Tom@HaslettMI - 50 gallon mixed reef

[Tom@HaslettMI]

FTS: Oct 2, 2009

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2612.jpg

The system
Display Tank: 50 gallon breeder
Sump/refugium: 20 long
Plumbing: CPR CS50 overflow box
Return pump: Mag18 with SCWD
Flow: (1) NanoStream 6045 and (1) Koralia 2

More details (and photos) to come...

[speedstar]

Can;t wait to see some close ups! How big is the clam?

[jojo22]

Looking nice, how old is it?? Is that the one you mentioned in your mature tank thread?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Speed - The clams (T. squamosa and T. derasa) are 8 or 9 inches (shell length).

jojo - Thank you and yes, this is my only tank... for now.

[Tankster]

looks good Tom. What is your stock list?

[ReeferRob]

Tom that is a beautiful tank, did I hear that its your old tank?

Love natures little protein skimmers. I guess they are not little in your case!
I have 5 currently in my 60.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Tom that is a beautiful tank, did I hear that its your old tank?

Love natures little protein skimmers. I guess they are not little in your case!
I have 5 currently in my 60.

Thanks Rob. It is currently my only tank and it's been running for something like 16 years.

Tridacna clams are one of my favorite reef animals. I'd love to have several more but don't feel like I have the appropriate lighting to keep other species... that will change someday. Now I'm going to go check out your tank thread...

Tom

[jimsflies]

Your tank is looking great Tom!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

FTS: Nov. 12, 2009
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2710-1.jpg

List of fish and date acquired
yellow watchman goby: March 24th 1999
Pajama Cardinal: 2000?
False percula clown: 2001?
Scopas Tang: May 10th 2008

List of mobile inverts (quantity)
Nassarius spp.(1): Aug. 30th 2005
Money coweries (2): Dec. 12th 2006
Serpent sea star (1): Aug. 31st 2007
Linkia multifloria(1): Jan. 11th 2009
Trocus spp. (4): various

Some other shots from today...
from top to bottom: canopy, tank, stand, carpet
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2734.jpg

Right side (couch view)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2717.jpg

Left side. Recently revealed (used to be hidden behind a house plant). I plan to clean the glass and re-scape this side... someday.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2719.jpg

Reflecting back...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2720.jpg

Happy reefing,
Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

A few close ups...

warning: Neither my camera nor my photography skills are great.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2695.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2733.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2732.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2730.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_1890.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/photos046.jpg

[ReeferRob]

Tom those are some really great pictures, what are you talking about?
What about the nerv system to the tank, you know the equipment!?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks Rob. I only post the good ones. As the saying goes... "the sun shines on even a dogs a$s once and a while." My biggest issue with my pictures is capturing accurate representation of the colors. Some colors (orange) just never show true.

Yeah, I need to post the equipment side... may be this evening.

[MizTanks]

:super_cool:



:wave:



:woot::woot:

[jimsflies]

Looking great Tom!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Lighting: T5-HO 117 watts

Front - ATI Blue+
Middle - AquaScience 15K
Back - ATI Blue+


The middle and back bulbs run on a Current USA Nova Extreme retro kit. The stock reflectors were swapped out for TEK II reflectors. Lights on at 1pm and off at 11 pm. A 3" fan also runs on this schedule.

The front bulb runs on a Workhorse 3 ballast and a TEK II reflector. This bulb runs on a separate timer along with a Current USA lumabrite LED strip (4 white bulbs). I run this light bank on and off throughout the other's on-time to simulate clear sky and clouds.

Circulation

Tunze NanoStream 6045 - upper left corner of the tank
Koralia 2 - upper right corner of the tank


Sump/fuge: DIY 20 long

Overflow: CPR CS50 w/ aqualifter pump
Skimmer: EuroReef ES5-2
Heater: 200W Trionic
Passive filtration: Carbon
Algal filtration: Caulerpa taxifolia
Fuge lighting: 2 12" Cold cathode fluorescent tubes (24 hours)
Return pump: Mag 18 - Split so a portion is put back in to the fuge and further split by a SCWD (that is currently not switching due to carbonate buildup).


ATO

Tunze Osmolator
DIY Kalk chamber


I think that's it for equipment. Here is a photo of the "nerve center" a few days ago. I switched it up in an effort to toddler proof it. Stay tuned for photos.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2735.jpg

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Toddler tested, reefer approved...
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2817.jpg

and when I need access I simply slide it out. I still need to get the wires better organized.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2819.jpg

I built it out of MDF but in hindsight I think real wood/plywood would have been more sturdy. May be I'll rebuild it... yeah, right.

and now for something completely different... my clams!
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2833.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2834.jpg

[Tankster]

nice work Tom!

