Miz's 26 Bowfront

[MizTanks]

Well for now I've moved 1 to the back wall angled to the left and the other is on the overflow box angled up. As I sit here looking at my tank I keep getting this nagging feeling that something just doesn't look right with it. Got that big open space on the right and the rock all looks like it's leaning to the left. I'm not liking the Maxi Mini's in the front much either. Then the corals on the SB are all on the right because of the pistol shrimps control of the left side lol.
I'm saving up for the Hydor Slim Skim nano skimmer. Which will allow me to get rid of the pre-skimmer box. The skimmer takes water from the surface, way cool for us nano tankers without overflows :)
Ordered the Red Sea 3in1 test kit today. Ca/Alk/Mag. BRS did a review on it and they really like it's ease of use and accuracy. So this API diehard is gonna try something new :) Besides I'm really curious to see how big/little a difference there is between readings.
Thanks for hanging with my tank thread Larry :)

[MizTanks]

Sweet Lavender Star Polyps attaching to the back wall :)

[MizTanks]

Gotta new stick! Traded my purple gorgonian with 2FarNorth for this deep water acro..I think I got the better deal :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1472.jpg

Look at all the new growth on my Tridacna Crocea clam...yup I think she's happy in my tank :)

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1470.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Wow its looking spectacular!

[MizTanks]

Wow its looking spectacular!

Thank you Larry. I was so afraid of keeping a clam. But this one has taken it easy on me :)

[MizTanks]

Tried some top down shots~not sure how to do it without the lights on so I was using a book to block the lights reflection off the water.

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1484.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1489.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1483.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1479.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1485.jpg

[Manoj's Reef]

Nice pic. Everything looks happy!!!!

[dlhirst]

Jamie, the mantle extension on that clam is wonderful! (And everything else looks great, too.)

[MizTanks]

Nice pic. Everything looks happy!!!!

Thank you Manoj! They do don't they :big_grin::highfive3:

---------- Post added at 01:57 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:55 PM ----------


Jamie, the mantle extension on that clam is wonderful! (And everything else looks great, too.)

Thanks dlhirst! She almost looks like she's gonna fly away LOL

[dlhirst]

It's Sister Bertrille!

[Badfish]

Everything is looking great Miz, your tank makes me want a Maxi-mini.

[MizTanks]

Thanks Badfish :) I'd like to see them hosted with a couple nem shrimp but can't get them around here :(

[MizTanks]

Who knew Maxi Mini's liked to eat snails? NOT ME!!!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1499.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1498.jpg

[Badfish]

Ha, I got a pic of my acan doing the samething Miz. You shold get some sexies to host in that thang.
http://media10.dropshots.com/photos/881776/20110924/224443.jpg

[dlhirst]

The ocean floor is simply the most dangerous place on Earth. Except, perhaps, the Cass Corridor.

[MizTanks]

The ocean floor is simply the most dangerous place on Earth. Except, perhaps, the Cass Corridor.

FoFo's!!! Corn beef on Rye and triple layer German Chocolate cake 3am after the blind pig :) yes I had to go there. They still around?

[dlhirst]

:)
We'd stop at Mr. Fofos after shows at Alvins. That was back in the 80s... Been gone a long time.

[MizTanks]

Lavender star polyps spreading nicely on back wall :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1804.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1801.jpg

Fungia looooking goooood :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1791.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1799.jpg

Duncan got new babies :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1790.jpg

Just cruising around :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1800.jpg

[binford4000]

great pics Jamie.Everythings looking very happy

[2pairs]

( Fungia looooking goooood )

So how big has it gotten? Mine is up to 10" across.

[MizTanks]

Thank you Chuck :)

---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------


( Fungia looooking goooood )

So how big has it gotten? Mine is up to 10" across.

Dang hope mine don't get that big for a while, I'd have to find her a new home as my tanks not big enough. At the moment she's about 4"

[larryandlaura]

Awesome pictures Jamie. Keep up the good work.

[MizTanks]

Awesome pictures Jamie. Keep up the good work.

Thanks Larry, I will :)

[2pairs]

Thank you Chuck :)

---------- Post added at 03:15 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:12 PM ----------



Dang hope mine don't get that big for a while, I'd have to find her a new home as my tanks not big enough. At the moment she's about 4"


I have been spot feeding it every day for the past 6 months and it has grown about 3" in that time. I am going to cut back to a couple of times a week till it gets a new home due to space. So if you don't want it to grow to much keep the feeding down.

[MizTanks]

UGH!! Been sucking flat worms off the front glass for the last 3 days. Guess I should be grateful I'm not finding them on the rock or corals...yet. Just one more little inconvenience of maintaining my tank :)

[MizTanks]

I guess all the sucking them up did the trick. Today I've seen only 2 :) On another note I'm giving up on keeping sps. Slowly but surely I'm loosing my Acro Digitfera. Not sure why or to what. No worms on it. But I posted before about seeing a very tiny hole in it near the base. Was told no biggy. But then I noticed a tiny bristle worm taking up residence within the hole (that can't be a good sign) I've since been able to remove the worm via a little food encouragement. However the acro is still loosing color from the base up. It's turning white. It was doing so good for such a long time......

[slapshot]

If your going to play with sticks you have to expect to get hit once and awhile. They are very finicky and can go for any reason or no reason at all. The hole and worm probably did not have anything to do with it, but then again....maybe? That is the problem with keeping SPS. Uggg it seems so easy when things go right, they can be very frustrating! You should frag it and start over with it. It may stop it it may not. I just lost a 6 inch table that I grew from a frag 2 years ago. Funny thing was everything else around it is fine. I finally gave in and fraged it and the frags died two days later. All my other SPS are perfiectly fine.

So I probably have convinced you to stay away from SPS, sorry! Really I just want you to know that your experience is normal and honestly expected. Don't give up just try again.

[MizTanks]

Thank you Slapshot :) you've made me feel a little better. I'm not going to say my other 2 are fine as it's a mixed reef and I'm sure their colors could be a whole bunch better if it wasn't. On closer inspection there are 2 vermetid snails attached to it and I've already broken them off. My tank is freaking swarming with these little buggers!! UGH!

[larryandlaura]

The ups and downs on this folder coaster are worth it though. Your tank rocks Jamie!

[MizTanks]

The ups and downs on this folder coaster are worth it though. Your tank rocks Jamie!

Larry I always look forward to your positive input :) Thank you much ((HUGS))

[MizTanks]

http://youtu.be/Xj0xuozUoVg

[slapshot]

Now that is kick a$$ sweet!

[2pairs]

Looking great, keep up the good work.

[Sir Patrick]

You are doing wonders with that little bowfront!!!

[MizTanks]

I'm actually giggling like a little girl at all your praises-LMAO!! Talk about making me feel good! Thanks guys so much. I am a reefer who looks forward to what you all have to say. As you can see I not only talk a lot, I listen just as much :)

[MizTanks]

I know I'm taking a chance here with this lil Yellow Clown Goby but I just had to have her~I'm pretty picky with buying fishes (Cujo the mis-bar occy clown aside) so lets just hope she leaves my acros alone :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1855.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1854.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1857.jpg

[dlhirst]

I love that fish! Been threatening to get one myself. Got an Assessor instead - but there's room for one more...

[MizTanks]

Thanks dlhirst :) I've always liked em too.

[TheLittleMermaid]

Tank is looking awesome! You have great placement for all your corals! Love the new fish too!

[BEETLE60]

Cool looking tank Jamie ,look forward to more pics in the future :thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

Well the little clown goby hasn't eaten yet...but she is out an about swimming along with the other fishes...my Yellowtail fang blenny has taken a true liking to her :) and I'm loving the fact that she's not hiding out!!


Update: Yahoo she loves Rods Complete! Eating like a lil piggy :) I'm so happy! What a wonderful addition to my tank.

[MizTanks]

Well that didn't take long :( my new Clown Goby has found the Acros...caught her picking at 2 of em. Nothing major and she stopped as soon as I feed some flakes. But she is hanging close to em :(

[MizTanks]

I don't give the acros much hope. The clown goby has taken up residence amongst their branches so I've seen no polyp extension in a week. The digitfera finally gave up the ghost and was trashed yesterday :( I will not be getting any more acros. Aside from the clown, with my tank being predominantly LPS and softies it's not the best for acros. I tried :)

All else is great with my tank. Lots of growth happening! Zoa's are going crazy. I've gone from 1 ric to 4. My Trumpet is at 10+ and my Duncan is at 8 from 4.

