jimsflies Invert Ranch

[larryandlaura]

Jim the Cube is looking killer! Did you pick uo anything new from the swap?

Yeah Jim where are those swap pics?

[jimsflies]

A few updates for you guys...

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-center.jpg

Check out the polyp extension on these gorgonians! They like the Coral Frenzy!
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-polyp-extension.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-top-down.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011--10-03-top-down2.jpg


http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-right-side.jpg

Sometimes the Pederson's shrimp just goes for a random swim around the tank....
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/pedersens-swimming.jpg

Pederson's on some cool striped shrooms from FlynnFish
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-pedersons-shrimp.jpg

Kenny's Revenge Zoas!
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-kennys-revenge-zoanthid.jpg

Johnny's Deceivers
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-deceiver-zoanthids.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-top-middle.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-top-right.jpg

Some aussie paly's from @cherry corals (should be called Spearmint Blasts?)
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-aussie-palys.jpg

I'm on a mission to cover this with florida and cuban rics (and other cool shrooms):
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-10-03-right-side2.jpg

BTW- Ignore the flat worms :embarrassed: I am trying to get my hands on flat worm eating nudibranch.

[larryandlaura]

Great looking stock Jim! That tank is packed full.

[jimsflies]

Great looking stock Jim! That tank is packed full.
I'm only about half way there. :)

[Coral Frenzy]

The tank is looking great.

As far as the flatworms go. About 8 years ago I had a huge outbreak of flatworms. Then I learned a trick from an old friend of mine. before the sun comes up and the house is totally dark take a flashlight and hold it up to the glass next to the top of the tank. Hold it there for about 5 min. You will notice most of them coming up and then you just vacuum them up. After that I bought a 6 line wrasse and ever since then I have always had one in a reef tank.

You will never get rid of all of them with just the flashlight method but it will get a lot of them out of there.

[iyachtuxivm]

Hey looks great! I think you are on the right path with the nudi it will be easier to catch then a fish and you wont have to worry about your bite size shrimp becoming well bites.

[jimsflies]

I might try the flashlight idea Ken. Thanks for the tip. Although I think I could support one of those cool nudis for quite awhile with my outbreak.

[larryandlaura]

The tank is looking great.

As far as the flatworms go. About 8 years ago I had a huge outbreak of flatworms. Then I learned a trick from an old friend of mine. before the sun comes up and the house is totally dark take a flashlight and hold it up to the glass next to the top of the tank. Hold it there for about 5 min. You will notice most of them coming up and then you just vacuum them up. After that I bought a 6 line wrasse and ever since then I have always had one in a reef tank.

You will never get rid of all of them with just the flashlight method but it will get a lot of them out of there.

Great tip to know if I ever incur this problem.

[Coral Frenzy]

I think the nudis are cool but I am always afraid they will get a taste for some zoos. :)

[jimsflies]

A couple updated pics...

First this macro shot of one of the Pederson Shrimp looks like an alien I think: :alienjar:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/pedersons-shrimp-front-macro.jpg

Still trying to get that perfect shot of the anemone crab:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-crab.jpg

How many inverts can you spot in this pic:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/invert-meeting.jpg

Got these from MACNA (pink elephant-ish zoanthids) ...hard to get a decent pic of them though :(

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/pink-elephant-zoas.jpg

Another stab at pics of these aussie palys from Cherry Corals:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/aussie-palys.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Super nice pics Jim.

[bluwc]

I like your new critters, especially the shrimp!

[larryandlaura]

You are going shrimp crazy Jim.

[jimsflies]

I added a peppermint shrimp the other day and have two more sexy shrimp on the way...

Also added a sea apple yesterday. Hopefully I can get it to open up for a pic.

[woods4542000]

Jim your tank is amazing enjoyed this whole thread. What do you have for return pump? I believe mine is the stock pump and I have no nozzle on my return to tank makes setting up mp10 pretty tough. Any suggestions for me thanks. Again your tank is amazing.

[jimsflies]

Thanks Mike.

