Allan's RE-Rebuild, post 213

[allan]

I know, right now it isn't real... When I start making 350 gallons of rodi, well that's when I'm going to regret it.

Might as well announce it now. I'm moving the tank this coming Saturday. I've enlisted about four or five military types to assist, but I will need more backs. Due to the shape of the tank it has to be turned on its side to move through the door.

If you're able to assist, lmk. We will meet at jolly's house at 0830 hrs to load this monster on a trailer. Then convoy, at a rather slow speed, to my house where we will continue to see who may succumb to a hernia. I would like to be done by 1100 hrs.

[Scutterborn]

It's been almost 3 years since my hernia. I'm due... Let's roll

[kkiel02]

Im on nights this week but if your doing the move that early I will probably still be up. Put me down to help. Ok Im off to bed now.

[allan]

thanks guys

Also, anyone have any idea if anyone has any suction cups for the event? I think when we rotate the tank on its side we will have a difficult time holding on to it.

[TexasTodd]

I thought MAAST had some cups. Hey Allan, remember I'm off to the beach Thurs-Sun, so LMK on trailer early in week.

[allan]

Oh, yeah forgot about that "convenient" trip to the beach around the time that I had to move the tank. :)

I can swing by tomorrow after work if that works for you. Or if you want to face the wrath of gloria, I can get a ball hitch on her truck and she can bring it home.

2" ball?

[Bill S]

Bill keeps saying things like groovy,

GROOVY??? I don't think so...

[ElChicano]

If you still need hands Count me in.

[allan]

GROOVY??? I don't think so...

lol, sometimes I forget that you sometimes read my posts. But you're right, groovy may be a bit post your heyday.

Chicano, more the merrier. I'm actually a bit worried that I won't be able to get this thing through the door.

We moved the stand in yesterday, Jason, Milly, Jeremy and myself. I had to take the door off the hinge, and even then it was quite a beast to manuver about.

Tonight, I'm putting the sump in, chiller, and skimmer, a bucket of sand and will start making rodi. I plan on running the sump without the tank until I get the tank set up and running. Help season the water, or that portion of it, before I get ready to set up the top side. It will also give me an idea of any problems I may encounter prior to getting the tank on top.

This will be the first time I'll be using one of those external pumps, hoping it works well.

[ElChicano]

whats the height on the tank ?

[allan]

31"

I thought I had measured the stand's height at the same, but it wouldn't fit in unless I took the door off, so I'm thinking it's a bit larger.

But the tank is 31", not actual water depth which is closer to 25", but the wood trimming across the top gives it some verticle that it normally would not have.

[ElChicano]

which entry we using to get it in the house ? Is there room to put in the tank through the door using the shape of the tank. And by that I mean.. putting in part of the L shape through the door. and rotating the tank to get it in the house. Im assuming the depth is way less than 31..

[allan]

The back door, through the family room and into the library where I have a double door french door that won't be a problem.

The actual depth is 31 at it's widest point (the hex styled end piece), but because of the angles involved, it's the L part that throws us off.

I think we could carry it in flat as it sits, but the returns are all glued in. I would have to take them off were we to attempt that kind of entry... and even then there's no guaruntee that we can flat it in. It may be worth the effort though, to cut off that piping.

[TexasTodd]

NO WAY am I hooking the trailer up and asking Gloria to drive with it. She'd do fine, but she would NOT be happy.

Tomorrow evening at my place is fine. The license plate fell off when Greg used it last week but I have the registration you can take with you.

[Bill S]

lol, sometimes I forget that you sometimes read my posts. But you're right, groovy may be a bit post your heyday.

Of COURSE I read your posts!

If you run into any trouble, let me know. I've got a garage full of stuff, and we're right down the street.

[Texreefer]

i am off on saturday.. and could probably help at your house.. i am on Kid duty so I would have to bring him with me

[allan]

Thanks, bill. I can pass you my identification card so you can be sure to get your stuff back. :-)

Thanks mike. Your kids can play with Cassidy, an I can finally show you my (your) tank, although its full of misc. coral frags and stuff.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-8896-2f14.jpg

[Scutterborn]

I use groovy all the time...

[FireWater]

Dude, Allan that pic makes me hurt dude. All that work you did....

[hobogato]

i agree john, it looked so nice when it was redone. oh well, it was good practice for what he will have to do to make that new tank look nice - so many possibilities with that tank shape...

[reefreak]

Agreed with the guys above when i stopped by i was amazed with the tank.

[Bill S]

That looks like a model railroad track in the front of the pic.

Allan, I don't need your ID. I know where you live, and I can always shoot out your porchlight!

[allan]

You guys don't know how much I hurt when I see the tank like this.

But I don't have enough room in the sump for all of the stuff that was in the frag tank. This is just an interim phase.

On the bonus side, I'm going down to just one tank. Because o my noob status I built the current system piecemeal. And because of that there's a huge utilitarian aspect to it. All the wires an pipes and the external 50 gallon sump.

Wen this is all done I will have one stand alone tank with the wires all ran neatly and the piping laid out neatly. And when the cabinet door is shut it will only be the one tank in the corner.

So, hopefully I will go from apprentice to junior journeyman.

I don't know about you all, but I plan on being amazed by what I produce. Very amazed. I've even been practicing my amazed look.

[Scutterborn]

I don't know about you all, but I plan on being amazed by what I produce. Very amazed. I've even been practicing my amazed look.

This quote is useless without a pic....

[klwheat]

This quote is useless without a pic....
+1

[koa25]

15175

[koa25]

Allans amazed look. Its startling. I know. Notice the dropped jaw nd awkward stance. Common with allan looks.

[kkiel02]

LOL the last three or four posts were hilarious!

Allan Im sure you will come up with another sick tank. I can't wait either...

[allan]

That was funny.

I snapped a picture, but it was more "O" than "amazed" so I deleted it.

[Scutterborn]

Dang, allan! I thought it was mustache may... U always take it to a whole other level, don't ya? Lol!

[koa25]

He is going with french may. Let it ALL grow out.

[Scutterborn]

He is going with french may. Let it ALL grow out.

Lmbo!!!

[allan]

:-{

My 'stache (and nothing else) is growing out nicely.

[koa25]

I would be a lot happier in the army if I could grow out my facial hair. Not a nasty beard like I had when i lived in Alaska. But just gruff. Shaving everyday sucks. And trimming the stache at the edge of the mouth makes it look weird. Like a bad 70's cop stache.

