It's A Diverse World After All (125g reef build) LED New Pics pg. 5

[johnyardavid]

Welcome to my barely makin' the cut thread!This will be the chronicle of my one hundred and twenty five gallon reef build thread. I invite everyone here to check it out and give me feedback, positive or negative. This is only my second saltwater tank. The first was a forty gallon seahorse set-up/learning experience. Regretfully I can't bring any years of experience to the forums, however I can provide some commentary! This tank was purchased from a fellow MAASTite, Scream311. I "stole" his tank, stand, live rock, and sand.So far... I have scream's graciously provided live rock with some corals poppin' on it [Kenya Trees, Zoa's, Pulsing Xenias, and UIP's (unidentified polyps)]. The sand is mostly from his tank, but I threw another 40lbs or so from my last tank as well. For flow I have installed a Koralia Evo 1400gph circulation pump. Flow and filtration provided by an Aquatop CF-500 canister rated at 175g with a 9w UV filter and spray bar (I am aware that most filters are overrated, but thank you anyways.), and a Fluval 305 rated at 70g. Sadly no sump or refugium yet, I am married and my wife can only stand so much saltwater... So far the only things surfing the waves are two tank bred Ocellaris Nemos, one Diamond Goby, one Scooter Blenny, and a multitude of snails (Nassarius and Nerite). An exciting addition will happen tomorrow when I receive my order of a Citron Goby, two Banggai Cardinalfish, a Red Sea Star, four Dwarf Zebra Hermit Crabs, and several more snails (some Spiny Star Astraeas and Margaritas). I'm going for a Can't We All Just Get Along theme, peaceful setup. For lighting I have two 250w MHs with 14000k bulbs, also "stolen" from Scream, and my own 2x39W T5HO actinic fixture. For salt, I'm using Instant-Ocean, and for good luck I'm using my two fingers crossed. Well it's late and I have class in the morning because after five years in the Army I've decided that I don't want to be blue collar anymore. Thanks for tuning in and I'll be adding more as there is more.Tank: 125g RRLights: 2x250w PFO(Surely Missed) MH Fixtures 14000k bulbs, 2x39W T5HO 36" fixture with actinic bulbsSubstrate: Mixture of fine aragonite, and crushed coralRock: Various live rock from Scream311Livestock: 2x Ocellaris Nemos, 1x Diamond Goby, 1x Scooter Blenny, ∞x Snails,Tomorrow's Additions: 2x Banggai Cardinalfish, 1x Citron Goby, 1x Red Sea Star, ∞x Snails1259212593125941259512596

[allan]

Welcome to Maast, battle! And kudos for college.

How long have you had this set up running?

Here are my concerns, the first pic showed a bare bottom, the second shows sand. This tells me that your sand bed was pulled out and put back in. A sanded will help filtration by absorbing nasty stuff beneath the surface. When you stir it up you run a risk of sending that stuff up into the water column.

I'm concerned, if you haven't had this set up for a few months, your tank will cycle. The ammonia spike will have a severe effect on your fish.

I would urge that you convince the wife that a sump is necessary. It adds to your water volume and gives you more choices in regards to conditioning the water.

You have only one power head? At a minimum in a tank that large I'd recommend another evo 1400. With two you can get a controller that will allow you to alternate the flow a bit to make it more random.

What are your levels?

Your tank looks good, but I'd recommend a bit more rock to help with filtration.

Looking forward to your tank's development.

[johnyardavid]

Allan, thank you for your input. I am sorry that I did not explain further. The sand bed had to be pulled in order to transport the tank. Also, I very thoroughly rinsed the bed in a rubbermaid container and stirred it until it was clear; this was to remove the ammonias from scream's previous use. The live rock was kept submerged through transport and made it just fine, corals and all. To cycle the tank I used about 20g from my previous tank and another 20 or so from scream's. I added a bacteria supplement and some frozen mysis to provide the contaminants as well. This was all done prior to the addition of my livestock. The tank has already bloomed and my fish are doing good :). Does all of that sound better, or am I still making mistakes? Between the Evo and my canisters there is about 2300gph of flow; I need 1400gph more? Thanks again for the advice and input. I'm still learning. I will check my levels when i get home, and I agree about more rock for sure! The sump, sadly, is out of the question.

