Nano Reef?

[twfields79]

Anyone know what the basic setup of a nano reef is. I have an extra ten gallon tank that I am thinking of making a nano reef out of. can I use one of these http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=46313&item=4321641144&rd=1 or is this too much? What kind of filtration do I need to use? I just baught another aquaclear mini up to 20gallons would this work? What kind of water movement would I need? Just thought I would pic you guys' brains before I got too far into it.

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Two Words - Closed Loop! You can't go wrong. I'd drill 3-1" holes in that bad boy and have a tidal surge. It would be awesome!

Alright, I have no earthly idea. Check out THIS FORUM (http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=75)

:rollface:

[twfields79]

how does a closed loop work?

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

J/K on the closed loop. You'd have more water in the tubing then in the actual tank. A closed loop is basically where you have water exiting the tank (via bulkheads usually), entering a pump and then pumped back out to other bulkheads.

[twfields79]

Well what if I used half inch bulkheads, it doesn't sound like a bad idea. I have read some places where people have actually used this method in a nano. BTW I bought a PC quad 96 watt retro kit for the nano today with the $32 credit in my file at F&S I only had to pay $16. I hear they work wonderful for nanos

[ramtheory]

Can you give more info on the "I bought a PC quad 96 watt retro kit" maybe a link? Does it fit pretty good over a ten gallon?

[twfields79]

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=3779&R=692&N=2004+113176+2032&in_merch=1

This is the link it is a PC power quad 96 watt, 17" long I hear that it does fit well a 10 gallon tank is I think like 21" long.

[ramtheory]

Wow, That is a good price. Let me know what you think of it when it arrives?

[twfields79]

Will do ramtheory!! Check out the Nano Reef forum. There are a lot of people using this light. Do you have a nano reef? Or just researching?

[ramtheory]

“Researching“ I do frequent all the forums I can right now to find ideas. Just so many with not enough time. So, I try to stick with the locals the most. I have two 75 gallon tanks purchased from an LFS that went out of business. I would like to get started with them but $$$ is a factor. A nano would be great to get over the diving into the hobby phase. So I am looking at what I have from my freshwater days and what I am lacking “lighting� to start one. I am a young family man with two boys and one on the way. Right now just trying to fly under the radar with the wife $$$. Reef Central is great for the dreaming and planning stages of the hobby the best part is it is free.

[twfields79]

well ramtheory sounds like you have your hands full with the family, which I can understand for that is myself exactly. I have a nine year old stepdaughter, and a two and a half year old son. And when it comes to fish remember it is just a hobbie.

[twfields79]

As far as the lights go it is a great deal and with a nano I think it will work fine probably even better than fine, I think that you may be able to put what ever you want with those lights.

[ramtheory]

Ya a hobbie for me since I was born with my dad. Which slowly went unknown until my oldest was looking around in Grandpa's basement and said wow look at all the empty fishy tanks. It is so relaxing and I love to watch the boys in amazement so back in I go.

[twfields79]

I am going to kind of do a diary thing here with the nano tank. Here is a couple of pics of it after I painted the background black



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000282.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000283.jpg



I will be posting more soon.

[twfields79]

Here are some pics of the canopy in progress there are a couple more in my gallary.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907nanocanopy4.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907NanoCanopy1.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907nanocanopy3.jpg

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Looking good!

[twfields79]

Here is the actual stand part it is routed and ready to paint.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000288.jpg



And here is the canopy which still has a little work yet to do.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000292.jpg

[twfields79]

Here is the nano stand and canopy finished without paint.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano5.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano4.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano3.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano2.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano1.jpg


All I have left to do is paint it black and throw about four or five coats of laqor(sp?) on it. Which I should be able to finish tomorrow. I will update tomorrow.

[ramtheory]

Hey, I’m sorry was in Florida for relief effort keep up the good work detailing your build. I am Looking for ideas. Later

[mpagri]

Hey all I am new to this forum (actually been directed here a few times from my FW forums) and VERY new to reef keeping.

