TCP316's 70G Cube build thread

[tcp316]

I had a 90G upstairs in our main living room with the sump in the stand. I did not have ATO at first so after I got distracted and let too much water run back into the sump from the RO/DI, running down the floor thru the ceiling tiles in the basement finished den, I decided next tank would be plumbed to the basement!
Live and learn right?
So, this tank would not quite fit over 2 beams and when the grandkids would visit and they inevitably would run past the tank making it bounce slightly. I was a nervous wreck that the tank would crack. After it was fully grown out, I finally decided to tear it down. I was going to take a break but when my son found out, he was upset that I gave up my set up. He sent me money and said "MOM, you have to get another tank. You are the one that got me into it. I need you to do this with me!".
So I found a sweet cube on a selling forum which fits perfectly over 2 beams and started my build. This was August of 2011.
I just wanted to put a thread on this site so I can add to it. Recently I had a tank crash when I went through major shoulder surgery. During my rehab I was diagnosed with cancer and had to start treatments for that. So needless to say, that is where my priority had to be and my tank was severely neglected. All my clean up crew died as did almost every coral. I have a small Neon Caulestra that is trying to make a come back. It is actually feeding and a baby blue which has white tips but isn't showing a feeding response yet. This makes me sad as it was a favorite and I haven't been able to find another baby blue. This was the first I had seen in this color.
Pictures coming up of the build.

[tcp316]

I ordered my overflow from Glass-Holes.com and they did a fantastic job. I also ordered 2 directional returns.
So after MUCH fear and worry, I decided to practice on an old tank I had with a cracked end and drill a hole. It really wasn't that bad so I went ahead and drilled my display tank today. I am proud to say, I drill both drains and 2 returns.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001383.jpg
Here is the before picture

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001394-1.jpg
Ready to drill

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001395.jpg
Drilling away
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001396.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001397.jpg
last one to go

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001398.jpg
Pat myself on the back!!! Ready to install the overflow.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001399.jpg
Installed and now I realized I forgot to paint the back! Oh, well. I guess I will tape it off and paint it tomorrow.


GOOD DAY for me:)

---------- Post added at 11:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:12 AM ----------

8/23/2011
I am using a Euroreef RS80 skimmer that has a mesh mod. It worked well with my 90 so I am confident it will do the job.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/PAINTEDBLACK.jpg

I painted the back black today. I have been trying to take apart an old 50 gallon tank to use the glass to make baffles for a new 50G sump. I got the frame off the top and bottom and one pane loose on the side but I can't seem to get the rest of them loose. Any suggestions? I have never tried this before. I have scraped all of the silicone off and used a blade to scrape into the seams BUT I can't seem to get all the way through.

[tcp316]

I had a hard time finding the glass for the baffles for my sump. I ended up going to Henderson Glass company and getting the panes cut from them so I could get the glass thick enough. Lowes and Home Depot is just way too thin!
I am debating on a different layout. I normally put the fuge in the middle with the skimmer in the first chamber and the last chamber be the top off. I have been doing a lot of reading on this and I know it is controversial but some say if you put the fuge in the end then there is a smaller chance of the pods getting chopped up in the motor of the skimmer. I am running water into the skimmer chamber to be skimmed and another inlet into the fuge. Hope it works. I can always make another sump at a later date if it turns out to be a bust. I for sure want the ATO chamber to be as large as possible since I do go out of town for up to 2 weeks at a time and my 78 year old dad is the one that comes over and helps me with my tank.

---------- Post added at 11:21 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 AM ----------

Finally! We worked all day on my plumbing to the basement. My poor husband is not an aquarist and really doesn't understand the whys and wherefores. He saw i was going to do the plumbing and decided he should jump in:). He is just doing it how I ask him without questions for the most part since he doesn't really know what I am doing. GRIN. He's a trooper!!!
My husband also built me a stand to put my sump on and I put my baffles in today. I will do a water test tomorrow afternoon to check for leaks. Then I will plumb the pump to the sump.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001462.jpg
Plumbing

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001464.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001465.jpg
I will think I will pick up another bulkhead and plumb a drain with a shut off valve to the drain of the sink. Then I can use gravity to do my water change. Just open the valve and let the water drain. I plan to put a 50 gallon barrel next to the stand to mix saltwater and pump it straight into the tank for water changes.

All the fittings are in place but not glued. We wanted to do a trial run to make sure everything is like we want it and tomorrow I will glue it all in place. I am so excited!!!
I will post pictures of the sump tomorrow:)

---------- Post added at 11:23 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:21 AM ----------

Sump baffles are in place
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/bafflesinplace-1.jpg

Plumbing behind the tank
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/plumbingbackoftank.jpg

Plumbing to the sump. You can't see the drain to the utility sink with a ball valve. The drum will be a saltwater mixing tank. I have a mag 7 pump and still need to drill the hole for the bulk head. There is also a lid to help prevent evaporation.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/sumpplumb.jpg

I have started filling the tank. I need to go pick up my live rock from a friend's house. I want to be sure the temperature is correct first.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/halffull.jpg

---------- Post added at 11:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:23 AM ----------

I now have the tank up and running. Looks like I will need more rock. Just waiting for it all to settle and not be so cloudy. The sump is running as well. I will need to go down and drill a few holes in the pipe that the float valve is on so I can actually tie it down so it is just sitting in there.
Here is a picture of the sump.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001481.jpg
The tank running. THe lights are temporary until I can get metal halides.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001477.jpg

Ignore the wires by the tank. Those go to CPU in the corner that you can't see. WE are getting ready to redo that. Also the chair by the sump with the cords on it. My husband is getting ready to make me a panel on the wall for all of plugs and switches. Just needs a motivator:)

---------- Post added at 11:24 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:24 AM ----------

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001483.jpg

Here is the latest of my fish room. Cat doesn't belong but was very interested. The hose out of the trash bin is what the saltwater will be pumped through into the tank for water changes. We got our power strips up with drip loops. I have the main pump on a separate power strip that is plugged into the main strip so I can hit the switch to just cut off the pump in a hurry. I hope I have thought of everything.

I have put a 15G tank on the bottom shelf to use for quarantine. I have a hangon skimmer in the garage I am going to bring in and set up for when I buy fish. When you guys do quarantine do you just use pvc pipes and elbows instead of live rock and sand in case there is illness of some sort? Powerhead, skimmer, lots of water changes and heater with PVC?

[tcp316]

(/12/2011) Here is my Auto Top Off. I had trouble in my old sump with it staying in place and I didn't want to drill yet another hole so I asked my son if he would help me drill a hole at the spot I indicated and reach in from the back through that hole to attach the float valve. Then we drill a hole in the black plastic frame to run a zip tie through and around the pipe. It is very stable and stays right where I want it:). I need to pick up another float valve to put on saltwater mixing drum.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001496.jpg


(I now know that this is not the safest method of ATO. I ordered a ATO kit that should be here tomorrow that will not be running directly off the RO/DI unit) I will have it running to a 45G barrel with a bottom float to stop it from running dry and a float switch to cut the Aqualifter pump on that will pump it to the sump where the float is will still be in the tank. ) I just hope I can figure out the electrical correctly. I am sure I will have to enlist help either from my husband or another reefer. I may also use a different Top off container that is not quite so large.

---------- Post added at 11:31 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:28 AM ----------

9/13/2011
After trying a lot of different rock layouts while cycling the tank, I bought more rock from another reefer. I decided I do not want it to touch the glass on any side and since it is a cube I have the space to make it an island. I went and bought fiberglass rods. They were out of clear so I got the red and will camouflage it where won't show. I am doing it in sections so i can switch it around if necessary.

Laying out the rocks
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001498.jpg

The final aquascape. Still very cloudy but should be clear by tomorrow:)
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001499.jpg

---------- Post added at 11:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:31 AM ----------

This morning everything has cleared up and looks good. Here are the 3 views of the tank now. Rich, the heater was a temporary thing. I had added water upstairs directly into the tank when we were working on it and wanted to warm it quickly. I had a heater in the sump as well. It has now been removed.

Front View:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001503.jpg
Side 1:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001506.jpg
Side 2:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001504.jpg
I will do testing this morning to see where we are on the Ammonia, Nitrites and Nitrates.
I tested as follows:
Day 8
Ammonia .25
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 10

---------- Post added at 11:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:34 AM ----------

This thread is copied from another site I had by build on. I have the water parameters on there as the tank cycles. I used cured rock from my old tank and from another reefer's tanks so my cycle was very small.
So my husband modified my canopy so my MH can rest 11" above the water or adjust down if necessary. I believe this will be an effective height. I am still not satisfied with the stain. I took the cabinet door to Lowes and they custom tinted the stain. It is too orange to me. Any suggestions before I add the protective finish on it? The front panel is removeable and is held on by magnets. The top also lifts up for cleaning. it is lightweight so I can remove it easily if I need more access to the tank. it looks a bit like a top hat but I did not know any other way to handle the situation as he didn't want the light open in the room.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/Canopymodification.jpg
He is going to install and bathroom safety outlet for me upstairs at the tank. I already have this downstairs where the sump is. We are thinking two circuits. One for the powerheads and moonights, T5 and a separate one for the MH. Any ideas? (ignore the powerstrip sitting on the floor. It is not plugged in. Just forgot to pick it up. :no:

---------- Post added at 11:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:36 AM ----------

9/23/2011
So we modified the canopy. Here are pictures of the canopy open being stained and drying.http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001540.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_0015411.jpg

Here we go. Installed with the Metal halides. I love it. Nice color but not too strong. I am excited. Just another week and I can start adding a few things. I have been working on a "wish list" for the fish I want. I want to plan the most peaceful ones first then add the territorial ones last. Anyone have experience with the yellow headed blue jarfish?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001543-1.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001543.jpg

The MH turned out to very expensive to run and also a bit much for my tank. This will be changed out at a later date. I loved the look of the light. I am experimenting now with some different bulbs in my T5. It will arrive tomorrow. I am going to put in ATI Blue Plus and Coral Plus. Hopefully that will be a good color and par for the tank as it is today.

---------- Post added at 11:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:39 AM ----------

9/23/2011
Today we worked on the electrical, drip loops and storage under the stand. We use Windows Media Center so we put the CPU under the stand since most everything is in the basement. Here is a couple of pictures:).
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001549.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001548.jpg

Now I just need to get my CUC ordered and start looking for some frags to get my corals started:)

[tcp316]

9/26/2011
I bit the bullet and ordered my CUC tonight from Reefcleaners.org. Hopefully, they will be here Wed. or Thursday. Here is what I ordered:
80 Dwarf Cerith
5 Dwarf Planaxis
25 Florida Cerith
19 Nassarius Vibex
9 Nerite Snails (Small - Medium)
11 Nerite Snails (Large)
PODS

I was going to order some Limpets but they weren't included in the free shipping deal. Maybe later. Hopefully my tank will stay nice and clean with all these little critters.

This turned out to be a good clean up crew except I would not get the dwarfs again as they just travelled into the overflow and lived in my sump which i really did not need a clean up crew there.

I lost all but 1 snail in my tank crash. So far, no algae so i haven't rushed to order more. The sand got pretty bad. I siphoned off a layer of the larger aragonite over a weeks time. I will siphon a little more off from the back of the tank and will add a finer Caribea sand. When I bought the first batch, the store that I called the night before, said they had the special blend and would hold 2 bags for me. I went when they opened and they had sold it so I went to Clio, they didn't have it and I ended up in Saginaw and just bought what they had. I was pretty frustrated by that point.
I do not like how it grabbed all the detritus and turned really dark. I now have a diamond back watchman goby that is keeping it clean but he really likes a finer grade of sand than what is in there.