[allan]

Yeah, with me I either look like Charlie Chaplin or Adolph hitler.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0aa0-bd86-5378.jpg

The new SMA wants to outlaw scruff on and off duty. Not to mention tucking in our shirts off duty. I think it's time for me to retire.

[Texreefer]

looks like Charlie Chaplin and Hitlers illegitimate love child:bigsmile:

[BBQHILLBILLY]

LOL

[allan]

:-)

[koa25]

Allan. I'm telling ya. I will be busted down to a private with all my article 15s for not shaving off duty and on leave so quick it won't be funny. I rufuse to shave on leave. ( for any Army snoops reading this. I agree and comply with all current and standing orders... just saying) gotta cya. Don't know when big brother is watching

[allan]

My argument to the standing order that "you are always on duty" doesn't hold water if we are permitted to drink at all. Oh well, it's a new army.

I'm just that much closer to being retired. Until they recall me to active duty next time the poop hits the fan.

[koa25]

Shesh. Good news for you. I might have to go back to being a ski bum. I liked that life. And i could grow facial hair. I think they are just trying to get those less inclined to a stricter army standard out. I might have to take that job i was telling you about. Make my life easy.

[SinisterLou]

Take the job Mikey!

[SinisterLou]

Allan I love the new upgrade, cant wait to see it

[allan]

Me either, Lou.

Okay here is what I have so far. One pic shows the whole sump and then the separate chambers.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fabf-2136.jpg

First chamber, was a rubble rock cache. Was thinking about making it a chaeto haven. It's also where the water enters the sump.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fb0f-ca8a.jpg

Flows under the wall to the second chamber where the skimmer sits making tea.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fb4d-0e06.jpg

A series of baffles and then into the fuge portion.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fb79-3377.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fbab-e6d1.jpg

16" by 30" for that area.

Then the final area were the return pump is.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fbe6-dfbb.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fc00-d8c9.jpg

That return pump will run through the chiller...

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-fc30-c4f4.jpg

Up to the DT (I don't have that yet, but will by next week).

I will run a separate pump to use the UV sterilizer and the carbon reactor.

Thoughts?

I spoke with the Ace earlier and he suggested that I put another baffle in the first chamber AO that I can have a deep sandbed there. I like that idea, as I can put chaeto in there as well. Or I can go straight rubble rock. Plenty of pods and good filtration. Or just the chaeto, leave the baffle as it is and drive on.

Thoughts?

[hobogato]

looking at the pics allan, i think that first chamber would be too small (footprint) for an effective sand bed. i would probably put the sand bed and macro-algae in the chamber after the skimmer and put live rock rubble in the first chamber

[allan]

Rocks it is then.

I am going to start setting it up today so I can get it cycling. If I don't start now I'm gonna be crying when I start setting up the whole thing.

Might need to go get a couple buckets of salt though.

[allan]

Okay,

I've given a quasi address to one guy who has volunteered to help me with the tank move. Anyone wishing to assist, PM me and I will give you Jolly's address. If you already know the address, PM me to let me know that you will be attending. I've got the trailer in my garage (thanks Todd), and the stand is in place. All I need is the assist to get it loaded and strapped to the trailer, and then offloading it at my house, around to the back yard, through the door, around the corner and into the library.

I had intended to do it lying flat as it should sit on the stand, however I found that I could not move the stand in that way, so I doubt that I will be able to get the tank in that way. So then it seems as if we will be turning it on it's side for a whole new level of discomfort.

Anyone know who has the MAAST Cart? I don't want to use it as a sole source of lift, but I think it will pay dividends when squeezing the tank through the back door.

[klwheat]

I currently have the "short" MAAST cart in my garage (haven't had a chance to return it yet sorry :( )I can try to return it tomorrow evening after work, if I can remember who to return it to...lol

[allan]

How short is it?

[BBQHILLBILLY]

Unfortunately, Saturdays a work day for me. Sundays I can help move in case you change days.

[klwheat]

It only stands maybe 18" tall, 3feet long-ish, 18" wide or so. Has some seriously heavy duty wheels and well built though. Worked great for moving mine. I just PM'd alton to try to get it returned to him tomorrow after work. Or, if the bosses don't mind, I can meet up with you and get it to you directly.

[allan]

That sounds great if Alton and the powers that be don't mind. I can meet you at Fort Sam, either here on the post or over at BAMC/SAMC/ZOO?

[ErikH]

Note to self: Never go to Allan's house for "tea".

[koa25]

Note to self: Never go to Allan's house for "tea".

Just give it a quick wiff. If it smells like the ocean at low tide? Then don't drink it. If it smells like poop it is probably earl grey which taste like poop. So either way... Don't drink it. But it is still digestable. I'd help out Allan but I have to work Saturday untill 1400ish and sunday untill 1200ish. So if you get delayed or what not let me know.

[allan]

lol, I don't serve tea at the house. I've got coffee and beer, and for those of you with the taste I've got several varieties of Scotch. Single and blend.

In fact, after the glass is in place we can retire to the pool room for a drink or two of the good stuff.

[allan]

Have water in the sump, sand and the skimmer is running.
http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-a509-d6d7.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-a547-f1e6.jpg

Tomorrow I will add macro and some seasoned rock along with a light source to get it in some kind of rhythm.

Before the tank comes in. Excited.

[koa25]

Looking good allan.

[allan]

Skimmer is pulling some gunk, the metal halide frag lamp is installed, chiller was turned on and promptly brought the temp from 87 to 80 within a few moments.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f0a6-3640.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f0c9-ef56.jpg

Thinking about dropping the temp to 78 or 79.

On the other side of the room, my stupid orange nem split :-( fortunately it doesn't seem to get very large.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f144-f019.jpg

I may have to speed up the cycling of the new tank to get it ready.

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-421f-f23d.jpg

Sanded the trim, stained to match the stand, opened a window, and hopefully I can apply the varnish tomorrow evening.

The tank was so close to level that shimming was very minor. Using a shop vac (jolly) and the water hose Gloria and I cleaned out the inside.

Ran pipes for the calflow.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-42c4-c2cb.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-42d9-3dc7.jpg

Left it high enough for filter floss as needed.

Tomorrow I will attempt to re-calk all the seems inside. Just to give me a feel good.

That's it for now.

[Texreefer]

man,, you been busy today

[ElChicano]

Cleaned up very nice, looking great..