That's it for now....

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1831.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1826.jpg

[binford4000]

evrything looks very fat and happy--great job

[AJ :)]

Zoas are way cooler than acros anyways! :P

[rcombs]

lookin good jamie, are you going to make it down to the swap, pm me your address and maybe we can get together at the swap and get your package taken care of :P

[slapshot]

If your getting that kind of growth out of those , that is why the SPS are not happy. So many times its one or the other. Tank looks great!!!!

[AJ :)]

You might try some pocillipora IF you still want some sticks in your tank, they are very forgiving.

[dlhirst]

What are the green sticks to the right of your (beautiful) clam?

[MizTanks]

Thanks guys! :)

Dlhirst-name of the acro I've no idea-traded it for a purple gorg. Was told its a deep water acro.

[binford4000]

What are the green sticks to the right of your (beautiful) clam?

looks kinda like a frog skin to me:hypnotized:

[Badfish]

I don't give the acros much hope. The clown goby has taken up residence amongst their branches so I've seen no polyp extension in a week. The digitfera finally gave up the ghost and was trashed yesterday :( I will not be getting any more acros. Aside from the clown, with my tank being predominantly LPS and softies it's not the best for acros. I tried :)


Well at least you tried, and by the looks of your tank it's due to the equipment capabilities not the skill of the reef keeper. Everything looks awesome Miz.

[MizTanks]

Well at least you tried, and by the looks of your tank it's due to the equipment capabilities not the skill of the reef keeper. Everything looks awesome Miz.

Badfish~YOU ROCK!! Totally made my day :thumbsup: and I thank you from the bottom of my heart :love3:

[MizTanks]

looks kinda like a frog skin to me:hypnotized:

Dang binford it sure does!!! Nice call :oldman:

[dlhirst]

Frog Skin makes total sense. I saw a piece of that a month back and fell in lust with it. Now, i gotta get some!

[MizTanks]

If I knew how to pack en ship I'd send it to ya-my lil clown goby is killing it :( not nipping or anything just sitting on it all the time. Otherwise try talking to 2FarNorth (JimsReef.com) he's one of our sponsors and I got it from him :)

[Sir Patrick]

Keep the frogskin jaime...it has been known to be bullet proof........polyp extension or not.

[2FarNorth]

Hey guys! Miz, the tank looks great! I'd say ride it out a little longer, that acro is a fairly tough piece..

It isn't an ORA Frogskin, I got the mother years ago and was just called a deepwater... A few years before there was a 'Frogskin' ;) I do also have the Frogskin, a great piece! It's alot more green and a different growth pattern...

[MizTanks]

Damn! As of this morning my Acro Turaki is also a gonner. The fake frogskin LOL seems to be ok for now. Just so ya's know these are the first corals I've lost since setting up this tank. Which has been almost a year now.

[MizTanks]

My heart is so sad. I've now lost the first Acro I bought. It was doing so good too. In all honesty I have to directly blame myself. Once again I did something stupid :(
While attaching my deep water acro to the rock using putty, which happened to be right next to the Turaki. Some residual washed onto the Turaki. In my haste to remove it I used a turkey baster and yes I blew to damn hard!! Killed the Turaki. This is what is left :(
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1898.jpg

The deep water seems to be doing *just* ok. Some color loss since I first got it.
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1897.jpg

[MizTanks]

Dammit it all to ****!! When it rains it pours...2 acros gone within a week. Now I've got 1 missing sexy shrimp and 1 missing Firefish, both just bought yesterday. Top it all off my parameters are all screwed up~yes I just wanna cry.....

[slapshot]

Take a deep breath. Breath in hold then out. In the out. Ok now the sexy is probably hiding. The fire fish could be hiding or in your overflow. How screwed up are your levels? How are the acros going? Bottom upon tip to bottom?

[slapshot]

Take a deep breath. Breath in hold then out. In the out. Ok now the sexy is probably hiding. The fire fish could be hiding or in your overflow. How screwed up are your levels? How are the acros going? Bottom upon tip to bottom?

[MizTanks]

I have a HOB fuge so the fish def isn't there. I've searched my entire living room and the fish is no where I can see outside the tank. It's a 26g where could it hide? :hypnotized:

My parameter are pretty screwed up. But I've decided not to fret about until after tomorrows water change. I tested my alk today and it was 5.5 and my ca wouldn't even show a reading on the RedSea Pro test kit. Then like a fool I dosed ESV alk at 38ml and shot the alk to 9, which I'm sure is gonna make everything real happy. I dosed the same amount of ca and it didn't even dent the reading. Guess my ca is low too :doh:

I know I'm going to have to figure something out as far as using a 2part. I can't afford a dosing pump and I know with the amount of LPS I have and a clam I'm going to have to dose. Or do WC weekly, which is not something I wanna do.

[Sir Patrick]

On such a small tank you might want to look into kalkwasser top offs, instead of the 2 part.

[slapshot]

With your alk that low I doubt your calcium reading. Do you have any coraline growing???? Have your alk and calcium tested by your lfs. I think your calcium test kit is bad. Alk that low will cause an Rtn event. Once it gets started it is hard to stop. Probably will end up frying your sticks.

You don't need dosing pumps. Just us crazies who want super stability need those. Many people have kept tanks the ole fashion way. Dose alk in the am and calcium in the pm.

If your calcium reading is correct then you have found your problem. I would do just as you said. A big water change, retest, have someone else test, then correct your levels. Raise your alk no more than 1 ppm per couple of days. The calcium should be raised quickly. Depending on the real level in 1 or 2 days.

[binford4000]

IMHO weekly water changes makes more sense with that small tank and would probably make it more stable.Adding some kalk or pickle lime to your top off will keep the alk up also.Just a thought.Simple is always best unless you've gone off the deep side as slapshot pointed out.

[MizTanks]

Unfortunately my test kit is better then what out LFS's are using :) I just did a 5g water change and will test again in an hour. Do you think 5g bi-weekly is enough? From the looks of my water I'd say no or else I need a better skimmer. What if I upped it to 10g bi-weekly?

New water http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1904.jpg

2 week old water http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1905.jpg

I've got great coraline growth and my clam shows good growth also :) I'm really wanting to correct this via water changes before I restart a dosing regime again. To be honest my ability to be consistent with the dosing leaves a whole lot to be desired..I know shame on me :( Guess I pretty much answered my first questions...more water changes of better dosing regime :) Looking for an easier softer way and the results are nill lol.

Any recommendations of the type of Kalkwrasser? Thank you guys for all your help and most of all for your patience. I know I test them often :)

[CalmSeasQuest]

Hi Miz,

All in all, the tank looks Great :thumbsup: A few thoughts...


Get your Alk and Ca levels stabilized using 2-part. The BRS calculator (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/reef-calculator)is helpful in determining how much of each part will be needed.
Start adding Kalk (Calcium Hydroxide) to your ATO. Any brand is fine (I use BRS.) Although it's not canning season, you might be able to find Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime locally.

For a light demand tank such as yours, there is a good chance you'll be able to maintain Alk and Ca using just Kalk. Kalkwasser is a "balanced" solution in that it provides Alk and Ca in the same ratios used by corals.

[binford4000]

If it we're me I'd just do five a week.I think doing a ten is a good idea right now because of your alk ca level's are all over the place.There's lot's of brands of kalwasser but really the mrs wages pickle lime they sell at the grocery store cost's allot less and does a good job.A quality skimmer is a must.I don't care who say's it isn't.Save your money and get the best one you can afford that has a bubble plate and make sure you get one rated for twice your tank size.Skimmer's are probably the best advancement I've seen in the 20+ years.That's comeing from someone who actually bought a skilter when they we're considered new and state of the art(there's going to people who say what's a skilter) LOL You have a good size bio load in that lil tank and small fuge.On top of that you feed allot (which is good) Getting a solid water regime will give you the stability your looking for IMO.My wife's 75 is not doased and she has a bohemith bio load.It does get kalk in her top off and a religous water change weekly.Proofs in the pudding. :jester:

[MizTanks]

Hi Miz,

All in all, the tank looks Great :thumbsup: A few thoughts...