---------- Post added at 11:46 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:45 AM ----------

10/1/2011
Here are a few frags I got from a couple of friends. Thanks Charlie and Dale. Pictures are just from my cell so not so great but you get the idea.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/caulestrea.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/greenpalys.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/WP_001599.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/nucleargreens.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/stick.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/greencap.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/frag.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/digitada.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/redcap.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/bluespeckledmushroom.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/godlclovepolyps.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/pinkpaly.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/singularia.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/frogspawn.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/pocillipora.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/redmacro.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/GreenSingularia2.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/Cardinalsside.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/Cardinals.jpg

[tcp316]

Here are the corals from the full tank shot.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/IMG_20120116_153333-1.jpg

This is before I got the baby blue Caulestrea. I am having difficulty finding a picture of it. I may not have taken one. Weird. I usually put pictures of everything in there.

---------- Post added at 11:55 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:53 AM ----------

Its been a year since I posted on my build. WOW! I can't believe I have been so negligent in keeping this up to date. In April I had to have shoulder surgery due to tearing the labrum and rotator cuff. The Labrum was torn completely loose from the bone and had to be reattached. It was a very painful recovery. 2-3 months out from completely my physical therapy I was diagnosed with B. Cancer. I had to stop therapy and go in for surgery July 30, 2012. I got MRSA which I had for 8 weeks and was totally laid up.
After the shoulder surgery I was very limited so my tank suffered from sporadic water changes. I had to get help lifting the water into the mixing chamber. Then when I had the cancer surgery I could not even go down the stairs. So my daughter came to help me at home right after the cancer surgery and did 1 big water change before she left. She knew nothing about it and tried to do as i directed from the upstairs as I could not go down stairs yet.
She had to return home to NC and 8 weeks later I still had not been able to check my tank out or do water changes. I was just about ready to drain it and switch to FW, as I am not supposed to be in fishwater during chemo, when several Michigan Reefers offered to help me. During this time all of my corals died. I discovered when Andy from Reef Paradise came over to help my salinity was pretty low.
We are now back up to normal in my parameters after a few water changes. The good thing is I have a pretty good sized sump downstairs so the algae didn't get too bad with a Yellow Tang in there to eat it up. :)

So I just got a few frags from another reefer a few days ago. The only thing that was left living is a couple of hairy mushrooms and 2 frags of Caulestrea that are very bleached out and closed up. I am not sure if they will make it or not. We will see. SO here is what I just added to the tank. The pictures are a bit blurry as I just snapped them with my phone. I know, my bad. I should get my Nikon out. Maybe I will later.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-12.jpg
Flames of **** Lepastrea 11/2012

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-10.jpg
Frogspawn 11/ 2012
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-8.jpg
Duncans 11/2012

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-7.jpg
Red & Green Blastomussa 11/2012

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-11.jpg
Yellow Polyps 11/2012

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/temporary-9.jpg
Mini Bubbletip Anemone 11/2012 This is a terrible picture. Will try again later.

So that is my start again on my corals. I feel like I am almost completely starting over. I also lost all my clean up crew so am going to have to buy some snails and crabs.

I started slow on my fish as I wanted to get exactly what I wanted. Not just throw any ole fish in there. What did I do? I took a few Pajama Cardinals off a guy. Started with 4 and now have 2. They are HUGE and love shrimp like a tasty snack. So the shrimp I bought never even made it to the bottom of the tank. argggggg. I may get rid of them so I can get a few shrimp to go in there. Am also debating on a watchman goby and pistol shrimp.

[jimsflies]

Wow great job...now I know who to see when I need a hole drilled!

[tcp316]

So as of today, I have added the following fish:
2 Black and White Darwin clowns
Diamond Back Watchman Goby
Orange Firefish
Yellow Tang
Pink Wrasse (I think it is a Female Whip Fin Fairy but not positive)
Blue Eyed Midas Goby (Love this guy)
Still have 2 Giant Pajama Cardinals (Anyone want them? If I can catch them, you can have them. A frag would be nice for a trade)

Dan made me clear mesh screen cover for my tank so I could take off the canopy. I also got a T'5 fixture from Ryan that sits on top of the rim of the tank.
I switched the MJ's out to 2 Koralia Powerheads and added a wavemaker that I bought from another reefer

I have a good amount of Caulerpa in my sump which seems to keep nitrates under control.
I feed Nori everyday for the algae eaters and SPectrum pellets everyday for the fish. I also feed mysis and other frozen foods every other day. So I guess I am a heavy feeder but my skimmer seems to be handling it fine.

Here is a picture of the screen. I love it!!!
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130112_205135.jpg

FULL TANK SHOT & VIDEO
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130113_212015.jpg
http://s931.beta.photobucket.com/user/muzik_lvr/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130114_171205.mp4.html

[tcp316]

Here is a shot of the Caulestrea colonies I had in my 90. I loved them! Hopefully, I can get these going and thriving again.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/90%20Gallon%20Tank/WP_001340.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/90%20Gallon%20Tank/WP_001338.jpg

This was my old Cabbage Leather. I am happy to say I have a new one now.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/90%20Gallon%20Tank/cabbageleather.jpg

---------- Post added at 12:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:15 PM ----------

Here is my current and "New" Cabbage Leather. I don't know what it is about this coral that I find so special but I really love it. The crazy thing about this one is it has a mind of it's own. I glued it where it would be centered on the this rock but it has moved over to the left on it's own. It is almost completely off the rock it was on that i glued to the main rock. Anyone else have this experience?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130112_205125.jpg

[Tankster]

love your tank!

[tcp316]

love your tank!

Thank you. I am just glad to be able to get it back in shape and get the corals going.

[tcp316]

Wow great job...now I know who to see when I need a hole drilled!

Thanks Jim,
I have helped a few guys drill their tanks. Helped JD just yesterday. As long as they are willing to let me show them how to do it themselves. They find it is really not that difficult. I am limited also to the drill bit sizes I already have:)
The 90G was given to me and the guy let me watch as he drilled it for me. He assured me it wasn't hard. So when I got my cube, I watched videos I took the plunge and discovered the fear was the worst. As long as I check with the manufacturer to find out it isn't tempured, I am comfortable.

I love your tank by the way

[tcp316]

Thanks Chris

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[binford4000]

A toilet in your fish room ! You thought of everything didn't ya. Lol. Looks great !

[tcp316]

A toilet in your fish room ! You thought of everything didn't ya. Lol. Looks great !
A couple of my grandkids won't use that toilet! LOL
They say it is too spooky in there with that stuff GROWING in the tank. I thought that was just too funny. They aren't that young either! 9 years old!

My cat can't wait until I do maintenance. He runs as fast as he can to get in there to watch me work. So funny.

[tcp316]

New bulbs are finally added. My fixture holds 4 bulbs so I have 2 ATI Blue Plus and 2 ATI Coral Plus.
It definitely has a bluer hue to it but I don't think it is too blue. The picture looks a bit bluer that real life
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130117_113159.jpg
I am curious to see if it makes a difference in the growth of the corals.
I also got my ATO kit in and am going to try to install that on Saturday if my helper's schedule works out.
I just love having reefer friends. Oh, and I changed out my filters on my RO/DI. I chose not to replace the carbon post filter yet. It is a 5 stage system. I just switched out the main 3 that are in the canisters. I will try to get the Carbon and DI post filters next.
Just having to get things slowly. We really have very good water here. It is the best as far as water testing in Genesee County or so the water people and a plumber told me.
Don't know if that makes a difference but it took a very long time before my filters showed any change of color at all.

[taziam10797]

Wow!! What a journey you have had. You amaze me. Keep up the great work, love the look of your tank!

[tcp316]

Wow!! What a journey you have had. You amaze me. Keep up the great work, love the look of your tank!

Thank you. Its been an unusual year but we are making the best of it ;)

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

Beautiful tank :fireworks::party:

[tcp316]

Beautiful tank :fireworks::party:

Thank you Jamie. It is nowhere near where yours has come but finally I feel I have a good start again. Can't wait to pick up frags. I have been housebound all thru Dec and Jan due to lung issues but am finally feeling I am over the worst of it. I am still being very careful about when I get out. Trying to stay out of the extreme windy wet cold. Difficult because of good ole Michigan weather but we have been lucky so far this year.

[tcp316]

Well, this afternoon, Big Mike (Poseidon) came over and built my ATO kit for me. I now have a 15 gallon reservoir holding my ATO water separate from the water source being pumped into the sump from an Aqualifter pump. One to let the water fill and one to stop it when it gets too full. Yay!

Thank you Mike. It wasa great of you to help me out. Your kids are precious.
I hooked my RO/DI directly to a Brute can with a float valve in to keep clean water. It has a cut off switch that I can switch to off when the Brute can is full. This way I can pump it into my mixing can when I am ready instead filling buckets and pouring them into the can. No more lifting 5 gallon buckets at all!

[tcp316]

Well, I got a Tunze Calcium Dispenser in this week. I bought a few plumbing parts today to try to figure out how to hook it all up.
Also, I had fun today. First of all, I got Great news is after seeing the oncologist today and discussing my reservations about my lungs, he agreed to cancel the radiation. I feel so relieved!
So, I made a trip out to Farmington Hills where my grandchildren live and stopped into see the Binfords. They had graciously offered to give me some frags to help me get my tank back on track and growing. I enjoyed visiting with them so much. Very gracious people. Their tank is beautiful. I also am partial to the same type of Corals as Mrs. Binford. GRIN.
So Sir Patrick gave me some frags earlier in the week and this evening they gave me some very nice frags so i will posting pictures probably tomorrow after everything looks happy. If they are still unhappy with the move I will wait a few days.Things are moving along nicely.

[MizTanks]

Wonderful news all the way around!! You couldn't have been in better company thats for sure! Looking forward to seeing the new corals :)

[binford4000]

Well, I got a Tunze Calcium Dispenser in this week. I bought a few plumbing parts today to try to figure out how to hook it all up.
Also, I had fun today. First of all, I got Great news is after seeing the oncologist today and discussing my reservations about my lungs, he agreed to cancel the radiation. I feel so relieved!
So, I made a trip out to Farmington Hills where my grandchildren live and stopped into see the Binfords. They had graciously offered to give me some frags to help me get my tank back on track and growing. I enjoyed visiting with them so much. Very gracious people. Their tank is beautiful. I also am partial to the same type of Corals as Mrs. Binford. GRIN.
So Sir Patrick gave me some frags earlier in the week and this evening they gave me some very nice frags so i will posting pictures probably tomorrow after everything looks happy. If they are still unhappy with the move I will wait a few days.Things are moving along nicely.

It was very nice meeting you and we both hope you enjoy the frags. Sounds like it was a good day for everyone all in all. Looking forward to seeing the pictures now ! :oldman:

[tcp316]

We left the house this evening around 6:15 and didn't get home until 8:45. Came home to a house without any power! Arrrrgh! Power came on within 10 minutes of getting home. I looked at the temperature and it was down 2 degrees which told me it had probably been off almost the whole time. Everything looked pretty unhappy. Corals & fish. I checked my timers and sure enough it had been off for 3 hours.
The fish have perked up. The corals never opened up completely after the power outage. Hopefully, they will be happy tomorrow! So I did not get to take pictures yet.
I am grateful power came back on when it did.