[Kristy]

First, welcome to MAAST. Glad you are documenting the tank and looking for input.

Next, thanks for getting that tune stuck firmly in my head! I've been humming it for a couple hours now.

So, I agree with Allan's comments (especially for the good call on going back to school!). Your explanation about the sandbed says you have reduced your risk, but you still need to keep a close eye as there still exists the potential for problems. Have a backup plan - like a bottle if Amquel and some readymade water for a water change just in case. If you're not clear on what you are looking for or why the recommended backup plan, ask and we'll explain further!

One more potential concern: the scooter blenny is not really a blenny but a dragonet and is safest when added only to more mature established tanks. Even when these guys are eating frozen they do best when they van graze the rocks for pods to supplement their diet. So keep a close eye on this guy's belly bc he could quickly deplete the population of pods in the tank over the next few weeks - especially without a refugium on the rank. If he is looking thin, post here and we can offer some ideas.

Finally, speaking of the no fuge... The sump is out of the question FOR NOW. Don't give up on the concept forever. Over the upcoming weeks, pretty much every frustration you are going to face with this tank would be greatly improved by plumbing a small cheap sump / refugium below the tank: nuisance algae growth, lack of pods, film on the water surface, more I am sure that I didn't think of! It really makes things work better and tucks away the unsightly equipment like heaters, etc. so the wife might come around eventually. I am one of those wives who put my foot down on a small 10 gallon hex years ago - that's ALL! And now look at us.... :)

[johnyardavid]

Wow Kristy, a dragonet? That makes so much sense. I don't like that it shows my ignorance but one time he expanded all of his fins and I was like whoa, he looks just like a dragonet haha. My wife wanted a Mandarin and I said no because of their feeding habits... looks like I might have to let her if I can keep Scooter alive. Well I need to make sure and keep a pod population up then. I did pack a handful of chaeto in a one gallon juicy juicy bottle with 1/4" holes all around it and put it in the back of my tank. I will inject some pods in there and hopefully they will take. As far as the sump, I will eventually get one. I just need to let my wallet, and consequently my wife, heal :). Would Prime concentrate work in the place of Amquel? Also, would it be better to keep my 32g brute trashcan full with premixed water, or should I do a small water change every other day? I was thinking 5gal or so until my levels even out. Thank you so much for your advice, and I'm sorry about the song!

[allan]

I had gotten a scooter blenny with the intention of feeding him, and got a target with the same thoughts. Both did well for almost a year until I realized that the target had taken to.. uh... targeting the scooter. It wouldn't let him into the rock work. He later disapeared.

Now, two years later I've still got a very healthy target. I like your idea of the bottle in the back. You can actually build a little acrylic box that can hang inside your tank that a small pump will force water through the chaeto. The chaeto would house and nourish the pods and stars, and the errant young ones will flit through the holes never to have been seen again. You can even make it ornamental to keep the wife happy.

Anyone out there have an extra sump they don't want? Just putting it out there as there are quite a few of us that will just give it up for no cost if it's gathering dust in the closet/garage.

I'm convinced now that you've got some experience, but I would caution against any other additions until your tank starts to really season. And definitely more rock is in order. But I started the same way, dude, and I did okay. If only I can beat the cyano.

LMK if you need anything.... except for a sump as I don't have one. Is that tank drilled? Seems like I remember it being drilled while it was over at Jame's place.

[johnyardavid]

The tank isn't drilled, he had a hang on overflow box. Sorry, but what is a target? Is that another name for the mandarin gobies/dragonets? I only know of the freshwater target fish. There is just a little experience sitting under my belt. I had the forty gallon tank for seven months before I braved this one. I know just enough to not kill everything...all at once :). I really appreciate the offers of help, on the next paycheck I will become a charter member because I would like to be involved with the goings-on of the actual club.

