almost 35 year old reef pictures - Page 3

Paul B · 12/14/2005, 07:28 PM

Dastratt, I meant 50 gallons an hour, I did say 50 gpm but you have to know what I am thinking because I don't.
I have three tubes in the 100 gallon.
Stevebydac, it is wierd but true. I took out the UG filter twice since 1972. The first time was because I put everything in a larger tank and the second time was last year, I will do it again in about 2030, of course I will be about 200 years old then.
Also, it is a simple tank I don't spend hardly anything except for some frozen food once a month and a fish now and then. I guess I am lucky that I can build all of my equipment and collect a lot of stuff. I also married a good woman which is important if you want to enjoy any hobby.
Blown Chevy, good to hear from you, I will be looking forward to that gift. Did you say you were sending my fish and me to a nice Tahitian vacation to go back to their roots?
Have a great night guys (and girls)
Paul

Breaker4show · 12/15/2005, 04:31 PM

awesome! goes against many rules that everyone has now but hey, its very seccessful and looks great!

Nick

marcel leroux · 12/15/2005, 04:43 PM

all i can say is, amazing

Paul B · 12/16/2005, 05:24 AM

Breaker4show. People forget the simple rules that we started with in this hobby. I think people rely too much on technical devices instead of common sence. I do use some ozone and MH lights but I also use to my advantage, algae, chlorine bleach, NSW, collected amphipods, reverse UG filter and home made food.
Your fish should always be in breeding condition and I almost never see fish in that condition unless I am diving. Most of the animals we keep should live about ten years, a little less for small fish.
Have a great day.
Paul

jetta style luv · 12/30/2005, 01:44 AM

what does the chlorine bleach serve a purpose for?

Paul B · 12/30/2005, 04:01 AM

Jetta style luv, I treat NSW with it if looks questionable. It makes the water much better by oxidizing all organics and also killing any bacteria and paracites.
Paul

fish lad · 12/30/2005, 05:37 AM

woow

youve inspired me not a high tech tank but on of the nicest ive seen

have needed to replace the tank due to silicon need redoing

Drewcipher · 12/30/2005, 10:29 AM

Do you then treat the water to remove the chlorine?

Quote:

Originally posted by Paul B
Jetta style luv, I treat NSW with it if looks questionable. It makes the water much better by oxidizing all organics and also killing any bacteria and paracites.
Paul

tibbs2 · 12/30/2005, 02:04 PM

Hey Paul,

Your tank has a lot of character. I really like it.

Do you feed anything to the gorgonians such as phyto or do you just let them feed off what's in the water?

Chris

toonces · 12/30/2005, 02:06 PM

paul,
as always i enjoy new pics of your tank.
i've actually adopted a bit of your attitude toward my tank. while i don't neglect it, i certainly don't get bent out of shape when there's a little algae in there. i'm getting a little crud on my rocks, and i started to fret a bit, and then i thought about your 35 year old experiment, and i figure i'll just let things run their course. it's pretty amazing how the tank will go through adjustments as it matures.
thanks for sharing!

Paul B · 12/30/2005, 02:48 PM

Drew, when I use "Clorox" I let the water sit a few days, then I either filter it through carbon or I add twice the amount of chlorine remover and airate it for a couple of days.
"Regular" chlorine bleach must be used. If you use any other kind like "New Fresh Scent Clorox" you will kill almost everything in your tank in seconds. Don't ask.
Chris, I add "Selcon" to a lot of the food that I feed the moorish Idol and a lot of it goes to the gorgonians. For some reason it must be gorgonian season because they are growing like crazy. I am sure that will end, and something will take off.
Toonces, I have all kinds of crud in places that I didn't even know I had.
I love it.
Take care.
Paul

rizkeeper · 12/30/2005, 03:30 PM

man you have pulled that off nicely, way to be different, I love the bottles!!!

Rock Anemone · 12/30/2005, 03:40 PM

Great tank! Always a joy to look at.

Rock Anemone

Lordhelmet · 12/30/2005, 04:15 PM

Paul B i love your tank. At the begining of Dec i increased the amount of Phyto i gave the tank and was rewarded with a nice algea bloom. instead of freaking out and changing a ton of things i just stopped dosing so much and let it run it's course and as of today it is almost all gone.
I like to keep your tank in mind and remember that this is about long term success instead of short fast results.