I have been in fw for a few years and just aquired a 10g tank that I would like to start my first nano reef in. I want to end up keeping maybe a pair of percula clowns and a few shrimp etc, i am not too into corals now but i am sure i will get into it so will buy lights on that basis.

twfields79:

I want to follow this post throughout your setup and experience and learn from your mistakes if you dont mine :D . since i am new to reef keeping these nano reef diaries are an awesome help to me.

I have a limited budget but I am pretty into the FW hobby and I make it work in my budget and I would liek to try the same for SW.

What are planning for filtraion? HOB fuge? or sump? w/ or w/o skimmer?

If you adapt a ac 3/500 into a fuge please update that very detailed as I am confused about how to do that.

Thanks all, i love this forum so far and I hope to start my nano reef in a few months.

[twfields79]

Welcome to the forum. You I am sure have already seen that this forum has very good info. I am not sure what I am going to do for filtration yet for I bought a AC mini which is for up to a 20 gallon tank, but the 300/500 sounds like a good idea. Just have to wait and see on that one I probably wont be opening this nano till this winter for $$ is an issue. the stand I think was only like about $25 for I built it myself, I will be posting picks of it finished probably Tuesday of this week. about the rest of the filtration and all I need to read up some more about it so I can be sure to get the best setup, without breaking me. I will be posting as I go through the process.

[ramtheory]

That is pretty awesome what ChloroPhil did with that Aquaclear filter. Can’t wait to see your canopy with your PC and how much it lights up the tank.

http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=382486&perpage=25&pagenumber=1

[mpagri]

Maybe cholrophil will grace us with some more detail on that ac500 fuge. :lol:

I cant figure out what all this stuff is in this pictures of his

http://home.carolina.rr.com/carolinaaquasys/Reef/100_1214.jpg

[twfields79]

Yes I was checking the thread out last night and from what I can tell/read basically on the left is the fuge, with some macro divided with acrylic, and on the other side is a heater with a skimmer. looks pretty neat. I would like to know how this is working for him though. Does he use any lights on top of the fuge area or not. I don't know.

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Hey Tim, that stand and top look incredible! You really did an excellent job. CLICK HERE (http://advancedaquarist.com/issues/sept2004/aquarium.htm) for a sweet 10g nano.

[twfields79]

Ok here is the finished stand and canopy. Not finished as in everythings setup, but finished as in painted, lacquered, and hinged.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano8.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano7.jpg



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano6.jpg


I will update, but it probably wont be as quick as the stand and canopy. I am still contemplating how I will do the filtration. And waiting on some price quotes on some lights.

[twfields79]

Quick update I attached a locking hinge on the canopy. Heres a pic.



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Nano9.jpg

[ramtheory]

another ac500
http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=367293&highlight=20h

how are things coming along? still planning w/ a 96w pc?

[twfields79]

That is cool!!!! I may have to get one!!!!!!

[ramtheory]

better pics on his site - http://www.californiareefs.com/tank7reef.htm

[ramtheory]

Bump,,, Hows the Nano coming along???

[twfields79]

Going slow. I am thinking of filling it tonight. I still don't have the lights yet. Will get them soon though. I got the heater today, and I will just use the AC mini for now untill I can get the AC500. Like I said lighting will be here soon within a couple of weeks. I will post pics of tank after I fill.

