Tank Of The Month - August 2008 - Page 2

jpitts101 · 08/06/2008, 02:49 PM

Awesome tank! Do you have any problems with the monti caps fighting? I love the way the intertwine.

IridescentLily · 08/06/2008, 03:12 PM

That's the most fabulous looking bb tank full of corals I've ever seen.
Your chalice is off the hook.
Your naked story made me laugh out loud, except during the scary electrical part....you really get into your hobby, lol.
My heart fell when i read about your previous loss. Yet, you got back up and made a masterpiece.
Also, you're aquascaping rocks, I love the way you got the rock up and off the floor without it really looking like they're off the floor.
Stunning!
Congratulations, well deserved.

jackson6745 · 08/06/2008, 04:22 PM

Excellent job. I really enjoyed your article.

soccerbag · 08/06/2008, 05:46 PM

Gorgeous!! I love the look of the tank with no powerheads. Most of us cannot achieve that with current setups but it's something to think about for builds down the road. Cheers!!!

elijaher · 08/06/2008, 05:47 PM

Eye eye candle!

maydodo · 08/06/2008, 06:06 PM

Awesome tank. The tank really reward your hard work.

chingchai · 08/06/2008, 07:16 PM

Absolutely perfect.
Congratulation. Travis.

I have questions,
You don't dose any trace element, even Kalkwasser. Right?
Also what supplement you mentioned that it has positive impact with your corals.
Last one, which brand of salt are you using?
Thanks.

jnarowe · 08/06/2008, 07:16 PM

love the tank. yours is a fine collection of corals and I aspire to have large caps like that. From the pictures it appears that you have excellent flow throughout those tough-shaped colonies. very nicely done!

Travis · 08/06/2008, 08:33 PM

Thanks again everyone for the nice comments!

Travis · 08/06/2008, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jpitts101
Awesome tank! Do you have any problems with the monti caps fighting? I love the way the intertwine.

IME, monti caps and encrusting montis never fight with each other. However, there will always be one that grows faster than the others and it will eventually overgrow the others at some point. That is why I placed small pieces of the faster growing ones with the large piece of the better looking one.

Travis · 08/06/2008, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chingchai
Absolutely perfect.
Congratulation. Travis.

I have questions,
You don't dose any trace element, even Kalkwasser. Right?
Also what supplement you mentioned that it has positive impact with your corals.
Last one, which brand of salt are you using?
Thanks.

That is correct, I do not dose any trace element, and no kalkwasser also. I rely solely on the calcium reactor and water changes to replenish trace elements. The only supplement I have ever used that showed noticeable changes to any of the corals was the ZeoVit Ammino Acids. And even this supplement only showed a change in about 10% of the corals.

I am currently using Oceanic salt. I feel that it doesn't matter which salt you use as long as you stick to the same salt. I have found that over time, the corals become accustomed to the trace levels in the salt brand and if you switch to another brand too quickly it can be very stressful to the corals. In the past I have also used Seachem, Red Sea, Instant Ocean, and Reef Crystals. I feel I had the same results regardless of the brand of salt as long as I kept things consistent. I will probably stick with the Oceanic because it is cheap and I like the high Magnesium and Calcium levels in it.

BTW, I really like your tank. It is a true inspiration to me.

Travis · 08/06/2008, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jnarowe
love the tank. yours is a fine collection of corals and I aspire to have large caps like that. From the pictures it appears that you have excellent flow throughout those tough-shaped colonies. very nicely done!

There really is a lot of flow in the tank due to the oceansmotions units. It causes strong flow in different areas of the tank at different times with only 2 pumps. I think a lot of people downplay the need for very high flow in an sps tank because frags and colonies will do fine in lower flow. However, when the colonies start to get big, they will really choke off the water flow to other corals. I feel it is best to start with high flow from the start, that way the corals will grow in a way that they take advantage of that flow.

chingchai · 08/06/2008, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Travis
That is correct, I do not dose any trace element, and no kalkwasser also. I rely solely on the calcium reactor and water changes to replenish trace elements. The only supplement I have ever used that showed noticeable changes to any of the corals was the ZeoVit Ammino Acids. And even this supplement only showed a change in about 10% of the corals.

