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Unread 10/07/2013, 09:26 PM   #26
Reu2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Indymann99 View Post
Nice basement! I had to decide between a bar or a fish tank. Not enough room here for both. Next house maybe.


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Unread 10/10/2013, 09:23 AM   #27
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Got the sump in place and new return main completed and tested. Just running it for thirty minutes started clearing things up.


Clearing up by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

Here is a glimps of part of the mess I've made during this project so far.


In progress by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

I still need to get the fuge over flow completed and the skimmer in place. Also have a GFO and carbon reactor to setup but things are actually moving forward. Getting Excited!


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Unread 10/10/2013, 09:33 AM   #28
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The tank hasen't even started cycling yet but to plan ahead. How is this for a starter clean up Crew?

4 Scarlet hermits
10 blue legs
10 nassarius
10 Astreas
5 Cerith
5 Tongan
2 Turbo
2 Emrald Crabs
1 Peppermint Shrimp
1 Cleaner Shrimp


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Unread 10/10/2013, 10:23 AM   #29
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Love the build so far! Looks amazing!

On the CUC, IME the turbo snails really love hair algae, and without a lot of it they just wither away..If we're talking about the big Mexican turbos..If you mean margarita turbos then I would say go ahead..
...but that is just my experience.

Have you thought about Nerite snails? They have some of the most amazing designs on their shells, and they are pretty small to get into those hard to reach areas. I once picked up a tank from someone that had been torn down for 8 months and there were about 7 of those guys still alive in the 2" of water still left in the tank..


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Unread 10/14/2013, 08:33 AM   #30
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Live rock added to the refugium has a hitch-hiker. I know it's not much to go on, but can anyone identify it?


Hitch hiker by Reuben Neese, on Flickr


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Unread 10/14/2013, 09:06 AM   #31
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Clean.


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Unread 10/16/2013, 08:51 AM   #32
Reu2
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State of the Tank

My plumbing is done save for a few little things, and Ammonia is present indicating Cycling has started. I still plan on adding a little aqua cultured live rock to the display, only 10~15lbs.


State of The Tank by Reuben Neese, on Flickr


State of The Tank by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

The Refugium is doing great, although this live rock is just dropped in here. I'm going to lay it out to give macro algae plenty of surface area at varying heights. Also I need to get a light for it. I'm thinking the Finnex Fuge Ray that Best Fish Carries. It doesn't dim, but it's cheap for an LED. http://www.finnex.net/index.php?opti...=337&Itemid=61


State of The Refugium by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

I still need to clean up a bit, especially my wires. I also need to setup my ATO. I haven't added any media to my reactors, just plan on running carbon and GFO at first.


State of The Tank by Reuben Neese, on Flickr


State of The Sump by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

For those who followed one of my previous threads, here is the water change station crammed in its spot next to the house water softener (the DI chamber isn't visible, but it's there). I still have to move up and over my Network soft wall so it's not in such a hazardous place behind so much water. But honestly, it's pretty cramped back here, so it won't get much better. I obviously need to clean up here too.


Water Change Station by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

I'm finally feeling pretty good about the setup, but as always I welcome any comments, questions, or suggestions.


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Unread 10/16/2013, 09:23 AM   #33
woodnaquanut
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Sweet!

I love the look of the two viewing spots.

What are your fish and coral plans?


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Unread 10/16/2013, 09:37 AM   #34
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Refugium will have;

Chaeto
Ulva -can be fed to fish
Red and Green Gracilaria -can be fed to fish
Codium - can be fed to fish

I'm moving a Potter's Angel, two pajama cardinals, and 3 Chromes from a smaller tank, other than that I'm not sure. Most of the fish I want would be difficult keep in this size tank. But I'd like to add;

Yellow Tang
Powder Blue Tang
Hippo Tang
Fox Face
Algae Blenny
Couple Clowns
lineatus wrasse

Of course this may be too much, I'll just have to go slow and see how it works out.

I have no coral plans, this is where I still have the most questions. I want to avoid softies that'll take over my tank so I'll do mostly LPS and SPS. Of course that means I'll have to start Two-part or even get a calc reactor at some point. I'd love suggestions there or in fish selection.