[tcp316]

I snapped a few shots with my phone. They are not very good pictures but you can kind of see what I have added to the tank. The frags on the plugs are still unhappy and my Duncans were opened up fully but I moved them down a little and attached them to a rock so they are not opening fully at the moment. They Trumpets are not open fully either.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115434.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115319.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115227.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115215.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115201.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_115137.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125541.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125421.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125333.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125324.jpg
There is a chalice here but I don't know if you can see it very well.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125314.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130126_125154.jpg

[MizTanks]

Beautiful! Things don't look that unhappy :) I personally have a lot of experience with keeping the Green Implosion Palys ( 6th pic up top) or should I say with trying to keep them in check. They can become very invasive and most corals don't stand a chance against them. They will choke out those beautiful lil zoas that are in the same rock. They have the nasty habit of releasing themselves and finding new spots, thus them becoming invasive and they grow quickly :( I've also read that they have a slight sting.
Keep the pics coming! :)

[binford4000]

The eagle eye's look very happy and the raptors are looking like they are recovering nice. The pink zippers and devil armor will come around I am sure. They we're just cut the night before you came over. The blue tip stag and orange cap look good and should do great that close to the lights. The devils figer and green singulara look like they are recovering for just being cut ! How did the gorg do ? Tanks looking good ! :oldman:

[tcp316]

Beautiful! Things don't look that unhappy :) I personally have a lot of experience with keeping the Green Implosion Palys ( 6th pic up top) or should I say with trying to keep them in check. They can become very invasive and most corals don't stand a chance against them. They will choke out those beautiful lil zoas that are in the same rock. They have the nasty habit of releasing themselves and finding new spots, thus them becoming invasive and they grow quickly :( I've also read that they have a slight sting.
Keep the pics coming! :)

Yeah, those survived my tank crash. I have them on a separate rock. They are tucked in the hole and I need to move them back to the ground so they won't attach to anything. Thanks for reminding me. I left them when I just didn't have any corals but it is time to move them:)

---------- Post added at 06:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:30 PM ----------


The eagle eye's look very happy and the raptors are looking like they are recovering nice. The pink zippers and devil armor will come around I am sure. They we're just cut the night before you came over. The blue tip stag and orange cap look good and should do great that close to the lights. The devils figer and green singulara look like they are recovering for just being cut ! How did the gorg do ? Tanks looking good ! :oldman:

Thanks again for everything. You and your wife are very generous. Do you think I put the Singulara and Devil's finger in the right place? They are down low on each side of the structure. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures.

[binford4000]

[/QUOTE]Thanks again for everything. You and your wife are very generous. Do you think I put the Singulara and Devil's finger in the right place? They are down low on each side of the structure. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures.[/QUOTE]

They're not picky. Just as long as they get some flow. The more the better. They do like light but it looks like they're getting enough. I would just watch em and see how they do. You'll know if they're happy. And you are welcome. Kat is glad you are getting things back to normal. Good luck

Ps. The Duncan is doing great !

[tcp316]

Thought I would post a few pics of the frags from Tom and Chuck. They are looking pretty good. I got a better pic of Gorg from Chuck.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130129_113031.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130129_113019.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130129_113105.jpg
not the best picture but it shows it is opening up.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130126_125345.jpg
Another opening up. Thanks Chuck and Kathy

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130128_115013.jpg
Some SPS from TOM

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130128_114914.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130129_113005.jpg
Singularia perked up and is looking good.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20130129_112926.jpg
Finger leather standing up straight now

Things are looking really nice and I can't wait for them to grow out. I am really happy with the zoos and leathers. Since I don't have a lot of experience with SPS, I am a bit anxious about taking proper care of them. I need to get a new ALK test kit as I checked it yesterday when I did my WC and realized it is an old kit. So as soon as I can get the money, I will buy a good one. Right now it is testing very low which doesn't make sense since I have been doing regular water changes. Also, bought a new Salifert Calcium test kit and am testing high at 480.
Picked up a few plumbing parts to install the Tunze Calcium dispenser but need another part. I was going to use a MJ pump but am a bit puzzled on how to go about it. Anyone use these for their ATO pump? I bought an Aqualifter but it isn't quite powerful enough as my ATO tank is under the Sump. My evaporation rate is a bit higher for it to keep up. I think it is because we installed a heater duct blowing directly into the fish room to keep it warm for the winter. i had trouble keeping the water temp consistent last winter. It is staying spot on 78 since we did that but it does blow right over the sump.

Barry is going to test my ALK with his test kit Thursday. Hopefully, it won't be as off as my test is showing

[binford4000]

Looking good!

[tcp316]

Thank you

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[tcp316]

I took some pictures with my phone. i really need to get a macro lens for my Nikon or make one.

Here is a beautiful Birdsnest
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141126_zpsb634e342.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_175318_zps56521278.jpg

Superman Shroom
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141613_zps69fbe490.jpg

Anyone know what kind this is? It was pretty white when I got it. It is starting to get a little color to it now.
just don't know what color it is supposed to be.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141530_zpscc8dd4ca.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141504_zpscf1dc410.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141451_zpsb9d315a7.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141436_zps36973212.jpg

You really can't see this very well.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141351_zps3e0e363a.jpg

Chalice of some sort?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141313_zps155569f0.jpg

Having trouble getting this to attach.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141248_zps405a94e5.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141239_zpsc29c547f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141225_zpsba3aa07e.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141141_zps3d684e8a.jpg

Red shroom
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141137_zps139b55e6.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141117_zps27d4f26a.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141107_zpsbfffa470.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141109_zps8cc9d7d9.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141044_zpscd974041.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141039_zps704eaee5.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141029_zps40182ab1.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_141020_zps71d24410.jpg

Purple Encrusting coral?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_140942_zps7d2cc18f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130204_140927_zpsb351100e.jpg

They are not the best pictures but it gives an idea of what is in the tank now.

[binford4000]

Looks like your getting it filled ! Looks good. :oldman:

[tcp316]

Looks like your getting it filled ! Looks good. :oldman:

Thanks. I just hope I take of them properly:)
Doing lots of reading.

[tcp316]

All my corals are doing well. The Blue tipped stag has some new polyps on it. Yesterday I was using the baster to blow off sediment on my rocks and was cleaning near the Gorgonian. I accidentally sucked the baster against the end of the gorg. It is still very unhappy. It is fully extended as far as the polyps are concerned but it is not moving back and forth in the water. It is just laying limp. I hope it perks back up.
The other issue I am having is one of my bulkheads started leaking pretty badly.
Tonight I loosened up the nut on the bulkhead and retightened it. Didn't help. So I took both bulkheads off the Glass-Holes overflow. Cleaned the gasket. Checked for any damage. There were no wrinkles or crinkled areas. They were all nice and flat and not damages. I cleaned the threads really good making sure nothing was in the threads. I also checked the holes to be sure there were no nicks in the glass. Nice clean cuts. Then I used Plumbers Thread paste on the inside threads and reinstalled the overflow. The Other bulkhead started leaking. I tightened it up more and it stopped. So now I think the leak is fixed so I go downstairs to check my calcium levels, etc. When it came back upstairs, I decided to check again.
Now the other bulkhead is leaking badly. Almost a steady stream. Argggggh! I am so frustrated.
I got a plumbers wrench and tightened both nuts up a bit. Still leaks. My husband tightened it up more. Still leaking. Right now I have a towel wrapped around it because it filled up the trim around the bottom of the tank.
Looks like tomorrow, I will pick up some silicone, drain the tank back down some more and silicone the bulkheads.
My dilemma is i am going out of town to Georgia Friday morning. My 79 year old dad will be watching my tank for me. He only knows to do what I tell him so I do not want him to have to deal with a leak!
Keeping my fingers crossed.

[MizTanks]

Wow talk about nerve wracking! Hope you get the leaking stopped before you go.
Have a safe trip :)

[tcp316]

Thanks. Doing my best to get it taken care of. Very frustrating

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[tcp316]

Well today I siliconed the bulkheads today. I will do a leak check tomorrow after 2:00 PM. Looks like I have lots to clean up under the tank. I have a fan blowing on it to dry it out. I vacuumed it out earlier and as it dries salt creep is showing up so when it is entirely dry I will have to deep clean it again. There is no paint or sealant on the wood inside so I am going to paint it after I get it cleaned. While I am at it, I am going to paint the stand as well.
Looks like tomorrow will be a busy day. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I did a good job. It is very hard to see and the work area is so tight, it is hard to reach much less see what I am doing:)

[tcp316]

I just did a water pressure test on my repaired tank and it appears the leak is finally fixed. What a fiasco. I am so relieved.
I haven't had time to paint the stand today so I will see if I get to it tonight or not. Not sure I am going to have time with all the packing and stuff to get ready to leave town. May have to wait until I get back.



Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

[tcp316]

I got back in town yesterday. No leaks and water parameters are good. All I needed was to use the magnet on the glass.
Today everything opened up really nice. All the zoas and palys were open and happy. My Duncans were happy. My leathers are obviously growing nicely and looked really good.
So tonight we went out to eat and when I got back I was looking at the tank and everything looked irritated. The duncans were completely closed up and even the mushrooms were shriveled. The Singularia looked like the lights had been off for a while but they hadn't yet.
i thought at first maybe the tang had been pecking around things since I hadn't fed him Nori in a few days but I kept looking closing and noticed a black thing in a hole in the rock. I poked at it, wondering if it was alive and pulled it out. It turned out to be part of my Koralia powerhead screen. I am now wondering if it is possible that something ran into it hard and it broke. I have in on a wavemaker strip that turns the powerheads off and on at intervals. Do you think it jarred it enough that it broke? Would that have caused an electrical surge in the tank? The PH is working fine.Just missing a small part of the screen.It is the part that has that little rubber piece on it.

just puzzled. Even my Cabbage leather is upset and shrivelled.:shake-head:

[MizTanks]

I've owned the Koralia and am confused. What do you mean by *screen*?

[tcp316]

I've owned the Koralia and am confused. What do you mean by *screen*?
The part that covers the impeller. I don't know what to call it.

[MizTanks]

The part that covers the impeller. I don't know what to call it.

Ok that's what I thought you meant, just wanted to make sure.
I really don't think a fish could break that. More like a loose impeller maybe. Is the pump still running? How are your fish acting? I'm wondering about stray voltage?

[tcp316]

It is on a wavemaker strip and is coming on regularly. I put my arm in the tank and don't feel a tingle. What really made me notice is I have a colony of nondescript zoas that are always open and they were completely closed up. Just caught my attention and I started checking everything else out. Maybe I should shut that PH off and see if they do better. What do you think?
The Duncans are opening back up even though the lights are off.

[MizTanks]

All parameters ok? Temp? Don't smell anything? Could you have had a power outage while you were gone?
Sorry for all the ??? But I'm just brainstorming :) I'd leave the PH on.

[tcp316]

All parameters ok? Temp? Don't smell anything? Could you have had a power outage while you were gone?
Sorry for all the ??? But I'm just brainstorming :) I'd leave the PH on.
Everything looked great when I got back from my trip except the glass needed a quick magnet over it. All the corals looked perfect. All day yesterday they continued to look great. In fact I had looked them all over carefully waiting for my husband to get ready to go out to eat. I noticed some new polys on the Zoas and one of the mushrooms had a baby. One of the cap frags had got knocked down and I glued it down earlier in the day.
We went out to eat at 6:30 and when we came back I was shocked to see so many closed up and the lights had not turned down yet. That is when I discovered the PH problem which wasn't there earlier.
My dad tanksat for me and there no power outages. Also, I measured out the food and put it in a pill organizer so he wouldn't overfeed.