I am currently using Oceanic salt. I feel that it doesn't matter which salt you use as long as you stick to the same salt. I have found that over time, the corals become accustomed to the trace levels in the salt brand and if you switch to another brand too quickly it can be very stressful to the corals. In the past I have also used Seachem, Red Sea, Instant Ocean, and Reef Crystals. I feel I had the same results regardless of the brand of salt as long as I kept things consistent. I will probably stick with the Oceanic because it is cheap and I like the high Magnesium and Calcium levels in it.

BTW, I really like your tank. It is a true inspiration to me.

Thanks for the answer and your kind words.

jnarowe · 08/06/2008, 08:54 PM

Thanks for the comments and I can appreciate your sentiment regarding salt. I have held a differing view that switching salts will provide a variety in trace elements but I really enjoy your opinion on this. It's definitely something to ponder and your experience is a good nugget to add to my personal "database".

I find that the "best" tanks I have personally seen all run on virtually zero additives, supplements, etc. and rarely have any kind of "coral food" either.

Again, IMO, your system is really the pinnacle of reef keeping, up there with the greats like iwan, Weast, Weatherson, and Saxby.

stunreefer · 08/06/2008, 11:16 PM

Travis, Thanks for the reply, especially for the pics - helps a lot!

I love your idea how you brought the cut-out of the wall four inches above the bottom of your tank. Thats a great way to help hide the rods, and the outlets coming through the bottom (I have 4 and 2 drains). Plus, I bet it gives the feel that your looking at the reef crest.

Really awesome system, and agreed with jnarowe one of the best!

Ed Reef · 08/07/2008, 04:00 AM

Look your tank Travis....truly inspirational. Agree one of the best !!

Dakota Reef · 08/07/2008, 08:43 AM

Hey Travis, congratulations on a great and well deserved honor!! Those of us who have known you and have seen your tank evolve knew it was only a matter of time before you were recognized. While many of the pictures are stunning, they hardly do justice to how spectacular the tank looks in real life.

Phil

MikeCentore · 08/07/2008, 09:45 AM

Amazing tank Travis

One question,

Is there any special epoxy you used to secure you rocks with the acrylic rods, rocks with rocks, or coral with rocks?

Travis · 08/07/2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by coral rules
Is there any special epoxy you used to secure you rocks with the acrylic rods, rocks with rocks, or coral with rocks?

I just use plumber's epoxy from Menards. It is the same stuff that you can get at the LFS but comes in a different package and is cheaper. Any time I use epoxy for something, I also use superglue. Epoxy is good because it shapes to the rock that you are attaching or mounting something to but it doesn't form a strong bond to stick to the rock. Superglue gel is good because it forms an almost immediate strong bond but it doesn't shape itself to the rock to fill in the gaps. But when you use both, you get the best of both worlds. This is how I mount all my corals also.

TrojanScott · 08/07/2008, 02:13 PM

I don't comment often on TOTM, but I had to with yours. Simply stunning aquarium, you should be very proud. (I'm sure you are!)

If I hit the lottery, or leave So. Cal, whatever comes first, I want something just like it!

slovan · 08/07/2008, 02:41 PM

Congrats on TOTM Travis! I knew it was only a matter of time before you get it. You did such a great job researching and thinking out your system. It continues to be an inspiration to me and I can only hope to have a tank that looks as good as yours!

tangdiver · 08/07/2008, 03:54 PM

Travis you know what I think.....that is all that matters to me.

Great Job, it has been rough at first with things, but after treating for AEFW, things got a lot easier.

