John's new water holder

[FireWater]

I am finally getting excited about setting up my new tank. It is a ~120 gallon OceanView with dimensions 48"X24"X24". I am still researching some equipment options so the following list may change but, I am planning on running the following:
Return pump - Sicce 4.0
Skimmer - Bubble Magus nac-7
Lighting - 2 Evolution led fixtures
Still researching reactor and brands of bio pellets

I have some cool to me ideas for aquascaping and contents and look forward to making it all happen. It will be a slow progress for me as I have a lot on my plate with new job responsibilities and some soon to be house remodeling. I will try to update when I can.

Now, here are some pics for Karin.:bigsmile:

Water test on the stand
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/newstand2.jpg

Teaser pic of the stand in progress
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/NewStand.jpg

[Europhyllia]

Now see that wasn't that hard, was it? ;)

Stand looks awesome (from what you'll let us see) but of course I didn't expect any less :D

[FireWater]

I will take some more pics of it tomorrow. It was too dark when I got home and it is still in the back of my truck until I get some help unloading it.

[CoryDude]

Dude, it's about time! You've had that new tank longer than I had mine 120g. I kind of wished I went with the single overflow like you have on yours.

I left a comment on the sicce thread about using the 4.0. If you want leds, have you looked at the ecoxotic fixtures? They make some sweet clamp on and hanging fixtures.

[FireWater]

I liked the single overflow because I wanted the floor space. I did go with 2 drains so I would have redundancy though. Should be fun trying to get everything tightened in that small of a space. My time frame for a rebuild after the 90 took a huge hit with work promotions but, that is starting to level out a bit.

I looked at the ecoxotics and might still run a couple of the stunner strips. Not sure though. I have one of the evolution fixtures already - and for the price I am impressed.

I will get some more pics up today of the stand. I am really happy with how it turned out and the design of it.

[olaggie01]

If you don't mind me asking, who built your stand?

[Mr Cob]

stand looks nice John. Next time post a larger pic dude and stop teasin!

[aquasport24]

You can go with Stockman dursos if space become a problem.

[FireWater]

If you don't mind me asking, who built your stand?

Myself and a friend. I could not get everything I wanted in a store bought stand.

[FireWater]

stand looks nice John. Next time post a larger pic dude and stop teasin!

I will post some better pics later. I have been doing yard and holiday stuff all day.

[FireWater]

You can go with Stockman dursos if space become a problem.

I am going to run a dry fit to see how much room I have to work with. The overflow is fairly large so we will see.

[Gseclipse02]

good luck with the new build john

[ErikH]

Looks/sounds great so far John. I'll be following this thread for sure! Any frags you need you just let me know. :)

[FireWater]

Thanks JT

Appreciate the offer Erik. I plan on making a post when the tank is ready for frags - I would like to get some of my old corals back as most of my original stuff is gone.

[FireWater]

Here are some better pics of the unfinished stand and the Evolution light. We plan on staining it mahogany to match some new furniture and other plans my wife has for me.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/038.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/037.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/034.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/033.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/016.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/017.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/018-1.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/024-1.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/027.jpg

[FireWater]

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/019.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/020.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/023.jpg

[Europhyllia]

Looks great. The ledge on the stand is fairly tall. I assume that means you are planning on sandbed -not bare bottom?

[FireWater]

Yes, I will be running a sand bed. I still have not been able to fully accept a bare bottom tank and have it "feel real" to me.

[txg8gxp]

The stand looks awesome....

[Europhyllia]

Good. I am all for sandbed :)

[FireWater]

I plan on keeping some wrasses so I need at least an 1" or 2". It won't be a Euro-sand bed.:applause:



Thanks Stephen. It should change quite a bit once the stain goes on.

[jrsatx20]

Awesome stand wish I would of taken a lil more time on mine but wanted up up already.

[FireWater]

That is why I am going slow as I can Ruben. I made plenty of mistakes on the old tank that I don't want to repeat with this one.

[Neptune@gabesfish]

Looks good bro ..

[jrsatx20]

My next build will be better and slower but I have to win the lottery first

[cbianco]

I know you hurt your back but with all this time off, I'd figure everything would be up and running by now! J/K

Bump for update!

Pics?

Need some help?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I didn't even notice that you dug this up Christopher.

I have some sweet dust colonies in the tank if anyone wants me to frag them. FREE!

I will holler at you in the next couple of weekends to help out with the stand and possibly start the rock wall. With the injury and other life events this has been put way behind schedule.

[justahobby]

Count me in. I'm interested in getting experience with rock walls.

[FireWater]

Will do Justin. I just ordered some stuff and will see what I can clear off my schedule for next weekend.

[Mr Cob]

nice looking build John.

[FireWater]

OK, so the stuff I ordered will not be in on time for this coming weekend. I will still be planning on doing some stuff to the tank like finishing the stand and canopy. After that my next 2 weekends are pretty full with other commitments. I will post some pics after I get the stand done - finally.

[cbianco]

What did you order John?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

A little something called rock. I ordered some dry rock in golfball to softball size for the back wall.

[FireWater]

So, I have been sitting here going over the design process in my head. Dangerous thing for me to have time think about anything. Since I have been so side tracked by life events and put the tank on hold I am not 100% sure where I am heading with it.

My equipment list will include the best I can afford and am willing to spend at that time. I have already put it off this long a little longer ain't going to hurt. Lights are AI Sols - 2 for now with the 3rd coming shortly.

My old tank had some design flaws that led to it's demise so I want to avoid them again. To do this I plan on using smaller rock to complete the back wall of the tank with a cut out similar to Karin's light box on her reef tank for interest. When I tore down the old tank and was selling off everything I started pulling out rock as I went and really liked the less is more approach- so I am aiming for minimal rock work with plenty of swimming room. Possibly a large center piece "tower" with some island off to the side. Fish list is still being kicked around in my head, but will include 1 tang (not sure which yet), a mystery wrasse, and my pink streaked wrasse for sure. For coral I have also been leaning toward a few must see specimens. I liked the look of coral everywhere, but after seeing my 30g at work everyday it is kind of getting old. I have some prized acans, 4 ORA sps colonies (Joe, Pearlberry, Purple Monster, and Red Planet), and my chalice collection that I plan letting grow to something that does not resemble a frag.