Get your Alk and Ca levels stabilized using 2-part. The BRS calculator (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/reef-calculator)is helpful in determining how much of each part will be needed.
Start adding Kalk (Calcium Hydroxide) to your ATO. Any brand is fine (I use BRS.) Although it's not canning season, you might be able to find Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime locally.

For a light demand tank such as yours, there is a good chance you'll be able to maintain Alk and Ca using just Kalk. Kalkwasser is a "balanced" solution in that it provides Alk and Ca in the same ratios used by corals.

CSQ~I don't use an ATO setup. I top off by hand daily, about 1/2 gallon or less. How big a difference would this make for ease of use?

[binford4000]

you could do a simple drip bucket that has kalk in it dripping to your fuge,simple and easy peezy top off and you get the benafit of the kalk adding slowly.Just gotta watch the tube cause kalk will clog up the line from time to time

[CalmSeasQuest]

CSQ~I don't use an ATO setup. I top off by hand daily, about 1/2 gallon or less. How big a difference would this make for ease of use?
Saturated Kalk has a ~12pH, so it has to be added in small amounts. I would put an ATO on your wish list as it provides salinity stability and the ability to easily dose Kalk (plus you can travel and not have to worry about topping off.)

As Bin mentioned - Short of an ATO, it's easy to drip it using an IV-type setup. Years back I used a Kent Aquadose with great success, It's an inexpensive option that works well. Another option is a pump on a timer - Kalk can be added to a bucket of top off water (just use a tight lid.) You can then use a pump on a timer to drip dose it (AquaLifters are cheap.)

Whichever method you choose, think it through and make sure it's set-up correctly. Overdosing Kalk on a small tank can have devastating results.

[MizTanks]

Lol-ok that didn't scare me much :0 I'm looking at he JBJ ATO System. Comes with 2 sensors. I will DT be taking my time with this :)

[MizTanks]

Today I did my first ever Flatworm Exit treatment. WOW! Within minutes from adding it to a high flow area I was seeing worms floating around. Within 15 minutes I was netting them out by the hundreds. Scared the heck outta me :) Little rusty colored ones and some larger clears white ones. After half hour of netting, I started the Mag 350 filled with carbon and ran that for about an hour. Then I did a 5g water change and am still letting the carbon run.
Tomorrow I'll do another treatment just to be on the safe side. Wonderful thing about it all is that not even my zoas closed up during the entire project :) All is well with Miz Tank :)

[binford4000]

You should be prepared to treat your tank again in three to four weeks.Theer's lots more eggs then the worms your netting.Most people have to treat several times to get rid of the flatworms.They breed better then rabbits!.Good luck

[MizTanks]

Quick update: Not sure if it's the Flatworm Exit but in the last few minutes I've pulled out 6 dying bristle worms. Not complaining but just an observation.

[binford4000]

Quick update: Not sure if it's the Flatworm Exit but in the last few minutes I've pulled out 6 dying bristle worms. Not complaining but just an observation.

It's chemical warfare !!! There will be casulity's LOL

[Badfish]

Sorry to hear about the tough couple of days you had Miz, but I know you'll get through it, we all have are runs of bad luck. Glad to see you hanging in there and nuke'n those Flatworms.:thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

Sorry to hear about the tough couple of days you had Miz, but I know you'll get through it, we all have are runs of bad luck. Glad to see you hanging in there and nuke'n those Flatworms.:thumbsup:

Thanks Badfish. Yeah it's been rough for sure. Not as bad as some I've read about though so I'm grateful :) On a good note the parameters are starting to show much improvement. As of this a.m. readings were: Ca=420~Alk=9~Mag=1320 and Ph=8.3 :)

[Heidi]

Quick update: Not sure if it's the Flatworm Exit but in the last few minutes I've pulled out 6 dying bristle worms. Not complaining but just an observation.

Worms is worms I guess. I wonder if it will kill some of the fan worms etc?? Let us know. Sorry sounds like you have had a rough couple of days in reef land, however your levels in you last post are spot on so everything should get happy again! :thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

Worms is worms I guess. I wonder if it will kill some of the fan worms etc?? Let us know. Sorry sounds like you have had a rough couple of days in reef land, however your levels in you last post are spot on so everything should get happy again! :thumbsup:

I did read that if used extra strength as the directions are known for being to low~that Flatworm Exit will kill fan worms also.

[binford4000]

Thanks Badfish. Yeah it's been rough for sure. Not as bad as some I've read about though so I'm grateful :) On a good note the parameters are starting to show much improvement. As of this a.m. readings were: Ca=420~Alk=9~Mag=1320 and Ph=8.3 :)

congrats on the solid levels.Did you accomplish this with the water change ?

[MizTanks]

congrats on the solid levels.Did you accomplish this with the water change ?

Actually the alk level was achieved by dosing ESV Alk at 38ml over a 2 day period. However this a.m I tested and my Alk reading before dosing is 7.8. I've since dosed 10ml and will be testing again shortly. I dosed Ca last night at 10ml and this a.m. reading is 420. Ph=7.8

Personally I think in order for me to get better readings I'm going to have to do more then a 5g water change. However in the last 2 days I've changed 10g of water. New water readings are excellent and exactly what I'm wanting. But are totally diluted after entering the tank.:shrug:

[MizTanks]

My observations after Flatworm Exit treatment are: Used double strength it kills bristle worms. I pulled around 15 1-2" dead/dying out. However this isn't even a dent in their numbers in my tank. I have seen 1 already this a.m. still alive. Very unusual especially at feeding time. Also it seems to have affected my larger Nerite snails..all have crowded into a bunch at the waters surface. Again strange behavior as they usually hide during the day.
Corals and fish are all doing fine :)

[MizTanks]

Saw a flatworm on the glass this a.m. Will do another FWE treatment next week. Want to give my snails time to recover if they do :( they are still hoovering at the waters surface, although a couple have *dropped* down to the sand bed. I picked them up and placed them on a rock and am now watching them. A couple have started to move :)
Parameters this a.m. are: Ca=440~Alk=10.4~Mag=1320~Ph=7.8 I also tested for ammonia and No3 both=.0
Tank actually looks great! I did buy another Fire fish last Saturday. Hoping that she'd bring my other one out of hiding. For the first couple of days she did. But as of today, they are both now hiding, UGH!
I've gladly re-homed Cujo the occy clown :) A friend lost his while he was on vacation so I gave him Cujo. I was happy to do so :) That's it for today....

[slapshot]

Sounds like your solid again. Congrates. That should solve your acro problem.

[MizTanks]

No acros=no problems :)

[MizTanks]

Well I shall be treating again with FWE..however I did get the majority the first time so I won't be going double strength. I've noticed I'm no longer seeing 2+" Bristle worms...only seeing the itty bitty ones. My larger Nerites did not fair very well. Lost around 4. Cool thing about a nano...stock is way easy to keep an eye on :) Like still no sight of my Peppermint shrimp...I'm now suspecting she's dead.
I'm in need of new lighting :) I've pretty much made up my mind to going with the AI Nano/Controller. Yahoo for me! Hopefully I can recoup some money by the sale of my t5ho fixture :) there's my skimmer.
Here's a pic of my current skimmers nog~it's a Reef Octopus NS80 nano. So not all nano skimmers IMO are worthless..it's pulling something :) and I get this everyday sometimes twice a day.
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1906.jpg

My new green clove polyps :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1910.jpg

[MizTanks]

She's a couple days shy of 1 year old!!! Here's a couple of then and now pics. Enjoy!!
then:
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0095-Copy.jpg

and now:
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1831.jpg

[MizTanks]

Decisions decisions :( I've ordered 4 new bulbs for my t5ho and the Hydor Slim Skim nano skimmer...sort of bumbed out about not going with the LED's but I just don't feel ready for em yet. Was to afraid of killing off my corals and I know I wouldn't be able to replace them if this happened. I've been doing great with the t5's :) Did order the new ATI Coral Plus bulb. Here's a chart on em: ATI Coral Plus T5 tube is a blueish lamp with a little PAR bump (http://reefbuilders.com/2011/12/26/ati-coral-plus-t5/) and 2x blue+ and 1x purple+

[nate_newton]

The Ecoxotic Stunners are a good start into leds. They supplement your T5's but you don't have to switch over. I don't plan on switching but I do like some of the colors they add.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

With the success you're having with the T5s I can't blame you for sticking with them. Besides in a year from now when the bulbs need to be replaced again the cost and track record on LEDs should be that much better. I hope the skimmer does you right. Please keep us posted on its performance.

