My JBJ 28gal Nano Build Thread

[martinphillip03]

Ange, Why did you switch to a new light? You were doing so well with the Radion. Plus you need to update the bottom info.

Marty

[ange062]

Originally Posted by bobbravo2

Looking good!

Any idea why Tapatalk does that? I've run into the same problem with TT & RC posting from my phone, also happens with quotes.

It's something with the photobucket app and how it does links now, it didn't used to be like that. And thanks!!

Originally Posted by martinphillip03

Ange, Why did you switch to a new light? You were doing so well with the Radion. Plus you need to update the bottom info.

Marty

As much as I liked the Radion over the years, I have had a couple minor issues. The shimmer from LED is far from the best, plus I feel like they are a little too directional which leads to dead SPS bases. Going to give MH/T5 combo a try and see what happens. I'll still have the Radion sitting around so can always switch.

And I'll update my sig, thanks!

[bobbravo2]

Originally Posted by ange062

As much as I liked the Radion over the years, I have had a couple minor issues. The shimmer from LED is far from the best, plus I feel like they are a little too directional which leads to dead SPS bases. Going to give MH/T5 combo a try and see what happens. I'll still have the Radion sitting around so can always switch.

And I'll update my sig, thanks!

I may add a second Radion to increase the spread for this reason. I think the puck design is too concentrated. It'd be better if the light were spread out more, giving more coverage and fewer dead spots leading to dead SPS bases.

[ange062]

Originally Posted by bobbravo2

I may add a second Radion to increase the spread for this reason. I think the puck design is too concentrated. It'd be better if the light were spread out more, giving more coverage and fewer dead spots leading to dead SPS bases.

In my opinion, I think the puck design is better than a spread out array because it helps to prevent color banding and disco ball shimmer. Raise the fixture for better coverage, there is plenty of power there for a small tank.

No matter what, LED doesn't have the spread and fill of T5. And the smooth and natural shimmer from an MH is the closest you get to natural sunlight if you have ever been diving.

No real caveats or complaints from LED, mostly just looking to trying something new to keep it interesting.

[bobbravo2]

I've re-angled mine to get better saturation relative to the rock formation. Thoughts? (Also did that to make it easier to watch TV in the early evening) ImageUploadedByTapatalk1402445975.868884.jpg

[ange062]

Bob, I had actually thought about doing something similar myself but never got around to it. I'm sure it'll help with coverage, at least from a front-viewing perspective.

Well the tank has just been sitting there since 5/30, literally haven't done anything but add water when it gets low. I have been adding some leftover Reef Nutrition stuff that is probably way expired anyway. Been putting some phyto, oyster eggs, and arctipods everyday along with some Seamchem Stability to help the cycle along. Also thrown in a couple cubes of frozen mysis shrimp.

Decided to do my first water tests today, and the cycle either hasn't happened at all (do to lack of bioload) or is finished.

• Sg = 1.026
• pH = 8.0
• NH3 = 0
• NO2 = 0
• NO3 = ~5

The pH is a little low since I don't have a light or skimmer on the tank yet. NO3 is hard to measure with the cheap API test kit, but it's definitely above 0 and below 5, so somewhere in that range.

Thinking I may add my first inhabitant this weekend, an ORA Orchid Dottyback. Then again, I should probably get around to getting a light on the tank, setting the skimmer up, getting the reactors going, etc... Hrmmm. Guess we will just have to see what time allows!

[martinphillip03]

Ange, looks like you are starting to get cranked up again

Marty

[ange062]

Originally Posted by martinphillip03

Ange, looks like you are starting to get cranked up again

Marty

Trying to!!!


So I went to the LFS today with the intent of getting that orchid dottyback, but alas, he had sold them all!! He did, however, have a few SA Wyoming Whites that had come in and were FLYING out of his tanks. I've never been a fan of platinums, but the wyoming whites definitely caught my attention! I decided to go this route rather then the premium snowflake I had originally planned on. This will give me more variation in the clowns which I like. So I picked a lil guy that I really liked the pattern of, brought him home for a relatively modest price, and started the acclimation process. Man, it's been years since I've added a fish to a tank, I forgot how long and tedious my acclimation process is!!

Sorry for the terrible picture, hard to get a shot without a light on the tank.


I'll bust out the DSLR and get some good pictures once there is more to show in the tank.

I haven't named the little guy yet, but he will be mated with my big 'ole 3 year old SA Fancy Snow named BamBam (yes, like the Flinstones). I named her and her old mate before they were sexed, hence her coming out with a male name. For those that don't remember, below is a picture of BamBam. My friend that was caring for her will return her next week.



Oh, and I also ordered a wireless board for my existing MP10 as well as a 2nd MP10esw, going to be awesome to have them both in sync on opposite sides of the tank!

[bobbravo2]

Looking good! I'd definitely keep an eye on ammonia now that you've got a heavier bio-load. The seachem ammo alert tabs are a good failsafe.

Can't wait to see BamBam come home!!!

[Prankster11]

what was the macro algae you had in there more towards the beginning?

[ange062]

Originally Posted by bobbravo2

Looking good! I'd definitely keep an eye on ammonia now that you've got a heavier bio-load. The seachem ammo alert tabs are a good failsafe.