I am sure things will change and I know I will add to the list as time moves, but this is what I am shooting for. A simple display.

[justahobby]

I completely agree that less is more when it comes to open space vs. LR clutter. That's why I'm going with pillars on future builds. You can pack quite a bit more rock in without taking up nearly as much space. Check out this thread...

Show me your Pillars!! - Reef Central Online Community (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1807317)

(lots of pictures for the ADD's)

Here's a nice example:

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p5/SDreefguy/Reef%20redone%20live%20rock/IMG_7815_1.jpg

[bigsby]

Nice!

[Kristy]

Can't wait to see it John. Sounds like an exciting plan!

[FireWater]

Good thread and pic Justin. Picture one of those pillars and then some large flat rocks on the bottom kind of like an island. That is what I am thinking in my head. Also, by using the rock for the back wall I will be maximizing LR with out taking up floor space.

[justahobby]

Nice. Pillar centered?

[FireWater]

I will have to place and then decide, but more than likely it will be off centered slightly. The over flow of the tank is off centered to the left so I need to see what it all looks like as it comes together.

[FireWater]

Here is the link to the thread of pics that Ace took for me of the old set up. In the FTS it is kind of hard to see, but the left side is all rock and that is what I will be using as it was drilled and rodded together.

http://www.maast.org/showthread.php?56103-firewater-s-fabulous-reef&highlight=firewater%27s+reef

[CoryDude]

Oh, I remember that bad boy. Served as inspiration for my old setup. Nice photos Ace!

[FireWater]

Ok, I have made small strides towards possibly getting closer to the end of the building phase. Stand needs one more light sanding and a final coat of stain. Ordered some more pieces and parts today for equipment. My dry rock for the back wall and overflow arrived last week.

Plan for this weekend is to have stand finished and possibly put into place. Alexis decided we are repainting the living room along with new flooring finally and replacing all the trim - fun stuff - so that will slow me down a little. Plan is to paint the wall and replace the trim on the wall that the tank is going on this weekend. Don't know if I will have all that done or not by Sunday evening..... Ok, I will be honest and say there ain't no way it's all getting done by Sunday. On a side note - sometime this weekend I will finally be doing the rock wall using dry rock, mortar, and egg crate. Lookin forward to that.
I promise I will put something for pics up by Monday.

[Europhyllia]

you have got to be about the most patient reefer I know. No way could I have held off that long. Glad you finally get to move forward with it! :)

[FireWater]

Trust me it ain't patience.:bigsmile:

I wanted to build with the best equipment I could not possibly afford so it is taking a little longer to save up and pay cash. Plus being out with the back injury has taken a lot of steam out of my drive to do hard work, bending in precarious places to plumb or build, and I have been in a bad mood since the beginning of March. LOL

[FireWater]

Ok, I had some progress today and some set backs over the weekend.
I was able to hang out with Ace, Jack, Christopher, and Justin today. We planned out the rock wall and had a good time getting half of it done. That's the good part.

Bad part is I ran out of mortar so I didn't finish the wall. Also, I started the stain on the stand and canopy and it went to garbage pretty quick. I used a product by Minwax that I had never tried before - it is a one step stain and polyurethane mixture. I will never get near it again. It came out streaked and blotchy no matter what I tried. My stand is now going to be black, which I really didn't want to do.

I will be finishing the painting of the stand and canopy this week and ordering more Acryl so I can finish the wall. Hopefully by next weekend I will be moving the tank into it's new home and continuing with the build. I will need some help with the move if anyone wants to hang out for a while.

I think Justin took a couple of pics of the wall as we were building it. Hopefully he will post up later.

[cbianco]

Some proof that we were actually working...

Main structure (right side).

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-05-30132139.jpg

Left structure visible (turned clockwise 90 degrees).

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-05-30132150.jpg

Some random guys looking into clear plastic box.

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-05-30132200.jpg

Christopher :)

[cbianco]

Oh and...

http://i686.photobucket.com/albums/vv229/biancochris/Mini%20Reef/2011-05-30140835-2.jpg

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Ha, that's funny Christopher. Y'all wore REJ out, he has been asleep since everyone left.

You could have got a pic of my better side though.

[justahobby]

Hahaha! The REJ photo is awesome. Here are the two I took:

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/BioFish09/IMAG0427.jpg


I thought we were all having fun until I looked at this picture. Looks like Jack was having a stare down with the rocks

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/BioFish09/IMAG0426.jpg

[FireWater]

I thought we were all having fun until I looked at this picture. Looks like Jack was having a stare down with the rocks


Na, that's what all artists look like.

[Europhyllia]

lol looks like fun times

reminds me when you came all the way out to see the supplies and I put you straight to work.
I think it's going to be awesome!

Looking forward to seeing it wet!

[FireWater]

I had forgot how much fun it was. I totally under estimated the amount of supplies I would need though.

It was great to have a bunch of people to bounce ideas off of and actually changed my game plan before I started. I am way happier with how the changed version is going to come out.

[txav8r]

I can't wait to see it wet. I think it came out really Cool!!

[Kristy]

Oh wow, this is looking great! That L-shaped piece for the back wall is sweet! Good work guys!

[Texreefer]

Good thing I was fishing this weekend. That way I don't feel so bad about not being invited to drive two blocks to help you:bigsmile:

[RayAllen]

You guys look like you were having fun. I see Jack, Ace and John. Whos the guy in the stripes, back to the camera?

[hobogato]

christopher and justin were also there

[Kristy]

Stripes guy = cbianco

[Mr Cob]

Hahaha! The REJ photo is awesome. Here are the two I took:

I thought we were all having fun until I looked at this picture. Looks like Jack was having a stare down with the rocks

http://i1020.photobucket.com/albums/af324/BioFish09/IMAG0426.jpg

haha, getem' Jack!

[RayAllen]

My wife has always called me a fish nerd or geek. That pic sums it up, lol.

Looking forward to more progress pics.

[FireWater]

It was a blast to hang out and shoot the fish stuff. I plan on finishing up the rest of the wall when I get more supplies in and if anyone wants they are more than welcome to come over and stare at rocks like Jack.

