Hopkins Reef

[Hopkins]

I think it's about time for me to jump back in to the hobby. Watch this thread for more details when I wrap my head around this stuff again. Man, things have changed fast... I have only been out for a couple years.

4632

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Alright, Welcome back!

I've always enjoyed and appreciated your tank(s), and am looking forward to whatever you come up with.

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Welcome back to reefing!

[Hopkins]

Alright, so here is just a quick overview. I was going to go with a 29 gallon rimless biocube, but when I removed the upper bracing, it wasn't exactly what I wanted. So I scoured the internets looking for that perfect tank, and found the ELOS Midi. Then I saw the price, and started looking again. :) Next up was Cadlights, and they seemed to have great reviews. I called and talked to them for a little while and I was sold. Hopefully their product lives up to their pitch. Later that night a 50 gallon Artisan kit was purchased, and a couple other items. Like many others I am a huge fan of JimC’s aquascaping style, so I sent a picture of his tanks to Reef Rocks and had them mock up a design with their rock. I’m expecting delivery today! Ecotech has always been a great company to work with, so I picked up an MP40. After that I decided to try out an LED fixture. It seems like you can’t go wrong with the AI SOL Blue, so I bought one of those too.

Now I have to decide on a controller, and am leaning heavily on the Apex. The price point and feature set is a huge selling point, but there is another reason. Since Jimsflies already has one, I would be a fool not to buy one and use his program! Knowing Jim he has put thought into everything that could go wrong and programmed around it. I plan on getting the VDM and WXM modules as well.

[Sir Patrick]

Sounds like a great start!

L:ooking forward to seeing what you come up with.

[Hopkins]

Here is a quick 'scape that I came up with tonight. Still playing around, but one this is kinda neat.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-ca87-3a8d.jpg

[WillBattle]

Aquascape looked good when I saw it, I think it will give you great spots to place corals!

[Hopkins]

Happy Sir Patrick day! My tank was shipped yesterday and they upgraded it to the new Artisan II setup for free!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MizTanks]

Here is a quick 'scape that I came up with tonight. Still playing around, but one this is kinda neat.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-ca87-3a8d.jpg

Love this scape!! Keep it!!

[slapshot]

Welcome back!!! Your scape looks great!!

[Hopkins]

The tank has arrived and I did a fair amount of work tonight.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-8acb-b201.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-8ae1-ab18.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-8aec-190a.jpg

Still not sure if I love the rock work, but I leave it for a few days and see if it grows on me. Tomorrow I'll get real camera pictures and not iPad photos.

[jimsflies]

What tank did you end up with?

[Captain]

Hopkinzzz! Nice tank!!!

[thepanfish]

I believe thats a Cadlights Artisan 50

[Hopkins]

Its a CAD Lights 50 Gallon Artisan II system. 50G Artisan II Series system [1850-ART2] - $1,349.99 : CAD Lights, Thinking outside the cube (http://www.cadlights.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=0&products_id=158)

So far I really dig it! My tank was one of the first new style systems that were shipped out, so I hope they figured out the bugs before mine shipped... It looks really nice though.

[jimsflies]

So does that have a sump in the stand then? Did you get their lights? I think we need more detailed pics. :)

[MizTanks]

Just visited their sight...very nice tanks! As Jim says...WE NEED MORE PICS!!! :)

[Hopkins]

Alright here are some non-iPad photos.

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/7016076557_3d1a500d0e_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/7016076435_a0ea5e4cd4_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6114/7016076557_3d1a500d0e_b.jpg

90% sure this is the final 'scape, but you never know....

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6869966174_ab7977233e_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6225/7016076827_28c663bb53_b.jpg

http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6215/7016077023_26765919d9_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7108/6869966604_e06fdf7b40_b.jpg

To answer a couple questions. I am not going with the supplied lighting, I picked up an Aqua Illuminations SOL Blue earlier this month. I'll have the LED light that came with the setup for sale in a few days if anyone is interested. Sometime soon I plan on buying the WXM and VDM modules from Neptune Systems for controlling the SOL Blue and Vortech. Also, I need to buy the Eco Smart upgrade for the MP40W. For rock I went with Reef Rocks, which are a bit too "solid" for my taste, so I also picked up some BRS Pukani which is much nicer and more porous. Later this week I'll finally get this thing wet.... Hopefully.

[jimsflies]

Looks pretty nice. Looks like you are putting together a nice equipment list. I love the wxm module.

[thepanfish]

I've wanted a Cadlights system and would love to come check it out if you're still in RO.

