jimsflies Invert Ranch

[jimsflies]

Not sure how temporary this will be, but thought playing around with one of these biocubes would be fun for awhile. It's the newest Oceanic biocube with the 150-watt halide. I unboxed it tonight...had the stand sitting in the garage left over from the days when I did all-grain brewing....I used to sit my lauter tun up on this during the mash. Anyway, I think I will refurbish it a little and use it. The tank is in a storage closet that I have been working on for the past few weeks. Eventually someday, my sump for the upstairs tank will sit in this same spot.

My plan is to move most of my livestock to this tank and drain my current set up. This will give me a chance to work on the new corner bowfront tank upstairs and also move my current tank out of the room its in so my son can have the room.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/_3.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/_4.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/_10.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/_2.jpg

[tazzy695]

looks good jim

[zccef]

Jim how long has it been since you have brewed? I was doing a little about a year ago but figured i would spend the time and cash to set up a proper system. I am about to start up again when the weather gets a little better(also when i get my system finished).

[jimsflies]

It's been more than 10 years since I was into all grain..only have done a few extract batches since then.

[demonclownfish]

looks great jim :) wanna trade? :big_grin:

[Sir Patrick]

Looking forward to seeing this full!

[BeakerBob]

Sweet tank Jim! Let me know when you need some corals to put in it!

[taziam10797]

Nice looking tank, I would love to have my biocube back to go along with my main tank. Good fishkeeping.

[MizTanks]

I was looking at one of those myself~opted out due to no atenic/moon leds~it is a sweet tank though for sure~loving the filtration system!

[jimsflies]

True...I'm not sure why they didn't put a moon light on it. But that's okay. I'm probably going to do something custom and integrate some blue LEDs for actinics. I can take or leave the moon light anyway.

[handlevandal]

Nice looking tank, I would love to have my biocube back to go along with my main tank. Good fishkeeping.


I totally understand as my new biocube has got me all fired up about reefing again. I've been nursing a 75G back from a disaster for about 6 months and was getting really really bored with it all. But since I set up the little guy I'm busy thinking and planning for the main tank again.

Jim - I'm betting you're going to enjoy that new one a bunch, too.

[MizTanks]

Of course I never even thought about moding the lights-geeez-now I'm back to looking again-or maybe I'll just watch you Jim!

[jolson10450]

i seen one of these at fish docs in trenton they are a pretty neat little setup im excited to see how it turns out for you

[jimsflies]

Can any one recommend some type of clip on blue led for actinics? Looking for some thing that will attach to the halide light maybe on that ledge that sticks out of the bottom?

[jolson10450]

I use the icecap 1watt blue led with reflector for my 12g and 30g tank. it lights up the entire tank perfectly. it has rubber feet on the bottom for sitting on glass top and it also had brackets so mount it to a canopy. I dont know how exactly it would mount to your canopy but you can just set it on the glass out of the way of the halide and it should do fine. then when you open your tank you will just have to set it aside while it's being worked on.

[tazzy695]

if you have a 12v transformer laying around I bought the flexible strip of leds from walmart $14 and this works well for moon lighting and being sticky backed they can be placed almost anywhere

[jimsflies]

I'm probably going to order the strip light from superbrightleds.com (http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-bin/store/index.cgi?action=DispPage&Page2Disp=%2Fspecs%2FWFLB96.htm). there is room to mount it under the top plastic edging.

I'm thinking I would like 3-4 3 watt leds clipped onto the backside of that halide pendant though. Perhaps even split with 2 blue/ 2 white on dimmers to get a good dusk to dawn balance.

[Ocho Cinco]

Those LEDs look nice. I'm interested to see how they work. I kinda want the same type for my aquapod in the future.

[jimsflies]

I'm slowly making progress on getting this set up. I bought substrate today. Still working on stand modifications.

It looks like I am putting one of the Vortech wireless EcoSmart MP-10's on the tank. Decided to go wireless in case I want to add a second MP-10 down the road. Also with the issues I had with the MP-20, I'm getting a spare wet side.

I made out with the GRMAS raffle (between direct winning, trading, and give-aways), I picked up some groovy Alternative Reef and EcoReef magnetic frag rock/shelves.

[Sir Patrick]

:we_need_pics:

[ReeferRob]

Sounds exciting Jim, I thought for sure you would be going a different direction than the VorTech after your issues with the 20!

I think you'll love those LED to. I was very impressed with the ones I got off of eBay!

LED are for sure the way to go, particularly if you like to see your corals in HD!! I just mounted to PB LED's to the DT and it truly is amazing how the water shimmers and dances!

What all are you going to be keeping in this cube anyway?

[jimsflies]

Regarding the Vortech, I mailed the MP-20 in and they replaced it with a new pump. Hopefully my issues have been resolved with subsequent product improvements. Upon offering a replacement, I swung a deal for the new MP-10 and wet side. Having a spare wet side should help with making it through problems if they arise.

Still undecided what I will focus on with the cube. Right now, I'm going to move my existing stock in there and see where I want to go with it. Andy's been working on getting me to grow sticks in it.

[dejavu]

Looking good Jim! It was nice talking with you at the swap.

[Ocho Cinco]

Did you end up choosing any LEDs for night lights? I'm looking to get some feedback....

[jimsflies]

Been slowly working on the new tank. First, a picture of the cool frag rocks I won at the GRMAS swap last weekend. The two on the right are from Alternative Reef. The one on the left I think came from EcoReef Technologies. The magnets on the Alternative Reef are very significant...frankly overkill for the thin back wall.

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/alternativereef-rocks.jpg

I also finished the stand


http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/newstand.jpg

As you can see in this picture, I used metallic paint, so that magnets will stick to it. Now I can add "my flare" to the stand....not sure how many pieces that will be (Office Space referrence)... LOL...

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/newstand2.jpg

And, as you can see from this picture, I used "chalkboard" paint so I can write myself notes, or whatever....

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/newstand3.jpg

[demonclownfish]

NOICE!!!!, i want to redo my tank and do something like that on the back wall. cant wait to see this tank up and running!!!

[jimsflies]

cant wait to see this tank up and running!!!

Me either...

I need to get a few more goodies around and hopefully will have it filled with water within a week. My new Vortech MP10wES should be here by Wednesday. Need to order some actinic LEDs soon as well. I want to install them under the rim stock so it will be easier to do that when the tank is dry.

[handlevandal]

I love it! I've used that kind of rock myself, picking up little bitty flat ones to put corals on so that my diamond gobies can't make a new cave under them. Can't wait to see this one grow.