[ErikH]

John, I have some mortar if you want it. Free.99, let me know.

Glad to see the progress, I have a slow going rebuild on my hands, and it tests your resolve! :)

[txav8r]

I like to stare rocks into submission!

[FireWater]

My resolve was tested months ago. I am way behind where I wanted to be, but it will be worth it in the end.

Erik, thanks for the offer. I have the dry mortar - it's the acryl that I went through like crazy.

Jack, those rocks had nothing on you man.

[cbianco]

You guys look like you were having fun. I see Jack, Ace and John. Whos the guy in the stripes, back to the camera?


Stripes guy = cbianco

:thumbs_up:

I can see that I still have more MAAST members to meet.

Christopher :)

[kkiel02]

If you need any help dont hesitate to ask. You are only a couple exits down 35 nowadays so let me know. I ended up not doing the acrylic rod for my aquascape, I just didnt have the time. Thanks for offering to help with that though.

[FireWater]

No problem Kevin. If you change your mind let me know.

[FireWater]

Ordered some more stuff this weekend.
Got another SOL module coming in. Went with Tropic Eden sand. Mortar is supposed to be here Wednesday so I can finish up the back wall this coming weekend. Skimmer is coming soon.

Still need to plan the plumbin and start getting parts. Need to get the Sicce 5 for return. My to get and do list is getting a little shorter. I broke my promise to myself that I would not credit card anything for this tank though. Up until today I paid cash for everything that I got for it but, I got tired of waiting for this thing to be done.

[Europhyllia]

I got tired of waiting for this thing to be done.

Yeah me too! Put water in it already!!!

[Big_Pun]

Yeah me too! Put water in it already!!!

yea I let you take that skimmer in hopes of you getting that tank wet. I'll take it back!!!! j/k ;)

[FireWater]

Patience my folks, patience. I am off all next week and will get more done.

Chris, I am not going to use that skimmer. I framed it and it is hanging on my wall in memory of you.

[CoryDude]

I saw your skimmer last week. That is one awesome octopus! Wish I had gone with the sicce 5.

[FireWater]

I think I am going to like it. It is rated right a little small for my tank, but it looks efficient and very well built.
I am looking at the new Sicce pumps in an equivalent to the Sicce 5.

[CoryDude]

If you want a fast flow, then definitely go with the 5. I have the sicce 4 on my 120 with about 5ft of head pressure, and it's definitely a slower flow through the sump than I'm used to. But, the skimmer seems to work better with the reduced flow, so I stayed the course.

[FireWater]

Living room wall is painted and just need to finish up the trim around the tank area. Stand and canopy are done and fixing to be in place. I need to round up a few folks on Friday to help me move the tank from the office to the stand in the living room. I plan on siliconing the back rock wall in place tonight or Thursday ten moving the tank Friday or this weekend. After that comes the plumbing and figuring out how to best hang the led's. Slow process, but coming along.

[FireWater]

I need to try again to get a couple folks to help out moving the tank from the office to the stand. Shooting for Sunday late afternoon.

I am still limited as to what I can do with the injury and don't want to blow the back out again.

[Big_Pun]

I'll help for your skimmer.... I'll give you mine when it gets in :|

[Mike]

John, I just left you a voicemail. Kristy noticed you might need help and sent me an email. I should be available Sunday afternoon, just let me know.

[hobogato]

i should be available as well

[FireWater]

Thanks guys. I will let you know a better time once I figure it out.

[FireWater]

I'll help for your skimmer.... I'll give you mine when it gets in :|

Only if you ordered the 2000.

[Texreefer]

John . if its after 6pm let me know and I will run over there

[kkiel02]

I can help as well.

[FireWater]

Had a couple of things come up. I still plan on moving the tank but it will be around 630 pm.

[justahobby]

I will try to make it. Feel free to call or shoot a text and remind me.

[Texreefer]

call me when your ready.. I can be there

[FireWater]

Thanks Justin and Mike. It should only take 3 of us to do it safely and we are only walking about 10 feet. The way Ace and I did the stand is going to be the hard part as the tank sits pretty low in the stand. It's going to be a finger smasher.

If anyone else wants to come check it out just let me know and I will give directions.

[hobogato]

i will be there also john

[alton]

See ya at 6:30

[kkiel02]

Hey John if you have enough people and this HUGE(sacrastic voice) thunderstorm doesn't drop tons of rain, I may sit this out and prep my landscape work for tomorrow. If you need help though give me a shout.

[FireWater]

No problem Kevin. I think I got it handled with a couple of folks coming over. Thank you anyway.

[FireWater]

Thanks to Alton and Texreefer for putting my tank in place for me. Also, for moving the china cabinet for Alexis.

Here are a couple of pics of the tank in it's new home. I also finished up the back wall and have it in place. I still have some work to do before I can get water in it. Getting closer though.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011091.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011090.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011092.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011094.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011093.jpg

[FireWater]

Kind of have to use your imagination to see the finished product. I started working on the acrylic back drop last night. It will be a blue piece of acrylic scuffed and sanded and then sprayed with some different colors to hopefully give the illusion of more depth in the back of the tank. The rest of the sand should be here soon. Then plumbing.

At the rate I have been moving I should have water in it by September. :bigsmile:

[cbianco]

...At the rate I have been moving I should have water in it by September. :bigsmile:

Lol!

At any rate, the tank looks good. The background has far exceeded my expectations.

Christopher :)

[tebstan]

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/July102011090.jpg



Looks good!

[FireWater]

Thank you.

[alton]

I don't mean to sound like a wimp but that was the heaviest 120 gallon I have ever moved, it never dawned on me it was because all of the concrete and rock attached to the back of the tank. It will look awesome when you get it going John, especially with the LED lights.

[FireWater]

I forgot to mention the extra 50 lbs of mortar and rock. Thanks again Alton.

[CoryDude]

Dude, that background is freakin' sweet. Nice work. Definitely worth the wait.

Looking at your tank really makes me with I'd gone with the single overflow too.

[FireWater]

That's funny. I was kind of thinking I should have gone with 2.