This morning everything looks happy. I am going to plug the PH back in and see what happens. I unplugged it before I went to sleep last night

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

[MizTanks]

Hmmm maybe the PH was/is the issue. Keep us posted :)

[tcp316]

I forgot to say last night I went down after checking the temp. which was spot on 78, and checked the salinity, calc, Ph ammonia etc and they were exactly as I left them. I am thinking now that the PH may have jammed and when it broke lose that piece came off. I am wondering if it caused an electrical surge? Just not sure. I just plugged it back in and am watching closely as I don't have to go anywhere this morning. All corals are back to normal this morning.
Very strange.

[MizTanks]

Well this is good news :) Looking forward to some pics soon.

[MightiesKeeper]

Great thread Vicki! That light looks great over your a great looking tank.

[tcp316]

Great thread Vicki! That light looks great over your a great looking tank.

Thanks. I am happy with how everything is doing. I need to take more pictures and get them posted.

[MightiesKeeper]

can't wait to see more pictures.

[tcp316]

Here are some updated shots of my tank. Again, taken with my cellphone so not the greatest:)

FTS:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125551_zpsf57060d3.jpg

Happy Duncans
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125523_zpsd391de21.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_131848_zpsaa1016df.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_131823_zps15065544.jpg

A Purple Plating coral. Don't know the name.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_131805_zps084e449d.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125532_zps500b9fe1.jpg

Love this guy
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125104_zpse5e59cc9.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125041_zpsf7a7aa01.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125024_zps01a3d631.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_125011_zps7a82ac92.jpg

Gorg
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124846_zpsec9bcfe0.jpg

Couple of Chalices that are growing
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124832_zps66a67b8f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124812_zps1f124725.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124803_zps28c923df.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124747_zps1ca5769e.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124740_zpsa5e1aede.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124734_zps0877e4f4.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_124700_zps751c6656.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_135131_zps61587d76.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_135210_zps491f17f8.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130227_135159_zps141ccc66.jpg

I am thinking I am going to have to start dosing Kalk. I bought some Mrs. Wages pickling lime and just need to figure out how to get it done:)

[binford4000]

Looking really good ! You sure have a nice mix now ! I use to use the pickle lime a long time ago. I found the best method was to add it to my top off. I use to add 2tbs per gal of top off to start.Test and add the same amount tell I got the Dkh I was looking for.

[tcp316]

Thanks Chuck. The corals you gave me are doing really good. The gorg scared me a few times. I thought something ate all the polyps off of it. It looked totally NAKED! Then within the hour it puffed back out as pretty as ever. Then the same day, I got up in the night and checked the tank and it had receded all it's polyps again. Don't know what was aggravating it but it is doing great now. The leathers are growing really fast.:highfive3:

[tcp316]

Friday, I mixed 1 tsp / G of Mrs. Wages Pickling Lime and added it to my 10G ATO tank. I zip tied the tubing to a piece of acrylic so it wouldn't pick up the sludge on the bottom of the tank. I also cut a piece of plexi to fit the top of the tank to prevent evaporation and to keep it stable.

It's been 3 days and 5 gallons have gone into the sump so I tested the water.
When I started dosing, My calcium was 475 and PH was 8.0 and Alk was 7.0
I just tested and my calcium is 440, PH is 8.2, AlK is 8.5 and nitrates are 1.5 phosphates are 0.I did a 20G w/c march 6.

I don't really know what I am doing so I put a shout out to Binford. He is always so helpful.

[binford4000]

show off !!! those are nice numbers,I would try to keep those for sure.The calcium drop is probably due to hard coral cosumption.But that is a good level to maintain I personaly shoot for 425 ca and 9 dkh alk.You"ll be useing two part or a reactor soon enough to get those back!! lol Keep up the good work !!

[tcp316]

I realized today that it has been over a YEAR since I soaked my skimmer and pump in vinegar. So it is soaking as I write this. Hopefully, it will do a better job. It skims extremely wet now and fills the cup pretty fast. It didn't use to be so wet and fill so quickly. Don't know if it is just working harder or if it is not being as effective. Any ideas?
I used to be able to adjust the riser to make the skim a bit more dry. Another thought is I modded it with enkrat mesh. Does that make the skim so wet?

I ordered amphipods and copepods for my tank and sump. I should get them tomorrow. Also, I ordered Coral Extacy. I understand it is a very good coral food. Can't wait to see how it goes.

My corals are definitely growing. The encrusting ones are obviously spreading out and the zoas are getting new polyps. The branching ones are really growing as well. I took more pictures last night and was comparing from a month ago and could not believe the difference! It really is quite exciting.

It really is funny when people stop by and come in the house. The stop dead in their tracks and check out the tank.

One friend of mine, told her son in law about it and he came over specifically to check it out. He stayed for an hour looking at all the corals asking lots of questions. He has a freshwater with a tiger oscar and (gasp) it is in a 29G. He is looking for a larger tank for the poor guy. It has definitely outgrown his tank.

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[binford4000]

Sounds like it's going good! I always get a good giggle too when people who don't have a tank come over. I call it broken jaw syndrome. Lol Even my parents who live in Hawaii love to stare and last time we went snorkeling together they both said they never realized how much more then fish their was to look at tell they saw our tank. By far the best compliment I have ever gotten. Just think what people's reaction will be in a year from now ! :oldman:

[tcp316]

The funniest thing I get and get it pretty often is: How do you get all those plants to stay on the rock. I tell them they are animals or corals not plants and they are awestruck.

When they hear they eat mysis shrimp they have a difficult time picturing it. You can just see the wheels turning.

[tcp316]

The Amphipods and Copepods I ordered from Reefs2go and came in on Thursday. I put one bag in the DT and one in the sump.The bags looked full of pods. My vision is very blurry right now until I have my cataract surgery but I could see lots of amphipods. I think I could see with the magnifying glass copepods but wasn't sure. I lost most of my pods back when all my corals died so now that the tank is healthy, I wanted to be sure and replenish the tank.

The Extacy Coral food from Aquaculture Nursery Farms was shipped out 3 days ago. I hope it gets here soon. I am getting anxious.

I need to pick up some nassarius snails. I really don't have any snails right now. Just my Orange spotted goby to sift the sand. I also need to get a magnesium test kit. I intended to do this before my surgery but Thursday got here a lot faster than I planned and didn't get it done. I can't drive until my stitches come out so I am housebound for a bit.

I really enjoy watching my tank and corals. It is so relaxing. Thank you to all that donated frags to me. You guys have been such a blessing to me. I really appreciate Andy and Charlie coming over and doing water changes for me when I couldn't do for myself. Thanks you guys!!:big_grin:

[tcp316]

I got my Coral Extacy today. They loved it! Here is one picture of one of my candy canes loving it up.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130316_165541_zps16d69fdf.jpg

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[MizTanks]

Chow down time!! :-)

[binford4000]

You will like this food ! Nothing but great things to say about it ! Far exceeds my expectations. :oldman:

[tcp316]

How much and how often do you feed?

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[MizTanks]

I feed my whole tank Coral Extacy 1x weekly, using extended feed mode on my MP10. Especially now that I have a bigger skimmer. Then I blow my rock off daily. This food stays suspended in the water column for a long time if not removed via skimmers/filtration. I've noticed a great feeding response from my shrimps/crab and fish also, big plus!
As to how much? I can't say exactly as i don't measure-lol. But with this stuff a little does go a long way :) I use a vile from an API test kit to mix it. Allowing it to soak in some tank water for about a half hour or so, then add it to a high flow area.

[tcp316]

Do you know if the Scissortail Goby gets along with the firefish? They are both in the dart fish family but are different.
It looks like a pretty cool looking fish. Just curious.

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[MizTanks]

I'm not actually sure sorry.

[tcp316]

That's ok Jaime. Chuck what about you. Do you know about these fish?

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[binford4000]

How much and how often do you feed?

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Before I started making my own frozen food which has it in it. I use to feed it 3x week. Their website has good directions. One half teaspoon at most would do a great job. I always turn the return off and let my power heads do the work also ! I don't know about the goby. I have diamonds and they're the spawn of satan himself. I am the chairperson of the goby haters club of America now. Da#% those ba@&$rds !!!

[tcp316]

Ok. It said you can mix more up in the saltwater for the whole week. In about 1/2 c of water I mixed 1/2 tsp. I put in about 1/3 in the tank just to experiment. I will shut off the return next time. Its downstairs and I didnt go turn it off this time

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[Poseidon]

Looks like you are doing good Vicki!

I have a purple fire fish, and a scissor tail together in my tank, so far so good. ;) I was thinking about adding a goby, as I have some algae on the sand that only grows there, in lower light areas. Was thinking a diamond, but Chuck is pretty convincing about NOT getting one.

[tcp316]

Thanks. I may get one. My diamond back hasn't caused any issues. I do have my rockwork pegged so it doesn't shift. Akso I don't have a kot on the sandbed. If you have acans and such on the bed they may make a mess. It also may be a hit or miss on their personality. I love mine

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[binford4000]

Looks like you are doing good Vicki!

I have a purple fire fish, and a scissor tail together in my tank, so far so good. ;) I was thinking about adding a goby, as I have some algae on the sand that only grows there, in lower light areas. Was thinking a diamond, but Chuck is pretty convincing about NOT getting one.

I should explain better. I had two diamonds and together they would rearrange a complete sandbed on a daily bassis. I recently removed one and my over grown hippo and it has calmed down. Obviously I had to get rid of one.. I do think they do some good it just depends on how motivated the goby is. I am very pleased that I removed the right one. Sorry Larry !! Lol like you said how much damage can they do in an 500 gal tank ! Enjoy bud ! Anyway I personally have not had any experience with the two fish you want together. Like Posiden said it is hard to know for sure,trial and observation is probably the only way to know. Good luck

[tcp316]

I should explain better. I had two diamonds and together they would rearrange a complete sandbed on a daily bassis. I recently removed one and my over grown hippo and it has calmed down. Obviously I had to get rid of one.. I do think they do some good it just depends on how motivated the goby is. I am very pleased that I removed the right one. Sorry Larry !! Lol like you said how much damage can they do in an 500 gal tank ! Enjoy bud ! Anyway I personally have not had any experience with the two fish you want together. Like Posiden said it is hard to know for sure,trial and observation is probably the only way to know. Good luck

Maybe they had a competition going:)
LOL
They really were fast in your tank. Sounds like you figured out the issue.

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[MizTanks]

We need pics!!! We need pics!!! :)

[tcp316]

Anyone know what kind of chalices these are? They were very tiny when I got them around 3 months ago.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163949_zpsd7d17985.jpg

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[tcp316]

Anyone know what kind of chalices these are? They were very tiny when I got them around 3 months ago.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163949_zpsd7d17985.jpg

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Here are a couple of pictures of today. I did a water change yesterday and moved my Gorg. It was not happy where I had it. It is even more unhappy after messing with it. I am sure it will perk back up.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163838_zps79cbbfc0.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163854_zpsb173361a.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163910_zps249bb39f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163849_zps9826f335.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163750_zps64040edc.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163815_zps58f320a0.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_164024_zps5d0ed3b0.jpg

Things are growing nicely and looking good. My Neon Caulestrea has really picked up. It is the one that almost died with everything else and I have held on to it.




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[Seph]

Anyone know what kind of chalices these are? They were very tiny when I got them around 3 months ago.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130327_163949_zpsd7d17985.jpg

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Hey Vicki, They look like the Tyree Blue Chalice to me. In my experience with them you have to be careful about what you place close to them. They have sweepers that come out at night and can sting other corals. I really like the blue color and they can grow like a monti cap too. Your tank is looking great also.

[tcp316]

Hey Vicki, They look like the Tyree Blue Chalice to me. In my experience with them you have to be careful about what you place close to them. They have sweepers that come out at night and can sting other corals. I really like the blue color and they can grow like a monti cap too. Your tank is looking great also.

