Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread - Page 32

washingtond · 07/27/2006, 05:39 PM

Great video...

melev · 07/27/2006, 09:34 PM

I got a phone call from an out-of-state friend that just watched the video this evening, and she was cracking up. She loved the flying fish as well as the "feed Evan lots of chicken."

Evan, we gotta make another video. What are you doing tomorrow?

jdm01 · 07/27/2006, 09:39 PM

Great idea!! I may have to try something similar to catch a trouble bumblebee chromis. I think the dumb thing ate a Tomini Tang. It is way to fast to catch with a net.

Zoom · 07/27/2006, 09:42 PM

Great video...... Marc what you use for circulation ? everything is moving very nice in the tank .

melev · 07/28/2006, 12:07 AM

Steve, I have two Tunze 6100s and one VorTech at the opposite end of the tank. In addition, I have the Little Giant return pump. That's it.

Hop · 07/28/2006, 05:59 AM

Bwaaahaa. I don't think I have been so amused or had so much suspense built up watching a fish and rooting for the clear box...

Great vid Melev

Ursus · 07/28/2006, 09:53 AM

I was rooting for the fish...

jnarowe · 07/28/2006, 10:33 AM

Quote:

www.melevsreef.com/video/tuckertrapper2.wmv

ROTFLMFAO! I spent 3 days trying to catch my PBT like that...I laughed all the way through your vid because the same exact thing happened to me, only the PBT never went inside. I can't tell you how many head fakes I got, and all the while the other fish were going in there snacking away. Even my cleaner shrimp knew enough to hop up in there and scavenge.

Great vid guys!

geckofrog · 07/28/2006, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
Steve, I have two Tunze 6100s and one VorTech at the opposite end of the tank. In addition, I have the Little Giant return pump. That's it.

How do you like your vortech?

melev · 07/28/2006, 01:02 PM

I like it enough that even though the mfg said I could send in my beta model for the final version, I've still not done so. I hate to be without it for the 5 or more days it will take to get the new one.

jnarowe · 07/28/2006, 01:15 PM

I get the feeling the Beta model is better than the first generation production model.

raddogz · 07/28/2006, 11:31 PM

Great Video guys!

Too funny, those tracks are exactly what I have been listening to the last few weeks.

poopsko24 · 07/29/2006, 04:13 AM

nice video marc

melev · 07/30/2006, 05:20 PM

Thanks Jamie. I'm having a little issue with two SPS that I put on my favorite list a long time ago. It seems like any coral that I really like is the one that is absolutely going to go first, if something is off.

The Tyree frag looks much much much too light for the past few days, and the A. Secale is faded as well. The tyree was that bright purple coral a few months ago, and at this point only the tips look right, while the coral's core and branches look brown and mottled. The A. secale (that I jokingly referred to as Melev's Purple Monster is also quite faded, though still somewhat lavendar.

I tested the alkalinity because I had a feeling that was the culprit, and the test results read 14.8 dKH. Since the range is 8 to 11 typically, that is quite a climb. I turned off the CO2 going into the calcium reactor a couple of days ago, and did a little 15g water change as that is what I had on hand. In the meantime, I have 85g of newly mixed saltwater ready to use now.

Today, alkalinity tested 11.2 dKH, so the CO2 is staying off for another 24 hours. The reason I turned off the CO2 is so the calcium reactor wouldn't release any further alk into the system. I'll test the calcium levels in a little bit, and buffer that if necessary. 390 to 450 ppm is the recommended range, and hopefully my tank is right there.

The Tyree frag looks better today than it did 48 hours ago, but only if it can hold on will it heal up. I had an offer to frag a portion or to move the entire coral out of the system, but I was concerned that the move would be just enough to push that coral over the edge.

All the rest of the corals look very happy and healthy. The fish look good. A little cyano plagues me as usual, and my procrastinating regarding Chemi Clean is the problem. I should have ordered it two weeks ago, but haven't. I wish I could buy it by the barrel.

Carbon was replaced today. The prop section is full of happy corals currently.

raddogz · 07/31/2006, 12:30 AM

Mark - check for acro-eating flatworms.

The branches will have a mottled look because that is where the flatworms are sucking out the zooenthellia (however you spell the word).

melev · 07/31/2006, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by raddogz
Mark - check for acro-eating flatworms.

The branches will have a mottled look because that is where the flatworms are sucking out the zooenthellia (however you spell the word).

Here's the picture:

melev · 07/31/2006, 01:32 AM

Tonight, I was looking at the tank after the nightly feeding, with a single MH bulb burning at one end.