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[allan]

Resealed all of the interior joints. Won't help me if there's a catastrophic event, but if there are any minor to micro leaks, I believe this will remedy that.

Made two rock facades, one long sloping and another that looks tall and table like. Plenty of shelves with what I had. Ran out of the emaco powder and really low on the fluid. My inquiries to Marco Rock.com have went largely unanswered, thus I'm just doing two walls. That's okay though, I think it will give the tank a sense of depth rather than crowding the back wall with a superflous amount of detail.

Gave the trim its first layer of rub on poly coat. Will give it the final tonight, but only after I've installed the two walls. Then 24 hours to cure and then the filling begins. I'm thinking of just hooking up the RODI directly to the tank and letting it fill while continously adding salt. Or I may pull the 55 gallon mixing tank out of the closet, fill it with tap, treat it, salt it and pour it. Else it will take up to four days to fill this monster.

Also, looking for suggestions. I need to get the pod population up and active quickly as I've a mandarin that will not fare well. So I'm thinking the pod dosing thing. Anyone have any experience with that? Was also thinking about growing some brine shrimp and turning them loose in the tank before I get the stuff moved over, but I'm thinking they will only die.

I'm using cleaned (relatively) sand so I expect a cycle, yet will be using a lot of my existing base rock to assist in the process. I've been meaning to test the water that's cycling in the sump. The skimmer is already pulling some nasty out. At this point I don't believe that I will have everything up before the weekend after next.

By the way, I'm throwing a party for my son's graduation on the 26th, you all are welcome to come by and eat some free food, drink some beer (if you've a special taste for something either let me know or bring it yourself), and pat my son on the back for a 12 year effort come to close. He's going to SAC this summer/fall, then will apply for UTSA the following year.

The party will be at the community center on Evan's, right by the stop sign near Bulverde. I'd be honored should you stop by.

[ElChicano]

I'm thinking of just hooking up the RODI directly to the tank and letting it fill while continously adding salt. Or I may pull the 55 gallon mixing tank out of the closet, fill it with tap, treat it, salt it and pour it. Else it will take up to four days to fill this monster

You're not going to leak test before adding the salt ? We did give the tank a pretty good stress test..

[allan]

I resealed all of the joins...

I may go ahead and fill it up first. But if I have a leak, at this point I'm not sure what else I can do about it. Except take a hammer to the glass so that I can disassemble the tank for removal.

Of course I picked up two buckets of salt just to fill this thing up... Should have got three.

[ErikH]

Allan, turn your pumps off and feed your mandarin bloodworms. Those have always worked well for me.

See you Saturday!

[kkiel02]

I have thousands of pods if you want I can see if they will siphon off the glass when I do my water change. My leopard wrasse is too lazy to go for the smaller ones I guess.

[allan]

That sounds great dude. I can put them in the sump as a start. Speaking of which, I can probably do a few water changes from the old tank.

Hmm...

[Big_Pun]

Allan go buy some "ova" ER had some last time i was in. its a great food and mandarins usually go right for it and also blood worms as erik said. just turn off pumps and squirt some on the lil guy, should start picking right away.

[allan]

Okay. Will do. I'm really looking to establish a population though.

One I get the tank filled and link the top with the bottom I plan on doing a series of water changes with my old tank water to help seed the new tank. That and all of my existing rock will be moving over.

The only outlier is the sand I'm using may want to cycle. I've been flooding the yard rinsing I out. But I suspect there will be a bit of a cycle.

[Sherita]

Allan, I can bring you a big bag of chaeto from my sump when I bring your corals down. My fuge is crawling with pods, millions of them. Let me know :)

[allan]

Yes, that sounds good, Sherita. Much obliged.

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-3d26-5ec4.jpg


http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-3d3d-da6b.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-3d55-3cb7.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-3d70-864b.jpg

Sump has been running for a little over a week, checked, checked and triple checked. No leaks.

Next, put enough sand in it to sate my intent. Man, that was some dirty sand. Even found a razor blade in it... Guess how I found that :-(

I've got about twenty gallons of water in there, looking for lower seam leaks. I know there's not enough weight to truly stress the joins... But it's a start.

Tape comes off the glass tomorrow.

[hobogato]

man, those rock structures really bring home the size of that beast of a tank. looking good!

[allan]

4:33 in the morning and I'm lugging 40 gallons of rodi... Five gallon bucket at a time.

Blue plastic bucket,
I fill you up,
Let's have a reef,

[allan]

Well, that one pillar on the left isn't very large either. I ran out of rock and wanted something in the backdrop that will mirror the rockscape.

I'm thinking a few islands and a small atoll or tower. It didn't make sense to me to have that kind of scape and then wall in a bunch of walls of rock... Although that did give my current tank a 3D look.

The one on the right is long and low... And two of my shelves came off when I applied it to the wall. I plan on getting some putty and replacing it then.

Well, I'm about 50-60 gallons in, no leaks... So far. I think by Friday I will have this filled and ready for salt and mixing. Sunday or so I will introduce the sump to the display.

I have run into my first problem. Power cords for the power heads aren't long enough, nothin I can't deal with, however it vexes me.

[Sherita]

A trash can, wheels, pump and tubing make it far easier to get the rodi from over there.................to over here.

I love my brute cans with wheels. Moving water about is easy.

And why can they not make powerheads with cords of sufficient length?

[allan]

I have a brute that I'm going to recommission. It has served me loyally in the last year or so, it will do so again into the future.

As far as the cord length, they ought to give us an 8' cord with a separate plug, that way we can cut to length and install the plug. Or else we would have too much, or too little cord for our purposes.

I got to give a shout out to my wife, she's continuing the process of making water during the day and pouring it into the tank through the day. I love her so much... I hope she fills up all the buckets. ;)

[koa25]

I got to give a shout out to my wife, she's continuing the process of making water during the day and pouring it into the tank through the day. I love her so much... I hope she fills up all the buckets. ;)

Shesh, That's a nice wife. I can't even get my girlfriend to help out with stuff related to the tank. She expects it to look pretty all the time but doesn't want to do any work. Especially anything dealing with setup.:applause:

[ErikH]

Allan is silly
tank is too big
to fill up quickly

[allan]

lol

Looks like I'm in for a long slow wait. Tank isn't even half full.

[JesterGrin_1]

Just a wild thought but since there is nothing in the tank why not fill the tank with RO/DI water and add salt to the tank with the equipment on and it will self mix.

[allan]

That's what I am doing. Rodi takes a long time to make though. 75 gpd.