It will look better when I get the back drop done. I am copying Karin minus the light.

[FireWater]

I wanted to go fairly minimal on the rock in the tank so I figured I would use some on the back so I can keep a lot of open space in the tank itself.

[Europhyllia]

Oh that turned out super nice! Very 3-dimensional. I like it a lot!

[justahobby]

Looks good bro! This will be ready for RC's TOTM by September :thumbs_up:

[Mr Cob]

nice updates John. Looks great...lets get it wet already!

[FireWater]

I'm tryin. Off again this week so if I can move I plan on getting out to find the last few plumbing pieces and then bribe someone to help me get it all in.

[Big_Pun]

I'm tryin. Off again this week so if I can move I plan on getting out to find the last few plumbing pieces and then bribe someone to help me get it all in.

I'm off till school starts!! only busy tue. and thur. let me know when I can help.

[kkiel02]

I have pipe cutters, glue and primer if you need that. I am not sure what our plans are for the weekend but if you haven't bought them yet, you are more than welcome to mine.

[FireWater]

Appreciate the offers. I have all the tools to get it done just need to see how I feel after the next procedure tomorrow. If I can bend and move then I plan on hitting hard on friday.

[kkiel02]

Ok I will actually be out of it Sat. and Fri. as well as I am getting a little surgery to fix a root canal.

[FireWater]

Ok, so I had the biggest example of futility and humiliation today. I mooched help to start plumbin the tank today.
I get all excited and we are fixing to start so I pull out the $200 worth of plumbing parts that I had ordered (they are nice by the way - all schedule 80 with that nice grey finish) and commence in cussing as I find out I ordered 1 & 1/2" bulkheads and fittings to include unions and premo ball valves only to figure out the holes in my tank are 1 & 1/2" holes. I screwed up thinking if I said 1 & 1/2" drains that the holes were going to be 2". None of my bulk heads fit. NONE. Totally my fault.

On the plus side - I was talked into going R rated with my tank. It will now be topless.

[Europhyllia]

On the plus side - I was talked into going R rated with my tank. It will now be topless.
Wow who managed to do that? I am all for it!

[FireWater]

I can't say names because I haven't told the wife yet. I will say that his name starts with A and is 3 letters long and his screen name is a homeless cat.

[hobogato]

oh no, i am not taking the heat for this one!

[FireWater]

It won't be that bad if Alexis goes for it.

I am sold. I think it would look awesome and after payin that much for lights I kind of want to see them.

[Europhyllia]

oh good whoever that unknown person was. Made me feel all bad for your lights to be crammed into a canopy... ;)

[FireWater]

I hear ya Karin. The more I thought about it then the more I want to see them.

Have you noticed any issue with running the mesh screen over your tank?

[Europhyllia]

not really. sometimes when I am really lazy I just pour my iron supplement through the mesh instead of lifting it up so the mesh got a little brown there. Just splashed some water on it and it's clean again. Definitely worth it and I think it looks pretty clean and classy (definitely beats weird stuff like laying egg crate over your tank lol

[FireWater]

Cool. I think I have Alexis talked into it so I will have to order some of the clear mesh to build a top for the tank. I plan on keeping some jumpers so it will be a necessary item.
No issue with blocking the light right?

[Europhyllia]

not at all. it's so thin and clear (not black). I think even Bulk Reef Supply carries the right kind now. :)

[FireWater]

Yep. Bulk Reef has it. Going to get some ordered tomorrow.

[FireWater]

Plumbing is done.
Lights are hung super sweetly from the ceiling. Alexis was even happy with the results so that is a big plus.
Top frame for the tank will be done tomorrow and ready for painting.
I even got caught up in the moment and put some sand in the tank.

I will try to put up some more pics tomorrow.

[cbianco]

Pictures my friend, pictures!

Christopher :)

[justahobby]

http://i703.photobucket.com/albums/ww38/rc05293/misc%20pics/ThisThreadIsWorthless.jpg

I first saw bstreep post that pic and it is still one of my favs.

[txav8r]

X3
Pics bro!!!

[FireWater]

I will take some pics tonight guys. Ace is cutting down my acrylic piece for the back and finishing up the top. When I pick them up I will shoot some pics.

[FireWater]

Here are some pics of the updates.

Sump/fuge and plumbing. "Under the hood"

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/001-6.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/002-3.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/003-2.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/007-2.jpg

Still have some small things to tidy up, but for the most part it is done. I plan on adding a bubble box on the drains. I didn't take pics of the skimmer. Sorry.

[FireWater]

Some more pics.

New top for tank. Still need to paint it.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/011-3.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/009-4.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/004-4.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/015-1.jpg


Lights.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/010-4.jpg

[FireWater]

Someone asked me about the rock wall and the depth it gave so here are some more pics to try to give an example of the depth of view.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/008-2.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/005-4.jpg

[FireWater]

Lastly, here some top down shots. :)

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/014.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/013-1.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/012-1.jpg

[FireWater]

I still need to sand and paint the acrylic back drop, get some more sand, tie up a couple loose ends on the plumbing, figure out what salt I am going to use, and start adding water.

Getting real close now.

[CoryDude]

Looks nice and clean! I still having problems following the complex plumbing on your sump, but it looks great.

Troy and I were talking with Christopher about your rock and mortar backdrop the other night. Do you think the mortar will affect the ph/alk if you don't soak it first for a few months? Just wondering because I've read how people had problems using diy liverock and it caused their alk to crash when they didn't let them sit and soak for a while.

[Europhyllia]

. Do you think the mortar will affect the ph/alk if you don't soak it first for a few months? Just wondering because I've read how people had problems using diy liverock and it caused their alk to crash when they didn't let them sit and soak for a while.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1836480
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1870691

I haven't had any probs with it in my tank (as predicted in the threads above)

[cbianco]

I still need to sand and paint the acrylic back drop, get some more sand, tie up a couple loose ends on the plumbing, figure out what salt I am going to use, and start adding water.

Getting real close now.

As Paris Hilton would say, "That's hawt!" I especially like the trim on the top of the tank!

I look forward to seeing this badboy in action.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I was worried at first too Corey. I did some reading and research - like the links above - and the mortar I used is not like a normal concrete product. Plus, I helped Karin with her overflows using the same mortar and she reported no issues so I figured I was good to go.