Grant

notenoughtanks · 08/07/2008, 05:45 PM

double post

notenoughtanks · 08/07/2008, 05:47 PM

Awesome tank Travis! love the simplicity of everything yet great results. Your fuge looks very effective. I think this is what gives better color over other BB tanks... Are you using a ton of cleaners in the fuge sand or just let it go? Reverse lighting? That's a TON of chaeto

CrabShot · 08/08/2008, 07:38 AM

great tank with amazing growth

just curious.. do u have any access for maintenance from the front?.. if no, then any problem with maintenance/cleaning?

08/06/2008, 02:49 PM	#26
jpitts101 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Ardmore Posts: 1,176	Awesome tank! Do you have any problems with the monti caps fighting? I love the way the intertwine. __________________ J.D. Pitts when in doubt pull it out!!!! Current Tank Info: 180 sps dominant

08/06/2008, 03:12 PM	#27
IridescentLily Editor-Reefkeeping mag Join Date: May 2008 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 3,858 Blog Entries: 5	That's the most fabulous looking bb tank full of corals I've ever seen. Your chalice is off the hook. Your naked story made me laugh out loud, except during the scary electrical part....you really get into your hobby, lol. My heart fell when i read about your previous loss. Yet, you got back up and made a masterpiece. Also, you're aquascaping rocks, I love the way you got the rock up and off the floor without it really looking like they're off the floor. Stunning! Congratulations, well deserved. __________________ ~April Editor-Reefkeeping Magazine

08/06/2008, 04:22 PM	#28
jackson6745 Yeah Yeah Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Rockaway Park, NY Posts: 5,822	Excellent job. I really enjoyed your article. __________________ Richard - Officially done shipping coral. Don't ask! http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2357196"]http://www.reefcentralcom/forums/showthread.php?t=2357196 Officially Done Shipping

08/06/2008, 05:46 PM	#29
soccerbag Chalices did this to me.. Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 970	Gorgeous!! I love the look of the tank with no powerheads. Most of us cannot achieve that with current setups but it's something to think about for builds down the road. Cheers!!! __________________ Craig Royal Exclusiv Skimmer Club The Undisputed, Heavyweight Champion of "Can't leave well-enough alone" Please check out my Reef Website! Current Tank Info: 246g Display, 39g Frag Tank, Sfiligoi XR6, Royal Exclusiv AC 300, 2 x MP60ES Vortech's, 2-part with LMIII, Apex.

08/06/2008, 07:16 PM	#32
chingchai Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Bangkok Thailand Posts: 5,670	Absolutely perfect. Congratulation. Travis. I have questions, You don't dose any trace element, even Kalkwasser. Right? Also what supplement you mentioned that it has positive impact with your corals. Last one, which brand of salt are you using? Thanks. __________________ Ching (low profile) " Life is too short to drink bad wine " click on my homepage to see my tank on-line

08/06/2008, 05:47 PM	#30
elijaher Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Kansas City,Missouri Posts: 1,188	Eye eye candle!

08/06/2008, 06:06 PM	#31
maydodo Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: San Jose Posts: 20	Awesome tank. The tank really reward your hard work.

08/06/2008, 07:16 PM	#33
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	love the tank. yours is a fine collection of corals and I aspire to have large caps like that. From the pictures it appears that you have excellent flow throughout those tough-shaped colonies. very nicely done! __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

08/06/2008, 08:33 PM	#34
Travis 10 and over club Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Sioux Falls, SD Posts: 5,525	Thanks again everyone for the nice comments! __________________ TOTM August 08 An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Current Tank Info: 280 sps w/ 75 LPS, 75 refugium, 120 sump

08/06/2008, 08:54 PM	#39
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	Thanks for the comments and I can appreciate your sentiment regarding salt. I have held a differing view that switching salts will provide a variety in trace elements but I really enjoy your opinion on this. It's definitely something to ponder and your experience is a good nugget to add to my personal "database". I find that the "best" tanks I have personally seen all run on virtually zero additives, supplements, etc. and rarely have any kind of "coral food" either. Again, IMO, your system is really the pinnacle of reef keeping, up there with the greats like iwan, Weast, Weatherson, and Saxby. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