[ramtheory]

Cool, started mine today too. 20g high, 30 lb Aragonite, 10 lb live sand to seed, 8 lb live rock, 7 lb base, and some dead coral chunks. Like you I am waiting on a light. Went Skilter 250 for now it was cheap, and a SEIO M620 power head. Can't complain about the skilter went together tight. Pics in gallery although cloudy first day. Good Luck on yours. Big Al's has AC500 cheap. I will wait till mine is more established.:D

[twfields79]

Hey you have any pics yet? I got mine filled up this past weekend and put some live rock in. The Hood I built has warped so I am going to be building a new one. Still very cloudy and I expect it to be for a long while, for I used the left over aragamax that I used in my big tank and it was cloudy for close to a month so I will wait and see. I am buying my lights Friday and hopefully will get them next week sometime. Also I put a couple pieces of live rocks in. Keep me updated on the status of your tank if you will.
:)

[twfields79]

You think yours is cloudy here is mine and it isn't as cloudy as it was, sorry for the pic, my camera sucks:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000008.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907nanosetup.jpg


Now this is cloudy, I expect it to be for a while, this aragonite is known for that. I went cheap I guess, for I already had it.

[daFrimpster]

you will probably need a fan and vents on that hood. 96 watt pc will produce quite a bit of heat.

[twfields79]

Yes I plan on fans and I am having to rebuild the hood and I will just make it an open back for the most part, so that should allow some good ventilation. Thanks for the tips.

[daFrimpster]

I have had my 10 gal set up for about 9 mos. It's very enjoyable. You just have to be a bit more vigilant about water changes and maintenance than with big tanks. Have fun!! I am from Springfield too! The one in illinois though ;)

[twfields79]

Well good to meet ya!!! How often do you do your water changes in your 10 gallon?

[daFrimpster]

I am doing 2 gallons a week right now. I just bought a Skimmer so I might cut that back to 1 gal. I figure I will have less waste to export once the skimmer gets rolling. I have a pretty light bioload, one clown, some soft corals and bunch of snails and hermits. For lights I have the CSL 2 X40w moonlite.

[twfields79]

Sounds cool. What kind of skimmer did you get? I am looking for one, but I am not shure what to get.

[daFrimpster]

I bought a CPR bakpak lookalike on EBay 69.99. I can't say for certain how great it is because it's my first skimmer and I'm struggling with getting it adjusted correctly. I finally got it to quit spewing microbubbles in my tank and now am trying to get the collection cup in the right place. It seems to be a pretty good unit though.

[ramtheory]

I used the old plastic bowl in the tank to stop the flow from disturbing the sand bed. Once I filled the tank ¾ full. I added the live sand which was a more fine sugar texture. I tried to jump start it by pushing my finger down into the bed. Added the Live rock and topped off. It was cloudy for a day. Plus the power filter helps.:)
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_9260890.JPG

[twfields79]

Wow looks good man, what power filter are you using again?

[ramtheory]

Wooden air stone mod on the skilter 250. I do have the bubble issue. This picture was taken with the air shut off. A few people tell me the issue with the bubbles will go away once it is broken in. I figure I will be using the ac500 refuge technique by then. lol

Added three hermits the other day to start cleaning up the live rock. As of this morning they are still eating like the rock may disappear. They are pretty neat to watch. I just have to watch out when the get bigger. They are as small as a dime right now. Later

[twfields79]

I am not sure how big those smaller ones get I have a few that have grown quite a bit, but most are still pretty small.

[twfields79]

Well my tank has taken a turn for the best, surprisingly when I got home last night the water is much clearer. Here is a pic:



http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000009.jpg


I still need to get some more rock for sure this is just a start. I think my powerhead is too strong, I am using a mj 900 it is making bare spots on the bottom. Also skimmer is on the way just got a cheap Jebo skimmer for now. Got it really cheap so I thought I would give it a shot. It was only $10 so I should be doing ok if it works. :smokin:

[ramtheory]

New light/canopy yet???

[twfields79]

not yet going to order tonight. I am going to hold on the hood for now. Did order skimmer, and have bought some rock will post pic when I get it in. The rock is in a friends fuge collecting some goodies for the time being. It was dry base rock. Any new pics of ramtheory's nano?

[ramtheory]

Here are the latest pics. I have been bad picked up three frags and a yellow clown goby. Levels look good so right now I am happy. The third frag was a steal although I don’t really know what exactly it is except it looks like a pink mushroom. Maybe you could help me out on that.