[Hopkins]

And we have water... Just freshwater for now so I can test everything out. I had to add a little bit of silicone to the overflow in a corner, because it had a little leak and wouldn't maintain a high enough water level. The lock line needs a anti siphon hole drilled which isn't a big deal. I really love controlling my tank over the iPad or iPhone from the house or even work. This will make taking vacations so much easier and help give me peace of mind.

Now I need to start adding salt and start the cycle. Have there been any advancements in the cycling business that I should check out? Any new miracle cycle in 3 day additives?

[jimsflies]

Microbacter will help speed it up.

[Hopkins]

Salt went in tonight. Now the waiting begins... Time to start programming the Apex for some added redundancy and fault protection.

[Hopkins]

I almost forgot how much I like having a tank in the house. Tonight Radiohead is playing while Ai is casting a nice soft blue glow over the tanks rippling vortech powered water. I don't even mind doing homework with a scene like this....

[Sir Patrick]

Dont blame you there!

Any pics of it w/ the lights and water?

[Hopkins]

I forgot all about taking a picture of it full of water. Let me see if I can find some time tomorrow to take a few pictures with the lights on. Earlier this week the tank was covered in the typical brown algae you see when a tank is cycling. 3 days later and its almost all gone. I have been dosing everyday with MB7, and I think it has been speeding this whole process up. Next week I am leaving for Florida for a few days and when I come back, the tank should be ready for its clean up crew.

[MightiesKeeper]

I seen this tank when I picked my new skimmer up. Very nice setup and can't wait to see more pics!

[Hopkins]

Here is my latest addition from Reef Solutions.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-072b-800f.jpg

Sorry for the iPhone image. I didn't feel like getting out an actual camera.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MizTanks]

Beautiful! I'd say the iPhone doesn't take such bad pics ;)


There's nothing like being a Reefer!

[Hopkins]

Just had to turn the chiller on, temperature was up to 80 degrees. Who would have thought was going to be that hot in MAY! Anyway, I picked up a few nice frags this weekend.

Trop
--------
Nice yellowish Duncans
Neat Zoa Frag

Reef Solutions
----------------------
3 different SPS frags -- All very nice, just don't know what they are.

Private Seller
--------------------
Cali Tort
Tyree Flames From **** Leptastrea
ORA Bird of Paradise
Blue Polyp Birdsnest

All in all it was a good weekend. How was yours?

[Hopkins]

Thunderstorm - YouTube

Let's see if that embeds correctly from Tapatalk.


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[MizTanks]

Is there an actual benefit to that setting? Or is it just for show? Oh and why is it called thunder, if it's actually lightening? :)

[Hopkins]

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-f773-6da1.jpg

I wonder if there is a way to white balance on the iPhone.


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[slapshot]

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-f773-6da1.jpg

I wonder if there is a way to white balance on the iPhone.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you find away please let me know. It takes great photos but it loves the blue light.

[Hopkins]

I took this with the King Camera application. It let me edit the WB and exposure along with a ton of other options.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-254a-0c87.jpg
Cali Tort


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[Hopkins]

It has been a busy weekend. I passed another Cisco certification yesterday and today I worked on the tank. First I raised the Ai SOL, so it is now at 12" off the water surface. second I hooked up a new BRS dual reactor running GFO and Carbon. Lastly I found that one of my BRS dosing pumps is not working. It sounds like the motor is getting bound up somewhere.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-fae8-f29b.jpg
Auto top off, reactor and small UPS for the vortech.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-fbd8-8732.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-fbe4-34aa.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hopkins]

Picked up a few things over the weekend.

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-05fb-6747.jpg
God of War

http://img.tapatalk.com/442b8a66-0624-1687.jpg
Not sure of the name.

About 10 more frags that I haven't had a chance to photograph.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hopkins]

Visited Cherry Corals over the weekend and picked up a few new SPS frags including this Strawberry Shortcake:

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i4/hopkinsag1/Cadlights/shortcake.jpg

New Zoos
http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i4/hopkinsag1/Cadlights/Unnamed.jpg

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i4/hopkinsag1/Cadlights/NewZoo.jpg

[Poseidon]

TIme for an update Adam!

[Hopkins]

Here is a quick video of one of the new inhabitants. I guess he didn't like where I put him, so he packed his bags and moved.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbC5jYdSMhA

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/02/adu4uju6.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/02/puhe9aja.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/02/mevynyhu.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/02/hyzavuzu.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hopkins]

Here is an iPhone panorama picture. I think it turned out kinda neat.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/12/12/04/vepu4y5y.jpg


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[Tom Toro]

Very nice tank! I like the style a lot. Cool aquascaping too. Lots of places to hide.

Also, I noticed a goniopora in the background on one of your pics (I might be wrong, only saw a couple of the flowers). Did it make it and if so, where did you get it and how did you feed it? I had one years ago that thrived for a couple of years and just expired for no apparent reason.

