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

[cbianco]

It has arrived! My tank made it in one piece.

I ordered:

Finnex 30 gallon aquarium
6x24 T5 lighting fixture

[texasfootball21]

I just got one set-up, I'm sure you will love the tank! Good luck in getting it up and running. Keep us updated.

[Mr Cob]

Open the darn box!

LOL.

[Troutmasters02]

Open the darn box!

LOL.

lol no kiddin

[blindside]

Ha ha ha. I agree with the above!

[MattK]

I don't think that cardboard is going to hold water.
You got ripped off!

[BioCube14]

where are the corals and fish??

[cbianco]

Open the darn box!

LOL.

Sorry, I lost my box cutter. :rolleyes:

Christopher

[cbianco]

So... By special request, I will now attempt to "open" the box. :bigsmile:

And we have the Finnex 30 Gallon in all it's glory. They really pack the heck out of this thing! Glad to see they also taped the accessories down well too.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Here are some back of the tank details. The tank came with skimmer and pump, refugium light, main pump, and a glass lid (cut out for skimmer).

Pros:
The skimmer and its pump are included, the main pump is included and the refugium light is small but bright.

Cons:
I found out that I cannot fit my Hyperflow 17 into the rear of the tank, bummer. The return is not Loc-Line. Has any had success adapting Loc-Line to the Finnex?

Christopher

[swjim]

Congrats, they're great little tanks!

[cbianco]

The lights also arrived!

[cbianco]

Here are the lights.

Pros:
Heavy duty fixture with six bulbs of T5 powa. The bulbs were included with the fixture.

Cons:
The moon lights are on a toggle switch with the main lights. Unfortunately, the lights do not have individual reflectors like I thought they did.

Christopher

[cbianco]

The lights work! That's always a nice added touch.

The lights are not as bright as I thought they would be. I gues I am not sure what to expect. I have never had T5 lights before.

Christopher

[cbianco]

I've spent some time today researching the Finnex light fixture that came in my package. I can hardly find a thing regarding this fixture.

Maybe someone has something bookmarked that they would like to share with me.

I am looking for info specifically on the Finnex bulbs, their quality and comparative bulb output.

[cbianco]

I hope that some of yall are tagging along on this tank build. Not much conversation on my thread. Anyways... :)

I purchased a stand today.

I originally wanted to have a custom stand built for me. After pricing one, it was a bit out of my price range, if I wanted it done correctly. I've been keeping my eye on the local thrift shops and discount furniture type stores.

Today, I was at Texas Thrift on I35, and I found this. It immediately hit my eye. Although it was a bit shorter than what I originally wanted, it was love at first sight. The price was negotiated and ultimately, much cheaper than what I could have bought a premade stand for.

This stand is made out of solid wood, mega-sturdy and in decent condition. It has two drawers and a lower deck for storage. It comes very close to matching the furniture in my office.

Let me know what you think of it.

[Iplantz]

Looks good to me! I wish I would have bought a lower stand because of head loss, cords, accessibility ect. Can't wait until you get your tank running. I have the same generation tank as you, but I would like to point out some things. My return pump returned too much water and emptied out the reservoir and run the pump dry. I had to clip the impeller of the pump. Also know that algae sometimes escapes from the fuge. Besides that these are awesome! Can't wait to see your aquascaping.

[cbianco]

Looks good to me! I wish I would have bought a lower stand because of head loss, cords, accessibility ect. Can't wait until you get your tank running.

Thanks for tagging along. I originally wanted a taller stand and initially was not considering something so short. Now that I have the tank in my office on the stand, I like the height. I can sit comfortably on the floor and tank gaze. I can also easily maintain the tank from the top down. My 24 gallon JBJ was on a very tall stand, about 48". It was a PITA when I had to get down into the tank.


I have the same generation tank as you, but I would like to point out some things. My return pump returned too much water and emptied out the reservoir and run the pump dry. I had to clip the impeller of the pump. Also know that algae sometimes escapes from the fuge. Besides that these are awesome! Can't wait to see your aquascaping.

I am looking for top notch flow in the tank. I plan on modifying the stock return so that it can accept Loc Line connectors and slip it into two. I am now curious to how much flow the stock pump puts out. In addition to the stock pump, I also ordered two Nano Koralia pumps to create a back and forth flow. I'll let you know how this goes, lol.

I hope that we can exchange more ideas about the Finnex. I'm loving the tank without the water, rock and sand. I can't wait to get something in there!

My ultimate goal is to have the tank cycled by March's frag swap.

Christopher

[MattK]

You might as well put it on the floor. :wink_smile:

[blindside]

Wow, your tank Is looking great!

[cbianco]

You might as well put it on the floor. :wink_smile:

What would I do without your support Matt? :nerd:


Wow, your tank Is looking great!

Thank you for the positive comment blindside. I can only hope that it still looks great once I'm finished.

[MattK]

What would I do without your support Matt? :nerd:


Probably be livin' in the clouds. :hypnotyized:

[coraline79]

sweet setup. Get some coral in it and you will fall in love with the color.

[rcasiano]

Sweet setup:) Really like the lighting!

[cbianco]

Sweet setup:) Really like the lighting!

I'm excited to see the T5 in action. I have only dealt with PC in my reef tank history.

[cbianco]

Teaser...

Here is the tank and stand together. I like the like how I have room on one side or the other to place something.

My wife suggested putting fish decorations next to the tank. I think she is thinking of the colorful ceramic fish from Mexico. I am thinking to put my orchids (phal.) next to the tank. Maybe the orchids will fluoresce from the actinic.

Any ideas for me to consider?

I included a couple of excited house members.

Christopher

[FireWater]

How about putting both by the tank. The orchids would probably look sweet with the tank lights on them - might even help them. Then there is extra humidity also. Some cool reef oriented deco amongst the tank and orchids - might inspire a tropical feel to the whole thing.

[cbianco]

How about putting both by the tank. The orchids would probably look sweet with the tank lights on them - might even help them. Then there is extra humidity also. Some cool reef oriented deco amongst the tank and orchids - might inspire a tropical feel to the whole thing.

The combo deal. The humidity would help. The orchids are currently on a humidity tray but whats a bit extra? I'll be taking a trip down to Mexico soon. I'll have to keep an eye out for something fishy related. They love making fish stuff down there!

I can see it now: "Sir what inspired you when decorating your home office?"

"Well I wanted a taste the of the rain forest and the ocean. Then I meshed these ideas with craftsman style furniture. If these two styles had a baby, it would be my office."

^Quote that!^ LOL :)

Christopher

[cbianco]

Bought some stuff from Dr. Foster Smith.

Here is my order:

4x Digital Timers
1x 100 watt Stealth Heater
1x CoralLife Thermometer
2x Nano Koralias

The price was right (for new items) but their standard FedEx shipping is sloooooooow. I ordered on Sunday and they are supposed to arrive next Wednesday. Whatever...

I plan on creating an alternating flow using the Koralias. I just have to find an alternating power strip. Post a link if you have one!

[MattK]

If you can talk Clif out of it there's one in the for sale forum.
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=48614

[cbianco]

If you can talk Clif out of it there's one in the for sale forum.
http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=48614

I need to talk member coraline out of it too. I made an attempt, it's posted. Good price for the wave maker!

[MattK]

Better get in line then...

[cbianco]

Better get in line then...

I am! I am looking on JBJ right now to see if this wave maker is universal or can only be used for particular pumps.

[jrsatx20]

dont know how the k3's will work with turning on and off. ive had problems starting them back up after they turn off.

[cbianco]

dont know how the k3's will work with turning on and off. ive had problems starting them back up after they turn off.

How old are they? Do you mean turning them off with a wavemaker?