[tazzy695]

looking good jim I like how the frag shelves look attached to the wall

[Sir Patrick]

That is going to look so cool!

[jimsflies]

I have the rock stand done now....here's a pic. Its hard to make out, but this rock is held up by an acrylic base (thanks to The Blue Glow for helping with it). The purpose of this is to allow the rock to look cantilevered without having to build up additional rocks to make it structurally sound. You can see from the shadow that it's not touching anything on the end.

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-rockstand.jpg

[schminksbro]

This is gonna be one trick nano! Looks great Jim! I can't wait to see it "WET":)

[jimsflies]

Hopefully soon. I need to buy some salt. It should have water in it this weekend for sure.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

That's a reel purdy tank. I especially like the rockscape. Are you planning to move any/all of the rock from your existing tank into this one?

[jimsflies]

I don't want it to be too full of rock so probably only a few pieces of existing rock will be used.

[igot2gats]

Nice tank. Pretty crazy that Oceanic used a halide instead of a T-5 for an "updated" tank these days.

Either way, I'm intrigued & can't wait to see some life in there....

[jimsflies]

I don't think halides are dead just yet. For tank less than 24-inches it makes sense because the HOt5's aren't really out there for that size. (Although I know some 18" bulbs do exist.)

Biggest issue is typically heat...but I will be using my mesh top and likely getting a small chiller for this set up so I won't have to worry. Someday, if the right deal comes along, I might pick up an LED fixture for the main lighting.

[iyachtuxivm]

Hey looks good!

[jimsflies]

I finally got the sand and water in the tank last weekend. Here are a few updated shots

First, I used this porous rock/block thing that I had in my existing sump. (I can't recall the company's name that makes them...they were a vendor at the MASM conference last year.) I used it for lifting the skimmer up an inch. Thought it would be good to put in the back corner...both from a bacteria colonization standpoint as well as not having as much sand in the back of the tank...makes a better base for the rock and also will maybe promote the shrimp goby to take up residence toward the front of the tank.

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-presand.jpg

Here is a shot showing the rock work and sand...the water is still a little cloudy, especially after playing with the vortech MP-10 tonight:


http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-newsand.jpg


This shot shows the MP-10 a little better:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-vortech.jpg

Here is a picture of the new Vortech Eco-Smart controller:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-controller.jpg

Lastly, a video showing the wave motion from the MP-10. I have it set to the new "Nutrient Transport Mode" which does the short pulse (standing wave) and then ramps the flow up periodically to stir things up.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkWIBciHfcQ

Hopefully it cycles quickly so I can start stocking! I'm using some Brightwell MB-7 which is nitrifying bacteria in a bottle....so we'll see if it makes a difference.

[Sir Patrick]

Water motion is excelent- and really thinking you got some great aquascaping! Great idea on the slab of rock, to promote your gobie to burrow near the front of the tank.

[jimsflies]

Thanks guys. I will most likely transfer some rocks from my existing tank as well. I'm also considering one of those Alternative Reef pillars like gooch donated for dlberlin. Can I bid on my own auction...since it's not really my own item?

However, I do like the less crowded look the current scape has and would like to preserve that openness.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

The rock work is very aesthetically pleasing... however, while floating rock-work is cool for the scape it won't work for a pistol shrimp/goby pair (or a jawfish).

They need to have rocks that have contact with the sand bed and/or a lot of rubble in order to build tunnels. From the pics it looks like the only place for that is right where the porous block thingy is.

Are you planning to position the rock you add from the existing tank in a way that will create the necessary habitat? Otherwise, the shrimp may move most/all of the sand to one area of the tank so it can create tunnels.

[jimsflies]

There will be other pieces on the sand bed, including corals. There will also be a few small rocks/rubble placed around the base of the floating rock to add additional stability and make it look more natural. Its not meant to look like it's floating....but rather it is intended to be a cantilevered look that would otherwise not be possible if it weren't for that acrylic rod/base.

The sand consists of fine aragonite with some crushed coral mixed in, specifically to provide a substrate that would be more stable for tunnel building.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Good to hear. I figured as much, but got a little worried when I saw the pics.

[zccef]

nice work with the rocks Jim, i am excited to see what you add to the tank. that vortech is a beast, now i will probably have to look in to one.

[gooch]

The magnets on the Alternative Reef are very significant...frankly overkill for the thin back wall.





They may be overkill on a small tank but when you are gonna put them in a 3/4" thick tank you want every bit of that stregth. In fact I had to help out a local reefer who had a competitors product. They had a tank with 3/8" glass. As soon as they put a coral on it the magnetic rock came off the glass. They had to use my magnets just to hold up the competitors product. Sure I could cheap it out and use a lesser magnet but that is not what I am trying to achieve. We strive to make affordable quality products that you will use for years. When you upgrade to a larger tank you will still be able to use our products. Not so sure you can say the same for the competition.

By the way nice set up.

Scott

[jimsflies]

For sure... "overkill" probably wasn't the right word as it has a slight negative conontation... I'm very happy with the look and functionality of the frag stations. :) So much so, I plan to get at least one more small one for the backwall...probably to replace that other cheaper magnetic "rock" I have on the left side. Trying to figure out where I could slide a pillar in there as well without filling it up too much.

[ReeferRob]

Wow Jim, tank is looking great. Very interesting scape! I personally wouldn't add another single piece of rock other than a few little nuggets around the floating piece like you said, to make it look more natural.

Keep those updates coming!!

[gooch]

For sure... "overkill" probably wasn't the right word as it has a slight negative conontation... I'm very happy with the look and functionality of the frag stations. :) So much so, I plan to get at least one more small one for the backwall...probably to replace that other cheaper magnetic "rock" I have on the left side. Trying to figure out where I could slide a pillar in there as well without filling it up too much.

I will have a few small pillars available real soon. Contact Midwest Saltwater....a sponsor here if you want one. I had made a monster pillar. It had six add ons to it. Well long story short. I went to fire it yesterday. I loaded the base into the kiln. Everything looked great. I moved it over an inch and broke off three ledges. Oh well, I figured it would still look cool. Took it out of the kiln this morning and it was split in half. Three days work lost just like that. So all the small pillars that were going on top will now be sold individually. Bill from Midwest will get some of them for the next Michigan show more than likely.

Here is a picture of the monster. I worked on it for two weeks off and on. It was my masterpiece. If this is too commercial please feel free to remove it.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b230/BigG1/DSC_0313.jpg

[MarvinsReef]

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/biocube-newsand.jpg



looking really nice, Jim... :)

[jimsflies]

Thanks Marvin

Good news...tested the water today, ammonia was zero and nitrates were 40-50...so it appears the cycle may be done. I have been using Brightwells MB7 daily which I think has helped speed up the process.

