Tom@HaslettMI's 25 gallon niche reef

[Tom@HaslettMI]

My 75 gallon was poisoning my corals due to rusting magnets (or at least that's what I think was going on). I lost almost all SPS and most LPS. I briefly contemplated getting out altogether, but I just couldn't.

Of course most reef owners would think, "Upgrade time! How big of a tank will my spouse allow?". I took a different route. I went smaller so I could have it on the main floor rather than the basement. And so begins my next reef chapter with a smaller more straightforward reef.

The tank itself is a Marineland 25 gallon rimless cube aquarium. It is a true cube with 18x18x18 dimensions. My first move with the tank was to remove the excessive and sloppy silicone. With that done I leak tested it and temporarily set it up bare-bottom on the workbench to save the corals I still had.

Here is the leak test...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/90F35E1C-507B-44F1-A319-114DB0D2F35E_zpstbovcq4r.jpg

And initial set up...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/2420561A-2991-4390-8955-9D4E25DD8B09_zpsmnqk2yvl.jpg

The tank ran this way for about a month but I really didn't like the bare/starboard bottom. So , this weekend I moved it , and added 30 pounds of sand. It is now on the 75 gallon stand and looking pretty good...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/F982967B-0943-4C0E-B063-22104773FC97_zpsmrz3qmd7.jpg

The corals are just dropped in, so there is still significant rearranging necessary.

Thanks for looking,
Tom

[MizTanks]

What?!!! How'd you get a Clam so quick?!!

[Tankster]

RIP BGM :tear:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

What?!!! How'd you get a Clam so quick?!!

That's the maxima I had in the 75. I've had it since the last Lansing swap in February. It can be seen in the second photo in the original post... it's the blue blob under the cardinalfish. Tridacna clams are one of the focal species I'm planning for the tank. In time I hope to add several more maximas and croceas.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Ok now I'm really confused-lol. Thought Clams needed an established tank? Won't a Maxima get to big for your tank?

[larryandlaura]

Beautiful cube Tom, keep up the good work.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

RIP BGM :tear:

Sadly, yes. It was actually one of the first colonies to go. I don't think it felt any pain.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Ok now I'm really confused-lol. Thought Clams needed an established tank? Won't a Maxima get to big for your tank?

I think a lot of the reasoning behind the established tank requirement is so newbies don't throw a clam in a one month old tank. But I will admit that I probably pushed the envelope a bit. However, I did all that I could to ensure the cube was as established as possible.

The cube ran for about a week with a dish of established substrate and rock from the 75 before I added any corals. Then over the course of about two weeks I slowly moved corals over. The clam and fish were the last to get moved.

As for it getting to big... yes when it reaches full maturity at 10" it will be too big. However, they grow much slower than the Squamosa and derasa species I've kept in the past so I'm hopeful that I will have a good 10 years with this one... if all goes well.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Beautiful cube Tom, keep up the good work.

Thanks Larry! I am looking forward to getting the corals placed and having some open sand-bed. But right now I need to watch last nights episode of The Walking Dead!

Tom

[MizTanks]

I think a lot of the reasoning behind the established tank requirement is so newbies don't throw a clam in a one month old tank. But I will admit that I probably pushed the envelope a bit. However, I did all that I could to ensure the cube was as established as possible.

The cube ran for about a week with a dish of established substrate and rock from the 75 before I added any corals. Then over the course of about two weeks I slowly moved corals over. The clam and fish were the last to get moved.

As for it getting to big... yes when it reaches full maturity at 10" it will be too big. However, they grow much slower than the Squamosa and derasa species I've kept in the past so I'm hopeful that I will have a good 10 years with this one... if all goes well.

Tom

Thanks for answering my questions Tom. Hope I didn't offend :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for answering my questions Tom. Hope I didn't offend :)

I appreciate the interest and am happy to answer any (reef related) questions I can. Don't worry about offending... You'd have to break a few forum rules if you wanted to offend me!

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Slowly moving corals around...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/2528CB7C-935A-4153-98F3-0703D6EFC096_zpsidd4u4cn.jpg

I think both of the larger gorgonians are too big and need to either get fragged or sold as is. What are your thoughts?

