Blu's Cube

[bluwc]

Above is a pic from July 11'

Here are some pics of the aquascape and me playing around with the light. I know I need to clean the glass, but I'm just glad the tank is up and cycling, so I'll get to that later

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9677.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8885.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8884.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8890.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_8891.jpg

[bluwc]

I think I will do some zoos, a few lps and I think I'm going to try some sps. I know I have been talking to you about the Slimline (still may go that route with the other tank), but I got such a great deal on these from Dave when his tank crashed, I couldn't pass it up.

That's good that there is still support for these, I know Dave told me I could still find parts. It should be interesting to see how things grow, but I know he had really nice growth when he had these on his 60 cube.

[Corvette Reefer]

I like the bracket for the light, looks cool keep up the nice work! :)

[cbau45]

That's coming along nicely. I like the rockwork. That shallow reef look is so cool. It'll be nice once you get some corals and fish swimming around in there. Can't wait to see it progress. Keep up the good work!

[bluwc]

I have been testing the water here as of late and it looks pretty good.

I have not tested Calcium or Phosphates

Salinity 1.025 (refractometer)
PH 8.2
Amonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 10
Alk 7

So I added a test frag today and it's open and happy after about 45mins in.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9043.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9054.jpg

[bluwc]

Yup Chris, it's still doing great. Added a few more things but I think I need a better lense as the pics are a little blurry and it really doesn't show the color off. We have three cameras; a Rebel XT, Canon 20D and a Canon 50D. I think I'll be looking into a Macro lense soon.

Was told it's a bubblegum chalice
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9081.jpg

Miami Hurricane
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9079.jpg

A very blurry pic of a very small frag of acans
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9071.jpg

digi
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9075.jpg

cap
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9076.jpg

And the original test frag
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9084.jpg

[Nano-Newb1983]

loving the tank man.. i need to see in person sometime lol

[bluwc]

Added some more coral to the tank and here some better pics of some that had already been added. It will be a long slow process.....but at least it's not sitting there empty.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_MG_9279.jpg

I just like this chalice
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9287.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9287.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9271.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9273.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_MG_9277.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9264.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_mg_9266.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_MG_9280.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_MG_9275.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/_MG_9265.jpg

[whitetiger61]

love this tank Troy. with the open top be sure to pick fish that don't jump..scape looks really and i really like your light bracket you made..very professional looking..

Rick

[bluwc]

I added a few more things to the tank and have to say thanks to Dale for hooking me up with this stuff!

The nem that came with the clowns
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9395.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9396.jpg

A little plate that's pretty cool. It's blue/green and has a purple/pink mouth
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9399.jpg

You'd like this mushroom Rick. It's purple and green and about 6" or more
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9403.jpg

Some sort of sps next to the acans. If anyone knows what it is...lmk please
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9405.jpg

Some Candy Cane
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9409.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9407.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_9406.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Nice stuff Troy!

[cbau45]

It's looking good. Keep up the good work!

[bluwc]

I added a few more things to the tank

I'm waiting for the purple monster and ora plum crazy to get happy...they are still getting used to the tank.

Two cool little paly's (don't know if they have a name) that came attached to the garf bonsai I put in
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9613.jpg

pink lemonaid
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9615.jpg

The chalice on the right is the rainbow explosion chalice. I wish i had a macro lense...
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9620.jpg

A no name chalice but I like it. Looks much better in person
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9622.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9628.jpg

red planet
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9623.jpg

And of course the utter chaos
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_9608.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Wow nice additions Troy! Your tank is really coming along!

[redemer123]

looks really good troy, have to find me some of that utter chaos :tongue_out:

[larryandlaura]

Killer tank Troy!

[MizTanks]

One of the best builds I've ever had the honor of watching~thank you Troy! I'm loving your choice of corals :highfive3:

[bluwc]

Thank you Miz, that's very nice of you to say! I was very happy with the build how it turned out. Now it's just waiting and watching it grow.

[Sir Patrick]

How did I miss this tank????

Awsome man- keep up the great work!

[bluwc]

lol, you didn't miss this tank and you commented in the thread that some of these posts were moved from. This was the DIY contest winner last month but Jim moved the thread because after talking about it, the DIY was over with this tank and now all the updates and pics of new corals would fall under the member's reefs not DIY. Hence the new thread =0)

Here is the link to the original build thread
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/25x25x12-cube-build-13642/page6.html#post119735

[larryandlaura]

You did a amazing job Troy. +1 coral selection!

[Fordris]

awesome tank!!! very clean looking.