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441PA040909.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441PA040896.JPG

:eek1:

[carpetride]

Originally posted by ramtheory

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441PA040909.JPG

:eek1:


Have you thought about trying the seio with the flow director off a la Tunze style?

[twfields79]

Yup those are shrooms alright!! Nice Zoa colony!! Tank looks good just ordered my lights. Can't wait to get them things will be good then.

[ramtheory]

Twfields79 – Thanks, same here on the lights. I want to go DIY yet I like the 24� 2X65w w/ lunars looks streamline and would match. I need to make a decision real soon now that I have the new frags.

Carpetride – I have tried it the Tunze style way with the suction cups. But it wasn’t secure enough for me. The unit runs well this way with the clip over the rim out put mid tank. They do supply a lot of hardware to rig something up. I will probably switch back soon because I like the look of the Tunze style. I do recommend these units because they are supposedly energy efficient 620 gph at 8 watts, you can control the flow, and the wide stream flow output like the Tunze. To bad there are no time trials to see how long they will last before problems.

[ramtheory]

These

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441first_frag_pics_20896.JPG

This was a frag I picked up at my first SEASL meeting. I might have to come down for a meeting in Springfield. It never hurts to have to many friends that are into the same hobby. :smokin:

[twfields79]

Dude I just inked!! those zoos are wicked sick man I love them, when they get huge you will have to sell a frag to me, they are sweet.

[twfields79]

Updates coming soon!!!!!

[ramtheory]

What kind of light setup did you end up with?

[twfields79]

I got a quad 96 watt power compact setup. coralife I will get it this moring some time. I got a huge cluster of zooanthids and a sps coral for a trial, a hairy mushroom. Sunday I will put a kenya tree, a xenia, and some more zooanthids in. This thing will be bad ***.

[ramtheory]

Did you get the retro kit Coralife or the coralife aqualight w/ legs?
Hellolights has had a good deal on the aqualight $88

[twfields79]

I got the aqualight w/legs, but I bought it off a guy who is on a forum I belong to, for $50 should be here anytime I would think.

[twfields79]

Recieved the lights work great, and they are bright I will try to post pics in the morning the tank is pretty cloudy for I changed some rock around and added some coral, acclimated the clown tonight and introduced him to the tank, he didn't know what to do at first, but was happy I believe, he has been in quarantine for about a month and a half. :D

[twfields79]

Well here is the nano, I am not shure why mine is still a little cloudy, but here it is for now:

Excuse the crapy picture I need to get a new camera:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907nanosetup2.jpg

[ramtheory]

Looking good. The rock work looks awesome. What kind of camera are you using? I have found with digital cameras there are a lot of settings to experiment with. Slow shutter speeds really require a tripod. Auto focus has settings for close-ups that really could clear things up. I was about to give up on mine until I read the Manuel again. There are a lot of tricks to photography.:eek1:

[twfields79]

I am using a vivivam, by vivvitar. My mom gave it to me. it works nice for some things, just not for these aquarium pics. What camera do you use?

[ramtheory]

Olympus C-3000 3.3 Mega pixel it gets me by. I want the Canon S410 my mom has. The auto focus kicks a**. It comes up with 9 individual boxes to auto focus and then you can shoot. Focuses back ground and close-ups all at once. Awesome pics without tripod. Plus twice or three times smaller than my camera. I would research because I am sure there are a lot more features out there for the money.
My vote is for Canon with there processor and auto focuses technology. Just my $.02

What other creatures are you looking to stock your tank with?
Later

[ramtheory]

It also helps to have a good program to resize or crop pictures. I use a copy of ACDSee Systems software.

[twfields79]

Here is a much clearer picture. I used my tripod to take these so much clearer.


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907clearnano2.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907clearnano1.jpg


I don't know what else I will throw in there, maybe a shrimp, or even a lawnmower blenny, but I didn't want to put another fish in to keep bio load down. I put so far four hermits, and six snails, I definately will put my anemone in their I believe it will enjoy the light better. :smokin:

[ramtheory]

Lookin good, a tripod is a necessity with these kind of shots.

