Redford's First reef!

[RedfordReefer]

After contemplating Saltwater for about 20 years, I've taken the (hehehe) plunge.

90 gallon AGA. 1" drain with Durso Drain pipe. 3/4" return with two 1/2" Loc-line 6" adjustable nozzles

38 gallon Acrylic sump. (thanks Funnyguymi)!

Home-build stand.
http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0141.JPG

48" Retrofit VHO lighting. (No ballast)
http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0140.JPG


Still need:
Skimmer, Return pump, Ballast

I was looking for a 45 gallon or so Reef to start. I wanted something decent without it being overly taxing on my checkbook. I stumbled across a firesale on another site and decided that If I was going to get a 45 gallon, I might as well get a 90 gallon.

http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0136.JPG

I wish I had pictures of when I got the tank. The tank had been established for years, and was drained about 12 hours before I picked it up. There was Coraline EVERYWHERE. Layers of it. I ended up with half a 2.5 gallon bucket full of Coraline scrapings and some sand/saltwater slurry. It smelled like rotted death. Terrible.

Two days of scraping yielded a mostly clean tank.
http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0138.JPG

I was looking for a sump. Something I could fit under the home-made stand, but something useable. Enter FunnyGuyMi. Handed me a 38gallon pre-drilled sump that I could install my own baffles in! It fits in the stand perfectly (10" to spare).

http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0137.JPG

Up next: Source a cheap, usable pump. Plumbing. Water test with tap water. Purchase RO/DI and salt. Get Live Rock / Live Sand. Get dead rock / dead sand. Baffle Sump for Fuge, Return and Skimmer.

Stay tuned for more information! Watch as a complete newb mucks things up and manages to rectify them with the help of the amazing people here at CaptiveReefs!

[Sir Patrick]

Great start!! We are hear to help!

[tazzy695]

awsome stand and tank that is going to make a sweet reef



Sent from my MB200 using Tapatalk

[Manoj's Reef]

When do you plan on painting the canvas?

It will turn out to be a great reef. My suggestion would be to do some reading on the dos and donts to help you get a good start.

[Argent]

Nice setup - will be following along

[thefishgirl]

Congrats!! I know you are very excited to get this thing going!
Keep the pics coming.

[ReeferRob]

**** of a start! Nice to see someone go 'All In' starting with a big tank and not a 10 or 20.

One bit of advice would be to anty up for a brand new return pump. Last thing you'ld want is to stock the tank with anything and half to jerk around with a used or broken pump that could potentially start a fire or flood the house.

I love the Lifeguard Quiet One pumps. I use the QO4000 on my DT and the 2200 on my grow out. They are very affordable, pump tons of water, and are energy efficient. Quiet, they don't get hot and are easy to work with. A new QO4000 is around $75 bucks I think. For a 90 I would probably look at the 4000HH or maybe the one just above that.

Keep the updates coming, its always awesome to see another build going up!

[RedfordReefer]

**** of a start! Nice to see someone go 'All In' starting with a big tank and not a 10 or 20.

One bit of advice would be to anty up for a brand new return pump. Last thing you'ld want is to stock the tank with anything and half to jerk around with a used or broken pump that could potentially start a fire or flood the house.

I love the Lifeguard Quiet One pumps. I use the QO4000 on my DT and the 2200 on my grow out. They are very affordable, pump tons of water, and are energy efficient. Quiet, they don't get hot and are easy to work with. A new QO4000 is around $75 bucks I think. For a 90 I would probably look at the 4000HH or maybe the one just above that.

Keep the updates coming, its always awesome to see another build going up!

That won't be too much flow though the sump? I was looking at the QO3300 which would put me at ~494GPH through the sump.

My thought is that the more time in the sump, the more time for the Chaeto to work.

I have two Koralia 3's to augment flow inside the tank. I might pick up another Koralia 2 or even another Koralia 3 to further increase the flow.

[RedfordReefer]

When do you plan on painting the canvas?

It will turn out to be a great reef. My suggestion would be to do some reading on the dos and donts to help you get a good start.

I am going to be painting the stand, so I'll paint the back at the same time. Also, that window behind the tank will have blackout curtains as well as blinds to block all the sunlight. That is the south side of the house and I am really worried about sunlight causing algae growth.

