Miz's 26 Bowfront

[MizTanks]

I know everyone knows how I'm feeling right about now :)

[CalmSeasQuest]

Congrats Jamie - Looks like a great start :)

[Captain]

Lookin good! Gonna keep anything out of the ordinary in there?

[jimsflies]

Looks great. Should be fun to watch grow! :popcorn:

[whitetiger61]

looks good..subscribing to this one also

Rick

[jolson10450]

looks good! that light is perfect for it!! cant wait to see you get it going!

[MizTanks]

What is this for? A brace? It's the bar at the top. There's actually 2 of them. The one you see is the higher of the 2~the other located more towards the middle and staggered from the first.

[demonclownfish]

im guessing the safe max and min water level

[creefer]

Great start, Jamie. Looking forward to see this grow in.

[Sir Patrick]

Awesome Miz!!!!

The brace is, I would guess, to prevent bowing of the fuge.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Oh YEAH! Looking good. I can't wait to see it come to life.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Thanks everyone! I'm so happy to be doing this build with everyone here. I've been hanging out with you all for going on 2yrs now. I honestly have to say I couldn't have chosen to hang out with a better bunch of people. I feel the love!! I feel the acceptance and the joy one gets from helping others. Where else can one go to get support from a total stranger, yet feel like you've known them forever. This hobby brings people together like nowhere I've ever been before.
Those of you who have been seeing me through the growth of my nano since day one, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your patients, tolerance, kindness and time~lots and lots of time :roll:
With much joy and happiness I get to say: Are you's ready for some more!! WOOT WOOT!!

[Heidi]

I can't wait to see this tank take off!

[MizTanks]

Is there such a thing as setting up a tank without having any issues at all? Ya think I would have had it all planned out ahead of time~like where's the best place to put it? Geeeez Jamie.

Of course my sis had to remind me of how hot it got in here last summer. I had my 8g in my room with a.c. but now that I'm setting up in the living room, no a.c. in here, what to do? Bed room a.c. is to small.

Truly can't afford a chiller. A new a.c. means more $$$, of which has all been spent on the setup.

Guess I'll go do a WC on lil 8g and and try to figure this out :doh:

[jolson10450]

Is there such a thing as setting up a tank without having any issues at all? Ya think I would have had it all planned out ahead of time~like where's the best place to put it? Geeeez Jamie.

Of course my sis had to remind me of how hot it got in here last summer. I had my 8g in my room with a.c. but now that I'm setting up in the living room, no a.c. in here, what to do? Bed room a.c. is to small.

Truly can't afford a chiller. A new a.c. means more $$$, of which has all been spent on the setup.

Guess I'll go do a WC on lil 8g and and try to figure this out :doh:

what i did was bought a cheap 5000btu ac off craigslist, i paid $35 for the thing and only run it when my tank gets over 82-83 out. worked out great for me and it is not much cost for the electric bill running such a small AC unit. there were a few weeks when it would run nonstop during the day and sometimes night but other than that it worked out good, having a good fan over the tank helps with heat transfer from the bulbs. you will top off a lot in the summer due to water temps higher and evaporation especially on your tank with the open top, but it is good because that means more heat exchange.

[Sir Patrick]

I agree- a very small, possibly used, wall unit AC works wonders! Can also be found free/cheap!

[MizTanks]

Thanks guys! Yooper Craig's list here I come!

[bigbill]

looking good cant wait to see more pics :fish2:

[MizTanks]

Went shopping again today~la di daaa la di dooo~got my sand 30lb~and 20g bin for mixing makeup water~purddy backing fer da tank and got a great idea of running 20ft of airline tubing from the tap RO unit to the mixing bin which will sit directly under the tank. A small pump for mixing and for adding new water to the tank.

Yuppers I got it aaaall figured out :mouth_zipped:

[MizTanks]

I found whats going to be my first Anemone! Check it out!! Well maybe I won't get it cause it's mean but I sure do like it :)

http://www.petsolutions.com/storefront/fish/live-fish/saltwater-fish-corals-invertebrates-plants/invertebrates/anemones/carnation-strawberry-anemone/prodCarnationStrawberryAnemone.html

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I found whats going to be my first Anemone! Check it out!!

http://www.petsolutions.com/storefront/fish/live-fish/saltwater-fish-corals-invertebrates-plants/invertebrates/anemones/carnation-strawberry-anemone/prodCarnationStrawberryAnemone.html

That is a cool looking anemone. But be aware that its non-photosynthetic (NS). Some NS corals are extremly difficult to keep. You may want to post this one in the NS forum to find out as much as you can about it.


Tom

[MizTanks]

I did a little research on it -it's to mean for me :) it's a stinger and with my hands always in the tank-no thanks. But it sure is beautiful right :) besides I think it would eat my gobys if given the chance :(

[Heidi]

if its just something you have to feed and baby its all good but a fish eater. . . no thanks :fish2:

[MizTanks]

UGH!!! I have to come up with another way of making my water~30' of airline tubing+attached to a tap ro unit+20g mixing bin=1 1/2 hours of waiting=what a freaking pain!

Please let me win the lottery so I can buy an ro/di unit. Sis and I are going to move some furniture around so I can finally start setting up.

Looking at all these corals for sale is killing me~especially now that most of them I'll be able to keep.

I had my lights running yesterday so I could see how they were programed. Blues came on at 8am off at 8pm~daylights on at 10am off at 5pm~lunars from 8pm til 8am. Those are the stock lights~haven't put the new lamps in yet. Saving the best for last :big_grin:

Thinking about where the best place would be to set up the tank is also driving me nuts. There's 2 big windows facing East and West and the only real place to put the tank is on a northern wall, which is off centered. I need fine lines. Perfectionism issues at their worst :stupidme:

I'm liking the substrate I got. Been visualizing how I'm going to utilize the fuge. I can also see where the return is going to make some noise but am going to use the baggy remedy (that I learned from the thread: Tips you might not read in a book) Thanks to CalmSeaQuest for starting that one :thumbsup:

So here I sit waiting and waiting and waiting~thinking thinking thinking about what all else I'm going to need/want.....

[MizTanks]

Anyone got ideas for what to put in the intake chamber of my fuge? Carbon? A sponge? Phosban? ChemiPure Elite?

[whitetiger61]

Jamie..try some cheato or other form of marco algae..you will need a little light above the fuge but it works great for nutreint export..

Rick

[MizTanks]

I am going to be adding a bunch to the main part of the fuge-along with a piece of LR from my 8g-got some nice copods living in it-makes a nice start to the fuge don't ya think?

[Sir Patrick]

Sounds like a great start!!!

[MizTanks]

Well since I'm tired of waiting for a stand and not sure when that's gonna happen, I just started curing my LR in a 20g bin. I so wanted to do it in-tank. Less work that way.

I was going to use the stand from my 75g. Thought it would be pretty cool to have more room on each side of the tank. But I gave the 75g to my son and he wants the stand too. Go figure, lol. Of course he's going to want the stand, what the heck was I thinking :duh:
Anyways I spent the better part of the last two days shopping Manards and Lowes with no success.

My patience are running thin, I want my tank up! :cryin:

[MizTanks]

Yahooooo! Found me a sweet little table at Vinny's for $28. Then went to Lowes and got a 2x6x8 tie, cut in half therefore giving the table an extra 6" lift. Total hight with tank 44". Perfect sit down eye level :)

So the tank is on it's stand, rock is curing in a bin (with a bag of carbon of course)

[MizTanks]

Yahooooo! Found me a sweet little table at Vinny's for $28. Then went to Lowes and got a 2x6x8 tie, cut in half therefore giving the table an extra 6" lift. Total hight with tank 44". Perfect sit down eye level :)

So the tank is on it's stand, rock is curing in a bin, with a large bag of carbon no doubt. Tomorrow who knows...