[JesterGrin_1]

So in say 8 days you will have enough RO/DI Water lol.

[Bill S]

Go to HD and get 20 feet (or more) of icemaker tubing. Then lengthen your RO/DI output to go directly to the tank. You'll want that for topoff anyway!

[allan]

I did, my top off is tied to the rodi.... But the connector is in the back and difficult to get too.

[Scutterborn]

I bought a 25' roll at the home depot for 3-4 bucks. I still have a long piece (15 feet) or so I could bring you tonight.

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-c601-8252.jpg

The water level rises, Noah would be proud.

[Scutterborn]

That finish you applied looks really good. Maybe when I get back from Rockport your tank will be almost full... Lol!

[allan]

Lol, Jason is bringing over his rodi so we can speed up the process. I'm thinking tomorrow.

[KING]

15233 here's your fist fish for ypur tank allan lol

[Big_Pun]

**** your very patient I just filled up a 120 holding tank with tap added prime let it mix with a mag 18 for hour then started adding salt. i used about 50 gallons from Emily old tank, rest was new water.

[allan]

King, all my fish look like that one, an the coral too. :)

Chris,
If I had some prime I would have done the same thing. The only reason I haven't used water from my old tank is because I have to have this one running smoothly before moving my coral over.

I don't want to take a risk of losing anything.

'cause I'm a coward.

[LuckySingh]

Looking very nice Allan ....

[allan]

About ten gallons short of keeping the return pump wet. Salinity is 1.022.

In about ten gallons I'm gonna fire it up (again) and verify that I have no leaks. As I the moment all is sound (wooden knock knock).

I put some of my fuge rock into the display to start propagating what I need in there, however I'm concerned that the temp may be a bit cool for it. Shouldn't last long.

Still need I build the canopy, slated for Monday.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f384-d2a2.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f399-ff71.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-f3af-54ff.jpg

[allan]

It's running at 76 degrees...

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-1dfa-e730.jpg

[Mr Cob]

Dang, I thought I was busy...that's a massive project bro, looks great.

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

[Tristan23]

I don't see the pictures :/


---
I am here: http://tapatalk.com/map.php?rwgsls

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-5fe9-2e2b.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-6026-7a93.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-6040-ade4.jpg

Trying again

[SoLiD]

King, all my fish look like that one, an the coral too. :)

Chris,
If I had some prime I would have done the same thing. The only reason I haven't used water from my old tank is because I have to have this one running smoothly before moving my coral over.

I don't want to take a risk of losing anything.

'cause I'm a coward.

The best course of action, is to do exactly what you are doing now in taking it slow. While water chemistry is very important, I believe the bacterial colonies within our live rock is even more important for long term stability. I'd wait until after the cycle of the new tank before you start to slowly migrate some of the older rock to seed the new rock. Don't rush it. It is never worth the risk.

[allan]

Yeah, slow and easy.

I would be much more comfortable if I were using new sand out of a bag. But since I'm using old sand, heavily rinsed but still has detritus in it, I feel as if I will have a minor cycle.

The only rock that isn't new has been cycling in the sump for the last two weeks. The rock that's in there now has been cyclin in my old tank for the last month.

All of that is a very small percentage of rock compared to that from my current tank.

So, aside from what my sand bed is going to do, my cycle should be comparatively swift and fairly small.

I've moved most of my macro over yesterday as well.

I may take some readings today most likely tomorrow after jeremys party, but I dont plan on getting back to doing anything significant until next weekend. Pending the results of the testing of course.

[Big_Pun]

your right Allan by using old sand you will prob get a nice "cycle". that's why I used new sand and fully cured live rock. but I knew I had 24 hours to get fish back in and some of my coral. I didn't loose a single coral or fish.

[allan]

Yeah, that's the way to do it.

[SoLiD]

Yeah, that's the way you do it.

Money for nothing and the checks for free.....

Carry on good sir. It seems that you've done this before.

[allan]

Once or twice... Still a noob though.

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-589e-2351.jpg

First load of skim!

[Texreefer]

in some countries you would be shot if you said that in public

[klwheat]

What kind of skimmer are you using? I'm still looking for one for my large tank.

[allan]

I think it's called a euro skimmer, but I'm not really sure. I was using a dual recirculating octo skimmer, but I can't put that one under this tank. That and one of the pumps gave up on me a year or so ago.

Mike... I've been to that country! :)

[allan]

Okay, checked for nitrates... In both tanks! Can you guess which one is for which tank?

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-cfdd-af62.jpg

I know the color is very light on the right side tube (the new tank), my old tank has zero nitrates! The tube is clear as ~ well, it's clear.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-d062-8d4b.jpg

Fuge lamp is hung... And then I found this...

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-d0a0-261e.jpg

I don't know about the vertical lines, I think it's the lamp. But if you look carefully you can see the little toadstool frag that found its way into the new tank unbeknown to me.

And that wasn't the only sign of life!

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-d27f-a05d.jpg

And in the sump...

But my phone is acting up.

[Scutterborn]

Sweet! Your first 'Nem! Not!

[LuckySingh]

Haha kill him

[SoLiD]

Looks like you might need a Port A batch of Peppermints to sweep the tank clean of aiptasia.

[samd]

Allan, looking good. Really like the tank. Did you get your canopy completed or do you need my help?

[allan]

Ha ha, come on down Scot, I've got a cooler full of beer and a garage full of wood. :)

I'm going to start working on the canopy today after work. Not looking forward to messing it up so I will be measuring twice... And probably cutting twice as well.

[Scutterborn]

That's how I build stuff as well. Sometimes more than twice though...

[allan]

Ammonia in both of the tanks are the same, no measurable nitrites, and my nitrates seem to be going down as well.

I'm going to do a ten gallon water change on the new tank using old water from my current tank... Going to vacuum a little sand as well to make the tanks a bit more "similar". I put a hermit in there last week. He seems to be doing well.

The canopy is going slow, but I'm really happy with the way it's turning out.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-1dfd-857f.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-1e12-d470.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-1e27-167e.jpg

[hobogato]

lookin good allan, and the canopy looks nice too ;)

are you going to put access doors on the front of it, or will the top open?

[SoLiD]

Wow, that looks like a very complicated canopy. Good luck with that Mr. Villa. :D

[allan]

It will be suspended, access will be under and over. The lights will be on a redneck rail system so I can adjust them as needed to get coverage.