I'm still using the stock return pump. I have the nozzle on there which helps direct the flow. But I would like to change the return pump with a lower flow rate pump. With the MP10, I don't need that much flow through the sump and would like to slow it down for noise reasons as well as making it easier to generate a wave in the display with the MP-10. I'm looking at a small sicce pump like this one:

SIC-103 Premium Aquatics - SIC-103 Aquarium Supplies (http://premiumaquatics.com/aquatic-supplies/SIC-103.html)

[larryandlaura]

Where's the pic of the sea apple?

[MizTanks]

Where's the pic of the sea apple?


Yeah! What Larry said :)

[woods4542000]

Thanks Jim. Which way do you have return pointed?

[slapshot]

I love my Petersons. They disappear for weeks but then show up for day, them gone again. Your pix are great!!! But, I think we need a FTS with the apple.

[jimsflies]

The apple has yet to open. Anyone know a trick for coaxing them out?

[slapshot]

Phyto and cyclopeeze. Mix it together and spray it around him. Pumps off at first then on.

[Badfish]

The apple has yet to open. Anyone know a trick for coaxing them out?

Jim, did ever get a pic of that sea apple? Or what about some FTS action, I'm sure by now your tank looks like it's about to overflow with all the cool stuff you got in there.

[jimsflies]

Well the past few weeks have been rough on the reef I'm afraid. I'm down a couple shrimp and my last fish went missing yesterday. I think something is eating very well in there. :hungry:

Corals are looking pretty decent though. I need to spend some time cleaning my glass before I try to post any pics. Its looking pretty grungy.

I'm considering acclimating some guppies to saltwater and keeping those in there...at least until I can figure out/remove whatever is snacking on the expensive livestock.

I haven't tried to feed the sea apple and it still hasn't "opened". It usually has one tentacle/branch sticking out...probably trying to sense whether or not there is food available.

[slapshot]

You should try the red light. Get a cheap red flouresent bulb, like $6 at HD. Put it on the tank at night place a shrimp in the tank and watch. You might have a Bobbit or something.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I added a peppermint shrimp the other day and have two more sexy shrimp on the way...

Also added a sea apple yesterday. Hopefully I can get it to open up for a pic.

Whoa! A sea apple. Does that mean you're going fish-less? Cause it would really suck if the sea apple had an encounter with the vortech (where's the blender smiley when you need it?).

The tank is looking real good by the way.

Tom

[jimsflies]

Whoa! A sea apple. Does that mean you're going fish-less? Cause it would really suck if the sea apple had an encounter with the vortech (where's the blender smiley when you need it?).

The tank is looking real good by the way.

Tom

If guppies count as fishless (they might) then yes, no fish for me!

I have the foam cover over the vortech...so hopefully no blender action! :crap_hits_the_fan:

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I didn't know guppies could go full saltwater. You might have better luck converting mollies... but guppies may also work.

Tom

[Tankster]

Jim, don't give up yet. I think your problem is that you haven't had the right fish......try a pair of these http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/livestock-sales-trades/platinum-clownfish-xtra-nice-19102/. I'm sure they'll last. :roll:

[MizTanks]

No way they could be getting into the back chamber either right? I agree that Black Mollys would be easier to acclimate to SW. Good luck Jim. Hope you find the culprit :)

[jimsflies]

Jim, don't give up yet. I think your problem is that you haven't had the right fish......try a pair of these http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/livestock-sales-trades/platinum-clownfish-xtra-nice-19102/. I'm sure they'll last. :roll:

Tried that once already... ::fishslap:

[jimsflies]

Figured I would give a little tank update....

Well the past couple months haven't been real good with regard to my reef. :(

Besides all my anemone and Peterson's shrimp becoming a snack (I think for the squat lobster...but could be a serpent star too), I've been watching the flat worm population explode in my tank. I bought a blue lined nudi in hopes it would chow them down. It did the first hour I put it in the tank, then I watched it crawl behind some rocks and never saw it again. :(

So, here is how bad my flat worms got:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/60ebb30f.jpg

Today I broke down and treated the tank with Flat Worm Exit. Hopefully between siphoning and carbon, I can limit the ill effects of dead flat worms.

I still have no fish in the tank. I'm hopefully will try getting a fish or two soon. I'm trying to eliminate all potential suspects before dropping more $$ on fish. I have caught all but a couple of the maxi minis now and also captured the serpent star today. I will likely start with something pretty inexpensive to see how it does.