Not sure why for the double post?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

:we_need_pics:

Be sure the table/stand will hold 200+ pounds!

Tom

[MizTanks]

http://184.72.239.143/mu/6c46df14-fa01-c1b4.jpg

How's this?

[binford4000]

LOOOOKING good,I like the use of the book shelf.After all when we get the tanks filled everyone stares at them in amazment.Keep the good work up

[Sir Patrick]

I used one of those for a 20 gallon a long time ago. As long as its fully level, looks safe to me!

It does have its backing tacked on, right?

[MizTanks]

Yes Sir, lol-the backing is on. Tomorrow I'll grab a level for sure. I've already used a tape measure to get it centered. Tank on table, table to wall sides and back. Made sure I have plenty of room to play with the fuge and to add a skimmer in the future.
It's going to be awesome being able to scape without standing on my tiptoes or a chair :)
Tomorrow I'm going to clean out the tank. Add substrate to tank and fuge. Got some cheato coming in at the LFS, bout 2 softball sizes. Gonna check out Lowes for a 18-24w clip-on cf light or something like it for the fuge. I also have a nice piece of LR from my 8g that's going into the fuge. Let it run like that for about a week and then my pukani should be done curing, rinse it off and add that to the tank. Then comes the fun! Aquascaping!!
Let it cycle for a month or two and if all checks out ok in goes most of my corals from the 8g. Fishes last :)

[MizTanks]

Leveling done to perfection after an hour that is~lol~water and substrate now in tank and fuge running. Fuge is pretty cool~I can def see where I could upgrade stock pump if I wanted to. I'm hoping that the Korilia 550 will be enough internal flow. But now that I'm thinking about it, maybe I should have went with 2 250's instead of just the 1 550. Aww geeez now I'm thinking the 550 is gonna look stupid in my tank. Well maybe I'll just use it for my makeup water tub and get a couple of 250's for the tank. Problem solved :)

Here's the lighting combo I'm going to be using: 1. Blue+ 2. ATI Purple Plus 3. Blue (True Atenic maybe) 4. Aquablue Special.

Sis and I were talking about cat hair getting into the tank before my cover arrives soooo she came up with a pretty cool idea. Because she smokes I have covered the entire back of my big beautiful 42" Brava with *Cheese Cloth* yes it works wonderfully and it now works wonderfully over the entire top of the tank and fuge.

Anyways~I'm sitting in my living room, listening to some oldies but goodies looking at my tank with the lunars on~life is goooood :highfive3:

[bigbill]

Yahooooo! Found me a sweet little table at Vinny's for $28. Then went to Lowes and got a 2x6x8 tie, cut in half therefore giving the table an extra 6" lift. Total hight with tank 44". Perfect sit down eye level :)

So the tank is on it's stand, rock is curing in a bin (with a bag of carbon of course)

do u have flow in the bin ?

[Heidi]

Anyways~I'm sitting in my living room, listening to some oldies but goodies looking at my tank with the lunars on~life is goooood
Man I am jealous, not about the oldies, about the lunars ;)

[MizTanks]

do u have flow in the bin ?

Oh yea! 550 Korilia and an mj 600

[MizTanks]

She's got water! She's got substrate! By the end of next week, she'll have cured pukani in DT and LR in refugium.
Let the cycle begin! Woot Woot! :)http://184.72.239.143/mu/6c46df14-dfba-5cf9.jpg

Cheese cloth keeps out cat hair-lol

[MizTanks]

Grrrrrrrrr wouldn't ya know it~brought a bag of sand back to the LFS today hoping the credit would at least fund half for a new pump for my fuge~but noooo they had neither a pump nor power heads~for real! What the heck? So needless to say I'm frustrated~been online most of the day looking for both~and both are out of my budget range.

Ok I'm done complaining ;)

[Sir Patrick]

So- your looking for bigger pump to run your hob fuge? What size pump ya got right now? And what do ya need the powerhead for?

[MizTanks]

The stock pump is 156gph. To me, not enough flow. The power heads are for flow. I bought 1 Korilia 550 evolution and I feel it's to big and would not be the proper flow (I made a mistake) I got it to go with a wave maker. The way I should have gone I think was to get 2x 250gph power heads, one on each side, ran by the wave maker.

[Rabidgoose]

Lookin good Miz....off to a good start.

[MizTanks]

Yahooo! Got an mj1200 and now I got more flow then the Colorado river-lol-using a prefilter sponge just to help clear the water.
Picked up a small bottle of, Stability by Seachem. Will be using it when I add my rock. Help speed up the cycle don't ya know :) There's a looooot of corals out there just waiting on me :)
I was having major bubble issues coming from the return of the fuge (I think they need to re-think that part) holes to big. Anyways I took one of my sis's credit cards cut it in half (Oops) and placed it over the part of the hole that was sucking air. Taaaa daaaa! No more bubbles no more noise :) It did raise the water level a bit but only right at the max level. Cool or what? The noise was most important cause the sound of running water and I drink a lot a tea, well y'all get the picture.
Saturday is the big day :) in goes the rock, in goes the Stability and let the cycle begin.

Thank you Rabidgoose-it's awesome that you noticed (((hugs)))

[MizTanks]

Yahoooo had to remove the mj1200~grrrr~seems it was to much flow. Anyways I'll just use it for my water tub for circulation and for adding make up to the tank. Seems I cut my sis's credit card up for nothing :shifty:

Check out these sweet videos I found. They're awesome!
CPR Aquafuge at it's best.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALTqaJXlWSs

Who said bristle worms suck their food? It's Brisaconda!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t23eylcc-WE

[Sir Patrick]

Why was it too much flow?

[steve&mari]

Hi miz sweet start I was looking back n saw a heat issue ya may have. The ac is great for both you n the tank but if ya want another option for a chiller find a old small dorm type fridge found us one for 20 bucks at a garage sale they took 15 for it alil diy and bam a chiller works great and runs off our reefkeeper lite so its controlled. Was way cheaper then a chiller n with a drill some silicone n line coiled inside its very effective. Just another idea to toss around. Will be watchin this grow. Hope you like your light we love ours.
Happy reefin
Big Steve

[MizTanks]

Why was it too much flow?

If I thought I was having bubble trouble before. The 1200 made them a looooot worse. I do love the flow though :)
The out let is 1 1/4 water covers 1/2 the other 1/2 sucks air. Hence major bubbles, major noise.
So I'm trying to minimize, if not get rid of both.

[Sir Patrick]

Have ya tried this???


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMk6GlrS2NY

[MizTanks]

Yup sure have. I'm hoping once I start adding rock and cheato to the fuge it'll help. Until then I just turned down the pump, which helped a lot but now I have less flow. Going to lower the water level in the fuge see if that helps.

[MizTanks]

Aside from 2 items I'm done buying for this tank :big_grin: with that said here's the complete setup.

Aquaeon 26g bowfront

Aquaticlife 4x24 24" t5ho~lamps are 1xaquablue special~2xaquablue+ and 1xpurple+

CPR 19" 3g Aquafuge~2"SB~Cheato, Red Macro and LR~11oz of chemipure elite

Finnex 16" 24w CF for fuge

30# of aragonite substrate 2" SB

30# of dry pukani from BRS~cured for 2wks

2x Korilia 250 evo's

1xmj1200 intake pump added adjustable flow valve and a sponge prefilter(mainly to keep
pump from getting clogged)

Stand from Vinnys

I'll be using, Stability by SeaChem to help with cycling. I will be trying to get by without dosing for anything. I pretty much depend on my salt as far as cal-alk-ph are concerned. Anything else will be o.j.t.
Saturday 2/26/11 I'll start cycling.

[MizTanks]

Here's a pic of the fuge out let.