Man, I learned all about 22.5 and 67.5 degree cuts with this one. Milly's boyfriend is helping me so I don't go too redneck on it. I was thinking of the PVC rack for a minute... Wife said "NO!"

[allan]

Skirt done, molding almost cut and completed. This will be added in the morning while the pork is smo'okin on grill.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-945a-095f.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-94aa-308f.jpg

It's upside down.

[JesterGrin_1]

WOW you were in a hurry lol. Glad you found the corner molding.

[SoLiD]

That would have taken me ages to put together! Looks Great!

[allan]

Two updates:

1) porky is sm'OKIN'!!!

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-7b83-57a6.jpg

2) four green chromies.... Doing well.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-7c28-45f7.jpg

3) stand molding on the bottom is glued and stapled, box is right side up and very light.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-7c8d-67c5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-7cab-eb46.jpg

[allan]

Filler drying, will sand in about an hour, then the stain.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-8f18-4683.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-8f46-777c.jpg

[Texreefer]

looks great Allan

[allan]

I am incredibly happy with the way it's turning out. I was thinking of just a L shaped structure, but Jason (Milly's Jason) convinced me that if it looked like the stand and trim I'd be happier.

It's true, I am very happy.

[SoLiD]

Gee... I'm truly impressed with that canopy. It looks awesome. I could only dream of having a small fraction of those wood working skills. :applause:

[CoryDude]

Lots of angles on that canopy. How many pieces of wood have you had to go through to get it looking that nice? The whole setup is truly amazing!

[allan]

I used one 4' x 8' sheet if ply. No mistakes on that end, still have plenty left.

The trim I made three mistakes. Two of them involved getting the angle wrong on one or both ends. Then there was the 9.5" measurement that I took upside down that ended up a 6.5" piece...

There were several instances where I had to draw the blade across the edge to shave off a little to get it squeezed in... And one cut that wasn't true that resulted in the delicate application of a belt sander.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-8198-422a.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd0a3c-81bb-62a6.jpg

[hobogato]

you did an exceptional job on that allan, it is really going to finish that tank out.

[koa25]

Wow. That came out really good Allan. Look out Ace. He might replace you as the guy to go to for needing things built.

[allan]

Nope, Ace is a pro. I hope one day to be able to be half as good as Ace.

Bear in mind that I also had help from Jason.

[koa25]

Ah, Touche. And I have seen a very small snap shot of what Ace has done to include a boat :hypnotyized: So I think he will retain that title for awhile. ha ha.

[ErikH]

Hey what new fish did you get? Gloria was telling me about it.

[allan]

Green chromies... They're a type of damsel I believe.

Oh, and a betta. :)

[ErikH]

I call them M-Bettas, because it sounds funny. :)

[allan]

Okay, serious question here.

I've all but completed the L shaped pendant housing for my lights. I'm gonna hang it tonight when I get home.

Parameters check out between the two tanks:
Chemicals Old Tank New Tank
'trate same color same color
'trite same color same color
Ammonia 0 one shade darker
Salinity 1.0225 1.023
Temp 79-81 80
gallon 190 350

I've four chromis and a marine betta in the new tank, zoo in the old.

I was thinking that if things went well tonight I can get that canopy hung and lights placed in the appropriate location.... that I could actually move my stuff over. If not, definitely tomorrow when I get home.

I'm thinking that the bump in the ammonia would be matched by all of the biofiltration that would be coming over with the old rocks. I've been taking this slow as heck to ensure I've covered all my bases, but once the canopy is up I'm going to have nothing else to really do unless I take my lights off the current set up and put it in the new set up which will leave my old tank lightless. I'm sure a couple days wouldn't worry the inhabitants much... but at that point what exactly would I be waiting for?

I'm very excited to be moving into this new phase. The only thing that is different between the two tanks is that the new one has a skimmer running and the old one has carbon running. I plan on moving the carbon over, and the skimmer is staying right where it's at.

Thoughts?

[koa25]

Like how you pointed out the tank size difference. Holy bajesus. But I'm going to tread carefully. I am super paranoid. I let my tanks run for quite a while before tossing anything in them other than chromis(poor little canaries of the saltwater hobby). But i know the Wife wants the tank gone. I let my 125 sit for 9 weeks before i tossed a chromi in it even though the parameters where good at about 3 weeks. But i also didn't have fully established LR for biofiltration like you and the giant forest of Macro.

[koa25]

I'm also a big chicken. When it comes to that stuff... Just saying.

[ErikH]

Exactly how many fish are you talking about? Depending on how big the number, you may have to move them over in sets, and just keep checking your levels as you go along. The fish are going to be stressed enough, and moving them all at once could mean a large ich breakout or something along those lines. Remember when I spent 4 bills on fish, took them home, they all got ich and died. Slowly but surely I lost most of my fish that had already been in the tank as well. It was a catastrophe.

[allan]

How much of the filtration is tied up in the rock vice the sand? If I move the rock and fish over at once, I am in a sense moving my filter over... right? If the sand counts for 20% of my filtration (shallow up top, quasi deep in the sump)... I'm moving over an 80% functioning filtration system. Right? I'm not introducing any new fish... in fact, I've got to get rid of a blue hippo that enjoys scolies and brains, so the expected fluctuation should be minimal. Right?

I really only have two fish that give me ich issues. The two tangs, one of which will be leaving us. I find that the best remedy for that is plenty of food and not to harrass them overly.

Under no, or very little, condition will I be adding any more fish to the system until I've had it running for a time.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking that the shear water volume may provide an additional buffer encountered when I move things over.

Fish count:
Yellow rim tang
cardinal
skunk clown
skunk clown 2
starry blenny
hawk fish
manderin
large chromy
Harlequin (going to give this to Milly if she's around when I catch thim)
Rose tip nem
red nem small
red nem 2 small
Misc. coral

[ErikH]

Ok I was expecting like 30 fish. That should be 0 problem.

[allan]

30 fish? Lol, no way. I plan letting things stabilize before adding fish.

[ErikH]

You should be able to move everything over, fish and corals, with no issues TONIGHT! :)

DOOO IT.

[hobogato]

i agree with erik, you should be fine. you will probably get some slight algal blooms over the next few weeks regardless.

[ElChicano]

If the guys from the show Tanked can do it.. so can you..

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[KING]

If the guys from the show Tanked can do it.. so can you..

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2
ooooo ya.lol

[koa25]

Don't start king ha ha.