Not so good though, I have a diatom bloom going right now. I think I will do the first water change tonight and see how it looks in a couple days.

[iyachtuxivm]

Diatoms are good usually means cycle is done! ( in a new tank)

[demonclownfish]

Lookin good jim. ive wanted to see water in this thing forever lol. love the ledges and the whole rock stand thing. wish i had a vortech.... lucky lol.

[igot2gats]

I agree with the 'scaping. Less is better & more...

How did the water change turn out?

[ReeferRob]

Jim did you get in trouble with the wife? Looks like you set the tank up in the closet!
Tank or clothes..............Tank!

[jimsflies]

Yeah...I'm back in the same place my old AGA 29 gallon tank was setup...I've gone full circle. My wife doesn't like all the cords and clutter (I don't really either) so I set it up in the storage room for now. I'm expecting this to be somewhat temporary.

[jimsflies]

A couple updated shots showing how the aquascaping is coming along...I think I am liking it. :) I think it looks like it has a lot of front to back depth to it.

The water is pretty cloudy from moving stuff around in these pics. I also need to get some carbon running soon as the water has a little color to it as well.

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-20-01.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-20-02.jpg

[demonclownfish]

NICE! your tank looks like its 36 inches front to back!

[jimsflies]

NICE! your tank looks like its 36 inches front to back!


It actually does! LOL

[card16969]

coolest biocube ive ever seen

[Sir Patrick]

I agree w/ demon- and card!!

Cant wait to see it cleared up!

Jim- lets hear what ya are doing as far as MB& dosing on this tank in the probiotics thread! Keep us posted!

[jimsflies]

I just need to decide what I want to keep in the tank now! Too many cool corals...not enough space.

[jimsflies]

Funny thing happened this morning...last night I had pulled a couple rocks out to rearrange the aquascaping before taking those last pictures. Anyway, this morning I stepped on something hard laying in the middle of the floor (didn't feel too good in the middle of my bare foot). It was a snail shell...I realized pretty quickly it was probably a hermit crab. I looked inside the shell and thought I saw a little something in there. Plopped it back in the tank and the crab came out and started doing it's thing like nothing ever happened.

Funny how tough those buggers can be some times....think it goes to show the reason for me they never last to long is they need a lot of empty shells to move into as they grow, especially small ones. With my barebottom tank, I never had too many in available.

[jimsflies]

Finally got around to making my mesh top for the new tank. I think it turned out pretty well...lots of custom cuts on this one!

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/meshtop1.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/meshtop2.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/meshtop3.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/meshtop4.jpg

And a couple more pics with less cloudy water...the handful of corals in the tank seem to be fairly happy.


http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-22-01.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-22-02.jpg

[demonclownfish]

looks great jim, next i want a top down shot to see how it looks form above! fomr what i can see on top you have those shelves overlapping kinda with corals on them and it looks sweet!

[jimsflies]

Yeah, they overlap a little. That's how they are out of the box.

I'm pretty happy with how things are going so far. Now that the top is in place, I will start adding fish. Probably pick up the new shrimp goby first to get it established before moving my clowns over. Undecided whether to keep the royal gramma. Most likely will not keep my algae blenny...fairly big fish for the size tank this is.

[demonclownfish]

Yeah, they overlap a little. That's how they are out of the box.

I'm pretty happy with how things are going so far. Now that the top is in place, I will start adding fish. Probably pick up the new shrimp goby first to get it established before moving my clowns over. Undecided whether to keep the royal gramma. Most likely will not keep my algae blenny...fairly big fish for the size tank this is.

yellowhead jawfish, by far the best fish addition ever! very interesting in a smaller tank like a biocube.

[jimsflies]

You think I could get away with one of those and a shrimp goby (leaning toward either a yasha or maybe yellow watchman)?

How about a blue spot jaw? They seem a little touchy?

[Sir Patrick]

This tank ids gonna be awsome when all grown in.

[demonclownfish]

You think I could get away with one of those and a shrimp goby (leaning toward either a yasha or maybe yellow watchman)?

How about a blue spot jaw? They seem a little touchy?

IMO yellowheads r much more in personality and color. plus half the time the bluespots die and they r anywhere from $60-120. my yellowhead jsut sits there and watches me wherever i go and is the funniest little guy. plus they do not get as large. If it was me id go with a yellowhead but tis all about personal prefrances and the size of your wallet lol.

[iyachtuxivm]

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-22-01.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-04-22-02.jpg

Wow freaking awesome! Great depth, love that!

[gooch]

It does look like it goes on forever. And it's a nano. I like what you've done.

[jimsflies]

Yeah....and a big thanks to you Scott for creating such a cool product! I can't say enough good stuff about how impressed I am with the Alternative Reef frag stations. They are perfect for a nano tank, IMO.

I'm thinking my acrylic rod rock looks kinda lame compared to the rest of it. I may end up yanking it and getting with you for another pillar. :)

[jimsflies]

I added the first fish tonight...a yasha goby and candy pistol shrimp. Of course, I haven't seen either since I put them in the tank. I don't know how a fish can hide that well in such a small space? I stared at the tank for 30 minutes and still didn't see either one.

[demonclownfish]

update???? have u seen the fish yet? im still waiting on that top down shot lol.:propellerhead:

[jimsflies]

Yes, just spotted the goby. No sign of the shrimp yet. The goby is hanging out in a hole in a rock. The shrimp and goby weren't in the same tank at the shop, so they haven't paired...I'm figuring it's just a matter of finding each other though. Can't be too tough in less than two square feet worth of space.:chicken:

[jimsflies]

Some updated pics...none of which are great...my favorite camera is toast and the stock bulb is too yellow to get good colors (both with the camera and in person).

....First a few pick ups from the sponsor tour:

Corkscrew Coral from the Trop:
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/corkscrew-coral.jpg

A couple zoas from Reef Solutions
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/reefsolutions-zoas.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/reefsolutions-zoas2.jpg


A zoa and chalice from Preuss:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/preuss-zoas.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/preuss-chalice.jpg

Free acro from the Fish Docs:
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/fishdocs-free-acro.jpg

[jimsflies]

Here are a few general reef shots:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/clownfish.jpg


http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-may-left-side.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/neon-toadstool.jpg

[ReeferRob]

Every time I look at the scape Jim I like it more and more. Your gonna have a ton of fun stocking that baby.