[MizTanks]

To much rock? Sure looks nice though right? Gonna take some getting used to having so much rock...

[binford4000]

To much rock? Sure looks nice though right? Gonna take some getting used to having so much rock...

NEVER TOO MUCH ROCK,just need more powerful power heads lol .Looks great.Good job!!

[jimsflies]

Largely a matter of personal taste. I prefer a bit less rock...but that is just me. You can go with it for awhile and if you are like most of us, you will change it from time to time.

[MizTanks]

I'm going to say I'm pretty much bummed out about this setup :( first the only reason I went with a bow front is because that's what I had available. Never even dawned on me that when my first one cracked and was left with needing to buy another tank, why didn't I buy something other then a bow front, UGH!! With age some things no longer compute, UGH!
Now I got my sis so interested in this tank she's beginning to voice her opinion on what should go where and maybe you should do that and how bout we do this. Hey! When did this become a we tank? UGH!
I keep looking at all the rock in there and it just overwhelms me. It seems to be to much, but then again I know the importance that LR plays and it will be nice to have somewhere to put all the corals I will now be able to keep. Yet I can't help thinking about, how the heck are fish gonna be able to swim without scraping themselves all up? UGH!
I was happy to report that I got the fuge light I had ordered, that is until I opened the box. Power cord was hanging by it's wires outside of the unit. One leg looked as if it was ready to snap. Lamp wasn't firmly connected so it had been giggling around. Last and least, there was only one piece of cellophane protecting the lamp cover. UGH!
I know I got more in me to vent about, don't I always? I'll just keep it at, I'm no longer real happy with this build, today anyways....UGH!

[binford4000]

I'm going to say I'm pretty much bummed out about this setup :( first the only reason I went with a bow front is because that's what I had available. Never even dawned on me that when my first one cracked and was left with needing to buy another tank, why didn't I buy something other then a bow front, UGH!! With age some things no longer compute, UGH!
Now I got my sis so interested in this tank she's beginning to voice her opinion on what should go where and maybe you should do that and how bout we do this. Hey! When did this become a we tank? UGH!
I keep looking at all the rock in there and it just overwhelms me. It seems to be to much, but then again I know the importance that LR plays and it will be nice to have somewhere to put all the corals I will now be able to keep. Yet I can't help thinking about, how the heck are fish gonna be able to swim without scraping themselves all up? UGH!
I was happy to report that I got the fuge light I had ordered, that is until I opened the box. Power cord was hanging by it's wires outside of the unit. One leg looked as if it was ready to snap. Lamp wasn't firmly connected so it had been giggling around. Last and least, there was only one piece of cellophane protecting the lamp cover. UGH!
I know I got more in me to vent about, don't I always? I'll just keep it at, I'm no longer real happy with this build, today anyways....UGH!

Bummer about the lite,befor you get really bumbed out about the rockscape rember yours doesn't look like Garfield lol. Honestly,I would probably remove the large center top rock to give alittle swimming room for the fish.On the other hand they're going to love swimming thru all the cracks between the other rocks and will provide good resting area's when the lites are off. Sounds like your createing another fish geek in the processes.Maybee pass the the 8 gal over and explain the teritoral habits of the aquatic fishgeek more clearly and pass along the knoweledge you have to her.It's always better to have a geek bud near by when your at the LFS and need the extra 0.59 to get that sweet frag too!! Even tho you already bought several others ha ha ha. Tank looks good and yeah bowfronts have issues but they're still sweet looking tanks and your is looking good and you will like it even better when you stock it.I have an idea on your question about the urn if your still intrested PM me and I'll throw my .02 in. :oldman:

[whitetiger61]

Jamie darlin.. that rock work looks great..do worry about the fish they will get around..the fuge light ..contact them and send it back..and have them send you another one.. i personally like the mountian effect on your scape..but if you want to open the center up it doesnt look like it would to be to difficult to do..its just personal preference like Jim said..its your tank..only you have to be satisified with it.. opinions and help are great but in the end only you have to be satisified with it..again i think your doing a great job with the setup just like you did with lil Miz..keep up the great work..i'll be watching this one..

Rick

[Heidi]

Well here is my 2 cents :) I love the little bow front look. I think you said you had 25 pounds of rock in there right? I have 18 pounds in my tank its a 35g but I wanted "less" as Jim said above it is a matter of taste. I moved my rock work around before fish or anything for 2 or 3 weeks so I am sure you will too ;) . And about the "we" tank TOO funny! I have 5 "WE's" in my family beat that, all their stinky opinions and fish choices. Then there are the "helper we" types. Mine has been cleaning my power heads every couple of weeks and today he broke a little "grape" cap coral in HALF! It is now officially fragged! :mad: so now he is grounded from cleaning duties . . . yes . . . I can ground my husband from cleaning MY tank. Move your rock all over the place and if you have to get some zip ties and make crazy gravity defying crap out of that pretty rock, eventually you will love it, and YOU are all that matters when it comes to YOUR tank! :thumbsup: good luck!

[MizTanks]

Is feeling the love at this very moment....thank you Binford, Rick and Heidi, a lot :)

[Sir Patrick]

I think the tank looks awesome! Looks like there is lots of options on coral placement.

I agree with what everyone else says- bet ya move those rocks around at least 10 more times, before your cycle is over.

Looks like you have some pretty large pieces of rock. A hammer and chisel/srewdriver can easily break up the larger pieces in 1/2 or even smaller, if you want some more flexibility in your scape.

I too would contact the company you got your fuge light from.

[MizTanks]

Thanks Sir. I'm going to break up the largest piece on the right. Bring it all down a bit and create more caves and shelves. I told my sis I was gonna break it up and change things up, she did not protest to much as I said it is what we reefers do, lol.

I've written to BRS informing them of the issue with the light. Also informing them that I'll be sending it back. In the mean time I did go ahead and buy the CPR 24w fuge light, as I need it a.s.a.p. I've already added lr and macro to it.

[MizTanks]

Well there goes another glass of ice tea-every time I get on the sight I forget about drinking my tea and then the ice melts-now I got watered down tea.
Tonight I'm talking making your own fish food and visiting sponsors sights-soooo many things I'm now going to be able to keep in my tank....

[Sir Patrick]

Just dont buy a torch.....

[MizTanks]

Just dont buy a torch.....

You don't like pom pom's? I'm not into all things aggressive anyways. No worries there Sir :)

[MizTanks]

And we have Nitrites=1.0~Nitrates=20~Ammonia=0.50 Did first wc today 5g's. Week one of cycling is done an gone :ipod:

[MizTanks]

Ordered a 200g box of Reef crystals from F&S on the 6th~got it today. Total cost? $58.98. I'm pleased.
I'm also looking to buy the CPR First+Aide. Learned the first time around how important it is to acclimate and qt corals and fish.

[MizTanks]

2nd week cycle come and gone. Readings are~No2=1.0~No3=.50~Ammonia=.10~Ph=8.2 used Buffer Max to bring it up from 7.8~Cal=460~kh=10

It doesn't seem that the Seachem *Stability* is working or if it is it's very slowly. Then again it's only been cycling for 2wks. It's been forever since I've cycled a tank raw. No lights being used at all.

My fuge is full of macro along with a small piece of LR from the 8g.

[binford4000]

2nd week cycle come and gone. Readings are~No2=1.0~No3=.50~Ammonia=.10~Ph=8.2 used Buffer Max to bring it up from 7.8~Cal=460~kh=10

It doesn't seem that the Seachem *Stability* is working or if it is it's very slowly. Then again it's only been cycling for 2wks. It's been forever since I've cycled a tank raw. No lights being used at all.

My fuge is full of macro along with a small piece of LR from the 8g.

looks like it's going well.Should be ready to go soon

[MizTanks]

Not as soon as I had hoped :smash: been doing weekly wc since it started cycling. Not sure what the **** I was thinking about but oh well, what's 2 more week....