My goal is to eventually get a nice pair of Picasso clownfish and maybe a couple shrimp gobies since I still have two pistol shrimp in the tank.

As far as corals, many of my zoas are growing as are my softies. Only recently when the flat worms reached epic numbers have I seen any issues. I think the sheer numbers of flatworms are bothering the corals now. They don't seem to eat anything as near as I can tell. I think they are nearly 100% photosynthetic since they come out during the day and seem to align themselves similarly to the light.

[MizTanks]

OMG Jim, this is terrible news about your tank. I feel so bad for you :( I'm confused a little:doh: Are the nems responsible for eating your fish? Did the lobster eat the nems? Are you getting rid of the nems? :hypnotized: You know why I'm asking cause I got 3 in my tank!!! My fish don't bother with them though and the only funny thing I've seen the nems eat are a couple of snails :)
Keep us updated :)

[Sun357]

Wow! I got a six-line wrasse and he demolished the flat worms in my tank in a couple days...though it wasn't that bad! They are pretty cheap and good looking fish you could try one though some people say they can be a pain i've got a lot of rock in my small tank and it can hide all it wants. It ignores my clown totally.

~Fred

[slapshot]

Don't fear your Peterson's yet. Mine disappeared for two months then came back one day. After another week gone again. I have not seen them for awhile now, but as you know they are pretty hard to find. Your flat worm problem is crazy!!! Best of luck with it. You could try the 6 line but it will make keeping the littl inverts impossible later, which I'm sure is the reason you haven't gone there yet. Keep us in the loop in case one of is next.

[jimsflies]

Yeah...there are reasons I'm where I'm at (or was). So between not wanting a 6-line (or lemon damsel, etc.) , possibly having the it get eaten by whatever is taking out my fish, the 6-line possibly eating the various shrimp I have, and the relative hit or mis of a fish actually taking care of the flat worms I decided not to go with a fish to solve the problem.

Time will tell, but I nuked the flat worms pretty good this morning with FWE so we will see if they are gone now.

Pretty sure the maxi minis are taking out any fish I put in the tank...but I could be wrong. I'm now down to only a couple more maxi minis and will work to remove those when I can get them.

I'm, 99.999% sure the petersons and anemone shrimp are no more. I had to tear the tank apart last week to get a find a couple frags that went missing when I rearranged everything after the power outage. (Water level dropped a bit lower than my top shelf, so on the quick I moved some of my corals and things had come up missing.) I had not been wanting to treat the tank with FWE for fear of killing off the small shrimp. But since they seem to be MIA, figured it was time to pull the trigger on the treatment.

[jimsflies]

A few updated pics... Tank is looking a little scruffy and possible needing some pruning soon.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/781fbe91.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/e25d40fd.jpg

New watchman...hopefully he's smart enough to stay out of the remaining nems.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/7653e5c4.jpg

[slapshot]

If that is scruffy sign me up. Looks great Jim!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The tank is looking good Jim. Congrats on the new fish. Has the goby bonded with one of your pistol shrimp yet?

Keep me in mind if you decide to trim the plume/purple frilly gorgonian.

Tom

[jimsflies]

I picked these up in MACNA and they just seem to get better and better :)

Anyone seen them before? Name?

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/king-neptunes.jpg

[jimsflies]

these are gobstopers I got from jduck at the Flint swap last summer.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/gochsters.jpg

[jimsflies]

This is a neat yellow sinularia that schminksbro gave me...I think he gave it to me at the Belleville swap in November 2010. It was just a little twig when I got it. It is pretty temperamental though. Its spends half its life ticked off with its polyps closed.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/yellow-sinularia.jpg

[Heidi]

Nice looking corals Jim! Your little tank looks good regardless of any issues you had :highfive3:

[jimsflies]

Thanks Heidi...I'm still dealing with flat worms (as you can see from the pics).

I guess after the swap I will nuke it again with FWE. :(

[MizTanks]

Jim your tank does look pretty awesome. FW or not :) as you know I just got done ridding my tank of the lil nasties myself. Git-er-Done!!!