[LoneStar]

How old are they? Do you mean turning them off with a wavemaker?

Yes the standard Koralias are NOT meant to be used on a wavemaker....just like the Seio's are not meant to be used on a standard wavemaker.

You can get the newer Koralias that are designed to be used on their own wavemaker though. I believe their run on a DC system vs a AC system....but am not positive on that.

[FireWater]

The wavemaker can slow the koralias down, but not shut them off and on. I believe that is how the newer style Koralias are working on their wavemaker.

[LoneStar]

The wavemaker can slow the koralias down, but not shut them off and on. I believe that is how the newer style Koralias are working on their wavemaker.

Ok gotcha. Then it works just like the Seio controller does with the Seio pumps.

[cbianco]

The wavemaker can slow the koralias down, but not shut them off and on. I believe that is how the newer style Koralias are working on their wavemaker.

Does this reduce the life expectancy of the Koralias at all?
How does the wave maker slow the pumps down?
Any one have a good video of a (AC, NOT DC) wave maker in action?

[cbianco]

Testing the wet stuff!

Looks like my glass box will hold water! :thumbs_up:

:shades:

Christopher

[FireWater]

Does this reduce the life expectancy of the Koralias at all?
How does the wave maker slow the pumps down?
Any one have a good video of a (AC, NOT DC) wave maker in action?


If you use the Koralia wavemaker it does not hurt them at all. It is the start and stop that will shorten their life. I know my Koralias will start up backwards or sometimes not start at all w/out a little help - and that is just when I clean them.

Can't wait to see the tank up and going. The 6 bulb t-5 should be plenty of light. There are alot of bulb combos to choose from.

[cbianco]

Can't wait to see the tank up and going.

Me too!

My DFS order came in today. I received some goodies: A couple of Koralia pumps, 4 digital timers, heater and a thermometer. I'm getting even more excited to get my tank up and running.

Christopher

[cbianco]

I picked up some rock today; I got a bunch of it! I received some large pieces, compare the rock to the wine bottle below.

Granted, it's all dry rock, I'll be able to start creating a great reef structure this week. I can't wait to start.

Got any ideas on how I should aquascape my tank?

[cbianco]

I need help with aquascaping.

I will be using acrylic rod to stabilize the structure. Also, in addition to the large piece you see in the pictures, I have some smaller pieces. Check the above post for total rock available.

[blindside]

Nice :)

[MattK]

Umm...got any more ideas?

[ErikH]

Base your structure on the corals you want to keep. Write out a wish list, and place them accordingly??? :D It should go something like this..

ORA ....
ORA ....
PALETTA ....
TYREE .....

Or you could just GSP it, lol.

[cbianco]

Base your structure on the corals you want to keep. Write out a wish list, and place them accordingly??? :D It should go something like this..

ORA ....
ORA ....
PALETTA ....
TYREE .....

Or you could just GSP it, lol.

Are you offering to donate some of these corals to me? :)

Why don't you bring them over, I'll put them in my tank and see how they look. :P

Christopher

[cbianco]

Can anyone tell how this guy set up his rock structure?
Is it two coves?
How would I go about doing this?

I suck at aquascaping!

This tank can be found here: http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2009-01/totm/index.php

[cbianco]

Teaser!

Changed my mind on the acrylic rod. Go foam or go home!

[cbianco]

The tank is up and running!

[cbianco]

...

[texmex]

Nice rock work!!

[cbianco]

Nice rock work!!

Thanks!

It took awhile, but I found a way to stack them that was pleasing to me. I originally was going to use acrylic rod and drill the rock but I felt I was limited to the design I could create. Instead, I sprayed foam where the rocks met. This hold them together well. If I wanted, I could pick up the entire structure as one piece.

[cbianco]

Clearer tank pics.

Notice the flat tops. Great for gluing some stonies. The coral skeleton on the right side will make a perfect holding dish for a clam. I designed this layout with three coves.

On a side note, I feel a fever coming on. Not even 24 hours setup and I want some frags, lol.

Let me know what you think.

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

The Finnex skimmer is crazy. I have so many micro bubbles, my tank looks as if it is milky. No foam in the collection cup either.

What's up with this Finnex skimmer?
Anyone know if there is a break in period on skimmers?

[Texreefer]

skimmers in general , yes, but I can't say for sure about yours. can you reduce the amount of air going into the skimmer?

[cbianco]

can you reduce the amount of air going into the skimmer?

There is no kind of adjustment knob on the air tubing. See Pictures.

[Darth-Tater]

Nice looking rock. :bigsmile:

tater

[cbianco]

Nice looking rock. :bigsmile:

tater

Thanks Tater. Specialized stuff in there, no telling where I got it! The rock structure looks better in person as do most pictures.

My tank is currently a haven for bubbles. I did email Finnex and they said this is normal first the first week or two.

On a funny side note, after measuring my salinity with my newly returned refractometer, I realized I added too much salt. My SG was at about 1.032 ouch! :hypnotyized:

Christopher

[Iplantz]

Check nanoreefs.com, (and me) there pretty much junk. Mine broke taking it out of the box and after a replacement it flooded my tank with micro bubbles for 7 weeks. And the skimmate was basically clear water.

[cbianco]

Nice looking rock. :bigsmile:

tater


Check nanoreefs.com, (and me) there pretty much junk. Mine broke taking it out of the box and after a replacement it flooded my tank with micro bubbles for 7 weeks. And the skimmate was basically clear water.

LOL, I bought this tank because everything was included. I hope Finnex is correct when they told me that I am experiencing a break-in period. Guess we will find out.

I've read N-R.com (30 gallon Finnex club thread). All in all, there is not a lot of info out there on the Finnex 30's (unless I'm missing something). I figured they would be more popular. They have been around for a while, almost as long as JBJ.

[justahobby]

Even if the skimmer turns out to be junk, you got killer aquascape and an empty tank to fill! Grats!

[gjuarez]

As far as the skimmer, you can attach some tubing to it and add a small valve, that way you can regulate how much air goes in. I added a biocube skimmer to my tank and its taking out a ton of nasty stuff.

[cbianco]

Even if the skimmer turns out to be junk, you got killer aquascape and an empty tank to fill! Grats!

Thanks man! This is the part that is killing me right now, waiting to put stuff in my tank. I think the waiting game teases everyone.


As far as the skimmer, you can attach some tubing to it and add a small valve, that way you can regulate how much air goes in. I added a biocube skimmer to my tank and its taking out a ton of nasty stuff.

I am going to buy a brass valve and see if that helps regulate some of the air going in.

Patience is a virtue! <-I keep reminding myself.

[swjim]

Christopher,

I would hold off on making any changes, mine took a week or two to break in. Right now I don't have any filter floss near the skimmer output, only a small bag of charcoal at the bottom of that chamber and I'm not getting any bubbles in the display tank.

Jim

[cbianco]

Christopher,

I would hold off on making any changes, mine took a week or two to break in. Right now I don't have any filter floss near the skimmer output, only a small bag of charcoal at the bottom of that chamber and I'm not getting any bubbles in the display tank.

Jim

I plan on giving it a couple of weeks to adjust. I'm just impatient and excited, like any good reefer. :)

It's kind of funny, I come home each day from work excited to see my tank. My tank ends up looks just as it did during the morning. So I look harder but still nothing. I must have reefer madness.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Went to B&B today. I have never been there before so it was a new experience for me. They have tons of tanks for corals and fish.

I bought a reef test kit, some 2 part B-Ionic and a few crabs and snails. I was originally going to buy the dry goods online but B&B's price was competitive when you factor in shipping. I rather support our local shops because I know they will support me in the event I need help.

Glad I visited this LFS! I plan on going back.