[Sir Patrick]

You see any diatom bloom at all yet?

[MizTanks]

You see any diatom bloom at all yet?

Only in the fuge~I've got 2 types of macro and a piece of LR from my 8g in there. I'm also seeing some very tiny critters in there, which I think came along with the macro from our LFS. It was recommended that I keep all lights off in the DT during cycling. True?

[Sir Patrick]

lights off in the DT during cycling- very true. It will help alot against algea blooms, while the waters nutrients and nitrogen cycle peaks.

Not sure if the lights out will help against the diatom bloom though...it feeds off silicates from a new tank, sand, ect. Not sure if light plays a role or not. Cant quite recall for sure.

[MizTanks]

Dang it! I got Diatoms :( so far I'm only seeing them on the rock closest to the lights-which I had on for a couple days so they must use light also to develop. But what about the one in the fuge? I've got macro in there and without light it'll die...

[MizTanks]

Dang it! I got Diatoms :( so far I'm only seeing them on the rock closest to the lights-which I had on for a couple days so they must use light also to develop. But what about the ones in the fuge? I've got macro in there and without light it'll die...

[Heidi]

diatoms are common and good when 1st setting up a tank.... they are basically cleaning the new tank of the junk that comes w/ a new tank... like new silicone that leaches silicates as chris said above.... they will go away.
+1 One step closer to being able to add stuff! Wish I had diatoms, in the 150 of course, I have a feeling its gonna be a LONG time w/ the amount of water. Correct me if I am wrong but I don't think lights affects diatoms, Turning off the lights in the dt is so that other algae doesn't bloom. Good advice cause it's not like you have anything in there that need the lights right now. As for the fuge, you want algae in it. So turn that frown upside down! :big_grin:

[MizTanks]

2 things diatoms/algae need to grow and survive are, light and nutrients. Nutrients I have a lot of and I gave em 2 days of light so I'm sure that's why they started.

My frown is now, upside down :highfive3:

[2pairs]

Sounds like you are getting close, the time you spend letting a new tank cycle is nothing compared to the time you will get to enjoy it.

[binford4000]

2 things diatoms/algae need to grow and survive are, light and nutrients. Nutrients I have a lot of and I gave em 2 days of light so I'm sure that's why they started.

My frown is now, upside down :highfive3:

YUP,you gave it lots of food for sure.Black it out for a day then just run the lites for six hours a day,It's enough to support coral so it should be enough for the cycle.You might want to get in the habit of runing your fuge lite oposite of your dt.It will help keep Ph stable.Diatoms are a sighn of bactaria growth so just take it slow like you have been and it will be a good cycle.Keep up the good work :snorkel:

[MizTanks]

Thank you guys :) I so love all the support! I've been saving for my corals since the beginning of setup and so far I've reached $210. That should give me a good start, don't ya think.

[MizTanks]

LMAO.... u DONT need lights (in the display) for a cycle! The only thing it is going to do is allow nuisance algea to grow, and lower bulb life ;)

It just amazes me at how much you know Chort55. I mean really, just truly amazing ;)

[binford4000]

LMAO.... u DONT need lights (in the display) for a cycle! The only thing it is going to do is allow nuisance algea to grow, and lower bulb life ;)

ok,each there own.Personaly I preffer to handle the blooms before I put my livestock in.Sorry don't have a wise crack to open with.

[Sir Patrick]

Are you guys talking about the nitrogen cycle, the diatom cycle or the algea/ugly cycle??

[MizTanks]

Hmm I guess we're talking about nitrogen cycle and diatoms. I was saying that i wasn't seeing diatoms until I ran my lights for a couple of days. Then wham they're they are! I was hoping to get by them. Or at least minimize their existence. Don't want them popping up after the cycles done and I'm putting all my pretty little corals in. In the DT they're not bad at all, the fuge is another story, lots in there! So I just won't turn the DT lights on again :)

[MizTanks]

Yahooooo! We have life off!!

Cal=460
Kh=10
No2=.0
No3=.0
Ph=8.2
Sg=1.026

Now what? Hahaha I have no idea :big_grin:

[MizTanks]

I'm open to ideas peoples. I was thinking of starting by adding a couple of my LPS to the tank first. They seem to be the hardiest of all my corals.

[Heidi]

Yay! That will be me in a couple weeks. If your water is clean and the tank is done cycling I think you can add pretty much anything now. LPS, SPS, there are easy and hard to keep of both. I think you are suppose to put stuff in little by little not all in at once. BUT I am not an expert I'm just excited for you!

[MizTanks]

Thanks Heidi. I'm pretty excited too :big_grin:

[binford4000]

I'm open to ideas peoples. I was thinking of starting by adding a couple of my LPS to the tank first. They seem to be the hardiest of all my corals.

I think that's good first step.We like to add a few mushrooms and a simple fish and then follow the water levels accordingly to decied what's next.Good luck

[Sir Patrick]

Where did the nitrates go? Have you been doing big (respectively) water changes?

Everytime I have finished a cycle, I still had nitrates for weeks. Might want to give it a couple days, and continue testing, before you add corals. Hate to see you loose anything.

I would add a fish first, if anything, and watch your parameters and see how the tank handles the new bio load, then move on to corals. A fish could cause the parameters to swing a bit, and upset the corals, if the corals are first introduced to the tank.

[MizTanks]

How's this for a macro shot Sir? Messed around a little bit with the rock scape~before and now. Just put my Candy Cane~lil frag of zoa's and my LR or star palys.

[Sir Patrick]

That candy cane is a great choice for the first coral! They are pretty tough, and can live through almost anything, as long as the change isnt too fast.

[MizTanks]

I'm really finding some awesome zoas I'd like to buy but honestly I'm scared to death that it'd be a waste of money. Since I've never been able to keep them alive :(

[MizTanks]

@Sir: from Wednesday til today I left my fuge light on over night, then ran DT lights. Only thing I can think of as to having no No2 or No3. But I'll wait an see :)

[2pairs]

Now that you are at the point to start to stock your new tank, go slowly and let the tank equalize between new additions. It is hard but worth the time.

[MizTanks]

I'm not in a hurry at all to add anything-I went that route with my 8g-my losses to me were staggering :( I'm not one to repeat my mistakes :)

[MizTanks]

3.5g fuge in all her glory. Zoa's I didn't even know I had until they got under some decent lights~first time in a long time I've seen the sweepers out on the Candy Cane and more an more stars coming out.

All readings except for the Kh are right on. Cal=460~ph=8.2~No2=.0~No3=.05~kh=11~sg=1.026

[binford4000]

looks good!!! Nice pic too

[MizTanks]

Nooooooooo I got bad bad Diatoms!! Didn't have em until I turned on the lights. What the heck? I know, find the source. Only things I can think of are, water and lights. I'm using RO water. Haven't done a water change in about 2wks and the water mixes in a bin until I'm ready to use it. Haven't added anything.

[whitetiger61]

Jamie

Just wait em out and you will be fine..thats part of the cycle.. sometimes you think the cycle is complete and its not..heck i still get diatoms from time to time in the 30 gal..it doesnt stay long less than a day then its gone again..but it does come and go..you tank looks great hun..keep it up

Rick

[MizTanks]

I got my preskimmer box today (thank you Heidi) and I thought it wouldn't be to hard putting it in. Obviously I am wrong. It's on but now I have major bubbles coming out of the intake tube inside the fuge. ??

