still up in the air though -- I'm going to upgrade the lights in the next few months, but haven't decided if I wanna go with a T5/Halide combo, or pure T5 (6x54w) -- I'll probably try out some of the higher end bulbs at that point...

-Justin

[FireWater]

Yes, my combo is blue. That is why I am thinking and recommended going with the actinic white. The Blue+ actually give out great par readings. I am going to have to try a new combo on the 90g soon so I will do us some research. My problem is going to be trying to find a good combo for the 4 light t-5 on my Finnex.

[cbianco]

Yes, my combo is blue. That is why I am thinking and recommended going with the actinic white. The Blue+ actually give out great par readings. I am going to have to try a new combo on the 90g soon so I will do us some research. My problem is going to be trying to find a good combo for the 4 light t-5 on my Finnex.

Have you thought any on the combo that you are going to use on the 4 bulb fixture?

[FireWater]

Yes, it will definitely have 4 bulbs in it. LOL




I am still playing around with some information and recommendations. The combo Justin gave above sounds good. I would probably go with another brand of bulbs. Maybe a blue+, pure actinic, white actinic, aquasun - or aquablue, blue+, Pure actinic, aquablue. Not sure really. I will probably buy several different bulbs and play with the combos until I find what I like the most and then sell off the others and take a huge loss.

[FireWater]

Christopher, try this combo -
Front to back
ATI Blue+
UVL Actinic white
ATI Blue+
6500K
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue+



I am going to try

Blue+
Actinic White
Aquablue
Blue+

The 4 light fixture has 9 led blues in it so that will add to the blue color. How blue they are will determine if I run 2 blue+ or go w/ another aquablue.

[cbianco]

Post 51...

February 8, 2009


The tank is up and running!

Celebrating 1 year with my Finnex!

:thumbs_up:

Ace, is my tank mature enough for SPS and clams yet?

:)

Christopher

[FireWater]

Geez, you're getting ancient Chris. A year already?

Now I have to post some more stuff about mine - Thanks

[cbianco]

Geez, you're getting ancient Chris. A year already?

Now I have to post some more stuff about mine - Thanks

Yep, a year already. It seemed like just yesterday we were forgetting each other's phone number. Anyways...

I think it's time for an update. I need to take some pics so that I can compare growth of the corals especially now that I have some new ones.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Post 51...

February 8, 2009


The tank is up and running!

Going on 18 months in a few days.

What do you have to say about that John? ;)
(See post #258)
(How do you like my shovel now?)

Anyone have any good links to Acropora identification websites?
I'm trying to get all my ducks in a row with regards to my corals.

Christopher

[FireWater]

I hope your shovel rusts.


Most of your sps are John corals.

[cbianco]

I hope your shovel rusts.


Most of your sps are John corals.

I lubricate my shovel with bearing packing grease, the stuff they use on big rigs. Don't make me dig up posts from the MAAST Yahoo! Group, lololololololol. :)

I know many of my corals are, LE John corals. I wish I had kept better track of them from the beginning. Guess we have to learn the hard way sometimes. I'll figure it out eventually. Get that John guy over with some beer for bait. ;)

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Free beer bait usually works. I will get by there soon and we will see which ones I can ID for you. A while back Ace showed me a great website that had a bunch of corals and pics on it. Might see if he can remember it.

[cbianco]

New T5 bulb time WOOT WOOT... :shades:

So, after researching, looking at par values and reading reviews I think I have come with some great replacement bulbs.

Numbers next to bulbs are Grimreefer's par measurements which can be found here: http://sites.google.com/site/tfivetesting/par . As well more T5 information can be found here: http://home.comcast.net/~stevelarsen00/site/?/home/

My CURRENT combo is:

Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
KZ Fiji Purple 330
ATI Aquablue 336
ATI Blue Plus 311
ATI Blue Plus 311
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 318.33)

Here is the possible FUTURE combo:

Front
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome Aquapink 300, 330 (estimated low, estimated high)
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Rear

(Par average: low 292.16, high 297.16)

I am trading brands out. I have with ATI for over a year and I decided it is time to spread the love around and see what other companies have to offer.

The par difference doesn't seem to be huge. The Actnic Bulb is pulling down the numbers a bit on the new bulb combo but for what I expect it to do, it is worth it. As well, I couldn't find an exact par number for the Giesemann Powerchrome Aquapink but based off the KZ Fiji Purple, I feel I made a good estimate.

The Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ bulb is a bit less blue than the ATI Blue Plus, like a 12,000K vs a 14,000. I wanted to add a Actnic Bulb for more pop in the tank, I do not currently have an actinic bulb. The Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic bulb is a deep purple actinic bulb while many of the actinic bulbs (T5) on the market today have a bluish hue to them. The KZ Fiji Purple (which is actually pink) will be traded out for a Giesemann Powerchrome Aquapink. I could not find many people who have actually reviewed/tried the Aquapink bulb.

OK, T5 guys (and I guess MH/LED guys too), tell me what you think! Love it, hate it? Have suggestions? Wish I'd go away? Let me know.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

OK, T5 guys (and I guess MH/LED guys too), tell me what you think! Love it, hate it? Have suggestions? Wish I'd go away? Let me know.


There you go, I answered it for you. :applause:





I like the Giesmann bulbs. I prefer the ATI bulbs though. There are some new colors coming out soon from a couple of the "big name" companies so I am waiting to see what happens. ATI, UVL, Giesmann - all make a quality bulb.
Let me know if you are going to order and I might jump in to save some shipping. I believe there a couple of our sponsors that carry these brands so we won't have to go directly out to nonsponsor stores. Maybe even see if one of our local stores might get them in or try to carry them in stock.

[cbianco]

Here is the possible FUTURE combo:

Front
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome Aquapink 300, 330 (estimated low, estimated high)
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ 324
Rear

Ok after reading some more and seeing some spectral graphs, the Giesemann Powerchrome AquaBlue+ tends to peak a bit too much in the yellow spectrum. This causes the bulb to be quite white bordering on yellowish.

I must reconsider...Still looking.

Christopher

[FireWater]

What about a mixture?
I plan on using ATI Blue+, UVL Actinic White, UVL Aquasun, and an Actinic.
The Giesemann Actinic and pink look fine and you could use 1 of the aquablue+ along with ATI Blue+. Or try one of the UVL actinic white that I keep telling you about.

[cbianco]

Here we go again. I get to stick with what I know and experiment a bit.


What about a mixture?
I plan on using ATI Blue+, UVL Actinic White, UVL Aquasun, and an Actinic.
The Giesemann Actinic and pink look fine and you could use 1 of the aquablue+ along with ATI Blue+. Or try one of the UVL actinic white that I keep telling you about.

I knew I kept you around for some reason John! ;) Check it out brotha!!!!

Possible FUTURE bulb combo:

Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 6500K 340
ATI Blue Plus 311
GE Daylight 3000K 319
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 291.50)

OR

Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 6500K 340
GE Daylight 3000K 319
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 265.83)

Bulb Info...
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic - This will help provide floresenence pop for my corals.
GE Daylight 6500K - This will provide growth and bring out green colors.
GE Daylight 3000K - This will provide growth and bring out yellow, orange and red colors.

So once again, tell me what you think! Love it, hate it? Have suggestions? Wish I'd go away? Let me know.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Not too sure about running 2 daylight bulbs. Might give you too much yellow/white.

[cbianco]

Various Combos...


Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 6500K 340
ATI Blue Plus 311
GE Daylight 3000K 319
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 291.50)



Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 6500K 340
GE Daylight 3000K 319
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 265.83)



Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 6500K 340
ATI Blue Plus 311
UVL Actinic White 12000K 293
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 287.16)



Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic 157
GE Daylight 3000K 319
ATI Blue Plus 311
UVL Actinic White 12000K 293
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 283.66)

Bulb Info...
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic - This will help provide floresenence pop for my corals.
GE Daylight 6500K - This will provide growth and bring out green colors.
GE Daylight 3000K - This will provide growth and bring out yellow, orange and red colors.
UVL Actinic White - Actinic and daylight all wrapped up in one bulb.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Some pictures, it's coming along (the tank that is, my photography skills still stink lololol).