Tom

[purerebel]

Looking great Jamie! I picked up a couple of the coral plus and I like them alot. Nice tint of purple to em.

[MizTanks]

Looking great Jamie! I picked up a couple of the coral plus and I like them alot. Nice tint of purple to em.

Damn! Wish I would have read this before I ordered the Purple+ also :doh: I just felt that 3xblue+ and 1xCoral Plus would have been to much blue. I'm liking the extra par in the Coral+ though :)

[MizTanks]

The Ecoxotic Stunners are a good start into leds. They supplement your T5's but you don't have to switch over. I don't plan on switching but I do like some of the colors they add.

They have many colors to choose from. Any suggestions to go with my bulb choices? I'm looking at 1xCoral Plus 2xblue+ and 1xpurple+.

[Sir Patrick]

They have many colors to choose from. Any suggestions to go with my bulb choices? I'm looking at 1xCoral Plus 2xblue+ and 1xpurple+.

I think that sounds like a very nice combo.

[WillBattle]

They have many colors to choose from. Any suggestions to go with my bulb choices? I'm looking at 1xCoral Plus 2xblue+ and 1xpurple+.

Let me know how this goes for you! Same set up I am running t5 bulb wise minus the coral+ , was looking at switching my other standalone, to match the combo you have listed

Sent from my PH44100 using Tapatalk

[MizTanks]

Will do Will :) I've been running all the bulbs except for the Coral Plus. Mostly interested in adding just a tad bit more blue. So I'll switch out the aquablue special for the coral plus.

[MizTanks]

Yahooo shopping for my tank is done...New skimmer...new bulbs....new ro/di filters/resin/membrane...and and and a new Mp10!!!! Goooo Jamie!!!

[Badfish]

Woooohhhhh Weeeee, you are going to have some happy fish and corals Miz!

[MizTanks]

Woooohhhhh Weeeee, you are going to have some happy fish and corals Miz!

LMAO! I know right!

[MizTanks]

RO/DI filters/Resin and membrane brand new :) Yes I did it myself...only took me an hour or so cause yuppers you guessed it...got my hoses mixed up :smash::doh: Binford where the **** are you when I need you? :redneck:

[CalmSeasQuest]

Yahooo shopping for my tank is done...

Jamie,

That might be the funniest thing I've ever read. Let me know how that works out for you :big_grin:

[MizTanks]

Jamie,

That might be the funniest thing I've ever read. Let me know how that works out for you :big_grin:

:doh::doh::doh::stupidme:

[MizTanks]

New Hydor Slim Skim nano skimmer unboxed:
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1942.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1948.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1946.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1947.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1945.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1944.jpg

New Vortech Mp10 Unboxed:
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1941.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1950.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1953.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1952.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1955.jpg

[thepanfish]

Duplicate post

[thepanfish]

Woooohhhhh Weeeee, you are going to have some happy fish and corals Miz!

Just peed myself I laughed so hard :big_grin:

[binford4000]

oooh new toy's!!! Nice choice's.Your gonna luv that mp10. :jester:

[2FarNorth]

Good choice on sticking with the T5's, and getting the vortech, you'll ask yourself why you never got one before....

[creefer]

Wow.....nice toys!

You, and your corals, will love the mp10. I'm interested to hear how well the slim skim nano works for you.

[MizTanks]

Well now that I've figured out the proper way to run this skimmer ( for my tank) I love it!! It is skimming the surface like a champ and I'm getting good nog. Nice foam filled with gunk :) after hearing so much about small skimmers being more or less useless, I can attest that the Hydor Slim Skim nano is NOT useless!!

Running the Mp10 on Lagoon and my corals all seem to love it. The fish are catching on to the feed setting too :)
All in all I'm very happy with the new purchases.

[Sir Patrick]

This tank is rockin now!!!

You got all the goodies!! Very nice miz!

[MizTanks]

This tank is rockin now!!!

You got all the goodies!! Very nice miz!

Thanks Chris. I just realized something...my tank is 1 YEAR OLD!!! Happy happy Joy joy!!

[Badfish]

Thanks Chris. I just realized something...my tank is 1 YEAR OLD!!! Happy happy Joy joy!!

Congrats Miz! :highfive3:

[Heidi]

Happy birthday Mizzz's 24 gallon reef!! :)

[MizTanks]

Happy birthday Mizzz's 26 gallon reef!! :)

Thank you Heidi :)

---------- Post added at 02:51 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:50 PM ----------


Congrats Miz! :highfive3:

Thank you Badfish :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Happy B-day Miz's 28 Bowfront!

Tom

[MizTanks]

Happy B-day Miz's 26 Bowfront!

Tom

Thank you Tom :)

[binford4000]

congrats it's all easy from here LOL tank looks great as usual.You should post some then and now pics to show the excellant progress you and your tank has made!!! :redneck:

[MizTanks]

Growth shots. Not exactly sure what the name of this coral is. Lavender star polyps?? Similar to the GSP I'm sure.
2/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0782.jpg

12/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1801.jpg

2/2012
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2022.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2023.jpg

4/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0774.jpg

2/2012
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_1992.jpg



4/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0776.jpg

2/2012
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2008.jpg

4/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0786.jpg

2/2012
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2013.jpg

5/2011
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0062.jpg

2/2012
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2029.jpg

[binford4000]

Nice growth,ya gotta be feelin good after looking at those !!! Keep the good work up :oldman:

[thepanfish]

Time to upgrade!

[MizTanks]

Well I broke down and put 1 Koralia power head back in the tank. Placed up high to break the surface. Just can't beat the surface protein :( Maybe after installing the ATO and getting the water level consistent, will the skimmer do what it's supposed to be doing. For now any change in water level it stops skimming the surface.

[MizTanks]

WTH!! Mp10 1" under water surface...Koralia 240gph 1" under water surface...return at water surface...skimmer skimming surface supposedly but.....surface protein is still there!!! I'm sick to freaking death of this crap :(

[Heidi]

I have an idea... why don't you get some acrylic cut the right sizes and make a "box style" overflow with teeth leading into your fuge? you could make it out of black acrylic and have it go the length of the back wall (minus the return and the skimmer) just have it down a quarter of an inch from the water line and have your pump for the fuge sit down in it... just a thought :shrug:

Heidi

[MizTanks]

I've thought about doing just that but.....small tank don't ya know :( and now with this skimmer in tank + 2 power heads and the pump from the fuge and then the fuge outlet....well my tanks starting to look like a junk yard :(

[Sir Patrick]

About that surface skim....what are you dosing/adding to the tank with these days, besides top off water and water change saltwater??

[BC United]

WTH!! Mp10 1" under water surface...Koralia 240gph 1" under water surface...return at water surface...skimmer skimming surface supposedly but.....surface protein is still there!!! I'm sick to freaking death of this crap :(

My 29 gallon was collecting a heavy layer of film on the top which I found annoying too. I was going to buy a prefilter for the CPR bakpak skimmer in order to pull water from the surface. But I started running a AC50 on the back and that essentially took care of the problem. After I feed a little surface film builds up, but nothing heavy and it goes away. The AC50 is probably less noticeable in the tank than the Koralias I have. I added the AC50 in order to run carbon (chemipure elite) or whatever other media I should want, but it took care of the surface film too.

[MizTanks]

My 29 gallon was collecting a heavy layer of film on the top which I found annoying too. I was going to buy a prefilter for the CPR bakpak skimmer in order to pull water from the surface. But I started running a AC50 on the back and that essentially took care of the problem. After I feed a little surface film builds up, but nothing heavy and it goes away. The AC50 is probably less noticeable in the tank than the Koralias I have. I added the AC50 in order to run carbon (chemipure elite) or whatever other media I should want, but it took care of the surface film too.