[twfields79]

Yea the tripod helps a lot. I moved my anemone into the nano today will get a pic when it moves into view it doesn't like to stay where I put it, so when it shows himself I will get pics. I should be getting the protein skimmer today or tomorrow shurly, I have been waiting for about two weeks for it. Any updates on your nano?

[ramtheory]

I will have to update my pics tomorrow. So far that zoo colony is spreading I would say. I had to break it away form a piece of live rock “relocating� leaving a frag. Get this my new piece of rock with the red mushrooms come to find out. I have a netting barnacle instead of a feather duster. How was I supposed to know? I thought I was getting a cool hitch hiker. Added a flaming goby and a yellow watchman my 4 year old calls grumpy.
Oh ya had one of those red mushrooms decide to relocate. Freshwater is so boring! I will have to make an excuse with the wifey to head down your way for one of your meetings. That way I can meet you all. Later for now
:eek1: :thumbsup:

[ramtheory]

No pics looks like my camera is done:furious: I tried to fix it:hammer: looks like I will be shoping for a camera?:rolleye1:
Do you have a pic with the anemone move yet?

[ramtheory]

New pics

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441tank_10-16-04.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441Yellow_Watchman__Grouch_.JPG

[ramtheory]

Side view of zoas:)

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441tank_10-16-04__1_.JPG

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441tank_10-16-04__2_.JPG

[twfields79]

Tank is looking good man!!! is that the only fish you have in their as of now?

[ramtheory]

I have a Yellow Clown Goby and a Yellow Watchman Goby. The fire fish goby I regret must have came from a bad batch it did not survive. I thought I wouldn’t get away with the same color no problems yet. I wanted the watchman to do a good job of picking at the sand no success yet. I have 6 Nassarius Snails that are doing a better job of moving sand. When I get the 75 going I might pair up the watchman with a pistol shrimp. Thinking towards the future.

[ramtheory]

No Updates, No New Pics, is that good or bad? How is the NANO?

BUMP!! :D

[twfields79]

actually I am having trouble with my pH level, I can't figure it out for the life of me. Anyway once I get it figured out I will post more pics. The skimmer I bought is a bit too big to fit on the nano, so I am going to get a skilter like yours, that is probably part of my problem. I do a gallon water change twice a week, but I am still putting buffer in everyother day.

[ramtheory]

Don't expect the skilter to work straight out of the box. I have twisted the skimmer part away from the output of the jet. I am using a wooden air stone to produce the updraft of bubbles. I personally did this to get rid of the micro bubbles getting into the tank with the original scheme. I still think AC500 with LR and LS is the way to go. Can't really say til I try when the $$ starts flowing in again. A lot of people really have successful tanks with the hang on the back ECO style filters. AC500 would be the cheap way to go. PH too high or low?? Are you using RO?

[twfields79]

RO/DI oh yes! the pH is way too high.

[ramtheory]

So have you thought of plan B - Z on your Nano? I wish you good luck and no more carpet surfing clowns. Did you ever get the Anemone in or did you catch your PH in time? I am trying to slow down on mine as I now have a couple clowns and a couple cleaner shrimp which I think are the coolest of all inverts. On a sad side to my story I lost my kids first fish Sunny “Yellow Clown Goby�. The kids were sad for an hour but it still sucks for my kids to loose their first fish and for me all those questions they ask. :rolleyes:
Here are my latest pics –

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_110904.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441New_Cleaner_Shrimp.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441Sebae_Clown.JPG

[twfields79]

wow looks great!!! How do you not have a ton of algae? Maybe the skimmer helps tons? I need to get mine. I bought that one and it is way to big. So the skilter it will be. I am going to pick up a 75gallon tank this weekend so after the first of the year I will be working on it I think. No I did not catch the pH in time for the anemone to live through it. Damn!!! Anyway I think the pH made the clown break out in ich which I quarantined him for like two month or longer in copper and it came back so I will be waiting like sixs weeks before I can put anything else in. I would give a pick, but I need to get rid of the algae first it looks terrible. Your tank looks awsome great picks.