[jimsflies]

I think you have to treat at least twice in a row...their eggs hatch a couple days after FWE treatment. :worm:

[jimsflies]

A couple more phone pics from yesterday:

Tyree Neon Green Toadstool
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/f702bfdb.jpg

Full tank shot
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/4adb8908.jpg

[jimsflies]

A few of my pick ups at the Michigan Coral Expo and Swap last weeknd:

A cool yuma from cherrycorals...I don't think this one is "rainbow"...I think "wildfire" suits it better:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rainbow-yuma.jpg


A couple awesome zoas from The Blue Glow (http://www.theblueglow.com"):

these are some type of fruit loop zoanthid...but the skirts are super bright-
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/fruit-loops-zoanthids.jpg

Andy calls these beautiful days. The photo doesn't do them justice...the center area is pastel pink-
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/beautiful-day-zoas.jpg

I also got these candy apple reds from MyNemesis:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/candy-apple-reds-palys.jpg


These are a couple older ones I snapped some pics of.

First ones I got from Reef Paradise several months ago. I guess they are very bright Eagle Eyes-

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/eagle-eyes-zoanthids.jpg

I picked these up at MACNA...similar to pink elephant palys-

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/pink-elephant-palys.jpg

[schminksbro]

I saw this tank "live" the other day and I must say it is lookin very nice! From the health to the layout and coral placement the tank is top notch! Great work Jim!

[slapshot]

Looking good Jim!!!!

[purerebel]

Looks great Jim!

[jimsflies]

Thanks guys its coming along. I really need to nuke those flat worms again. I'm tired of looking at them..especially in my photos.

[AJ :)]

Loving your Z an P collection!
How is the goby holding up?

[jimsflies]

Thanks AJ... The yellow watchman is still in there. I don't see him much cause he shacked up with the tiger pistol living in the back corner. I'm looking to get a few more gobies...hoping some will live with the Michael's Pistol shrimp that is living in the front corner so I can see them once in awhile.

[AJ :)]

I think pistol shrimp are some of the coolest critters to be kept out there. But the noise creeps me out. Too many old stories i guess.

[jimsflies]

Updated tank shot:


http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/60bf7caf.jpg

(taken with iPhone)

[foxhole]

Tank looks good Jim.Those red shrooms looks like they are mutiplying on ya!Watch out!

[MizTanks]

Beautiful Jim!!

[jimsflies]

Tank looks good Jim.Those red shrooms looks like they are mutiplying on ya!Watch out!

I could think of worse problems. They are the brightest thing in my tank! :cool2:


Beautiful Jim!!

Thanks Jamie.

[Badfish]

Wow Jim thats looks amazing! What app did you use to take that pics? I can't get my iPhone to take photos worth a crap when my actinics are too strong.

[jimsflies]

Pat I think that shot was taken with the Camera+ App. Although one with the stock camera app turned out almost the same. I find it is better to dim the blues or turn them off to take a photo. This one still has a ton of blue in it since I had only dimmed them.

A couple more tank updates...today I notied my yellow watchman goby and his tiger shrimp buddy are starting to make a home in the front of the tank where I may get to see them once in awhile. Although they are already burying one of my newest pieces, this nice glove polyp that I got from Reef Paradise a few weeks ago:


http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/green-glove-polyps.jpg

[Jamesr]

looks like everything is loving the led's. how many are on the heatsink again?

[jimsflies]

There are 16 on there right now.

[jimsflies]

Updated FTS after doing a little pruning on the gorgonian and nepthia:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2012-04-FTS.jpg

A pic of the center of the tank.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rock-anemone.jpg

[MizTanks]

Wow!! Jim your tank looks fantastic!! Loving the rock nem-makes me miss mine :)

[slapshot]

Looks great Jim, but you could use a few more corals. :)

[jimsflies]

I was thinking the same thing! I am on a mushroom kick right now. Must get more cool ones!

---------- Post added at 09:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:26 PM ----------

I picked up a super cool fish today as well. I will see if I can get a pic of it...its a striped fang blenny.

[slapshot]

They are coming up with some very cool ones these days. Looking forward to more pictures!

[jimsflies]

I grabbed a quick iPhone photo today. Doesn't look a bunch different from the last update although most of the corals have grown.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/DEDCAAB9-AA72-4F74-B105-40D7FB818559-2488-00000206D88518F3.jpg

[MizTanks]

Grown isn't the word! Wow! Looks great Jim :)

[slapshot]

I'd say, looks good!