[MattK]

Did you use your MAAST discount?

[cbianco]

Did you use your MAAST discount?

Sure did! Glad I'm a Charter Member!

[MattK]

Good, I was gonna call you back and remind you but I got distracted by Carl's Jr.

[cbianco]

Good, I was gonna call you back and remind you but I got distracted by Carl's Jr.

I'm being distracted by some Mick Deez right now, lol.

[cbianco]

I have visited a few more LFS. I really liked AD, they have many items in stock that you normally only find online.

I purchased a few more hermits, snails and some cheato. I also purchased some sand from an established tank.

I am currently experiencing brown algae (diatoms?).

I am officially back in the game!

I hope that my tank is cycled and stable by the time TMAC arrives. I plan on buying a ton of frags there to fill my tank.

On a side note, my skimmer is still dumping micro bubbles into my display. Hope this problems works itself out soon. It has been a week already.

[rebelprettyboy]

I like those finnex tank...
Hope to see it runnin!!

[cbianco]

Here are some higher quality pictures, well... at least they are not cell phone pics. lol

[cbianco]

More...

[MattK]

Where's your seed rock?

[cbianco]

Where's your seed rock?

Upon closer inspection, I realized that the seed rock I bought had both aptasia and hair algae.

I decided to scrape the coraline off the rock into my tank and take my chances. I don't expect a coraline garden anytime soon. All in good time though.

I don't plan on adding any undesirable crap to my tank, At least not if I can help it.

[MattK]

Good luck with that.

[cbianco]

Just some stats...

February 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 40 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 15 / CA2 ppm 440

February 22, 2009 NO3 ppm 10 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420

Last week I put some cheato in the refugium. It must be working hard, my nitrates have dropped from 40 to 10 ppm.

Question, Will cheato pull out my phosphates as well?

.5 seems kind of high. I am using purified water to top off my tank and I have not done any water changes yet. Also, the colors are real hard to match up on the test kit.

[hobogato]

great looking rock-scaping!

the cheato will not pull out much if any phosphate as far as i know. in fact, high phosphates can be a growth inhibitor for macro algae which will keep it from helping reduce nitrates as well.

[cbianco]

great looking rock-scaping!

Thanks. It took me a while to figure my "puzzle" pieces. I created my rock work with SPS and a clam :heart: in mind.


the cheato will not pull out much if any phosphate as far as i know. in fact, high phosphates can be a growth inhibitor for macro algae which will keep it from helping reduce nitrates as well.

I guess it's time to read up!

Thanks Ace.

[cbianco]

Might I just say WOW!

This is my goal and yes it is a 30 gallon Finnex. The color just pops out.

Found this at RC, http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1580114

http://i109.photobucket.com/albums/n41/TonyDPetersen/P1010027-5.jpg

[hobogato]

nice tank (even tho that pic has had a little help from photoshop :) )

[gjuarez]

Gotta love the bio diversity of that tank. THe colors are awesome.

[cbianco]

WTF, two of my six T5's on my Finnex light no longer work!

I have contacted Finnex. I hope they respond quickly. Between my skimmer problems and now the lighting, I am whole heartedly regretting my Finnex purchase!

Can anyone offer any advice?

[cbianco]

WTF, two of my six T5's on my Finnex light no longer work!

I have contacted Finnex. I hope they respond quickly. Between my skimmer problems and now the lighting, I am whole heartedly regretting my Finnex purchase!

Can anyone offer any advice?


OH CRAP, MY ENTIRE LIGHT FIXTURE JUST BLEW UP!
THERE WAS A LOUD POP,
A BRIGHT FLASH,
THEN I LOST POWER TO THIS SIDE OF THE HOUSE!

WHAT'S GOING ON HERE??????

THIS FIXTURE IS GOING TO BURN MY HOUSE DOWN!

[mharmon]

Carefully make sure that there is no power to anything connected to the tank by flipping the breakers if they are not already tripped. I would suggest unplugging the light fixture, taking it down, packing it up and get your money back for it.

[mharmon]

I'm not sure just what happened, but you should be very careful when powering everything else back up, just in case there is damage to something else. You might want to power up each item one at a time to be sure that each is working properly. I don't think there's too much of a chance that anything else took damage, but you never know.

[cbianco]

Carefully make sure that there is no power to anything connected to the tank by flipping the breakers if they are not already tripped. I would suggest unplugging the light fixture, taking it down, packing it up and get your money back for it.

I unplugged everything and corrected the breaker.

I also emailed Finnex (mind you this is my second email tonight),

This is Chris again. I am pretty sure that my light fixture just blew up!!! There was a loud pop, a bright flash and then I lost power to this side of the house. The light fixture has been unplugged and removed. PLEASE ADVISE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Please call me ***.***.**** Chris Bianco

I bought the lights as a package deal. I would like a refund for the lights, I am not sure that I trust Finnex anymore.

[mharmon]

This is when you'll need every bit of patience you can muster. I would give them every opportunity to do the right thing. Carefully document all communication, especially on the phone. Make note of who said what and when. They will probably want you to ship the lights back and then they will ship a replacement after they receive them. It'll probably be at least two weeks before you have any replacement lights. Treat everyone politely and carefully and it will probably go better.

In the meantime, you might post a request for some loaner lights in the emergency forum. Someone may have a fixture they can lend you until your light situation gets resolved.

Good luck!

Mark

[cbianco]

This is when you'll need every bit of patience you can muster. I would give them every opportunity to do the right thing. Carefully document all communication, especially on the phone. Make note of who said what and when. They will probably want you to ship the lights back and then they will ship a replacement after they receive them. It'll probably be at least two weeks before you have any replacement lights. Treat everyone politely and carefully and it will probably go better.

In the meantime, you might post a request for some loaner lights in the emergency forum. Someone may have a fixture they can lend you until your light situation gets resolved.

Good luck!

Mark

I figure that it will take a while to recieve my replacement. Hopefully not too long though.

Good news is that I don't need a loaner/replacement right away. I can survive a couple of weeks. I just need a new set of lights before TMAC.

I am shopping as we speak.

[corkyGramma]

You're a patient person, I would have had water in there already.

[cbianco]

You're a patient person, I would have had water in there already.

I have water, rock and sand in the tank. It is cycling right now.

[cbianco]

So I contacted Finnex and Ken agreed to have me send in the unit at no charge. He said most likely it was the ballasts, all of them, lol.

I am going to pack up the unit tonight and send it out tommorrow.

I hope that it is returned quickly, TMAC is right around the corner.

[cbianco]

February 8, 2009 Started tank.

February 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 40 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 15 / CA2 ppm 440

February 22, 2009 NO3 ppm 10 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420

March 1, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / PO4 ppm 0.0 / KH dKH 14 / CA2 ppm 420

March 7, 2009 NO3 ppm 20 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 460 / pH 8.2 / SG 1.025



March 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 20 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.2 / SG 1.026

March 19, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / / SG 1.025

March 24, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 13 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.4 / SG 1.025

Holding fairly steady. The SG fluctuations are due to aclimation water and make up salt water. I've been aclimating alot lately.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Who wants to donate a LE/ORA/ATL to me? :wub:

I'll take the non-response as a no! lol

I stopped by B&B today. I picked up some live sand for my refugium, a purple feather duster and a pH test kit.

B&B was nice enough to pull some live sand from their display tanks to provide me with some reef bugs for my Finnex. The feather duster is nice and the first addition to my tank besides hermits and snails. It's also nice to have a pH test kit. From what I understand, pH is kind of important. :)

The hospitality that I have been shown at B&B has surpassed any graciousness that I have received at other LFS. Not to say the other are bad by any means, B&B seems a bit better.