I would move the tank but my living room is really quite annoying. It's long with two doorways offset on the East and West walls. There's a built-in closet in the north and a cold air return I can't block on the north side too. There's literally NOWHERE else to put the tank.

[ReeferRob]

That won't be too much flow though the sump? I was looking at the QO3300 which would put me at ~494GPH through the sump.

My thought is that the more time in the sump, the more time for the Chaeto to work.

I have two Koralia 3's to augment flow inside the tank. I might pick up another Koralia 2 or even another Koralia 3 to further increase the flow.

Good point, if your going to harvest Chaetomorpha for nutrient reduction you definitely want a longer dwell time.

[RedfordReefer]

I am making water!

Might get a bucket of salt early next week and start the cycle!

Stand is painted too. I'll get pics in a bit


http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0148.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/IMG_0150.JPG

[henry hill]

That doesint look like a homemade stand, the canopy looks homemade! Bet you got that for a real steal. Good Luck and take your time.

[RedfordReefer]

That doesint look like a homemade stand, the canopy looks homemade! Bet you got that for a real steal. Good Luck and take your time.

The stand/canopy works perfectly. Not complaining about them at all.

I painted it flat black. Going to do brushed aluminum hardware on it.

I've been looking at designs for stands with no center support, I might give one a try this summer.

[Hopkins]

Who did you get that ro/di barrel from?

[RedfordReefer]

Who did you get that ro/di barrel from?

Bryan (teweaks)

[Hopkins]

Bryan (teweaks)

I thought those crooked cuts look familiar! He bought that off me when I downsized.

[schminksbro]

Actually I think you want it to travel through more times rather than stay longer. In my experience Chaeto grows better with a brisk tumble.


Good point, if your going to harvest Chaetomorpha for nutrient reduction you definitely want a longer dwell time.

[Bella127]

Chaeto you definitely want it to tumble for maximum effectiveness, but other macro's you want it to go slowly thru the sump for the nutrient capture.

[RedfordReefer]

I thought those crooked cuts look familiar! He bought that off me when I downsized.


It's the community barrel! haha!

That's awesome.

WTS: 1 Hopkins-touched barrel. $2,000. (worth it, hopkins touched it!)

[iyachtuxivm]

It's the community barrel! haha!

That's awesome.

WTS: 1 Hopkins-touched barrel. $2,000. (worth it, hopkins touched it!)

Can we get him to sign it?
And if so do you have a payment plan? Lay-away or financing?
Lol :roll_eyes:

[RedfordReefer]

Freshwater leak test. 100% pass!

Stand/canopy painted. Most all the coraline is gone, Still working on it.

50 gallons of RO/DI water made. Will be filling the tank Monday.

http://www.asshats.us/reef/SN850009.JPG
http://www.asshats.us/reef/SN850010.JPG
http://www.asshats.us/reef/SN850013.JPG

[thefishgirl]

Wahoo! Congrats! You're making great progress in a short amount of time! It won't be long now until you have it filled with corals and stuff.

:super_cool:

[RedfordReefer]

Water is going in. 80F, 1.025 Salinity. Sand, Rock is in!
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850017.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850019.JPG

Return plumbing is being finished tomorrow night. Will top off the tank, and start the cycle!

[RedfordReefer]

I did that. I used pure vinegar on it, then scraped it. there was still just a smidgeon of white residue when I wiped it down for the sand/aquascaping.

[Sir Patrick]

Sweet!!! Cant wait to see it cleared up! Looks like the rocks stacked out pretty nice!

[RedfordReefer]

Water is clearing up. It seems like since I am running my powerheads, it won't fully settle. Should I turn off the powerheads for a day or something?


http://asshats.us/reef/SN850023.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850029.JPG

[thefishgirl]

From what I can tell in these pics, it doesn't look like the power heads are pointed directly at the sand. Just verify that they are not stirring up the sand. Other than that just give it some time to settle down. You also are not running your skimmer, filters or the sump/fuge yet either, right? (not that I don't think over night wasn't long enough to wait for it to clear up! :-) )

[RedfordReefer]

Filled, Turned off the powerheads for a night.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850032.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850034.JPG
Sump.
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850038.JPG

[thefishgirl]

Looks like you got a lot accomplished tonight. Very clean look on your sump too. Now... if only that water will clear up!!!
:)

[RedfordReefer]

I will get Wire management in place once I get it functioning. I just wanted to get it in for now. I ended up about a gallon short (The return pump sucks in air) to actually run the sump. tomorrow, I'll mix up some more saltwater and get 'er topped off.