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/AD9F1A34-BB8F-4D2A-AEA6-6606ECAB3BAF_zpsbfodkvtw.jpg

Thanks,
Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Slowly moving corals around... but I realize I have too many and need to rehome a few. Otherwise the corals that were dying in the 75 are all recovering quite well.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/F2EF10D3-3BBA-431D-9A51-5217E9323B23_zpsvdkvb25n.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/29DD827A-7E85-4F0B-ACAC-A85F93409EE9_zps71edfy2i.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/7FF33F9B-EDA7-4238-BA4D-8741A7DA3A00_zpspx7jgfzo.jpg

I have also started to build the new stand for the tank. It will be awhile before it is complete, but once it is the tank will get moved up from the basement to the first floor!

Tom

[MizTanks]

Beautiful Tom :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Beautiful Tom :)

Thanks! It still has a ways to go before it looks like I want it to. That's actually one of the nice things about it being in the basement right now... it can be a mess while I figure out which corals to keep and where to locate them.

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Looking amazing Tom, lots of color.

[Sir Patrick]

Thats a really cool looking tank!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking amazing Tom, lots of color.


Thats a really cool looking tank!!

Thanks guys. I'm really enjoying this tank and am so glad I downsized.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Just cleared out more corals (brought them to @PreussPets) and picked up a new maxima clam and an APEX magnetic probe holder. I'll try to post some pics tonight.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Looking forward to seeing the pics :)

[Tom Toro]

Can't believe how much you've done in that size tank. I am really impressed! Beautiful and interesting.

[binford4000]

Very nice tank Tom,coral looks very happy and great color!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Can't believe how much you've done in that size tank. I am really impressed! Beautiful and interesting.


Very nice tank Tom,coral looks very happy and great color!

Thanks guys! The kindness is very much appreciated.


Looking forward to seeing the pics :)

A little late but here goes...

The clam... it is small ~1.5 inches so I know I'm taking a risk with it surviving, but I gotta have more clams!
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/DAC00E62-1831-4324-817D-709EF142F251_zpsewjky0wg.jpg

FTS... you can see the new (blindingly white) Neptune probe holder at the top right of the tank.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/683F8414-0EAD-4C44-A7D2-9742014EAE00_zpsapv8aqrv.jpg

and of course the shot you've all been waiting for... a close up of the probe holder. It effectively holds the temp probe, pH probe, ATO line, and the Ca and Alk dosing lines.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/62481FF5-F257-4197-BEC6-E8759244B7D7_zpsoybxukg6.jpg

Happy reefing!
Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I just got two young Banggaii cardinalfish from a local reefer! They are settling into the tank and even ate some mysis tonight. So far the clownfish and PJ cardinalfish are not harassing them (fingers crossed).

I also scored a nice hunk of dragons breath macroalgae. I'll work on getting photos soon.

Thanks for looking!
Tom

[MizTanks]

Sweet! Where you putting the Dragons Breath? LMK if/when your ready to harvest it :) That Plate looks huge! New Clam doing good?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Sweet! Where you putting the Dragons Breath? LMK if/when your ready to harvest it :) That Plate looks huge! New Clam doing good?

Thanks Jamie. The Deagons Breath was tucked in the back, but it already came loose and is stuck to the filter intake...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/024F3769-873F-4980-9C47-93D83F9E48F7_zps4bwqh1ic.jpg
I plan to keep the algae in check... so I'll let it get established then it will be time to share!

The clam is doing quite well. I think its color might be changing a little bit. Time will tell.

Here is the best shot of the new cardinals I could get...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/3F492AAE-32D9-4221-AFB6-547B0F241F94_zpsdg0yqjif.jpg

And a FTS...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/47B44322-CC91-46DD-8288-A331838FEDA5_zpsbwloifc6.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Tom

[MizTanks]

Are you done adding for a while? Lol. I see what you mean about your clam changing color. Sure is pretty in there :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Are you done adding for a while? Lol. I see what you mean about your clam changing color. Sure is pretty in there :)

I thought I was done! I had no plans to add the cardinals. In fact, I wasn't going to add any new fish until my old guys passed from natural causes (hopefully a few years). But I just couldn't pass these two up!

Tom

[MizTanks]

Haha! I want one more fish...maybe one of these.
10384

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Get it! They are so cool looking. I contemplated them when I had the bigger tank... this tank tank is too small.

Tom

[MizTanks]

I really love their look and peaceful nature but they're also very shy. I don't have the right rock work for them :(

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I'm slowly making progress on building the stand. Here's where it's at right now...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/D754BF97-2A4F-4740-B2A2-A1390B656D13_zpskqgjb8va.jpg

The top and the doors are just resting in place in the photo. I still need to drill the wire/hose access holes in the back, prime and paint, and mount the doors. Then I'll be ready to attach the top and get the tank moved upstairs!