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0366.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0365.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0360.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0361.jpg

Can anyone ID this?
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0357.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0358.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0373.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0370.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0371.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0368.jpg

Thanks for looking.

Christopher :)

[hobogato]

looking great christopher - really growing in nicely



Can anyone ID this?
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0357.jpg


looks like A. millepora

[cbianco]

looking great christopher - really growing in nicely...

Thanks Ace!

My colors are not where I'd like them to be but I'm very satisfied with the growth.


...looks like A. millepora

That was originally my though too...

So get this Ace, after looking back through this thread, that coral seems to be the one I got at AD and it was identified as a rasberry staghorn.

Are these they same coral? Something is amiss.

When I got it...


Got some stuff from AD.

A peppermint and a frag of raspberry stag.

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8113/cimg0091j.jpg

And now...


http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0357.jpg



Christopher

[hobogato]

staghorn refers to the growth pattern, so it can be an A. millepora and a staghorn.

[cbianco]

staghorn refers to the growth pattern, so it can be an A. millepora and a staghorn.

I guess that is just my inexperience showing. I alway thought that a stag way a type of coral rather than just a growth.

Guess we learn something new everyday.

Thanks Ace.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Just thinking out loud here...

Front
ATI Blue Plus 311
UVL Actinic White 12000K 293
GE Daylight 6500K 340
KZ Fiji Purple 330
ATI Aquablue 336
ATI Blue Plus 311
Rear

(Par average: 320.16)

Any comments? :confused: John? :ph34r:

Christopher :)

I posted the following on RC for The Grim Reefer. I'll post his response once I get one. Post # 6943


Grim, what do you think about running two daylight bulbs with actinics to offset the yellow?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
GE Daylight 6500K
GE Daylight 3000K
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

Or

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
GE Daylight 6500K
ATI Blue Plus
GE Daylight 3000K
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

What do you think this combo would look like?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White 12000K
GE Daylight 6500K
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

Christopher

[FireWater]

I like the new combo. I was worried about running the 2 daylight bulbs together because of them drowning out the other lights. Not too mention if you are worried about PAR ratings running 2 daylight and 2 actinic to compensate would negate the gains in PAR vs running 1 daylight with 1 actinic and using other spectrum to bring in color.

Only thing I see w/ the new combo is running the daylight and Actinic White next to each other. If you go that route try it out and then switch bulbs around to see if you get a color difference while viewing the tank. Since it looks like you have most of the coral towards the rear of the tank you might run the 6500 a bulb back in the fixture. If you run the whites toward the front the light in the tank will appear whiter or brighter than it actually is.

.... Any of that rambling help out?

[cbianco]

I like the new combo. I was worried about running the 2 daylight bulbs together because of them drowning out the other lights.

I agree now. Most likely my tank would have a daylight look to it with very little blue.

Not too mention if you are worried about PAR ratings running 2 daylight and 2 actinic to compensate would negate the gains in PAR vs running 1 daylight with 1 actinic and using other spectrum to bring in color.

I was attempting to overcome "lack" of PAR with a better spectrum of light to encourage growth. I'm not sure that it would work out that way though.

Only thing I see w/ the new combo is running the daylight and Actinic White next to each other. If you go that route try it out and then switch bulbs around to see if you get a color difference while viewing the tank. Since it looks like you have most of the coral towards the rear of the tank you might run the 6500 a bulb back in the fixture. If you run the whites toward the front the light in the tank will appear whiter or brighter than it actually is.

Honestly, the bulb combo is a pretty white combo to begin with. I think it would be wise to order a couple blue plus in case I don't care for the overall look of the tank.

.... Any of that rambling help out?

I live to ramble. :) Thanks man.

I got a response from rtparty on RC's T5 thread. He answers the question along side of The Grim Reefer.

Original question...


Grim, what do you think about running two daylight bulbs with actinics to offset the yellow?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
GE Daylight 6500K
GE Daylight 3000K
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

Or

Front
ATI Blue Plus
Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic
GE Daylight 6500K
ATI Blue Plus
GE Daylight 3000K
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

What do you think this combo would look like?

Front
ATI Blue Plus
UVL Actinic White 12000K
GE Daylight 6500K
KZ Fiji Purple
ATI Aquablue
ATI Blue Plus
Rear

Christopher

rtparty's response...


Throw out the first two for sure. There is no need to run a Ge3000k unless you have like 10 bulbs. It is a terrible orange color and extremely overpowering.

The last option will be really white with not a lot of pop.

Try 4 Blue Plus, 1 KZ Fiji Purple and 1 GE 6500k.

I sent this as my response...


Since bulbs can be so expensive, I just want to make sure I get it right.

Why remove the UVL Actinic White?
Wouldn't the actinic help to provide pop (flourescence)?
When you say really white, what are you thinking, ~10,000?

Christopher

[txg8gxp]

I have 3 blue +, actinic white, aquasun, pro color. Nice setup, but still need's alittle more blue.

[cbianco]

I have 3 blue +, actinic white, aquasun, pro color. Nice setup, but still need's alittle more blue.

How do you like this setup for growth/coloration?
Got any accurately colored FTS? If you do, post one up here, I'd like to see. :)

rtparty's response to my above response (on RC)...


The Actinic White is a pink bulb, the KZ Fiji Purple is a pink bulb. The GE bulb has an ivory, yellow hint to it and the Aquablue is pure white. That is just way too much red and yellow without enough blue.

I would say that it would be something like 9-10k with a purple hue to it.

The actinic white didn't pop corals when I saw one in action over a tank at a LFS. It just overpowered the couple ATI Blue Plus on the tank and made the tank look like crap. The owner removed it and put a Blue Plus back in it's spot.


Christopher :)

[txav8r]

Lets see some pics of frags on that rack!

[cbianco]

Lets see some pics of frags on that rack!

All in good time my friend!

Christopher

[txg8gxp]

I like the setup, but it does need alittle extra blue(for extra coral color pop) Not the best pic, the tank is brighter then this...
http://i776.photobucket.com/albums/yy46/txg8gxp/fts31-1.jpg?t=1281121273

[cbianco]

It looks as if your getting decent color out of your corals. How is growth doing?

Would the Blue Plus switch be because you want a bluer tank or do you feel that the corals would color up more?


I like the setup, but it does need alittle extra blue(for extra coral color pop) Not the best pic, the tank is brighter then this...

[txg8gxp]

Growth seems ok, I think just alittle more true actinic would be nice for color...I have alot of bright white bulbs.

[cbianco]

I have 3 blue +, actinic white, aquasun, pro color. Nice setup, but still need's alittle more blue.


Growth seems ok, I think just alittle more true actinic would be nice for color...I have alot of bright white bulbs.

What about...


Blue Plus
Blue Plus
Actinic White
AquaSun or ProColor
Blue Plus
Blue Plus

Or as an alternative...


Blue Plus
Actinic White
Blue Plus
Blue Plus
AquaSun or ProColor
Blue Plus

This would give you more blue color and some brightness. The ATI Blue Plus bulbs partially peak in the 420 or 460 spectrum and cause the corals to flouresce.

FWIW, I think your tank looks good! The hard part is just waiting for it to mature. :)

Christopher

[txg8gxp]

The blue +'s have good PAR, but I was thinking about trying a true actinic in place of one blue +. I was thinking ice cap or uvl

[cbianco]

The blue +'s have good PAR, but I was thinking about trying a true actinic in place of one blue +. I was thinking ice cap or uvl

Take a look at the Giesemann Powerchrome Pure Actinic bulbs. They are very low in par BUT they are very much like the older UVL VHO (T8) bulbs, more purple NOT blue. The UVL T5 actinics have a blueish tinge to them rather than their standard purple tinge. I haven't been able to find out much about the IC bulbs. From the little that I did read, IC is not making their own bulbs, another company is.