The plumbing only looks complicated. 2 drains with a T on one that goes to the fuge, the other piping is coming out of the fuge to the sump. The fuge is removable if I choose to do that or take it out to clean or what ever.

[Europhyllia]

There's one precaution I did do based on talking to the chem guys on RC: mortar and even regular rocks including live rock can contain small amounts of metals. There's no testing on this and like I said it's just stuff that might be in the rocks we already put in our tanks or part of the stuff that gets mined and put into mortar so people like Cliff on RC (and I do too) keep a bag of Curpisorb in the sump to collect any trace metals (it's meant to gather up copper but also adsorbs other metals) just as extra insurance. It's also much more effective than Polyfilters.

I think the rock mortar thing will hold up well over time without the problems you start seeing with older foam systems

[FireWater]

I think the rock mortar thing will hold up well over time without the problems you start seeing with older foam systems Karin

That is exactly what I am hoping for. Just to make sure I don't have the same problems as in the old 90 I will not put another urchin in this one.

[Europhyllia]

I don't think it's just urchins, John.
I've been quite the tank tourist this last year and I can honestly say I haven't seen a foam tank that hasn't shown problems (even with no urchin in sight). On the older foam systems there's always that mystery fine algae growing off of the foam as if it's feeding directly off of it. Something is being trapped or compounds released when the foam ages (and with aging I mean 1 years and up)

[FireWater]

When I really noticed the problems with mine was when the top coat of the foam got removed. As the expanding foam expands it creates a bunch of air pockets and holes. I believe that there is no way for detritus and other things to not get caught in it. I probably would never use the foam again for any of my tanks.

[Texreefer]

I must disagree... I can probably say with some degree of certainty that i was the first one around that did foam... my first foam project was about 7 years ago. my tank was built out of plywood and foam and in the 2 1/2 years I had is set up. I never had any problems with algae...... the onlly reason I tore is down was to upgrade to a larger tank... I loved the foam

[FireWater]

It didn't work for me. The old plywood tank was sweet Mike. As well as the rebuilt one in which you used foam as well. I am still convinced that you were the exception though. LOL
If I were to ever use the foam again it would be in limited amounts and I would use the black pond foam as it seems to be hardier. I just don't think I could try it again personally.

[Europhyllia]

I loved the foam

I think most people who did the foam love the foam. :) In fact even those tanks where I sort of heard the jaws theme in my mind while looking at it because those signs of impeding doom where already cropping up, love their foam.
There just seems to be an odd similarity between those tanks that I haven't seen in other tanks. In fact by the time the problems crop up most non-foam tanks settle down.
I think it would be worth recognizing that something fishy may be going on here and investigate what these tanks have in common besides the foam to trigger these weird symptoms.
But I totally believe you that yours was super awesome and never had those symptoms. From my sample group that still makes in only about 16% success -jsut not good enough to risk it with the time and effort involved.

Anyway... John put water in it already!

[cbianco]

I have quite a bit of foam (Great Stuff) in my Finnex. The foam is what is holds my entire rock structure together. In certain places the foam was left intact with it's skin, in other place (where it protruded) I cut the foam to aline it with the plane created by the rocks. After 2 /12 years, I've have no particular problems that many people have associated with "old foam disease."

Karin, make sure to add me to your unofficial statistic. I want to help to bring that number up. :D

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

LOL. You are bring it up to a 28% success rate then! ;)

[Europhyllia]

hey I just realized something: you don't even have fish Christopher!
Do you even add any nutrients to the tank that could get trapped anywhere?

[Texreefer]

I must disagree... I can probably say with some degree of certainty that i was the first one around that did foam... my first foam project was about 7 years ago.  my tank was built out of plywood and foam and in the 2 1/2 years I had is set up. I never had any problems with algae...... the onlly reason I tore is down was to upgrade to a larger tank... I loved the foam

[cbianco]

hey I just realized something: you don't even have fish Christopher!
Do you even add any nutrients to the tank that could get trapped anywhere?

Dang, always getting caught up in some sort of technicality. :p

I don't have any fish. I do feed my tank some frozen Rod's Food (coral) about once a week/bi weekly/when ever I remember. Although I do have some "junk" in my tank, it is probably relatively low compared to other tanks.

BUT...

That may show that it's not the foam itself causing problems.

Christopher :)

[Europhyllia]

lol. Yes, maybe we should do a poll on who has
1) foam
2) for more than a year
AND
3) feeds their animals more than once a week

;)

[FireWater]

Just in case anyone missed it. I do not have any foam in this tank.

I cannot say with or with out certainty that the foam was the down fall on my old 90g. I know it was a piece of the problem for me though. Do I condemn it now? No, I just know that I will probably not put it into any of my future tanks that will use it other than to fill in gaps in rocks. Mike (Texreefer) was the one that got me into using the foam in the first place after I bugged him relentlessly to show me how to do it. He had success with it and I did not. I believe Rob (MrCob) has had great success with it too along with others I am sure. Not for me though.

[hobogato]

so, on this tank, you are still planning to add some liverock in a column right?

[FireWater]

Yes, I still have some of my old rock from the 90 that will go into this one. Almost dead center of the tank. I also have another rock that I picked up a while back that is about the size of a large dinner platter and flat that will go on the sand bed.
The old rock is still cooking in a Brute can. I have been doing twice a month water changes on it. Doesn't smell and the water is crystal clean. Not sure what bacteria is left on it, but we will see.

[FireWater]

When I get the tank going I am going to be on the hunt for a couple of my old coral from the 90. I am hoping someone is left out there with some of them.

This is the 1st one on my to find list.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/PDRM3825.jpg

[cbianco]

I think I know a member with a few of your corals from the 90 gallon ;) .

I definately didn't get a frag of this coral though! I want, I want now!

Chistopher :)


When I get the tank going I am going to be on the hunt for a couple of my old coral from the 90. I am hoping someone is left out there with some of them.

This is the 1st one on my to find list.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/PDRM3825.jpg

[FireWater]

I really wish you would have stolen some of that one Chris. I cannot remember who all got a piece of it. I have never seen another one like it myself.