[allan]

Lol, well let me see how the hanging process pans out. :)

More to follow.

[SoLiD]

Why not 30, I say go for 60 or 70. 70 really small fish of course. I have about 26 fish in my 40... And no problems... My Red Mandarins are spawning almost every 6th night. But of course I always buy the smallest fish I can find and I feed the heck out of my tank with all types of enriched foods. I've only had 2 deaths in the last 5 months and they were the 2 Allen Damsels that didn't look so great when I bought them. There are even 2 tangs in there, but not for much longer, they are already grown out to a decent size. Now all I need is a fish trap to get them out & pass them on to their next homes here or take them back to the LFS.

All I'm saying is I'm sure by now you know what you are doing. Add the fish you want. Just take it slow and you should be fine Allen...

P.S. If you can, buy the biggest skimmer you can afford and fit as much live rock as you possibly can in your new system. Live rock can really make up for a lot of mistakes.

[Milly]

Progress! Next step suspension!

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-a22c-fc0f.jpg

[Scutterborn]

Dude, I need to get back over there soon and see this one in person.

[Milly]

Nevermind my dads bum, what y'all think??!

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b222-5c3c.jpg

[Scutterborn]

I've never seen a 6 foot ladder look so small....lol

[koa25]

Dang. That is looking sharp. That is going to be amazing when stocked and running.

[z28pwr]

That's some great woodworking skills.


I'm somewhat disappointed in the fact that Allan needed a ladder ;)

[allan]

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-b7eb-07e4.jpg

One 250 MH up and running!

Two to go, gotta slow down don't want to rush. :D

[Big_Pun]

just add the fish and as much live rock
as possible. I had no issues with 20 fish in my 150, I added them 24 hours after setting up. only way to cycle is with waste being added. solid is correct get the biggest skimmer you can.

[allan]

One 250 MH and one 400 MH... One 250 to go....

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-bd21-aafd.jpg

... Or as king would see it....

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-bd4b-bd80.jpg

Old tank is now lightless except for the T5s.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-bd6e-e0f3.jpg... :(

Tomorrow I come home at noon... One more MH, reposition the 400 and then start moving stuff over.

[koa25]

Ha ha. Cause he's short. I get it. But that's looking good allan. I'm going to have to swing by with your frag this weekend to check it out.

[Sherita]

Beautiful Allan! I like it. Gonna have to make a side trip next time I am down so I can see it in person.

[lildingy]

After meeting you today I cant belive ya need a ladder for anything :)

Thank you Allen for taking your time to meet me and it was very nice to meet you. Thank for the skimmer we just got home bout an hour ago hehe.

[allan]

Solid, I missed your post. I do like getting the small fish, but enjoy watching them grow out.
I have a three point philosophy on marine tanks as far as what I like to see. Rock, coral, and fish. Folks concentrate on which ever aspect they like the most. Mine, for instance, is to attempt to focus around the rock work, adorned with coral. For me the fish is a secondary piece to break the static display. A flash of color here, another there. I do want to add more fish, but truly, I'm just not that much into them.

I would love to see your tank though. I have four tiny chromis in the tank now and really like that small fish look.

Mike and sherita, you're welcome anytime.

Clayton, it was a pleasure meeting you and your family yesterday. LMK how that skimmer works out for ya.

[alton]

Tank looks great Allan, good job!

[allan]

Thanks Alton, don't jinx me though. I will be moving stuff over this afternoon.

TGIF!!!

[koa25]

Who has a crazy nice work schedule now? Four days all the time. You normal Army people have it easy. Good luck on the move over buddy.

[allan]

Ugh, I took six days to go fishin this weekend.

Back is killing me, all of our towels are in the wash, heading to bed.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-0b47-aea3.jpg

Tomorrow morning, with fresh towels, I will do a little more aquascaping.

Too much blue, and my right side is a bit dark. Going to lower the MH on that side and try one of those under water led strips to disperse the shadow.

[allan]

Oh, and my breaking heart...

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-0c1c-bf74.jpg

[reefreak]

wow! this is speachless.

[SinisterLou]

Nice job Allan! It looks amazing

[allan]

Thanks guys. I'm still thinking of how I'm gonna open it up. I think I needed a few more feet of tank.

My sump is slammed full of rock... Can't even put the frag rack in there.

[Scutterborn]

Oh, and my breaking heart...

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6cd09cf-0c1c-bf74.jpg


I'm right there with ya! That tank was a thing of beauty...

[Zack]

Absolutely beautiful. Can't wait to see more pics of it Allan!

[allan]

Aquascaping still needs tweaking, and I've got to get rid of that stupid frag rack.

So many facets, so I followed the FTS with each pane, from left to right.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b519-3350.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b604-ccea.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b614-2098.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b632-6c21.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b64e-ef7f.jpg

This next shot shows the section where I need another metal halide.

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b66d-a1b7.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b6aa-5b4e.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b6c3-0e61.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b6d4-96e5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b6e7-4fc5.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/6008f53c-b6f9-c629.jpg

[Big_Pun]

very nice. still looks full but now it's all spread out and not crammed in 180. do feel like your out of room, I did after moving my stuff from the 70

[reefreak]

Nice allan

[ElChicano]

Looks great. Def have lots of room to add lots more..

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

[allan]

I really wanted an open look, and the top down look is very open. But yeah, like Chris mentioned, still feels like I've got too much stuff.

I have a really nice dome rock that I've set aside that I'd like to get a variety of different high end zoas to do a garden of sorts.

I'm really not pleased with the glass. Looks like someone used a steel scrubby to clean it. I've got so many scratches that one of the panes is actually cloudy looking. If you look past it, it isn't so bad. But I miss that clear nothing between you and what's inside that you get from starfire. On the bright side, I no longer lament the single scratch. :)

[allan]

Now I guess im in the market for some tangs and I was thinking of some anthias.

[reefreak]

Did your giant rbta make it i didn't see it and elegant reef has a nice black tang in for the price of pretty good tank set up

[Bill S]

Looks GREAT Allan.

[hobogato]

i agree with bill, it looks even better than it did when i saw it the other day.

[Gseclipse02]

I'm really not pleased with the glass. Looks like someone used a steel scrubby to clean it. I've got so many scratches that one of the panes is actually cloudy looking. If you look past it, it isn't so bad. But I miss that clear nothing between you and what's inside that you get from starfire. On the bright side, I no longer lament the single scratch. :)


that killed me on one of my old tanks i couldnt stand it so much i got rid of it due too that


looks good tho allan

[Texreefer]

I like it a Lot... just glad you are the one that has to take care of it

[allan]

Reefreak, check out the fifth photo, right behind Le Pew and La Pew, it's all bubbled up and I'm praying that it doesn't move on me. I couldn't remove him from the rock facade so I took it into the new tank.

