Caribbean Biotope Seagrass Tank - Page 79

McPuff · 09/12/2016, 06:55 AM

I love that shot of the blennies! :0)

Chasmodes · 09/12/2016, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McPuff

I love that shot of the blennies! :0)

Me too, that's awesome!

Thanks for the overflow suggestions Michael. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet exactly, but that gives me food for thought. I don't want to show any equipment if possible, that's my goal anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

Do you have any plans to soak/cure your reefs? It seems likely those oyster shells would leach some stuff that might cause an algae bloom. A trash can or baby pool might be handy for that, or you could put them in the tank with no light, and change the water frequently until it's done.

I don't plan to soak them. Actually, they still have some dried up dead material in some of them. I was thinking that the right bacteria might be there to cycle the tank, and they'd provide the food. It will be my version of a fishless cycle.

Also, there might be some life come back from them that would make the tank that much more realistic. I'm not worried about algae too much, because I think an ATS or perhaps just macros in the fuge will eventually out compete anything. We'll see. It is a big experiment, kind of like how you started. Everything in the food chain from the Bay and into my tank. I'll run fallow for a while so as to reduce or eliminate fish parasites.

Oyster reefs are not clean and beautiful like our coral reefs. Most people might think of them as kind of nasty. But, they seem beautiful to me, and hopefully good enough for my future tank inhabitants. I want an interesting tank full of local life, highlighting my feature blennies. That is the end goal.

Man, those pics of your tank get me so fired up. Very inspirational, thank you!

Michael Hoaster · 09/12/2016, 09:14 AM

Thanks McPuff! Those guys are always ready to pose. They usually end up in the background, like Where's Waldo.

That reminds me, four out of six barnacle blennies are now in the barnacles! I took some pics to prove it, but none were good enough to post. It is especially fun at feeding time, the way they rapidly shoot back and forth-it's a frenzy!

Michael Hoaster · 09/12/2016, 09:30 AM

"Everything in the food chain from the Bay and into my tank." -Yeah! That will be awesome.

"Oyster reefs are not clean and beautiful like our coral reefs. Most people might think of them as kind of nasty. But, they seem beautiful to me, and hopefully good enough for my future tank inhabitants. I want an interesting tank full of local life, highlighting my feature blennies. That is the end goal." -I love it!

Coral reef tanks are nice, but haven't we seen enough? There are so many OTHER environments in the ocean to model. What you are doing, modeling a local biotope, with all hand-caught species, is the ultimate! And it IS beautiful!

No visible plumbing is the way of the future. Good luck with the tank!

I'm glad you like the pics, and thanks for saying so!

Michael Hoaster · 09/12/2016, 04:52 PM

Well, the tree grasilaria didn't make it. On arrival, the plant was green and its water was red. I went ahead and put it in the tank, but it kept getting worse. Today they were all but gone.

On the plus side, the sponges were in great shape. And aquarium depot is crediting me for the plant. Yay!

Michael Hoaster · 09/12/2016, 08:36 PM

I bought two new halymenia-type macros today. It said frag, so they're going to be small. Kinda pricey, but the shipping was cheap, so I'm good. Maybe these will be the right macros for the root.

I found 2 pieces of tree grasilaria that might still be viable. I put them back on the root. I'm really determined to get some flowy macros growing on it. They look really cool and they will help shade the sponges.

Michael Hoaster · 09/12/2016, 09:41 PM

I was looking through old pics and found this one…

sam.basye · 09/12/2016, 11:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

I was looking through old pics and found this one…

Zippin' right along!

McPuff · 09/13/2016, 07:41 AM

I actually have a few barnacles now as well and hope my blenny additions will take to them as yours have!

Michael Hoaster · 09/13/2016, 09:22 AM

Man, Sam, I miss that fish! So pretty and so much personality! I don't miss what he did to my macros…if only he only ate caulerpa, that would be sweet. It's great to have a photo history of my tank. Really helpful and pretty fun! I refer to it often.