Christopher

[Goofball310]

did you recieve the new lights yet?

[secretweapons22]

Nice looking set up

[cbianco]

did you recieve the new lights yet?

Ken at Finnex received my lights on 3/4/2009 evening. He repaired them on 3/5/2009 and sent them out that evening. Hardly 24 hours and they have been repaired and sent back to me. Regardless of the lights going out, the customer service at Finnex is fantastic. Thank you Ken!!!

I imagine that I will receive them sometime midweek next week.


Nice looking set up

Thank you.

I've been working hard to make the tank exactly as I imagined I would during my 1.5 years MIA from reef keeping. I'm a Nano guy at heart and will continue to own Nan's for some time to come.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Time to break 100 posts on this tank build!

Let's bring back TOTM!!! I wanna win it again, :bighug: ,Sept 2006.

( http://www.maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=33738&highlight=totm )

Can't wait to get those lights on Tuesday!

Christopher

[cbianco]

I just got my bulb combo recomendation from Grim Reefer over on RC.

In my PM to him I commented, "I want to get as much PAR as possible and I prefer the coloration a bit on the blue side."

He responded,

4 ATI Blue Plus
1 KZ Fiji Purple
1 ATI Aquablue

"Good PAR out of all those lamps and will look really blue but bright."

Anyone have any experience picking out T5 bulbs?

Par readings:

ATI Blue Plus 311
KZ Fiji Purple 330
ATI Aquablue 336

Can be found at: http://tfivetesting.googlepages.com/par

[cbianco]

I downloaded Paint.net and now I am learning how to use it.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03092009FeatherDuster.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03092009ZebraSeaStar.jpg

[cbianco]

More pictures...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03102009ZoanthidLime-Green.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03102009ButtonPolyp.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03102009HermitCrab.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03102009ZoanthidClosed.jpg

[cbianco]

The cheap Finnex skimmer is history! I can't stand the billions of bubbles that are released into my display, it's insane. The POS skimmer couldn't foam if it's life depended on it. Buyer beware, Finnex skimmers are for the birds!!!

I bought a new skimmer yesterday and it's on the way.

New addition to the family...

http://www.proteinskimmer.com/Product%20Pages/Remora.htm

http://www.reefgeek.com/reefgeek/3308/image.jpg

[cbianco]

More Pictures...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03142009Zoanthid1.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03142009Zoanthid2.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/03142009Zoanthid3.jpg

[cbianco]

Got the Reef Geek order in today!!!

Unfortunately, two of my bulbs are backordered. The AquaC is already foaming up. The ATI/KZ bulbs are great, I love the color.

Christopher

[gjuarez]

As far as the bulbs, I really liked my ATI but i was too impressed with the Fiji Purple by KZ. Is that what you got for actinic?

[cbianco]

As far as the bulbs, I really liked my ATI but i was too impressed with the Fiji Purple by KZ. Is that what you got for actinic?

Jerry, here are the bulbs I recieved today...

2 x ATI Blue Plus
1 x KZ Fiji Purple
1 x ATI Aquablue

Reef Geek still owes me 2 x ATI Blue Plus bulbs that were back ordered. (My fixture is a 6 bulb fixture.)

My zoanthids glow like I have never seen before. It's like they are radioactive, just insane.

As you can see, my tank is really blue... REALLY BLUE!!!!!!! The neighbors are getting worried, wondering what experiment I am running in my office, lol.

I may consider trading out a ATI Blue Plus for a GE 6500. This would give me a bit more PAR, a bit more growth and a bit less blue.

I really need to take pictures of my glowing blue box.

Christopher

[cbianco]

The Finnex is coming along...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1870.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1872.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1873.jpg

[rebelprettyboy]

awesome pics and tank

[cbianco]

awesome pics and tank

Thank you.

Come tommorrow, it will actually have corals in it. TMAC here I come.

[cbianco]

Sneak preview!!!

[Joe31]

What a tease!!!

[cbianco]

What a tease!!!

Should have gone to TMAC... Heck, we could have car pooled! I asked the wifey if you were going, she said you were busy, lol. :)

Christopher

[Joe31]

Remember I had to take her to a bridal shower.:cry_smile:

[gjuarez]

Hey christopher, any pics of the corals. Cant wait to see them. I ordered a very similar combination of bulbs. I ordered an extra GE 6500 just in case and sure enough it was too blue for my taste. I traded in an aqublue plus for the GE. This things put amazing light and color plus i am overdriving mine with icecap ballasts. You will love the T5s especially the ATI

[cbianco]

Hey christopher, any pics of the corals. Cant wait to see them.

Batteries are charged, camera ready, glass cleaned yesterday... Just waiting for the lights to come on! I don't think that the corals will be colored up yet though.


I ordered a very similar combination of bulbs. I ordered an extra GE 6500 just in case and sure enough it was too blue for my taste. I traded in an aqublue plus for the GE. This things put amazing light and color plus i am overdriving mine with icecap ballasts. You will love the T5s especially the ATI

I love the bulb combo myself! It is really blue, no doubt. However, I like some extra blue in my tank. I am considering replacing one of the bulbs on my fixture with a 6500 GE just for the extra PAR.

Pics coming soon. :)

[LoneStar]

Looking forward to seeing what corals you've scored!

[cbianco]

Looking forward to seeing what corals you've scored!

Bunch of sticks...

Cherry Corals - ORA Green birdsnest.

B&B - Tri-color, purple, pink and three others (forgot the colors).

I'll need some help with IDs.

[cbianco]

The colors on these are not true to life. I first took pictures with the flash off and they came out super blue. These pictures are taken with the flash and they come out too brown. Any suggestions?

If anyone can ID these, let me know.

This one is green with green polyps. Reminds me of a shrub, lol.
(w/o flash)
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1875_crop.jpg
(w/ flash)
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1885.jpg

I believe this one is the tri color.
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1886.jpg

This one is green with lime polyps (ORA).
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1887.jpg

This one should have purple tips.
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1889.jpg

[cbianco]

February 8, 2009 Started tank.

February 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 40 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 15 / CA2 ppm 440

February 22, 2009 NO3 ppm 10 / PO4 ppm 0.5 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420

March 1, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / PO4 ppm 0.0 / KH dKH 14 / CA2 ppm 420

March 7, 2009 NO3 ppm 20 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 460 / pH 8.2 / SG 1.025



March 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 20 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.2 / SG 1.026

March 19, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / / SG 1.025

March 24, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 13 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.4 / SG 1.025

Holding fairly steady. The SG fluctuations are due to aclimation water and make up salt water. I've been aclimating alot lately.

Christopher

[jlh81]

THAT LOOKS NICE

[cpreefguy]

I like the shrubby one!
As for the blue, you need to adjust the white balance on your camera...

[cbianco]

THAT LOOKS NICE

Thank you.


I like the shrubby one!
As for the blue, you need to adjust the white balance on your camera...

I'm gonna try and adjust the white balance and see what happens.

[jlh81]

That looks Great i love the rocks

[cbianco]

Well, I siphoned the sand out of the refugium today.

It seemed to collect tons of junk. The top layer didn't even look like sand.

I still have the chaeto in the refugium. The chaeto got to the size of a baseball and seemed to stop growing. Maybe it will finally start to grow again.

[cpreefguy]

Cool, I have decided not to use sand in my fuge either.

I wonder why your chaeto stopped growing?

[cbianco]

I wonder why your chaeto stopped growing?

I couldn't find a whole lot on chaeto's growth stopping. I still had nitrates in the water, albeit a low 5 ppm, but I would assume that this is enough to keep it going.

I made a mess siphoning the sand out of my tank. I am glad that I did thought, the junk I siphoned out was dark brown. I would assume that dark brown is not a good color for sand, lol.