Love the clown pic too. Is that the fish from the Rod's Food Package! LOL

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking good Jim! I've been waiting for a pictorial update. Oh, and I like the new additions.

[jimsflies]

Every time I look at the scape Jim I like it more and more. Your gonna have a ton of fun stocking that baby.

Love the clown pic too. Is that the fish from the Rod's Food Package! LOL

Your right it does look like pic on Rods Food package. I knew the second I snapped that pic it was going to be a nice one.

[schminksbro]

Looking good Jim.:jawdrop2: I vote that you jam it full of sticks.:devil:

[demonclownfish]

finally! when did you get the clowns? the tank looks great and looks like the tour was a success.

[jimsflies]

The clowns came over from my old tank. I have had them for maybe 5 years now? ...time flies!

I also brought this little guy over from the old tank too:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/greenbanded-goby.jpg

[demonclownfish]

o very cool, i love the greenbanded gobies. tank is starting to fill up lol

[MarvinsReef]

looking good Jim... is the other tank still up? sorry if I missed this one....

[jimsflies]

No, took the other one off line. Still need to finish cleaning it up and try to sell it. I decided to simplify/downgrade for awhile to free up more time for website stuff.

[jimsflies]

Testing out the camera...here are a few pics:

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


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


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

[ReeferRob]

Does the anemone stay put?

[jimsflies]

So far it's right where I stuck it.

[MizTanks]

Beautiful Jim!

[Sir Patrick]

Full tank shot???

[jimsflies]

Well I am really bummed...one of my clowns is gone (presumed dead) and the other has splotches on it's body. I hadnt added anything to my system for 2-3 months until Sundays swap. :(

[jimsflies]

Here are a couple more photos I took last night:

The goby is camera shy...kept getting scared and going back in it's hole. Hopefully can get a better pic in the future...

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

Full tank shot...still not looking very good. :(

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-nov-fts.jpg

[ReeferRob]

Man Jim that is some sugar fine bright white sand you have there. I don't see the blue cesputalaria I gave you, did it die or trade it away? I was thinking of actually adding some to my DT!

[John]

mmm fiji pink?

Very nice scaping.

The picture of the Yasha Goby looks good to me. I'm still not too good at the fish pics... erh... I think it's a yasha goby... I could be wrong...

[jimsflies]

Yup just your basic fine white sand. The yasha and shrimp keep it mixed up pretty well.

Rob I don't think you gave me any blue cesputalaria...maybe it was part of your trade with tom@hassletmi that I picked up?

[jimsflies]

A few more pics... :)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-nepthia.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-tyreeleather.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-carnivalcloves.jpg

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

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/macro-hermitcrab.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-gorgonian.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-fulltankshot.jpg

[whitetiger61]

that tank looks awesome..i can only hope my green toad stool eventually loks that good when it grow up..keep up the good work. looking good.

Rick

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Looking good Jim. I really like the purple gorgonian but... I think the right side of the tank needs more coral!

Tom

[jimsflies]

Thanks Rick. I'm still adding to it...been tough to give it the attention it deserves with all the projects I've had going.

Here are a couple pieces I got from Skyhigh at the A2/CR Swap:

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

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-18-japaneseleather.jpg

I also got a couple nice pieces from Andy, but wasn't able to get pics of them yet.

[jimsflies]

Tom- I agree...need more on the right. I think the right side of the tank is going to be rock flower anemones and mini maxis.

[Tom@HaslettMI]

Tom- I agree...need more on the right. I think the right side of the tank is going to be rock flower anemones and mini maxis.

That will look sweet.

[whitetiger61]

i got the same thing from shyhigh ..my skirts are really white but mine are not as red as yours on the polyp..i think i need to move it to a different part of the tank.

Rick

[Sir Patrick]

Jim-

You have a really good eye for coral placement! Looks great! Just a few more pieces....

[jimsflies]

Thanks Chris...but I just shifted some of the rock work and corals tonight. :redecorate: Wasn't quite happy with how things were. I'll see how it looks tomorrow when the lights come on and take a couple pics. :photographer:

[jimsflies]

Couple cool macros I took this evening:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/orange-shroom.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/purple-gorgonian.jpg

[Tom@HaslettMI]

^^^Nice pics!


Thanks Chris...but I just shifted some of the rock work and corals tonight. :redecorate: Wasn't quite happy with how things were. I'll see how it looks tomorrow when the lights come on and take a couple pics. :photographer:

Still waiting for the updated FTS....

[jimsflies]

I was about to get one tonight and the lights had turned off already. :(

I'll try to get one tomorrow.

[jimsflies]

Here is a full tank shot after I shifted the aquascape around a little. It opens up the center of the tank a little more...now I just need a nice scoly or welso to put down there. :)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2010-11-24-fts.jpg

[ReeferRob]

That or a bad arse tube anemone!

[jimsflies]

hrmm...good idea. Think my fish would be smart enough to keep out of it?

Any of our sponsors have any tube anemones in stock that fit the bill?

Maybe one like this

http://www.deepseaimages.com/dsilibrary/data/648/medium/4tubanem02_d.jpg

or this

http://www.diverosa.com/Kapalai/MKA-22%20Tube%20anemone,%20Cerianthus%20filiformis.jpg

[ReeferRob]

Dooode, if you ever come across one like in the first picture I want one. Would be a perfect addition to the two I already have!!

And as far as fish staying out of it, Ive never lost a single fish to either of the ones I kept in my 55, my 120 or this tank! You should be golden!

[cherrycorals]

I will have a few small pillars available real soon. Contact Midwest Saltwater....a sponsor here if you want one. I had made a monster pillar. It had six add ons to it. Well long story short. I went to fire it yesterday. I loaded the base into the kiln. Everything looked great. I moved it over an inch and broke off three ledges. Oh well, I figured it would still look cool. Took it out of the kiln this morning and it was split in half. Three days work lost just like that. So all the small pillars that were going on top will now be sold individually. Bill from Midwest will get some of them for the next Michigan show more than likely.

Here is a picture of the monster. I worked on it for two weeks off and on. It was my masterpiece. If this is too commercial please feel free to remove it.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b230/BigG1/DSC_0313.jpg

Freakin awesome!!!

[jimsflies]

A few updated pictures:

2nd maxi mini (rainbow coloration)...crawled under a rock...peaks out during the day. :mad:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/maxi-mini-lucid.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/scoly-lucid.jpg

A few trades with Pazazz:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/zoas-search-lights.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/lobo-rainbow.jpg

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/paly-chaos.jpg

3rd times a charm? Finally got a maxi mini to go where I planned all along! Yes, this one is pure yellow!
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/maxi-mini-yellow.jpg

New baby from Fishtal...Still in the observation box...I like this pic, you can see my perc female below.
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/picasso-baby.jpg

[PAZAZZ]

Looking Sweet Jim! :thumbsup:

[jimsflies]

Thanks again for the great corals Mike!