What are you looking to get out of an actinic bulb?

I think that (multiple) ATI Blue Plus bulbs will easily take the place an actinic bulb AND give you that additional par that us T5 users need.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

New toy!!!!!

Got this sexy beast today. It was built by our very own Jack (txav8r).

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06151726.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06151809.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06151752.jpg

Christopher :)

[txg8gxp]

Nice little frag rack, where did you get the magnets? I will be selling my t5 setup, so no new bulbs for me.

[cbianco]

Nice little frag rack, where did you get the magnets? I will be selling my t5 setup, so no new bulbs for me.

All the materials came from Jack, shoot him a PM. Selling the T5? What are you going to replace it with?

Bonus pics...

The frag rack inside of the tank.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06153540.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06153553.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-08-06153607.jpg

Christopher :)

[txg8gxp]

Looks good... AI LED

[cbianco]

Looks good...

It is all Jack's doing! But yeah, it does look good. Main thing is, it is a custom size that fits my tank well.

AI LED

Umm... Share the wealth brother, I want one too! ;)


Christopher :)

[txav8r]

get some frags on that thing!

[cbianco]

get some frags on that thing!

You have any? J/K

I need some plugs now!

The holes are a bit small so only "t-plugs" seem to fit, the ones with skinnier poles. I have to either buy some or make some. I think I need a bag of concrete!!!!

Christopher

[txav8r]

You have any? J/K

I need some plugs now!


need a bag of concrete!!!!


Christopher


Thats what Matt said!

The holes are 1/2" Thats what the plugs I have are.

[FireWater]

Chris has always been a square peg in a round hole kind of guy, Jack


Rack looks pretty cool.

[cbianco]

Thats what Matt said!

The holes are 1/2" Thats what the plugs I have are.

LOL! I was looking for Matt's post on this thread.

Where'd you get your plugs?


Chris has always been a square peg in a round hole kind of guy, Jack...

Tell me about it!

:P

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

Where'd you get your plugs?



Christopher :)

Can't remember. It was just some I had laying around

[cbianco]

Can't remember. It was just some I had laying around

Have anything else good just "lying around?" :P

Christopher

[cbianco]

I changed my photoperiod today.


Original photoperiod...

Bulb Pair #1 11.30-7.30
Bulb Pair #2 12.30-8.30
Bulb Pair #3 1.30-9.30

Total hours - 10 hours
Total peak hours - 6 hours


Current photoperiod...

Bulb Pair #1 10.00-8.00
Bulb Pair #2 11.00-9.00
Bulb Pair #3 12.00-10.00

Total hours - 12 hours
Total peak hours - 8 hours

I'm hoping that the increased photoperiod will help with coral coloration.

Comments.

Christopher

[cbianco]

I finally am fed up with my noisey Finnex light fixture's stock fan. I found a good replacement on eBay, bit louder (stock fan when new 25dba VS new fan 28dba) but pushes about 1.5 times the air of the stock fan. It's the "Delta AFB0512MB." For the most part, this fan looks like it will just drop right into the fixture, with no problems.

Only thing that worries me (but is probably not a big deal) is the difference in amps (stock fan 0.09Amps VS new fan 0.12Amps). Anyone see a problem with the small difference in amps? John, do you need a new fan?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

No and no. Thanks though

[cbianco]

No and no. Thanks though

Thanks and you sure you don't need a backup? lolololololololol :P

I talked to Jack and he felt the same way. He felt that the 0.03 amperage difference would most likely not make a difference.

All in all, it will be nice to have a silent office again (FTW)!!! Just the sound of waves breaking from my MP20. :D

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Playing around with my school provided, point and shoot. It's a Casio Exilim EX-Z29.

Anyways...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/Tank812.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/Tank8124.jpg

Colors are a bit off in these last two.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/Tank8123.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/Tank8122.jpg

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Better pics Christopher. The corals don't look as washed out. Are the changes to the tank and lighting cycle helping the color any yet?

[Europhyllia]

Those Rics look great!

[txav8r]

Frag rack is still empty.

[cbianco]

Better pics Christopher. The corals don't look as washed out. Are the changes to the tank and lighting cycle helping the color any yet?

It's a combination of extended lighting, feeding the tank with Rod's food and adjusting the camera.


Those Rics look great!

Thank you!!!


Frag rack is still empty.

I have a collection of frag plugs but most of them don't fit the holes. The holes are a bit too small. The stem of the frag plug has to be fairly skinny to fit the holes. I plan on making a batch of frag plugs but I have to wait until I get paid to purchase the materials, concrete, sand and a container.

The frag rack would have been filled already if my "collection" of frag plugs fit. Trust me, it will be filled in the near future!!! I will make your frag rack look good Jack, lololololololololololol!!! Thanks buddy. :)

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

I have a collection of frag plugs but most of them don't fit the holes. The holes are a bit too small. The stem of the frag plug has to be fairly skinny to fit the holes. I plan on making a batch of frag plugs but I have to wait until I get paid to purchase the materials, concrete, sand and a container.

The frag rack would have been filled already if my "collection" of frag plugs fit. Trust me, it will be filled in the near future!!! I will make your frag rack look good Jack, lololololololololololol!!! Thanks buddy. :)

Christopher :)


Don't worry, I'll hold your hand and walk you to the store to show you which ones to buy....:sarcastic:

[FireWater]

There's a mental pic I didn't need.

[cbianco]

I figured I'd give this a bump...


I finally am fed up with my noisey Finnex light fixture's stock fan. I found a good replacement on eBay, bit louder (stock fan when new 25dba VS new fan 28dba) but pushes about 1.5 times the air of the stock fan. It's the "Delta AFB0512MB." For the most part, this fan looks like it will just drop right into the fixture, with no problems.

Only thing that worries me (but is probably not a big deal) is the difference in amps (stock fan 0.09Amps VS new fan 0.12Amps). Anyone see a problem with the small difference in amps? John, do you need a new fan?

Christopher :)

Well, instead of purchasing a new fan for the fixture, I lubed the fan's bushing with SuperLube and cleaned the dust off of the fan blades. The fan is CONSIDERABLY quieter now, it is no longer noisy. 15 minutes worth of work and the fan is as good as new, how nice.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Go figure. All it took was you burning a calorie or 2. LOL

When are you going to order the new bulbs?

[cbianco]

John, I will be ordering the new bulbs from RG this Thursday or Friday! Got the OK from my master boss wife!

Get your order in.

Christopher

[FireWater]

Give me till the weekend. My chairman of the board requires requests in triplicate.

[cbianco]

My current RG order...


4 x Blue Plus T5 ATI
1 x 6500K Daylight T5 GE
1 x Super Actinic T5 UVL (The purpleish actinic, not the blushish)
1 x Purple Plus T5 ATI (Not KZ)

I ordered 7 bulbs so that I could play around with color in my 6 bulb fixture.

What was your order John?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

2 blue+
1 purple+
1 aquablue special

I have an UVL actinic white and a blue+ in the fixture right now. So I will play with the combo when the bulbs come in.

[cbianco]

"They" arrived...

Now what combo should I use... lol :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-10-20152907.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-10-20153019.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-10-20153050.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-10-20153300.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2010-10-20153454.jpg

[FireWater]

Dude, any of those mine? And you better save me a piece of candy.

[cbianco]

Dude, any of those mine? And you better save me a piece of candy.

Nope! I now have an eleven bulb fixture. J/K, the top four bulbs are yours!

You can have all the candies. I don't care for Jolly Rancher. I'm saving the bumper sticker for you too, I have one from the last order.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Sweet! I am now a geek. As if I needed any help figuring that out.

[FireWater]

Start with 3 Blue+, the daylight, the purple+, and the actinic. Pics too.