Chris

smokinprice · 12/30/2005, 04:37 PM

Wow Paul. Beautiful tank. Thank you so much for sharing the photos with us.

Croman · 12/30/2005, 04:40 PM

Nice looking tank. Do you get your water from the ocean?
Since you do some diving in NY what was the most weirdest thing you've seen or found.

sean48183 · 12/30/2005, 06:16 PM

Always enjoy the tank Paul and I think that algae tray is one of the coolest inventions I've seen for tanks. It's like the old saying goes "If you can't beat the hair algae joint it". Just curious but have you ever thought about going even bigger because I seem to always want a bigger tank? It seems to be a disease that others on this site have as well.

Paul B · 12/30/2005, 06:18 PM

Thanks guys, Chris, this stuff comes and goes in cycles. It all works out. If you get an algae bloom, it will disappear if you don't change the water much or add anything. I know the first thing people do with a bloom is change the water but you may be making it worse depending on whats feeding the algae. Algae will exhaust whatever it's feeding on in a while and new water adds more elements that may have been stunting the algae in the first place. For instance, if there is absolutely no iron in the water, algae can't grow or it will be severly limited, if you change the water you may be adding more iron (along with other trace elements) I am just saying to not go crazy all of a sudden with algae. See if it goes away by itself in a few weeks by doing nothing.
Croman, I get a lot of my water from the ocean in the summer, now I buy it.
I have about 200 dives in New York water most of it in the Long Island Sound, there is a lot of history here.
I think the wierdiest thing was we were diving for lobsters off Execution Lighthouse about thirty years ago (It was commissioned by George Washington) It is a very tiny Island in the Sound and we sat on the rocks to check out our catch. We saw that the door which was always steel and locked was kicked open. We went in with our dive lights and the place was filled with world war two radio equipment. Big tubes and microphones. We came back the next week with a Zodiac boat so we did not have to bring the stuff in the water. The door was fixed and the island was surounded by barb wire as it still is today.
We got nothing but lobsters
Have a great New Year.
Paul

Some local NY codium seaweed. Most of my bottles I collected while diving around Execution Lighthouse.

hot4teacher · 12/30/2005, 07:16 PM

Amazing! (goes into dream sequence wondering what my tank will look like in 35 years...)

Paul, has the NY historical society asked if they could place your tank on the historic landmarks list and thus protected forever?

Dana

Paul B · 12/31/2005, 06:33 AM

Dana, I never thought about that.

Paul B · 12/31/2005, 04:21 PM

Sean, when I started this tank it was considered huge. It is a 100 gallon 6' long tank.
I installed the tank and built my finished basement around it. I can't fit a larger tank in unless I re-finish the basement.
I plan on retiring in about 16 months and I would like to move to the east end of Long Island on the north shore right near or on the water. If that happens, I would like to get a 300 gallon long tank and feed it with water right from the Atlantic.
I will see how it goes.
Paul

sean48183 · 12/31/2005, 04:57 PM

I hope you get that wish and hope to see some future pics of that beauty. Retiring-sounds like you will have alot of time to spend with the feeshies! Good Luck.

danmar26 · 01/01/2006, 05:22 PM

Paul, I know I must be getting old because I remember seeing your picture in Marine Fish Monthly many years ago.I set up my tank right after seeing it and reading about the way you ran your reef.I always enjoy seeing pics of your tank.I love the fact that you tend to keep things simple and go against the grain yet it all works out.Good luck on your last leg to retirement and with your plans to move.Happy New Year.-------Ralph

onefin · 01/01/2006, 06:04 PM

Beautiful.

Paul B · 01/01/2006, 06:30 PM

Ralph, I guess it was a long time ago. I still have that issue of
MFM magazine.
I guess I'm getting old too.
Take care.
Paul

12/14/2005, 07:28 PM	#51
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Dastratt, I meant 50 gallons an hour, I did say 50 gpm but you have to know what I am thinking because I don't. I have three tubes in the 100 gallon. Stevebydac, it is wierd but true. I took out the UG filter twice since 1972. The first time was because I put everything in a larger tank and the second time was last year, I will do it again in about 2030, of course I will be about 200 years old then. Also, it is a simple tank I don't spend hardly anything except for some frozen food once a month and a fish now and then. I guess I am lucky that I can build all of my equipment and collect a lot of stuff. I also married a good woman which is important if you want to enjoy any hobby. Blown Chevy, good to hear from you, I will be looking forward to that gift. Did you say you were sending my fish and me to a nice Tahitian vacation to go back to their roots? Have a great night guys (and girls) Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/15/2005, 04:31 PM	#52
Breaker4show Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Metairie,Louisiana Posts: 278	awesome! goes against many rules that everyone has now but hey, its very seccessful and looks great! Nick __________________ 5.5 Gallon - 2X32wattPC (50/50), AC300 Fuge,AQ1000 Powerhead,8lbs LR, 6lbs LS, Surface Skimmer