McPuff, those barnacle shell clusters are almost irresistible to small fish. Even the royal grammas go in there! Have you got the new tank up and running? Are you past the tank-scare?

McPuff · 09/14/2016, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

Man, Sam, I miss that fish! So pretty and so much personality! I don't miss what he did to my macros…if only he only ate caulerpa, that would be sweet. It's great to have a photo history of my tank. Really helpful and pretty fun! I refer to it often.

McPuff, those barnacle shell clusters are almost irresistible to small fish. Even the royal grammas go in there! Have you got the new tank up and running? Are you past the tank-scare?

It has been such a long process and I have been out of town a lot since I got the tank. It's ready for a fill test and plumbing but it probably won't get done until next week as I need to head out of town again this weekend. Getting a little impatient now but it's been safer to take it slow... and I still have my 120 reef up and running so waiting isn't the worst thing in the world. I have done everything I can to ensure the tank will be safe and sound... still nervous but it really should be fine.

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 10:31 AM

I know what you mean, McPuff. Work and travel does eat into our tank time, doesn't it? Good luck with new build!

EdimarOliveira · 09/14/2016, 11:55 AM

Hello Michael! Finally, following his suggestion, I could start a topic to the assembly of my intended planted marine.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2599776*

I have read your topic from the beginning, and although the "second" part with the actual assembly of my tank I go still put, I have seen that most of the concepts observed by you'm getting adopt.

It is already running a few days ago and yesterday i began to inoculate with something, before you start with the actual macroalgae.

When you can, it gives a last there on topic.

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 12:22 PM

That's great Edimar! I will follow your new thread with great interest. You've made a great start! If I can help in any way, please let me know.

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 12:57 PM

September 26, 2014

Newly planted manatee grass and the soon-to-vanish caulerpa.

September 12, 2016

Manatee grass has filled in, but not to the extent I'd hoped. Caulerpa reappeared after several months, and now needs pruning weekly. It's an excellent export medium, and I wonder how many disasters it has saved me from, with all the dosing, etcetera I've done over time.

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 04:15 PM

My living room biotope.

sam.basye · 09/14/2016, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

September 26, 2014

Newly planted manatee grass and the soon-to-vanish caulerpa.

September 12, 2016

Manatee grass has filled in, but not to the extent I'd hoped. Caulerpa reappeared after several months, and now needs pruning weekly. It's an excellent export medium, and I wonder how many disasters it has saved me from, with all the dosing, etcetera I've done over time.

You have me questioning why I was following your build in the beginning...

That first pic looks like crap compared to what you've got going on now

Keep up the good work Hoaster!

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 05:28 PM

"You have me questioning why I was following your build in the beginning..." Ha! My pivotal species, the manatee grass, is my least successful species. I guess the ecosystem as a whole became more pivotal. I did finally get some asexual reproduction out of them, but they seem stagnant at the moment. With recent mud addition and plant tabs, I hope to get them reproducing again.

"That first pic looks like crap compared to what you've got going on now". Well that was two days after planting, so not too tough to beat. I agree the tank's getting pretty. But it's mostly the macros. In two years I would have expected a thicker, lusher meadow.

Thanks for the compliment and the cheer!

cHRoNzZe 619 · 09/14/2016, 06:41 PM

Is that nemastoma I see ????

JZinCO · 09/14/2016, 07:22 PM

Hoaster, I dug in your thread and couldn't find the answer, but what's growing on the back wall? Halimeda? Thanks

sam.basye · 09/14/2016, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Hoaster

"You have me questioning why I was following your build in the beginning..." Ha! My pivotal species, the manatee grass, is my least successful species. I guess the ecosystem as a whole became more pivotal. I did finally get some asexual reproduction out of them, but they seem stagnant at the moment. With recent mud addition and plant tabs, I hope to get them reproducing again.

"That first pic looks like crap compared to what you've got going on now". Well that was two days after planting, so not too tough to beat. I agree the tank's getting pretty. But it's mostly the macros. In two years I would have expected a thicker, lusher meadow.

Thanks for the compliment and the cheer!

