Barely made the club but time for my 180 upgrade (Warning: Progress may be slow)

[Ojos22]

Amazing pictures Henry. Can you shed some insight on your maintenance schedule?

How often do you do water changes? What things to do you test weekly, monthly? What buffers are you using?

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by Ojos22

Amazing pictures Henry. Can you shed some insight on your maintenance schedule?

How often do you do water changes? What things to do you test weekly, monthly? What buffers are you using?

Jon - Currently I try to shot for a 20 gallon water change every week. I dose two part daily and lately I have been trying to get my Alk levels increase which has been an issue for me for a while now. I am hoping I can fix that issue and get even better growth and colors. I was using BRS 2 part but I have switched back to Two Little Fishes. BRS I think is good just not concentrated enough. I may soon experiment with mixing it at 1 - 1/2 strength and see if I can keep the same levels.

I only test for things when my corals do not look right to me. I try to look back at pictures and see what color things were when I purchased them and how much of an improvement the coral has had as far as growth and color. Some issues I do not have to test for...currently I know I have a phosphate issue due to the increase in nuisance algae. This is also partly due to my VHO's being in extreme need of being replaced as well. Hope that helps.

[nightOwl]

General Updates - Wrasse Pictures

Got a little bored and snapped a few pictures of two of my wrasses.

Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis)

IMG_2985 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Red Velvet Fairy Wrasse (Cirrhilabrus rubrisquamis)

IMG_3029 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Linespot Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus lineopunctatus)

IMG_2989 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Linespot Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus lineopunctatus)

IMG_3020 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

[RJT]

Ha!! I just finished doing the same thing. Your pictures are better...a lot better

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by RJT

Ha!! I just finished doing the same thing. Your pictures are better...a lot better

RJT - Thanks! What were you taking pictures of and did you post yours as well?

[RJT]

I should have done a build thread but for some reason I didn't. I still can though. You learn a lot by doing. To answer your question, no I didn't post my pics. Just loaded them on the computer.

I took pics of the wrasses, tile fish and euphyllia.

I tried to take a picture of the two midas blennies I have but it did not come out that well. One swims a lot and the other stays near the front, especially when he sees me-expecting a meal.

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by RJT

I should have done a build thread but for some reason I didn't. I still can though. You learn a lot by doing. To answer your question, no I didn't post my pics. Just loaded them on the computer.

I took pics of the wrasses, tile fish and euphyllia.

I tried to take a picture of the two midas blennies I have but it did not come out that well. One swims a lot and the other stays near the front, especially when he sees me-expecting a meal.

RJT - Oddly enough my fish thinking they were getting fed is what led to these pictures. I cut the pumps off then just waited in front of the tank...lol.

Its never too late do do a build thread just make sure the place you upload your pictures stays around I got burned with Webshots...LOL.

[RJT]

I think I really will start one in a week or so. Thank you for the push.

What lens are you using on your camera? I got a nice camera for Christmas but my pics look nothing like yours.

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by RJT

I think I really will start one in a week or so. Thank you for the push.

What lens are you using on your camera? I got a nice camera for Christmas but my pics look nothing like yours.

RJT - I took those with my T4i and the 100mm f2.8 macro lense. What camera did you get? Are you using a tri-pod?

[RJT]

Its a panasonic dmc lz20. No tri-pod. I know nothing about cameras but the pics come out nice. Just not as nice as yours.

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by RJT

Its a panasonic dmc lz20. No tri-pod. I know nothing about cameras but the pics come out nice. Just not as nice as yours.

RJT - Invest in a tri-pod if you can. It is one of the must haves for aquarium photography. Even if its a cheap one you will see a great improvement in your photos.

[Brando457]

Sorry I just can't stop starring at your wrasse.

I added an African Exquisite Wrasse Supermale this weekend along with a yellow watchman goby. I need to snap a video once it gets adjusted, but so far no aggression or issues with it and all my others.

I'm also adding a moorish idol end of month :shh:. How things with your tank?

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by Brando457

Sorry I just can't stop starring at your wrasse.

I added an African Exquisite Wrasse Supermale this weekend along with a yellow watchman goby. I need to snap a video once it gets adjusted, but so far no aggression or issues with it and all my others.

I'm also adding a moorish idol end of month :shh:. How things with your tank?

Brando457 - I have been pretty quiet lately on the tank. Work has been keeping me busy so have been neglecting the tank again. I will check your thread for any pictures of that wrasse. Sounds like I will be in wrasse envy of you soon. I want to see how the supermale looks! Oh its been a while but I finally got speakers I have had them a while now and they make my system wound great.

General Updates - New Pump

Well I have been lurking the boards for a while thinking about what I would add next. While reading a LED thread I found out about a pump that may replace a one of my Tunze pumps. It's called the Jebo WP40. I ordered it on 2/28 and it arrived yesterday from Hong Kong. I have not put it in the tank yet but this weekend may play around with it a bit. They are already making mods for this pump and if it can hold up for 1 year or two I will be happy. I have been following this thread...Anyone using the Jebo WP-40

Very Basic Packaging

IMG_3391 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Bubble Wrap to Protect

IMG_3393 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

The Jebo WP-40

IMG_3397 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

General Updates - Dead/Lost Corals

The pretty Chalice Frag I took a picture of fell down in hole in my aquascape. From that I learned that if you can not see it don't trust your hands to feel it and water distorts the size of things more than I remembered. I have also lost both sets of my palys that I posted pictures of. I do not think its because the water is too clean as I am fighting some algae issues still. I also lost a 3 inch miyagi tort frag that I had growing. It STNed for some reason.