Last edited by Reu2; 10/16/2013 at 09:42 AM.
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Unread 10/16/2013, 02:10 PM   #35
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I think that's too many tangs for a 4' tank


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Unread 10/16/2013, 02:29 PM   #36
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I keep hearing that and will likely drop the Hippo Tang being it's the largest and most oversized. An Article in Marine Habitat Magazine claims that an open enough 4' tank is fine and giving a bare minimum tank volume at 300 Liters (80 Gallons), but doesn't go into detail about keeping it with other tangs in that 4'.


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Unread 10/16/2013, 02:57 PM   #37
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just read the whole post. Basement and the tank looks great. Plumbing is well organized as well. I'm in the process of upgrading from a 72 to a 120 (60x18x26) and have most of my stuff.

I don't know if I missed it but what size drain and return?


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Unread 10/16/2013, 03:03 PM   #38
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Drain out of the sump was originally planned for two inches. But after reading and redesign it is 1.5" and still pushes 1600~1700 GPH easy. Just leave enough straight pipe for the water to settle in the pipe before getting to the pump (Mine is a Reeflo Snapper Gold, quiet and awesome).


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Unread 10/16/2013, 04:33 PM   #39
woodnaquanut
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reu2 View Post
I'd love suggestions there or in fish selection.
I'd loose the tangs you listed and substitute either a Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) or a Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus). Not as flashy but good grazers.

Looking for yellow fish how about a One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)?


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Unread 10/16/2013, 05:39 PM   #40
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Originally Posted by woodnaquanut View Post
I'd loose the tangs you listed and substitute either a Bristletooth Tomini Tang (Ctenochaetus tominiensis) or a Kole Yellow Eye Tang (Ctenochaetus strigosus). Not as flashy but good grazers.

Looking for yellow fish how about a One Spot Foxface (Siganus unimaculatus)?
+1.
Yellow tangs will do fine in a 120.


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Unread 10/16/2013, 09:51 PM   #41
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Are you going to get the apex you said before ?


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Unread 10/16/2013, 10:19 PM   #42
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I do like the Kole tank too. I'm in this for the fish as much as the coral. It's going to be difficult to narrow down the list. Chances are it'll be by opportunity as I find fish I like at the LFS. Which of course is the worst way to stock.

Fox face is also on the list.

Anyone here ever use Dr Tim's one and only? I know purist are against it, but the science seems sound.


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Unread 10/17/2013, 08:07 AM   #43
woodnaquanut
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Reu2 View Post
I'm in this for the fish as much as the coral. It's going to be difficult to narrow down the list. Chances are it'll be by opportunity as I find fish I like at the LFS. Which of course is the worst way to stock.

Anyone here ever use Dr Tim's one and only? I know purist are against it, but the science seems sound.
I hear you, bro! I think that's why a 40G becomes a 55G, becomes a 120G, becomes a 180G, becomes a ... There are just too many cool fish and corals!

I've used Dr. Tim's on several tanks and like it. Seems like there wasn't any cycle. That and his Ammonium chloride will quick start and maintain a filter in a QT tank so you are ready when that perfect fish shows up at the LFS.

After doing quite a bit of research, I made a list of the fish I want and the approximate order to add them. I keep the list in my truck so when I go to the LFS I'll have it. It helps me resist the impulse purchase - somewhat.

The reasons I wouldn't put a yellow tang in any tank...
All the ones I see in the stores are skinny. Fish in the wild are FAT. Somethings not right here.
Everyone has a YT! I'd like to have some other yellow fish.
They are overpriced. This might have something to do with the Hawaii restrictions.


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Unread 10/17/2013, 08:39 AM   #44
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Good idea's and points on all fronts.

I had planned on using a sponge filter for my QT, just keep the sponge in the sump until I need it. I never thought about using Dr. Tim's for that. Maybe a bio filter should be on the short list then.

The Live rock I added to the sump was a quick transfer from a break down, very little die off. I see pods and a couple peanut worms running around and seem healthy considering the abuse I put the rocks through when cleaning. So minimizing the cycle would help keep that population going.

Going to add Dr. Tim's and will keep you guys posted on the results.