You know me, gotta "busta your balls" at least once a week. Lol

Funny how the focal point and inspiration of your tank is the least "successful".
I will argue that I wouldn't say it's "unsuccessful". They are all healthy and super tall. They just aren't multiplying, like you hoped. Right? It's a success in my book! You haven't had to toss them in the trash. Lol

Michael Hoaster · 09/14/2016, 08:03 PM

Yes, cHRoNzZe 619 that is nemastoma! A hitchhiker too.

JZinCO, the back wall is mostly covered in caulerpa racemosa. I currently don't have any halimeda.

Basye, it makes me wonder if it would have done better without my input! Yes, I would technically call it successful, since they multiplied and I didn't kill them. I just hoped for more!

McPuff · 09/15/2016, 05:54 AM

Have you tried, or thought about trying a shaving brush? Might be a nice addition.

Michael Hoaster · 09/15/2016, 02:03 PM

McPuff, the shaving brush never really did it for me, but there are some cool halimeda plants out there I'd like to have. The tufted joint algae is pretty darn close to halimeda, in my opinion, and I'm really digging it!

Michael Hoaster · 09/15/2016, 02:21 PM

Ok, so, I bought another fish that will likely outgrow the tank. It's only about four inches long now, but it will get big.

Now before anyone gets all police-y on me, this is a fish on my list and I have discussed it on this thread, so I already know a bit about them, so I'm pretty sure I can accommodate it. As for the size issue, I think the gire flow in my tank will in effect, lengthen it. Think endless pool or treadmill. The fish can swim into the current, and never reach the end of the tank. See?

That's my theory anyway. If it doesn't work out I'll return the fish.

So, what fish is it? It's caribbean, it often visits seagrass lagoons, it's a carnivore. It's not the coloring that sets this fish apart, it's the shape of it. Any guesses?

09/12/2016, 09:14 AM	#1953
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Thanks McPuff! Those guys are always ready to pose. They usually end up in the background, like Where's Waldo. That reminds me, four out of six barnacle blennies are now in the barnacles! I took some pics to prove it, but none were good enough to post. It is especially fun at feeding time, the way they rapidly shoot back and forth-it's a frenzy! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/12/2016, 09:30 AM	#1954
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	"Everything in the food chain from the Bay and into my tank." -Yeah! That will be awesome. "Oyster reefs are not clean and beautiful like our coral reefs. Most people might think of them as kind of nasty. But, they seem beautiful to me, and hopefully good enough for my future tank inhabitants. I want an interesting tank full of local life, highlighting my feature blennies. That is the end goal." -I love it! Coral reef tanks are nice, but haven't we seen enough? There are so many OTHER environments in the ocean to model. What you are doing, modeling a local biotope, with all hand-caught species, is the ultimate! And it IS beautiful! No visible plumbing is the way of the future. Good luck with the tank! I'm glad you like the pics, and thanks for saying so! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/12/2016, 04:52 PM	#1955
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Well, the tree grasilaria didn't make it. On arrival, the plant was green and its water was red. I went ahead and put it in the tank, but it kept getting worse. Today they were all but gone. On the plus side, the sponges were in great shape. And aquarium depot is crediting me for the plant. Yay! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/12/2016, 08:36 PM	#1956
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I bought two new halymenia-type macros today. It said frag, so they're going to be small. Kinda pricey, but the shipping was cheap, so I'm good. Maybe these will be the right macros for the root. I found 2 pieces of tree grasilaria that might still be viable. I put them back on the root. I'm really determined to get some flowy macros growing on it. They look really cool and they will help shade the sponges. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/12/2016, 09:41 PM	#1957
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I was looking through old pics and found this one… __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/12/2016, 06:55 AM	#1951
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	I love that shot of the blennies! :0)

09/13/2016, 07:41 AM	#1959
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	I actually have a few barnacles now as well and hope my blenny additions will take to them as yours have!