[ramtheory]

Twfields79
Hey how is the Nano? I hope going better since last post. Levels doing any better? I had to post this latest pic because we had a frag workshop at our last SEASL meeting which was really cool. Got to frag and bring home some soft corals and some Xenia. It was really fun and took the newbie of fragging right out of me. Hard and soft corals were tried and discussed sounds like an idea for you guys to try. I can give more details if interested. The best part is free frags. Hope all is well.:fun4:

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_111704.JPG

[twfields79]

Alright after a couple of months here is the nano looking pretty good IMO:


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000061.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000062.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000063.jpg




http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000064.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000068.jpg


http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/62907Im000069.jpg


Still not completely finished, but I just recently have gotten the pH under control. So plans are in the works probably after the holidays.

[Red Sea Purple Tang]

Looking good Tim!

[ramtheory]

Glad to see things are finally working out.

[twfields79]

Thank you I am pretty pleased with the way things are look these days. I still need to get a protein skimmer, but with no fish and little feeding everything is staying normal for now. I will post pick again once I get something in it that is cool like a fish. Talk with you later and hope things are going fine with your tank Ram.

[ramtheory]

Well here are the latest pics. I definitely need to get my 75 up and running before I dive in anymore with this tank. Saving for lights at this point. A new product I have been trying is AragaMilk really starting to get the coraline algae growing. Hope things are going good for you twfields79. Later :D

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_121304.jpg
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_121304__1_.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_121304__2_.JPG

[twfields79]

Hey Ramtheory its been a while!!!! Hows the nano doing? I finally got the skilter for my nano!! Those things are noisy aren't they? Did yours quiet down after a while? What exactly did you do to make yours work better? I need some ideas I just put it in yesterday so I am not too worried about the noise just yet, but if it continues I may be trying some stuff out. Anyway talk with you later.

[ramtheory]

Has been a while I thought you sold your's or was trying too? Good to hear from you though. When I saw the email on this thread updated I thought maybe someone else brought it back from the past. Don't really have a recent pic although you can check my gallery and see some kind of progress. Here is a thread I was in and I believe a must to try. LINK (http://archive.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=510765) The other mod I tried was did away with what is causing the noise and increased the production on the skimmer part. That is added a wooden airstone and using an air pump instead of their method. If you turn the skimmer pipe 180 degrees this gives you the pipe off the impeller housing to bring in the air line for the wooden airstone. Stopped the micro bubbles in the tank and depending on what air pump you use the noise. Of course you need a valve to control the air. I broke off some of the tube off the impeller housing to increase water flow since it was pressed against the skimmer pipe.

Cool glad you are back and maybe we can keep this thread going with updates. Later :D

[twfields79]

sounds like a plan Ram! I will get some pics once the tank clears up a bit. I have a ton of hair algea which since I have added the skimmer is deminishing rather quick. I think it is all just breaking off and going into the skilter, but that works. Holler at ya later.

[ramtheory]

Well here you go.....
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/6744120H_050303-med.JPG
I know a lot of stuff. I am currently cycling a 30BR for a frag tank. Once that is up I am going to clean up the nano and get some good mother colonies going and maybe a RBTA I have always wanted. Want to go VHO too so updates to come. Check my gallery for pics of my new zoas. Later
ram

[ramtheory]

I know the skimmer pipe looks bright. Hoping to grow some algae on it but the darn bicolor blenny picks it clean.

[twfields79]

Wow that is packed!! Looks good however!! I will not be posting any pics yet for all of that hair algae I had stripped the coraline and I really haven't added anything since the last pick except a lawnmower blenny and a peppermint shrimp. Oh by the way everyone that I talk to says that the story with the peppermint shrimp eating aptasia is bull. Well I will have to disagree I had like six or seven in my nano and after one week they were no where to be seen that shrimp ate them. Anyway holler at you later Ram

[Shaun120]

twfields79, you should not be so reserved in posting pics of your tank. Personally I think that there are to many pics of thanks in their "PRIME".