[PAZAZZ]

Anytime Jim.... If either Maxi minis spilt I get first dibs! :hypnotized:

[jimsflies]

Looking good Jim. I really like the purple gorgonian but... I think the right side of the tank needs more coral!

Tom

I've been working on it...here is a top down of that right rock:

http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-12-31-topdown.jpg


Can't see as much on the right in this shot...but it's slowly getting there. :)
http://www.captivereefs.com/jim/29biocube/2010-12-31-front-shot.jpg

[cg5071]

I was wondering how maxi mini's behave. S*** glue the pieces on to the sculpture, everyone knows air bubbles explode :)

That is what happened, the clay wasnt kneeded enough to get all the air out. Hard when you are drying several pieces over days.

[jimsflies]

A few updates pics:

The new clown gets lost in this RBTA...which grow to a giant after eating my former male clown :( Hope it doesn't get hungry again...been keeping it fed a lot more than I was since that happened.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rbta-picasso.jpg


This one is finally coming out from under the rock
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-mini1.jpg


Room for more!
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-minis.jpg

I decided I need more of these too.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/scoly-warpaint.jpg

Yasha Goby
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/yasha-goby.jpg

Rainbow Lobo
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/rainbow-lobo.jpg

Funky green shroom:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-08-green-mushroom.jpg

[jimsflies]

FTS
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-08-fts.jpg

[dlhirst]

Looks great, Jim! I really like the color pattern on that scolymia. I lost mine last summer, starting to yearn for another...

[jimsflies]

Thanks Don!

I picked a couple sweet nice additions at Preuss tonight. I'll try to get a couple pics tomorrow.

[MizTanks]

WOW Jim! Has your tank ever grown. Such color! I hope my 26 can look something like it :highfive3:

[Sir Patrick]

You really know how to put a tank together jim!

[cg5071]

Really? Your BTA ate one of your clowns? I havnt heard of that before. Tank looks good though. How long till your neon toadstool gets that big?

I got myself some maxis yesterday. I will have to post pics when I can get them later. Have to ask the neighbor If I can borrow her camera,lol. Probably getting sick of loaning it out.

[steve&mari]

Looks awesome Jim love when they grow up n fill in. Fun watching everything grow n spread. Keep it up n looking forward to meeting you at the swap. God Bless


Big Steve


Sent from my SPH-M900 using Tapatalk

[creefer]

Jim......this is a beautiful tank. Great use of space in the scape. I really dig it.

[jimsflies]

Thanks guys!

I took ReeferRob's advice...Check out my new tube anemone...

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

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/tube-anemone-lg2.jpg

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

Also got this cool coco worm:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/gen-tso-duster.jpg

[creefer]

It would appear as though you have mastered your domain! That tube nem is something else.

[jimsflies]

Yeah it is definitely photogenic. I need to get beakerbob over here with super camera. :photographer:

[schminksbro]

Nice pick ups! The tank is lookin great Jim!

[jimsflies]

Thanks.

Here is a FTS for today...gives you an idea of the scale:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-10-fts.jpg

[MizTanks]

What a beautiful tank Jim :) now I know what I wanna be when I grow up ;)


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[Sir Patrick]

Absolutely LOVE it!!!

[gooch]

If I didn't know those magnetic structures were in there I wouldn't even see them. They blend almost perfectly into your aquascape. Good Job.

Scott

[jimsflies]

Thanks guys! I love those magnetic shelves Scott! I wished I had room for more.

Well bad news to report...my new baby picasso clownfish is gone. It was MIA when I woke up yesterday. I've been bummed all weekend. :crying:

I did pick up a cool yellow coco worm and a few more maxi minis. Although it appears the blue maxi mini is toast...it started puking its guts out before I put it in the tank and continued this morning. The third maxi mini crawled under another rock last night. :mad: Sometimes it seems like I take two steps forwards and one step back (if I am lucky). :waiting:

Some updated pics:

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

One of the new maxi's...not the best pic:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-mini3.jpg

And the blue maxi mini that I don't think will make it:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-mini-melting.jpg

Front of tank:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-16-front.jpg

A couple misc pics:

Sympodium- Had it since last Summer
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/sympodium.jpg

Orange Zoas from MyNemesis (he has more for sale in the swap thread):
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/orange-zoas.jpg

[MizTanks]

Jim is that a piece of pvc you have tube nem in? If so purpose and size?


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[jimsflies]

Yes, I think it is an inch diameter PVC. It is just there to help keep the tube anemone in one spot long enough to attach. I've never had one before...but had issues with it moving last week after I got it. I notice it is secreting some stuff now and seems to be attaching to the pvc. I plan to backfill around the pvc with sand once it seems secure.

[MizTanks]

Yes, I think it is an inch diameter PVC. It is just there to help keep the tube anemone in one spot long enough to attach. I've never had one before...but had issues with it moving last week after I got it. I notice it is secreting some stuff now and seems to be attaching to the pvc. I plan to backfill around the pvc with sand once it seems secure.

I really love what you've done with your tank Jim. Your placement of corals has a very natural look to it. It definitely shows how much thought has gone into it.


There is nothing like being a REEFER!

[dlhirst]

Jim, I love your tank. I hope you don't mind if I STEAL some ideas... I noticed one coral you called "Sympodium" that I have not seen before. Can you tell me something about it? Care and temperament? Is it zooxanthelate? Lots of light? Current? Anything else you can tell me would be groovy!

[jimsflies]

Jim, I love your tank. I hope you don't mind if I STEAL some ideas... I noticed one coral you called "Sympodium" that I have not seen before. Can you tell me something about it? Care and temperament? Is it zooxanthelate? Lots of light? Current? Anything else you can tell me would be groovy!

I'd say mine is getting medium light. It is on the top shelf on the back of the tank, so a lot of light from the halide misses it. I'd also say medium flow. Its getting a lot more popular, I have seen a few people post it for the swap. Frags are going for about $15 (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/showpost.php?p=99163&postcount=97) in the swap thread.

I'd say overall it seems very hardy. I'm keeping an eye on it that it doesn't turn in to a weed...which I would say is a distinct possibility. It appears similar to Briareum (green star polyps) in the way it encrusts....