[cbianco]

Sweet! I am now a geek. As if I needed any help figuring that out.

No kidding. That goes for all of us.


Start with 3 Blue+, the daylight, the purple+, and the actinic. Pics too.

EXACTLY!!! what I was thinking.

[cbianco]

Bulb order...

Front

1. Blue+
2. Blue+
3. 6500K
4. UVL Actinic
5. ATI Purple
6. Blue+

Rear

Working on a new photoperiod. I hate reprogramming the Reefkeeper but I shouldn't have to touch it for awhile again.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Here it is...


New photoperiod...

Bulb Pair 3 10.00-10.00
Bulb Pair 2 11.00-9.00
Bulb Pair 1 12.00-8.00

Total hours - 12 hours
Total peak hours - 8 hours


Front

3. Blue+
2. Blue+
1. 6500K
3. UVL Actinic
2. ATI Purple
1. Blue+

Rear

Christopher

[FireWater]

I would also look at possibly switching the placement of the purple+ with the 2nd blue+ to see if that does anything for you. It would blend the colors better and not sure if you want to purples together. See which one looks better to you.

[cbianco]

Oh man!

The 6500K is one wicked bright T5 bulb. I got some shimmer from it (I'm assuming it's that bulb).

Nice! :)

Christopher

[cbianco]

Day in the light (life) of Christopher's tank inhabitants...


3. Blue+
3. UVL Actinic

3. Blue+
2. Blue+
3. UVL Actinic
2. ATI Purple

3. Blue+
2. Blue+
1. 6500K
3. UVL Actinic
2. ATI Purple
1. Blue+

3. Blue+
2. Blue+
3. UVL Actinic
2. ATI Purple

3. Blue+
3. UVL Actinic

When all the bulbs are running, the tank is really bright. Much brighter than before. Obviously the bulbs are new but the 6500K really adds some additional light to the tank. I hope it helps with growth. When all the bulbs are running the tank has a 10-12K look.

The B+, B+, Act, purp looks really nice, a blue with a definite hint of purple. The oranges and reds really stand out.

The B+, Act is awesome. I've never seen things glow as much as they did. I've only been able to briefly view this combo but at 9:00p tonight, I'll have an hour to enjoy the glow.

I have an extra Blue+ to play around with. I bought it just in case the 6500K didn't work out. Just for a comparison, if I replaced the 6500K with the Blue+ the tank goes from a 10-12K look to a 14-20K look when all the bulbs are on. A pretty big difference. Although I am partial to the later (based on looks), I plan to keep the 6500K in the fixture and keep an eye on growth.

Christopher :)

[hobogato]

you know, you should know better than to post this kind of stuff without pictures!

[FireWater]

^ that's what I tried to tell him. I promise when I get my bulbs in my fixture I will post pics.

[txg8gxp]

hahahaha

[txav8r]

you know, you should know better than to post this kind of stuff without pictures!

I think thats written in the TOU somewhere. Should we issue a formal warning? LOL

[cbianco]

you know, you should know better than to post this kind of stuff without pictures!

Doh! No camera, only a camera phone. Even if I did have my camera, chances are I couldn't make the color true to life. Ace, why don't you come over and help me out in the camera dept. :bigsmile:


^ that's what I tried to tell him. I promise when I get my bulbs in my fixture I will post pics.

That's IF you get your bulbs now... muhahahahahah! :p

What are you doing Friday after work?


hahahaha

Steven, they don't need any help from you. I thought you were my friend, lol.


I think thats written in the TOU somewhere. Should we issue a formal warning? LOL

:sarcastic:

:)

Christopher

[cbianco]

Picasso's Bianco's Blue Period...

Just some cell phone pictures, need to get a real camera over here. Somethings better than nothing!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2010-10-25190327.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2010-10-25190529.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2010-10-25190401.jpg

Christopher :)

[txg8gxp]

Looks good.

[hobogato]

sorry i didnt make over there this weekend. i will try to get over there soon. tank looks awesome btw!

[cbianco]

Looks good.


sorry i didnt make over there this weekend. i will try to get over there soon. tank looks awesome btw!

Thanks guys! I look forward to your photographic visit Ace.

Almost two years in the making at this point. Can't wait to see where 1-2 more years leaves me. I love my nano.

Got some good presents lined up for Christmas...

1. Additional RKL power strip
2. MP40 upgrade kit
3. Skimmer upgrade

Guess we'll have to wait and see. Patients...

Christopher :)

[Mr Cob]

Ooooh....nice gifts on the way!

The nano looks great. I admire that you have kept it going for so long. It's rare to see grown in corals in a nano. It looks awesome Christopher!

[cbianco]

Ooooh....nice gifts on the way!

The nano looks great. I admire that you have kept it going for so long. It's rare to see grown in corals in a nano. It looks awesome Christopher!

Thanks for the kind comments. I pride myself on my nano and it feels good to know that others notice.

Anyone can plant a reef, few can grow a reef. EVERY SPS frag in my tank was grow from 1/2"-1" frags. As well, every SPS frag was fragged from a tank grown coral. I have learned far more by growing out my own corals than I would have if I bought them full grown. The only thing that can stop this tank is catastrophic failure. I don't anticipate this happening... hopefully!

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Cleaned out my skimmer today. A total tear down and clean. It's amazing that so much junk can build up in a device designed to...ahem..."clean out the junk!" Lots of chunks of various mystery meats and tubeworms.

I also cleaned my skimmer pump well. Unfortunately, now, my Maxijet is very noisy. I can't figure out why. If anything, I would figure that it would get quieter after the cleaning. Nothing was broken on the pump either. Anyone every had this problem?

As well, I siphoned off my rear chambers of the Finnex. Let's just say that I produced two buckets of nasty looking water. With the large water change and the addition of new carbon, I hope that I don't end up burning my corals.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I got another one you can come clean. I am too scared to clean mine that thoroughly because something always breaks when I do.

My guess at the maxi jet thing is due to new freedom of movement from being cleaned.

[cbianco]

I got another one you can come clean. I am too scared to clean mine that thoroughly because something always breaks when I do.

I try to be conscious of my manly powers when cleaning brittle pieces of my tank. Sometimes Often things just break due to my manly powers even if they're not brittle. This could be your problem.

My guess at the maxi jet thing is due to new freedom of movement from being cleaned.

Just got home from work and the MaxiJet is much quieter. I guess it just needed to settle in. I think I'll be buying one for a backup just in case of failure.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Upgrades/water quality/livestock...

Sometimes, I enjoy just sitting back and looking at my tank.

Anyone else?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

How are the corals since the light up grade/change?

[cbianco]

How are the corals since the light up grade/change?

Colors are great, so is growth! Seems like a new set of bulbs really helped out. Should have done it sooner.

You ready for turkey day?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I am ready for a couple of days off. I know that for a fact. Today was an experience - fun but, an experience.

[cbianco]

Coming to a 30 gallon Finnex soon!

RKM PC4

http://c1.f3images.com/IMD/600/DA1315/DA1315_1.jpg

Won Brothers 50 watt titanium heater

http://c1.f3images.com/IMD/600/WB1351/WB1351_1.jpg

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

Nice!

I see more and more of the titanium heaters. Can you tell me what the main advantage of them is? (less breakable of course but what else)

[cbianco]

Nice!

I see more and more of the titanium heaters. Can you tell me what the main advantage of them is? (less breakable of course but what else)

I bought this heater for two reasons. First, it will only work with a controller. There is no type of circuitry that may fail or get in the way of the heater being controlled by my RKL. Second, they tend to be sturdy, less accounts of these heaters breaking. I don't see myself ever buying a glass heater again.

HTHs

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

Nice additions! How about some pics of the tank Christopher? It's been a while.

[cbianco]

Nice additions! How about some pics of the tank Christopher? It's been a while.

It has been awhile...

Camera is at school right now. Maybe I can convince Ace to (finally) come over with that pro-fess-shun-all camera he has?!?! :p

Tank looks good otherwise, everything is growing nicely.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Order up!