[Regric25]

So Allan you gave me an idea! What if.... wait for it..... wait for it.... The small fuge box with holes and pods is like a humming bird feeder.. Wouldnt it be cool to see a mandarin/target feeding out of the little holes like a humming bird? I know you would have to train the fish and realistically it might not ever happen but what if?? Cool to think about. Mandarins have always reminded me as the humming birsds of the sea. They move their little fins so fast just to stay perfectly still so they can stick their little mouths in the holes in rocks to eat juicy pods. LOL

Welcome to maast! I agree with the sump idea. My wife was not keen on me getting me into this hobby until she got to see all the interesting beauty that is the reef tank. At first she did not want me spending too much $$ on corals but as time went on and she gained interest in it she had me buying $130 corals! $70 fish! It will take time but you will eventualy have a sump LOL. Flow oxygenation and light is important to a reef tank. Flow = 2 EVO 1400... Oxygenation = sump/EVO pointed slightly up... Light = you have that. You are off to a decent start keep up the good work and don't be afraid to ask LOTS of questions! :)

[Europhyllia]

And don't forget: we really like pictures so keep them coming! :)

[johnyardavid]

Pictures you say? Well, I managed to get pics of some of my livestock. Sadly, my citron is skiddish! This isn't all of my livestock, just the ones that I could sneak a picture of. Public Service Announcement! If you buy from LiveAquaria.com and you select small as your choice for livestock, they do mean small. Oh, and I hope you all can appreciate the one leg of my starfish, he likes the top of the tank for some reason. So, I need one more EVO huh? Anyone have an EVO they would like to sell? The last thing I want to do is kill my fish because of flow; that's the least of my worries.

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[allan]

picture quality is, uh, well, difficult to see the details. That being said your scooter looks hungry. pay attention to the area right behind his two leg/fins. If it's wrinkled he's hungry. should be nice and round and full.

[Scream311]

John im glad to see you Started a Build Thread ! :applause:

there are plenty of Helpful Maastards on here that will Chime in and Help you with any info, tips and will certainly answer any and all questions. the few that have already commeneted on here happen to be some good friends of miine that have helped me along the way :wink_smile:

i agree about More Flow and Rock you have HALF of what I Originally had in it after i sold off the majority of Coral Covered Rock and on Flow i used 2 Koralia 2s and 1 K3 in there which ive sence SOLD. Lots of Flow will Help Sweep the Sand Bed and Keep any Detrius off the Bottom (or dead zones) which can and will cause Blooms such as Cyano. :bareteeth:

Keep up the Build your doin Great with the Updates. and if you can sneek $65 past your Wife i still have that Sump that went with it, $65 is a STEAL Trust me Shop around youll see they go for wayy more then DOUBLE ! ! ! ! youve Stolen enough from me as it is But ill still HOOK You up, :lauging: its all about Paying it Forward Here on Maast, thats what i Enjoy so much about the few people ive met that Share that same Outlook as me

[johnyardavid]

Well.............................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .................................................. .........................I'm getting a sump! I'm gonna buy scream's because it's by far the best deal. I went to Aquarium Designs and picked up an overflow box for $18, their employee had dropped it before so it chipped off some acrylic near the height adjusters; the box still functions perfectly, and the damage was only cosmetic. All I need now is a decently priced pump and some pvc. As far the conversation between my wife and I over a sump, I don't want to talk about it lol. More live rock is out of the budget FOR SURE, but I am hoping that with a sump and two canister filters I'll be OK for a little while (like a hundred years or so :P).

On the note of Scooter, I picked up a bottle of tiggerpods and injected most into my JuicyJuice refugium. The rest of the pods I squirted into crevices of live rock. All of my fish have been going nuts eating all the unlucky pods that were in the water column. Mass murder(nom-nom-nom)!

One more bit of news, one of my banggais is almost surely on his way to the other side. He hasn't eaten anything, he is discolored, and he is lethargic. :'( It makes me sad every time one of my fish doesn't make it. The other banggai is well however, and the company I ordered from has a 14day guarantee.

Here are some pics of the overflow, and I know the quality sucks, but you get the idea. The last one was only to show the damage that I had mentioned.
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[johnyardavid]

Alright, small update. Tonight I picked up the 40g sump from scream and his little giant pump. Tomorrow I will be setting it up and I'll snap some proper photos for y'all with my DSLR so Allan won't complain about the quality :P .