The one below is green. You can't tell in the picture.
Are they too close to my caulestrea. If so would they do okay lower in the tank.

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[Seph]

They should be fine low in the tank. Most chalices do fine in lesser light. I keep all my chalices low in my 180. Also you don't have to move them unless they are causing problems. After your lights are off for few hours get a flashlight and take a look at them and see if the sweepers are swinging too close to other corals and if they are then you can move them.

[tcp316]

Ok. Thanks so much

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[Poseidon]

Wow! The tank is looking AWESOME Vicki!!!

[binford4000]

Wow! The tank is looking AWESOME Vicki!!!

+1. They look like they're doing great! I wouldn't move em unless they're havering problems! Move the others! Lol but I am partial to chalices. As far as names go,make one up,seems to be what the online vendors do. Better the name better the...... Lol I just call em chalices. :oldman:

[tcp316]

Wow! The tank is looking AWESOME Vicki!!!

Thank you so much Mike. You have been a huge help:)

---------- Post added at 10:02 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:00 PM ----------


+1. They look like they're doing great! I wouldn't move em unless they're havering problems! Move the others! Lol but I am partial to chalices. As far as names go,make one up,seems to be what the online vendors do. Better the name better the...... Lol I just call em chalices. :oldman:
Thanks Chuck.
They are growing quickly. I am just concerned they will outgrow the space and get aggressive.You have a lot more space in your cube than I and I think I goofed and went with too much rock. I may have to redo the aquascape

[tcp316]

Well. last night I waited and kept peeking in the dark in my tank to see how long the sweepers were on the 2 chalices. At about 2 hours they came out and oh my goodness! they were so long. Just barely missing corals all around. I am definitely moving them down today. The other corals are too big and I don't have another place to put them. I am just glad they haven't killed everything in the vicinity of them.
Last time I checked their sweepers weren't long at all but they weren't very big yet either.

[MizTanks]

That is the only reason I've no Chalice in my tank. Can they be put next to each other?

[tcp316]

That is the only reason I've no Chalice in my tank. Can they be put next to each other?

I have them fairly close to each and they weren't bothering one another. I am going to put them on the sand bottom as they are already attached to a pretty large piece of rubble each. I can put them apart from one another on the bottom. I am curious how big they actually get. The green one has yellow eyes. I just can't get it to show correctly in the photos. The other one is pretty blue and purplish color.

[MizTanks]

They must be able to get pretty big. What with all the fragging that gets done to them :)

[tcp316]

I think some grow like plating. I don't know about these. I do love the scrolling look. I have a good place in the bottom right side. We will see.

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[tcp316]

I think some grow like plating. I don't know about these. I do love the scrolling look. I have a good place in the bottom right side. We will see.

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I moved the chalices Thursday and the green one put out long sweepers that very night. The blue one, not yet. I dropped it when I was moving it and it landed face down on the sand. It wasn't but a moment and it looks ok. Not damaged but I think it is irritated. I forgot to put the flashlight on it last night and check. I will check tonight.

This morning I sitting watching my tank as the lights came on. I have it set for the 2 Blue+ to come on first and they did. Then 30 minutes later when the 2 Coral + were supposed to come, they came on and flickered and then went out. These are brand new bulbs. I am getting ready to take it down and check it out. I am so hoping a bulb is just loose and not the ballast. I really can't afford anything expensive right now. Arggggg

I just took down my light and jiggled the bulbs and now they are all working. Put it back on the tank TaDa it is working now. Very strange. It has a plastic protective cover so I wouldn't think it would be salt corrosion and I don't move it around. Just weird. I really hope the ballast is not going out.

[MizTanks]

I had the same issue with a brand new Coral Plus! Put it in my fixture and out they went. I had to put in a new ballast as it blew! Doesn't sound like what's happening with yours though :)
Oh and where's the pics!!! Wanna see those new Chalices!!

[tcp316]

I had the same issue with a brand new Coral Plus! Put it in my fixture and out they went. I had to put in a new ballast as it blew! Doesn't sound like what's happening with yours though :)
Oh and where's the pics!!! Wanna see those new Chalices!!

I am so frustrated! They ran for a while and then started blinking and now I only have 2 bulbs running. I am going to have to take it down again and switch out a bulb to see if it is just the bulb and which one. These are both on the same switch.

I will post a few pictures in a bit of the chalices. Don't know how well they will turn out with only 2 bulbs running. I also hope only 2 bulbs will not have an adverse affect on my corals.

[MizTanks]

Do you have any old bulbs besides the Coral Plus?

[tcp316]

You are my kind of girl. I was thinking about that at dinner. As soon as I get home I am going to try that

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[tcp316]

Here are pictures of the two chalices.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_0039_zpscdf27344.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_0040_zps23c99144.jpg

More pictures coming of other corals.

[tcp316]

This small colony of zoas look really funky today. I don't know if it is a light issue or if they are sick. Anyone have any idea?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_0050_zpse3eea335.jpg

---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:08 PM ----------

The Gorg is puffing back out since I moved it. I think my Tang picks on it. I caught him once peck it as he swam by.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_0042_zps1d433243.jpg

[tcp316]

I guess I moved these photos to a different folder and didn't realize it.
Sorry about that.

[MizTanks]

Yahoo for the pics!! Everything looks awesome!! Someday I'm gonna have me a Birds Nest-Love that coral!! Thanks for taking the time to share :)

[tcp316]

Yahoo for the pics!! Everything looks awesome!! Someday I'm gonna have me a Birds Nest-Love that coral!! Thanks for taking the time to share :)

Thanks Jamie,
Things are growing pretty fast. I love that Birdsnest too. Have you seen the purple ones and the pink ones. I am keeping my eyes open for one of those.

Any idea about those pitiful looking zoos?

[MizTanks]

Your welcome! You've done a wonderful job thus far with your tank! You should be proud!
You bet I've seen those colors. Sadly though only on-line and I've heard that Birds Nest do not ship well :( So I can only hope they come available somewhere close to me.

As for your zoas...UGH!! When it comes to zoas to me their all Houdini's! I personally no longer entertain the thought of keeping them. To depressing :(

[tcp316]

As for your zoas...UGH!! When it comes to zoas to me their all Houdini's! I personally no longer entertain the thought of keeping them. To depressing :(

Today they are all opened out and look perfect. It must have been the lights which are coming on when they feel like it. Making me crazy. I take them down to check them and they work perfectly. I am wondering if it is the timer. I will check that out next. arggggg

[MizTanks]

What's the word on your lights?

[tcp316]

I put a new timer on that switch and they are mostly working but occasionally that switch cuts off. I need to put my old bulbs in to see if it makes a difference. If they go off again this afternoon I will switch them out then.

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[tcp316]

Looks like I am going to have to replace a ballast. I put in 2 other working bulbs and it flashes on and then off and stays off. It was staying on for a couple of hours and then going off. Now it just won't work.
My fixture is a Finnex. I need a Finnex replacement ballast 24wx2t5ho. Any suggestions other than the finnex site? They want $40. Just curious if there is a better place out there to buy ballast.
Also, how long will my corals survive on 2 T5 ATI blue plus bulbs without ill effects

[MizTanks]

For a replacement I'd check EBay. I'd switch at least 1 blue plus out for a special. Instead of running 2 plus.

[tcp316]

For a replacement I'd check EBay. I'd switch at least 1 blue plus out for a special. Instead of running 2 plus.

Do you think the Coral Plus caused the problem or just a coincidence. I have 2 of those. I could put one of them in or put in one of my old 10K but they are a year old. Not sure of the par on those.

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[MizTanks]

I can only tell you what happened with me. I put in a brand new Coral Plus and it blew my ballast. I'm wondering if this has happened to others?
Personally I'd skip the coral plus and just go with your 10k. At least until you can replace the ballast.

[tcp316]

Im gonna ask around before using them again.

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[binford4000]

Im gonna ask around before using them again.

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ATI bulbs put out good par 300+ so you should be ok short term . Regardless of bulb you choose. GLO
Sells a simple plug and play ballast with water tight end caps. We use to use them when we ran T5's. very well built and very dependable ballast that is completely sealed and resistant to salt creep and priced very cheap. Under 50 bucks . :oldman:

[tcp316]

Thanks Chuck. You are always helpful

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[Poseidon]

There is also a electric supply shop just down the road from RP, they sell Workhorse ballasts... Can't remember the name at the moment.

[tcp316]

George from White Lake loaned me a fixture this morning. THANK YOU! Hopefully I can get this issue resolved!
After George left I was checking out my tank and noticed my nem was not moving (at all) which was odd. Then I realized my Duncans were all stringy. At first I figured it would just be from my light changing. Then I realized both of my Koralia pumps were not coming on. I have them on a wavemaker timer that rotates them coming on and off every 3 minutes. Neither one were coming on. I figured. Great the timer quit working so I plugged them into my main power strip. Nothing. I plugged them directly into another strip. Nothing. WONDERFUL. now my pumps are not working either. I will have to rob my sump of the tiny little penquin PH I use to make sure there is enough flow in the sump. It will definitely NOT be enough for my display.
Anyone know someone that has some used PH's for sale?

[MizTanks]

Wow! When it rains it pours :( Sorry this is happening to you Vicki. Wish I could help :-/

[tcp316]

My husband was able to attach the mounting legs from my fixture and attach them to Tom's so now I have lights.
I fiddled this afternoon for quite some time and finally got my pumps running. Whew! So glad as my Duncans were looking pretty poorly.
Thanks for all the offers of help. I appreciate it. People are so supportive in this hobby. It is just great.

[Poseidon]

I had to leave earlier then expected for my sisters today Vicki, I'll bring that ballast by tomorrow. I have a couple powerheads laying around I think too, if you need to borrow those as backup for a while.

[tcp316]

Thanks mike. The pumps don't seem to be putting out as much as they did.
I get home from church no later than 2.
We usually eat on the way home. Sometimes we get home by 1:30.
If you want to text me or call I can let you know or I can text you when im home

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[tcp316]

I worked on one of my MJ1200's that had quit working and got it going. Encouraged, I decided to give it one more time with Koralias. They were running but barely putting any force out. I took them apart to be sure nothing was slowing down the impeller. They were cleaned thoroughly a week ago when I did my water change. I put it in a bucket of water and plugged it in. I started feeling around it and discovered it was running backwards. So after plugging in an out several times I got it going the right direction. Same problem with the other one. So now, I have good flow in my tank again without the crazy directed force of a MJ.
I feel so much better. I will use the MJ in my saltwater mixing can since that pump burned out.

[MizTanks]

Not sure if this applies or not but...do you have your Koralias plugged into a wave maker? The older models are notorious for running backwards when run by a wave maker.
Glad their running for you now though.

[tcp316]

I was using a wavemaker. Definitely not anymore. I want to save and try to get a MP40. Not sure how long that will take but I would love to get a used one.
Everything is looking better now

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[tcp316]

I need to post some updated pictures of the growth on my tank. I am struggling with bubble algae, some type of green algae on some of the rocks and something that looks like Cheato but it isn't. Anyone know what type of algae these are, I am open to advice. Also, still treating aptasia. It seems like they are getting under control and then they pop up nearby.