[whitetiger61]

might need some fine tuning

Rick

[Heidi]

Is the intake pump sucking air? If so lower the box more into the water so that more water flows in faster and now air is sucked into the pump. . . Let me know if that helps :)

[MizTanks]

Fine tuned to perfection! What's cool is with the tank backing being black as is the box you can barley see it's there :)

[MizTanks]

looks good!!! Nice pic too

Thank you Binford! That means a lot to me :)

[MizTanks]

Dang!! Added a bag of Kent Phosphate Sponge and the diatoms are dissapereing faster then....the economy? Lol

[Sir Patrick]

Gotta love a good silicate buster!


Its getting warmer.....and your tanks about ready.......

[MizTanks]

More words of encouragement!! Thanks Sir :) love it! Yeah I'm about ready for my first coral buy-won't be buying much but it'll be a start :)
I'm going to add my Tail spot Blenny today I think. He's not a jumper I hope ??
Any who all is good today. Oh yeah, I'm going to hook up my mag350 running some carbon for a few days just to help clean things up, make it purdy for the new corals :)

[MizTanks]

My first Bristle worm~Blenny gotta new home~the rest is obvious :tongue_out:

[Heidi]

Those bristle worms LOVE your tanks. I never really see any. Maybe like 2 the whole time that were bigger and a bunch of tiny ones. Thats ok though they creep me out. Mr. Blenny looks very happy :)

[MizTanks]

2363

[MizTanks]

My first Fungia! Cost me a 1lb piece of Punaki rock :) My lil Blasto, there's actually 2 heads the bigger is just posin :) 1 lil polyp of Green Implosion, gonna control em this time round and my ric from TomH and just some cool caves I though I'd share.

I'm sure all here can identify just how I'm feeling about this upgrade. I am so loving this!!!

[binford4000]

Looks good,any fish yet ???

[MizTanks]

Just one from my 8g so far~tail spot blenny~I have a firefish and a tangaroa goby/pistol shrimp~just to lazy to put em in yet besides shopping for new fish and corals lol. I also don't have a top yet (soon though) so lil firefish has to stay where she's at for now.

On another note: Did my first WC last night, about 4-5g's. Went pretty smooth. Been running phosphate sponge all weekend and the diatoms are thinning out big time.
Did parameter test today and everything is spot on! No swings at all. Very consistent readings.
Now I'm just fudging around with the Korilias for best flow overall. Life is good!!

[MizTanks]

Life is still good today :) Tore lil 8g down today. Everyone is now in the 26g. Haven't seen my Fire Fish as much in the last year as I have today. Talk about 1 happy fish. Tangaroa goby and pistol shrimp have already found home and Mr. Blenny thinks he rules the roost. All corals are open and so so pretty under these lights~truly didn't know what I was missing.

Been window shopping today also and here's what I've decided on new corals/fish. 1 McCoskers Wrasse~1 blue Flasher Wrasse-1 green/purple birds nest~Purple Passion Tree Coral - Aquacultured (Stereonepthya sp.)~and 1 ultra blue Maxima clam.

Of course this wont happen for a couple of months yet~want the tank to settle more. My tank is looking wonderful and I sit every night just watching the shimmer under the lunars. Need to focus a little more on the fuge~still in need of some cheato for it.

Like I said, life/tank is good...:hypnotized:

[MizTanks]

Now that I'm figuring out my new camera I've gone a little stupid head :hypnotized:

On another note~Fire fish *was* loving her new home~then out of no where she freaks out like she got stuck with a cattle prod~jumped so high she hit the light, swam around crazy like and then went into hole, came out for a min and I haven't seen her since~no more fire fish for me.

My tank is doing wonderful!

[MizTanks]

Life throws another curve ball into my tank~Been saving up $$$ since I decided to actually upgrade to a little bigger tank. Tax time came and I got all the necessities. Then I started putting away for corals and fish~last week I finally found the corals and fish I wanted~3 days ago my son calls to tell me he's moving to Florida. Of course this means he needs money~there went my fish and coral fund. However there must be a reason~so I'll just start saving again :)

[MizTanks]

I gotta alien in my tank!!

[jolson10450]

I gotta alien in my tank!!

creepy! it looks like two eyes and there is a little wrinkle for a mouth lol. submit it for the ugly duckling photo contest lol

[Sir Patrick]

Cool alien!

[MizTanks]

Cool alien!

I know right :) she's getting ready to split again. That'll make 5 heads. I got it with just 1, way cool.

[MizTanks]

Well after 2 wc since the cycle ended my kh is hanging at 11-ca at 460-ph at 8.2 no2 and no3 .0
I've got some grape calupera coming soon and the small ball of cheato in the fuge is actually growing.
Diatoms have all but disappeared but I haven't stopped running the po4 sponge yet either.
Today I was informed that I have a ton of copods in my tank and fuge. I believe they came in on a bunch of macro algae I got from the lfs-the algae has since died but the pods continue to procreate!
Friday I should be putting in an order for some new corals, yahooo!
I'm going to wait on any new fish. Do not want to mess anything up. I've had wonderful experience with keeping fish. No deaths from any tank issues. A couple of suicides and ICH attacks but that's it.
On a concerned note I do see the beginnings of a light dusting of what looks to be green algae on my rock only. It's not fuzzy, stringy, nor slimy but it's green :)

[MizTanks]

Lunar lite and they stay open 24/7 Pic was taken with my iPhone :)

[Paulo]

Tank looks really nice!

[MizTanks]

Tank looks really nice!

Thank you Paulo! Those zoas are thriving and for me that's saying something :)

[MizTanks]

My first time using Photo Bucket!!



http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0734.jpg

[Viva'sReef]

WOOT!!!

[Sir Patrick]

So glad to see the bigger pics! Glad to see you useing PB!!

[MizTanks]

Now for a *shimmering* video!

[Sir Patrick]

Waiting pateintly......

[MizTanks]

My first ever coral order list!

Wham'n Watermelon & Radioactive Dragon Eyes

AWESOME CHALICE

Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone LIMIT

GREEN HORNET ACAN

HOLLYWOOD STUNNER CHALICE

Rainbowlicious Mili New Release

MC X-FILES NEW RELEASE!!

GOT TO BUY THIS FAVIA!!

NUCLEAR DISASTER ZOAS

GREEN MACHINE ACAN

INCREDIBLE HULK ACAN LIMIT

Maxi Mini Carpet Anemone LIMIT

Mc Aqua Splatter

[Sir Patrick]

Sweet order!!!

Waiting for them to get in your tank, so I can see all the pics! When is the skimmer supposed to arrive?

[MizTanks]

Skimmer will be here later part of next week~along with the legs for my fuge light~some more cheato~hopefully my tank top sooooon and then it's all sit back pop a Lite for all my hard work and patients and enjoy!!

[binford4000]

Nice shopping list,they will look great.Look out for the hollywood stunner.The have a habit of stinging the neighbors, Real long feelers! But still a sweet chalice.

[CalmSeasQuest]

Skimmer will be here later part of next week~along with the legs for my fuge light~some more cheato~hopefully my tank top sooooon and then it's all sit back pop a Lite for all my hard work and patients and enjoy!!

If you have some Chaeto now, you probably don't need to purchase any more. Assuming you're not running a very or ultra low nutrient system (VLNS/ULNS), you'll be amazed at how quickly it will grow and require harvesting.

[binford4000]

Skimmer will be here later part of next week~along with the legs for my fuge light~some more cheato~hopefully my tank top sooooon and then it's all sit back pop a Lite for all my hard work and patients and enjoy!!

Oh man like that will happen,your a reefer it never ends They should have an AA program for reefers. But then AA is for quiters lol Enjoy the tank you deserve it. :thumbsup:

[jolson10450]

what skimmer did you get?

[MizTanks]

Reef Octopus NS80 Nano Skimmer :)

Reef Octopus NS80 Nano Skimmer | Reef Octopus | Protein Skimmers | Aquarium - ThatPetPlace.com (http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/group/95480/product.web)

[jolson10450]

very nice! perfect requirements too lol your 26g tank is probably 20g total after all of the rock and sand so that should be perfect. be sure to write a review on it if you like it or dont like it etc...