[Hopkins]

The goniopora unfortunately didn't last very long. I have never had very good success with them, but maybe my tank wasn't ready for that type of needy coral yet. I think I will try a red one in a few months.

[MizTanks]

That is a very cool shot! How'd you do it? I also like the rock work. Very natural looking :)

[Hopkins]

I was actually home today and caught a quick thunderstorm.


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


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[Hopkins]

I haven't updated this thread in a while. Quite a bit has changed since the last update. I seem to have made it past the period of darkness where every coral put in the tank would die. Everything seems to be thriving and growing. I have added a bio pellet reactor and a avast kalk reactor. So far I am very pleased with the results from both pieces of equipment.

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/19/nuvahyqy.jpg

http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/04/19/yjejuruh.jpg


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[MizTanks]

Total sweetness!! Very happy things have gone well for you Hopkins :)

[Hopkins]

Well, I upgraded this tank to a 90 gallon for some reason. That didn't go very well. I bought the tank sight unseen from another forum. When I filled it up, the tank was covered in scratches. It looks pretty terrible and I neglected it for around 6 months. Now I have finally graduated from college and was promoted to a new job with more responsibility, but no on call time. It is time to resurrect this tank. I am getting rid of the 90 gallon and bringing the 50 cube back to life. I just ordered a 250w radium setup to replace LEDs that just never seemed to do very well. In this rendition, I am going to use minimal rock work. I really like the look of just a couple pieces that are covered in coral.

The move between tanks is going to be interesting. I have a metric ton of hair algae in the 90 gallon, so I need to scrub whatever rock I choose to move. I am not looking forward to that. I will also need to scrub the frags as well. Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

[Poseidon]

Woo hoo! An update!

I really like your choice of lights, I just went with the same bulb on my tank. I did miss the pop of the blue LED, so I added that to my halide, I think I have found my new favorite light combo. :D

[Hopkins]

Here is a video of the tanks newest inhabitants.


https://vimeo.com/98660789

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Sounds like a good move on changing up tanks. Would it be a good idea to just get new rock?

Tom

[MizTanks]

Great video!! Love the relationship between those two. Could watch them for hours :)

[Hopkins]

I didn't get new rock for the tank switch. I picked out the best pieces with the least amount of algae on it. Then I scrubbed any strands off that I could find with a toothbrush. I think I got it all, but you never know. I do plan to have a better maintenance routine with this tank though. I am running Chemi-pure Elite in the sump and I actually purchased filter socks. I'll probably even do monthly water changes on this one too.

[Hopkins]

Just messing around with a new iPhone app.

9842
9843

[MizTanks]

And that app is? Very nice pics so please do tell :)

[Hopkins]

Here is the app: VSCO CAM | Visual Supply Co (http://vsco.co/vscocam)

[MizTanks]

Here is the app: VSCO CAM | Visual Supply Co (http://vsco.co/vscocam)

Downloading now :)

[Hopkins]

This thread needs an update.

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/005/MIR-2715,large.1426273147.jpg (http://hopkinsintranet.com/albums/reef-tank/content/sexy-time/)

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/006/MIR-2706,large.1426273532.jpg (http://hopkinsintranet.com/albums/reef-tank/content/hammer-time/)

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/007/MIR-2709,medium_large.1426273885.jpg (http://hopkinsintranet.com/albums/reef-tank/content/rock-anenome/)
Reef Tank - Hopkins Gallery (http://hopkinsintranet.com/albums/reef-tank/)

[MizTanks]

Bout time!! Sweet one too :)

[Hopkins]

I really need to start gluing coral on to actual rock instead of frag plugs. I hardly have anymore real-estate on the sand anymore.

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/013/MIR-3030,large.1426890560.jpg

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/014/MIR-3053,large.1426890563.jpg

Here are some of the more active inhabitants.

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/015/MIR-3057,large.1426890565.jpg

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/016/MIR-3068,medium_large.1426890568.jpg

http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/017/DSC-3091,large.1426890571.jpg

Cherry Corals Pink Kush Paly
http://hopkinsintranet.com/koken/storage/cache/images/000/019/DSC-3096,medium_large.1426890576.jpg

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Nice update. I agree, frag plugs are evil!

Tom

[Hopkins]

Nice update. I agree, frag plugs are evil!

Tom

I did mount one the other day. It felt pretty good, but unnerving at the same time. Mounting coral to the rock is so permanent.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I did mount one the other day. It felt pretty good, but unnerving at the same time. Mounting coral to the rock is so permanent.

Unnerving indeed. I like to mount corals on small pieces of LR. Then attach those to the main structure. Best of both worlds IMO.

Tom