What is an AC50?

[BC United]

What is an AC50?
AquaClear 50 hang-on-the-back filter

[MizTanks]

If i wasn't running the CPR HOB Aquafuge I might consider one :)

[MizTanks]

Got my JBJ ATO and Tom Aquatics lifter pump today :) Not sure when I'll hook it up...I'm a little depressed about my set up at the moment...perfectionism can be so hindering....I keep spending $$$ here and there trying to fix certain issues and just keep creating new issues.

I'm really really not liking this skimmer in my tank. It's ugly, and takes up to much room :( It would fit in my fuge. I've posted for opinions about turning my fuge into a sump. Just keep my skimmer/heater and maybe some Chemipure Elite in there for filtration. Not getting a lot of responses.

I do know one things for sure.....after a year I'm totally sick of messing around with this tank. I'm just grateful that all livestock is doing wonderful and thriving :)

[MizTanks]

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2032.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2014.jpg

This lil hammer's been through some ****...fell head first into my Oulophyllia bennettae, was knocked down 3 times by hermits behind the LR..but what a fighter!! Today she's doing wonderful and is securely attached!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2026.jpg

[MizTanks]

Yahooo!!! Hooked up my new JBJ ATO with Tom Aquatics 3.3gph pump. Works like a champ!!

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0004.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0005-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0012-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0010-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0009-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0008-1.jpg

http://youtu.be/K3nrqAkNUlg

[MizTanks]

also....since I started dosing 15ml of ESV's 2 part...alk at night and ca in morning my parameters have been stable. Alk is 9.1 and Ca is 440 :)

[WillBattle]

Awesome! Glad to hear its working out well!

[MizTanks]

Zoa's growing up the back of my tank, again!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0040-1.jpg

I'm hoping she's just pregnant?
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0047-2.jpg

Just look at the new growth!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_2027.jpg

Tank is doing quit well. Growth is crazy! Even my 1 lil acan I thought for sure was a gonner is sprouting new heads. Duncan is now at 10 heads. Ric has gone from 1 to 5 Parameters are all good and steady. Cleaned out the fuge of cyno and added some new type of cheato. It's a much lighter green then what I had in there before.

[Badfish]

Wow Miz, I missed your last couple of post. Everything is looking awesome, I see you added some equipment too. How nice is having ATO? Looks like between adding ATO and dosing 2-part, your tank's stability is causing some good growth. My tank did the same thing when I started using Kalk.


I've got to ask, Who's winning this battle, the Rics or the Zoas?

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0040-1.jpg (http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0040-1.jpg)

[MizTanks]

Thanks Badfish! Yeah the growth has been crazy in there for sure :) From what I'm seeing it looks like the zoa's are winning. Actually pushing the ric's out of the way. Not killing them but making them move. I've no idea what these zoa's are called but let me tell you. They are tough as ****. I've had them for going on 3 years. Moved them from my lil 8g. The hardiest and fastest growing zoa I've ever owned! Here they are 1 year ago: http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0785.jpg

[binford4000]

also....since I started dosing 15ml of ESV's 2 part...alk at night and ca in morning my parameters have been stable. Alk is 9.1 and Ca is 440 :)

Them some good lookin numbers there miz.Tank looks great :thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

Them some good lookin numbers there miz.Tank looks great :thumbsup:

Thanks :oldman: Coming from you that means a lot! :highfive3:

[MizTanks]

Freaking hate this!!! Got up the morning and my Clown Goby is MIA...very unusual for her as she's always out and about....checked the floor and nadda :( What's worse is just last night a friend called to ask me what he could do for his Clown Goby as it wasn't eating and hadn't done so in a week and it was looking mighty skinny. The man brought me bad mojo :crying:
To top it all off the FF I was hoping was pregnant hasn't been seen in 2 days now. WTH? Water parameters are good, temp is fine. Other fish are good as well. I did find a snail behind the tank on the floor. No telling how long it's been there but amazingly it's still alive!
I'm very very sad about my fish.....:crying: and now I'll spend the rest of the day glancing at the tank hoping to see a lil streak of yellow :(

Update: FF is fine but no Clown goby.

[MizTanks]

Wow she looks naked!

From this...

[MizTanks]

To this! And I'm giving it away :)

[MizTanks]

As of yesterday my tank is now skimmer free. Yes I've removed the skimmer from my tank! I can't get over just how much room it was truly taking up. Wow! Aside from the room issues it wasn't really pulling that much out of my tank anyways. Yellow water with no chunky gunk. Plus it wasn't doing what it was advertised it would, surface skim.

Picked up 7 heads of sun coral yesterday. Tonight they opened up and I fed them some frozen brine.

[MizTanks]

Just a couple of iPhone 4s pictures....better then my Cannon Powershot SX130
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0092-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0090.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0085-1.jpg

[WillBattle]

Pics look great! How are you liking the sun coral? Those and dendros are probably my favorite coral! Feeding them makes me feel more involved in the tank :)

Sent from my PH44100 using Tapatalk

[BC United]

Just a couple of iPhone 4s pictures....better then my Cannon Powershot SX130
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0092-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0090.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0085-1.jpg
Love that sun coral! He looks happy:)

[MizTanks]

will: So far I'm liking this coral a lot. She opens at lights on a lot :)

Thank you BC :)

[BC United]

How do you like your JBJ ato? Your's is set-up in your sump are correct? Are you running the second float switch as a high water safety back-up? Now that I have a fan running while my 150watt metal halide is on I a going through 5 gallons of top off a week on my 29 gallon. I am debating btw jbj ato and tunze....

[MizTanks]

So far it's been great! One float is in my DT and the other of course is in the ro reserve. I'm using the Tom Aquatic lifter pump 3.3gph and it trickles into my CPR HOB aquafuge. Keeps the level in tank perfect :)

[binford4000]

Great pics!! Ya put much more in that thing gonna burst! Eh. ? Lol. Looks really good Miz.:oldman:

[MizTanks]

Great pics!! Ya put much more in that thing gonna burst! Eh. ? Lol. Looks really good Miz.:oldman:


Do you think I have to many corals in my tank :oldman: (seriously) ??

[MizTanks]

Going to do some pump cleaning this weekend~don't like them to getting covered with coralline.

It's been a week since I removed the skimmer. I'm not seeing any adverse affects as of yet. However just to be safe I'll be doing another 5g water change tomorrow. Upping it from 1x monthly to 1x bi-weekly. I'm also going to get a lower watt lamp for my fuge light..thinking this may be the reason for the continued cyno growth. I'm running a 24w lamp now and will bring it down to an 18w. Which is what I believe was running when I first got it and didn't have the cyno issue.

Otherwise all is well. I'm hunting for a Mandarin!!

[binford4000]

Do you think I have to many corals in my tank :oldman: (seriously) ??

No worries it's all good.why did you remove the skimmer? I personally think skimmers are one of the most important pieces of equipment for your tank. I wouldn't ever run a tank without one personally.Skimmers are the most efficant way to remove waste in your tank and play a key role in reducing No2&3 and ammonia from fish poop. Just curious? I would think you would see issues not right away but farther down the road unless you do frequent large water changes.

[MizTanks]

Simply~because it's so freaking big and ugly in my tank :( and the only thing I was getting out of it was some pee colored water once a week.

I'm frustrated beyond my limit where a skimmer is concerned. I've really no place to put one aside from intank and then one big enough to make a difference just takes up so much room. Without totally rearranging my rock the only space I have for it is on the side of the tank right next to the intake pump.

I was thinking of putting it into my fuge but then peoples are telling me not to do that. That a fuge is more important. I was thinking of turning the fuge into a HOB sump. Putting the skimmer, heater in there. But then I'd have no place for macro and pods. So what else is there?

I've no place for a sump and if I did have one I'd have to go with an overflow box. More and more money...pumps, plumbing ect ect....

I'm upping my water changes to 1xbi-weekly for now. Maybe something better will come along.