Super sweet and it wasn't even one of those "named ones".

[Troy Valentine]

Good thread,
Very cool live rock creation, I would like to try that to a future system. I know Seaworld propogates an sps very similar to that one. Might want to try AD or TT. In fact I believe AD had a colony of this on Saturday.

[Mr Cob]

looks way cool bro!

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/014.jpg

[FireWater]

Troy - Thanks for the compliments and the heads up on where to possibly find that sps. If and when you want to try the mortar let me know. I loved doing this one and had plenty of help doing it.

Rob - Appreciate it Brother. I am getting real excited to get it finished. The zoas I have gotten from you will be looking good in their new digs.

[Troy Valentine]

Thank you for the offer John I might take you up on it... Possibly sooner than I would like. How many pounds of cement did you end up using? The possibilities are endless with this. I think I might experiment with it this coming week.

[FireWater]

I used about 20 pounds total. The uses are endless - stacking rocks, building bridges, back drops. Karin is the one that got me hooked on it and I just did my own spin on it.

[ismvel]

Looking good John, you making some good progress. Just got back from camp and am looking around. Love the AI's brother....The rest of the build is looking good too man.

[FireWater]

Thanks Ismael. Good to hear from you again Maing.

[FireWater]

I finished up the back drop. Horrible pics, but I was trying to hurry because I didn't have it mounted and was worried it would crash to the floor.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/003-3.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/002-4.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/001-7.jpg

[CoryDude]

Pretty sweet! You guys and your fancy pants backgrounds. What's wrong with regular old contact paper?

[Big_Pun]

Pretty sweet! You guys and your fancy pants backgrounds. What's wrong with regular old contact paper?

I like covering mine in coraline, sign of mature tank lol or laziness

[FireWater]

Chris - I get bored too easily. I can't wait around for the coralline.

Corey - I'm making a couple of them so I can switch them out. Sunny day, cloudy day, stormy day. and a night one.


Just kidding - way too much work. I just wanted something a little different than my usual.

[cbianco]

I like the background.

I wonder how it will look once filled with water and the lights are on? I bet it will change it a bit.

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I am thinking it will change some. Not sure though. You can see a pretty bad reflection on the pics, but that was with a flash and dry.

I just wanted to add something with a little interest other than the standard blue. We'll see.

[alton]

How about something like this?

http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l264/Starquest86/cast-of-gilligans-island.jpg

[cbianco]

Lol, the Love Boat would be a better background!

http://www.collider.com/uploads/imageGallery/Love_Boat/the_love_boat_tv_show_image_of_the_cast.jpg

[alton]

That wouldn't work it looks to fake? And besides Mary Ann smoked Julie all the way. Whoops sorry about stepping on your thread John?

[FireWater]

Don't sweat it. I live for humor and right now I'm picturing Bianco as Gilligan and Isaac.

[alton]

Hey John thanks for the tour last night, LEDS are awesome

[FireWater]

Anytime Alton. Did I push you over the edge on the AI's yet?

[cbianco]

Anytime Alton. Did I push you over the edge on the AI's yet?

*COUGH* fanboy *COUGH*

:p

Christopher :)

[alton]

Between you and Karin, you two are killing me

[Europhyllia]

I am thinking it will change some. Not sure though. You can see a pretty bad reflection on the pics, but that was with a flash and dry.

I just wanted to add something with a little interest other than the standard blue. We'll see.

my prediction will be that without a light behind it it will go dark. once the water is in and tank light is on it will change a lot.

[Texreefer]

a Lowes 3 watt led fixture on the wall behind it would be awesome!!! but then again its already awesome....

[FireWater]

I think your prediction is spot on Karin. I am going to wait to see what the background looks like once I get water in front of it. I am pretty sure it will change - how that change will look I am not sure yet. I will see if my lightless and shadowless shadow box thing works out. If not then I will add some small LED lighting to it.

The abstract picture in my head just wanted something to "spice up" the back ground.

[FireWater]

*COUGH* fanboy *COUGH*

:p

Christopher :)

Ok, Mr mp1000 in a 30 gallon tank. LOL

I will have you wanting the LED's soon too.

[Europhyllia]

yes it will be really easy to add something small if you want to illuminate it. I just used cheapo LED sticks (because they add just 1" of width behind the tank on the seahorse tank)

[Troy Valentine]

Thank you for showing me your amazing system last night. I had a great time, and I am looking forward to using the mortar in my setup. Can't wait to see water in that bad boy. You've really done your homework and it shows.....

[FireWater]

Any time Troy. It was my pleasure.

Also, thanks for helping move the beast around so I could anchor the background. Wish I would have thought about that before I got all the other stuff done first. The tank and all the accompanying stuff is HEAVY.

[cbianco]

Ok, Mr mp1000 in a 30 gallon tank. LOL

I will have you wanting the LED's soon too.

Maybe my friend, maybe.

Any plans for the wet stuff yet?

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I am going with a completely natural system. Since I am doing that I figured what better to use than filtered natural rain...........Any day now. I think I see a cloud.

[BSJF]

You are dreaming, pinch!

[Europhyllia]

I am going with a completely natural system. Since I am doing that I figured what better to use than filtered natural rain...........Any day now. I think I see a cloud.

Haha! Chances are mining your own salt out of the rock under your property will be faster than collecting the rain.

[FireWater]

Monday August the 8th will start the fill process. I only have 2 five gallon buckets.............It will take a while. Just kidding - I have 2 thirty gallon cans to use.


I still need to get some plumbing stuff done prior to actually running the tank, but I will start the filling process anyway and just keep the water flowing in the display for a couple of days.


I am still trying to figure out which salt I want to run. I have had a good experience with Seachem Salinity in the Finnex at work, but I am leaning toward trying Red Sea Pro this time around.

[cbianco]

Monday August the 8th will start the fill process. I only have 2 five gallon buckets.............It will take a while. Just kidding - I have 2 thirty gallon cans to use.


I still need to get some plumbing stuff done prior to actually running the tank, but I will start the filling process anyway and just keep the water flowing in the display for a couple of days.