[Sir Patrick]

Lookin great!!

[RedfordReefer]

Water's cleared up nicely. Still some VERY fine particles swirling about. My sump's not on, that'll clear up once I get the plumbing to not leak.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850041.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850043.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850047.JPG

[RedfordReefer]

Lights are on and wired! Just need to toss some sand, rock, and Chaeto in the Fuge, Get a 5100K bulb for the Fuge and build a stand for the Skimmer and I am done with assembly. Onto the tough part: Balance.


http://asshats.us/reef/SN850050.JPG

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850051.JPG

[thefishgirl]

Looks good! Glad to see the water cleared up!!

[henry hill]

Looks good, what did you end up useing for lighting?

[RedfordReefer]

For now, It's just those Acitinics with an ASO ballast.

I plan on using the powerbrite LEDs at 10,000K for primary white lite. Need me some money first. I figure I have some cycle time before I'll need real lights.

[ReeferRob]

Careful, I don't believe the PB LED's will provide enough PAR to grow anything. Most people use the PB strictly to supplement the existing lighting. They do provide the shimmer that most people get with MH lighting.
The Reef Brite lights, now those are getting better PAR value than the ATI Blue+ bulbs. Not sure if they do pure whites though, might want to double check on that.

[RedfordReefer]

Thanks for the heads up Rob. I might end up breaking out my soldering Iron and getting some LED's. LEDS are just still sooo damn expensive.

There's always the T5 route.

With the canopy, I really don't want to use MH's (I am worried about my Electric bill as well). I don't want to have to run the fans everytime I have the lights on.

[RedfordReefer]

Small update to the plumbing. The "Hot Tub effect" was driving me NUTS. Air mixed in the water from the Durst was making the pressure build in the return until there was a "POP" of air that shot out the return under water, creating a bubble of epic proportions.

I fixed it. No more pressure in the return line. The Cap on the 2" has two holes drilled into it for the air to escape.
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850053.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850054.JPG

[Finding_Nemo]

Awesome set up !! Love it got a good deal man your scraping efforts paid off huh :D

[RedfordReefer]

So It's in and I have ammonia already.

The Sump is on my LAST NERVE..

I cannot, for the life of me get the water levels to drop. I need them to drop about 1" or so so the water flows over and down into the bubble traps. As it stands, It's just flowing OVER the baffles straight into the bubble traps.

ANYONE with any ideas, let me know PLEASE. I am at wit's end.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850057.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850067.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850063.JPG

[RedfordReefer]

New light up top. 6500K VHO and my Super Actinic.

http://asshats.us/reef/reef093.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/reef095.JPG

Yeah That's a Three-stripe Damsel. He was $3. If he dies, oh well. If he lives, i'll get a Damsel trap and move him to the sump before I put anything else in the tank.

[ReeferRob]

Dang buddy you work quick. Looking really good. I definitely prefer the black over the white for the hood and stand!

The plumbing issue above was that your drain line or return? I think you meant drain line. Did you try drilling a few small holes on the top of the Durso cap to allow more air to flow down the stand pipe. Its kinda like holding your thumb over that little hole on a gas can.

As for the sump, only thing I can think of is to try and reduce the flow or turn over rate. Maybe the water is rushing past the baffles too fast? The easiest way to do this with out changing pumps or restricting the pump and causing it to wear out and over heat, would be to add a ball valve with a T. That way you could restrict the flow to the DT and the excess water could just be re routed back to the sump at any given point. Maybe back to the first chamber where it can be skimmed again!?

Tanks looking super sweet, do you have any plans for a controller at all?

Keep the updates coming!

[thefishgirl]

Nice Chris!! Looking really good!

[RedfordReefer]

I thought about that Rob, but I'd still have 950gph through the sump. The only real way to slow the turn-over down without damage to the pump is to route it back into the return chamber. I am going to get some barb fittings and some hose and give it a shot.