[pjr]

Hey Troy, what soleris is that? I know it's the 24" wide model, but is it an I5? Or another generation?

[bluwc]

You are correct Pat, it's an I5. For those not familiar with it it's equal to a 250w MH 20k

PFO 24 inch 14000K Solaris I5 LED Lighting Fixture (http://www.marinedepot.com/PFO_24_inch_14000K_Solaris_I5_LED_Lighting_Fixture _24_Inch_LED_Light_Fixtures-PFO_Lighting-PF8213-FILTFILDTF-2-vi.html)

Here is the pic that I took of the back of it. Sorry it's dark but the flash on my cell isn't the best

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/IMG_20110706_214836.jpg

[Nano-Newb1983]

new pics please :snorkel:

[bluwc]

Will try to put some on later today when I get home!

[larryandlaura]

Looking forward to the pics!

[bluwc]

Well finally got the camera to cooperate somewhat. Took some decent pics and not so decent pics lol.

Here is the side view of the tank
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0162.jpg

Front of the tank
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0223.jpg

Plum Crazy
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0209.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0216.jpg

Pink Lemonaid
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0208.jpg

Not a very good pic of the Strawberry Shortcake
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0211.jpg

Red Planet
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0205.jpg

Orange Digi
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0225.jpg

Some Giant Mushroom....prob 8"+
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0193.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0224.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0204.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0195.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0203.jpg

The utter chaos and it has a few babies w one already open and coloring up (can't see from this angle)
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0184.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0192.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0188.jpg

[MizTanks]

Beautiful!!!

[Nano-Newb1983]

love the pics troy

That utter chaos is looking sweet in there. once you can frag that strawberry shortcake let me know, its awesome

[larryandlaura]

Tank keeps looking better and better Troy! You are getting killer growth.

[creefer]

Awesome tank!! Great build, too.

[larryandlaura]

Any updates Troy?

[larryandlaura]

Where are the post swap pictures?

[bluwc]

Here are a couple of things from the swap that I picked up. Some I just can't get any pics of

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0603.jpg

My dendros closed as soon as I shut the lights off lol
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0602.jpg

Here is your lobo and rpe's Larry
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0598.jpg

Happy People Eaters
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0597.jpg

Not sure what this is, but got it from Skyhigh
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0593.jpg

I also got these four frags from Skyhigh...not the best pic though, oh and the duncans that are interrupting my pic are also from him lol
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0594.jpg

I also picked up a few sps frags as well....will take pics soon

[Nano-Newb1983]

awesome pick ups man, love the zoas in 1st pic. what kind are they?

[larryandlaura]

Dang sweet scores Troy!

[bluwc]

I'm not sure what they are, came from skyhigh too. Looks like a hornet but not.....maybe the next hornet? Lol

[Nano-Newb1983]

I'm not sure what they are, came from skyhigh too. Looks like a hornet but not.....maybe the next hornet? Lol

whatever it is, i got a spot for it in my nano lol

[bluwc]

whatever it is, i got a spot for it in my nano lol

When it's ready to be fragged, you'll be the first to know!

[ReeferRob]

Cube lover threw and threw over here, killer stuff. Keep up the great work!

[larryandlaura]

When it's ready to be fragged, you'll be the first to know!

What about me? Lol is it because I'm a doodlebugger?

[bluwc]

Took some more pics of the tank tonight. Need to move some stuff to other tank as it's getting full. Now I'm just waiting for it to grow out. Don't mind the algae, it came on the rock and I've been having a lot of fun getting rid of it

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0725.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0727.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0748.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0739.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0734.jpg

I'm getting some good growth!
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0707.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0716.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0714.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0719.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0720.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0721.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Dang Troy your tank is full! Let's see some pics of the 65.

[bluwc]

Here is a pic of the 60g that is in bad need of having the glass cleaned.

Oh and look@the growth difference between the MH chalice and the one in the cube......6 eyes in the 60g vs about 26 eyes in the cube. The frag in the 60g is about the same size and was a bigger frag when i got it.

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0752.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0755.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0756.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_0757.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Wow Troy!

[Nano-Newb1983]

very nice man.. all the corals seem very happy

[Nano-Newb1983]

went to troys today and took some pics while i was there.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/057.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/054.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/052.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/050.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/047.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/038.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/037.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/027.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/021-1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/019-2.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/016-1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/008-3.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/004-6.jpg

[bluwc]

Looks great, thanks Mark! How did the growout pics of the thunder & lightening chalice turn out?

[Nano-Newb1983]

opps here it is:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/003-11.jpg

[purerebel]

Sweet Troy! Love it! those LED's you have kick arse on the cube.