[cbianco]

Update...

Bad Stuff :bareteeth:

I had some tissue recession on my "green shrub" Acro frag. It has seemed to some to a stand still with its recession. I hope it makes it. (http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?threadid=50058)

Good Stuff :bigsmile:

A brownish-red skirted zoanthid seems to have morphed. The skirt is now turning orange. Look nice!

I have pods everywhere! It's just insane, I have like a bajillion pods.

Funny Stuff :lauging:

My turbo took a ride on my Koralia and cleaned it off. It appears as if I just put the PH in the tank. I just hope he travels over to the other one and cleans it as well, lol.

Question Stuff :confused:

So I have lots of pods, does that mean I'm ready for a mandarin? I know they are demanding but can my tank sustain all these pods for the mandarin?

Sean Stuff http://www.spug.sg/forums/images/smilies/bananadance.gif

See banana above ^ .

Thanks for reading!

[gjuarez]

Alot of people would say no. THey would say that a 30g is too small to keep a mandarin. I say that if you have a refugium and some a couple hundred thousand pods, try it out.

[cbianco]

Some pictures for your enjoyment... I attempted to correct the white balance using Paint.net.

First, some ricordea.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Ricordea0Apr302009.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Ricordea1Apr302009.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Ricordea2Apr302009.jpg

[cbianco]

And now some zoanthids.

I will have two frags of the yellow and one frag of the red for sale soon.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Zoanthid0Apr302009.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Zoanthid1Apr302009.jpg

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Very nice Christopher. Those yellow zoas are electric!

[aggman]

nice updates. let me know when the frags are ready.

~alex

[cbianco]

Very nice Christopher. Those yellow zoas are electric!

They certainly are electric! They were a good find. I got a bunch of them, enough left over for about two frags of twenty.


nice updates. let me know when the frags are ready.

~alex

Will do... when are you heading to SA?

BTW, they are $1,000,000 a polyp. I figured this would be a reasonable price considering all the hype (Thanks MrsBB). :P

Christopher

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Christopher, Alex will be paying for mine......:bigsmile:

[aggman]

man i won't be up till the zoo trip.

and only a $mil per polyp, score! i will take the whole lot. lol.

~alex

[cbianco]

I placed a wet, folded paper towel over the spray injection tube under the collection cup of the AquaC Remora and cut the noise of this skimmer in half.

Normally, I would not hear my lighting fans while the skimmer was running, now I hear the fans over the skimmer.

So, if you have a Remora, you know what you need to do to silence this thing! Now if I could just get rid of the microbubbles... lol.

Christopher

[aggman]

hey chris, any updates for us.

how about a fts...

~alex

[cbianco]

Hey Alex, sorry for the delay. I turned in "my" good camera to school for the year. Here's a shot with my cruddy camera. Had to use the flash, if not my picture looks like something out of Picasso's blue period.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/HPIM1917.gif

[aggman]

nice, i bet you can't wait for that rock to purple up. man, mine is just starting to get encrusted. i got purple dots all over my rock. like its got 'grape pox'. lol.

oh and that awesome sig in the pic is totally making me lose my focus. i keep going back to it. haha, you know i am easily distracted...:hypnotyized:

~alex

[cbianco]

nice, i bet you can't wait for that rock to purple up. man, mine is just starting to get encrusted. i got purple dots all over my rock. like its got 'grape pox'. lol.

oh and that awesome sig in the pic is totally making me lose my focus. i keep going back to it. haha, you know i am easily distracted...:hypnotyized:

~alex

I have the grape pox too, lol!

I'm dosing B-Ionic two part to keep the calcium up. What are you currently using?

The picture signature was created with PhotoBucket's editing software. After you upload a pic, click on edit for that pic and you can see your different options.

Christopher :)

[aggman]

honestly i don't dose anything.

i just filled the tank with totoka straight from the lfs with a hot water rinse down. then threw in about 10 astraea snails that were completely coralline encrusted. no seed rock was used. it was doodoo brown for about a month then it started to turn a dark brown/green. now i got the pox. pretty slow i guess. i haven't dosed for calcium or anything like that. but i have tested and the params are where they need to be. i think it is the substrate i used. i picked some crushed coral aragonite and i think that is what is keeping the element levels. oh and weekly water changes.

~alex

[aggman]

oops, double post.

~alex

[cbianco]

Coming Soon

http://www.digitalaquatics.com/images/product/30-0012-001_300x225.jpg

Only $99

I'm loving it!

Christopher

[Big_Pun]

Coming Soon

http://www.digitalaquatics.com/images/product/30-0012-001_300x225.jpg

Only $99

I'm loving it!

Christopher
Cant beat that price i wonder if i can hook up 2 aquariums to it, they are only 5 feet apart

[cbianco]

Cant beat that price i wonder if i can hook up 2 aquariums to it, they are only 5 feet apart

Looks like it can only run one tank. Of course depending on your needs and ingenuity, you may be able to run more than one.

Web page: http://www.digitalaquatics.com/saltwater/RKL

Manual: http://www.digitalaquatics.com/downloads/RKL%20User%20Guide.pdf

Christopher

[cbianco]

FTS

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Tank0609094.jpg

Gadget Shot

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Tank0609095.jpg

Who says T5s are not bright enough?

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Tank0609091.jpg

Different blue zoanthid

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Tank0609093.jpg

Expanded frog spawn, f. ricordea and yuma

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Tank0609092.jpg

[aggman]

nice. are you buying the rkl direct from the dA website? i think i am going to be picking one up as well once i get my new tank in place. i would like an rkl with an extra pc4 module. still thinking about it. let me know when yours comes in and if you like it. i don't plan on getting one till the end of summer so i got time to let you test it out. lol.

~alex

[cbianco]

nice. are you buying the rkl direct from the dA website?

I was planning on going directly through dA's website. Do you think there is an advantage one way or another?


still thinking about it. let me know when yours comes in and if you like it. i don't plan on getting one till the end of summer so i got time to let you test it out. lol.

~alex

I am probably the least qualified of our little bunch here, to be testing anything out. But hey, I figured if Ace could light his tank using holes in his roof, then I can hook up a glorified power strip. :lauging:

You have any idea how long the $99 is good for?

Christopher

[aggman]

I was planning on going directly through dA's website. Do you think there is an advantage one way or another...You have any idea how long the $99 is good for?

Christopher

lol, actually i was going to ask you the same thing.

~alex

[cpreefguy]

I think if you get it through marinedepot and use the "bill me later" feature you get another $10 off too...

[robalv]

has anyone used these or know anyone who has? If so how would you rate its performance between 1-10 in functionality and whether it is worth the expense or not?

[cbianco]

I think if you get it through marinedepot and use the "bill me later" feature you get another $10 off too...

Got it! It should be here in 3 to 8 business days.

https://www.marinedepot.com/ps_ViewItem~idProduct~DA1131~child~DA1131.html

https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/74614/30d/akamai.f3images.com/IMD/250/DA1131/DA1131_99.jpg

[cbianco]

My wife had these delivered to me on the last day of school. They sure were tasty! I love edible presents.

Christopher

[cbianco]

The Reef Keeper Lite arrived!

[cbianco]

...

[cpreefguy]

Cookies by Design?



My wife had these delivered to me on the last day of school. They sure were tasty! I love edible presents.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Cookies by Design?

Yep!

Didn't know something like this even existed. Now I know, I will have to have some more cookies delivered to ME, lol.

[cpreefguy]

Yum! My GF worked there for years so I am way too familiar with how delicious those cookies are!

[rabadanmarco]

very very nice...

[aggman]

hey chris any updates?

also, didn't see you at the swap, man you missed on some good deals.