Can't wait to see BamBam come home!!!

I have some Seachem stuff on hand and will be monitoring levels closely. Will have to play by ear on whether BamBam can come home next week, just have to see how things go. 1 fish should definitely be fine given the status of the cycle so far based on test results.

Originally Posted by Prankster11

what was the macro algae you had in there more towards the beginning?

It was caulerpa. I found it manageable, most people thought it was a terrible idea. Just takes regular pruning. It's known as highly invasive and has caused many issues in the real ocean, so take care with it if you get some.

[Prankster11]

Thank you...i thought it looked really good

[ange062]

Originally Posted by Prankster11

Thank you...i thought it looked really good

no problem!!

So after a naming party tonight (we'll call it that anyway) my new homies name after what was probably too much booze is "Juan Pablo Escobar". Funny how booze induced names with my friends always end up hispanic...

[ange062]

A 3-hr vinegar bath has my MP10 looking brand new after 3-yrs worth of coralline algae growth that literally had to be 1\16 inch thick, if not worse.



Also got the Tunze ATO setup today. Next step? Hang light! Radion for now, haven't decided what the final solution is in that department.

[bobbravo2]

Originally Posted by ange062

A 3-hr vinegar bath has my MP10 looking brand new after 3-yrs worth of coralline algae growth that literally had to be 1\16 inch thick, if not worse.



Also got the Tunze ATO setup today. Next step? Hang light! Radion for now, haven't decided what the final solution is in that department.

quote for pix

Looks good 'n clean!

[ange062]

Need to setup a sweet tank? Need a sweet drill!!

[ange062]

Originally Posted by ange062

Need to setup a sweet tank? Need a sweet drill!!

still trying to see how photobucket is tearing up all my pics... More investigation necessary...

[ange062]

We have light!!!

[bobbravo2]

Looks awfully familiar! Aren't these 30g tanks? Only reason I ask is I believe we're tank brothers.

Are you going to run glass on the top? I've been using it to reduce evap, and keep critters from jumping out. I'm also looking at some optical clarity acrylic to make a new top / radion stand. :-D

[ange062]

Originally Posted by ange062

We have light!!!

I still can't, for the life of me, figure out how to get an image link that works on both desktop and cell phone (if posted from my cell phone). Getting annoying!

Originally Posted by bobbravo2

Looks awfully familiar! Aren't these 30g tanks? Only reason I ask is I believe we're tank brothers.

Are you going to run glass on the top? I've been using it to reduce evap, and keep critters from jumping out. I'm also looking at some optical clarity acrylic to make a new top / radion stand. :-D

Yes, the RL30 is 30g, you just have to ignore the NC28 title that was my previously setup tank...

I've run open top for years, and while I have lost some livestock over time, to me it's worth the aesthetics. Evap is handled by a Tunze ATO with 2.5g topoff so is not a concern.

An acrylic / glass top isn't going to work like you would hope. I had one on a 3g pico and even that would warp over time being as small is it was. You will get major warping, condensation accumulation, salt buildup, light blockage, etc. It's overall just not a good idea IMO and IME.

[bobbravo2]

Originally Posted by ange062

I still can't, for the life of me, figure out how to get an image link that works on both desktop and cell phone (if posted from my cell phone). Getting annoying!

Yep. I'm in the same boat, same with quotes!

Originally Posted by ange062

Yes, the RL30 is 30g, you just have to ignore the NC28 title that was my previously setup tank...

I've run open top for years, and while I have lost some livestock over time, to me it's worth the aesthetics. Evap is handled by a Tunze ATO with 2.5g topoff so is not a concern.

An acrylic / glass top isn't going to work like you would hope. I had one on a 3g pico and even that would warp over time being as small is it was. You will get major warping, condensation accumulation, salt buildup, light blockage, etc. It's overall just not a good idea IMO and IME.

Awesome - I've been trying it with a space between the two panes, which has helped a lot with salt creep, but may be defeating the purpose of reducing evap. Other concern is kitty, avatar on my left. I'll probably run topless soon as well

[ange062]

Bambam is back at home!! Got a little nervous cause once she was in the tank her and JP went straight into fighting. After a few minutes of chasing and dodging he realized she was twice his size at least and started to give some of the distinctive clown "roll on your side and quiver" submissive hints. Some quarrying went on but they seem to no have at least a partial pair and are sleeping in the same spot together. I give it a few days before they are a full blown mated pair.

[bobbravo2]

Bam. BamBam!

Sounds like they're pairing up! Can't wait to see pictures!

[ange062]

Someone was naughty at the LFS today!

Went and got a 2nd MP10wES and figured I may as well go in on a ReefLink while I could get it at 50% off. Still waiting on the wireless board for my old MP10ES but after playing with the EcoSmart Live beta software and the ReefLink it should be pretty neat!

Also picked up a fireshrimp. More pics to come!

[Juanrmattos]

Ugghhh... Big bummer having to take down a tank for a move.

In regards to the dead SPS bases, I honestly believe a single Radion should be more than enough to make a tank of this size thrive (You may not even need to use the full spectrum), I urge you to look into other aspects (Under or Over feeding, Water parameters or even maybe too much light intensity). We all know SPS are very susceptible to less than perfect conditions.

the new equipment is looking sharp!