Here are a few shots.
Front Tank Shot
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0475_zps08603627.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0475_zps08603627.jpg.html)
Right Tank Shot
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0476_zps4c80e8ff.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0476_zps4c80e8ff.jpg.html)
Left Tank Shot
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0478_zps63656093.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0478_zps63656093.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0483_zps72a0d684.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0483_zps72a0d684.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0486_zps4f66b2e7.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0486_zps4f66b2e7.jpg.html)
Blue Tubbs
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0488_zps7a0cb8c8.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0488_zps7a0cb8c8.jpg.html)

Mini Bubble Tips (Not too excited about these but can't seem to get them loose)
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0489_zps82462381.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0489_zps82462381.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0534_zpse13d9850.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0534_zpse13d9850.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0486_zps4f66b2e7.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0486_zps4f66b2e7.jpg.html)

Green Cap
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0480_zpsec7dfe01.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0480_zpsec7dfe01.jpg.html)

Mushrooms
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0474_zps84165d30.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0474_zps84165d30.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0473_zps25f1dbd9.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0473_zps25f1dbd9.jpg.html)

Singularia
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0471_zps6e74c68e.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0471_zps6e74c68e.jpg.html)

Frogspawn
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0470_zps181a350f.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0470_zps181a350f.jpg.html)

Flames of **** Leptastria
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0468_zpsfa5da960.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0468_zpsfa5da960.jpg.html)

Orange Cap
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0548_zps7c9c17ff.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0548_zps7c9c17ff.jpg.html)

Leather
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0546_zps08c79ad2.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0546_zps08c79ad2.jpg.html)

Palys
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0464_zps9bd193ce.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0464_zps9bd193ce.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0463_zps6cf287eb.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0463_zps6cf287eb.jpg.html)

Need to pick some more Bubble Algae off of this one
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0462_zps93281538.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0462_zps93281538.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0461_zps3c44c669.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0461_zps3c44c669.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0459_zpsabf95737.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0459_zpsabf95737.jpg.html)

Superman Shrooms
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0458_zps39270bfb.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0458_zps39270bfb.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0536_zpsf24b2d09.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0536_zpsf24b2d09.jpg.html)

Setosa & Blasto
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0455_zpsb35fd78b.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0455_zpsb35fd78b.jpg.html)

Caulestra
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0519_zpsf3135396.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0519_zpsf3135396.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0498_zps14f14014.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0498_zps14f14014.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0452_zps0f7b1456.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0452_zps0f7b1456.jpg.html)

Eagle Eyes
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0451_zpsc59f95af.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0451_zpsc59f95af.jpg.html)

Duncans and Rics
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0449_zpsc7968a2a.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0449_zpsc7968a2a.jpg.html)


Blue Tipped Stag and SPS
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0448_zpsa8d06a0d.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0448_zpsa8d06a0d.jpg.html)

Green Birdsnest
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0447_zpsc4c4dc15.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0447_zpsc4c4dc15.jpg.html)

Gorg
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0446_zpse5a27db4.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0446_zpse5a27db4.jpg.html)

Pocillipora
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0445_zps07f90334.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0445_zps07f90334.jpg.html)

Idaho Grape Monti Cap
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0533_zps0f7bb7e2.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0533_zps0f7bb7e2.jpg.html)

Wonderful Mysterious Algae. Help anyone?
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0443_zps0781441b.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0443_zps0781441b.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0442_zps0861bc40.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0442_zps0861bc40.jpg.html)


Cabbage Leather
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0529_zpsa5a7725c.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0529_zpsa5a7725c.jpg.html)

Purple Haze
http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0503_zpsdf188225.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_0503_zpsdf188225.jpg.html)

These are the pics I have for now. not the best but you can get the idea from it.

[binford4000]

growing nicely !! that looks like a type of turf algae. if you get an erchin it will clean it up.When Hes done throw em in the fuge tell you need him again. do you have emeralds in your DT ? not fan of crabs at all but they are good at cleaning up bubble algae. Are you doaseing mag ??? Kents tech M is good at controling turf algaes also.I would throw the erchin in and doase the tech m. food for thought.Looks really good. the cap is going nuts !:big_grin:

[tcp316]

I didn't have time to go hunting for an urchin and since I will be going out of town for a week I decided to tackle it a different way. Hope I didnt make things worse. Before I did my water change, I spent a couple of hours picking off the bubble algae again and putting lemon juice on the aiptasia that do not seem to be responding to the Kalk paste. Then I used a wide blade on an Xacto knife dug into the rock to remove the turf algae. (Chuck, that is what I thought it was as well). I picked off all the stringy algae I could find and used a turkey baster to spray sediment off the rock. It appears 2 small rocks are mainly affected with the stringy stuff and 1 large ledge rock is mainly affected by the turf algae. I scraped off any other small areas trying to start up on other rock.
I tried to be extremely careful removing the bubble algae.
When possible I pulled out the rock to remove it and then rinsed it in saltwater.
If I feel ambitious enough, I will try to catch the cardinals. I really really don't want to try to pull the rock out. the corals are all over them and I don't want to start a mini cycle.

I am wondering if I need to start watching for a bit bigger of a skimmer. Something between 150-200G capacity. I am using a EuroReef that has been mesh modded right now. Maybe it just can't keep up?

Any suggestions? I will have to buy a skimmer used. I just can't afford "NEW" right now with the way this past year has gone. I am just glad to still have my tank up and running.

Someday, I would love to go with a larger cube! I would definitely change the way I did my rock work if I ever get the opportunity.


Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2

[tcp316]

Oh and Chuck, I bought 1 emerald a few weeks ago. Put him in the tank and he seemed fine. Next morning, I ran errands and my husband was home. Came home to the tank milky white. Couldn't see thru it. My KALK solution in my ATO kept running and didn't switch off for some bizzare reason and I have 2 float switches on it too!
Didn't see Emerald for a couple of days. I kept looking and found him dead. Lost 2 good sized nassarius I just bought too!

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 2

[binford4000]

That stinks ! Did you find out why the switches failed ? Nothing wrong with scrubbing the problem away. Been their done that just as anyone has that's been around. Good luck and if you decide you need an erchin and can't find find one LMK . We found a nice campground up your way so we could do a delivery if ya need it. I know tech M mag has been known to do a good job on turf algae . Good luck :oldman:

[tcp316]

Thanks Chris, I really really need to get them out of there. argh
Maybe I will attack it tomorrow. Thanks for the encouragement.


Tank is looking great Vicki, definitely filling in nicely :)

Glad to see you were able to attack the algae and have a bit of a plan..... I wouldn't worry much about starting a small cycle if you remove the rock to catch the cardinals, IF you even had one it wouldn't be bad at all as long as you don't take all day trying to catch them as any die off that MAY (or may not) occur would be minimal. ;)

---------- Post added at 07:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:13 PM ----------

Thanks Chuck,
If you come this way this week, I would be grateful. I am leaving next Monday for a week but if you will be here before then that would be great! Can you get the tech M mag like at Petco or will I have to order it? Also, do i need to test for Mag first? I still haven't been able to get a Mag test kit.


That stinks ! Did you find out why the switches failed ? Nothing wrong with scrubbing the problem away. Been their done that just as anyone has that's been around. Good luck and if you decide you need an erchin and can't find find one LMK . We found a nice campground up your way so we could do a delivery if ya need it. I know tech M mag has been known to do a good job on turf algae . Good luck :oldman:

[tcp316]

Hey Chuck,
where did you get your Mangrove plants?


That stinks ! Did you find out why the switches failed ? Nothing wrong with scrubbing the problem away. Been their done that just as anyone has that's been around. Good luck and if you decide you need an erchin and can't find find one LMK . We found a nice campground up your way so we could do a delivery if ya need it. I know tech M mag has been known to do a good job on turf algae . Good luck :oldman:

[tcp316]

I know Andy had some at Reef Paradise not long ago, not sure if they are still there or not tho.

Thanks Chris

[binford4000]

I ordered mine from my LFS,both the tech M and the mangroves. I would bet you can order the mag on line from BRS and or aqua cave

[tcp316]

I am thinking about taking out some of my rock. I need to catch my cardinals and that would be a good time to do it.
The rock behind the Duncans that is covered with Ricordea Mushrooms is one I am thinking about getting rid of. Then I could take the 2 colonies of Candy Cane and move them and take out that rock. There are a few smalls ones that are tucked in that can come out and then the rock on the right with the Setosa and other small frags that can be moved off so i can take out that one. It would open up the look a bit. I just need some feedback. Anyone think this would be a good idea?
Right now the rocks are not all that steady. The ones I talked about moving are always teetering and trying to fall. The others are pegged with acrylic rods.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130618_161438_zpse869fa80.jpg (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/muzik_lvr/media/20130618_161438_zpse869fa80.jpg.html)

[binford4000]

I have found that less rock is actually a good thing. Better flow and allows the waste to get to the overflow better. I use to be a wall guy like most reefers. I went to islands in the new tank and I will never go back to stacking as much as I can again,but that is just me tho. I think if your worried about them falling down it would be a good idea and the extra flow won't hurt ya either! :oldman:

[tcp316]

I have found that less rock is actually a good thing. Better flow and allows the waste to get to the overflow better. I use to be a wall guy like most reefers. I went to islands in the new tank and I will never go back to stacking as much as I can again,but that is just me tho. I think if your worried about them falling down it would be a good idea and the extra flow won't hurt ya either! :oldman:

I removed 25 lbs of rock today and redid my rockwork. I tried to have very minimal stacking but still had to stack one layer in order to get enough height. I am hoping my 2 SPS frags are not too low. Can you guys look at it and give me some feedback? I will post some pictures. It was still a bit cloudy when I took the pics

FTS:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194633_zpsbf4ee104.jpg

New Acan frag:
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194643_zpsb7065d2c.jpg

Cap pieces
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194703_zps70165c9f.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194709_zps80f45f0c.jpg

More room for the CC to grow
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194717_zps92020434.jpg

The flow seems better for the Duncans
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_194722_zpsc02228a4.jpg

Side shot
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_182222_zps930f7324.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_182230_zps2a63e4e7.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_182245_zpsfae26f7b.jpg

Other side
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_182254_zps218323bc.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130620_182308_zps3fe4e286.jpg

There seems to be more light and less shadows and more room for everything to grow.
Suggestions are welcome

[binford4000]

WOW !! Looks like a total diffrent tank now ! Looks great lots of room for fish and growth and bet the flows better too! Nice job. :oldman:

[tcp316]

I was thinking that myself. It was so cloudy when I was working in there that I missed that until later. I Will see if I can readjust that rock. If not I will have to try to pry it loose. It was already glued to this rock and I am also out of glue. sigh

It was much easier to scrape the glass! I can actually reach all of the back wall now.


Looks good but I would personally suggest moving the cap

[tcp316]

I am thinking of either trimming the cabbage leather or selling it.
I rotated the rock around so the orange cap in on the side. Not sure I like the cabbage blocking the view of the pocillipora and setosa. Also, now I can't see the green cap or grape.

What do you guys think?
Side
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130621_120628_zps333b0a95.jpg
FRONT
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130621_120658_zps6cb9aeff.jpg

[tcp316]

We are taking a group of teens to camp so I was doing monthly maintenance. Vinegar bath for powerheads and skimmer. I just braggef to binford on my skimmer how I never have trouble with it. Well wouldn't you know it I couldn't get it started back up!
Im not too good with motors. There was some build up I cleaned out. Thought maybe I forgot how to put it back together.
Finally I discovered a little rubber tip stuck where the impeller rod goes.
I was so nervous about this seeing I will be gone 5 days and my 80 year old dad will be watching over things.
Whew! Won't be bragging again!

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[tcp316]

Got back from out of town for 5 days and the tank is in great shape. No problems. Woo hoo

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

What a good feeling!! Yahooo for you and your tank :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[tcp316]

What a good feeling!! Yahooo for you and your tank :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

Huge relief for sure. Especially after seeing the problem Binford had when he was gone!