[Fishgeek88]

That little sliding panel is very cool

[jimsflies]

That new power center turned out great. Bet your wife likes it better too.;)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

OK not that big...

I traded my large (9-10" across) pagoda coral for a couple beautiful, nice size corals (a gorgonian, acan lord and several ricordea polyps). I purchased the pagoda 7 or 8 years ago and will miss it but it was getting too big for my tank. It will have plenty of space in it's new home and I know it will be well cared for. Having the pagoda out will also allow me to do some re-scaping I've been wanting to do for quite some time. Though it may still be awhile before I get around to rearranging the rocks and corals.

I also used the $25 Crazy Ricks gift card I won towards a dendro polyp. It's my first non-photosynthetic coral so I'm looking forward to the challenge and rewards.

I'll get some pictures of the new additions and post them soon.

Happy reefing!
Tom

[Sir Patrick]

That slide out electrical panel is pretty slick! And the clams are awsome!!!

[demonclownfish]

you will be glad you got the dendro, they are my favorite coral. mine is just smazing out all of the time. just dont forget to feed it and it will be happy. btw great tank and i love your clams. my derasa is only about 3-4 inches right now.

[ReeferRob]

Tom those clams are just awesome. Super cool tank. Look forward to many more picture loaded updates!!

[DLBerlin]

Beautiful tank Tom!

[ryeguy28]

thats a friggen sweeet set-up tom

those clams are huge lol there as big as the display in my tank :0

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the compliments everyone.

Dendro has not opened yet... should I be worried?

Tom

[ryeguy28]

Only the small polyps on my frag opend so far
The big ones are still mad at me LOL

[ReeferRob]

Your okay Tom. Mine didn't open for a week and a half and today there is a baby being squeezed out the back!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm going to try to entice it to open (and hopefully feed) with some PE mysis.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Dendro was going south fast. Called the LFS and they are replacing it... Preuss you ROCK!

Here are the three other corals I traded the pagoda coral for.
Green on green acan
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2962.jpg

Three Ricordea florida (two bright green and a dual-mouth teal/blue)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2963.jpg

Purple gorgonian (still have to get an ID on this one)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMG_2964.jpg

I'm really happy with the new corals. Not sure where their final locations in the tank will be but they're all settled in and doing well.

I'll have to get a FTS to show the dramatic difference removing the pagoda has made.

Tom

[ReeferRob]

Look very nice Tom, nice new pic ups!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Still no FTS:roll:, but I've been working on some re-scaping. During which I had a bit of a mishap... my large pocillipora colony crumbled in my hands when I moved it. It's now dozens of pieces. I wasn't too surprised since anytime I bumped it a piece would fall off. It's a good thing it will grow back... eventually. I brought most of the pieces to the LFS. While there I checked on the replacement dendro but decided to hold off a little longer.

[kozyreef]

wow awesome looking corals your tank looks like its in full bloom.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

wow awesome looking corals your tank looks like its in full bloom.

Thanks. I haven't been updating this thread enough... there are more recent photos (taken by a much better photographer than myself) in the March TOTM thread.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

too tired for a full update but a lot has happened since the last post...

Just a few pics from tonight... for now.

right side
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0131.jpg


Middle
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0132.jpg


Left
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0133.jpg


rics from ReeferRob
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0125.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0126.jpg


bought as "orange eclipse"
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0135.jpg


Orange cycloseris
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0137.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

And I thought things looked good before....Your tank is rockin!!!! Very nice man!

[MizTanks]

Beautiful Tom, truly a wonderful tank!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the kind words.

The tank currently resides in the basement since the move and will likely remain there for at least a year or two. It certainly gets less attention down there but things are still doing well. It helps that I work from home and have my office in the basement.

I took the opportunity with the move to upgrade the sump/fuge to a 90 gallon and put the tank on a temporary stand (so I could refinish the oak stand). The 90 only has about 7 inches of water in it, but I plan to increase the water level to boost my total system volume.

My dream is to have the 90 as the DT on the first floor of the house, with a rubbermaid sump/fuge and the 50 as a frag tank in the basement "reef room". I just have to convince my wife to allow it... and I think that will take several years. :tear:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Finally took some new pictures tonight.


My Reef Corner in the basement (50 DT and 90 sump)
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0181.jpg


New acan from Reef Paradise
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0186.jpg


Randomness
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0189.jpg

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I posted this in a DIY thread but feel it should be part of the tank thread so I'm posting it here too.
Introducing my homemade tunze inspired kalk reactor... that's right its 3 feet of ATO, CaOH saturating goodness.

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=83&pictureid=888

And a couple attempts at macro shots that did not get submitted for the contest...