[cg5071]

Did your nem make it? I had one do that and start falling apart the next day. I like the sympodium as well. I just got a frag of it. Yours looks nice and bright. Mine started to brown a little after I added an extra bulb so I moved it to a little darker area. For me it seems to do/look best under less intense light.

[jimsflies]

Did your nem make it? I had one do that and start falling apart the next day. I like the sympodium as well. I just got a frag of it. Yours looks nice and bright. Mine started to brown a little after I added an extra bulb so I moved it to a little darker area. For me it seems to do/look best under less intense light.

Sorry for not replying sooner...Unfortunately it didn't.

[jimsflies]

A few new pics to share:

Got an okay one of the tiger pistol shrimp working on their home:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/shrimp-goby2.jpg

Found the hole the strawberry shrimp hangs out in that I got from Amazon Stingrays last spring ...hadn't seen it in months:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/strawberry_crab.jpg

A decent shot of one of the maxi minis:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maximini3.jpg

Another one of the yellow maxi mini:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-mini-yellow.jpg

Right side updated:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-26-right-side.jpg

[Heidi]

Jim I LOVE carpet anemone! Beautiful! Awesome little tank.
-Heidi

[jimsflies]

Thanks Heidi!

[MizTanks]

OMG Jim! Talk about picture taking skills or what. Couldn't ask for a better tank to take them of either.:hypnodisk:

[jimsflies]

Thanks Jamie!

[BeakerBob]

Jim, great looking yellow nem!!

[igot2gats]

Wow, Jim! Thanks for all the pic updates....a thread readers dream.

The tank is coming along nicely.

[cg5071]

Yeah the yellow one is sweet! I have a yellow also but after seeing yours I think there is a bit of olive color too. Just doesnt look as yellow. Nice shots.

[jimsflies]

I added two more maxi minis this morning from ReefGardener.net (http://www.reefgardener.net). One is a solid lime green. It is by far the brightest green in my tank, and blows the yellow one away. I'll try to shoot some pics later this evening.

[jimsflies]

In fact, I think my new lime maxi mini is famous, it is the brightest one in the headline photo of this article in Coral Magazine:

http://www.coralmagazine-us.com/content/mini-carpets-perfect-small-sea-anemones

[Reef Goddess]

Nice little tank Jim! I like what you're doing with it. ;]

I'm not sure if you will be able to keep carpets and rock anemones together, but you can give it a try.
I hope your new nems will settle in nicely.

Morgan

[jimsflies]

I noticed my rock anemone didn't seem to like to be touched by the maxi minis.

The blue one I got a few weeks ago that melted, before it completely went down hill it roll over on some green zoas and now I have a bald patch were it was siting...probably only was on top of them for 15 minutes or so. So I think they do pack a punch.

[Reef Goddess]

That's weird for a maxi mini to die. Was it bleached or something?

[Reef Goddess]

Rock anemones like this. ;] Really rare ones. I had these last year.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/P1250003-1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/P1250006_02.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/flrgroup.jpg

[Reef Goddess]

These are my favorite maxis.


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/PC040193.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/PC040189.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/PB210035_01-1.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/PB210057_01.jpg
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/PB210054_01.jpg

[jimsflies]

Someones holding out on me. :)

[Reef Goddess]

Those have all been sold or the clones are too small to sell. I don't like selling tiny, just been cloned anemones like some places. lol

[jimsflies]

I like the top one if you have a clone....and the pink one. :)

So after my two latest additions directly from Morgan at thReef Gardener (http://www.reefgardener.net) here is what my maxi mini garden is looking like:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-01-27-right-side.jpg

[jimsflies]

A few updated pics:

This is a shrimp with a death wish...it hangs there all the time:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/tube-anemone-shrimp.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/maxi-mini-pink2.jpg

I only had time to get two things from the lansing swap this year:

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

These are pretty cool under the blue leds. The tips are very pink.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/lightning-cloves.jpg

Updated FTS:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-02-10-fts2.jpg

[jolson10450]

jim is that first one a tube anemone? where did you get that?

[jimsflies]

Yeah, its a tube anemone. Got that at Preuss around the first of the year. It's been building more tube. When I first got it, it didn't have any tube..I put it in that pvc pipe to get it to stay in one spot.

[Sir Patrick]

That shrimp w/ a death wish looks to be a camelback. Most likely looking to steal food from that tube nem.

[jimsflies]

Yeah, I don't think it is a peppermint. I got it at the swap. Never had a peppermint hang in the open like that. Also haven't noticed any aiptasia disappearing either.

[jolson10450]

That shrimp w/ a death wish looks to be a camelback. Most likely looking to steal food from that tube nem.

i thought the same but it actually is a peppermint with really defined stripes. how you can tell is camel back shrimps obviously have the camel hump back and they also have lines running vertically along the back or slightly off verticle. peppermints are usually horizontal or slightly off horizontal to the body.

[demonclownfish]

Yeah, I don't think it is a peppermint. I got it at the swap. Never had a peppermint hang in the open like that. Also haven't noticed any aiptasia disappearing either.

prob what they call a TRUE peppermint. the kind that will actually eat apataisia.

[jolson10450]

prob what they call a TRUE peppermint. the kind that will actually eat apataisia.

if they are getting fed fine they will not touch the aptasia. its like someone bringing you food everyday... why would you go out and look for food if it is getting delivered lol.

[Sir Patrick]

Good catch justin!

I thought I saw a hump on its back, but after closer inspection, the peppermint checks out good! I double checked it against the californica variety, and checks out safe there too!

[MizTanks]

I can't believe that's a 29g-looks so much bigger. Wonderful tank Jim :)

[brandeewyne]

dang, jim!! that's a spectacular cube set-up!! the layout gives it a ton of dimension.

[Reef Goddess]

I hope you like the pink one that I sent with your papaya one. ;]

[gooch]

My experience with peppermint shrimp has been they do not eat full sized aptasia but they gorge on the babies. Shoot them with kalk. The peps clean them up. I always had best luck when I had at least three shrimp in the tank. That might be too many for your nano though.

gooch

[jimsflies]

I hope you like the pink one that I sent with your papaya one. ;]

The pink one is nicer than the papaya one I ordered! Thanks!

I just counted...I'm up to 8 maxi minis! If you get any clones of the ones you posted as your favorites earlier in this thread, let me know. :) You are officially my go to source for maxi minis.

[jimsflies]

I can't believe that's a 29g-looks so much bigger. Wonderful tank Jim


dang, jim!! that's a spectacular cube set-up!! the layout gives it a ton of dimension.


Thanks...Being only about 20-inches across, and even less front to back, it does look neat. I think the shelves and pillars from The Alternative Reef helped a lot with being able to create a rockscape with more depth.