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[tcp316]

I added a couple of emeralds today. My bubble algae woes are continuing. I thought it was better but it is popping back up on the same blasted rock! One of the emeralds immediately started working. The other disappeared. I have been trying all over town and nearby towns to get peppermint shrimp and get the same response. They keep ordering them but they are just not available right now. Guess I will try some more Kalk paste although it doesn't seem to have helped any.

Has anyone seen a peppermint supply near Swartz Creek? I've been looking for a couple of months now. I am thinking of trying a Copperband Butterfly but haven't seen one nearby either.

[MizTanks]

If local fails Reefs2Go.com is having a Peppermint Shrimp sale. Buy 1 @3.99 get 1 FREE! Their shipping is very reasonable too.

I'm fighting the BA too :( and my only Emerald hasn't yet touched it. But I did raise my Mag to 1500 and that seems to have slowed the growth down considerably! So much so that I'm removing less and less with each WC. Just an idea ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

[tcp316]

If local fails Reefs2Go.com is having a Peppermint Shrimp sale. Buy 1 @3.99 get 1 FREE! Their shipping is very reasonable too.

I'm fighting the BA too :( and my only Emerald hasn't yet touched it. But I did raise my Mag to 1500 and that seems to have slowed the growth down considerably! So much so that I'm removing less and less with each WC. Just an idea ;)


Sent from my iPhone 4s using Tapatalk

I picked up peppermints from another reefer and they have wiped out the aiptasia. The BA is better. Still manually removing every week but it is now only on 1 side of the tank. The Emerald has been working hard. I still want to buy the Kent Mag to up my magnesium. Just haven't been able to order it yet.

Good luck on your algae issues:)
I am going to upgrade my skimmer soon and hope that will help as well

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

[tcp316]

I need to do a quick update on my tank. I picked up 5 peppermints from George and an emerald crab. My bubble algae is gone and my aiptasia has been decimated.

Now the best part is I have upgraded my skimmer to a Reef Octopus Diablo! I am so excited. Thanks to binford400. he upgraded and I got his old skimmer which looks pretty new to me.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/1377381523528_zpsfc1a9fac.jpg

Here it is in action. I was still fiddling with the settings on it.

[tcp316]

Oh and I got some of Binfords famous homemade fish food and they absolutely went crazy over it. My serpentine was hopping all over the the place trying to catch himself some. I ended up giving the poor guy some silversides. Thanks Chuck.

[binford4000]

Oh and I got some of Binfords famous homemade fish food and they absolutely went crazy over it. My serpentine was hopping all over the the place trying to catch himself some. I ended up giving the poor guy some silversides. Thanks Chuck.

Not sure about famous but glad everything enjoyed it. You are correct,the skimmer is less then a year old, hope it works out for ya ! :oldman:

[tcp316]

Not sure about famous but glad everything enjoyed it. You are correct,the skimmer is less then a year old, hope it works out for ya ! :oldman:

I am really excited. I have known my skimmer was too small for quite some time. Can't wait to see how it goes

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

Congratulations!! Papa Smurf you rock!!! Kudos to you :)

[tcp316]

I think I figured out why I had an algae bloom. My tank has been looking awful. The sand had stayed looking pretty good. I have an orange spot goby and he has kept the sand really clean. I just realized it has been awhile since I've seen him. I am going to look back at my pics on my phone and see when the last time he popped up in a picture. I did some cleaning today, scraping my glass and making sure some of my smaller frags were secure.

I also moved my powerheads around in order to add a maxijet that I had downstairs, temporarily until i can figure out a good flow pattern to clean the sand on the bed better. When I put in the MJ ( I could only find a 1200 that was working), it caused a hurricane in the tank!
The clowns got all upset and went and hid in the Duncan and the fish were hiding in the rocks. Even the Nassarius came out to check out what was going on.
I turned it off and everyone settled down and that is when it hit me. I didn't see "Sandy" (my grandson's name for him). I got to thinking and I believe it was last Thursday that I saw him. A friend came over and asked what kind of fish he was. hmmmmm
If he died that may be what caused the little bit of cyano. I don't know if that is possible or not. I'm gonna miss the little fellow. I'll have to find me another one.

[tcp316]

Here is my new skimmer in action.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_170616_zps6e629252.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_165052_zps965e48b6.jpg

And my Mangroves are growing and putting out new leaves.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_170952_zpsa0c7cc1e.jpg

Here is Full Tank Shot.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1868_zps65ba542e.jpg

I will post some updated coral pictures. Having problems. My camera thinks the lights are night and I don't want it to flash. It keeps flashing even though I turn it off. Ugh

[tcp316]

I am not sure what is going on with my purple haze. Looks like it is deteriorating in a couple of spots. Anyone know>
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/purplehazedying_zpsd55a3117.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1833_zps250af660.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1834_zps05d5be4e.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1836_zps7bdad6ce.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1839_zpsbf040a40.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1840_zpsa4acdfc1.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1846_zpse1fb189e.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1848_zps897a320a.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1849_zps4c3e8cf0.jpg

Can't see in this picture but my clowns have started hosting the Duncans.
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1850_zps57349297.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1853_zps44e55cda.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1857_zps0b38c7cb.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1865_zps33fd28e8.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/DSC_1866_zps57c81195.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_112849_zpsb4ca2d11.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_112742_zpsad546bb0.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_112548_zps4ac0758d.jpg

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_112630_zps1cb04660.jpg

Cabbage leather frags. Anyone want one?
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130827_112650_zps1e026e28.jpg

My little guy:)
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/VICKIS-LAPTOP/70%20G%20Cube/082813/DSC_1770_zps18f9d023.jpg

[MizTanks]

Beautiful!! :)

[tcp316]

Well, I have started dosing magnesium. It was too low and i have been fighting algae blooms. I also bit the bullet and bought a MP10 from Binford. I am hoping that by adding the VorTech and keeping the larger Koralia, it will fix my flow problem. I can see right now, I will probably want to get one more MP10.
Next on my list is to find a dosing pump to help make the dosing easier. I am so thankful for all your help, Chuck and Kathy. It was nice visiting with you again. Love the car!!!

[tcp316]

I ran across an add on CL that is a good deal for someone. Don't know if anyone is looking for a 90G glass tank with a nice stand. 90 Gal Fish Tank Reef Aquarium, Stand & Lights (http://flint.craigslist.org/for/4027162193.html)

[binford4000]

It was nice seeing you and Kat enjoyed the visit.Told ya you would want another one !!! lol Tx for the compliments on Precious too !!! Loveing the new exhaust on her,kat says I am going to loose my liscense driveing that thing LOL !!! Keep us posted on the progress. BRS sells a decent doseing pump and JBJ controler for it that works pretty well.Cheaper then an Apex or meter liter meter 3. Tanks looking very happy tho and your really getting some good growth! Keep up the good work!! and keep us posted. If you need help shoot me a text :oldman:

[tcp316]

It was nice seeing you and Kat enjoyed the visit.Told ya you would want another one !!! lol Tx for the compliments on Precious too !!! Loveing the new exhaust on her,kat says I am going to loose my liscense driveing that thing LOL !!! Keep us posted on the progress. BRS sells a decent doseing pump and JBJ controler for it that works pretty well.Cheaper then an Apex or meter liter meter 3. Tanks looking very happy tho and your really getting some good growth! Keep up the good work!! and keep us posted. If you need help shoot me a text :oldman:

Thanks Chuck.. YOu have been a big help to me and an encouragement. I am glad to get to know you and Kathy. I consider you both friends.

Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk 4

[Poseidon]

Looking Great Vicki! That new skimmer should really make an improvement for you, more fishies!!!!

[tcp316]

Thanks Mike,
I am waiting until I get my cyano under control and all my levels stable. I want to get another sand sifting goby soon. Not sure where to get one since we don't have a local store selling fish now.
I am loving the skimmer. It really pulls alot out of the water. A work horse for sure.

[Poseidon]

I was thinking about the store situation the other day. At one point there was at least 4 stores in the Flint area selling saltwater fish and supplies.

The Fish Tank
A World Under the Sea
Neptune's (Nest)
and a place on Saginaw St can't remember the name.... Neptune's turned into GoFish at some point.

Now we have Reef Paradise, Andy has some killer corals no question, but the market has changed so much, he can't tie up the money in Dry Goods, or fish. :(

Hopefully that changes soon.

For Fish, for us, I am thinking Preuss' or the Trop, quite the drive either way.

[tcp316]

Somethins Fishy is in clio but I'm not comfortable with them

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[Poseidon]

Me either.

[tcp316]

So I have been dosing magnesium and have reached my target of 1500. Now I am watching for all the algae to dissipate and then I am going to do a change over to Tropic Eden Reef Flakes. I have the bag ready but wanted to be sure all the algae is gone before I switch. Binford suggested this and I thought it was a very wise move.
I had combined 2 types of sand and it has been clumping together really hard. Also, I covered the bottom of my tank with eggcrate and need to remove it and only put cut out pieces under the rocks that touch the glass. That way I have more space for my sand sifting critters and when the sand is moved around eggcrate isn't exposed.

I believe I have enough good rock to keep from having a cycle if I get it done quickly:_
Will keep you posted on how long it takes for all the algae to disappear. Already, I am not having any on the glass and cyano on the sandbed is much less than it was before.

[tcp316]

So, my cyano is still hanging in there. So I am going total blackout.
How is this for a blackout? Giggle
http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/1379622062314_zps6784c78b.jpg (http://s931.photobucket.com/user/muzik_lvr/media/1379622062314_zps6784c78b.jpg.html)
Hopefully tomorrow I will do more maintenance and do a switch over on the sand.

Tonight, I checked my skimmer and discovered it flowing over! I check it everyday and I didn't check it yesterday. I was shocked. The only thing I can figure is I switched out to fresh carbon. That is the only thing other than the mag I am dosing. That may be it as well. I emptied it and readjusted it. We will see:)

[binford4000]

:hypnodisk::snorkel: now that is a blaced out tank ! Your not messin around ! :hypnodisk:

[tcp316]

The sand bed definitely had issues when I got to it. I got it all changed out and cleaned out my sump. The refugium area, I suspect was causing problems. I had rock rubble sitting on eggcrate and underneath the crate was terrible diatrus and debris.
Got it all ready to pump new water in and my return pump will not come on. It is OLD. A Gen X PCX40. It had great flow and never failed to work but was loud. Everything I read on them they were loud coming out of the box but now I am wondering if it had an issue.
Now I don't know what to do. I don't have a couple of hundred to throw at a pump right now.
Anyone have an old one laying around they are not using that I can pay you later for? I'm good for it. Ask Binford.
My sump is in the basement so I have substantial head loss.

HELP?

[tcp316]

Woo Hoo! I picked up a pump this morning from Rabidgoose. Thank you!
Tank is back on line and running.

I had to put my rock and corals back in the tank last night and it was milky white. I didn't rinse the sand very well because I knew the skimmer would clear it right up. My mistake was I couldn't turn the skimmer on without my return pump working.
I actually put all the rock and corals in "Blind".I felt around trying to envision it in my mind but when the water cleared up this morning, I figured I would be reaquascaping this morning. When I checked it I was shocked to discover I loved it! I accidentally made a bridge. I thought I was putting the shelf rock across from one rock to the next but did not know there was a gap that made it like a bridge.
Yesterday I also busted a rock in half that was huge. It now looks like I added more rock but in fact it is the same amount.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20130921_211334_zps7fd937fa.jpg



Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using Tapatalk HD

[binford4000]

Looks good ! How's the battle with the red stuff going??

