The Reef Central Corner Club Thread - Page 74

reefscape15 · 08/03/2009, 07:58 PM

My thoughts exactly boret! I guess I should start dosing some chemicals at some point!!!

Some quick/crappy photos to give more of an idea of my re-scaping attempt. I still have a pile of rubble that I'm going to mount some frags on and stick in a few spots I have found.

Misled · 08/03/2009, 08:22 PM

Corals should be within the next week or so. I'm back to just doing all top off dripping Kalk. For a couple months I tried a two part system and between the ph and ca swings, I decided to stay with the kalk drip.

boret · 08/03/2009, 08:23 PM

I would still take about 3-5 inches of rock off the top.
You want to grow corals, a lot of rock will limit the space for the corals to grow.
ROBZ's tanks have been an inspiration to me. His 90 gal 2003 TOTM was stunning and made me believe I can accomplish a great tank without needing 100+ gallons. Now, corner tanks are tricky but some of the basic concepts still apply. Take a look at ROBZ's tank when he first set it up a couple of years ago:

And look at it now:

Do you see any rock? He has some fantastic corals in there and his reef husbandry skills are amazing. But still, the idea still applies to our tanks. When he first saw my tank he was like: " Nice rock display you have in there, now, how about removing 3/4 of that rock for some room for the corals?"

Man, the tank was so empty when I was done... but now I am so happy I did so.

Also, you should try to get some more cleaning critters in there. I have about 200 snails and about 150 small hermits that keep my tank clean and algae free.

boret · 08/03/2009, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Misled
Corals should be within the next week or so. I'm back to just doing all top off dripping Kalk. For a couple months I tried a two part system and between the ph and ca swings, I decided to stay with the kalk drip.

I use both an ATO through Kalk stirrer and Ca Reactor. Got great deals on both used so I went that route. I can wait to see your corasl Misled, with your photography skills I am sure we are in for a very nice photo report once everything is in place!

Husky_1 · 08/04/2009, 06:44 AM

So going back to a Sandbed for me has mixed emotions. While I like the look, I am finding it hard to adjust my flow.

I was wondering how you guys with Sandbeds adjust your flow so that you have a pretty even sandbed. It seems like the corner tanks are exceptionally hard in yet another aspect.

Currently my flow is about 600gph from the return and 2 2100gph maxijet mods. I find that the sand is being pushed towards the center of the tank.

boret · 08/04/2009, 10:43 AM

Husky_1 I have very random flow in my tank with a Close loop with 6 outputs, 2 rotating tunzes and the return through a Sea Swirl. I also have very find sand, which was a mistake, but live and learn. It took me almost a month to get the tank sand-cloud free!! When I added the rock some of the flows changed and I was getting different pockets and mounds of sand at different locations. When I started placing corals, zoas and ricordeas it also changed. What I did as recommended from another reefer was to add a thin layer of coarse crushed coral on top of the fine sand. That did the trick. Today I barely have any more sand showing with a bunch of clam, rics and zoas on the sand bed. I still get a bit of sand moved from here to there. You can do something similar adding heavier coarser crush coral where you see the flow making a dent in your sand bed.

boret · 08/04/2009, 10:46 AM

You probably have a powerhead hitting the front glass and the flow in turn goes down into the front bottom edge pushing the sand towards the middle. Try adding a strip of crushed coral there to hold the sand. The modded MJ 1200's push a lot of water. Maybe consider changing the propeller to the smaller one.

Husky_1 · 08/04/2009, 11:59 AM

Boret,
Thanks for the reply....I know what you mean about sandstorm. While mine was clear in about 5 days, I tend to mess with the sandbed and cause another couple of cloudy days.

You mention having some crushed coral, and I did end up adding about 5lbs at the beginning, and have regretted that as I am trying to pull it out of the tank now (causing my cloudy days). But, I may just keep some in, as this is the only stuff that is staying around the front.

I was also thinking about changing the prop, and may do this. I followed SirJohn's advise and positioned them on either side of the overflow, about 6" from the top, both pointing up. The top of the water actually does get a small wave , and based on what I see when I feed, the water movement looks pretty random, but that is hard to judge until I have polys flowing in the current!

I guess I will just live with it for now, and worry about more important things like when I am going to put the next fish in, more CUC, and the introduction of corals.

Misled · 08/04/2009, 01:05 PM

I used the small props till the sand had a chance to pack in. After a couple months, I went with the larger and things stay put pretty well.

McLovit · 08/05/2009, 09:42 AM

Looking to light my new tank!