[2pairs]

I can't speak for the NS80, but I am running a Reef Octopus BH 2000 and love it. Reef Octopus makes good skimmers.

[MizTanks]

Couple of random pic's just started using photobucket :)

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0779.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0781.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

I am pretty patient....but-

Where is the shimmering video?

[MizTanks]

I can't believe this! Tom gave me a lil frag of some pretty palys some time ago. They were in my lil 8g at 7 polyps for the longest time.
Well they are now in this tank for about 4-6 weeks. Today, polyp count is 13!!! The pretty green on the bottom :)

The growth I'm seeing in this tank is crazy! Even the zoas in the pic above this post, count is 7 when there was actually nothing to see. I only kept that lil shell for the Tail Spot who loves hiding in it.

I truly have hope for keeping zoas now. Many here can testify to the fact that in over a year and a half I have not been able to keep zoas alive in lil 8g.

[nate_newton]

More words of encouragement!! Thanks Sir :) love it! Yeah I'm about ready for my first coral buy-won't be buying much but it'll be a start :)
I'm going to add my Tail spot Blenny today I think. He's not a jumper I hope ??
Any who all is good today. Oh yeah, I'm going to hook up my mag350 running some carbon for a few days just to help clean things up, make it purdy for the new corals :)

I just caught that you have a tailspot blenny. They are jumpers if no has mentioned it. I have one also if you have any questions on them.

[MizTanks]

Thank you Nate. I've actually had the lil guy for almost a year and believe it or not he's been the only fish who has not even attempted to jump from my tanks-way sweet lil fish :) and he sure loves diatoms.

[MizTanks]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q93oadCsHY

[Sir Patrick]

Your cam takes great blue LED shots!!

Any chance of a pic w/ the lights on?

[MizTanks]

I'll give it a whorl~lol~my corals will be here by noon tomorrow so I'll ask sis to shoot while I'm unpacking them and setting them in my home made dipping tank.....

[Sir Patrick]

Are you dipping all your corals in the same dip? What dip are you dipping them in?

[MizTanks]

Are you dipping all your corals in the same dip? What dip are you dipping them in?

Yes they'll all go in togeather and I'm using CoralRX pro.

[MizTanks]

Fish list= 1 McCoskers Wrasse and 2Xorange striped cardinal. :)

[Sir Patrick]

I think a few of these would fit right in w/ that list- I have always liked them.

Saltwater Aquarium Fish for Marine Aquariums: Chalk Bass (http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+21+1700&pcatid=1700)

After you get all these fish in the tank, maybe you could be the first on CR to keep a flaming prawn goby???

[MizTanks]

That is a pretty fish. You know I've always wanted a Flaming Prawn-actually it's my desk top pic :)

[MizTanks]

Just a few pic's of my new corals/mini maxi's



http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0882.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0854.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0853.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0850.jpg

[Viva'sReef]

Very nice Miz!!!! Have the MiniMaxi's been roaming the tank much, or do they stay in one place?

[MizTanks]

Sir!! This vids for you! Hope you like it :)



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nEHa4DCMcs

[2pairs]

Looks like you have a real good start.
Take your time and plan it out so you end up with what you want.

[MizTanks]

Very nice Miz!!!! Have the MiniMaxi's been roaming the tank much, or do they stay in one place?

The only one that's moved is the red/purple but it didn't go far-yet lol

[MizTanks]

Acan pic's to come tomorrow~have to move them. Guess what zoa's I love the most~lol

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0908.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0902.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0891.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0890.jpg
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0887.jpg

[Corvette Reefer]

VERY nice tank! i like it alot!

[MizTanks]

VERY nice tank! i like it alot!

Thank you Corvette Reefer! Very nice of you to say (((hugs)))

[Sir Patrick]

Those bluish frosty polyps are very "Cool"!!! I like them!!

They look like if your tank gets too warm- they will just melt!!!

[MizTanks]

Those bluish frosty polyps are very "Cool"!!! I like them!!

They look like if your tank gets too warm- they will just melt!!!

Did you see your video?

[Sir Patrick]

Sir!! This vids for you! Hope you like it :)


YouTube - MVI 0870 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nEHa4DCMcs)

That is one sweet video miz!!!! Did you use you phone for that???

More video updates are encouraged!!!!

[MizTanks]

That is one sweet video miz!!!! Did you use you phone for that???

More video updates are encouraged!!!!

No phone-Canon Power Shot-the one with the button for video-lol-it has maid my day that you like it-thanks :)

[Sir Patrick]

Wish I could get a video w/ that quality! I felt like i was there w/ my nose pushed right up to the glass!!!

[binford4000]

tamk looks great and the video came out nice too.Fantastic job miz

[MizTanks]

tamk looks great and the video came out nice too.Fantastic job miz

Thank you Binford!

[MizTanks]

Well I was expecting some deaths out of the 13 corals I ordered and so far I've lost:
1 Milli and 2 Acans and the 3rd acan has yet to fully open, it actually looks sort of pinched.

Everything else looks ok so far. I did test this morning~Cal=420~Kh=9~No3=.0~Ph=8.2 and Sg=1.025

[nate_newton]

The acans might be ok. Low light and lower flow is the best place for them to start.

[MizTanks]

Still got some tweeking to do but it's a start. First day for this Reef Octopus NS80 Nano Skimmer. Woot woot!

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0940.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Tell us more!

Is the skimmer off the side of the refugium? Or the side of the tank? Can you get up a video of the whole thing in action? I want to see the bubble action in the skimmer body. Maybe w/ audio? Curious how it sounds.

I am very glad to see your tank taking leaps and bounds towords being what its turning into!

[MizTanks]

I'll put up a video in the a.m. But for now I can tell you that it's actually sitting in the fuge. I then had to move my fuge light half on half off to make room for it. So I may have to sell this light and buy the 18w 13" one instead. Can't have my light hanging like it is. Nice light though for a cf.

[Corvette Reefer]

nice skimmer! yeah lets see a video

[MizTanks]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IK57lIq9lF8

[Sir Patrick]

Thanks Miz!!! That skimmer is awsome!!~!

Looks like its set perfect! With heavier feedings, the foam will be more brown! No longer need to be scared to feed!!!

Looks like great 02 exchange, not to mention nutrient export.

[2pairs]

Looks like that skimmer is working good, but like most reef octopus skimmers it is a little noisy on the air intake. But it is easy to make a muffler for it, a pill bottle and some filter floss is all it takes.

[MizTanks]

I had one laying around~complete noise free :)

[Heidi]

I am so glad the skimmer is working for you Jamie!! All it took was a 'little" tweaking ;) are you feeling the need for fish like I am?

[MizTanks]

I am so glad the skimmer is working for you Jamie!! All it took was a 'little" tweaking ;) are you feeling the need for fish like I am?

I'm feeling the need big time!! Thinking on 2 orange lined cardinals and 2 chalk bass~not so sure any more about the McCoskers Wrasse I feel bad about putting it in such a small tank~even though people say I can.

[jolson10450]

The skimmer looks like its going to work out good! i think you should lower the water level inside it just a touch more either crank the pump down some or if you cant do that then raise the skimmer even just a hair, seems like you are getting a little bit to wet skimmate, it still works good leaving it as is but if it skims to much at that rate in a tank your size when you keep dumping cups and adding top off water to compensate for it it'll make your salinity drop pretty quick so usually in smaller tanks you want a little bit dryer nog.