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=83&pictureid=886

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=83&pictureid=885

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=83&pictureid=884

[Tom@HaslettMI]

long-time no update...

A few new corals since last post:


12-13 heads of green duncan (thanks Miz)
1 green rhodactis (thanks skuttduck)
3 heads of reverse hammer coral (thanks skuttduck)


My bigger update is in the equipment departmet. I just switched out my Koralia 2 with a Tunze 6055. I pieced together used parts from several sources to build the 6055 for a grand total of $95.00. I think it retails new for over $200. I also bought a second powerbrite strip (4 whites) to pair with the one I already have. I pick it up for $15. The second strip of LEDs should get glitterlines across the length of the tank:thumbsup:.

I need to get some updated pic on here...

Thanks for looking,
Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Updated pics for sure! A video would be awsome, seeing ya got new flow in the tank!

[cephalotus]

Nice to see a mature tank with big colonies.

[MizTanks]

It's about freaking time you updated. Geeeezzz what's wrong with you man? If ya got it flaunt it :)


Sent from my iPhone while chasing Forest Gump!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

It's about freaking time you updated. Geeeezzz what's wrong with you man? If ya got it flaunt it :)


Sent from my iPhone while chasing Forest Gump!

A two year old + a two month old + tank in basement = not enough tank/CR time:crying:

[SaltCreeps]

lets see those pics:mouth_zipped:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

pics of the newest corals...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0287.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0291.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0311.jpg

and I forgot about the PIF Fungia from XSiVE in the earlier post...

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0296.jpg

Sir Patrick, the video is uploading...

[Sir Patrick]

Sweet! Ill be here waiting!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Just loaded my first video to photobucket... can anyone tell me how to post it here without giving everyone access to my account?

Thanks,
Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Not sure on that one.....never even thought about it. Hope someone chimes in.

[MizTanks]

I think Jim can tell ya. That Duncan looks happy in your tank Tom, which makes me very happy!


Sent from my iPhone while chasing Forest Gump!

[cephalotus]

That hammer is sweet.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I think Jim can tell ya. That Duncan looks happy in your tank Tom, which makes me very happy!

Hopefully Jim chimes in on the video thing. Yes, the duncan has settled in and I enjoying watching and feeding it. I hope your frag is doing well too.


That hammer is sweet.

Yeah thanks. I need to figure out how to get the pics to be not-so-blue... I think the actual color is better than the pics show.

Tom

[lionhead]

Tank is looking real good. Your little 50gal I think might have more corals in it than my 120gal lol.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Sad news... My yellow watchman goby and tiger pistol passed on.

The shrimp has been gone for a month or more (rarely seen so difficult to know when it died). A few weeks ago the goby turned up with a big gash in it's head, and while the wound was healing, the goby stopped eating and is now MIA for several days.

The goby would have been in my tank for 12 years in March... it was his second shrimp.

Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Wow!!! 12 years?!?!?!?!

Sorry to hear about the little guy passing!

[Heidi]

Wow Tom, first off you have a fabulous and beautiful piece of the ocean there! (This was the first time a stumbled on this thread) So sorry to hear about your goby but hey, like the others said that was one happy and healthy fish to live that long. I love that shrimp fish combo when I have a larger floor to my tank I want to have a pair.
-Heidi

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the kinds words all.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Not much new with the tank. With the lack of attention some corals are not doing as well as I'd like, All of my rics are shrinking and bleaching out... any suggestions on how to turn them around? Other than that most everything else is doing good.

Photo update:
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0461.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0459.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0462.jpg

Happy Reefing!
Tom

[jimsflies]

Looking great!

[MizTanks]

Tom~I'm not seeing the Duncan anywhere in your tank? Did it die? Your tank looks great in the pictures :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Tom~I'm not seeing the Duncan anywhere in your tank? Did it die? Your tank looks great in the pictures :)

Thanks Jamie.

The Duncan is alive and kicking... you just can't see it in these photos. I moved to the right side of the tank during a minor re-scape of the left side to accommodate the growing T. derasa. Currently the Duncan is behind the green acan. The polyps have shrunken a bit recently... it is time to change my T5 bulbs and am guessing that is the reason. I'll get a picture or two of her and post it for you soon.

Tom

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Just for you Miz....

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0500.jpg

[MizTanks]

Just for you Miz....

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0500.jpg

OMG! She's beautiful!! I knew she was going to a wonderful home :) now ummm how bout a frag? Lmao!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

OMG! She's beautiful!! I knew she was going to a wonderful home :) now ummm how bout a frag? Lmao!

You got it. But I have to frag it first...