General Updates - New Critters

I added two new cleaner shrimp and also 4 peppermint shrimp. Other than that I have not been taking good care of the tank.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Well you kinda got those quick. Please update on which setting you like. From what I read W1 is the setting of choice but half power I think.

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

Well you kinda got those quick. Please update on which setting you like. From what I read W1 is the setting of choice but half power I think.

Wayne - Shipping is pretty fast! I am already waiting for instructions on a mod. They made a breakthrough with getting it hooked up to the Apex already. I will do some initial testing and report back.

[worm5406]

Originally Posted by nightowl

other than that i have not been taking good care of the tank.

what!!!???!!!

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by worm5406

what!!!???!!!

Yea man I am behind on water changes, I overfeed, nuisance algae is taking over, I have not been cleaning the glass, and I have not been emptying the skimmer cup. I feel bad but I know if nothing else the fish are fat and happy. This week I should be able to catch up on few things though so some more pictures will be coming soon. The new pump has me a little excited!

[SPotter]

Originally Posted by nightOwl

Yea man I am behind on water changes, I overfeed, nuisance algae is taking over, I have not been cleaning the glass, and I have not been emptying the skimmer cup. I feel bad but I know if nothing else the fish are fat and happy. This week I should be able to catch up on few things though so some more pictures will be coming soon. The new pump has me a little excited!

That's the crazy thing about Henry's tank. It's the nicest 'nrglected' tank I've ever seen!!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

[worm5406]

Well then I am going to come over and take it... HAHAHA...

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by SPotter

That's the crazy thing about Henry's tank. It's the nicest 'nrglected' tank I've ever seen!!!!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

Steve - Thanks man I think fish poo does amazing wonders for corals...LOL.

Originally Posted by worm5406

Well then I am going to come over and take it... HAHAHA...

worm5406 - You will need a 4 man crew with you...LOL. This thing is heavy! It was a pain getting a moving crew that would move it for me...LOL. I called people and told them the weight and how many flights of stairs and one company actually hung up on me. I think they thought it was joke...LOL.

[nightOwl]

General Updates - Pictures of WP 40

Took the pump out the box and took a few pictures of it. Its rather large. I hope to have a report tomorrow of its performance in water.

WP-40 Pump

WP-40 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Outside Magnet

WP-40 by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

WP-40 Controller

WP-40 Controller by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Light Sensor

WP-40 Controller Light Censor by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

Power Brick

WP-40 Pump Power Source by LifeThrough_TheLense, on Flickr

[SPotter]

Looks good Henry!!!! Mine has been shipped and should arrive next week. Are you planning on putting this on the back or side panel?

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by SPotter

Looks good Henry!!!! Mine has been shipped and should arrive next week. Are you planning on putting this on the back or side panel?

Steve - I am putting in on the side panel in the middle or top middle. I am hoping it is lives up to expectations.

[Newbie Aquarist]

Originally Posted by nightOwl

Steve - I am putting in on the side panel in the middle or top middle. I am hoping it is lives up to expectations.

I don't know if you been following the thread on that powerhead. I don't know if the guys are confused or challenged but they cant get theirs to connect to the apex. They are trying these boards off eBay to make it possible. Heck I could be wrong because I'm electronically challenged. But that pump does look good. Do you thing it will be a heating issue once in the tank?

[nightOwl]

Originally Posted by Newbie Aquarist

I don't know if you been following the thread on that powerhead. I don't know if the guys are confused or challenged but they cant get theirs to connect to the apex. They are trying these boards off eBay to make it possible. Heck I could be wrong because I'm electronically challenged. But that pump does look good. Do you thing it will be a heating issue once in the tank?

Wayne - They are not having any issues a few of the guys have it connected already and have created a mini tutorial on how to do it. I will be moding mine after they do a little more R&D I am pretty sure they will have a preferred LED DIMMER PWM 10 A.12VDC-24 VDC; POT. or 0-10V control to use and a more detailed instruction set. I would not worry too much about heat as I cut all my other pumps off and this thing is moving a lot of water by itself.


General Updates - Cheap Pump = WOW!!!!!!

First let me start off by saying I own both of the major brands Tunze and Vortec. I prefer Tunze over Vortec due to the amount of noise the Vortecs make after a while. Currently my MP-10 is louder than 6 Tunze pumps running. I am just waiting for it to die then it goes to the trash like the last one. Now for my initial assessments of the WP-40 this thing moves water. It's not dead silent but not noticeable either. After a while it just blends into white noise. I was testing with the TV off and the return off and I could not hear it from a few feet away. I turned off all my other pumps in the tank and and turned off the return. I am glad I did. The W1 mode half way up makes at least a 1" wave in a 6' long tank! That is saying a lot. Here are two videos of the pump running. If this pump last more than a year I will consider a great investment. I am impressed and will let it sit on W1 mode today and see how the corals respond. If you have ever been snorkeling or diving the corals move just like in the ocean its crazy!

Front shot all other pumps off and return off




Side shot