Tank of the Month - January 2005

[Skipper]

This month we are revisiting a previous Tank of the Month from November of 2002. Let's check out Ryan Baker's (rbaker) beautiful reef aquarium again:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/images/RChomepage.jpg (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/index.htm)

More details can be found here (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/index.htm) or by clicking on the picture above.

Congratulations, Ryan!

[Bill3H]

Very nice. I think the hands off approach always ends up looking the best.

[jimmy352]

very nice !!

[mhurley]

Ryan who?



:D

[TippyToeX]

I said it before and I'll say it again, Ryan has the best tank ever! :D

Congrats once more!

[theevoys]

Looks great! I wasn't around to see your first TOTM. Two TOTM honors for the same tank is pretty incredible!
Jason

[willra]

Is it just me or did you remove any live rock? The tank looks very open and spacious. The colors you have are very unique... great tank!!

[Aquaguru]

Congrats two-timer like the tank

[rjwilson37]

Very Sweet Ryan! I think your tank is wonderfully awsome and an inspiration to us all.

[onefin]

Stunning tank.

[Coraldynamics]

congrats!

[bigben]

awesome job, ryan. i'm perplexed as to why you would get rid of your sps, though. they're gorgeous specimens!

[redawg]

awesome job! and you make it sound so easy to catch a fish.. how much of the tank came apart to get out the tang and coralbueaty?

[rjwilson37]

Originally posted by finding nemo
Very beautiful tank for sure, but I am dismayed that there was not someone elses tank showcased this month. There are so many beautiful tanks owned by rc people that I would love to see .
I even submitted my rose tank months ago. It may not be worth the tank of the month, but I know that there are allot of beautiful tanks here.
I am wondering why this tank was picked to be tank of the month twice?
Please dont get me wrong. its beautiful. But others deserve the totm also.
I thought the other time he got TOTM was when he was running his 75g tank, but your right.... that same tank was picked just over 2 years ago.

Your a 2 timing man there Ryan, you lucky fish!

[Mr. Eko]

Amazing tank!
Great job Ryan

[jackson6745]

Beautiful tank as usual Ryan. I like the change in lighting much better.

[Oceanic105]

The tank looks awesome Ryan,congrats!

[bigfishman]

great!

[Nanook]

Beautiful tank and setup, Ryan!!! I am very impressed by how natural and flowing your reeftank appears.

Dave:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[NightstrikeTR]

WoW! Thats an Great looking tank man keep it up!

Brian

[Schmev]

First page in epic thread.

How about some more detailed pics of the water change automation, and just the sump system in general?

[drblank1]

Ryan,

Awesome tank. I like seeing a TOTM revisited.

Two questions:

1) In your TOTM article, you mention a digital Rainbird controller and say (see below) but did not see any pics or detail about how you implemented the controller. Can you post pictures and elaborate?

2) Why are you going back to LPS and softies? Not that there is anything wrong with that!!! - Seinfeld :lol:

Thanks,
Dennis

[MiddletonMark]

Ryan ... great tank. Just wonderful.

I'd also like to compliment you on a very well done writeup, it's very detailed and complete. TOTM, but maybe write-up of the year :)

[Skipper]

Hey Dennis. I'm afraid that's my bad on the water controller. I forgot to link to the picture. I'll get the page fixed.

[rbaker]

Thanks for all of the kind words everybody!! :D


Originally posted by willra
Is it just me or did you remove any live rock? The tank looks very open and spacious. The colors you have are very unique... great tank!!

No, there's the same amount of rock, I just moved a few pieces around a year or so ago.


Originally posted by bigben
awesome job, ryan. i'm perplexed as to why you would get rid of your sps, though. they're gorgeous specimens!

I like SPS, but I LOVE the softies a little more. Additionally, the chemical warfare is getting harder and harder to control. I'll probably end up setting up a separate tank for SPS only in the future.



Originally posted by redawg
awesome job! and you make it sound so easy to catch a fish.. how much of the tank came apart to get out the tang and coralbueaty?


I used an acrylic fish trap. It was actually kind of easy. I place a little bit of food in the trap and they swim right in. :D



Originally posted by Schmev
First page in epic thread.