If I route it back to the skimmer area, it still has to go over all the baffles to get back to the return area.

[ReeferRob]

I thought about that Rob, but I'd still have 950gph through the sump. The only real way to slow the turn-over down without damage to the pump is to route it back into the return chamber. I am going to get some barb fittings and some hose and give it a shot.

If I route it back to the skimmer area, it still has to go over all the baffles to get back to the return area.

Ya that would be a pain, just kinda throwing that one out there. In the past I have done that with a mag 7 on a 120, just looped it right back to the return chamber.

Maybe once you add some rocks to the sump that will help slow things down too??

[iyachtuxivm]

So It's in and I have ammonia already.

The Sump is on my LAST NERVE..

I cannot, for the life of me get the water levels to drop. I need them to drop about 1" or so so the water flows over and down into the bubble traps. As it stands, It's just flowing OVER the baffles straight into the bubble traps.

ANYONE with any ideas, let me know PLEASE. I am at wit's end.
I know this sounds to simple but have you tried to take water out of the sump and or tank?
The tank should stay at the same level but the sump should drop. Maybe I am not understanding the question properly. But in my sleep deprived mind this should solve the issue. :big_grin:

[RedfordReefer]

If I remove/add water it only lowers the return area (The furthest downstream area in the sump).

I have to lower the baffles.

[tazzy695]

ok you need to either lower the second set of return baffles and the very last one sould be the lowest or raise the other set of baffles

to me it looked like water was right below the top of the first bubble trap baffle meaning it is still going through the bubble trap

you don't need it to roll down into the trap as long as it goes through it it will do it's job

the way it looks like it is going through both traps and honestly flow looks good if you can I would lower the very last baffle about an inch if you can if not don't worry about it

now here is my big question
HOW IS THE WATER LEVEL IF POWER IS TURNED OFF ?????????

is there enough room in the sump to take the water from the dt when power is cut to not over flow

[RedfordReefer]

I have enough room for the power-off levels.

I am going to raise the bubble walls. it's easiest.

Thanks everyone for responding.

[RedfordReefer]

Small update. Added some rock, Added live sand and rubble to the sump. Skimmer's working great (thick green smelly crap), flow is super-fantastic. Just playing the waiting game now. Ammonia was at 1.0 yesterday. I am going to test it again this evening.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850102.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850100.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850091.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850089.JPG

[Sir Patrick]

You see any nitrites yet??

[RedfordReefer]

You see any nitrites yet??

The test returned a very slight coloration. Nothing really to speak of. There's this brown stuff all over the sand though, and The white stuff you see in the pictures (looks like angel hair), is algae that's growing quite well.

I expect Nitrites within a day or so.

[thefishgirl]

Looks good Chris. So still normal cycle stuff going on? Is your canary...errr Damsel still alive?

[RedfordReefer]

Added some more Rock. Ammonia is down to .25.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850112.JPG

[kozyreef]

kinda looks like the great wall of china!!! soon to be the great wall of corals i hope???

[Sir Patrick]

Sweet rock wall!! Will look great w/ a bunch of softies and LPS blowing in the flow, swaying in the current!

[RedfordReefer]

Added more rock, a cleaner crew, uhh a couple fish, some corrals.

http://asshats.us/reef/SN850115.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850121.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850124.JPG

[RedfordReefer]

Fish are:
(2) Royal grammas (pair, came that way)
(1) Blue Hippo Tang (rescue from a 12g nano)
(1) Pink-spotted Watchman Goby

[Sir Patrick]

Tank is lookin great! Keeping a good eye on your water parameters? I would for at least another month. Those new fish, so soon, can really cause some crazy parameter swing.

I would let the fish/coral ya got settle in for a while before any more additions.

Tank is lookin great! Corlas look pretty happy too!

[thefishgirl]

Looking good Chris.. let's see some pics of your latest fish additions!

[RedfordReefer]

New pics!

http://asshats.us/reef/Zoa032710.jpg
http://asshats.us/reef/FTS032710.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Sweeeet!!!!!

[thefishgirl]

Ohhh..look at your little hippo!! She must be much happier in that tank instead of that 12g!!