I'm looking to light an 80 gallon pentagon corner tank, for which i plan to have mainly as a coral tank with some fish. The tank is 30 inches deep and about 39" across the front. I would prefer to have Euro style lights for the aesthetic appeal.

I am looking for suggestions on combinations of MH/T5/VHO, etc. I have been doing a lot of studying but am confused on Wattage requirements. I realize 14000-20000k would probably be the best for this tank, but the Watts issue is escaping me. I do understand the more watts the more my electrical bill will go up, but how does this effect the light on the tank, if it does?

Any suggestions and clarifications would be great!

Thank you

boret · 08/05/2009, 11:40 AM

A good reflector, like a lumenbright, with a 20k 400Watt Radium, powered by an electronic ballast (magnetic ballast sometimes fail to start up the radiums) and a couple of T12 VHO Super Actinics to really pop the colors. You can get 75wat per 24" T12 VHO and they have their own internal reflectors. Making it very easy to place almost anywhere in the canopy. I have that combo with 4 VHOs and I love it!

McLovit · 08/05/2009, 03:56 PM

Thanx Boret! Very Niiiice!

boret · 08/05/2009, 04:09 PM

BTW those cables "hanging" in there are currently properly secured

Misled · 08/05/2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by boret
BTW those cables "hanging" in there are currently properly secured

To what???? J/K

I agree about the luminarc or the Coralife Luminbrights. I ahve a luminbright mini only on my tank. If I didn't have sand I could grow sps in my sump.

boret · 08/05/2009, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Misled
To what???? J/K

I agree about the luminarc or the Coralife Luminbrights. I ahve a luminbright mini only on my tank. If I didn't have sand I could grow sps in my sump.

LOL

When I was planning the corner tank I made a couple of cutouts of the reflectors to get an idea:

I end up going with the Lumenarc III Mini because I got a good deal on it, but if I find I good deal on the Lumen Bright 3 MINI WIDE i might change it.
Being wider than the Lumenarc I think I could get a better spread even lowering the light an inch or two from where I currently have the Lumenarc.

vickreyreef · 08/06/2009, 02:38 PM

here is my tank....

reefscape15 · 08/06/2009, 04:40 PM

Love the brain corals in there!

vickreyreef · 08/06/2009, 06:56 PM

thanks! The big green one gets huge, absolutely stunning...the red ones were just one when I bought it and somehow the animal split in half and there are two now...the green one behind the small clam has 9 lives...about 3 years ago I told my husband to throw it out as it was surely just dead....it was a skeleton and he convinced me to leave it in there because you just never know if it will come back (or if it is really dead)...sure enough it did and has been with us ever since...

damac20 · 08/09/2009, 07:25 AM

Come check out my 54 corner build and welcome me into the club! Thank you guys for some of the ideas that some of you gave me even though you don't know it!http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ostid=15498375

Misled · 08/09/2009, 08:54 AM

Looks good. I wonder where you got the idea for the canopy????

The only thing I can add is before you get everything done turn on the lights. One of the reasons mine was as large as it is, is those reflectors can really spread the light. On the luminbright mini, it's recomended the light be 18 inches off the water, which looks about what you have. I left about 8 inches between the tank and the bottom of the canopy and I still have some light comming out from the sides.

Put your pics here also if you don't mind. That's all you have to do to join the club. It really helps others getting into this style of tank.

damac20 · 08/09/2009, 09:34 AM

yeah I pretty much stole your idea. Good looking out on the light spread. On your canopy is the canopy flush with the edge of the tank? From the pics it looks like it is set back a few inches.

Misled · 08/09/2009, 10:42 AM

Mine sits back 2 inches from the tank. My problem is my tank is in my living room. It's also on a stand that's pretty high by normal standards. If I'm sitting in my regular spot on the couch, I didn't want the light to hit me.

damac20 · 08/09/2009, 01:50 PM

yeah that is kinda how my current tank is. If I'm not on a step ladder I can't reach into the tank. The corner is much lower so I don't think I have as much to worry about. I will have the lights mounted here in a little while so I'll post some pics.

damac20 · 08/09/2009, 03:54 PM

As requested here is some pics of my build that I started this weekend
[IMG]

Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG]

[IMG]

Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG]

Hookup · 08/09/2009, 08:17 PM

Just some updates

08/03/2009, 07:58 PM	#1826
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	My thoughts exactly boret! I guess I should start dosing some chemicals at some point!!! Some quick/crappy photos to give more of an idea of my re-scaping attempt. I still have a pile of rubble that I'm going to mount some frags on and stick in a few spots I have found. __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

08/03/2009, 08:22 PM	#1827
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Corals should be within the next week or so. I'm back to just doing all top off dripping Kalk. For a couple months I tried a two part system and between the ph and ca swings, I decided to stay with the kalk drip. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