12/16/2005, 05:24 AM	#54
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Breaker4show. People forget the simple rules that we started with in this hobby. I think people rely too much on technical devices instead of common sence. I do use some ozone and MH lights but I also use to my advantage, algae, chlorine bleach, NSW, collected amphipods, reverse UG filter and home made food. Your fish should always be in breeding condition and I almost never see fish in that condition unless I am diving. Most of the animals we keep should live about ten years, a little less for small fish. Have a great day. Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/30/2005, 04:01 AM	#56
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Jetta style luv, I treat NSW with it if looks questionable. It makes the water much better by oxidizing all organics and also killing any bacteria and paracites. Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/30/2005, 02:48 PM	#61
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Drew, when I use "Clorox" I let the water sit a few days, then I either filter it through carbon or I add twice the amount of chlorine remover and airate it for a couple of days. "Regular" chlorine bleach must be used. If you use any other kind like "New Fresh Scent Clorox" you will kill almost everything in your tank in seconds. Don't ask. Chris, I add "Selcon" to a lot of the food that I feed the moorish Idol and a lot of it goes to the gorgonians. For some reason it must be gorgonian season because they are growing like crazy. I am sure that will end, and something will take off. Toonces, I have all kinds of crud in places that I didn't even know I had. I love it. Take care. Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/15/2005, 04:43 PM	#53
marcel leroux Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ft Lauderdale Posts: 145	all i can say is, amazing

12/30/2005, 01:44 AM	#55
jetta style luv Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Green Bay, WI Posts: 6	what does the chlorine bleach serve a purpose for?

12/30/2005, 05:37 AM	#57
fish lad Moved On Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: UK, bath Posts: 236	woow youve inspired me not a high tech tank but on of the nicest ive seen have needed to replace the tank due to silicon need redoing

12/30/2005, 02:04 PM	#59
tibbs2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: IA Posts: 1,422	Hey Paul, Your tank has a lot of character. I really like it. Do you feed anything to the gorgonians such as phyto or do you just let them feed off what's in the water? Chris

12/30/2005, 02:06 PM	#60
toonces Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Norfolk, Virginia, USA Posts: 1,131	paul, as always i enjoy new pics of your tank. i've actually adopted a bit of your attitude toward my tank. while i don't neglect it, i certainly don't get bent out of shape when there's a little algae in there. i'm getting a little crud on my rocks, and i started to fret a bit, and then i thought about your 35 year old experiment, and i figure i'll just let things run their course. it's pretty amazing how the tank will go through adjustments as it matures. thanks for sharing!

12/30/2005, 03:30 PM	#62
rizkeeper Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: North Carolina Posts: 319	man you have pulled that off nicely, way to be different, I love the bottles!!!

12/30/2005, 03:40 PM	#63
Rock Anemone S.C.U.B.A. :) Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: California Posts: 7,674	Great tank! Always a joy to look at. Rock Anemone __________________ Johnny Love Current Tank Info: <><

12/30/2005, 04:15 PM	#64
Lordhelmet Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,008	Paul B i love your tank. At the begining of Dec i increased the amount of Phyto i gave the tank and was rewarded with a nice algea bloom. instead of freaking out and changing a ton of things i just stopped dosing so much and let it run it's course and as of today it is almost all gone. I like to keep your tank in mind and remember that this is about long term success instead of short fast results. Chris __________________ I need a new signiture Current Tank Info: 90 gallon, 14 gallon

12/30/2005, 04:37 PM	#65
smokinprice Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Maryland Posts: 224	Wow Paul. Beautiful tank. Thank you so much for sharing the photos with us. __________________ Jeff Current Tank Info: 46G bowfront reef