How about some more detailed pics of the water change automation, and just the sump system in general?


Let me know exactly what you want to see and I'll try and post some pictures of it.

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by drblank1
Ryan,

Awesome tank. I like seeing a TOTM revisited.

Two questions:

1) In your TOTM article, you mention a digital Rainbird controller and say (see below) but did not see any pics or detail about how you implemented the controller. Can you post pictures and elaborate?

2) Why are you going back to LPS and softies? Not that there is anything wrong with that!!! - Seinfeld :lol:

Thanks,
Dennis

I think Skipper is going to fix the missing picture.

I like SPS, but I love the sway of the LPS and softies. :D

Ryan

[smiller]

Beautiful tank, and a well deserved two-time TOTM!! I love seeing the progress. Way to go, Ryan!:)

[Flatlander]

Ryan;
Very beautiful. As mentioned before, I also agree its still one of the nicest tanks I have seen.

Love the automation. Good job. :thumbsup:

[Northtampatang]

Sweet piece of ocean! You give me somthing to shoot for! Congratulations, your dedication is evident.

[vapovick]

Ryan, looks great. Wonderful job !


-- Do you have any pics of the stand an canopy ?

[Skipper]

Vapovick: here's a shot of the canopy/stand from the previous tank of the month article:

<img src="http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/Full%20Tank.JPG" border="2">

Here's a picture of the water controller:

<img src="http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/Water%20Controller.JPG" border="2">

And here is the previous (2002) tank of the month article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/index.htm

[rbaker]

Thanks Skip! :D

Ryan

[Mihai]

Ryan, that's a great tank!

Do you have any explanations or a more clear pic of the baffle box you used in the sump to minimize saltwater splash? I'm trying do get one for myself and I hate to learn from my experience :-).

Thanks a lot,
Mihai

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Mihai
Ryan, that's a great tank!

Do you have any explanations or a more clear pic of the baffle box you used in the sump to minimize saltwater splash? I'm trying do get one for myself and I hate to learn from my experience :-).

Thanks a lot,
Mihai

Here's a pic from the old article. Let me know if you need more...:D



http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/DSC00037SM.jpg

Ryan

[Skipper]

And the large version of the same picture:

<img src="http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/DSC00037.jpg" border="2">

[Mihai]

Originally posted by Skipper
And the large version of the same picture:

<img src="http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/DSC00037.jpg" border="2">

Thanks, I saw the pictures and I figured out that the water comes from above through the two PVC pipes and gets out through 2 x 3 holes on the sides, but I have no idea what's inside. There also seems to be a pipe on the bottom too (or is it a reflection?)...
And there seem to be a few pipes inside the box, some short, some long?...

Thanks,
Mihai

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Mihai
Thanks, I saw the pictures and I figured out that the water comes from above through the two PVC pipes and gets out through 2 x 3 holes on the sides, but I have no idea what's inside. There also seems to be a pipe on the bottom too (or is it a reflection?)...
And there seem to be a few pipes inside the box, some short, some long?...

Thanks,
Mihai

Hi Mihai,

The pipes bring the water in from the top. They go thru the lid and down to the bottom of the box, where they make a 180 degree turn and point up towards the top. This forces the bubbles to the top of the container. The bubble free water flows out of the three large holes on the lower right hand side. The short pipe on the top is an air vent to let the bubbles escape. The pipe you see going into the sand is supporting the box...:D

Ryan

[dc]

Awesome and inspiring yet again! Hey maybe in a few more years a third time will be a charm!:D

[RudyCDX1]

Ryan, as a new person to the hobby I want to thank you for the inspiration. Your formula for a successful reef is a great model to follow.

[sfsuphysics]

Wow very nice design, the kind that gives me crazy ideas and ends up costing money (or me breaking things). I was wondering what that stuff was on the side of the glass, looked like insulating foam! You are sure lucky that LFS will still buy Xenia, in this area Xenia is so propagated its literally a "free" coral (guess that's both a blessing and a curse :)).

