My reef aquarium - 2008 until now (pictures and a video)

Octopus8 · 08/22/2009, 09:30 AM

I never posted an aquarium build thread when I set up my aquarium in March, 2008. Here are some photos and a video of my Aquapod 24 taken over the last 1 1/2 years.

Aquarium: Aquapod 24
Lighting: Modified to accommodate 80 watts PC (stock 64 watts).
Stand: Current USA Solana Stand (replaced glass panel with wood stained to match)
Live rock: 35 pounds
Protein skimmer: None
Refugium: None
Salt: Red Sea Coral Pro

The only regret I have is starting with GARF Grunge to cycle the aquarium. It did an amazing job of cycling the aquarium quickly, but I hate the layer of rubble on top of my sand. I've been removing it slowly and just a thin layer remains.

Starting the cycle March, 2008.

Adding fish and CUC after the cycle about 5 weeks later.

The "green phase."

Octopus8 · 08/22/2009, 09:31 AM

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEdGhDcsjrw

Octopus8 · 08/22/2009, 09:32 AM

Recent photos.

Octopus8 · 08/22/2009, 09:33 AM

This Blastomussa Merletti is the only thing that died(not counting snails and hermits) since setting up the aquarium.

username in use · 08/22/2009, 09:52 AM

looks fantastic, you should enter it in the nano tank of the month. You defenitely got a shot.

jbird69 · 08/22/2009, 01:10 PM

NICE!

Your definitly doin something right!

Octopus8 · 08/22/2009, 04:39 PM

Thanks for the compliments.

I do weekly 15% water changes, dose sodium ascorbate(vitamin C) daily, feed lightly and research the hell out of everything I put in my aquarium.

Thanks to a whole bunch of Reef Central members for providing tons of great information that has made this such a smooth ride so far.

jbird69,
Love the Tarpon in your avatar photo!

ReeferChick85 · 08/25/2009, 09:24 PM

oooo your tank is pretty

Very nice!! That folded brain of yours is beautiful!! I like the way you stocked your tank! I have my AP24 pretty much set up similar to yours. I like that you kept your hood on still. I still have mine and plan on keeping it with a closed hood. It just looks a lot cleaner and my dog's hair doesn't fly in the tank lol

Thanks for sharing btw!!

08/22/2009, 09:30 AM	#1
Octopus8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 271	My reef aquarium - 2008 until now (pictures and a video) I never posted an aquarium build thread when I set up my aquarium in March, 2008. Here are some photos and a video of my Aquapod 24 taken over the last 1 1/2 years. Aquarium: Aquapod 24 Lighting: Modified to accommodate 80 watts PC (stock 64 watts). Stand: Current USA Solana Stand (replaced glass panel with wood stained to match) Live rock: 35 pounds Protein skimmer: None Refugium: None Salt: Red Sea Coral Pro The only regret I have is starting with GARF Grunge to cycle the aquarium. It did an amazing job of cycling the aquarium quickly, but I hate the layer of rubble on top of my sand. I've been removing it slowly and just a thin layer remains. Starting the cycle March, 2008. Adding fish and CUC after the cycle about 5 weeks later. The "green phase." Last edited by Octopus8; 08/22/2009 at 09:38 AM.

08/22/2009, 09:31 AM	#2
Octopus8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 271	video Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEdGhDcsjrw

08/22/2009, 09:33 AM	#4
Octopus8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 271	This Blastomussa Merletti is the only thing that died(not counting snails and hermits) since setting up the aquarium. Last edited by Octopus8; 08/22/2009 at 10:10 AM.

08/22/2009, 09:52 AM	#5
username in use Sciencing Daily Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 6,560	looks fantastic, you should enter it in the nano tank of the month. You defenitely got a shot. __________________ Joshua "With fronds like these, who needs anemones?" - Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: multiple nano's sprinkled around the house

08/22/2009, 01:10 PM	#6
jbird69 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: The beautiful State of Jefferson Posts: 2,751	NICE! Your definitly doin something right! __________________ Broke Back Mountain is not a movie, its the pile of dead ninjas in Chuck Norris' back yard

08/22/2009, 09:32 AM	#3
Octopus8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 271	Recent photos.

08/22/2009, 04:39 PM	#7
Octopus8 Registered Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: SW Florida Posts: 271	Thanks for the compliments. I do weekly 15% water changes, dose sodium ascorbate(vitamin C) daily, feed lightly and research the hell out of everything I put in my aquarium. Thanks to a whole bunch of Reef Central members for providing tons of great information that has made this such a smooth ride so far. jbird69, Love the Tarpon in your avatar photo!

08/25/2009, 09:24 PM	#8
ReeferChick85 Moved On Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 894	oooo your tank is pretty Very nice!! That folded brain of yours is beautiful!! I like the way you stocked your tank! I have my AP24 pretty much set up similar to yours. I like that you kept your hood on still. I still have mine and plan on keeping it with a closed hood. It just looks a lot cleaner and my dog's hair doesn't fly in the tank lol Thanks for sharing btw!!