[binford4000]

Gotta agree with everyone else Jim ! Looks beautiful great job. :thumbsup:

[jimsflies]

A few updated pics...pics aren't the best used my phone again:

FTS:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/6304D4C0-A292-42CF-9BCF-DCE7557A6C9D-874-000000AB3E27AF77.jpg

The world's coolest hairy mushroom (tri-color):
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/58572A25-F50C-4457-9561-F97516C29FE8-874-000000A98C7C0272.jpg

Sunset shroom:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/9BFC6161-38A8-4949-ABD4-E28F98A0CB5B-874-000000A987C2732D.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/C063EAF3-6948-457F-ACFB-C22E6E4D6A06-874-000000AB46C5480B.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/E3984658-6642-4948-A4FD-85A15D8868AB-874-000000AB496DB061.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/93BB827E-FEC1-4999-A9D7-765C0CBF2674-874-000000AB4D0D0990.jpg

A couple sweet rock nems from Tropicorium:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/0895FCE8-CB4D-4843-8585-9536B84DFC40-874-000000AB53D3E905.jpg
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/BF2FE0A1-BCE4-4E4E-A080-46915040713F-874-000000AB522238DB.jpg

Here are the 3 mangroves I have in the back. I think they need more light and a mist to clean them off:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/E4352789-1DCE-49D8-BEB6-C0A2E7FFEDEF-874-000000AC0E7BB592.jpg

[slapshot]

Looks very nice and mature. The colors are great. Hard to believe its a nano!!

[binford4000]

Looks great Jim ! That's one full cube !

[jimsflies]

Planning to update my thread with some photos. I did some major pruning to provide free frags for the CR Frag & Swag wheel at MCES.

I got another pair of Buckshot clownfish from BooyahsReef reef at MCES. After getting home the other night from the show I had to catch the yellow damsel out of my tank before adding the clownfish. I'm sure she would have killed them in a day. Unfortunately, the damsel was too smart to be trapped. So at about midnight I drained my tank and ended up taking the rock out to catch her. While I had the chance I also took out the six line wrasse...I really liked that fish, but just too afraid of it becoming the new tank boss and beating up the new clowns. I also managed to get the last remaining maxi mini out of my system with a hammer and chisel. I've had too many unlucky clownfish the past couple years so wanted to get any known hazards out of my reef before adding the new clowns.

So at about 1am, I finally got the water back in and acclimated the new clowns to their new home. Unfortunately, all of my corals were pretty ticked yesterday I am sure it was from disturbing the substrate and exposure for several of them. I hadn't planned on ripping the tank apart so didn't have the totes around like I would normally do for such a project. It was a get in and get it done mission.

I also brought home a few new mushrooms from the swap...nothing super exciting. In retrospect, I wished I had picked up a bunch of ricordea since it seemed like there were some great deals to be had....I'm sure 10 or so polyps of florida rics would have added more color. Thanks dknuckles for the sweet yellow and pink ric which got me thinking about picking more up.

[Rabidgoose]

:dots::i_agree::dots:

[dknuckles]

Your welcome Jim.
I knew you would like that one :) It is my favorite Ric!




Planning to update my thread with some photos. I did some major pruning to provide free frags for the CR Frag & Swag wheel at MCES.

I got another pair of Buckshot clownfish from BooyahsReef reef at MCES. After getting home the other night from the show I had to catch the yellow damsel out of my tank before adding the clownfish. I'm sure she would have killed them in a day. Unfortunately, the damsel was too smart to be trapped. So at about midnight I drained my tank and ended up taking the rock out to catch her. While I had the chance I also took out the six line wrasse...I really liked that fish, but just too afraid of it becoming the new tank boss and beating up the new clowns. I also managed to get the last remaining maxi mini out of my system with a hammer and chisel. I've had too many unlucky clownfish the past couple years so wanted to get any known hazards out of my reef before adding the new clowns.

So at about 1am, I finally got the water back in and acclimated the new clowns to their new home. Unfortunately, all of my corals were pretty ticked yesterday I am sure it was from disturbing the substrate and exposure for several of them. I hadn't planned on ripping the tank apart so didn't have the totes around like I would normally do for such a project. It was a get in and get it done mission.