This one coral looks stunning, and I did my best to capture what I saw with my eyes. My camera didn't want to cooperate, but this is pretty close. Each tip of this coral is vivid blue, while the core is green. In the background to the right is an RTNing frag that Tucker was chewing on a few days ago.

And backing up a bit so you can see it in the reef:

How about a suncoral shot? I thought this was interesting:

And a few more...

jnarowe · 07/31/2006, 08:37 AM

I have one just like that blue tip tort. Very nice! That ailing coral sure does look strange, and definitely "mottled".

raddogz · 07/31/2006, 08:15 PM

Marc - if you can pull the coral out and place in a white bowl. Take a turkey baster and blow around the affected areas. If there are flatworms, they will come off with the aid of the turkey baster/blower.

Lordhelmet · 07/31/2006, 08:22 PM

pics look good marc. I will send you a link to my tank when i scrape all the corline off the acrylic.

selgado · 07/31/2006, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev

Marc, I think our hermits are related.

melev · 08/01/2006, 01:44 PM

What a great way to start the month:

My grandmother, who turns 94 this month, is improving healthwise after falling out of bed and suffering from a major concussion. She wasn't going to survive the night, and for the past week I've been very concerned about her.

My tank is doing very well, with parameters about as perfect as they can be, as it approaches its two year anniversary.

Salinity - 1.026
pH - 8.2
Alk - 9.6 dKH
Ca - 470
Mag - 1380
Nitrate - 5
Phosphate - .03
Temp 79.8F
ORP - 402

I guess that 85g water change last night was worth it. I had a kitchen full of barrels. Nice to see Alkalinity is down again. I turned on the CO2 today.

Last night, I made a new batch of fish food. No Golden Pearls this time.

Dudester · 08/01/2006, 02:04 PM

Nice numbers! It's great when the test numbers match the tank's results. Congratulations and happy (almost) anniversary!

Electrobes · 08/01/2006, 08:17 PM

I am very happy to hear about your Grandmother Melev, I am glad she is doing better as it is usualy not the case with an accident like that.

That is a HUGE water change.. even for your system! I am not surprised it did a good bit for your system but I am a little surprised that your calcium level didn't take a little hit from it. What salt are you using now?

melev · 08/01/2006, 09:20 PM

Kent, like always.

07/27/2006, 05:39 PM	#776
washingtond Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Carrollton, Texas Posts: 360	Great video... __________________ David - Member of DFWMAS . Current Tank Info: 200/75g reef tank with Fuge/Sumps, Aqua C skimmer. 250 XMs, auto top off systems, JBJ Chiller Geo Reactor.

07/27/2006, 09:39 PM	#778
jdm01 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Greenfield Posts: 904	Great idea!! I may have to try something similar to catch a trouble bumblebee chromis. I think the dumb thing ate a Tomini Tang. It is way to fast to catch with a net. __________________ John Martin Current Tank Info: 29 Gallon BioCube

07/28/2006, 05:59 AM	#781
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	Bwaaahaa. I don't think I have been so amused or had so much suspense built up watching a fish and rooting for the clear box... Great vid Melev __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

07/28/2006, 01:15 PM	#786
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	I get the feeling the Beta model is better than the first generation production model. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

07/28/2006, 11:31 PM	#787
raddogz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,167	Great Video guys! Too funny, those tracks are exactly what I have been listening to the last few weeks. __________________ Eileen If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style. - Quentin Crisp Current Tank Info: 180g Reef

07/27/2006, 09:34 PM	#777
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I got a phone call from an out-of-state friend that just watched the video this evening, and she was cracking up. She loved the flying fish as well as the "feed Evan lots of chicken." Evan, we gotta make another video. What are you doing tomorrow?

07/27/2006, 09:42 PM	#779
Zoom Premium Member Join Date: May 2002 Location: S.N.J Posts: 5,706	Great video...... Marc what you use for circulation ? everything is moving very nice in the tank .

07/28/2006, 12:07 AM	#780
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Steve, I have two Tunze 6100s and one VorTech at the opposite end of the tank. In addition, I have the Little Giant return pump. That's it.

07/28/2006, 09:53 AM	#782
Ursus Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boise, ID Posts: 480	I was rooting for the fish...

07/28/2006, 01:02 PM	#785
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I like it enough that even though the mfg said I could send in my beta model for the final version, I've still not done so. I hate to be without it for the 5 or more days it will take to get the new one.