[Kristy]

Wow! Here's a guy who is responsive to feedback!!! Next you'll need to pick up some macroalgae from a couple of reefers that will be full of life. If you post that you are setting up a new fuge and looking for some variety, folks will generally offer you a baggie's worth for free. It can be good to get it from more than one source for biodiversity.

Agree w Allan that your scooter is looking thin. Have you seen him eat frozen? Maybe you could try throwing in some live mysis mixed w frozen mysis, if he's not taking frozen.

[johnyardavid]

No frozen yet, Kristy. However, especially now that I have a sump I am planning on keeping a live population. There is something about miniature life that has always intrigued me! Scooter definitely had his fill of the tiggerpods today, and I see several that have made home in my JuicyJuice. I'll have a decent culture for the sump. Now, as far as frozen, which feed would you recommend? Oh, and I always accept advice, criticisms, and input :). Did I want a sump? No. Do I believe those that have a collective century of experience in this field? Yes.

Here is a Q for any/everyone. I purchased 900yds of fishing line because I have read that it, in 1:1 ratio in space, has much more surface area than any bioball. So for the Q, has anyone ever used fishing line as a replacement to commercial bioballs, rings, pellets, etc? If yes, any advice on how to contain it? The sump that I bought has the usual cube rack for bioballs and I want to use this space efficiently. Any help would be appreciated! Thank you all, and goodnight.

[Regric25]

I have never heard of fishing line to replace bio balls. Very interesting! I have always replaced my bio balls with live rock rubble.

[wkopplin]

I have some ulva you can have, probably has some pods in it as they like to hang out in it and eat it. It free floats in your fuge or you can hang it off a pvc pipe like I have done to keep it from moving around too much.

[johnyardavid]

Thanks Blake! I will take you up on that! The pics of my new sump will have to wait, that overflow box can't handle the 1200gph of the little giant. Tomorrow I will go back and swap for a double siphon. Oh, and my poor starfish was getting nipped at by someone, banggai maybe? I moved him to the sump for now, after amputating his severed leg. Hopefully his super starfish healing powers will kick in!

[allan]

I was fixing to say that the overflow looked small. Get an aqualift pump from one of the sponsors or local maasties. This will provide a vacuum at the top of the tube to pull the bubbles that will collect there. Trust me, you do NOT want mamma to wake you cause there's ten gallons of premium salt water on the floor when a siphon is lost. The pump is about $15 bones.

I've got excess chaeto that you can have. Comes with a bunch of pods and starfish.

The fishing line is a nifty idea but I'd rather go with rubble rock. I don't have any bio balls either. The rock IMO works better.

I certainly understand workin on a budget, but as Karin has said before, you're going to end up buying it anyway. Just have to sneak it by the dependents. if you bring ur wife over to pick up chaeto my wife could probably talk to her quietly about what to expect. But it may be Russian roulette with a nine mil... We've certainly been through some hard times with our tank.

[johnyardavid]

New Pics!!!

Ok, so I have the sump set up properly. After a revisit to Aq Designs I picked up a larger overflow box with a larger siphon and dual drains. To address you about losing siphon Allan, the flow through the siphon so far is fast enough that no bubbles collect at all. Through the process I did figure out a better way to fill the siphon tube! I put a length of airline through the tube to the peak before I set it in the overflow. Then I just suck out the air and it draws water all the way to the top, no mess!

Thanks for the offer of chaeto Allan, and I would love some! My wife knows what to expect, she just doesn't like it haha.

Here's a pic of the sump, sorry it's not too visible.
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And some more of my fish.

Scooter again, for inspection. He's been eating I believe and I should have a decent copepod population now.
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Here's Patron, the Citron!
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And we can't forget Heavy D!
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On this last picture, I need some info from please. I took a picture of the algae from the original bloom. So far I have left all over my back wall and side wall. I figured even though it's ugly it provides filtration. So, can anyone tell me what kind of algae it is. Also, if I leave it to its own devices will it eventually phase itself out as my water quality improves? If I need to remove it, any suggestions on how? There is so much of it that I am concerned about scrubbing it off and having it free float through my water.
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Any suggestions on my sump, algae problem, and livestock is always appreciated :) Thank you everyone for tuning in.