~alex

[cbianco]

hey chris any updates?

Actually, I am updating, programing and connecting the RKL right now!!! To many settings....... Ahhhhhhh, lol.

When you get yours Alex, just be patient as you learn the unit.

WORTH THE DINERO, HOMBRE!!!

If you have any specific questions about the unit, feel free to ask. I don't know everything about this unit but I can find out.


...also, didn't see you at the swap, man you missed on some good deals...

Yeah, I know, I know.

Kinda strapped for cash this month. Trying to keep the priorities straight. At least I have the RKL to keep me busy till next month.


~alex

~Christopher :ph34r:

[aggman]

hey chris i got a teacher question for you. something i always wondered but was afraid to ask, lol. do teachers have to get jobs in the summer. i know that some work, but do they have to? do they get paid in the summers?

this is probably a dumb question, and everyone else probably know the answer, but i never thought to ask. lol.

~alex

[cbianco]

hey chris i got a teacher question for you. something i always wondered but was afraid to ask, lol. do teachers have to get jobs in the summer. i know that some work, but do they have to? do they get paid in the summers?

this is probably a dumb question, and everyone else probably know the answer, but i never thought to ask. lol.

~alex

:sarcastic:

I am on a 12 month contract and salaried. My salary is divided by 12 months and I am paid monthly. I am also teaching summer school. Summer school is extra money on top of my monthly pay. I can't wait for my July and August paychecks, they should be nice dude. I am planning a mini vacation to LA to gamble (Casino Cashatta sp?).

Oh and BTW, teachers don't get paid enough, lol. Paycheck -----> :clown: But considering the economy, I am very happy to have a job and one that I truly enjoy!!!

Christopher

[Big_Pun]

hey chris i got a teacher question for you. something i always wondered but was afraid to ask, lol. do teachers have to get jobs in the summer. i know that some work, but do they have to? do they get paid in the summers?

this is probably a dumb question, and everyone else probably know the answer, but i never thought to ask. lol.

~alex

oh yea off till aug.,i love it, im a instructional asst. for northside i.s.d., going to school to be a special ed. teacher, another perk is my tuition is paid for, yes paycheck isnt that great but who else works 183 days a year

[cbianco]

PROJECT TIME!!!! :wub:

Drink some ale...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1340.jpg

Make some plans...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1337.jpg

[cbianco]

Drill some holes...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1341.jpg

Screw some screws...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1338.jpg

[cbianco]

Mount a strip...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1356.jpg

Mount a RKM-PC4...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1359.jpg

Mount the head...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1403.jpg

[cbianco]

Badda bing, badda bang...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1410.jpg

Drink more ale...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/06-30-09_1340.jpg

[cbianco]

I used an old piece of modular shelving to mount everything on. A space was below the PC4 for an additional PC4 to be mounted sometime in the near future.

I will be tyding up soon. I need to purchase some more wire loom.

On a side note, PC4s are expensive. Marine Depot has them for around $90. Anyone know where I could find one cheaper?

Christopher

[cbianco]

I used an old piece of modular shelving to mount everything on. A space was below the PC4 for an additional PC4 to be mounted sometime in the near future.

I will be tyding up soon. I need to purchase some more wire loom.

On a side note, PC4s are expensive. Marine Depot has them for around $90. Anyone know where I could find one cheaper?

Christopher

Question rehash.

Christopher

[ballardjr2000]

Preimium Aquatics 85.99 but other than that marine depot. I just goggled it.

[cbianco]

Preimium Aquatics 85.99 but other than that marine depot. I just goggled it.

Yeah, I did a search too. I was hoping someone had a secret place to shop they could share with me or possibly knew of someone selling one.

Christopher

[jay-roc]

Very nice tank!

[cbianco]

Very nice tank!

Thank you!

Many more upgrades to go such as...

-2nd PC4 controller
-MP10 (removal of 2 x Koralias)
-New light fixture (?)

and

-I still need 2-3 large coral pieces to complete the upper half of my tank.

I am really budget conscience thus take my time. I am in no rush to complete my tank, we all know what happens when your tank is complete...

[cbianco]

Nitrates at zero for the first time in my tank's history.

July 13, 2009 NO3 ppm 0 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 9 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 7.8 / SG 1.025

pH is a bit low, took the reading during lights out. I run a reverse light cycle for my refugium; I wonder what the reading would have been without the reverse light cycle?

5 months down, many more to go. Glad I got back in the reef-tank-gang, lol.

:)

Christopher


March 14, 2009 NO3 ppm 20 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 12 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.2 / SG 1.026

March 19, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / SG 1.025

March 24, 2009 NO3 ppm 5 / PO4 ppm 0 / KH dKH 13 / CA2 ppm 420 / pH 8.4 / SG 1.025

[aggman]

nice work chris, got any fts's for us pic junkies? lol.

~alex

[cbianco]

nice work chris, got any fts's for us pic junkies? lol.

~alex

Not at the moment.

I think I need to get Jennifer over to take some shots with her magical camera. She could make my average 30 gallon look like a magnificent 200 gallon.

I did notice that my euphillia (sp?) is growing. It now has the ability to sting my ricordea, never had that happen until today. As a matter a fact, I placed it with room to grow. I hope the ricordea has enought sense to slooooowly move out of the way.

Christopher

[cbianco]

It's Coming...(Que Jaws music.)

Nixed the MP10 for the MP20.
Can you say "NANO-WHIRLPOOL"?

:ph34r:

http://ecotechmarine.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/mp20-large.jpg

[cbianco]

Waiting...

Here are a couple of videos I enjoyed.

Christopher

Some observations about the MP20.

F5qTC13dkz4

MP20 in action.

TJSAe1LuQTQ

*Neither of these videos were created by me.

[cbianco]

The beast has arrived...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10826.jpg

[cbianco]

The unpacking...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10827.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10828.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10830.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10831.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10832.jpg

[MRSBIGBIRD123]

Talk about anticipation......

[Kristy]

Let's get that bad boy in the water already!!!

[cbianco]

I think I beat your comment with my second set of pics, lol.

Off to wrestle this thing into my glass box.

More pics to come...


Talk about anticipation......

[JoshOdphi]

nice...i love those rics....

[JoshOdphi]

wish i had some actually....lol

[cbianco]

Questions...

I have the MP20 blowing toward the return pump. Would I get better performance from the MP20 if it wasn't blowing toward the return pump?

Does it matter where on the glass I put the MP20? (i.e. upper left corner, middle bottom, etc...)

Anyone have any tips for me?

Anyways...

This thing really moves some water. It kicked all the detritus up in the tank the second I put it in. Awesome machine.


nice...i love those rics....

They certainly are nice rics! :) Thanks.

[cbianco]

Some pictures to hold you over...

Video coming soon!

Christopher


So many parts, what to do?
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10834.jpg

On the tank and making waves.
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10836.jpg

Zooming particles!
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10839.jpg

[cpreefguy]

Vortech, arguable the best piece of equipment you will EVER buy. I have mine on wave mode right now, making a nice ~3/4" wave in my Finnex.

[cbianco]

Just made my first YouTube video! I've never made a video in my life but I decided that the Vortech was beckoning me to make one.

Make sure to hit the HQ button and nevermind the music credit (I had to change the song).

Hope you like it. Be sure to tell me what you think.

Christopher

fYrosC09lvQ

[ballardjr2000]

nice video bust out the surf board nano sized surf board

[JoshOdphi]

nice...very nice...i wanna do that with mine..wish i had tha cash...