Alot of times either the tanks are new ones set up with either a fresh batch of LR, fish and corals or transplanted from other tanks. I think it puts unrealistic expectation on new peeps to the hobby.

Just remember everyone who has been doing this REEF stuff for awhile is lying if they tell you they have NEVER had an algae outbreak at some time or another.

Watch overdosing your buffer...in time it will balance out with proper water changes and such. The reason I even mention anything is I almost crashed a tank trying to force the ph issue.

Good luck, I bet your tanks looks just fine!

[Shaun120]

sorry about the spelling...I ment Tanks in my first sentence!

[ramtheory]

I take pride in my reefs like twfields79 does. If it's that bad you wouldn't want to post a pic of your house a mess. Give him time to clean it up. As far as high expectations the only time you will see a bad reef tank is when someone loses interest after awhile or has just been plain lazy which I can understand I get that way sometimes. Take your time Tim I can't wait to take that year anniversary pic don't wait that long though :lol:

[ramtheory]

Hey Tim did you get your hair algae cleared up? Any updates on your Nano?

Dennis

[twfields79]

I did get it cleared up, but three weeks later and it is comming back again, I just don't know what to do. Anyway I will post some pics pretty soon.

[ramtheory]

Have you tried changing your bulb yet? The 50/50 quad 96w correct? I would stay away from coralife if anyone else makes the quad. Before I went VHO I had bought a cheap JEBO fixture, JEBO bulbs and I notice the algae started to fall off. I had done nothing different other than the change of lighting. I use URI VHO bulbs now and still no out break/bloom of algae.

[ramtheory]

Well it is almost a year Tim for my tank. I hope things are going well for yours. I have attached pics of mine would love to see how yours is doing. Saw you are looking at getting a bigger tank other than your 55 whatcha going for?

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441090705_20H.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441090705_01.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441090705_02.JPG
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/67441090705_03.JPG

[twfields79]

actually I am not getting a bigger tank. I am just replacing the old 55 for a new one. I was given the old one and it was scratched like crazy, and it was driving me crazy. I am going to take this time to get my stand that I built ready for a sump/refugium. For I have been wanting to do this for a long time. My nano I just put my old bakpak skimmer on today. I am getting a new one for the big tank. Kind of bubbly right now, but it will clear shortly. I also bought a couple of peppermint shrimp for the nano. I bought a coral beauty angel fish for the big tank today. I think I am going to just go fish only with live rock in it for a while, but I am going to try to get as many different zooanthids as I can and kind of just make it a zoo tank with fish and live rock. I love zooanthids. Anyway I am going to wait for the right moment to get a picture of the nano. I would like for it to get kind of cleaned up a bit first I have just had a huge outbreak of aiptaisia so the peppermint shrimp will need to start doing their job. I had quite a few aiptasia when I first opened the nano, and I got a peppermint and they were gone within a couple of weeks completely. Your tank looks wonderful. What kind of lighting are you using now? What skimmer are you using? That clam is tight! I see you have a huge amount of xenia as well. I kind of made the mistake of putting it in mine and a month later it is everywhere. Well I will talk with you later and get some pics up very soon.

[ramtheory]

Originally posted by twfields79
What kind of lighting are you using now? What skimmer are you using? That clam is tight! I see you have a huge amount of xenia as well. I kind of made the mistake of putting it in mine and a month later it is everywhere. Well I will talk with you later and get some pics up very soon.

300w fluorescent VHO, same old mod of a skilter, Xenia doesn't bother me because it is so easy to frag and get rid of. I totally understand about the scratches. I have a few on my frag tank and MH really brings them out. Would love to see a pic since it has been sometime. Later