:D

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/MarineDepotOrderJan2011.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/MarineDepotOrderJan20112.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/MarineDepotOrderJan20113.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/MarineDepotOrderJan20114.jpg

[cbianco]

Thank you Jack for digging up this post! :thumbs_up: It brought back some GOOD memories.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?48767-I-Won!-Woot-Woot!&highlight=toty

My TOTY thread, lol.

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

No problem bud!

[cbianco]

No problem bud! :D

I am offering 9000 internet points to anyone that can find my MAAST "tank of the month" (TOTM) thread that features my 24 gallon JBJ nano cube.

Yes, I searched. No, I'm not great with key words. Yes, I'm going to continue searching.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

After searching for my TOTM thread some more, I found another oldie but goodie!

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?48220-My-Dilemma

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

First off, a VERY special thank you to Ace! He is solely responsible for the following...

It's been a few months since my last round of pictures so without further ado...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07342.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07341.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07337.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07344.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07345.jpg

[cbianco]

And now the corals.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07353.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07354.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07355.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07356.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07360.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07361.jpg

[cbianco]

Some pictures with more blue light showing.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07349.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07348.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07350.jpg

[cbianco]

Last but not least, my two favorite pictures out of the bunch!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07347-1.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07366-1.jpg

[cbianco]

John, Jack, ANYONE???

lol!

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Dude, your head is big enough already. You think I'm going to tell you it looks good? Besides, it ain't a real Finnex until you have replaced all the parts and scratched the glass beyond recognition. LOL

[cbianco]

Dude, your head is big enough already. You think I'm going to tell you it looks good? Besides, it ain't a real Finnex until you have replaced all the parts and scratched the glass beyond recognition. LOL

Thanks, I think, lol.

BTW, I've replaced many things on the Finnex but I think I'm going to stay away from scratching the glass.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

It adds a new dimension to viewing the tank. I promoise once you do it the tank will never look the same again.

The tank does look nice by the way - the new color combo on the lights is making a difference. Have you tried the blue+ in place of one of the whiter bulbs yet?

[cbianco]

It adds a new dimension to viewing the tank. I promoise once you do it the tank will never look the same again.

The tank does look nice by the way - the new color combo on the lights is making a difference. Have you tried the blue+ in place of one of the whiter bulbs yet?

The white bulb seems to have increased growth slightly (compared to my previously more blue combo). I'm itching to change out the white bulb with the blue+ to see how it looks but I just haven't taken the time to do it yet.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Do it!!

I am loving the combo I went with. The colors are screaming with the new bulbs.

[Europhyllia]

Looks great. It's easy to forget how little it is until the snail and the Vortech put things back into perspective

[cbianco]

Do it!!

I am loving the combo I went with. The colors are screaming with the new bulbs.

Remind me of your exact combo again.


Looks great. It's easy to forget how little it is until the snail and the Vortech put things back into perspective

No kidding! HOWEVER (lolol) please keep in mind that I have 4 humongous turbos. They are roughly 2-3" each.

I can't wait until my tank is packed with corals and I have to have fragging parties quarterly.

As well, I have an big idea for a bigger tank (cube still ~60-80 gallons). I wish that big ideas came with big wallets.

Thanks Karin.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Front to back -

Blue+
Purple+
9 LEDs
Aquablue special
Blue+

[cbianco]

Front to back -

Blue+
Purple+
9 LEDs
Aquablue special
Blue+

I forgot, you have basically the same as my setup minus the daylight bulb. (Duh, we ordered our bulbs together! lol)

Dang it John, I was perfectly content not messing with my tank. Now I want to see to swap out that daylight bulb just to see.

Christopher :)

[txav8r]

Great pics of a great looking tank! Hats off to Christopher and Ace!

[txav8r]

Last but not least, my two favorite pictures out of the bunch!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/DSC07347-1.jpg



How close to the surface is this coral with the pumps on? Cool shot!

[Mr Cob]

wow....great pics, great tank and great corals! Love the topdown shot!!!

[cbianco]

Great pics of a great looking tank! Hats off to Christopher and Ace!

Thanks Jack! I provided the tank, Ace made it look good. :)


How close to the surface is this coral with the pumps on? Cool shot!

That particular acropora actually sticks out of the water's surface even with the pumps on, albeit only 1/8" - 1/4". I guess nature knows when to stop growing vertical and start growing horizontal.


wow....great pics, great tank and great corals! Love the topdown shot!!!

Thanks Rob. The topdown is a great shot. UNFORTUNATELY, Ace didn't have a photo box with him at the time. I could only imagine what the top down shots would look like with a photo box.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

Oh but it's the sticking out on top that makes that shot awesome! Even better than a photobox shot. It makes it very reef-cresty ;)

[cbianco]

Oh but it's the sticking out on top that makes that shot awesome! Even better than a photobox shot. It makes it very reef-cresty ;)

So true Karin!

It's like the corals are invading our world. A sea alien invading our, air breathing, relatively dry, world.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

PHOTO TIME, WOOT, WOOT!

These photos were originally taken by Ace but the editing was done my me using Picasa 3.

The following photos were created with the intent to print and frame. The aspect ratio will be listed at the top of each post. The pictures have been resized and compressed to some degree but retain the correct aspect ratio.

Thanks for looking and enjoy!

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

5x7s

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/TorchNATURAL5x7.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/RicordeaYumaNATURAL5x7.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/RicordeaFloridaNATURAL5x7.jpg

[cbianco]

8x10s

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/TankRSideNATURAL758x10.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/FullTankNATURAL8x10.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/BlueAcroTopNATURAL8x10.jpg

[cbianco]

8x10s

Tank collage of different exposures.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollageFullTankBLUE8x10.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollageFullTankBLACKANDWHITE8x10.jpg

[cbianco]

8x10s

Coral collage.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollageFullTankAndCoralsNATURAL8x10.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollageFullTankAndCoralsBLACKANDWHITE8x10.jpg

[cbianco]

8x10s

Collage pop art style.

Mildly processed.
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollagePOPARTSTYLE8x10.jpg

Heavily processed.
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/CollagePOPARTSTYLEProcessed8x10.jpg

[cbianco]

Must have posted these on the wrong day, lol.

Like 'em... Hate 'em?

Postings 372-82.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

The bright ones are a little too bright for me. Your pics are so awesome, I'd rather not have that much color distract me from them. :)

[cbianco]

The bright ones are a little too bright for me. Your pics are so awesome, I'd rather not have that much color distract me from them. :)

I was going for a "Pop Art" type thing. I wish I had the talent to change the color of the corals themselves rather than the background.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

Oh Andy Warhol Reefpics. That's a fantastic idea. I love it. In fact I want a t-shirt with it.

Here you go:
Your ricordea Andy Warhol style
http://www.dominopads.com/swarholcbianco.jpghttp://www.dominopads.com/warholcbianco.jpg

[cbianco]

PM sent!

Christopher :)


Oh Andy Warhol Reefpics. That's a fantastic idea. I love it. In fact I want a t-shirt with it.

Here you go:
Your ricordea Andy Warhol style
http://www.dominopads.com/swarholcbianco.jpghttp://www.dominopads.com/warholcbianco.jpg

[Kristy]

Well that was fun!!! Go Karin!

[Europhyllia]

Scary isn't it? If I saw them on a Livestock site I'd totally want to order some of these limited edition ultra ricordeas. lol

[cbianco]

Scary isn't it? If I saw them on a Livestock site I'd totally want to order some of these limited edition ultra ricordeas. lol

If you know what you are doing, it is very easy to manipulate a photo!

If only I knew what I was doing, lololololol. Then I could make a cool looking photo like you did.

Ace, if you're (or anyone else for that matter) reading this, how do you use Picasa 3 to change the colors of the coral like Karin did? I think I could make a better "pop art" photo using Karin's technique.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

My new photo box PICOTOPE!