Thanks guys, JT... Drives me nuts when my OCD is turned on. But when I focus beyond the glass I can't see the scratches.

[RayAllen]

Looks great Allan, Some happy fish. All of a sudden they can turn a corner.

[allan]

I'm fixing to put in a few more tangs, right now I'm looking a bit light on the fish.

On a somber note, I lost one of my baby chromis. Of course I couldn't find it so my general hypothesis is that either someone came into my house and stole the chromis, or it died and was consumed by my cuc, or the betta decided it didn't appreciate the chromis hanging around its cave.

[koa25]

It was stolen! I heard there is an expert fish theif in San Antonio.

[allan]

Some underwater shots...

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0505.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0504.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0503.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0501.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0499.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0498.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0497.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0495.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0494.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0493.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0490.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0489.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0488.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0487.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0486.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0485.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0484.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0506.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/newpicturesofthetankunderwater027.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/newpicturesofthetankunderwater025.jpg

[hobogato]

looks like everything has settled in nicely

[BSJF]

Nice top down shots!

[allan]

Yeah, the only thing is that I've got the start of the brown diatoms starting. I knew I would, wanted to capture some images before it became unsightly.

The only OTHER thing is that I finally got a 150 MH to cover that low light area. I can't tell if I've actually added any light to it. I may have to bump up to a 250. Right now I'm expending a bit more wattage than I had wanted to do. But I was anyway with the frag tank, so I'm still green... except now that I've added the 150...

But I've reduced my pumpage down to just one. I've got no room in my fuge for anything except the macro and rock. I'm not keen on pulling the rock out, but I may have to. I may put some of it in the return area where the pump pulls water from. Then I can slide that frag rack below, and forget about it.

My next house I'm thinking I'm going to have it built with solar tubes, or an outright sunroom that is governed by the HVAC for temperature reasons.

I also got it in my fool head that I'd like to try to build myself my next tank. U shaped, across three walls. The room would have to have some kind of drainage in the event of a spill, while still pleasing to Gloria's eye (else I'd not hear the end of it). The size I'm thinking of would probably mean I'd have to do it with Acrylic.

Or perhaps I will find some other hobby to get into...


....right! :)

[allan]

Thanks Lorraine, some of them aren't true underwater shots. I didn't realize that I had some of the through-the-scratches pictures.

For some odd reason my trumpets and war coral always have their feeders out now, in the new tank.

[Mr Cob]

you have some nice colonies Allan, that bleeding apple scoly is impressive as well

[ElChicano]

Turned out great. I can only imagine what it will look like in the coming months. I can't wait to be done with mine. If only fed ex would stop treating my packages like soccers balls. I would be ready buy now.. oh well just a few more weeks and it will be done. :D

[allan]

you have some nice colonies Allan, that bleeding apple scoly is impressive as well

Man, I was thinking it would look good with those other two sitting by it... :D


Hugo,

I was just telling someone about how it is to build a system... vice that of purchasing one already made. Seems like you really appreciate the build and results more. Worse case scenerio, if we ever get together to do a MAAST soccer event, you've some ringers in your fed ex folks.

[allan]

I really like this photo.

http://img.tapatalk.com/a6937b91-cd7b-4fea.jpg

[hobogato]

nice pic allan, those are some great looking colonies

[allan]

Thanks ace. I got the teal trumpets from Mizeny and the neon trumpets and acans from B&B during their pre-move sale.

[Scutterborn]

Good looking for as small as the pics are. I can't seem to expand them. I'm so looking forward to having my own eye candy to look at soon. Then I'll stop coming over to your house to take up space on your couch!! I don't get to do that often enough anyway.

[allan]

Yeah I noticed that the picture is tiny... I uploaded it to tapatalk... Let me try the other button.

15517

[Scutterborn]

Ah, yes! Mucho gusto!! I could only look for a brief moment. My sweet tooth started hurting looking at all that candy...

[allan]

Should show you a picture of this acan colony I picked up from MCC recently. ;)

[Scutterborn]

Hahaha!! Your killin me, your so funny. :)

[SoLiD]

That Bleeding Apple Scoly is a show stopper. One of the best I've ever seen.

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0501.jpg

http://i621.photobucket.com/albums/tt295/alaviers/DSCN0489.jpg

[allan]

That scoly vexes me daily. Every time I notice something amiss with him I think about it constantly. Wondering what's going on with it.

After I invest in a clean up crew I want to get a another brain and a couple more scollies.

[SoLiD]

Try Austin Aqua Farms. They always have awesome prices on their LPS. I got 3 Scoly's from them about 3 months ago for $330 shipped. Not a bad price for all 3 considering that some go for that price alone.

[allan]

OMG!

O! M! G!

That is one big tang. Believe it or not my yellow rim is challenging him... Half the size.

15622

15623

[350gt]

Lol he's hiding out.....

Just wait he will be all over in a bit. My naso and yellow are fighting to see who's top dog now that he's gone...

[allan]

I think that's what the yellow is up to, trying to get his Napoleon on.

The Vlamingi is sticking his head out a little further every few minutes or so. He's dwarfing that plate he's hiding out under.

15625

[Scutterborn]

Great choice! They look much better than a Grant and a Jackson. It'll also stick around longer too! Lol!


-Ben-

[allan]

Lol, true.

He's coming out a bit more and exploring the tank. The yellow isn't inhaling around him much. And I thought he was half the size of the vlam... More like a third.

[ErikH]

Dang that fish is "yuge"!

[350gt]

Lol......


We miss him already....

[allan]

I know what you mean. I've had a few fish that I either ha to rehome or just lost. The one I miss the most was sponge bob. I've toyed around with the idea of getting another one.

[ErikH]

How's "BigBoy" this morning? Is he adjusting well, or still hiding out?

[350gt]

How's "BigBoy" this morning? Is he adjusting well, or still hiding out?

+2..... Was use to leaving for work and him peeking out at me behind the rock as I walked out the door... This morning I looked and nothing.... :(


My son was all happy last night looking at tangs on live aquaria...... He's been dying for a purple.. Don't know though, my yellow has been making sure everyone know he's in charge now that shamu is out....