I am still trying to figure out which salt I want to run. I have had a good experience with Seachem Salinity in the Finnex at work, but I am leaning toward trying Red Sea Pro this time around.

My next bucket will be a bucket of Reef Crystals. Good balance between quality and price. Just saying...

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

I thought of that as well Chris. I have used reef crystals before. I have gone back and forth and have read more articles and reviews than I care to remember. I just think with this system I want to try something I have never used before and step out on the ledge a little. I don't know to be honest.

One thing that Karin mentioned earlier was the use of cuprisorb in the sump. If you have read about metals an other contaminants in salt mixes then you know you run a chance with any of the mixes.

[FireWater]

One other thing that I will do with any salt I choose is get back to testing each batch I mix for stability. I got into a rut once I figured out the quantity I had to use per change. I am not super strict about stuff, but I want to get back to basics again.

[Big_Pun]

I've been using Kent marine reef salt and like it alot. I buy small buckets due to a article I read, it talked about how it's better to buy small batches if don't use a lot of salt. less likely for it to break up over time. I noticed my bucket of RC gets harder to mix properly as I get to bottom half/quarter of it. so the lil buckets of Kent and sea Chem are nice also small boxes of RC.

[FireWater]

Thanks for the info Chris. I know my first bucket will be a big one obviously as it will go quick.

I am still on the fence about which salt I am going to run though. The smaller buckets of Salinity are looking good. I really wanted to try out the Red Sea Pro or the Tropic Marin though. Luckily there is and will be nothing in the tank for a while so I might even try a couple of different smaller batches and test to see which one I prefer the most. There is way too much info and reports on different salts out there and we all know what happens when you ask which is the best. Heck, I might even go back to running Reef Crystals again like Christopher said. Who Knows.

[Texreefer]

Yep.. i love reef crystals.. and just got a 200 gal box for $49 including shipping... cant beat that anywhere

[FireWater]

The Fed-ex guy has been to my house too much. He just showed up at work to deliver a package that was supposed to be delivered to my house. Told me he remembered the fire truck at my house. Classic. Good service, but kind of scary. LOL

[FireWater]

And so ........ It finally begins.


http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/004-5.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/003-4.jpg

[Europhyllia]

It's kind of funny that you and Ace are friends. It's like the Yin and Yang of reefkeeping - 24 hours vs 24 months lol

[FireWater]

I'm the patient one. Looking back I wish I didn't have so many things stopping me.

[Texreefer]

It's kind of funny that you and Ace are friends. It's like the Yin and Yang of reefkeeping - 24 hours vs 24 months lol I decided not to reply to stuff this funny when I have been drinking. Wait, I just did. Man. Never mind

[FireWater]

I will try to get some pics up tomorrow night. Plan is to fill up the tank and start the cycle. Sump and Fuge will have to wait till I figure out some issues with the plumbing and placement of equipment. Also, will have the rest of the rock structure done tomorrow and in the tank.

[Texreefer]

looks very nice.... cant wait to see it up and running

[cbianco]

I will try to get some pics up tomorrow night. Plan is to fill up the tank and start the cycle. Sump and Fuge will have to wait till I figure out some issues with the plumbing and placement of equipment. Also, will have the rest of the rock structure done tomorrow and in the tank.

How long must we wait for pics?!?!?!?!

Some of us would like to see the tank. :p

Christopher :)

[FireWater]

Some more updates.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/001-8.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/004-6.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/005-5.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/006-3.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/007-3.jpg

[FireWater]

Here's a couple pics of my helpers for the day.

Bianco
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/003-5.jpg

And Rej - I didn't get too much work out of him until he tried to steal Christopher's sandwich.
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/002-5.jpg

[Europhyllia]

Water. Will you even remember what to do with the wet stuff?

[cbianco]

Just a random thought but... some long mangrove roots growing down would look pretty cool towards the back of the tank. It wouldn't be that hard considering you have an open top.


Some more updates.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/006-3.jpg

When are retakes? Not my best photo, lolololol.

John's dogs are awesome... overly enthusiastic... but awesome!


Here's a couple pics of my helpers for the day.

[FireWater]

How long must we wait for pics?!?!?!?!

Some of us would like to see the tank. :p

Christopher :)

Ask and you shall receive Dude.

[FireWater]

Water. Will you even remember what to do with the wet stuff?

I am hoping it will be like riding a bike Karin. LOL
It is actually fun again. I think I even giggled like a little girl sometime today. Or maybe that was Christopher.

[FireWater]

Just a random thought but... some long mangrove roots growing down would look pretty cool towards the back of the tank. It wouldn't be that hard considering you have an open top.



Quit giving me even more ideas. That will prolong it by another 2 months.

[Europhyllia]

stop stalling. no 2 months. I can bring you a mangrove wednesday if you want to stick one in there just to see how you feel about it

[cbianco]

Quit giving me even more ideas. That will prolong it by another 2 months.

------>


stop stalling. no 2 months. I can bring you a mangrove wednesday if you want to stick one in there just to see how you feel about it

:D

[FireWater]

Let me think about the mangrove. Not sure if I want it in the tank yet.

[FireWater]

I should have upgraded my Vortech a long time ago. All the new stuff on the ecosmart controller is awesome.
And the Sols - unbelievable! 14 timers for the day and thunderstorms. It has been raining in my house all day.

I was supposed to be ripping out carpet to get ready for the new floor, but all my new toys distracted me.

[ErikH]

The ES modules are the bomb diggity. Can those AIs make it rain outside please?

[FireWater]

I wish man. I tried but the power cord would not reach outside.

[txg8gxp]

Just don't leave the thunderstorms on auto, it will freak you out when your tank starts going crazy at 3am

[Big_Pun]

looking good! the ES model is so sweet. I need to swing by and check it out.

[FireWater]

I was playing with the timer and setting stuff up. I set the rain chances for 80% and hit start now. The 1st storm I expected - an hour later the 2nd hit and I wasn't expecting it. Thought I broke my new toy when it happened. So ya, Stephen I will probably turn it off so it won't happen at 3am. LOL

Chris, I am home all weekend.