[tcp316]

Looks good ! How's the battle with the red stuff going??

It's not as bad but still a small amount of dusting

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[tcp316]

The tank is looking so much better. Corals are still a bit stressed but everything has cleared up nicely.
I am loving the rock work this way. I have lots of room behind the rocks for my leathers and sponge to grow.
Here was the latest picture this morning. The red slime is almost completely gone and the sand looks so much prettier.

http://i931.photobucket.com/albums/ad158/muzik_lvr/20131001_141400_zpsb96cfdd7.jpg

[Jamesr]

I was thinking about the store situation the other day. At one point there was at least 4 stores in the Flint area selling saltwater fish and supplies.

The Fish Tank
A World Under the Sea
Neptune's (Nest)
and a place on Saginaw St can't remember the name.... Neptune's turned into GoFish at some point.

Now we have Reef Paradise, Andy has some killer corals no question, but the market has changed so much, he can't tie up the money in Dry Goods, or fish. :(

Hopefully that changes soon.

For Fish, for us, I am thinking Preuss' or the Trop, quite the drive either way.


Yeah RP is the best we have around here!

[MizTanks]

Yuppers! Definitely looking sweeeeet! Great job, you should be proud :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

[tcp316]

Thanks Jaime. I am so grateful for all the help people have given me to be able to keep the tank going. Chuck and Kathy have been especially helpful. A very dear couple.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

Thanks Jaime. I am so grateful for all the help people have given me to be able to keep the tank going. Chuck and Kathy have been especially helpful. A very dear couple.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

Definitely agree! They are 2 of the best :)


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk.

[tcp316]

Well, I have been battling cyano for a few months. I really believe it is because I didn't have a strong enough pump. Another reefer sold me a good pump but it turned out to be a circulating pump not a pressure rated pump so it wasn't enough. I was able to trade that for a new Panworld 200PS and got it hooked up yesterday. WOW! That is all I can say. I have so much more flow now. I realize I never did have enough from the return. My sump has more flow thru it and now the MP10 seems to be plenty of flow in the tank along with the 2 returns. All the corals are swaying naturally without the 2 extra Koralia powerheads I had in there to move the water.
I am waiting now to see if the cyano stops coming back. I have been siphoning it out regularly and using Phosguard and still haven't kicked. it. usually it comes back in a couple of days. it still looks good tonight so we will see after another day or two.
Its been a bit discouraging but now I feel i am back on track. I want to add some fish but have been waiting until I get everything back in order.
Keeping my fingers crossed:)

[tcp316]

Have I mentioned that I changed my light fixture over to an ATI 6 bulb T5? There seems to be much better coverage. I am liking that fixture. I need to start changing out the bulbs a little at a time before they start getting old.
One thing at a time right?

[binford4000]

The ATI fixtures are sweet! Nice upgrade! Have you decided on what bulb combo you want use?

---------- Post added at 09:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:47 PM ----------


Well, I have been battling cyano for a few months. I really believe it is because I didn't have a strong enough pump. Another reefer sold me a good pump but it turned out to be a circulating pump not a pressure rated pump so it wasn't enough. I was able to trade that for a new Panworld 200PS and got it hooked up yesterday. WOW! That is all I can say. I have so much more flow now. I realize I never did have enough from the return. My sump has more flow thru it and now the MP10 seems to be plenty of flow in the tank along with the 2 returns. All the corals are swaying naturally without the 2 extra Koralia powerheads I had in there to move the water.
I am waiting now to see if the cyano stops coming back. I have been siphoning it out regularly and using Phosguard and still haven't kicked. it. usually it comes back in a couple of days. it still looks good tonight so we will see after another day or two.
Its been a bit discouraging but now I feel i am back on track. I want to add some fish but have been waiting until I get everything back in order.
Keeping my fingers crossed:)

Arghh! Moore power is good! Lol glad ya got that water moveing!

[tcp316]

I am not for sure on the color combo. Suggestions are good.
I am thinking something like
Blue+
Blue+
Coral+
Purple
Blue+
Blue+
Not sure on the order. Maybe an Aqua+ in there somewhere?
Any ideas?

[MizTanks]

2x aquablue specials, 3x blue plus and 1x purple plus :)

In order back to front-abs, blu+, blu+, abs, blu+ And pur+


Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[tcp316]

I don't think that would be as blue as I like it

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

[MizTanks]

I like a little less blue. I run 2x abs and 2x blu+ :)



Sent from my iPhone 4s via Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[MightiesKeeper]

Vicky, can you add some new pictures to this awesome thread. I liked that finnex fixture but I would love the new ATI fixture. I image the light with six t5s is a better fit for your corals. Keep up the good work. Ryan

[tcp316]

Vicky, can you add some new pictures to this awesome thread. I liked that finnex fixture but I would love the new ATI fixture. I image the light with six t5s is a better fit for your corals. Keep up the good work. Ryan

Okay Ryan,
I have been off the radar for awhile. I've been taking some computer programming classes and devoting my time to that.

I have had to move a few corals around to make room for growth. I got some SPS frags and they had no space to grow.

I am getting ready to start replacing my bulbs one at a time as it is about time to replace them. I don't want to do them all at one time since I just got the cyano under control. My flow is much better. I love my MP10 and new return pump.

The issue I am working on this week is my bulkhead started slowing dripping again and the salt creep caused the paint to come loose on the back. I am going to drain it down some tomorrow and caulk around the bulkhead then repaint after the leak is fixed.

I also recently treated with ChemiClean and it bleached my red cap out completely and I also lost my purple sponge that I was so excited about. I got a replacement start of a cap from Jim_Don't_Care from another site. He also gave me a purple cap chunk as he was trying to control the size of his piece. I left the bleached out red cap hoping it will come back but it barely has any color left at all.
We will see.

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3207_zps0ae81249.jpg

[binford4000]

Wow,things are growing great !! I can get ya hooked up with more of that cap if you need more. Keep up the good work. Your food is ready when you are

[tcp316]

Thanks Chuck
I can come by next week probably. My good friend i talked to about that has been fighting cancer died this morning. We are doing her funeral Friday. She was a fantastic lady and will be greatly missed.

[binford4000]

Thanks Chuck
I can come by next week probably. My good friend i talked to about that has been fighting cancer died this morning. We are doing her funeral Friday. She was a fantastic lady and will be greatly missed.

Sorry to hear that. No rush it will be there freezing waiting for ya! Take your time

[tcp316]

Here are a few more pictures. I forgot to say my Hollywood Stunner didn't survive either. It is still in the tank but most of the flesh just melted off. There a still a small portion alive so hopefully it will come back. My other chalice is a bit faded as you can see in the pictures but hopefully it will make it okay.

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3224_zpscffe1a42.jpg

It's not the greatest picture but you can see the faded edges. The Stunner was this big as well. I will try to get a picture of how sad it looks now.

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3226_zps76107a89.jpg

This picture is better as far as focus is concerned.

I have been able to get pretty good growth and my Acans have been having little babies around the edges now that I figured out where they like the like.

Again, not the greatest picture. I am not a good underwater photographer. LOL

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3215_zpseec6a327.jpg

My candy canes are growing well. The mint green is growing much faster. I think it liked the flow better where it was. I had to move it because it was crowding out my blue stag.


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3216_zps880f05a1.jpg






http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3229_zps736a6c7b.jpg

You can see the lighter color where the stag was crowded out.

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3230_zpsb4d9c081.jpg


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3213_zps486deb6b.jpg



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3222_zps534b22f7.jpg


Side view


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/DSC_3225_zps6decf970.jpg

Still love my Duncans

[Sir Patrick]

Your tank is looking awesome!

[tcp316]

Thanks. Things are growing in nicely. I just picked up some more frags from Binford. My Red cap lost out to a mix of lighting and possibly chemiclean but I got some to replace that. I also got a few SPS from him as well. I need to find a good sized live rock that is pest free to add so that I can make room for more SPS

[MizTanks]

Beautiful!!! Duncan's are a favorite of mine. I've had two, both went to new homes as they out grew my tank & I was to afraid to frag em :( Wish I still had em.

[tcp316]

Beautiful!!! Duncan's are a favorite of mine. I've had two, both went to new homes as they out grew my tank & I was to afraid to frag em :( Wish I still had em.

I've fragged these once for Binford. I was nervous about it but it wasn't that hard. I'm not experienced much in fragging

[MightiesKeeper]

Hey Vicki, The tank looks great. The new fixture makes the corals corals stand out even that stick coral looks good. lol

[tdb320reef]

Looking good. Did those frags that I gave you ever turn into anything?

[tcp316]

Tdc320reef , which ones did i get from you? I lost quite a few when i got back from vacation. My Lps and softies are pretty good

[Poseidon]

Looks good Vickie! I am finally getting good growth from my SPS, I'll be able to set you up with some nice frags soon. :D

[tcp316]

I have been discouraged with my tank. I lost almost all of my SPS. only one of my Poccillipora made it. Pretty frustrating

[tcp316]

It has been quite awhile since I posted any pictures. I decided to take some tonight right after I fed the tank. The water column looks like things are floating because the food is still in the water column.

I lost a lot of my corals and went through a spell of cyano and brown stuff on the sand bed. Finally, it is stable and looking better. I got some frags from Binford so the "White" spots are the rubble pieces I attached the frags with.

I am hoping I have placed them in the correct places. If you see anything that I have put in the wrong location for that coral please clue me in. I would appreciate the input.

The pictures are not too swift as they are just from my phone. But you get the idea.



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194509_zpsc58ea070.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194509_zpsc58ea070.jpg.html)




http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194311_zpsc4f043fb.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194311_zpsc4f043fb.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194253_zpsa7d3f293.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194253_zpsa7d3f293.jpg.html)


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194344_zps7809deda.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194344_zps7809deda.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194408_zps292d86c5.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194408_zps292d86c5.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194353_zpsa84bdac3.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194353_zpsa84bdac3.jpg.html)


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194441_zps23872605.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194441_zps23872605.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194427_zps05d4229e.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194427_zps05d4229e.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194415_zps66129eb9.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_194415_zps66129eb9.jpg.html)


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_193022_zps6703013b.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_193022_zps6703013b.jpg.html)


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_193011_zpsbc7680d8.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_193011_zpsbc7680d8.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192952_zps98ad7249.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192952_zps98ad7249.jpg.html)





http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192945_zpse75eea04.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192945_zpse75eea04.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192755_zpsb44b78ce.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192755_zpsb44b78ce.jpg.html)

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192800_zpsd1204870.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192800_zpsd1204870.jpg.html)



http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192622_zpscaa44ecc.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192622_zpscaa44ecc.jpg.html)

This is all that is left of my softball sized candy cane. The heads just started falling off and it fell apart. I took it out and cut off all the bad stuff and dipped it. I completely lost the neon green colony. Hope it makes it.

http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192934_zpsb7cb0118.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192934_zpsb7cb0118.jpg.html)


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/ss130/tcp316/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192617_zps678a2757.jpg (http://s568.photobucket.com/user/tcp316/media/70%20Gallon%20Cube/20140823_192617_zps678a2757.jpg.html)

[Poseidon]

Tank looks like it is recovering nicely!

[tcp316]

Tank looks like it is recovering nicely!
Thanks Mike. I almost gave up but chuck encouraged me.

[MizTanks]

Corals look great Vicki! I'll gladly take a frag of your Blasto-lol. I'm very glad you hung in there :)

[tcp316]

Thanks Jamie. Yeah. I was really glad the blasto made it. it is very happy. If you are ever in the area I will share a frag of it with you.