jimsflies Invert Ranch

[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.

[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.



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:





This shot shows the MP-10 a little better:



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



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.



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.