[Europhyllia]

If you enable the moon phases be prepared to have a few dark nights (another freak out for me)

Oh and when you use the test kits know that some of the accessories are snapped into the lid (so you don't have to freak out about missing those)

[FireWater]

No sweat Karin. Thank you for dropping them and the powder off today.

[FireWater]

Well, the sturdiness of my stand was tested today. It held up to Rej. I was telling Bianco the other day that I was worried about when I get fish in the tank and what Rej (my Chocolate Lab for those that don't know) was going to do or how he would react. I haven't even got fish in there yet and he went nuts over the light and shadows on the floor. While he was running around chasing the light reflecting on the floor he crashed into the stand - it is all still standing. We had a training session and he now just sits there and won't get within touching distance of the tank.
That was interesting and we don't want to do that again.

Those that have met Rej already know he is a "special" dog and at 1 year old he weighs 98lbs and stops for nothing.

[Texreefer]

Gotta Love Life lessons!!!

[FireWater]

Big day on the tank today. Fixed some plumbing issues, started routing wires for the lights and other stuff, filled up the rest of the tank and sump, built the skimmer stand, built some various items such as egg crate filter holder and fuge filter, built the boxes for holding transformers and controllers, and fired up the pump. I was pretty proud of my self that I only had 2 minor issues - 1) found a bulk head that I didn't tighten up and lost about a gallon of water before I figured it out and 2) forgot to point the returns down before turning the pump on.

Already seeing the start of diatoms on the sand bed as well.

[CoryDude]

Ah, who's ever started a tank up without a little water on the floor. Can't wait to see some new pics.

[FireWater]

The best thing about water on the floor this time is that we ripped out all the carpet in the living room and dining room this weekend. The wife couldn't get mad because I only had to grab a towel and I was done with the clean up.

[Europhyllia]

hey water on the floor is the only way this house gets mopped... ;)

[Europhyllia]

(mine! not yours. I am sure yours is super duper clean all the time :) )

[Kristy]

hey water on the floor is the only way this house gets mopped... ;)

True story! I decided to get a maid (for the first time ever) to help with keeping the house clean this summer while I'm away working in Germany. My mom (who has used her before) came over to walk through with me all the supplies the maid would be asking for the day before she started. When she asked me for the mop, bucket, and cleaning supplies for the tile kitchen floor, I thought she was going to have a heart attack as I described how it just gets cleaned with regular doses of saltwater spills and RODI overflow, here is the huge stack of tank towels to mop up with.... NOT her idea of a mopped kitchen floor apparently! :)

[cbianco]

Glad to here you got the water flowing on your tank John!

Christopher :)

[Kristy]

Glad to here you got the water flowing on your tank John!

Christopher :)

ME TOO!!! At about 20 pages of posts in this thread, I was giving serious thought to reporting this thread title for false advertising, but finally it holds water at last. (And sorry for the thread hijack above.)

[txav8r]

Glad to see you got it topped off, John! It looks amazing in person!

P.S. Nobody minds your hijack, Kristy.

[FireWater]

It's all good Kristy. Just remind to not eat anything I drop on your floors next time I'm over. :bigsmile:

[RayAllen]

Looks like a great setup John. Rockscape looks good to.

[FireWater]

Thanks.

[FireWater]

The bloom is in full effect. Ugly and beautiful at the same time.

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/007-4.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/003-6.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/001-9.jpg

http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p157/perry4083/002-6.jpg

[FireWater]

Plan on adding a small clean up crew this weekend to see how well they do. Tested the water a couple of times over the last week. Never saw huge increases in anything and now Ammonia is not detectable and Nitrates and Nitrites are 0. After the clean up crew and some gracious donations of algae and different fuge sand are in the tank it will be a waiting game again before I try some tester frags.

On a side note - I forgot about the thunderstorms after playing with the lights. My son reminded me last night around midnight. Oops. That will be turned off. I am also doing away with the lunar schedule for now as well. Way too bright during the full moon, almost like having the lights on because the full moon is running the blue led's at 40% power. If there is a way to turn that down I have not figured it out yet.

[ErikH]

Isn't it so exciting when you see diatoms again?! I couldn't even see the bloom due to my sandstorm, but I did see it all over my glass! Too cool.

[350gt]

I like the rockwork in the middle of the tank.... Gives me an idea..

[FireWater]

Yep Erik, the tank went into diatom bloom a couple of days after adding my old live rock. Couple of days after that it went really milky and when that cleared up I had the long brownish tan stringy stuff. I couldn't remember the name of dinoflagellates. I kept calling it dino flatulence.

[FireWater]

I like the rockwork in the middle of the tank.... Gives me an idea..

I took several ideas from tanks that I have seen in the past and used them on this one.

[FireWater]

What I thought was the start of cyano or dinoflagellates turns out to not be. I am really not sure what it is. If I had to guess it is hair algae, but I have never seen any like this. It is light tan in the daylight and very very light greenish/yellow in the blue lights. It is very thin and whispy. All parameter levels are still 0 with alk and cal reading within norms.

I introduced a small clean up crew and they are still alive this morning. The hermits appear to be eating what ever it is on the rocks so I guess it is at least tasty.
My heater is not functioning correctly so that is the next thing before I start adding some tester frags to the tank.

[BSJF]

John, have you tested your phosphates?

[FireWater]

Yes, it came out zero - twice in the last week. It has been so long since I cycled a tank that I am actually at a loss on this one.

I was figuring it was a part of the normal process, but I had not seen this algae before.

[FireWater]

Nothing new to add. Just seeing if anyone is still awake.

[ErikH]

I'm awake barely. We just ate some Popeye's chicken with mashed potatoes and red beans and rice. My eyes are heavy!

[Big_Pun]

im still following John, waiting for new pics

[txav8r]

I'm awake.

[FireWater]

Added some more hermits and snails to my clean up crew along with 3 chromis. Started moving some duplicate frags over from the Finnex. So far everything is still looking good after a couple of days in the new tank. I will start adding some more stuff slowly over the weekend.

[alton]

John I can not see any pictures?

[FireWater]

John I can not see any pictures?

Is it because I am too lazy to take any or because you can't really see them?

[Europhyllia]

Listen John, we've waited for months now... the least you could do is post some pics every now and then... ;)