I also brought home a few new mushrooms from the swap...nothing super exciting. In retrospect, I wished I had picked up a bunch of ricordea since it seemed like there were some great deals to be had....I'm sure 10 or so polyps of florida rics would have added more color. Thanks dknuckles for the sweet yellow and pink ric which got me thinking about picking more up.

[ReefTech]

awesome tank...very inspiring. plus i love those clowns you picked up at the swap

[slapshot]

It always seems to happen that way. I hope everything settles back in

[jimsflies]

I've had this tank on auto pilot for so long, I almost forgot how to deal with problems. Its been a long time since I looked in that box and saw really ticked off polyps. Things are looking a little more stable today. Some overall loss of color from all of this but if they pull through I am sure it will color back up.

I had the water tested and had 5 ppm of nitrates which historically for me is a record low. There were 0.25 ppm of phosphates so that's not too good. But I am not sure where I was riding before disturbing the tank. Its the first water test in a year. doh!

The clowns are doing pretty well. They aren't eating as well as I would like to see yet...so far only tried pellets. I'll have to get out some reef stew and see if they respond to that.

[tazzy695]

Lol shame on you Jim you know better then to not test that water but glad to hear the tank it's doing good I have been actually thinking of setting up a nano tank and trying salt again

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

[jimsflies]

Since my corals were already ticked off, I went ahead and rearranged again last night since I wasn't completely thrilled with how it was looking. I took a couple pieces of rock out and I think I am happier with it now. I also added a cool frag station from The Alternative Reef. I really love all of gooch's products. Hoping it looks a little better soon so I can get some photos posted.

[jimsflies]

Been awhile since I updated my thread...here are a few new pics:


Full tank shot..
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2013-03-11-full-tank-shot_zps1ed82fac.jpg

I started a gorgonian forest. Here are some newish ones...

This one is a eco gorg from Aquascapers (@coralmorphologic) that was purchased at @PreussPets.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/purple-ribbon-gorgonian_zpsa737da1e.jpg

This one is from Reef Paradise. The polyps look pretty orange under my lighting and the base is a richer purple than other gorgs I have. I'm pretty sure it is photosynthetic.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/orange-purple-gorgonian_zps9b7826a2.jpg


I hope this is just a molt my squat lobster is waving around. A few minutes before this, he had a claw in his claw and seemed to be eating the meat out of it. (The parts are from a Michaels pistol shrimp.)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/squat-lobster-michaels-pistol-shrimp_zpsf4ad1e8e.jpg

[dknuckles]

Very nice Jim!

I love the pistol shrimp!!!

[jimsflies]

Errr... you mean the squat lobster (cause pistol shrimp appears to have been "blasted").

[jimsflies]

Been awhile since I posted a pic. I can't see the back wall of my tank any more!

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rsz_img_1630_zps2734820e.jpg

[ReefTech]

nicely done Jim, tank looks amazing!!! :hypnotized:

[MizTanks]

Whatever happened to your MM's? Tank looks wonderful Jim :)

[jimsflies]

Whatever happened to your MM's? Tank looks wonderful Jim :)

I finally got them all out. I haven't lost a single fish since removing them.

[MizTanks]

I finally got them all out. I haven't lost a single fish since removing them.

Please share how you removed them :) I've bought 1 fish in the last year...all due to having MM's in my tank. Can't stand the thought of losing another fish to them :(

[jimsflies]

Once they ate all my fish, I stopped feeding the tank. They started to move around in search of food (I assume). I would remove them when they were moving (not well attached) or if they got onto a small rock that could be removed. My tank was fishless for about 4 months last year. Or so I thought. Turns out there was still a watchman goby living towards the back with his pistol shrimp buddy. I guess they lived off the pods...which there was a ton of. My glass was alive with "bugs" during that time.

[MizTanks]

What is that on your power head? Are those sweepers on that Bubble Coral? I'm stretching the pic's on my iPhone and am seeing soooo much!! FUN!! :)

[jimsflies]

I traded in my iphone and decided to go with a Samsung s4...so far the pics look pretty good. Here are a couple shots of my tank:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/snowflake-clown_zpscaba31d2.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/green-toadstool_zpsfc4ae163.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/mushrooms_zps56e2cd17.jpg

[MizTanks]

Beautiful pic's you traitor!!! Lol Not to stray off topic but, what made you switch phones?