[binford4000]

It's definitely tough to find a skimmer that fits your needs let alone the presentation of the tank. I would have put it in the fugue as long as micro bubbles wern't an issue. Not sure of the pods.we have all our skimmers in the sump/fuge's. It's my opinion that once the pods colonize your tank it pretty hard to kill em of with out wiping out the complete inhabitants of the tank.i.e. huge temp swing,ammonia spike,alk or calcium over doaseing to crazy levels. Ya get the point. If your getting brown water the skimmer is running to wet also. Either way looks like it's going well!

[MizTanks]

Well I'm keeping the skimmer handy just in case :)

[slapshot]

If You limit your feeding and keep up with your water changes you'll be fine. Many people believe as long as your not trying to keep sps it's better to go skimmerless. Tank looks great, oh and can you really ever have to many corals?? Amazing how those pictures look. Love the sexy shrimp.

[MizTanks]

If You limit your feeding and keep up with your water changes you'll be fine. Many people believe as long as your not trying to keep sps it's better to go skimmerless. Tank looks great, oh and can you really ever have to many corals?? Amazing how those pictures look. Love the sexy shrimp.

Always makes my day to hear positive support :thumbsup: Thank you Slapshot!

[MizTanks]

Some growth pic's...still feeding Coral Extacy and my corals love it!!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0081.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0078.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0077.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0071.jpg

[AJ :)]

Some growth pic's...still feeding Coral Extacy and my corals love it!!
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0081.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0078.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0077.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0071.jpg
Your corals look fantastic! Really nice pics too.

[MizTanks]

Thanks a bunch A.J. Nice compliment considering the source :)

[slapshot]

It all looks healthy and happy. Now we need a new FTS

[MizTanks]

Got Tonga Shroom? I dooooo!!! Lil piggy loves frozen brine shrimp :)

http://img.tapatalk.com/6c55d094-e867-c792.jpg

[AJ :)]

That's a mushroom? It looks like one of the maxi minis. Great colors!

[MizTanks]

That's a mushroom? It looks like one of the maxi minis. Great colors!

Tonga Shroom from HappyCorals.com Initially I had 2 but the other got so freaking big I gave it away :)

[AJ :)]

Tonga Shroom from HappyCorals.com Initially I had 2 but the other got so freaking big I gave it away :)
How big was it? I'll have to keep an eye out for those. Very cool mushroom.

[MizTanks]

How big was it? I'll have to keep an eye out for those. Very cool mushroom.

6+" across. I ordered 1 and 2 came in on the rock...but that's HappyCoral for ya :)

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0978.jpg

[AJ :)]

Wow! That's a big shroom! I'll have to get some stuff from Happy Coral. I have seen lots of great stuff coming from them. Thanks for the extra pic!

[MizTanks]

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0016-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0009-2.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0107.jpg

[slapshot]

Looks great!!!!!

[binford4000]

Looks really good Jamie !!! Better start planning that up grade starting to get crowded in there LOL :jester:

[carlitofish]

very nice stock. great color

[MizTanks]

Ever look at your tank and go...DAMN!!! Where's the glass? LOL that's how mine looks today :bananas:

[MizTanks]

Looks really good Jamie !!! Better start planning that up grade starting to get crowded in there LOL :jester:

Kind a looks like a Hoarders dream don't it? LMAO!

[MizTanks]

I'd like to introduce you all to Dilly the ORA Target Mandarin! Much more alert, fatter and bigger then poor lil Pickles was. Don't think I'll be keeping her in the Becky Box for very long :) She's already showing signs of...LET ME OUTTA HERE!!!

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0138-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0139-1.jpg

[BarbH]

Very nice, hope she does well for you

Sent from my SCH-R720 using Tapatalk 2

[slapshot]

I'd like to introduce you all to Dilly the ORA Target Mandarin! Much more alert, fatter and bigger then poor lil Pickles was. Don't think I'll be keeping her in the Becky Box for very long :) She's already showing signs of...LET ME OUTTA HERE!!!

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0138-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0139-1.jpg
Nice looking very fat and healthy. Just out of curiosity does she eat?? That will be a nice addition.

[MizTanks]

Honestly I've yet to see her eat. She was very anxious to get out of the box so I let her out. She's doing wonderful so far in the tank. Very alert and is exploring everywhere :) I'll give her a couple of days to settle in. But I have set up a small feeding station for her. Which I'll be attending to 3-4 times a day. Just a glass jar where I'll put the Ova/Spectrum pellets in.

[MizTanks]

UGH! How freaking frustrating!! I've put a glass jar into the tank as a feeding station for Dilly. So far...I've caught about 15 bristle worms and the nassarius are well fed :(

However Dilly does seem to be hunting through out the rocks, and she's all over the tank which is a joy to watch! I'm loving this lil fish :hypnotized:

[AJ :)]

Great looking fish! plus captive bred! Hope she works out well for you.

[MizTanks]

So far Dilly seems to be doing great! She's all over the tank and in an out of the jar I've set up as her feeding station. I pretty much keep it filled throughout the day, with Nutramar Ova and New Life Spectrum pellets. Yesterday just for the heck of it I threw in a few frozen blood worms and although I didn't see her eat any of them, she sure seemed to get excited :) I'll chop em up next time, might have been to big for her. I :love3: this lil fish!

[Mr. Microscope]

Okay, so maybe I was wrong about seeing your porcelain crab again. Didn't realize how long you've had this tank going. Looks great BTW! Love the mandarin. That fish is the reason I got into this hobby. I hope to have a tank with a substantial pod population to have one someday.

[MizTanks]

Yahoooo!!! I'm so freaking happy and relieved!!! Dilly is totally crazy over Frozen Blood Worms!!! Yes she's eating them like crazy and I'm watching her as she sucks em down...she's even chasing the ones that float by her. :big_grin::thumbsup::highfive3:

I just ordered some Tisbe copepods for her and the tank of course :) All is well :highfive3:

[2pairs]

Yahoooo!!! I'm so freaking happy and relieved!!! Dilly is totally crazy over Frozen Blood Worms!!! Yes she's eating them like crazy and I'm watching her as she sucks em down...she's even chasing the ones that float by her. :big_grin::thumbsup::highfive3:

I just ordered some Tisbe copepods for her and the tank of course :) All is well :highfive3:
Try some frozen mysis.

[MizTanks]

Try some frozen mysis.

hahaha just ordered some of those too :) PE Mysis...some Hikari enriched blood worms and some Hikari frozen baby brine. They only sell SF Bay here at our LFS and it's all crap!

[Badfish]

Glad to see Dilly is eating for you Miz! :highfive3: She looks great, much healther fish this time.

[MizTanks]

New food arrived this a.m. :) Already fed Dilly her blood worms and she just goes crazy for em! I was also treated to watching her peck peck pecking at pods off the glass. The other fishes are also loving the extra goodies :)

Made some make up water. Figured what with all the frozen feeding going on I'd better up the water changes~lol~don't want to insight an algae riot!!

[MizTanks]

All is well and healthy with my tank. It's been well over a month now without a skimmer and so far I've noticed NO difference from when I was running one.
Here's a few pics~enjoy :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0187.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0184.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0173-1.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0146.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0157.jpg

[MizTanks]

This is where Dilly comes to get fed...every day twice a day. It's actually pretty cool. I get to get a good look at her daily :)
Dilly the ORA Target Mandarin. - YouTube

[Fish Dad]

Cool Video - fun to watch - looks like your fish has false eye lashes....:big_grin:

[slapshot]

Everything looks great!!

[MizTanks]

My tank is small so how in the **** can a fish go missing? My Yellowtail Fang Blenny is MIA!!! Nothing on the floor within 20' of the tank :( She was in there at 8:30am feeding......

[Tankster]

I had one go mia out of a 12g nano and found him 3 weeks later in one of the back compartments while doing a media change. He was a pain to catch!

[MizTanks]

I had one go mia out of a 12g nano and found him 3 weeks later in one of the back compartments while doing a media change. He was a pain to catch!

Those back chambers are great fish catchers~at least he was still alive :) I remember my 8g bio-cube and my hi-fin goby LOL

[AJ :)]

Did you find your blenny yet?

[MizTanks]

Did you find your blenny yet?