Thanks Ace and Jack for lending your time for today's meeting.

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-01-29203116.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-01-29203100.jpg

[Europhyllia]

Haha. I was thinking the same thing: what can I do with this beyond photobox. Perhaps some kind of freshwater pico?

[hobogato]

will that photobox even fit in the top of your tank christopher? :p

[txav8r]

Hahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!

[cbianco]

Haha. I was thinking the same thing: what can I do with this beyond photobox. Perhaps some kind of freshwater pico?

Maybe a nice little... err tiny, planted tank. Hopefully the lights don't melt it, lol.


will that photobox even fit in the top of your tank christopher? :p


Hahahahahahahaaaaaa!!!!!

The box will fit but there is not much room for play. Come to think of it, we should have made a "nano" photo box.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

I found the next power head that I will be using for my 30 gallon Finnex tank!

Introducing the Panta Rhei, Hydro Wizard. This thing is a beast!


The Panta Rhei Hydro Wizard is a new flow device which is more of a stealth water jet than an average propeller water pump. The Hydro Wizard is the first carbon fiber reinforced pump we’ve heard of for the aquarium hobby and when you’re pumping 50,000 gallons per hour, you need that kind of strength to bear the intense forces...

Found at: http://reefbuilders.com/2010/08/09/hydro-wizard-from-panta-rhei-is-a-carbon-fiber-reinforced-water-jet/

Christopher :)

Next to an MP40...
http://reefbuilders.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/mixed/panta-rhei-hydro-wizard-joe-y.jpg

In action...
l9lIKIg3zkg

Picture and video are not mine and addtional credits can be found at their respective website.

[FireWater]

Can you imagine the battery back up for that thing?

Christopher, quit being an over achiever.:applause:

[ismvel]

I am actually disappointed. Just when I finally got to meet Chris and gained so much respect for him, all down the drain. I mean really Chris, for a 30 gallon, you should at least purchase two of those things and place them on a wave timer.

[ismvel]

On another note Chris, your tank looks good bud.

[FireWater]

On another note Chris, your tank looks good bud.

Yes, it does look good for a Finnex.

[cbianco]

Can you imagine the battery back up for that thing?

Christopher, quit being an over achiever.:applause:

Battery backup=car batteries, lol. BTW John, I think "over achiever" is one word, overachiever. Just saying. lololololololol!

Yep, I went there! :p


I am actually disappointed. Just when I finally got to meet Chris and gained so much respect for him, all down the drain. I mean really Chris, for a 30 gallon, you should at least purchase two of those things and place them on a wave timer.

I'll let you come over and try and place them. I'm thinking just one of these bad boys can displace about 2 gallons of water.


On another note Chris, your tank looks good bud.

Thanks!


Yes, it does look good for a Finnex.

Hey, your tank looks good too. It's what's inside that counts, not the glass. :)

Thanks for the comments guys!

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Goodies...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-03-22165953.jpg

[cbianco]

As it turns out, it was just a bunch of Styrofoam peanuts.

:p

Christopher :D

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-03-22171401.jpg

[cbianco]

Low tide...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-04-10105714.jpg

[FireWater]

Dude, I got some water you can have.:applause:

[cbianco]

Dude, I got some water you can have.:applause:

I just mist them down using an old spray bottle and some salt water. Seems to work but I can't help to think that I'm doing it wrong!?

:p

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Practice makes perfect dude. I heard you can run a hepa filter on the a/c and it helps.

[hobogato]

so really, what was in the box?

[FireWater]

so really, what was in the box?

He was trying to figure it out and got distracted by the pretty foam peanuts. Something about static electricity and sticking to your head.... I can't remember the whole story because it was hard to understand through all the giggles.

[cbianco]

Practice makes perfect dude. I heard you can run a hepa filter on the a/c and it helps.

LOL, I'll have to remember that when I head out to Lowes.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

I figured no one was paying attention, so I let the post die. FYI, those peanuts are hours of fun and that's just trying to clean them up.

BTW, thanks for showing you care! Just a LITTLE upgrade in the box, see below.

:D

Christopher :)


so really, what was in the box?


He was trying to figure it out and got distracted by the pretty foam peanuts. Something about static electricity and sticking to your head.... I can't remember the whole story because it was hard to understand through all the giggles.

Do my eyes deceive me... Ecotech???

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-03-22171530.jpg

MOAR nano POWA!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-03-22171559.jpg

[hobogato]

very nice :)

[cbianco]

very nice :)

I was going to get the MP60 but I didn't want to go over-board.

:p

Christopher :)

[ErikH]

Get towels before you experiment with the wave setting.

[FireWater]

MP60? On a 30 gallon? You're killing me Christopher. If you want I have an old 10 hp Yamaha outboard you can run for a while.

[cbianco]

MP60? On a 30 gallon? You're killing me Christopher. If you want I have an old 10 hp Yamaha outboard you can run for a while.

Hmmm...

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

My MP40 is starting in a new movie...

Christopher :)

http://www.freemoviestheatre.eu/media/images/TidalWave(2009).jpg

[cbianco]

I haven't installed the MP40 upgrade yet.

The MP20 pushes the water line too close to the rim of the tank in the display when in wave mode. The MP40 is going to splash the water right out of the tank if I leave everything as is. I've Got to get that water line lower.

Time for some modifications to my 30 gallon Finnex!

Christopher :)


Get towels before you experiment with the wave setting.


MP60? On a 30 gallon? You're killing me Christopher. If you want I have an old 10 hp Yamaha outboard you can run for a while.

[cbianco]

The tools...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod.jpg

[cbianco]

The plan...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod5.jpg

[cbianco]

The before...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod2.jpg

[cbianco]

The after...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod3.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod6.jpg

[cbianco]

The leftovers...

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/OverflowMod4.jpg

[cbianco]

The results... (Videos)

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/th_OverflowMod-1.jpg (http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/?action=view&current=OverflowMod-1.mp4)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/th_OverflowMod2-1.jpg (http://s686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/?action=view&current=OverflowMod2-1.mp4)

[cbianco]

I was successfully able to lower my water level in my display by 3/4-1".

I'm excited to install the MP40 now! I look forward to dry floors.

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-03-22171559.jpg

[Europhyllia]

lol. Perfect for you since you have no fish to go overboard!

[hobogato]

my thought exactly karin

[cbianco]

lol. Perfect for you since you have no fish to go overboard!


my thought exactly karin

Fish, smish.

:not_talking:

Are you two trying to tell me something?

Christopher :bigsmile:

[Europhyllia]

I am being serious. This would not work in any tank but yours! It's perfect for your sessile set up :)

[cbianco]

I am kind of hoping that the snails travel into the overflow area and refugium, they could use a good cleaning.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Good mod. I did something similar to the overflow on mine by cutting out a few teeth. I left the fuge alone though to slow the flow through there. When I had to replace the pump I upped the flow rate and am now able to have better turn over in the tank itself. You are going to have to trim your coral though - weren't they already at the top of the water before?

[cbianco]

So I modifided my overflows to handle more flow, time for the MP20 to MP40 upgrade.

Here it is!

Christopher :)

The Parts

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade.jpg

The Comparison

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade3.jpg

The Guts

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade2.jpg

The Transfer

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade4.jpg

[cbianco]

The Install

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade5.jpg

All Together

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade6.jpg

The Leftovers

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade7.jpg

The MP40

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade8.jpg

The Control Wall

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/MP40Upgrade9.jpg

[cbianco]

Good mod. I did something similar to the overflow on mine by cutting out a few teeth. I left the fuge alone though to slow the flow through there. When I had to replace the pump I upped the flow rate and am now able to have better turn over in the tank itself. You are going to have to trim your coral though - weren't they already at the top of the water before?

I figured I'd sit back and watch nature take it's course. The tips may bleach a bit but I think the coral will be OK overall.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

I can't get a wave going with the MP40 if my life depended on it. The "auto-tune" wave feature is for the birds.