09/13/2016, 09:22 AM	#1960
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Man, Sam, I miss that fish! So pretty and so much personality! I don't miss what he did to my macros…if only he only ate caulerpa, that would be sweet. It's great to have a photo history of my tank. Really helpful and pretty fun! I refer to it often. McPuff, those barnacle shell clusters are almost irresistible to small fish. Even the royal grammas go in there! Have you got the new tank up and running? Are you past the tank-scare? __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 10:31 AM	#1962
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I know what you mean, McPuff. Work and travel does eat into our tank time, doesn't it? Good luck with new build! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 11:55 AM	#1963
EdimarOliveira Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Brazil Posts: 60	Hello Michael! Finally, following his suggestion, I could start a topic to the assembly of my intended planted marine. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2599776* I have read your topic from the beginning, and although the "second" part with the actual assembly of my tank I go still put, I have seen that most of the concepts observed by you'm getting adopt. It is already running a few days ago and yesterday i began to inoculate with something, before you start with the actual macroalgae. When you can, it gives a last there on topic. __________________ Edimar Oliveira "It's amazing what people do when they do not know that they can not!" Current Tank Info: Reef of 43 gallons

09/14/2016, 12:22 PM	#1964
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	That's great Edimar! I will follow your new thread with great interest. You've made a great start! If I can help in any way, please let me know. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 12:57 PM	#1965
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Coming up on two years! September 26, 2014 Newly planted manatee grass and the soon-to-vanish caulerpa. September 12, 2016 Manatee grass has filled in, but not to the extent I'd hoped. Caulerpa reappeared after several months, and now needs pruning weekly. It's an excellent export medium, and I wonder how many disasters it has saved me from, with all the dosing, etcetera I've done over time. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 04:15 PM	#1966
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	My living room biotope. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 05:28 PM	#1968
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	"You have me questioning why I was following your build in the beginning..." Ha! My pivotal species, the manatee grass, is my least successful species. I guess the ecosystem as a whole became more pivotal. I did finally get some asexual reproduction out of them, but they seem stagnant at the moment. With recent mud addition and plant tabs, I hope to get them reproducing again. "That first pic looks like crap compared to what you've got going on now". Well that was two days after planting, so not too tough to beat. I agree the tank's getting pretty. But it's mostly the macros. In two years I would have expected a thicker, lusher meadow. Thanks for the compliment and the cheer! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/14/2016, 06:41 PM	#1969
cHRoNzZe 619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 60	Is that nemastoma I see ????

09/14/2016, 07:22 PM	#1970
JZinCO Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: northern CO Posts: 502	Hoaster, I dug in your thread and couldn't find the answer, but what's growing on the back wall? Halimeda? Thanks

09/14/2016, 08:03 PM	#1972
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Yes, cHRoNzZe 619 that is nemastoma! A hitchhiker too. JZinCO, the back wall is mostly covered in caulerpa racemosa. I currently don't have any halimeda. Basye, it makes me wonder if it would have done better without my input! Yes, I would technically call it successful, since they multiplied and I didn't kill them. I just hoped for more! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/15/2016, 05:54 AM	#1973
McPuff Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,735	Have you tried, or thought about trying a shaving brush? Might be a nice addition.

09/15/2016, 02:03 PM	#1974
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	McPuff, the shaving brush never really did it for me, but there are some cool halimeda plants out there I'd like to have. The tufted joint algae is pretty darn close to halimeda, in my opinion, and I'm really digging it! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

09/15/2016, 02:21 PM	#1975
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Is there anything more exciting than an impulse fish buy? Ok, so, I bought another fish that will likely outgrow the tank. It's only about four inches long now, but it will get big. Now before anyone gets all police-y on me, this is a fish on my list and I have discussed it on this thread, so I already know a bit about them, so I'm pretty sure I can accommodate it. As for the size issue, I think the gire flow in my tank will in effect, lengthen it. Think endless pool or treadmill. The fish can swim into the current, and never reach the end of the tank. See? That's my theory anyway. If it doesn't work out I'll return the fish. So, what fish is it? It's caribbean, it often visits seagrass lagoons, it's a carnivore. It's not the coloring that sets this fish apart, it's the shape of it. Any guesses? __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018