[allan]

Lol, I walked in there last nigh and didn't see him. This morning still nothing, then I spied those big soulful eyes peeping me from behind and under a ledge.

He came out and swam behind a rock over on the end that I was feeding. Was worried for a moment because he didn't seem ready to compete for chow, then I saw him picking at the food passing before him. So he's eating, that's good.

Right now it's pretty cool. Watch the now little fish swimming around, then bam, out swims this Allan looking fish from behind a rock. Can't wait till my grand daughters see him. :)

The purple would be cool... But you'd definitely have to wait out the reorganization of the pecking order.

[350gt]

Haha, one thing about that guy..... He will never skip a meal.

[Milly]

These are pictures from yesterday when he took his first swim around the tank!

http://img.tapatalk.com/4b01ba7e-b3cf-e723.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/4b01ba7e-b3dc-7d71.jpg

[350gt]

Lol that gold rim does look tiny next to him.

[RayAllen]

nice tang, exactly the show peice that sweet tank needed.

[allan]

May 25th, Allan's New Tank (ANT) was filled up with primo h2o... July 15, a little over a month and a half later and things are starting to take off.

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You probably can't see it, but I've started growing Coraline on the glass.

My temp is out of control, chiller comes on every hour or so.

Growth has started again... That legends of fall is growing something fierce, such a light green. I should draw up the old pictures to compare but I'm on the phone.

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Remember the light blue sps from AD?

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My nem is starting to stay out... On both sides of this rock. Almost like I have two nems.

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Carp!!! Looks like its splitting. No mouth on this one, but it looks like a complete disk.

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If so I'm going to have to center that rock to keep them isolated.

[reefreak]

Wow Allan that does look like you have two anemones your tank is looking great

[hobogato]

looks great allan

[350gt]

How's my ol pal?

[allan]

Cute as heck. The largest fish in the whole tank by far... and almost the most timid. But now he's coming to the glass to be fed, along with the betta. This thing comes out and eyeballs me, waits for food, but is incredibly wary of any sudden moves on my part.

I also now know what the websites mean about the fish being an agressive swimmer. He gets to one side, swims about, than hauls tail to the far end and disapears into the rockwork. Then he peaks around the corner like we're playing tag.

Love the fish, bro. I can only imagine how you must miss him. Especially when he flexes his fins and his colors pop.

[RayAllen]

Allan when I 1st saw your tank I thought all of those angles and separate panels of glass would drive me crazy do to Obstructed views and cleaning etc, but every time you post pics it grows on me.

Almost as if you have several separate windows into a reef world. Pretty cool, im digging it now. Fish must think they live in a huge tank to being able to swim around a corner.

[allan]

In another month or so, especially after I get everything right, I will post some single pane shots and a back up FTS. I like the angles, but there are really some areas that are completely invisible unless you look in on one of the ends, or top down. I have to get bored with what I've got it doing now. I've been restacking and reorganizing the rock since day one, but I only commit to a change a little at a time.

Top down there is a lot of distance between the glass and structure, but when viewing from the front it almost seems as if the rock is right there near the glass.

I think by the end of the week I should have all the misc frags out of there.

One last thing, although I do have a heat problem with this tank that I didn't have with the other, it seems that it's so much more enjoyable to sit in that room and read or whatever... but it will quickly put one to sleep.

[350gt]

Its cool...:

Me and my wife were glad to know he went to a great home... But I can picture him doing exactly what you said... My tank looks cool with the purple but is missing the personality of that big guy.

[allan]

Yeah... Big guys always have cool personalities. :)

[Scutterborn]

He is a looker! He was nestled between some rocks, peering out last time I was over there. Kinda like hes overwatch.


- Ben -

[allan]

Gloria started yelling at me from the fish room, my red planet colony rock did a swan into the sand bed. So early this morning instead of mowing the yard I found myself glueing frags.

Ace, the betta is hanging out in the open, waiting demurely for me to feed him. Really enjoy watching him... If I had to describe his actions it would almost be cat like.

And WTHeck??? Unless this nem has figured out how to look like its in two locations, I definitely have two now. :-(

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[allan]

Ah, so it comes to pass, RIP.

The glass is so clear it doesn't even hold water back.

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[Scutterborn]

Looks like that approach will make maintenance much easier.


- Ben -

[allan]

Yeah, but the floor is sure SLICK!

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[Louis-210]

R.I.P to the 315 gallon it was VERY NICE!

[FireWater]

Sucks to see that happen bro.

[allan]

Ah, no worries. The new tank will be out-wait for it-STANDING!

Or epic.

But this is the real picture of reefing, and don't get me started on the smell.

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[KING]

Smell..lol..ya i for got to take my t off wen i walked in. An my friend was like. ..what the hell is that smell..lol

[Sherita]

So.......any idea when we will see this outstanding new build? I'm sad for you, but I'm happy too.........you got a new tank.

I cannot even imagine how I would react to the realization that 300 gallons of water is trying to escape confinement. It would be a "moment", of that I am quite sure.

[allan]

It flows and ebbs, right now I'm missing a clown so my feeling is starting to ebb. My cardinal looks rather smug. :-(

I'm hoping by the time I get back from work both clowns are together and happy.


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[hobogato]

So.......any idea when we will see this outstanding new build? ...


i think you need to start a new thread allan. i am sure you will have some build pics later today. did you get the overflow sealed to the tank?

[allan]

No, I wish I had a picture of gloria when the tank tilted while she was holding it. I will lay it down and seal it in today.

I was thinking that the bottom lip will not fit over the top of the tank with the plumbing in place so I may want to wait until after the tank is in position before sealing that part in.

I will be starting another build thread. This one has run its course. I wish I had taken a picture of all the glass in the dumpster.

[hobogato]

you can put the overflow in, it should be just big enough to install the bulkheads and pluming later. i would not do any plumbing tho.

[Zack]

Did you ever figure out what caused the tank to bust?

[allan]

Near as I can pinpoint it was one of the panes on the bottom. I think it was this because I was cutting the seals with a standard screwdriver, and the suspect seam all but disintegrated as I attempted to cut through it.

Many of the seals were good... But I couldn't keep the water just in those areas.


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[SoLiD]

WTH HAPPENED????? That last picture made me cringe.... :what_smile:

[allan]

A long story.... But the short version is the tank broke and I had to tear it down, the community came together and now two weeks later the old is gone, the new is set up and I'm loving it.


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