[Heidi]

Great picture Jim! I love seeing people's pictures that are so great with a "nonSLR" camera. I have an elcheapo point and shoot and every once and a while I do get some great shots. I love those little mini star fish and so do my kids, I love how the small simple things seem to impress them the most. :)

[Reef Goddess]

Great, I'm glad that worked out well. ;]

[jimsflies]

A few updated anemone shots:

First the pink tube looks happy tonight...I don't see the shrimp anymore...maybe that's why it's happy?
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-02-14-pink-tube-anemone.jpg

yellow maxi mini
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-02-14-yellow-maxi-mini.jpg

I've had a migration of maxi minis toward the light:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-02-14-right-side.jpg


I like these electric blue leg hermits:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/electric-blue-hermit.jpg

[MizTanks]

Awesome shots Jim. I'm really liking that tube nem~post some info on it for me ok?

[jimsflies]

Awesome shots Jim. I'm really liking that tube nem~post some info on it for me ok?

So far it seems easy to keep. It seems to have a hearty appetite for expensive fish.

[jimsflies]

New stuff from the Trop...Picked up this awesome rock anemone. My pic doesn't do its pure orange (not pink) color justice. The anemone shrimp pair are super cool too! Both items were from their sales list this week. :)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp1.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp2.jpg

[bigbill]

very nice add jim looking forword to seeing these grow gl

[dlhirst]

Wicked pics, Jim. Had hoped to join you at the Trop today, but family obligations kept me busy. :(

[jimsflies]

Don would have been great to have seen you there! Hopefully next time.

[MizTanks]

So far it seems easy to keep. It seems to have a hearty appetite for expensive fish.

Oh oh what did it eat? I'm loving the shrimp and nem combo, awesome pix!

[jimsflies]

Oh oh what did it eat? I'm loving the shrimp and nem combo, awesome pix!

It is one of the suspects in the disappearance of my picasso clownfish.

[jimsflies]

The new rock anemone moved down by the existing one last night. Looks like the male got kicked out of the larger anemone and is in his own now.

His and Her Anemones:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/pair-anemone-shrimp.jpg

[jimsflies]

Nothing much new to report...here is a new FTS though:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-04-fts.jpg

I'm on the look out for a porcelain crab to host in the maxi minis...

[BeakerBob]

Were you able to get a picture of your mini-lobster??

[jimsflies]

Yup...

http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/members/jimsflies/albums/contest-entry-photos/1646-squat-lobster.jpg

[Rabidgoose]

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-04-fts.jpg

Looks good.....you're just one candy basslet away from being a shoe-in for TOTM.

[MizTanks]

Looks awesome Jim! How big will that Lobster get? Sure is pretty :)

[Reef Goddess]

Cool, that's a type of lobster? Looks more like a crab. Is it reef safe? Your tank is looking real nice!

[jimsflies]

From what I understand squat lobsters are reef safe. Apparently in the wild they are commensal with feather starfish but don't require them to live. It seems to go after normal food when I put it in the tank.

[Reef Goddess]

Neat. Where did you get it?

[jimsflies]

This one came from Happy Corals here. I know a few other of our sponsors have them though. Tropicorium and Reef Paradise also had a couple in stock.

Not sure if I mentioned this...but the anemone shrimp I posted earlier are super cool with the maxi minis. Mine jump from nem to nem all day long. I know you are one of the go to sources for maxi minis and they would be a sweet thing to offer on your site if you can get a line on them.

[Reef Goddess]

If you mean sexy shrimp, I've had those available for a few months on my site.

[jimsflies]

Nope...these guys (this is a pair):

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp1.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp2.jpg

[Reef Goddess]

Those are really cool, but they won't host maxi mini anemones and my rock anemones barely sell.

[jimsflies]

hrmmm....need to mention that to them! :)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp-maxi-mini.jpg

[Reef Goddess]

That's interesting! I had read quite a few other people trying other types of anemone shrimp and sexy shrimp seemed to be the only ones that would host maxis and not get eaten by the nems. Do you know what those shrimp are called?

[jimsflies]

I think it is Periclimenes brevicarpalis.

http://www.wildsingapore.com/wildfacts/crustacea/othercrust/shrimp/brevicarpalis.htm

[Reef Goddess]

Cool, I'll see if I can get them. I wonder if they would get along with my sexy shrimp?

[jimsflies]

I think they would. I've wanting to add some sexy shrimp as well.

[Reef Goddess]

My sexy shrimp are cool, they don't fight and they love my maxi mini field. ;]

[demonclownfish]

from what ive seen at my LFS they actually coexist fairy well. id say there was 3 anemone shrimp and maybe 5 or 6 sexys sometimes even sharing the same nem without any hint of aggression and this was in a 7x7" cube

[Reef Goddess]

This anemone might give you a good excuse to buy some sexy shrimp. ;p


http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e209/reefgardener/P4090012_01.jpg

[jimsflies]

I'll take it!

[MightiesKeeper]

Nice tank Jim. I like those anemones. Keep the pictures coming!

[Mr. Microscope]

Holy Bananas! Beautiful mini there!

[larryandlaura]

Any updates on this killer tank Jim?

[jimsflies]

I guess I'm due for an update. I'll be honest all the hours spent with CR the past couple months haven't done my tank any good.

I recently added the first livestock in months...another bta which is still hiding under a rock since I put it in and a super nice blue maxi mini. My female anemone shrimp went MIA...(but the male doesn't seem too upset by the loss).

Between a little neglect and the damage inflicted by all the nems walking around, my tank is pretty much an anemone tank now. I think I have 9 maxi minis, 2 BTAs, and a tube anemone. I'd like to get a couple more different bta morphs...if I can find them at a reasonable price. :)

I'll see what I can do for a photo update.

[larryandlaura]

Wow sounds cool.

[jimsflies]

I think the anemones may have taken their toll on my fish collection as well....somehow I am down to only two b&w occelaris clownfish.

Ironically, they don't host in a tank full of anemones. :(

I'd like to trade them out for a pair of picassos or platinums, but I've been in a holding pattern for prices to drop a little. I purchased a really cool picasso right after Christmas and it vanished after only a few days. :(

My reef tank luck is starting to sound like a bad country song. :eek:

[jimsflies]

Couple pics of new additions:

Got this sweet blue maxi min from The.Maxi.Man:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/blue-maxi-mini.jpg

shown here with it's anemone shrimp buddy:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/blue-maxi-mini-shrimp.jpg


The upcoming Flint FRAG swap is only about 5 miles down the road from Reef Paradise. So I stopped in to visit schminksbro and found this monster mushroom 6-7-inches across! Andy's such a great guy...he didn't even charge me for the bonus Texas Trash palys (right side of the shroom)! ;)

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/huge-mushroom.jpg

Also picked up this uber cool Michaels Pistol Shrimp from Preuss Pets today:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/michaels-shrimp-2.jpg

[MizTanks]

That is one blue MM :) Is that a Tonga Mushroom? Who's going to be your new pistols buddy?