[johnyardavid]

Well, I realize that the algae in question is merely green hair algae. I suspected this before but the only hair algae I have encountered thus far is the brown kind. Anyways my plan is this: Remove less than half of the hair algae on the back wall at a time to prevent a huge spike. With the amount of GHA that I have there is no way for me to keep some from getting into the water column; luckily my flow is high enough that most of it makes its way to the overflow box. On each of the two drains in the overflow there is a black sponge which catches most of the GHA before it makes its way into my sump. I will clean these filters daily. Another thing I've done is decided to leave the light over my refugium on 24/7 to encourage growth of the chaeto that is currently in there. Tonight I added very-fine sand to the refugium for a little sand bed. After I pick up the macro from Allan and Blake it will be even better. I have reduced my feedings to twice a day with only one cube of whichever frozen food I use; I cycle foods constantly to provide a balanced diet. It seems that keeping seahorses prior to this who needed large amounts of frozen food in the water column has left me with bad feeding habits. All algae removals will be done prior to bedtime, so increased levels of nitrites/ates won't disturb my livestock as much. Also, I add a little bit of Prime in the water after the cleaning to reduce the levels even further. Does this sound like a good plan?

Over the past few weeks I have been doing loads of research and I feel that my purchasing a skimmer will be inevitable. Currently I can't bear the though of dropping cash on anything else, but I have read some interesting articles on dosing with vodka and how that works. When I get a skimmer, I will definitely experiment with this.

On a side note, this Saturday I went to Padre Island with Brody (brodykirby), my brother in-law. Crimson Tide was the word of the day. There were thousands upon thousands of dead fish washed ashore. We had hoped to snorkel around the jetties and grab some peppermint shrimp and gobies, but we didn't even get in further than our ankles. We could barely breathe standing just from the shoreline because of the algal bloom. The trip was a failure, but undeterred we will go back sometime. Oh, and the red tide report the day before was negative! :(

[Kristy]

Give us a shout if you need more macro (or anyone else who needs some). We have a TON and really need to thin out the fuge!

[johnyardavid]

Thank you Kristy.

[allan]

One of the bennies of having macro in your sump is that it competes with the other algae in your system. By providing a highly competitive macro in your sump you limit the stuff in the display tank.

When you come by I can show you the two ways we combat nuisance algae.

[johnyardavid]

Well, it's been awhile since I've last posted on this tank. I have had such a hair algae issue that it wasn't picture worthy until now. There is still some hair algae left but it's under control FINALLY. Also school has been a little trying and has taken much of my time lately. Some progress has been made with the tank. I ended up getting a protein skimmer and it has done WONDERS for my water quality. I swapped out the old 14k bulbs and replaced them with 20k bulbs, for both aesthetics and to help control the algae. I have added some livestock as well. I now have a lawnmower blenny that is MASSIVE, a blue linckia(against better judgement I know, but I couldn't resist), and I purchased those two snowflake clowns that were for sale from David last week. I wasn't able to get a good photo of the linckia because he hides between my overflow and the glass; the lawnmower blenny is also nearly impossible to catch a good photo of. Enjoy!

12887Some nice Frogspawn I traded for.
12888Toadstools that Allan graciously provided me with.
12889My unlikely school of clowns, you can see the two snowflakes.
12890About 30lbs of more rock that I have curing in our guest bathroom (My wife loves me, lol).
12891 Ooooohh, ahhhhhhh, 20k lighting!

[johnyardavid]

Here's a picture of the skimmate I am pulling out of my system. I feel like I have it dialed in right because this stuff is thick, blackish/green junk. What you see here is about four days worth of skimmate, anyone have any opinions on what I'm getting?
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[Pennies2Cents]

Welcome to MAAST... Glad you found us. :) It looks like you on your way to a well setup tank... And as you already know, feel free to ask any questions and Im sure someone will answer..

Here is your picture. :) I thought I would make it a lil bigger.

http://i819.photobucket.com/albums/zz118/Pennies2Cents/tank-pix.jpg

[brodykirby]

Nice looking tank man.