[ReefCube]

VERY COOL VIDEO!! I really like the tank I was so close to buying one..Josh you can get one now that the mp10 is out! made for the nano tank! $200 instead of 300 or 400 and its not as bulky I plan to get one as soon as I get my new tank and save up some funds its better than spending money on a bunch of koralias in the end you will eventually sell them all for a single vortech.

[cpreefguy]

Nice little wave you have going!

[Big_Pun]

nice wave , just like watching national geographic, now i want one, my g/f is going to stop me from looking at this thread im about to buy the reefkeeper l1, how do you like it

[cbianco]

nice video bust out the surf board nano sized surf board

Maybe I can get Ace to make me one with his sailboat scraps.


nice...very nice...i wanna do that with mine..wish i had tha cash...

Save your pennies. The Vortech is well worth it!


Nice little wave you have going!

Thank you. I was shaking the tank stand while I was filming to create the wave. :bigsmile:


nice wave , just like watching national geographic, now i want one, my g/f is going to stop me from looking at this thread im about to buy the reefkeeper l1, how do you like it

The RKL is also well worth the money. No more timers and cheap power strips. Even though it is considered "Lite," it can do mostly anything most other controllers can do.


VERY COOL VIDEO!! I really like the tank I was so close to buying one..Josh you can get one now that the mp10 is out! made for the nano tank! $200 instead of 300 or 400 and its not as bulky I plan to get one as soon as I get my new tank and save up some funds its better than spending money on a bunch of koralias in the end you will eventually sell them all for a single vortech.

I was originally planning on getting the MP10. I realized that the MP10 left me with limited possibilities for upgrades. The MP20 can be scaled back to suit my tank nicely, while still using a low wattage. Although there is a size difference between the MP10 & MP20, it's not much; The size difference was inconsequential to me.

I replaced two Koralias with this pump. They do not come close to moving the water the way the Vortech does. By removing the two Koralias from my tank, my tank temperature has dropped 3.5-4.0 degrees on average. I was shocked the Koralias put out so much heat, glad to have them gone.

Christopher :)

[aggman]

nice work chris. how are you liking the vortech?

~alex

[aggman]

ah crap, that was my 1000th post and i wasted it with 'nice work'.:angry:

i was planning on starting a new thread....dang it!!!! thanks alot chris!

~alex

[cbianco]

nice work chris. how are you liking the vortech?

~alex

The pump is great. Quiet and powerful. It probably could use an adjustment to dial in the wave again, it seems to be off just a bit.

Overall, I am satisfied with the purchase and would do it again if given the oppurtunity.


ah crap, that was my 1000th post and i wasted it with 'nice work'.:angry:

i was planning on starting a new thread....dang it!!!! thanks alot chris!

~alex

What a special post... I feel honored that you would waste it on me! :)

When I get to 9,999 posts I must remember to post in one of your threads for number 10,000. Something like, what is this red and purple stuff growing on the rocks?

[cbianco]

Picture update.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10948.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10950.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10951.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10944.jpg

Christmas Zoas grow fast!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10936.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10932.jpg

[MattK]

Oh yea, it looks much better with clean glass.

[cbianco]

30 Gallon Finnex: Got Wave?

Click the HD button!

Comments appreciated.

rOtTx50qP6E

[hobogato]

man, you could wash clothes in there!

[cbianco]

man, you could wash clothes in there!

At the moment, the water movement is doing two things:
1. Splash the detritus right out of the tank; and
2. Cause my ricordea florida to split through brute force.

You know Ace, some people say you can never have TOO much motion in your ocean.

:p

Christopher

[aggman]

what is that, like 50x turnover? lol.

what do you have it set at?

~alex

[cbianco]

:shades:


what is that, like 50x turnover? lol.

Don't be jealous of my "mad flow" nano! I make the ocean with it had a vortech.

what do you have it set at?

I have it set about 3/4 of the way up on short pulse mode.

I just hope my tank doesn't fall apart, lol.

~alex

[aggman]

I just hope my tank doesn't fall apart, lol.

yeah that would be my only concern. i read on rc that the tanks weren't designed to withstand that continuous back-forth motion. not saying they are right about it, it just left me wondering. have you read anything about that? i wonder if there is any truth to this? maybe someone else might know.

~alex

[cbianco]

I've read that in theory the tank is not built to withstand the rocking motion but I haven't actually read about someones tank falling apart. Hopefully I won't be the first. If you actually see a tank damaged from a Vortech, let me know, I would be interested in reading about it.

Christopher


yeah that would be my only concern. i read on rc that the tanks weren't designed to withstand that continuous back-forth motion. not saying they are right about it, it just left me wondering. have you read anything about that? i wonder if there is any truth to this? maybe someone else might know.

~alex

[Crazyeyes]

It is going to be an amazing tank, once it is done. Those tanks become bullet proof. Not literally.

[cbianco]

...


It is going to be an amazing tank, once it is done.

Thanks.

Those tanks become bullet proof. Not literally.

I am very happy with my purchase. It was well worth the money and is holding up well.

[aggman]

whats up chris a month and no updates. slacker. lol.

how is the tank coming along?

i finally decided on a new tank and it comes with the name 'finnex' on it. lol. i did something crazy to it....you will see when i start my build thread.

~alex

[blindside]

looking good, how do you like the RK?

[cbianco]

whats up chris a month and no updates. slacker. lol.

how is the tank coming along?

i finally decided on a new tank and it comes with the name 'finnex' on it. lol. i did something crazy to it....you will see when i start my build thread.

~alex

Work/school is killing me, as well as the moderating. The tank is coming along/maturing nicely. I do have a craving to add some corals but I don't currently have the time to so much as go and get them, lol.

I look forward to seeing your new tank once it gets going Alex.


looking good, how do you like the RK?

The RKL is awsome. It controls everything for me. For a $100, I couldn't have asked for more!

The RKL does what is says. Case in point, twice now, it has shut down the lighting on my system due to overheating (my wife turned off the AC). Now if I can just get a RKL to keep my wife from turning the AC off, lol.

Chrisopher

[aggman]

... Now if I can just get a RKL to keep my wife from turning the AC off, lol.

Chrisopher

they do make one...it is call 'VISA' :bigsmile:

~alex

[cbianco]

whats up chris a month and no updates. slacker.

What's up Alex, another month and no comments about how I haven't updated my tank thread. Slacker.

Anyways...

The tank is doing good. I've slept on a few water changes but it's maintaining itself. I'm still dosing two-part. My Acros have officially encrusted, started to grow out and on two of them, the colors are amazing. I have encountered a family of aptasia but the governor called me and would not provide a stay (of execution) for them, off with their heads.

True story...I was on an aptasia killing spree tonight. On my counter I had a cup of soda-pop and a cup of kalk. I picked up the cup of kalk and put it to my mouth and dang near drank it. Ouch, that would have not been pretty.

Christopher

[FireWater]

Useless without pics. You're making me reconsider the Finnex - I don't want to be a slacker too!:applause:

[cbianco]

Useless without pics. You're making me reconsider the Finnex - I don't want to be a slacker too!:applause:

Yeah, Yeah...

I would like to take some additional photos but I'm having photographical technical difficulties as of right now...No camera. :( Maybe I'll get one for Christmas.

[jlh81]

that video is awsome. Its like a small sunami

[cbianco]

that video is awsome. Its like a small sunami

Thanks.

My Vortech has to be one of the best investments I ever made. It pushes loads of water and has some nice features.

The MP20 is a bit over sized for my tank but once I dialed it back a bit, it worked just fine. I purchased a larger Vortech with future upgrades in mind. The MP10 seems undersized for anything much larger than my tank.

Thanks for looking! :)

Christopher

[cbianco]

After finally moving the tank to my new office, here is an embarrassing update. And yes, the glass is dirty!