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

[Dmmz]

I tried to switch and hated it but wife really likes hers

[jimsflies]

I know I feel like such a traitor! I have a bunch of apple products in my home so there are a few features I can't use with the phone (imessage for example).

I primarily switched because my wife wanted to get something with a bigger display. I figured I would try it so I could at least help her out with it...I'm generally the household tech support person. It does take a few days to get familiar with the phone. I thought getting music on the phone was going to be tough, but I was able to easily move music and playlists from itunes to the phone. Copying movies on the phone is much easier since they don't need to be imported into itunes first. I don't watch many movies on my phone, but having recently took a trip it was nice to have a movie to kill the time on the plane. Getting apps is a little easier than itunes as well...you can do it from any computer as long as your logged into google and it will wirelessly transfer the app to the phone.

I don't think we would have switched if apple had come out with a larger display phone. That extra real estate is nice for browsing the web. The display on the S4 is noticeably brighter than the iphone as well.

[Dmmz]

I have a kindle fire which I can download movies and see way better than on a phone for trips and I don't carry a purse so the phone was always a pain to Carry around so took it back after a week but to each their own glad you are liking it and pics are great

[dputt88]

what is that at the bottom of the last pic? i love it.

also i use the samsung rugby pro, it is very durable ( waterproof) and takes really sharp pics as well.

[ReefTech]

great pics Jim, tank looks amazing. I also recently traded in my iphone 4 for a new phone. This time around I went big. I got the Samsung galaxy mega. Talk about real estate, the screen itself is 6.2 inches. I agree with you about how easy it was to transfer everything over from iTunes and just being able to download anything to the phone is a snap. And it does take some pretty snazzy pics

[jimsflies]

I have a kindle fire which I can download movies and see way better than on a phone for trips and I don't carry a purse so the phone was always a pain to Carry around so took it back after a week but to each their own glad you are liking it and pics are great

The galaxy s4 is as big as I would want to carry as well. I agree the iphone fits in a pocket better. A tablet would be better for viewing, but its another thing to carry as well.


what is that at the bottom of the last pic? i love it.

also i use the samsung rugby pro, it is very durable ( waterproof) and takes really sharp pics as well.

I've started collecting oddball hairy/fuzzy mushrooms. I think that is what you are seeing. I might be able to get you a polyp of one of those if you are interested.

[dputt88]

The galaxy s4 is as big as I would want to carry as well. I agree the iphone fits in a pocket better. A tablet would be better for viewing, but its another thing to carry as well.



I've started collecting oddball hairy/fuzzy mushrooms. I think that is what you are seeing. I might be able to get you a polyp of one of those if you are interested.

maybe drop one in my trade tank at the lansing swap. i used to have fuzzy mushrooms and they were always one of my favorites. id love a piece for my softy chaos/decorative frag tank.

[jimsflies]

I downloaded an app called Aviary and did a little post photo touchup on the the clownfish photo....I think it turned out pretty well. The app is free...

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/snowflake-clownfish_zpse8a4cf71.jpg

[tazzy695]

Looks good jim realy makes the clown stand out

Sent from my LG-MS770 using Tapatalk

[jimsflies]

The leather jungle....

9092

Things are starting to get back to normal after the sinularia fragging incident. :)

[MizTanks]

Beautiful picture :)

[Sir Patrick]

This is the most awesome closet reef I have ever seen!

But seriously Jim- great job on this little tank.

[jimsflies]

Thanks Chris!

[uny2bld]

Awesome thread! I see you mentioned the Aviary app but what are you using for a camera?

[jimsflies]

Awesome thread! I see you mentioned the Aviary app but what are you using for a camera?

Oh the camera is just a Samsung S4.

[jimsflies]

In case there's any doubt about how full this tank is....

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/full-cube_zps38bb02ed.jpg

The front glass is pretty messy...too many hang on frag racks in the way to even do a cleaning. :crazy:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/full-cube-front_zpsf2bbc940.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Looks like you need a frag tank!!

[larryandlaura]

That tank is do for a up grade Jim.