Tom

[Tankster]

Very nice looking. Good job Tom!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Very nice looking. Good job Tom!

Thanks Rick! I've really been enjoying the smaller size tank.

When are you getting back in? Seems like now would be a good time...

Tom

[MizTanks]

Agree, great job Tom!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Agree, great job Tom!

Thanks Jamie! I intend to create a build thread for the stand... we'll see if that happens.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I took this pic the other night. I thought it was a sweet moment.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/154F4B9A-3406-495E-9FA5-0D545139B44B_zpsemremwo6.jpg

And another FTS. I think this is one of the clearest pics I've taken of this reef.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/2C25D111-881D-4F95-A03F-5367FB4E7067_zpsl6voahpc.jpg

Tom

[MizTanks]

What is that shroom sitting on? These are some really nice pics Tom! Clear isn't the word-lol. I can make everything out :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

What is that shroom sitting on? These are some really nice pics Tom! Clear isn't the word-lol. I can make everything out :)

Ha! That is my sea cucumber... thus the title of that post. This is the first I've ever owned and wish I had gotten one earlier. It is a great sand bed cleaner. Here is a shot if its mouth...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/FCA74964-6E70-4275-87B5-A2E171E81741_zpsr37cnoim.jpg

I also like this top-down shot. The war coral was a hitchhiker on the LR. Totally browned out at the shop but it colored up nicely and is growing well too!
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/3CFEFF18-E8C6-464F-8A38-C1A6E766BA80_zpscdvgfzb1.jpg

Tom

[Tropical Buff]

great pics and amazing clarity Tom. I hope I can get my 25gl looking even close to this good

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks TB! I'm sure you will!

Here's a photo update. I've been working on clearing out some corals so the tank is not quite so full. My other changes have been making the equipment less visible (compare with earlier pics).
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/9FFD3DB7-92D2-4D04-8070-162195D84BC4_zpsufybdtkr.jpg

Tom

[larryandlaura]

Looking amazing!

[choir]

Corals look great, especially like the gorgonian! Where's the sea cumber?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking amazing!

Thanks Larry! We need some updates on your tank!


Corals look great, especially like the gorgonian! Where's the sea cumber?

Thank you Ray. You can see the reflection of the cuke if you look at the back right of the tank.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Beautiful colors Tom! Very clean look, which of course I'm very partial too ;)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Beautiful colors Tom! Very clean look, which of course I'm very partial too ;)

Thanks Jamie! I have a few more tricks to get it looking even cleaner...

But this post is really a teaser to say I ordered something last night that I've wanted for many years but could never find. I'll update when they arrive.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The package arrived today...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/077EA3F5-1FA4-4B2D-943F-42C7BC606EBA_zpsoghxhz8n.jpg

In it was...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/22CA78E6-E8D9-43BD-9ACA-44C4F58CDC4E_zpsothixbvu.jpg
SEAGRASS!

Specifically, Johnson's seagrass (Halophila johnsonii). A freebie stargrass (Halophila engelmannii) was also inclided... Bonus!

I also got 2 cups of mud to "enhance" my sand bed. Sorry no picture.

I ordered from Floridapets (http://floridapets.tripod.com) and had a great experience. Emails were responded to quickly, livestock was well packaged, and I received extra of everything I ordered. I will certainly do business there again and tecommend you do to!

Anyway here is the new seagrass!

Star grass
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/9D27F367-3797-4615-8272-1A9A848A28B4_zpselba3h8i.jpg

Johnson's grass
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/84E6A4B0-8D2A-4191-83C3-7748FAFB2EE1_zpsw25mwqgc.jpg

FTS... Still a little cloudy.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/EB707A72-5886-4571-9E0F-85FD5B64B098_zps184kij2d.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Tom

[MizTanks]

I'm liking that Star Grass a lot! How did you come by Floridapets?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I'm liking that Star Grass a lot! How did you come by Floridapets?

I found the site a year or more ago when I started searching for seagrass. My original quest was to find oar grass (a different Halophila species). Hopefully the star grass does well and I'll be able to share some.

Tom

[MizTanks]

That's gonna look sweet once it fills in. Looking forward to seeing it :)

[Poseidon]

Looking good Tom!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

That's gonna look sweet once it fills in. Looking forward to seeing it :)


Looking good Tom!