08/03/2009, 08:23 PM	#1828
boret Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fairfax, VA - USA Posts: 548	I would still take about 3-5 inches of rock off the top. You want to grow corals, a lot of rock will limit the space for the corals to grow. ROBZ's tanks have been an inspiration to me. His 90 gal 2003 TOTM was stunning and made me believe I can accomplish a great tank without needing 100+ gallons. Now, corner tanks are tricky but some of the basic concepts still apply. Take a look at ROBZ's tank when he first set it up a couple of years ago: And look at it now: Do you see any rock? He has some fantastic corals in there and his reef husbandry skills are amazing. But still, the idea still applies to our tanks. When he first saw my tank he was like: " Nice rock display you have in there, now, how about removing 3/4 of that rock for some room for the corals?" Man, the tank was so empty when I was done... but now I am so happy I did so. Also, you should try to get some more cleaning critters in there. I have about 200 snails and about 150 small hermits that keep my tank clean and algae free. __________________ Reef Central Corner Club. Visit my Home Page for build thread. Current Tank Info: 92g Corner Reef Tank

08/04/2009, 06:44 AM	#1830
Husky_1 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 1,541	So going back to a Sandbed for me has mixed emotions. While I like the look, I am finding it hard to adjust my flow. I was wondering how you guys with Sandbeds adjust your flow so that you have a pretty even sandbed. It seems like the corner tanks are exceptionally hard in yet another aspect. Currently my flow is about 600gph from the return and 2 2100gph maxijet mods. I find that the sand is being pushed towards the center of the tank. __________________ Out of the hobby, but thinking of rejoining Current Tank Info: 92 Reef, 10 Reef

08/04/2009, 10:43 AM	#1831
boret Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fairfax, VA - USA Posts: 548	Husky_1 I have very random flow in my tank with a Close loop with 6 outputs, 2 rotating tunzes and the return through a Sea Swirl. I also have very find sand, which was a mistake, but live and learn. It took me almost a month to get the tank sand-cloud free!! When I added the rock some of the flows changed and I was getting different pockets and mounds of sand at different locations. When I started placing corals, zoas and ricordeas it also changed. What I did as recommended from another reefer was to add a thin layer of coarse crushed coral on top of the fine sand. That did the trick. Today I barely have any more sand showing with a bunch of clam, rics and zoas on the sand bed. I still get a bit of sand moved from here to there. You can do something similar adding heavier coarser crush coral where you see the flow making a dent in your sand bed. __________________ Reef Central Corner Club. Visit my Home Page for build thread. Current Tank Info: 92g Corner Reef Tank

08/04/2009, 10:46 AM	#1832
boret Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fairfax, VA - USA Posts: 548	You probably have a powerhead hitting the front glass and the flow in turn goes down into the front bottom edge pushing the sand towards the middle. Try adding a strip of crushed coral there to hold the sand. The modded MJ 1200's push a lot of water. Maybe consider changing the propeller to the smaller one. __________________ Reef Central Corner Club. Visit my Home Page for build thread. Current Tank Info: 92g Corner Reef Tank

08/04/2009, 11:59 AM	#1833
Husky_1 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: South FL Posts: 1,541	Boret, Thanks for the reply....I know what you mean about sandstorm. While mine was clear in about 5 days, I tend to mess with the sandbed and cause another couple of cloudy days. You mention having some crushed coral, and I did end up adding about 5lbs at the beginning, and have regretted that as I am trying to pull it out of the tank now (causing my cloudy days). But, I may just keep some in, as this is the only stuff that is staying around the front. I was also thinking about changing the prop, and may do this. I followed SirJohn's advise and positioned them on either side of the overflow, about 6" from the top, both pointing up. The top of the water actually does get a small wave , and based on what I see when I feed, the water movement looks pretty random, but that is hard to judge until I have polys flowing in the current! I guess I will just live with it for now, and worry about more important things like when I am going to put the next fish in, more CUC, and the introduction of corals.