[larryandlaura]

Great pics, what camera did you use Mark?

[Sir Patrick]

Nice growth! Looking forward to seeing it fill in.

[Nano-Newb1983]

Great pics, what camera did you use Mark?

its a sony cybershot DCS-H10, and its only 8.1 MP too, it few years old but still works pretty good

I got it at best buy here in saginaw

[Nano-Newb1983]

Took few more pics yesterday at troys again while i was there:
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/009-1.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/012-3.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/013.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/019-3.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/024.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/026.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/036.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/042.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/044.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/049.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/055.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/061.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d26/NintendoNut1983/062.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Dang nice picks Mark. When are you going to take pics of my tank and corals? That gold chalice is sic Troy.

[bluwc]

I thought you might like it but unfortunately the pic doesn't do it justice

[larryandlaura]

I thought you might like it but unfortunately the pic doesn't do it justice

Its awesome, thanks for sharing it.

[Nano-Newb1983]

Dang nice picks Mark. When are you going totaled pics of my tank and corals? That gold chalice is sic Troy.

I can take pics anytime, just let me know when good for you.. Still been wanting some Backdoor saloon ribs lol


and yes the pic doesnt do the gold chalice justice at all

we all need to come up with a name for it :propellerhead:

[purerebel]

Sweet Troy! That gold chalice sure looks good, can't wait for the green to start popping out!

[larryandlaura]

I can take pics anytime, just let me know when good for you.. Still been wanting some Backdoor saloon ribs lol


and yes the pic doesnt do the gold chalice justice at all

we all need to come up with a name for it :propellerhead:

Im going to hold you to it. November Mark.....:highfive3: November my friend.

[Nano-Newb1983]

works for me

[bluwc]

So here is an update on my cube, things are going well with it. Had some issues with a couple of wild chalices due to what I think is too much flow in it. My sps love it, chalices hate it. I also was a little low on nutrients and some of my z's & p's were suffering. I am running the Solaris I5

Got a new lens, still playing with the settings but got some decent pics (no photoshop)

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2072.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2073.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2079.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2080.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2089.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2101.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2102.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2033.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2146.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2144.jpg
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2138.jpg

And the little guy is growing lol
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2071.jpg

And here are some tank pics
http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2130.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2128.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_2131.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Amazing stuff there Troy!

[AJ :)]

Amazing stuff there Troy!
Fantastic tank! Good inspiration for us 2012 nano contest folks.
What camera do you use? Your pics are real nice.

[bluwc]

Thanks!I use a canon 50d with a tamron 90mm macro lens. I just got the lens last Friday but I really like it and it takes some great pics.

[AJ :)]

Thanks for the details! It sure works well for you.

[woods4542000]

Beautiful tank ,and pictures !

[Sir Patrick]

So here is an update on my cube, things are going well with it. Had some issues with a couple of wild chalices due to what I think is too much flow in it. My sps love it, chalices hate it. I also was a little low on nutrients and some of my z's & p's were suffering.

What are you doing to get nutrients so low??

When it comes to low nutrients, just Start dumping food in! Works for me! Zoas/Palys and chalices love it!

I find there is a fine line between low nutrients and happy polyps, and extra feedings is key.

[bluwc]

Took some more pics tonight

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7431.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7426.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7435.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7416.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7418.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7411.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7408.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7403.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7401.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7398.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7396.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7395.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7375.jpg

http://i1218.photobucket.com/albums/dd410/bluwc/Img_7365.jpg

[purerebel]

Looking sweet Troy!!

[bluwc]

It's a red milli. I picked it up at RP a while back....it was from Andi's tank if I remember correctly. I think he said he called it a Christmas Milli?

[bluwc]

Yeah it's grown pretty good, a few more branches and some height. The yellow one I ended up putting in my 60. Didn't have a place for it and it started to brown as it wasn't directly under the light

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

[bluwc]

Not yet,I mean it's still a dull yellow/green and bit browned out totally but I figure it will be a few months veggie u see a change.

Since I put the mp20 in my cube I have a lot less red slime but may have to move stuff again as my nem is now waving in a different direction and touching a few sps frags. Bad thing is that they are already encrusted on the rock.

But you know, thinking about it, it might not be my lights so I may move it back in a few months. I didn't do a water change for like two months,I don't dose...so I have lost color on a few pieces. My fault lol. My pearl berry lost it's green base and is kind of brown but still had good polyp extension. I'm thinking high nitrates/phosphates and low on calc & alk is probably the big reason.

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

[Captain]

Wow! Really nice puddle blu!