[RedfordReefer]

My favorite fish is finally comfortable in his new home. He finally came out and let me get close enough to the glass to touch it.

http://asshats.us/reef/goby1.jpg

I think the substrate might be a little too fine, as he's clouding my tank a bit. Don't know what to do. I just know he's my favorite fish.

[tazzy695]

it will quit clouding the tank after a while as the fines will end up settling out in the sump

[Sir Patrick]

Cool goby man!!

[RedfordReefer]

Update.

My pink spotted watchman seems more comfortable, he's been poking out a lot more over the past week.

My CUC is doing an amazing job at keeping the tank clean.

[Sir Patrick]

Tank looks like its rockin!!

[RedfordReefer]

Some small (teehee) updates.

Lights:

BEFORE:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850161.jpg

AFTER:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850162.jpg
Looks like just a color change because of the point and shoot, but it's about 400X brighter. Added 4X 54w T5HO's at 48" overdriven to 80w by an icecap 660.

My new favorite piece in my tank:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850152_1.jpg

Some green candy canes. Look amazing under the Actinics
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850151_1.jpg

Spent ALL day yesterday updating my sump. I had WAY too much flow through the fuge, so I moved the fuge and plumbed it so I can adjust the flow through the fuge and into the display.
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850157_1.jpg
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850156_1.jpg

[iyachtuxivm]

Looking great!

[Crow]

Looking good m8 :)

[RedfordReefer]

Cheers! Mucho appreciated!

[Sir Patrick]

Huge lighting improvment!! Hows that sump/fuge workin for ya now??

[RedfordReefer]

I like it a LOT more. The new flow pattern is GREAT. With a new skimmer, it'll be perfect. I can control the flow though it now, rather than having the water blasting through like a whitewater rapid.

[RedfordReefer]

UPDATES! Everyone loves updates.

Dendro(s):
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850215.jpg

Armor of the Gods:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850216.jpg

Pink hotness:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850212.jpg

Some other really sexxy zoas:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850217.jpg

My beloved Aussie duncans still VERY angry with me for their revive dip:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850213.jpg

My ultra blow pops:
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850218.jpg

My Ric (I love RICS!):
http://asshats.us/reef/SN850214.jpg

[thefishgirl]

All looking good. Now that you've added more stuff, you'll need get us a full tank shot!

[RedfordReefer]

It looks bad with a 8" frag (difuser) rack down in front. :(

I HATE snails.. stupid turbos keep knocking EVERYTHING over.

[thefishgirl]

Have you tried duct tape or staples?
:big_grin:

[RedfordReefer]

FTS.

Never mind the grossly over-tall frag rack. I didn't get T's, so It's the upper tier of a multi-tier rack right now.

[Sir Patrick]

Awsome tank so far!

the cool namless zoa you posted looks like a mohawk to me.

[ReeferRob]

Dude you ever want some help with the rock work just let me know. I think it looks just fine, not sure why you don't like it. But I do see TONS of potential!

[RedfordReefer]

I need more rock. I need almost twice as much as I have now. At $8/lb, it's like worth more than gold. haha.

I would definitely like some input. My fish are happy, my starfish and all my inverts seem to be pleasantly enjoying the nooks and crannies.

[PolskaReefer]

looks great chris im happy to see things are coming along nicely

[RedfordReefer]

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=411

Updated pics Incoming. A couple new additions. It's grow-out time now.

[RedfordReefer]

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=416

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=415

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=414

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=413

More additions.. One more post incoming.

[RedfordReefer]

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=412

And finally, a warning to those people who INSIST on opening my canopy to look inside.

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=394

[thefishgirl]

I think you have more coral than I do! hahaha Looks really good. How long have you had the mandarin?

[RedfordReefer]

Two days? He's still a bit hidden in the rocks. he comes out once or twice a day to let me know he's alive. I see him picking at stuff all day behind rocks though. I am picking up some Dt's Live Marine Copepods tomorrow. I'll add that mixture to the tank Friday night.

[igot2gats]

Always cool to hear/ read about a first reef, and all the trials & tribulations that go along with it.

Keep us posted, & thanks for sharing.