No :tear::tear::(

[slapshot]

Sorry to hear that!:shake-head:

[MizTanks]

Can fish actually get themselves stuck in the rocks? This is just breaking my heart :( I keep looking looking looking hoping to see her pop up......I hate this!! This now makes 2 fish in the last 4 months that have just vanished?????

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I'm not sure if fish can get stuck or not, but I think most anything is possible in a reef tank. Has the fish ever "gone missing" before, and if so for how long? There are a lot of nooks and crannies in any size reef tank, and a half day of hiding seems completely possible.

I hope you find it... alive and well,

Tom

[MizTanks]

She is no more :( :crying::crying::crying: While sitting here watching for her to pop up some where, my Maxi Mini was spitting out what was left of her. I was able to identify her by her skull/eye sockets and some fin bones. Only thing I can think of happening is she got spooked and bumped into it....that's all it took.
Thing is, I fed her at 8:30...then tested the tank from 9 til 11 at which time I noticed her missing. I did not notice if the nem was closed up or not. So I'm saying it happened pretty damn fast.

So now I have a small power head flowing directly on the nem...it's going if I have to cut it out.

[AJ :)]

That's a bummer . But carpets do have history of taking out fish.

Don't be too mad at the anemone it's only doing what is natural.

[BC United]

Sorry to hear about your blenny! I am not sure what I would do with the anemone if I were in shoes, especially with Dilly still in there. The anemone does have very nice coloration, and I always eye them at the LFS, but maybe I'll stay away from the carpets if they are fish eaters. On another note, in your recent coral pics, I really like the favia (I believe that is what it is). Looks great; I think I am now in the market for a nice favia frag.

[MizTanks]

I'm not mad at the nem-just hate making ignorant mistakes and then something else has to pay. If I could get inside the holes I'd remove/rehome them.

Thank you BC. The Favia is a fav and my oldest now at almost 3yrs. Smaller then a frag plug when bought :)

On another note. Added a lil flow to my fuge and all cyno is gone :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[MizTanks]

Tigriopus alive and thriving in my tank!!! Sad thing is, my Mandarin will sit in the same dark corner right on top of them and not touch a one. What's up with that? :confused:
Tigger Pods in my tank!! - YouTube

[MizTanks]

Well if I was worried about the chaeto NOT growing in my fuge, I'm no longer concerned :) As the small clump I put into my DT for copepods to hid in, has grown like a freaking weed! What was once a small base ball size is now triple that. Maybe this is what's starving out the chaeto in the fuge?

My tank is doing wonderfully! Still skimmer free. No algae issues, .0 nitrates. Crystal clear water :) I added a small Tom canister filter. Tiny lil thing at just 80gph, hangs on the side of my tank. I'm only running carbon in it for now. Most likely going to get some Clear FX Pro, starting out small. Just to help with any excess nutrients being added by the 2-3x daily feedings of frozen (way to go Dilly) Then again with the chaeto growing like it is, I may just be able to get away with carbon only :)

I've got these little thread like worms popping up all over my tank. I've no idea where they came from. 1 has even latched itself onto one of my snails. Their not found in clumps like I would expect if they were spaghetti worms,so I don't know what exactly they are.

I'll be treating for flat worms this weekend. Not going to double dose this time :) Just enough to bring the numbers down so I'm not seeing them on the glass. Can't stand that!! They are no where near as bad as the first time I treated.

That's it for now :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0262-1.jpg

Acan eating blood worms :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0264-1.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0260.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/7b0d4e0f.jpg

[BC United]

Tank looks great! Good luck with the flatworm treatment. It looks like you decided to keep the carpet anemones?

[MizTanks]

Thanks and thanks :) I didn't decided to keep em I don't know how to get them out :( Aside from cutting them out?

[MizTanks]

Progress not perfection right? Here's a pic showing my clams growth. I've had it 10 months now and that's about an inch in all of new growth. New growth is from the bottom of the ripples and the new white showing :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/9b54bf12.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/29a4dc17.jpg

Now I can't figure out what the heck this stuff is. Rusty brown in color. Started on the right side of the tank, sand bed only and is slowly creeping it's way to front and center. There's plenty of flow in these areas.
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/2fa69049.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/c5a45eab.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/ee063277.jpg

[BC United]

Kind of looks like something I had in my tank not too long ago. When it was by stronger current it looked kind of stringy. Where there was less current it grew more like a thin mat. I thought the stuff in my tank might be dinoflagellates rather than diatoms. I was able to get rid of the stuff in my tank after I did two things: 1. At the time of the break out of this stuff there was birdsnest coral that was losing some tissue. The brown stuff was actually growing on the tips of the birdsnest coral. There was tissue loss on the coral tips, and I thought the brown stuff was killing the coral. But, it might have been that the coral flesh was dying because the coral was placed to close to the light in the tank, and the dying tissue was feeding the brown stuff. So, the first thing I did was move the birdsnest down in the tank (it fully recovered). 2. At the same time, I turned off lights for 2 or 3 days straight. After the black out the stuff was gone and never came back. So, one or both of those changes appeared to rid the tank of the brown stuff, which was as in your tank, starting to spread widely.

Since you have removed your skimmer, it could be that the tank may be starting to show signs of nutrient buildup. You may want to do a water change coupled with lights out for a few days. The lights out period did not harm any of my corals.

Best of luck.

[MizTanks]

I'll have to do some reading up on the dinos. As for water changes, I've changed out exactly 11g in the last 4 days. 5out on last Thursday and another 6 out yesterday. Thats pretty dang close to 50% of twv.
I'm not real keen on the lights out idea as I've got Dilly to target feed 2-3x a day. I could go whites out though and just run the blues-what you think?

[BC United]

I did not feed the tank during the 3 day period, but sounds like that might not be possible with Dilly. When I was doing research on the lights out approach, it seemed people were turning all light sources off. So, I do not know if having the actinics on would compromise the effectiveness of the approach. I do not know much at all about mandarins...do you think that you need the actinics on to have enough light to see well enough to target feed her, or do you think without a normal light cycle her normal feeding cycle will be so disturbed she just won't eat? Perhaps you could try turning on the actinics briefly in order to feed her? Then if she doesn't eat you could abort the approach. Just my thoughts...no expert here.

[MizTanks]

Lights out means bed time for Dilly~he goes into hiding. But I'm pretty sure it's cyno :( I've since vacuumed it up, substrate an all :) Seems to have put a big dent in it. I also rearranged the ClearFX Pro in my lil canister filter for better flow. It does look to be receding already :) May have been the water changes too.

[MizTanks]

Well I started Chemiclean treatment today. WC's just wasn't getting it. First I had to go an get some salt (on credit) as I ran out between paydays :( Then got home and found I had only a scoop and a half of Chemiclean :( Hopefully it's enough. I've got great aeration going on.
I'm no longer using phyto feast nor the selcon. My lil tank can't handle the extra nutrients, obviously :) Now I wish I could get my refugium back to the way it once was. Chaeto keeps dying, cyno keeps growing but it's got pods and bristle worms living large!

Update: Not enough Chemiclean :(

[MizTanks]

WOW can't believe I haven't updated this thread in over a month! All is well :) Still got that crap on the SB. Water changes 1x weekly at 25% be dammed~lol. I'm not going to disturb the SB anymore while doing the WC, see if that makes any difference.

I've put the Hydor nano skimmer back in. Coupled with the ATO it is now working wonderfully as a surface skimmer. Yup water level is every thing while using this lil skimmer. It is pulling all the surface protein out!!! It looks ugly as **** in my tank and I have to lift my lights up in order to empty out the cup but for now it's worth it. I'm looking (saving up for) at the Octopus BH1000 HOB skimmer. It has the external pump, which is way cool. It also has a surface skimmer which is even more cooler :)

Ok as for all occupants. Everything is thriving! Except for Dilly the Target Mandarin. Crazy *** fish for sure. Wont touch nothing but the blood worms. All those pods I seeded my tank with, crawling all over the LR/SB and he wont touch a one.
My cyno issues in the refugium are gone :) Cheato is once again growing and the pods in there have exploded!