[jimsflies]

I think you're on to something Larry. I need to get more room...I'm sort of tired of all these frag racks in my display.

Fortunately, you hooked me up with a sweet new system. Just need to get the floor replaced in my great room so I can get it setup. :)

9804

[MizTanks]

Feel free to send any SPS that get in the way U.P. here :) The green & purple ones especially!

[larryandlaura]

I'm glad you like the tank. I cant wait to see it up and running.

[Tankster]

I think you're on to something Larry. I need to get more room...I'm sort of tired of all these frag racks in my display.

Fortunately, you hooked me up with a sweet new system. Just need to get the floor replaced in my great room so I can get it setup. :)

9804

What you got there Jim and what are your plans for it?

[jimsflies]

This is an Innovative Marine 38 gallon. The lighting is a JBJ Unibody led fixture that is controllable with the Apex controller.

I'm planning to set it up in the family room downstairs. I'll be transferring most of my livestock to it and probably keep doing more of the same types of corals. I'm planning to leave the biocube setup and use it as a frag tank for the Frag and Swag wheel frags.

[Sir Patrick]

Upgrade time, nice! And no longer in the closet? I am sure your excited.

I too just redid my floor, and got my tank up and running. I am looking forward to watching your new upgrade.

[jimsflies]

Good to hear you got a tank up again Chris!

I rented a carpet cleaner last weekend and was able to clean the existing carpet pretty well in our family room...so maybe I can save the step of redoing the floor for now.

Now I just need to get some one to help me carry the tank downstairs. In between other projects, maybe I can get some water in the new tank. I'm looking forward to moving my stock over to the new tank so I don't have to look at frag racks in my display.

[Poseidon]

Can't wait to see what you put together!

[Tankster]

Give me a shout and I can give you a hand.

[jimsflies]

I finally moved the new IM-38 into the family room. I've got an Alternative Reef structure I traded with @larryandlaura (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/members/larryandlaura/). I will be moving most of my other Alternative Reef shelves and pillars over from the biocube once I get the tank wet.

On a down note, I am still considering replacing the flooring in the family room and will likely wait to fill the tank until that project is done. I'm trying to decide whether to re-carpet or go with vinyl plank flooring.

Here's a peak at how it looks now:

10052

[jimsflies]

Our family room is mostly dark grey and I think the tank will look pretty striking in the room. I will be sort of nice to see it while sitting on the sofa...something I've never done with any of my reefs. Its uncharted territory...

10053

[Poseidon]

Throw some tile under the tank, and do the rest of the floor later. :p Get that thing wet!

[Tom@HaslettMI]

I finally moved the new IM-38 into the family room. I've got an Alternative Reef structure I traded with @larryandlaura (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/members/larryandlaura/). I will be moving most of my other Alternative Reef shelves and pillars over from the biocube once I get the tank wet.

On a down note, I am still considering replacing the flooring in the family room and will likely wait to fill the tank until that project is done. I'm trying to decide whether to re-carpet or go with vinyl plank flooring.

Here's a peak at how it looks now:

10052

Looks good. The rock structure still leaves plenty of room for your other rocks, and there should still be plenty of swim space for your fishes to swim.


Throw some tile under the tank, and do the rest of the floor later. :p Get that thing wet!
+1

Tom

[MizTanks]

Your going to love having your tank where you can comfortably view it. Especially in a seated position. Definitely my #1 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/usertag.php?do=list&action=hash&hash=1) consideration when setting up my tank.

[larryandlaura]

Looks great there Jim. You will love that tank.

[binford4000]

I agree!! Your tank should be the focal point of your room. You spend a great deal of time careing for it. Show it off! We have a big flat screen in the same room as the tank. What do visitors look at?? The tank of course. My Dad lived in Hawaii and when he stayed with us he would always say " move the tank or the TV ! I can't watch both at the same time and fox business news is boring compared to that !" Lol. I really miss his Words of wisdom , but really enjoy passing it along

[jimsflies]

I still haven't set up the new tank...here's a pic I took of the red spot cardinals with my phone this evening.

10232

[jimsflies]

The clowns are finally pairing up

10239

10237

[MizTanks]

Awwww isn't that special :) lol. How are those Cardinals doing Jim?