08/04/2009, 01:05 PM	#1834
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	I used the small props till the sand had a chance to pack in. After a couple months, I went with the larger and things stay put pretty well. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

08/05/2009, 09:42 AM	#1835
McLovit Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: portland, Oregon Posts: 40	Looking to light my new tank! I'm looking to light an 80 gallon pentagon corner tank, for which i plan to have mainly as a coral tank with some fish. The tank is 30 inches deep and about 39" across the front. I would prefer to have Euro style lights for the aesthetic appeal. I am looking for suggestions on combinations of MH/T5/VHO, etc. I have been doing a lot of studying but am confused on Wattage requirements. I realize 14000-20000k would probably be the best for this tank, but the Watts issue is escaping me. I do understand the more watts the more my electrical bill will go up, but how does this effect the light on the tank, if it does? Any suggestions and clarifications would be great! Thank you

08/05/2009, 11:40 AM	#1836
boret Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fairfax, VA - USA Posts: 548	A good reflector, like a lumenbright, with a 20k 400Watt Radium, powered by an electronic ballast (magnetic ballast sometimes fail to start up the radiums) and a couple of T12 VHO Super Actinics to really pop the colors. You can get 75wat per 24" T12 VHO and they have their own internal reflectors. Making it very easy to place almost anywhere in the canopy. I have that combo with 4 VHOs and I love it! __________________ Reef Central Corner Club. Visit my Home Page for build thread. Current Tank Info: 92g Corner Reef Tank

08/05/2009, 03:56 PM	#1837
McLovit Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: portland, Oregon Posts: 40	Thanx Boret! Very Niiiice!

08/05/2009, 04:09 PM	#1838
boret Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Fairfax, VA - USA Posts: 548	BTW those cables "hanging" in there are currently properly secured __________________ Reef Central Corner Club. Visit my Home Page for build thread. Current Tank Info: 92g Corner Reef Tank

08/06/2009, 02:38 PM	#1841
vickreyreef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nova Posts: 331	here is my tank....

08/06/2009, 04:40 PM	#1842
reefscape15 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Elmira Heights, NY Posts: 2,812	Love the brain corals in there! __________________ A new beginning........... JIM Current Tank Info: 5g standard softie/zoa tank, just starting a 20H

08/06/2009, 06:56 PM	#1843
vickreyreef Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Nova Posts: 331	thanks! The big green one gets huge, absolutely stunning...the red ones were just one when I bought it and somehow the animal split in half and there are two now...the green one behind the small clam has 9 lives...about 3 years ago I told my husband to throw it out as it was surely just dead....it was a skeleton and he convinced me to leave it in there because you just never know if it will come back (or if it is really dead)...sure enough it did and has been with us ever since...

08/09/2009, 07:25 AM	#1844
damac20 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 838	Come check out my 54 corner build and welcome me into the club! Thank you guys for some of the ideas that some of you gave me even though you don't know it!http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...ostid=15498375 __________________ "Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand."

08/09/2009, 08:54 AM	#1845
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Looks good. I wonder where you got the idea for the canopy???? The only thing I can add is before you get everything done turn on the lights. One of the reasons mine was as large as it is, is those reflectors can really spread the light. On the luminbright mini, it's recomended the light be 18 inches off the water, which looks about what you have. I left about 8 inches between the tank and the bottom of the canopy and I still have some light comming out from the sides. Put your pics here also if you don't mind. That's all you have to do to join the club. It really helps others getting into this style of tank. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

08/09/2009, 09:34 AM	#1846
damac20 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 838	yeah I pretty much stole your idea. Good looking out on the light spread. On your canopy is the canopy flush with the edge of the tank? From the pics it looks like it is set back a few inches. __________________ "Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand."

08/09/2009, 10:42 AM	#1847
Misled RC Mod Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa Posts: 11,440 Blog Entries: 11	Mine sits back 2 inches from the tank. My problem is my tank is in my living room. It's also on a stand that's pretty high by normal standards. If I'm sitting in my regular spot on the couch, I didn't want the light to hit me. __________________ Jesse I'm not saying I'm Batman. I'm just saying nobody has ever seen me and Batman in a room together.

08/09/2009, 01:50 PM	#1848
damac20 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 838	yeah that is kinda how my current tank is. If I'm not on a step ladder I can't reach into the tank. The corner is much lower so I don't think I have as much to worry about. I will have the lights mounted here in a little while so I'll post some pics. __________________ "Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand."

08/09/2009, 03:54 PM	#1849
damac20 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 838	As requested here is some pics of my build that I started this weekend [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] [IMG] Shot with SCH-i910 at 2009-08-09[/IMG] __________________ "Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand."

08/09/2009, 08:17 PM	#1850
Hookup Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Posts: 1,281	Just some updates __________________ Spellking is an art form to which I have no brush. I'm not sure FOWLRs actually exist, I think they're like unicorns or platonic girlfriends. A FOWLR is just a reef tank that doesn't yet hold any coral. Current Tank Info: 180g display, 150gallon sump in-wall 4-side viewable sps dominated tank, ATI Powermodule, MRC MR-4 skimmer, GHL controller, Baling Method, Ultralith Reactor, Carbon & Phosphate Reactors, and general time consuming money pit that I live for.