Corals are all doing great! My blue tipped Hammer now has 3 heads :) My lil acan I once thought was for sure a gonner is thriving :)
So all in all I couldn't ask for more :)
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/157d4c2d.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/9539306b.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/38fa60e9.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/1c8a74fa.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/3d9b44a0.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/035c1251.jpg

[tazzy695]

Tank is looking great miz

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

Tank is looking great miz

Sent from my HTC Glacier using Tapatalk 2

Thanks Tazzy ((HUGS)) It's so good to see you around here again, your compliment means a lot :thumbsup:

[MizTanks]

Every day is filled with hope that Dilly would just start eating or die.....I can't stand seeing him like this. His tail is starting to grow back but he's so freaking thin!http://img.tapatalk.com/6c5b834d-349b-0d12.jpg

[BC United]

Sorry to hear about Dilly. I hope he starts eating; he is a beautiful fish. Did you contact the store that sold you Dilly to see what she was being fed there? You could also ask the store what the water conditions (salinity, pH, temp) were in the tank they had her in.

Your Duncans look great. One of my favorite corals.

[MizTanks]

Dilly has died :(

On another note. Here's a couple of pics on what the Hydor Slim Skim nano skimmer is pulling out of my tank. The ATO makes ALL the difference in the world as to how well the skimmer actually works. I'm very pleased for sure :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/6c5b834d-0cf8-21c5.jpg
http://img.tapatalk.com/6c5b834d-0d07-b82d.jpg

[slapshot]

Sorry! Get another, it will help. No one can say you did not give it your all.

[Mr. Microscope]

Holy cow! Those are some fat, happy duncans! Well done! Sorry about the dragonette.

[MizTanks]

New addition, at least until he/she out grows the tank.
Sand sifting star :)
http://img.tapatalk.com/6c5b834d-842c-052c.jpg

[dputt88]

ive always liked bowfronts and clams. everything looks great.

[BC United]

Sorry to hear about Dilly. What made you decide to use your skimmer again?

[MizTanks]

Thanks BC. It was because of all the extra frozen foods I was adding to the tank. On account of Dilly :) now that I have an ATO this skimmer is working wonderfully as a surface skimmer so I've decided to just leave it in. Leaving my intake pump free to do its thing for tank & fuge. I still hate how it looks in the tank though ;)

[MizTanks]

I was just reminiscing about the fish I've had in the last 3 years. It's pretty sad really. I've only had 2 that have lasted longer then 2 years. My Tangaroa goby and 1 Orange FF. It's gotten so that I don't want to buy any more fish :( And I love fish!!
It hasn't been my choices of fish. But more of just bad luck. 2 have been eaten by MM's. 1 jumped tank. 3 went to ICH. 1 died while in transport to another tank. Matter of fact just last night I picked up 1 of my FF from the floor. He's alive. My Tangagoa seems to be on the decline.

Just wanted to vent.......

[AJ :)]

The fish are the reason most of us got into keeping saltwater tanks.



Sometimes we lose fish, there are so many different ways. But new fish are always exciting as you never know just how each will act.

[MizTanks]

Well after 3 great years my Tangaroa goby passed away tonight :(
It was sad because he left the burrow to die. Hiding out in the back of the tank well away from the burrow. Now the pistol is alone. This is his 2nd fish he has outlived....
R.I.P. TG, you will be greatly missed.
http://img.tapatalk.com/6c5b834d-b00f-b055.jpg

[AJ :)]

Sorry to hear that Jamie. Three years is a pretty good run for a small fish.

For a replacement I have seen some Red Banded Hi fin gobies around. Pretty cool fish IMO

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+181&pcatid=181)

[MizTanks]

Sorry to hear that Jamie. Three years is a pretty good run for a small fish.

For a replacement I have seen some Red Banded Hi fin gobies around. Pretty cool fish IMO

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Hi Fin Red Banded Goby (http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+31+181&pcatid=181)

Wow to funny. The Red Banded Hi fin was my Randalls pistol shrimp's first fish, they are big time jumpers and it wound up in the pump house getting stuck to the intake :( it was the 3rd time and I didn't get to him in time.

[AJ :)]

Ah, so you are probably not going to get one of those again. The Yasha and two spot gobies are neat looking options.

[slapshot]

That is a sweet Goby. 3 years is really good. Sorry.

[MizTanks]

Thanks guys :) I really do like the look of the 2 spot.

[MizTanks]

Well amazingly enough the Tangaroa goby was not dead at all. He and the shrimp have created a new opening in the back of the tank. But the goby still doesn't seem right??

Anyways ever since the loss of Dilly and all that I went through with that fish. I'm finding it hard to even look at any other fish :( and I'm feeling the same about corals.

I do not feel the excitement I once did :( I waited 3 weeks before doing a water change!! I'm not even dosing everyday like I should be. Something inside of me seems to have died along with Dilly.....or maybe I just put so much energy into trying to keep Dilly alive, I'm just very discouraged :(

[binford4000]

Well amazingly enough the Tangaroa goby was not dead at all. He and the shrimp have created a new opening in the back of the tank. But the goby still doesn't seem right??

Anyways ever since the loss of Dilly and all that I went through with that fish. I'm finding it hard to even look at any other fish :( and I'm feeling the same about corals.

I do not feel the excitement I once did :( I waited 3 weeks before doing a water change!! I'm not even dosing everyday like I should be. Something inside of me seems to have died along with Dilly.....or maybe I just put so much energy into trying to keep Dilly alive, I'm just very discouraged :(

I know how ya feel sorta ! It can be very frustrating at times and your comments show how much you seriously really take the hobby. At times it seams better to just get out. I think you would regret it tho. You have really become an expert compared to the first time I read your first post on the other forum ! Your excitment of the success matches your disappointments which tells me your a true reef geek. I think you should just put the tank on cruise control and the excitment will come back when your ready. I had the same disgust and was ready to call it quits and the wife new better. With new build in full swing I feel the bug again. Maybee it's what you need too? Bigger is always better lol and it would allow more room for the future dilly jr. Hang in there your a big and cool part of this forum and hobby !!

[MizTanks]

Words of wisdom from the *old man* always welcome. Thanks Chuck :)

[MizTanks]

I would love to go bigger! Actually I would love something like 24x21x24. Then I could keep my lights temporarily until I could go/afford LEDs. However I don't live in a dream and the reality is that I don't live on a reefers budget :(

[binford4000]

I would love to go bigger! Actually I would love something like 24x21x24. Then I could keep my lights temporarily until I could go/afford LEDs. However I don't live in a dream and the reality is that I don't live on a reefers budget :(

I'll swap you a 40 breeder for your cube in the near future ? You'd have to wait tell I finish my new build. I am willing to swap an LED for your T5 also. It has dual drains already drilled and all you would need is a return pump and make a fuge. Your cube would be great qt for frags. Food for thought LMK and this offer is only to you (just incase someone wants the same). :oldman:

[MizTanks]

I don't have a cube tank old man! 26g bow front remember? Beautiful offer though :) Thank you ((HUGS))

[binford4000]

I don't have a cube tank old man! 26g bow front remember? Beautiful offer though :) Thank you ((HUGS))

At 26 gallons they're all cubes !! Lol LMK the offer stands and your on the way home and deer seasons a comeing !!!

[BC United]

I really like the dimensions on the 40g breeder. If I lived on a reefers budget I would probably take down my 29g and replace with 40g breeder. I think your tank is great; don't get too down about the livestock losses. I like the advice of putting in cruise control for a while.

[jstan]

Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade

[MizTanks]

Well it looks as if I'll be upgrading to a 40 breeder :) YAHOOO!!!! OMG I'm so freaking excited!! Thank you Chuck!!

[tazzy695]

sounds like a really nice deal especially if he is going to bring it up to you also

heck just the lighting upgrade would be awesome

very nice of you chuck

[BC United]

I am looking forward to following your new build! Do you have a stand for the new tank?

[MizTanks]

No stand. Actually bout the only thing i do have that will work with a 40 is my Mp10. LMAO! Oh and the live stock of course ;) It is going to possibly be one of the slowest builds ever! Gonna have to rob Peter-Paul and Mary to git er done ;)
Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2

[AJ :)]

Bah! That 26 is jam packed! It will fill out that 40 nicely. With a little space to let things grow.

This should work out great!