Any suggestions?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Get 2 more. You are bound to something then.

Is it because of the tank dimensions? Too small to bounce it off the other wall in time or get a rhythm going.

[hobogato]

it is probably because your tank is too short. the wave frequency depends on the length of the tank and your tank may require a faster frequency pulse than the controller/pump are capable of producing.

[ErikH]

Ace is 100 percent correct.

[ErikH]

Oh and so is John :)

[ErikH]

For the record, I have my mp60 and 40 running anti-sync and the frequency dot is fourth from the last. Try the nutrient export mode, at about a minute and a half my tank gets a wave where each corner is opposite from each other in a X formation. Hard to explain....

[FireWater]

Oh and so is John :)

Thanks Erik. I can live a happy day - I finally beat Ace to something.LOL

[cbianco]

it is probably because your tank is too short. the wave frequency depends on the length of the tank and your tank may require a faster frequency pulse than the controller/pump are capable of producing.

I never had a problem making a wave with the mp20. I wonder why the mp40 would be any different?


Ace is 100 percent correct.

When isn't he? LOL


...Try the nutrient export mode...

Nutrient export mode is wicked for sure! I tried just for the LULZ and it kicked up so much sand I could barely see the corals. It was so awesome, I'LL NEVER TOUCH A TURKEY BASTER AGAIN!

Christopher :)

[hobogato]

the stronger pump may take a little longer to pulse, and timing is critical

[cbianco]

I never actually got a wave going with the MP40. I feel this could be one of two reasons either Ace was correct or I haven't actually touched the unit since I complained about the lack of wave. I betting it is a bit of both.

On the other hand, even though the water isn't actually rocking back and forth on the surface, the corals are still swaying. I'm satisfied...

Ace, I finally printed out some of the pictures you took. I printed a few 4x6 photos for the kids at school to see. They came out nice.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Bad Picture LOL...

Jack, your rack sees frags for the first time!

Left to right: 2 x ORA Red Planet, 3 x Acro Tenius, 2 x Pink with blue tip Milli, 1x Tri-color Acro

Up for grabs soon.

Christopher :)

11560

[cbianco]

Making some adjustments to my tank.

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/2011-07-24163402.jpg

[kkiel02]

Nice! Next time hook up a camera and we can watch you frag the corals we buy. JK kinda. lol

[cbianco]

Nice! Next time hook up a camera and we can watch you frag the corals we buy. JK kinda. lol

I never thought about that. I do have a webcam, all I need is a capture program. Any good free programs that you know of?

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

A few more frags healing before they go to a new home.

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-07-24174228.jpg

[SinisterLou]

Nice Chris, now I got to figure out which one is mine.

[cbianco]

Nice Chris, now I got to figure out which one is mine.

Ha Ha Ha, I guess you'll never know!

The frags: Tyree Flower Petal Capricornis, Blue Acropora Tenius, ORA Red Planet, Paletta Lovelli and Pink w/ Blue Tip Millipora.

This fragging session was great. The main reason I fragged was to prune the corals in all the places that they were growing very close to one another. I was able to effectively thin them out a bit. I still have more thinning to do in certain places but I only have a very small frag rack and I don't want to throw the pieces of coral away that I cut.

One thing that I learned during this fragging session is that the Capricornis slimes up BIG TIME. The consistency and texture of the slime reminded me of uncooked egg whites. It kind of grossed me out.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

probably a stupid question from a non-sps person but: why did you glue the frags sideways?

[cbianco]

probably a stupid question from a non-sps person but: why did you glue the frags sideways?

Actually that is a great question! (Much better than my, "How did you get the algae to grow on the screen?" in Kevin's thread. lol)

IMO, gluing the frags sideways = success. The frags touch more surface area of the plug and encrust over a much larger area than if you glue it straight up and down. This creates a larger thicker base, in turn making the coral stronger down the road. Many people don't do it this was because it takes longer for the coral to grow to any sizable growth.

I prefer long term success over short term satisfaction. As well, you get to see the true growth pattern of the coral rather than a fragged (possibly forced) growth pattern.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Knock, knock, who's there, Fedex, Fedex who...

What could it be?

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-07-25112641.jpg

[cbianco]

...it's your Vortech MP40 rebuild kit!

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-07-25112904.jpg

[cbianco]

A short video. Lower quality due to camera phone.

Christopher :)

WpgsHFwbOgk

[cbianco]

I can't keep these giant snails off my frag rack. Either they're pulling down or knocking frags off. I've already re-glued the Tyree flower petal TWICE! I need snail repellent.

Christopher :)


Ha Ha Ha, I guess you'll never know!

The frags: Tyree Flower Petal Capricornis, Blue Acropora Tenius, ORA Red Planet, Paletta Lovelli and Pink w/ Blue Tip Millipora.

This fragging session was great. The main reason I fragged was to prune the corals in all the places that they were growing very close to one another. I was able to effectively thin them out a bit. I still have more thinning to do in certain places but I only have a very small frag rack and I don't want to throw the pieces of coral away that I cut.

One thing that I learned during this fragging session is that the Capricornis slimes up BIG TIME. The consistency and texture of the slime reminded me of uncooked egg whites. It kind of grossed me out.

Christopher :)

[CoryDude]

Agree on the mounting frags sideways. You get some really cool branching that way.

[cbianco]

Agree on the mounting frags sideways. You get some really cool branching that way.

Thanks! I believe the branching to be more natural, you get to see how the coral would grow in nature without pruning. As well, more encrusting and stronger bases. I believe it was Borneman at TMAC that advocated this method to me, obviously I never looked back after.

How are the frags doing Cory?

Christopher :)

[SinisterLou]

Silly turbos, they sure can cause some mayhem in tanks.

[cbianco]

Silly turbos, they sure can cause some mayhem in tanks.

It's definitely a love hate relationship with the turbo snails. I only have two and although they tank care of the tank, they get in the way and knock everything over.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

not sure how attached you are to them but you could get rid of the big turbos and get either banded trochus or chestnut turbos

[cbianco]

not sure how attached you are to them but you could get rid of the big turbos and get either banded trochus or chestnut turbos

Lol, I love the big guys. I've had them for about 1.5 years at this point. I like them because they never seem to get stuck or flipped over. Do the two snails you mentioned have difficulty when they flip over or by getting stuck in various places?

Christopher :)

[CoryDude]

Thanks! I believe the branching to be more natural, you get to see how the coral would grow in nature without pruning. As well, more encrusting and stronger bases. I believe it was Borneman at TMAC that advocated this method to me, obviously I never looked back after.

How are the frags doing Cory?

Christopher :)

Doing great. I'm getting ready to move the rp and the milli up off the sandbed this weekend and into higher lighting. That blue-tip tenuis that you threw in is looking good mid-way up in the tank.

Question, what is that royal blue polyp acro called? You gave me a small mounted frag and its my favorite piece.

[cbianco]

Doing great. I'm getting ready to move the rp and the milli up off the sandbed this weekend and into higher lighting. That blue-tip tenuis that you threw in is looking good mid-way up in the tank.

Question, what is that royal blue polyp acro called? You gave me a small mounted frag and its my favorite piece.

Glad to hear that they are doing well! You got three frags I believe (???) 1. red/blue milli, 2. blue tenius, 3. random/no name/unidentified/unmounted blue acro (that will grow straight out of the water if you let it, call it the "dumb blue").

I'll PM you my number in case I made a mistake about what I gave you, lol.

Christopher :)

[CoryDude]

Eh, no worries. I'll get some pics once they get acclimated in their final positions.

[cbianco]

Eh, no worries. I'll get some pics once they get acclimated in their final positions.

Going back to the Tenius... I talked to Troy last night and he said it's color was looking good too just as you mentioned Cory.