[RedfordReefer]

Took a couple hundred pictures this morning. Got two I like.

http://asshats.us/reef/dendro1.JPG
http://asshats.us/reef/shroom1.JPG

[Crow]

And finally, a warning to those people who INSIST on opening my canopy to look inside.

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=394
Just ordered one of these for my tank... lol

[PolskaReefer]

that is funny how much are they?

[RedfordReefer]

like $2 shipped.

[RedfordReefer]

some updates. The tank is growing!

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=464

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=465

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=466

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=467

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=468

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=469

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=470

[ReeferRob]

*cough* where the rics I gave you *cough* *cough* That one was like a $35 dollar morph.

[RedfordReefer]

Under some ledges out of the light. I am having a tough time putting them somewhere they won't burn up, and the goby won't bury them instantly.

[ReeferRob]

Under some ledges out of the light. I am having a tough time putting them somewhere they won't burn up, and the goby won't bury them instantly.

They won't burn up. Remember I had them under the same light, but in a shallow 12 high tank. Glue them to the reef somewhere so they won't get buried and will multiply across the reef for you!
You going to the conference?

[RedfordReefer]

I am trying.

[henry hill]

Looks like youve had a few sandstorms goin on in there?

[RedfordReefer]

Golden headed sleeper goby. He tears it up. I have one sand sifting star. I love the goby so I can tolerate his messes.

[RedfordReefer]

Added a few new things.

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=484

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=483

More pics later. The rest of the corals are in the growout/frag tank. I'll move them later on. I want to do some rearranging before I attach them in the Display.

[Sir Patrick]

Dude!!! You went back for the Clam?!?!?! Sweet!!!!

We need frag tank pics...:big_grin:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Nice looking tank and that is one awesome clam. I'm jealous.

[RedfordReefer]

When I moved him from acclimation to the Display, He shot water like 6' out of the cooler I ws acclimating in. haha.. It was hilarious..

[kgood1]

Sweet clam!

[ReeferRob]

Dang boy, that is one monster clam you picked up. How many toes did you sell for that?
Clam that size is like adding a second skimmer to the tank!

[FaViaFrEK]

Red, does a clam that big, well is it still really responsive to shadows? I know the bigger they are the more efficient they are at photosynthesis. But do they slam shut as quick as a 3 incher when you pass your hand over the tank?

[RedfordReefer]

He closes up when I turn my Actinic VHO's off with a hurry, then takes a few minutes to re-open.

He Does react quickly when I pass my hand between him and the T5's.

[Sir Patrick]

A top down pic, with water flow off would be SWEET on that clam!!!

[Sir Patrick]

Just try not to get squirted in the process!

[RedfordReefer]

More updates! (just pics of what i've moved into the display after QT and inspection and treatment).

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=486

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=488

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=489

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=490

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=487

[Chelle's Ocean]

Absolutely beautiful- you are doing a great job- photos look great!

[EMUreef]

Love the tank Red. That sump might be mine soon ;-)

i hope i can do something special with my 90g... i might do some pillars.. im not sure yet.

[Sir Patrick]

New skimmer, and a huge clam???

I for see pics with much less floaties in the water column!!!! Even if your gobie stirs the sand bad!!

[RedfordReefer]

Just some more updates. I've been real busy with School and I haven't been posting here. I've been maintaining the tank, however. Things are progressing, Growing.

I've added 10 Chromis. The Blue-throat was removed and sold. He ate 5 chromis.

[RedfordReefer]

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=593

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=592

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=591

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=590

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=589

[RedfordReefer]

Updates! Actinic only.

[ReeferRob]

Thumbnails.....really?

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Tank looks good... from what I can tell from the tiny picture!

Is the clam still in there? Seems like that part of the tank is cut out of the latest shot. Which, brings me to my next comment. I think the clam would look better and the aquascape more balanced if the clam was not so far off to the side. I think it's time to give that clam the attention it deserves and re-scape!

Tom

[RedfordReefer]

the clam is gone. Had to sell him to get my skimmer fixed.

New FTS!
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=872
Excuse the glare.
http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=871

Clowns and RBTA. The RBTA is half-inside the rocks. He isn't anywhere near fully opened yet. (lights just came on)

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=79&pictureid=873

[Sir Patrick]

Looks like you got a tank full! We need some closer up shots of all those sweet peices!!