08/06/2008, 11:16 PM	#40
stunreefer Reef Hugger Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Submerged Posts: 3,253	Travis, Thanks for the reply, especially for the pics - helps a lot! I love your idea how you brought the cut-out of the wall four inches above the bottom of your tank. Thats a great way to help hide the rods, and the outlets coming through the bottom (I have 4 and 2 drains). Plus, I bet it gives the feel that your looking at the reef crest. Really awesome system, and agreed with jnarowe one of the best! __________________ -Austin Make your animals Thrive, not just Survive.

08/07/2008, 04:00 AM	#41
Ed Reef Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Currently Based in China Posts: 4,060	Look your tank Travis....truly inspirational. Agree one of the best !! __________________ Ed ~ Art is an adventure into an unknown world, which can only be explored by those willing to take the risks. ~ Current Tank Info: Ed Reef’s Shallow Crest Inspired ART

08/07/2008, 08:43 AM	#42
Dakota Reef Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: South Dakota Posts: 222	Hey Travis, congratulations on a great and well deserved honor!! Those of us who have known you and have seen your tank evolve knew it was only a matter of time before you were recognized. While many of the pictures are stunning, they hardly do justice to how spectacular the tank looks in real life. Phil __________________ - Phil - 270 gallon mixed reef - 54 x 48 x 24 Blonde Naso, Potters Angel, Majestic Angel, Regal Angel, Long Nose Butterfly, Copperband Butterfly, Starry Blenny, Pink Streaked Wrasse, Royal Gramm

08/07/2008, 09:45 AM	#43
MikeCentore Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 347	Amazing tank Travis One question, Is there any special epoxy you used to secure you rocks with the acrylic rods, rocks with rocks, or coral with rocks? __________________ "The strongest reason for people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government." -Thomas Jefferson Current Tank Info: 90g mixed reef

08/07/2008, 02:13 PM	#45
TrojanScott Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lake Forest, CA Posts: 2,229	I don't comment often on TOTM, but I had to with yours. Simply stunning aquarium, you should be very proud. (I'm sure you are!) If I hit the lottery, or leave So. Cal, whatever comes first, I want something just like it!

08/07/2008, 02:41 PM	#46
slovan Gold Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: IA Posts: 3,544 Blog Entries: 1	Congrats on TOTM Travis! I knew it was only a matter of time before you get it. You did such a great job researching and thinking out your system. It continues to be an inspiration to me and I can only hope to have a tank that looks as good as yours! __________________ Marineland 300G DD

08/07/2008, 03:54 PM	#47
tangdiver Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sioux Falls South Dakota Posts: 1,231	Travis you know what I think.....that is all that matters to me. Great Job, it has been rough at first with things, but after treating for AEFW, things got a lot easier. Grant __________________ Its unwise to pay to much or to little When U pay to much U lose a little $ When U pay to little U sometimes lose it all because the thing U bought was incapable of doing the thing U bought it to do Current Tank Info: 6' long, 3' wide, 2' high, My tank is not worthy of Tank of the Month

08/07/2008, 05:45 PM	#48
notenoughtanks Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis MN Posts: 330	double post

08/07/2008, 05:47 PM	#49
notenoughtanks Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Minneapolis MN Posts: 330	Awesome tank Travis! love the simplicity of everything yet great results. Your fuge looks very effective. I think this is what gives better color over other BB tanks... Are you using a ton of cleaners in the fuge sand or just let it go? Reverse lighting? That's a TON of chaeto

08/08/2008, 07:38 AM	#50
CrabShot Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 4	great tank with amazing growth just curious.. do u have any access for maintenance from the front?.. if no, then any problem with maintenance/cleaning?