Funny thing is, the Tenius has never been one of my favorites in my tank. The tips stay colored but the base becomes more "earth-toned" as it grows. It will be interesting to see what it does in other people's tank, especially those with MH.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Almost 3 years and still going with the same setup... WOW!, time sure does fly.

Just got done doing some yearly maintenance, pump and skimmer deep cleaning. Probably time to do some more fragging too.

Main lessons learned: 1. less is more, 2. buy the right equipment and it will last and 3. keep your hands out of the tank.

Question to all those who got a frag from me... Troy, Cory, Richard, et al (lol)... How are they doing?

Christopher :)

[alton]

A post with out pictures, you know better than that?

[cbianco]

A post with out pictures, you know better than that?

I am well aware of the rules around here, lol. I still have some maintenance to do but when I'm finished I'll be sure to post up some pictures.

I'll be taking a trip over to Louis' shop today to restock some of my cleanup crew. I sure hope he has peppermints in stock.

Christopher :)

[CoryDude]

All are doing great. The red planet looking one (I don't think it's a rp, or at least it doesn't look like one in my tank) has completly encrusted that large plug it was on. Like your's it's spreading a lot but very little branching. The blue tenius has developed a greenish blue base and pink and blue tips. Very pretty and my fav pickup from your tank. The loose piece you give me has attached it self and is growing well. Here's a few progression pics on the valida or what every it it's called.

A few weeks after I picked it up from you.
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp100/cpryor74/Tank Progress 2011/DSC_4314.jpg

...and about a week ago
http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp100/cpryor74/120 Progress Fall 2011/DSC_5285.jpg

[cbianco]

Thanks for checking in Cory!

I like the way that frag is growing out, rather up and out. The color on the frag looks good too. If you ever get a chance to take pics of the other frags please do and post them in here. I'm glad to hear all your frags made it.


All are doing great. The red planet looking one (I don't think it's a rp, or at least it doesn't look like one in my tank) has completly encrusted that large plug it was on.

If you remember, in my tank it was very pink. I think the RPs often are different colors in different tanks. As well, it is finally starting to grow vertically and looks quite nice.

Do you know how Troy's frags are doing?

Christopher :)

[CoryDude]

Do you know how Troy's frags are doing?

Christopher :)

I talked to him tonight and told him to check in. He had some tank issues while he was out of town for thanksgiving. His power went out and the tank got pretty cold. But, I don't think he's had any losses in a while.

[cbianco]

I talked to him tonight and told him to check in. He had some tank issues while he was out of town for thanksgiving. His power went out and the tank got pretty cold. But, I don't think he's had any losses in a while.

Ouch! Sounds like "Murphy" paid him a visit over thanksgiving. I can't wait to hear from him. Hopefully he has some pics to share of my (former) babies.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Wow!

Almost 4 years later and this tank is still going.

I need a new light fixture. Anyone have a 24" fixture for sale?

Christopher :)

[hobogato]

chris! where you been buddy?

mike has a nice led fixture for sale i think

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?70268-Led-lighting-great-deal

[cbianco]

chris! where you been buddy?

mike has a nice led fixture for sale i think

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?70268-Led-lighting-great-deal

I've been taking a break from life and focusing on myself. It was a well deserved break!

I saw Mike's lights but I prefer a fixture that has legs.

My 6x24 watt fixture is now a 2x24 watt fixture. I guess the ballasts aren't meant to last a lifetime. :(

Christopher

[FireWater]

The ballasts in those are easy to replace. Remember when I had to replace half of my light after dropping it into the tank? After the cheap plastic legs broke. Lol

[hobogato]

that is true. this place carries workhorse ballasts for cheaper than you can find them online

http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10098352/san_antonio_tx/blond_lighting_fixture_supply.html

[Big_Pun]

Chris!! only time I hear from you is summer when AC goes out lol. the place ace pointed out has ballast instock even carries advance ballast.

[cbianco]

The ballasts in those are easy to replace. Remember when I had to replace half of my light after dropping it into the tank? After the cheap plastic legs broke. Lol

Yep, lol.


that is true. this place carries workhorse ballasts for cheaper than you can find them online

http://sanantonio.citysearch.com/profile/10098352/san_antonio_tx/blond_lighting_fixture_supply.html

It would be much cheaper to replace a couple of ballasts, rather than the whole fixture. I think I'll give them a call.


Chris!! only time I hear from you is summer when AC goes out lol. the place ace pointed out has ballast instock even carries advance ballast.

Ha ha. I'm not familiar with the Advance ballast. Is it better than the (el cheapo) Workhorse?

Christopher :)

[Big_Pun]

advance is the one used in tek fixtures and couple others I believe it's made by Phillips ... but workhorse are awesome that's what I used on my current fixture when ballast went out 4 months after purchasing.

[cbianco]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/images/Categoryimages/normal/p-72346-52575-76-72-fish.jpg

I bought 2 2x48 watt (4x24 watts) fixtures for my tank. They are linkable/connectable and I anticipate them being as powerful as my 6x24 watt fixture due to the individual reflectors.

I thought about replacing the ballasts however, considering the price of ballasts and bulbs I figured this would be the cheaper route. (Don't comment on my cheaper comment, lol!)

Christopher :)

EDIT: Here is the link to the fixtures: http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3733+23753&pcatid=23753

If the link is not allowed, I will erase it. It's been awhile!

[Mr Cob]

Wow!

Almost 4 years later and this tank is still going.

I need a new light fixture. Anyone have a 24" fixture for sale?

Christopher :)

Christopher! Right on man.. can't believe you still have this going...way to go. Look forward to some updates bro.

[cbianco]

When it rains, it pours!

My return pump went out tonight. I ran down to Petco and purchased the same pump, lol. I'm OK with ~4 years use on $20.

On a better note, my lights have been shipped. I can't wait to get them.

Christopher :)

[reefreak]

It would have been cool to see an ai sol on this tank. It looks great by the way

[cbianco]

It would have been cool to see an ai sol on this tank. It looks great by the way

I've been very happy with the T-5s. I'm not sure that I'm willing to spend the initial $$$ it takes to get going with LEDs, even if they are cheaper long term.

Christopher :)

[350gt]

I still have my fixture sitting here, used only a few months.... All ATi bulbs, and 2 extra to play with color and par...

Pm if interested....

[350gt]

Ahh nevermind, just saw you bought the fixtures.....

You could always return them ;)

Its the 30" 4 bulb aquatic life fixture with LEDs... All on one cord and built in timers...

[cbianco]

Ahh nevermind, just saw you bought the fixtures.....

You could always return them ;)

Its the 30" 4 bulb aquatic life fixture with LEDs... All on one cord and built in timers...

I appreciate the offer however I prefer to let my Reefkeeper keep track of the lighting schedule. :)

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

I'm cleaning out my skimmer...

If it's not the junk at the bottom of my skimmer stinking up my house it must be the vinegar going to work.

I've been through 3 return pumps but my skimmer's Maxijet (same time period) keeps on trucking along. What a workhorse!

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

It's here...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights.jpg

[cbianco]

The unboxing...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights3.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights4.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights5.jpg

[cbianco]

Taking them apart...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights6.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights7.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights9.jpg

[cbianco]

Connecting the two units...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights10.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights11.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights12.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights13.jpg

[cbianco]

Adding the legs...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights14.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights15.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights16.jpg

[cbianco]

All done!

Christopher :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/NewLights17.jpg

[cbianco]

So I got this unit on my tank and well...

THE BULBS ARE A HORRIBLE COLOR OF YUCK!

Time to get some "colorful" bulbs again!

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

It's been quite a long time, almost 2 years since my last login.

Since my last login I've... Got a few additional years of teaching under my belt, had a son (he's 16 months), put one of my dogs down, lost my sanity, regained my sanity, gained ~20lbs...

The tank is still around but in poor condition. Time to rehab the tank.

Where are my old buds at?

Christopher

[jrsatx20]

welcome back chris. hows it going. a lot have moved on to other things