[johnyardavid]

Thanks, if you're ever in town you should come by and see it for the first time. It's weird but my wife's maiden name was the same as your last name!

[johnyardavid]

Update:

My hair algae is nearly non existent and every coral I own is growing tremendously! I am very excited because not only can I see the fruits and veggies of my labor, but I can also justify my SW addiction! Can you say YAY?

Last weekend I purchased a long tentacle anemone but it did not survive despite my best efforts; however, due to some awesome customer service on the part of Louis at Elegant Reef, I have a Green Bubble Tip that is doing well. I was also able to purchase Martin, my 4" Yellow Tang. Pics will come soon! Happy Thanksgiving! - John'yar

[Scream311]

Yeaaaaaaaaa Buddy !

[johnyardavid]

Look ma' I has no hair algae!
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Some growth on the frogspawn. Clownies are hosting it now, if only it didn't close up at night.
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Welcome to fraggle rock. Remember this one James?
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The bubble tip from Elegant Reef. It's a good nem nem and finishes every meal! It walked from the rock it came on and decided this crevice next to some zoa's was a cool place to squat. Pretty sure they engage in mortal combat daily.
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I have a really cool Yellow Tang named Martin but he was shy after I WASTED my time trying to catch my Lawnmower Blenny.

[johnyardavid]

Ok, this post is to those who advised me in the beginning that a sump and skimmer would remedy the majority of my problems. Warning: Concession about to be made. All of you were right. Firstly, I purchased the sump long before the skimmer and on its own did a lot of damage to the nitrates/ites in my aquarium. BTW Allan, that lump of Chaeto you passed on to me has not only seeded my tank with no less than one trillion Brittle Stars, but Asterina as well, which I refuse to find as a pest (I like all sea stars). That 8" mass of Chaeto has turned into 16" easy and I need to trim it down. Secondly, the skimmer, #1 most absolute addition to my tank. I have done hours of reading on bubble fractioning and it makes more sense than one dollar. The removal of dissolved solids is amazing. No doubt, carbon dosing is another "miracle". I started with some Brightwell Aquatics OTC and it helped tremendously. The only downside was that I experienced a Cyano-bloom from free dosing into the tank. The first time I heard of biopellets or pearls was through James (Scream311), and again with the research I decided to go ahead and try these out. I am running some pearls through a dual tube reactor that I bought from a Maastard at the most recent frag swap, I don't know his screen name though (If you are looking at this let yourself be known please!). This home built reactor is working awesome! In order to retrofit it for biopellets I had only to replace the sponges with circular crochet templates cut to size, as well as a tiny amount of epoxy to sequester a drip-an-hour leak, to get this bad boy in working order. Oh, and I bought the reactor for $9, can't beat it. Anyways, I can't speak for the pearls just yet, but the carbon dosing with skimmer together got rid of my GHA problem completely. So well in fact that my Lawnmower Blenny is starving (I am trying to catch his a** but I'll be ****ed if he isn't an escape artist). So again, thank you everyone who has given me advice, particularly Allan, Karen, and James.

[Scream311]

Your Welcome Bud, thats what this Small Fish Nerd Community is Designed to do. Now and then there will be a BAD SEED trying to Buy and Resale to the same Community at OUTRAGEOUS Prices but those ppl Fade away Quickly. As for the Members that are Helpful and PAY IT FORWARD like i told you when you came and bought that tank from me, those few Names some of which youve already met are trully awesome contacts to make, endless informatiopn as well as generous frags etc. i consider MAAST a tool and our tanks the job. Glad to see things goin in the rite Direction in your New REEF. Keep the New Editions Coming John

[FireWater]

That's what it is all about. You learn as you go and most of us are willing to pass on what has worked for us.

[johnyardavid]

Yeah, I'm loving the MAAST community. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Saltwater husbandry has been the best hobby I have taken on. I love how the learning never stops. There is always a way to improve the reef, and it's always rewarding. I enjoy taking care of my fish and trying to provide the most comfortable and ocean-like environment for them. After all they didn't ask to be in my tank, so it's the least I can do. All animals and the relationships we share with them bring me joy. Fish are no exception.

[johnyardavid]

New update.