[MizTanks]

Great advice and info. I love it when someone makes a suggestion and then explains why. Most don't do that :duh:

[Corvette Reefer]

looks like a great skimmer alot of bubbles going on

[MizTanks]

I'm so excited-just got up to go get me some pop-checked on my last remaining Acan and her lil sweepers were out. Late yesterday I had placed her into a little crevice in the LR (like I was told to here) and sure enough she's hanging in there! Woot woot!!

[MizTanks]

What am I doing today? Well I just ordered a Tonga Mushroom and an mj400 for the intake and for running a surface skimmer. Still got surface mud/protene~turned up the intake pump and now I gotta turn it down because of major bubbles~tweak tweak tweak tweak the skimmer I'm getting there!

It's going to be near 60 today so I'm going to take my dog out for a run~well he run's I just lag behind until I can't see him and then I run~then I'll come home and go crazy with the, Mighty Mend It~which will most likely cause a trip to either Menards or Wally world so I can fix what I fixed~after all this I'm sure I'm going to need a nap but won't get it cause I'll find something else about my tank that will need my attention which means I'll have questions about it so I'll have to get back on my laptop come here and by time I'm off it'll be bed time...what a long day I had and it's not even started yet....

[MizTanks]

Just rearranged my ph's again. Started the 550 on the back wall pointing towards the surface~both 250's pointing at eachother in front of the 550~I know why I don't like the 550, it's looks so dang big in my tank :doh:~maybe need to look into something a little smaller :roll:

[Sir Patrick]

Skimmate turning brown yet?

[MizTanks]

More like yellow :shrug:

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0028.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

I would say-

Go ahead and feed more, if you like. ;)

[MizTanks]

My cheato has gone freaking crazy!! Started it with a bunch no bigger then a baseball-it's more then tripled in size-I'm actually going to have to bring some into the LFS-I had no idea it grew that fast. Crazy...

[Sir Patrick]

That is a great thing!!!

[MizTanks]

My new crew from HappyCoral~Never seen packaging like his before~both Acro frags 2" ordered 1 polyp Tonga Shroom and got 2~free zoa's. Thank You Happy Coral!!!


http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0039.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0042.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0035.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0032.jpg

[Rabidgoose]

Looking good Miz...those sticks will like the new flow

[MizTanks]

so far my favorite rock...

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0785.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

^ My favorite rock in your tank also!

That last sps pic is pretty nice though.....

[MizTanks]

I'm beginning to get polyp extension from the Acro-digitfera today and the Turaki is beginning to get her color back which is green. I'm going to assume that she's brown due to shipping stress. I had them in only blue lights for the first 24hrs. Today it's full light. I did not dip this time.

From all that I've read my main concern with my Acros are Po4. Which of course I cannot test accurately for, as I can't afford a $200 meter. I'm having to wait on the GFO reactor so what is the alternative for now?

Continue running the phosphate sponge via my mag350? I really am not liking hooking that thing up as it takes up a lot of space in my tank, what with all the other pump/power heads.
I know cheato does absorb po4 and my fuge is full of it but is this enough for my little tank? I could add a 11oz bag of Chemipure Elite but it has to be in a high flow area which I don't have.
So in the mean time I am to assume that I do have Po4 and do what I can to lower them?

I'm waiting on a new mj400 to arrive. I'll be switching out the stock pump with that. This will allow me to run my surface skimmer as I'm still having issues with film on the water surface. Not even the Korilia 550 is disturbing the surface enough to break it up. I just wish I wish I knew what is causing it. My tank is going to look like a junk yard what with all the crap I'm having to add to it. The 550 looks like a submarine in there and now I have to add something else.
Well I believe eventually all will come together. On a great note everything living looks awesome!

[Heidi]

Miz are you at least using a water test of some kind for your phosphates? If so what are your reading with that?
Cheato helps a ton as with any macro algae. Reactors are nice but really unnecessary. I am going to link this and I don't want you to say anything till you read the whole thing. This is how I kept my phosphates and nitrates at near 0 for 5 months in the hex tank. Remember I had no sump, fuge and no reactors. I relied solely on water changes weekly, my skimmer, and this method. And have you seen my sps that I have They are healthy and have grown a lot in 6 months in a small tank most of that time with the above methods. I am not an expert but I read a TON, so ... humor me and read this: Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php)
Or not, I still don't use any other chems or reactors just have a fuge now with cheato and this same method w/ my 150.
Heidi

[MizTanks]

Got cheato? I sure do!! http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0054.jpg

[MizTanks]

Miz are you at least using a water test of some kind for your phosphates? If so what are your reading with that?
Cheato helps a ton as with any macro algae. Reactors are nice but really unnecessary. I am going to link this and I don't want you to say anything till you read the whole thing. This is how I kept my phosphates and nitrates at near 0 for 5 months in the hex tank. Remember I had no sump, fuge and no reactors. I relied solely on water changes weekly, my skimmer, and this method. And have you seen my sps that I have They are healthy and have grown a lot in 6 months in a small tank most of that time with the above methods. I am not an expert but I read a TON, so ... humor me and read this: Vodka Dosing by 'Genetics' and 'Stony_Corals' - Reefkeeping.com (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/index.php)
Or not, I still don't use any other chems or reactors just have a fuge now with cheato and this same method w/ my 150.
Heidi

I've read the article. I'm sure it works wonders and of course there's proof to it's benefits. However for my size of tank and the lack of a great skimmer, I think I'd be doing more harm then good. I also don't think I have enough experience to be messing with anything chemical. For now I'm concentrating on learning about the 2 part dosing as I'm sure as my sps increase I'll be needing too. For now I'm only experimenting with sps~not sure if I'll be able to keep them healthy let alone alive.
Great article though except for the numerous times it referred to RC :tongue_out:

[jolson10450]

once your chaeto area looks full you should harvest it in half and take that half to the LFS and see if you can get some store credit for it, if not just throw it out but you harvest it so it has more room to re-grow again. i do a monthly harvest of mine to keep it growing well.

[Heidi]

once your chaeto area looks full you should harvest it in half and take that half to the LFS and see if you can get some store credit for it, if not just throw it out but you harvest it so it has more room to re-grow again. i do a monthly harvest of mine to keep it growing well.

Miz or you can send it to me :)
Just sayin...

[MizTanks]

Now I'm bummed :( Received my new mj400 today. Was going to use it to run my surface skimmer~NOT! It don't fit the pump. Yes I've tried just about everything~yes there's still something else I can try~no I'm not going back out in this ****ty weather to go and get the part I need. I wanted it to fit right away :mad:

Parameters: Cal=420~Kh=7~No3=.05~ph=8.2




---------- Post added at 04:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:17 PM ----------


Miz or you can send it to me :)
Just sayin...

pm sent :)

[2pairs]

Miz,
Have you considered reducing the out flow on the pump that fits?

[MizTanks]

Miz,
Have you considered reducing the out flow on the pump that fits?

I don't understand your question hon~the stalk pump has that option but that's not the issue~the intake on the stalk pump is not the same as an mj is~and I'd need an mj fitting to use the surface skimmer. I wasn't looking for more flow though. Although I got a little more but not enough to make a difference.

[2pairs]

OK,
I thought you went to the mj400 from the mj1200 because of the bubble problem you were having.
What type of surface skimmer are you using?

[MizTanks]

OK,
I thought you went to the mj400 from the mj1200 because of the bubble problem you were having.
What type of surface skimmer are you using?

Lol the mj1200 just blew right through my fuge. So I had to go back to the stalk pump.
The only surface skimmer I could find I guess, out side of a box preskimmer

[ReeferRob]

So jealous!!! Good stuff Jamie

[MizTanks]

Wow hi Rob! Long time no see. How the **** are you? I'm working hard on this lil tank. Thanks for the compliment :)

[MizTanks]

Well out of the 13 corals I bought last week...only 9 left..

[Sir Patrick]

What is happening??? What died, what lived, and why??