Yup, that's all you get. :D

Christopher

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/2554/cimg0089w.jpg

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/5825/cimg0090qs.jpg

[cbianco]

Got some stuff from AD.

A peppermint and a frag of raspberry stag.

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

Getting ready to do the deed.

http://img138.imageshack.us/img138/8237/cimg0092n.jpg

Thanks AD! :)

Christopher

[txav8r]

I hope that pep is hungry!

[cbianco]

I hope that pep is hungry!

He's been on a juice fast for the past week, I've decided tonight he eats steak!

On a side note...Hindsight is 20/20...I'm sorry that I didn't have my glass clean when you came over. I actually feel bad about it. I had a dream that you told everyone on MAAST that I was a bad person since I didn't clean the glass. Sad part is, everyone agreed, ROFL!!!!

:bigsmile:

Christopher

[txav8r]

On a side note...Hindsight is 20/20...I'm sorry that I didn't have my glass clean when you came over. I actually feel bad about it. I had a dream that you told everyone on MAAST that I was a bad person since I didn't clean the glass. Sad part is, everyone agreed, ROFL!!!!

:bigsmile:

Christopher


You just beat me to it.

[cbianco]

So check this out,

Tonight I'm doing a water change, acclimating some snails and hermit crabs, and gluing some frags...I realize that my return/refugium pump is not working.

OH MAN!!!

-Pull out pump
-Take pump apart
-Impeller shaft is rusted through
-Call Jack, panic!
-Calm down
-Ask Jack if he has a pump I could borrow
-Realize that driving to Jacks and back will require me to pack a snack
-Go to Petco
-No Maxi Jets, panic!
-Find a CERAMIC shaft pump
-Figure out how to "rig" the new pump to the piping
-It works again
-Panic, for old times sake

The stock Finnex pump is really dead!!! The pump is only 10 months old. Pictures to follow.

THE ONLY FINNEX COMPONENT TO NOT FAIL ME SO FAR IS THE TANK.

Finnex failure in order, -skimmer, -lights, -pump. I can only hope that the tank stays together.

I can no longer recommend Finnex. Their quality leaves MUCH to be desired. Their products are crap! Stay away from Finnex products!

Rusted out impeller.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6621/cimg0108640x480.jpg

Back of pump fell apart.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4936/cimg0110640x480.jpg

Marineland pump in it's new home.
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/8122/cimg0112640x480.jpg

[FireWater]

Geez Christopher don't tell me this now.

I was getting excited about taking pics of the new arrival. The first thing I checked out were the lights - they work.

I think my pump might be a different model than that one - It is up at work so I will check it out tomorrow. Maybe Finnex knew of the problems and changed them. I am hoping that I won't have the problems you went through. If I do can I blame you? LOL

[cbianco]

Geez Christopher don't tell me this now.

I was getting excited about taking pics of the new arrival. The first thing I checked out were the lights - they work.

I think my pump might be a different model than that one - It is up at work so I will check it out tomorrow. Maybe Finnex knew of the problems and changed them. I am hoping that I won't have the problems you went through. If I do can I blame you? LOL

Sorry bud, bit fustrated tonight.

To be fair to Finnex, they did fix the lights at no charge, not even shipping. The lights have worked well since. I did tell you that the skimmer was just right off the bat.

I still like their all-in-one tank. If I could do it again, I would have bought just the tank, no extras.

Originally, I had a pump to change out the stock pump when I put the tank together. It was a HyperFlow 17 but it didn't fit. I said, "forget it," and used the stock pump.

Long night for me brother. I need to calm a bit.

Christopher

[txav8r]

Man Christopher, you are the poster child for the lemon law. Glad you gotit up and running again.
oh, umm... one more thing, STOP CALLING ME!!! j/k bro! lol! Sorry I was too far to help.

[txav8r]

Long night for me brother. I need to calm a bit.

Christopher


Might I suggest Tecate?

[FireWater]

Or something mixed with cola.

Sorry to hear. I remember the talk we had before I bought. So I planned ahead and have back ups. Seems like you have to replace or modify something on all of the all-in-ones no matter which one you spend $$$ on

[cbianco]

Man Christopher, you are the poster child for the lemon law. Glad you gotit up and running again.
oh, umm... one more thing, STOP CALLING ME!!! j/k bro! lol! Sorry I was too far to help.

Lemon law, lol...

Just an FYI, I'm going to start calling you even more often now! "Hello, Jack, yeah how you doing, well ummm...I have mud on my sneaker, what should I do?"


Might I suggest Tecate?

I was past Tecate, tonight was High Gravity night, malt.

Christopher

[cbianco]

Or something mixed with cola.

Sorry to hear. I remember the talk we had before I bought. So I planned ahead and have back ups. Seems like you have to replace or modify something on all of the all-in-ones no matter which one you spend $$$ on

This is true, replacing components should be expected. I just wasn't prepared. Honestly though, I don't expect to have to replace my pump after 10 months of use. Jack mentioned on the phone that they should have used a ceramic shaft, not steel. Gotta play the cards I was dealt, right!

Again the tank is great, it's just the component that seem iffy.

Christopher

[FireWater]

Well - on the bright side of things you are forging a path for others. It might be a path to stay off of, but it is forging ahead. LOL

If you need something else you know how to get a hold of me. Maybe we can do a small group order for new pumps and get a better price. HA

[FireWater]

OK, I will leave you alone now. But, seriously when I get it running you need to come by and check it out.

[txav8r]

Hey, Chris, I changed my number it's 210-***-****:D

[cbianco]

Well - on the bright side of things you are forging a path for others. It might be a path to stay off of, but it is forging ahead. LOL

If you need something else you know how to get a hold of me. Maybe we can do a small group order for new pumps and get a better price. HA

This is true but I am not a very good guinea pig, to worry-some. I heard of another Finnex user using a HyperFlow 14. Think we can get a discount on two? :)


OK, I will leave you alone now. But, seriously when I get it running you need to come by and check it out.

If you need any help, at all, as long as my schedule permits, I'm game dude! I'd love to see the tank.


Hey, Chris, I changed my number it's 210-***-****:D

Got it, saved it in my phone! Thanks for keeping me updated! :p

Christopher

[txav8r]

Seriously. Glad you are up and running again. Hope you got all of your problems ironed out.

[justahobby]

Sounds eventful. Sorry I missed it!

[cbianco]

Mini Picture Update...

Please forgive the point and shoot camera quality.

These acros were all bought at TMAC. At that time they were about 1" or less. They've really grown!

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0093800x600.jpg

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0099800x600.jpg

Happy clam, at least I think he's happy. :)

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0104800x600.jpg

FTS.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0106800x600.jpg

Christopher

[Mr Cob]

Nice. you have a "before" shot of that first one? That would be cool to add to Karin's growth thread.

Anyways... looks great!

[cbianco]

Nice. you have a "before" shot of that first one? That would be cool to add to Karin's growth thread.

Anyways... looks great!

Who is Karin?

Here is a earlier shot but the corals are encrusted already. I don't have any "freshly planted" sps shots.

Before...
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/SDC10839-1.jpg

Now...
http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/CIMG0093800x600.jpg

[Mr Cob]

EuroMom... here's her thread:
http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=55983

[cbianco]

EuroMom... here's her thread:
http://maast.org/forums/showthread.php?t=55983

Found it, added my 2 pictures.

Christopher

[FireWater]

Looks good so far. What combo did you go with on the t-5's?

[cbianco]

Front of tank

ATI Blue+
KZ Pink
ATI Blue Spezial
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+
ATI Blue+

Rear of tank

My bulbs are almost a year old. The configuration will be changed. I am saddened that I didn't think to get a pure actinic.

Christopher

[FireWater]

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+

[FireWater]

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