Thanks Mike and Jamie!

I just brought more corals to Preuss Pets for credit. I got enough to get the wireless Quiet Drive upgrade for my MP-10 once they get them instock. I'm super pumped.

[Sir Patrick]

The tank is looking great, cant wait to see this sea grass fill in.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The tank is looking great, cant wait to see this sea grass fill in.

Thanks SirP. Hopefully it takes and I can have a planted reef!

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

It has been a long time since I updated this! The tank is doing good. The seagrass never took... oh well I'll probably try it again once the sand bed is more mature.

Anyway here is a recent shot with just the hyperviolet LEDs running...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/3908E30D-D308-42E5-B2E8-33D923E65AD4_zps29keuumy.jpg

It looks really full in this shot but there is a lot of open water above the scape.

Thanks for looking!
Tom

[MizTanks]

Oh wow!! Looks awesome Tom [emoji7]

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Oh wow!! Looks awesome Tom [emoji7]

Thanks Jamie! I'm personally more of a fan of a whiter light, but the HV LEDs just make all the greens and oranges glow!

[MizTanks]

I think I use to much white light myself. Nothing glows until their off-lol.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I think I use to much white light myself. Nothing glows until their off-lol.

Yeah, the higher white tends to hide the glow you get from the blues. Either way your tank always looks good when you post pics of it.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The stand is done! I think it only took me a year to do...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/EF52AEA4-AE67-478E-860C-74AA7C76F1A8_zpsi5pri1eu.jpg

I also managed to move the tank upstairs. The move happened in Dec. 11th. This is a night shot with flash...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/4F19DEDC-99CB-44F3-849B-2615D45C6371_zps9ohjkopq.jpg

Happy reefing everybody!
Tom

[MizTanks]

Congratulations Tom!! Nice looking stand too. Love the double doors, gives it a rustic look [emoji7]

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The tank is settling in nicely, and is certainly appreciating the arrention it receives being on the main living floor of the house.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/82FF6B9F-8521-448E-B377-EE693CBEECF8_zpsrmbpkk9w.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/4606891A-172B-43C6-8E81-283A51ED379E_zpsl5avxwrj.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/A186E888-602E-4027-9028-933DAC18D4F2_zpsfqqalvkt.jpg

Not playing favorites but I'm really digging the war coral right now...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/ABE57A71-45B0-428B-AAE8-D09BD5A28405_zpslib2qmn8.jpg

Tom

[Seph]

Tank looks great, and really nice pictures. Especially the one of the war coral.

[MizTanks]

Oh wow Tom! It sure has settled in nicely. Beautiful mix of colors and looking clean. Great job! [emoji7]

[Sir Patrick]

Your tank looks great Tom. Gotta say I am also digging that war coral.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the props. While it's certainly nice to feel like the tank is doing well... it is really nice to have your fellow reef friends agree!

One of these days I'll post up the equipment list for this tank...

Tom

[jimsflies]

Looking great!

[MizTanks]

Any updates?! [emoji2]

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Any updates?! [emoji2]

Holy delayed response... The tank is doing well. I have been busy raising five Banggai babies.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/Mobile%20Uploads/485CB4F7-03EC-49DE-B9A5-99B26D4EF979_zpsltuearrp.jpg

Tom

[MizTanks]

Oh wow!! How cool is that. They look great! Congratulations Tom [emoji2]

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks! It has been fun (and a lot of work) raising them. But totally worth it. I hope the pair breeds again soon. They have spawned one other time. But the dad lost the eggs (aka he ate them or spit them out)... I don't know which. Back to the point: I think these babies are pretty close to being ready to fly the coop!

Tom

[MizTanks]

Wish we were closer. I'd definitely take one. My lil Banggai could probably use a friend.

[MizTanks]

Any updates on these lil guys?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I still have all five! I need to bring them to @PreussPets but have become a bit attached to the little dude/dudettes.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Aww don't blame you. You've done an excellent job on raising them. If possible I'd keep em [emoji5]

[Tom@HaslettMI]

No can do. My tank is far too small. The parents would kill them next time they spawned. Besides, I want the store credit for some clean up crew members and maintenance items.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Sounds like a plan. How's your tank doing?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

So so. This summer was really busy and the tank took a backseat. Hopefully Fall will provide more tank time!

Tom

[MizTanks]

It's winter Tom! How goes it? [emoji2]