[jimsflies]

Its not a tonga...not sure what type it is though.

Not sure been thinking about a high fin or possibly a pair of yellow watchman gobies.

[The.Maxi.Man]

Lets get an FTS update!

[Badfish]

Also picked up this uber cool Michaels Pistol Shrimp from Preuss Pets (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/member.php?u=3945) today:

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/michaels-shrimp-2.jpg

Jim, you always have the coolest inverts. I was already set on getting Red squat Lobster after seeing yours and now I have to get on of these little guys. He's awesome, do you know what kind of goby will pair with him?

[jimsflies]

Thanks! Right now I am either thinking a yellow watchman or a high fin.

I haven't seen him since putting him in the tank but I think I see some new excavation activity. Hopefully with a goby it will be easier to spot. Also hoping the existing tiger pistol ignores him...I may get a couple gobies and hopefully they will all leave each other alone.

The squat lobster has been doing great in my tank. Might think about getting another one of those in a different color. Also looking to add more anemone shrimp and some sexy shrimp.

[larryandlaura]

Wow you are going shrimp crazy!

[jimsflies]

Check out this sweet maxi mini I purchased from The.Maxi.Man.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/bright-blue-maxi-mini.jpg

[Manoj's Reef]

sweet pickups Jim...Do the Maxi's move after you put them in?

[jimsflies]

sweet pickups Jim...Do the Maxi's move after you put them in?

Yes, about half of them do.

[jimsflies]

Here is another maxi mini I picked up:

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

[Rabidgoose]

Half of the blue MM would look good in my tank...:big_grin:

[jimsflies]

Half of the blue MM would look good in my tank...:big_grin:
I agree...

[mallorieGgator]

Those maxi-minis are hot! They are my favorite nems next to tube nems. :D

[MizTanks]

Half of the blue MM would look good in my tank...:big_grin:

The other half would look even better in mine:roll_eyes:

[jimsflies]

Picked up a new fairy wrasse...not sure what variety it is any ideas? These pictures are terrible...but best I could seem to get tonight. Bright red head, orange flanks (doesn't show in photos well), iridescent blue lateral spots, bright iridescent blue tail, iridescent outline and spots on fins, and black/white splotchy belly. Pelvic fin is elongated with red coloration and a black outline, the posterior of the dorsal fin is somewhat filamented.

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/wrasse1.jpg

http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/wrasse2.jpg

[Sir Patrick]

Hard to tell.....

[jimsflies]

A few updated tank shots...

(ignore the aptaisia lol)
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-08-21-left-side.jpg

Female Anemone Shrimp
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp-female.jpg

Male Anemone Shrimp
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-shrimp-male.jpg

Anemone Crab
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/anemone-crab-2.jpg

Happy People Eaters from FRAG Swap
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/happy-people-eaters.jpg


Super Nova (?) Palys from Cherry Corals
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/super-nova-palys.jpg

Yellow Feather Duster
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/yellow-feather-duster.jpg

Squat Lobster
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/squat-lobster.jpg

Full tank shot (need to redo because of window glare...) Yesterday took the trim off (http://www.captivereefs.com/forum/diy-projects-plans/17528-remove-rim-29g-hqi-biocube-post125129.html#post125129) to make it rimless...and recently went with LEDs instead of the stock HQI halide.
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/2011-08-21-full-tank-shot.jpg

[larryandlaura]

Looking killer Jim! It looks sweet rimless. Oh yeah and nice overall pics!

[jimsflies]

Here is another one I picked up at the swap from Reef Paradise.

By far the brightest thing in my tank:
http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k621/jimsflies/reef-paradise-zoas.jpg

[nate_newton]

The tank rimless looks great.

[jimsflies]

The tank rimless looks great.

I agree 100%. Oceanic should make them this way. I was really wanting a 34 gallon Solana but I think this will cure my bug for that for awhile.

I'm going to have an acrylic frame made to hold my clear mesh that way I can have a top on it. For now I have been putting the rimstock back on with my mesh top to keep the clownfish from jumping out. The male likes to play near the water surface and I can easily see him going for a carpet surf.

[nate_newton]

I agree 100%. Oceanic should make them this way. I was really wanting a 34 gallon Solana but I think this will cure my bug for that for awhile.

I'm going to have an acrylic frame made to hold my clear mesh that way I can have a top on it. For now I have been putting the rimstock back on with my mesh top to keep the clownfish from jumping out. The male likes to play near the water surface and I can easily see him going for a carpet surf.

Looking forward to seeing the acrylic frame when its done. How do you plan on having it made?

[Heidi]

Tank looks super nice Jim! I love how the lack of rim opens it up! I makes the whole thing look bigger I think. Nice zoas there you got at the swap. For sure cover that tank, I lost my male clown while we were gone on vacation cause of the 4 inch gaps in the back of my tank that were uncovered.. I have since added 2 more small screens to cover the gaps now they would really have to be extra suicidal to jump and make it trough any tiny hole.
Heidi

[jimsflies]

Looking forward to seeing the acrylic frame when its done. How do you plan on having it made?

I plan to send schminksbro a template and have him whip it up for me. :)

[petercar]

For a mesh top. Yud have to use aluminum or stainless? Yu can't use a plastic cuz will it melt?

[nate_newton]

I plan to send schminksbro a template and have him whip it up for me. :)

Very cool, the best way to go.

[jimsflies]

For a mesh top. Yud have to use aluminum or stainless? Yu can't use a plastic cuz will it melt?

It shouldn't...my clear mesh has held up to halides, etc. As far as the frame material, it doesn't get hot at all since it is out at the edges of the tank.

[MonsterTankMan]

Very nice jim

[Manoj's Reef]

Looking good Jim...

[jimsflies]

I talked to the Ecotech guys at MACNA and didn't realize that Vortechs have an auto tune feature for the wave. I have always had issues getting it dialed in just right. Thought I would share this video of a double wave that I managed to get going last night:

Double Wave w/Vortech in Biocube - YouTube

[MizTanks]

Sweet motion of yer ocean Jim :)

[Badfish]

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