[MizTanks]

1 Acro. 2 Acans. 1 frag of zoas totally melted. The first 3 went within 24hrs. The zoas never did open, and just melted away.
Reason being I have no idea. Why do some live and others don't....?

What lived (so far) is: 1 Acan-2 maxi minis-2 chalice-3 frags of zoas. Not sure if the Acan is gonna make it yet. Still all pinchy looking.

[MizTanks]

Yahoo my Acropora Turaki is showing polyp extension as is the Digitfera. Yes I'm happy :)

[Sir Patrick]

Pics!!!

[Corvette Reefer]

nice cheato! lol thats a ton! and sorry to hear about some of those corals dieing that u just got. but keep up the nice work! and more pics!

[MizTanks]

My skimmers still putting out the very wet nog???

[HappyCoral]

Glad the Happy Corals are doing so well. Lets see those polyps on the acros.

[MizTanks]

My skimmers still putting out the very wet nog???

The nog is getting darker but still very wet. I've got it turned down just about as low and it will go and still put out some foam...

[jolson10450]

The nog is getting darker but still very wet. I've got it turned down just about as low and it will go and still put out some foam...

leave it sit for a week or two and see how it is then, sometimes it takes a while to break in right just take your time with it

[MizTanks]

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0026.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0018.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0017.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0015.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0024.jpg

[binford4000]

Looking great!!

[MizTanks]

Looking great!!

Thank you Binford!!

[2pairs]

Your new tank is coming along very nicely.
How long have you had the plate coral and how big is it?

[MizTanks]

Your new tank is coming along very nicely.
How long have you had the plate coral and how big is it?

Thank you 2pairs :) I've had the plate for about 2 months and it's about the size of a 50 cent piece. Just the other day I took it off the plug it was glued to. It's doing quit well.

[2pairs]

They can get a lot bigger, mine is about 6 inches across. I feed it 1/2 a dozen mysis a couple of times a week. i was surprised to find out that they can and do move. It is a interesting coral.

[Sir Patrick]

Looking very nice!

[MizTanks]

$&%#*&$ diatoms....

[iyachtuxivm]

$&%#*&$ diatoms....

Well that doesnt sound good!
In the above pics the tank looks great.

[MizTanks]

Thank you iyachtuxivm~but what's not showing in the pix is the amount of diatoms on the pumps/glass. It's frustrating because I'm not in the position to buy an ro/di unit.

I just added a 11oz bag of Chemipure Elite. See if that helps. If not then I can always go back to using my mag350 filled with po4 sponge...makes my tank look ugly though.

[MizTanks]

Woke up this morning to 0 diatoms. Truly! No diatoms. The glass couldn't be more clear and even the pumps are clean. Chemipure Elite all the way.

On another note, I've been fish shopping again. So far my choices are: Twin Spot Hog Fish (yellow hog fish) McCoskers Wrasse, Orange Lined Cardinal, Chalk Basslet or Royal Grammar.

My tank is looking awesome! All corals are healthy. My sps are still alive although lacking in color a bit. Not sure why as my kh hangs at 9, got good flow and cal is at 440. Time will tell :)

[MizTanks]

Well went fish shopping again~and my choices are~Flame Angel, McCoskers Wrasse, Twin Spot Hog Fish. One of these for sure :)

My tank has never looked better. So crystal clear. All my zoa's are looking great and I've even got several new polyps. Have noticed that the Turaki Acro's polyps only come out at night. Kind of hard to get a pix under those conditions. The Digitfera Acro is showing growth and the polyps are out pretty much all the time. Not sure why but their colors are pretty dull and still mostly brownish. My alk and cal have been very consistent at 9 and 440.
My one and only Acan is doing great also. Thought for sure it was a gonner. Not sure why it survived and the other 2 didn't. Really want to get a couple more, they're so beautiful.

My nog is yucky which makes me happy. I've finally been able to tweek it to where I want it. Looks as if I'm needing to cull the cheato again, stuff grows like crazy. Still messing around with the power heads for flow.

I finally caught a glimpse of my little porcelain crab~hadn't see her since I put her in there from lil 8g.

That's all for today folks :)

[2pairs]

Be careful with a Flame Angel,
Mine is a picker constantly and soon to be gone.

[MizTanks]

Be careful with a Flame Angel,
Mine is a picker constantly and soon to be gone.

Thanks for the heads up 2pairs :) I have done a lot of research and know that it's a possible hit an miss with these fish. I'm hoping if she/he is kept well fed with lots of veggies, it'll turn out to be a hit :) with all this in mind if I do get one a rehome is possible.

[whitetiger61]

Jamie

Your tank looks awesome..that acan looks pretty healthy to me..polyp extension on the acro is cool..for color might check your mag..might be a little low..

kudos on a great tank hon

Rick

[2pairs]

Thanks for the heads up 2pairs :) I have done a lot of research and know that it's a possible hit an miss with these fish. I'm hoping if she/he is kept well fed with lots of veggies, it'll turn out to be a hit :) with all this in mind if I do get one a rehome is possible.

I am a heavy feeder and before all of the food is gone it is back to picking, just so you know.
It is a shame too because it is such a beautiful fish.

[MizTanks]

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0074.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0050-1.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0028-1.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0015.jpg

http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0010.jpg

---------- Post added at 03:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:39 PM ----------


I am a heavy feeder and before all of the food is gone it is back to picking, just so you know.
It is a shame too because it is such a beautiful fish.

What specifically is it picking at or is it all corals?

[2pairs]

It picks at every thing not just coral, I think it is the nature of angles.

[MizTanks]

It picks at every thing not just coral, I think it is the nature of angles.

Looks as if I'll be scratching that one off my list :(

[jimsflies]

Here is a pic of the top The Blue Glow made with my mesh.

You should receive it soon.

http://tapatalk.com/mu/c6e4e12f-00fd-07e5.jpg

[MizTanks]

Good things come to those that wait-but in my case it's GREAT!!!

On a sad note-one of my newest zoas seem to be melting away-within 24hrs.

[MizTanks]

Found an Angel for my tank :) Buy Hybrid Lemon Angelfish | Hybrid Lemon Angelfish For Sale (http://www.sealifedirect.com/fish/angelfish/hybrid-lemon-angel.html)

[MizTanks]

Well they want $42 for the fish above and $69 for shipping plus it would take it 2 days to get here. Not a risk I wanna take.

But on a wonderful note~our LFS called today to tell me that a guy who's being shipped to Hawaii is trading his fish in to help pay for his new setup when he gets there. Yes he had a 2 1/2" White tail pygmy angel (Centropyge flavicauda) and I can have it for $20.

She's in my tank now:highfive3::highfive3:

[Heidi]

woohoo! I can't wait to see her :) better post a pic as soon as you can.

[whitetiger61]

sweet little angel..i was going to get one but just didnt want to take a chance at nipping my corals..good luck with it and keep it well fed ..it might leave the corals alone.. they are hit and miss at nipping..your tank is looking (in my best Billy Crystal voice) marveloussssss darling..lol

Rick

[MizTanks]

Truaki Acro at night
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0029.jpg

Freebe from Happy Corals
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0040.jpg

New Yellow Tail pygmy Angel. So far she's not touched a coral and loves picking on the LR. Doesn't bother the other fish either.
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0065.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Wow nice pics grats!

[litttlelondyn]

I <3 your Pigmy!

[MizTanks]

Thanks you guys~it's not a real good pix of her~she's def not a poser lol~and I'm sure she still a little nervous~but I like her.

[MizTanks]

Night vision.

Mint Green Candy Cane
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0094.jpg

WOW gotta have this Favia.
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0101.jpg

Christmas Tree Favia
http://i1080.photobucket.com/albums/j338/NanaReefer/IMG_0100-1.jpg