07/29/2006, 04:13 AM	#788
poopsko24 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: NW Indiana Posts: 792	nice video marc

07/30/2006, 05:20 PM	#789
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Thanks Jamie. I'm having a little issue with two SPS that I put on my favorite list a long time ago. It seems like any coral that I really like is the one that is absolutely going to go first, if something is off. The Tyree frag looks much much much too light for the past few days, and the A. Secale is faded as well. The tyree was that bright purple coral a few months ago, and at this point only the tips look right, while the coral's core and branches look brown and mottled. The A. secale (that I jokingly referred to as Melev's Purple Monster is also quite faded, though still somewhat lavendar. I tested the alkalinity because I had a feeling that was the culprit, and the test results read 14.8 dKH. Since the range is 8 to 11 typically, that is quite a climb. I turned off the CO2 going into the calcium reactor a couple of days ago, and did a little 15g water change as that is what I had on hand. In the meantime, I have 85g of newly mixed saltwater ready to use now. Today, alkalinity tested 11.2 dKH, so the CO2 is staying off for another 24 hours. The reason I turned off the CO2 is so the calcium reactor wouldn't release any further alk into the system. I'll test the calcium levels in a little bit, and buffer that if necessary. 390 to 450 ppm is the recommended range, and hopefully my tank is right there. The Tyree frag looks better today than it did 48 hours ago, but only if it can hold on will it heal up. I had an offer to frag a portion or to move the entire coral out of the system, but I was concerned that the move would be just enough to push that coral over the edge. All the rest of the corals look very happy and healthy. The fish look good. A little cyano plagues me as usual, and my procrastinating regarding Chemi Clean is the problem. I should have ordered it two weeks ago, but haven't. I wish I could buy it by the barrel. Carbon was replaced today. The prop section is full of happy corals currently.

07/31/2006, 12:30 AM	#790
raddogz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,167	Mark - check for acro-eating flatworms. The branches will have a mottled look because that is where the flatworms are sucking out the zooenthellia (however you spell the word). __________________ Eileen If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style. - Quentin Crisp Current Tank Info: 180g Reef

07/31/2006, 01:32 AM	#792
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Tonight, I was looking at the tank after the nightly feeding, with a single MH bulb burning at one end. This one coral looks stunning, and I did my best to capture what I saw with my eyes. My camera didn't want to cooperate, but this is pretty close. Each tip of this coral is vivid blue, while the core is green. In the background to the right is an RTNing frag that Tucker was chewing on a few days ago. And backing up a bit so you can see it in the reef: How about a suncoral shot? I thought this was interesting: And a few more...

07/31/2006, 08:37 AM	#793
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	I have one just like that blue tip tort. Very nice! That ailing coral sure does look strange, and definitely "mottled". __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

07/31/2006, 08:15 PM	#794
raddogz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Bay Area Posts: 3,167	Marc - if you can pull the coral out and place in a white bowl. Take a turkey baster and blow around the affected areas. If there are flatworms, they will come off with the aid of the turkey baster/blower. __________________ Eileen If at first you don't succeed, failure may be your style. - Quentin Crisp Current Tank Info: 180g Reef

07/31/2006, 08:22 PM	#795
Lordhelmet Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 2,008	pics look good marc. I will send you a link to my tank when i scrape all the corline off the acrylic. __________________ I need a new signiture Current Tank Info: 90 gallon, 14 gallon

08/01/2006, 01:44 PM	#797
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	What a great way to start the month: My grandmother, who turns 94 this month, is improving healthwise after falling out of bed and suffering from a major concussion. She wasn't going to survive the night, and for the past week I've been very concerned about her. My tank is doing very well, with parameters about as perfect as they can be, as it approaches its two year anniversary. Salinity - 1.026 pH - 8.2 Alk - 9.6 dKH Ca - 470 Mag - 1380 Nitrate - 5 Phosphate - .03 Temp 79.8F ORP - 402 I guess that 85g water change last night was worth it. I had a kitchen full of barrels. Nice to see Alkalinity is down again. I turned on the CO2 today. Last night, I made a new batch of fish food. No Golden Pearls this time.

08/01/2006, 02:04 PM	#798
Dudester Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,218	Nice numbers! It's great when the test numbers match the tank's results. Congratulations and happy (almost) anniversary! __________________ The Dude abides Current Tank Info: building a new home tank l 450g office tank with Deltec everything

08/01/2006, 08:17 PM	#799
Electrobes Montipora type guy Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 2,945	I am very happy to hear about your Grandmother Melev, I am glad she is doing better as it is usualy not the case with an accident like that. That is a HUGE water change.. even for your system! I am not surprised it did a good bit for your system but I am a little surprised that your calcium level didn't take a little hit from it. What salt are you using now? __________________ Christian Current Tank Info: 100G Half Cylinder

08/01/2006, 09:20 PM	#800
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Kent, like always.