I still like the YT, I feel he's one of a staples of the hobby and with looming greater restriction it may be now or never. But I really appreciate your input and I'll likely feel the same way as you after a few more years in the hobby.


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Unread 10/17/2013, 08:46 AM   #45
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BTW. I will be skipping the Aqua cultured Live rock, I didn't realize it's colored purple which feels misleading and gives me a "manufactured feel". This will be a straight dead rock Dr. Tim's Cycle, with live rock in the refugium. I have three very healthy Axil Chromis from my other tank to add to the tank after ammonia drops which is at just under .25 PPM.


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Unread 10/17/2013, 09:34 AM   #46
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Your plans sound good. I'm sure it will be a lovely tank.

I don't personally like sponge filters in SW. First all the bubbly sound! Then there is the salt creep!
So far my favorite QT filter is a AquaClear HOB filter. I just fill it with foam filters. I have a constantly running tank with a couple of Clown Fish. I take one of the foam chunks from that, replace it with a new one and move the seasoned one to the QT.


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Unread 10/17/2013, 04:54 PM   #47
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Looking GOOD! well done

I have a Hippo and a Yellow Tang in a 4' 120g and they have been fine for 5yrs.

my 0.02


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Unread 10/17/2013, 05:12 PM   #48
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The LFS guy I trust says he does too, and so do a couple local guys. What specifically will happen? The Hippo might eventually out grow the tank, and there are some potential hostility issues. That doesn't sound that different from most other fish.

I'm not sold on trying yet, but the safe bet seems to be keeping with the smaller tangs.

Of course, I can only hear my kids say "Dori!" so many times before I give in


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Unread 10/18/2013, 09:26 AM   #49
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I installed a Finnex 30" Fuge Ray over my Refugium and moved the live rock around. I'll put the Fuge Ray on a timer to run at night when the main tank lights are off. Starting to really wish I had the budget for a controller. I also have some Loc-Line to fit on the return line, but haven't installed it yet (have to make another tip to the HW store).


Finnex 30" Fuge Ray by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

I wanted to arrange the rock with varying heights of flat area to plant with and have plenty of access to the sand bed. Although I'm not sure this is good enough. I also need to add a small powerhead to get a little more flow as my understanding is that refugiums should be fairly low flow. I'm pumping 400~600 GPH through it currently, will likely add a 750 GPH powerhead later on to add cross flow.

I decided to use Dr. Tim's One and Only to quick cycle the tanks. Being I have live rock in the fuge with a pretty good pod population and minimum pest, I didn't want to kill that all off. I added Dr. Tim's a couple days ago, after watching the ammonia start to drop I added the 3 Chromis from my other tank last night (I forget how fast those ****ers can be). This morning they had found each other and looked a little confused, but swimming fine.


Added Fish by Reuben Neese, on Flickr
Ammonia <.25 Nitrates 2ppm pH 8.2 Salinity 1.025 Temp 78F

I'll be monitoring levels often to try and keep their stress down and I'm ready to pull them if things don't go well. Here's hoping!


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Unread 10/19/2013, 02:06 PM   #50
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My started my SRO XP-3000int skimmer back up today; it's just bubbles and bubbling over even with the gate maxed. No kinks in hoses, the volute is good, no new chemicals added. I have no idea why it's going nuts other than it's new. But I was able to control the level a couple days ago.

Interesting that CoralVue and The Reef Octopus manual seem to disagree on the optimal water level. I have it set at 21cm now, helped a little. If the wait and see approach doesn't pan out I'm going to try 6.5".


Water level? by Reuben Neese, on Flickr


Also interesting is the Brand Label on the skimmer which seems to have a problem with water. Needless to say I"m going to contact the company about it. Here's what's left of it.... Could it be the cause of the problem?


Reef Octo Label by Reuben Neese, on Flickr

I've updated my Reef log excel sheet if anyone is interested and enjoys conditional formatting. I still want to add an equipment sheet. The Aqurimate app looks nice but really isn't as useful as I hoped.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/mjdrqdmc90...uariumLog.xlsx

I've been so busy messing with the skimmer today I didn't realize the diatom bloom that's going on. At what point do I introduce CLean up Crew? Do I let the Diatoms starve themselves out first and algae is present, or are diatoms enough for a small crew?


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