12/30/2005, 04:40 PM	#66
Croman Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Ontario Posts: 222	Nice looking tank. Do you get your water from the ocean? Since you do some diving in NY what was the most weirdest thing you've seen or found. __________________ 70G DAS H99 (In Tank) 20 Gallon Sump 1 - 54w T5 DD Actinic+ 1 - 54w T5 DD Aquablue 1 - 54W T5 AS 22000K 1 - 39w T5 DD Actinic+ 1 - 39w T5 UVL Aqua Sun 1 - 39w T5 DD Actinic+ Softies / SPS / LPS Current Tank Info: 70 Gallon DAS

12/30/2005, 06:16 PM	#67
sean48183 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 1,577	Always enjoy the tank Paul and I think that algae tray is one of the coolest inventions I've seen for tanks. It's like the old saying goes "If you can't beat the hair algae joint it". Just curious but have you ever thought about going even bigger because I seem to always want a bigger tank? It seems to be a disease that others on this site have as well.

12/30/2005, 06:18 PM	#68
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Thanks guys, Chris, this stuff comes and goes in cycles. It all works out. If you get an algae bloom, it will disappear if you don't change the water much or add anything. I know the first thing people do with a bloom is change the water but you may be making it worse depending on whats feeding the algae. Algae will exhaust whatever it's feeding on in a while and new water adds more elements that may have been stunting the algae in the first place. For instance, if there is absolutely no iron in the water, algae can't grow or it will be severly limited, if you change the water you may be adding more iron (along with other trace elements) I am just saying to not go crazy all of a sudden with algae. See if it goes away by itself in a few weeks by doing nothing. Croman, I get a lot of my water from the ocean in the summer, now I buy it. I have about 200 dives in New York water most of it in the Long Island Sound, there is a lot of history here. I think the wierdiest thing was we were diving for lobsters off Execution Lighthouse about thirty years ago (It was commissioned by George Washington) It is a very tiny Island in the Sound and we sat on the rocks to check out our catch. We saw that the door which was always steel and locked was kicked open. We went in with our dive lights and the place was filled with world war two radio equipment. Big tubes and microphones. We came back the next week with a Zodiac boat so we did not have to bring the stuff in the water. The door was fixed and the island was surounded by barb wire as it still is today. We got nothing but lobsters Have a great New Year. Paul Some local NY codium seaweed. Most of my bottles I collected while diving around Execution Lighthouse.

12/30/2005, 07:16 PM	#69
hot4teacher Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 537	Amazing! (goes into dream sequence wondering what my tank will look like in 35 years...) Paul, has the NY historical society asked if they could place your tank on the historic landmarks list and thus protected forever? Dana

12/31/2005, 06:33 AM	#70
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Dana, I never thought about that. __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/31/2005, 04:21 PM	#71
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Sean, when I started this tank it was considered huge. It is a 100 gallon 6' long tank. I installed the tank and built my finished basement around it. I can't fit a larger tank in unless I re-finish the basement. I plan on retiring in about 16 months and I would like to move to the east end of Long Island on the north shore right near or on the water. If that happens, I would like to get a 300 gallon long tank and feed it with water right from the Atlantic. I will see how it goes. Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971

12/31/2005, 04:57 PM	#72
sean48183 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: michigan Posts: 1,577	I hope you get that wish and hope to see some future pics of that beauty. Retiring-sounds like you will have alot of time to spend with the feeshies! Good Luck.

01/01/2006, 05:22 PM	#73
danmar26 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: W.Caldwell,New Jersey Posts: 525	Paul, I know I must be getting old because I remember seeing your picture in Marine Fish Monthly many years ago.I set up my tank right after seeing it and reading about the way you ran your reef.I always enjoy seeing pics of your tank.I love the fact that you tend to keep things simple and go against the grain yet it all works out.Good luck on your last leg to retirement and with your plans to move.Happy New Year.-------Ralph __________________ Life's a box of chocolates you never know what your gonna get.----Forrest Gumps mother Current Tank Info: 120 reef,20nano

01/01/2006, 06:04 PM	#74
onefin Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Hurricane Alley Posts: 1,621	Beautiful. __________________ "Click my little red house to visit my Lagoon" Current Tank Info: 125 gallon /40gallon Ecosystem

01/01/2006, 06:30 PM	#75
Paul B Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 15,549	Ralph, I guess it was a long time ago. I still have that issue of MFM magazine. I guess I'm getting old too. Take care. Paul __________________ I used to get shocked when I put my hand in my tank. Then the electric eel went dead. Current Tank Info: 100 gal reef set up in 1971