Photo update:

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0625.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0644.jpg

Original PIF from XSIVE in the front and its baby in the back. As you can see I'm still working on clearing out some cyano.
http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0638.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0642.jpg

[MizTanks]

WOW! That plate is burning my eyes! Your tank is freaking crazy awesome Tom. :stars: Is that a chalice? What kind?
I hope my tank looks as good some day :highfive3:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the compliments Jamie. The red and green one is a War coral, which is a type of favia. I bought at the Lansing swap from TM01 and it's growing well (it was fresh cut when I got it).

Your tank already rocks and will surpass mine in no time. OK read this next bit in your best Yoda voice... "When 18 years old your reef is, much better it will look."

Tom

[MizTanks]

Thanks for the compliments Jamie. The red and green one is a War coral, which is a type of favia. I bought at the Lansing swap from TM01 and it's growing well (it was fresh cut when I got it).

Your tank already rocks and will surpass mine in no time. OK read this next bit in your best Yoda voice... "When 18 years old your reef is, much better it will look."

Tom

Yes the red and green and it's beautiful...may have to get me one someday :) it is growing very well and fast! OK now read this with you best Yoda ears..."may your force be with me." :thumbsup:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Had some nitrate issues... lost all ricordia and most of a large colony of S. hysterix. But otherwise things are good.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0624-1.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0696.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0695.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0688.jpg

Thanks for looking!
Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Looking great Tom!

[larryandlaura]

Kick butt tank Tom!

[rcombs]

who says that smaller tanks cant get TOTM. all ive seen on there were all big one. this one is nicely grown together with everything and has a lot goin on. very nice. Gives us all with tanks under 60G something to look forward too. thanks tom.

[MizTanks]

Whole lotta TLC I see :) beautiful tank Tom!

[woods4542000]

Your tank is awesome Tom!!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone.

I'm essentially out of space in this tank and am (and have been) in the slow process of upgrading to a larger tank. Nothing huge and not my "final dream tank" but a long overdue upgrade. Hopefully I'll be able to switch tanks in the next few months. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted.

Tom

[larryandlaura]

How big is your upgrade going to be? What is your dream tank Tom?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

How big is your upgrade going to be? What is your dream tank Tom?

I'm moving up to a 75 gallon. Mostly because I have an empty one that's already drilled for an overflow. I can't tell you how excited I am get rid of the hang-on overflow and aqualifter pump! I plan to convert the current 50 gallon DT into a sump/refugium.

As for a dream tank... I'd like to set up a 48"x30"x24" (LxWxH) peninsula style tank. Ideally rimless and I may even go wider... like 36". When/if this happens I'll continue to use the 50 gallon sump/fuge and convert the 75 gallon into a frag tank.

All this is at least a few years out partly because that is how long it will take me to get permission from my wife) and partly because that is the timeframe for finishing the basement of our house.

Tom

[MizTanks]

Sounds like wonderful plans to me-and I'll be tagging along throughout the entire adventure :)

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Over the last week I switched out my DT!

Here are a few pics. This is about 3 hours after moving everything into the 75 gallon. There is still a lot of rock scaping to do, but I think I have the arch close to how I want it.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0805.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0804.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0801.jpg

I'll start a new member's tank thread once I get the tank a little more put together.

Thanks for looking!

Tom

[Sir Patrick]

Bet you are loving it!!!!!

[AJ :)]

Over the last week I switched out my DT!

Here are a few pics. This is about 3 hours after moving everything into the 75 gallon. There is still a lot of rock scaping to do, but I think I have the arch close to how I want it.

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0805.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0804.jpg

http://i137.photobucket.com/albums/q234/tomalwin/IMAG0801.jpg

I'll start a new member's tank thread once I get the tank a little more put together.

Thanks for looking!

Tom
Looks great Tom! Love those clams!

[jimsflies]

Looking good Tom!

[MizTanks]

Those clams look so much bigger in there-lol-wow! How was it that you were able to move them? Were they not attached to anything? I just know you are totally stoked!!! Kind a how I felt going from my 8g to the 26. :) it's beautiful Tom!

[creefer]

Looks great! The clams certainly are sweet.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Thanks for the kind word everyone!


Bet you are loving it!!!!!
Yes Sir, I am. The best part is still to come... fine tuning the rocks and coral placement.


Looks great Tom! Love those clams!
I love them too. They were the impetus for the upgrade.


Looking good Tom!
Thanks!


Those clams look so much bigger in there-lol-wow! How was it that you were able to move them? Were they not attached to anything? I just know you are totally stoked!!! Kind a how I felt going from my 8g to the 26. :) it's beautiful Tom!
I just picked them up... they weren't attached to anything. Once derasa clams get big enough they stop attaching to things and let their weight keep , and I think I just got luck with the squamosa.


Looks great! The clams certainly are sweet.
Thanks. I plan on getting a few more Tridacna species in the future.