I had to trade my Yellow Tang, Martin, for some corals. One night he just wigged out and got violent. I traded him for these three corals:
Tricolor Valida
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Unidentified Zoas
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Miami Hurricane Chalice
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Allan, I don't know if you remember that sps frag that you gave me awhile back but here it is. It had only the tallest central arm when you gave it to me. As you can see it has sprouted several other branches!
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Finally, my wife let me get a flowerpot coral, here it is:
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[KING]

looking good..iv been thinking about a flowerpot coral my self..

[johnyardavid]

Thank you sir. The flowerpot looks really nice once you get the flow right.

[johnyardavid]

Yay! I'm a charter member now. The membership was given to me by my sister. My name doesn't say it yet but I can see the charter only stuff! Well, my tank is taking off. All of my SPS are taking off. In the last two months I have added sour apple birdsnests and some favia brain. The birdsnests have been growing and splitting. The favia are too new to see growth but they are maroon on the outside and green centers. I have been reading up on all chemical levels in aquaria and I believe my understanding of the relationship between alkalinity, ph, calcium, and magnesium are the reasons for my recent growth. Pics will come soon.

[johnyardavid]

Ok everyone, here's the skinny. I apologize for not updating in awhile. I'm automating my tank, and have several new additions to it. On top of that I started my spring semester at UTSA. I will be a junior in college after this semester with a mechanical engineering major. I'm staying until my masters can be earned. That being said, I have not neglected my tank. Everyone is getting along as well as they can.

Current Stock Lists

Fish:
4 Ocellaris Clownfish (1 Snowflake, and 3 regular)
1 Diamond Goby
2 Barred Gobies
1 Scooter Blenny
1 Lawnmower Blenny
1 Citrinis Clown Goby
2 Banggai Cardinalfish

Corals:
1 German Blue Monti
2 Ponape Birdsnest
2 Montipora Caps
4 Pulsing Xenias
2 Colonies of Some Kind of Pink Xenia
1 Tricolor Valida (Still has not regained coloration)
3 Heads of Frogspawn
10+ Colonies of Various Zoa's
10+ Kenya Trees (Some have 2" diameter trunks)
1 5lb Rock COVERED with a Brown and Green Paly Family
6 Head Miami Hurricane Chalice (Was recently knocked over and suffered some tissue loss. I can see the white, thin, bony plates).
12 Head Frag of Favia Brain (Green center and brown edges, beginning to encrust).
1 Green Bubble-tip Anemone.
4 Small Colonies of Green Star Polyps

I am running biopellets in a homemade reactor. I am still on the Coralife 125 skimmer. It has been a great skimmer that pulls some dirty skimmate. Sadly it is not quite large enough to handle my 125, so I'm looking for a suitable upgrade. I test for my aquarium levels several times a week, to include calcium, alkalinity, magnesium, iodide, and strontium. So far I have a range of test kits. Contrary to what I have read, many of the different brands available test at the same levels as each other. Accuracy, has not been an issue. In my canister filter I run carbon and phosguard (The GFO counterpart, Aluminum Oxide). For the past few months I have had an auto top off system to keep my salinity stable, and make life easier. The only issue I have is that the GBTA which I've had for 3 months now is still very shy. One of my rocks has a cylindrical hole that the foot of the anemone fits perfectly in. It does not like to fully expand, or even spend much time open. I feed it twice a week and it gets plenty of light. Probably he won't be in my tank too much longer, I want to trade him. Hopefully this week I will post new photos of my aquarium. Thanks for tuning in! John'yar

[johnyardavid]

Ready for a big change?













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[mkengr45]

good luck with the mechanical engineering program. I did both my bachelors and masters in mechanical engineering from UTSA.....good field to be in. Nice tank too!

[johnyardavid]

Thanks a lot. I'm enjoying the program so far, and I am going on to my master's before I get out into the workforce. The army is paying for it so why not :).

[mkengr45]

I went straight from bachelors into the masters.....don't take a break, you would be surprised how fast you forget stuff if you don't use it regularly. I had friends that took a semester off before pursuing the masters, and when they came back they couldn't hang and really struggled. MSME ain't no joke....but if you stay sharp you'll be fine.

Randy