[kruxy]

Hey Ryan,

Sure is a nice tank... pics of it in the writeup have gone a long way to helping my fiancee allow me to go bigger on my next setup :)

I recently got the exact same dosing pump that you use, the flexi-flow, and I was hoping you could answer two questions for me.

The first is, what does the "dose" button do? Mine came without instructions, and I was hoping you had figured it out, as I can't tell if it is doing anything when I push it.

Secondly, what are you doing for drip sets? Are you replacing them from somewhere as they wear out, or did you decide to go with another tube of tubing for the pump system? They look like the stock pump sets, but wanted to double check. How often do you need to replace them if you do? My pump only came with one set, and I want to make sure to stock up so that I am not running around setless if they do tend to wear out.

Beautiful tank, thanks for sharing again, oh, that pic of your algae blenny... it is my new wallpaper, I love it!

[fishylongstocking]

Uh totally speechless. It is so superb to see a non SPS dominated tank for a change that imho opinion blows away all the SPS dominated tanks out there!! I love how natural everything looks, great mix of softies, lps, sps, etc. Just the right balance. Minimal live rock, more coral. The way it should be! Man I can only hope that my tank looks this good one day.

[Mihai]

Thanks Ryan, it makes perfect sense now. It seems to work great too (judging by the water around the baffle).

Thanks again,
Mihai

[melev]

I'm glad this tank was chosen as TOTM, because the baffle box was one of those things I saw long ago and didn't know whom it belonged to. (Btw, Skipper, when you click on the smaller image in the first TOTM, it doesn't find the larger version)

Ryan, you do some great DIY work. Your solutions for bracketing the VHOs in your tank, for example, and now your B-Ionic dosing system. I never thought about putting the bags in the solution when I tried to get mine automated. I dosed the two parts over 1000 times before upgrading to my new tank.

I also like the garden hose timer to limit the amount being made up in case the tank suddenly demands non-stop water for some reason. Great solution.

Growth looks excellent, and as one other person mentioned, you made it sound like it was so easy to pull out a fish when necessary. ;)

What sized skimmer are you intending to go with? You mentioned the brand, but I'm curious what water volume rating you've selected.

You have some very nice corals, both softies and SPS. Sweet tank!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by sfsuphysics
I was wondering what that stuff was on the side of the glass, looked like insulating foam! You are sure lucky that LFS will still buy Xenia, in this area Xenia is so propagated its literally a "free" coral (guess that's both a blessing and a curse :)).

You're talking about the Xenia carpet on the right side of the tank, right? :D

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by kruxy

The first is, what does the "dose" button do? Mine came without instructions, and I was hoping you had figured it out, as I can't tell if it is doing anything when I push it.

Secondly, what are you doing for drip sets? Are you replacing them from somewhere as they wear out, or did you decide to go with another tube of tubing for the pump system? They look like the stock pump sets, but wanted to double check. How often do you need to replace them if you do? My pump only came with one set, and I want to make sure to stock up so that I am not running around setless if they do tend to wear out.



Thanks...

I have no idea what the "dose" button does, I didn't get any instructions with mine either.

I've been rebuilding my dripsets. Here's a link with a part number to the place I've been getting it from. They usually go three or four months before they need to be rebuilt.

www.mcmaster.com pn#50345K78


HTH,

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by melev

What sized skimmer are you intending to go with? You mentioned the brand, but I'm curious what water volume rating you've selected.



Hi Marc, thanks for your kind words...

I haven't finalized all of the details, but I think it's going to be around 4'-5' tall using 12" acrylic for the contact chamber. It's going to use 4 Sedra 9000's. I'm looking forward to the reduced electrical consumption...:D

Ryan

[melev]

So do you know what your new skimmer is rated at, in gallons? The reason I'm asking is you have two pretty large skimmers right now, and many try to determine the skimmer's rating vs the total gallons in their system. I know I do. So what is your total volume now? Will you match that, or double it, or triple it with your new skimmer?

[Rook]

Fantastic tank and setup.

Could you explain the plumbing on the refugium and sump more? I understand the baffle box, which is a great idea, but is the refugium just open with the macro/sand/rock/etc in it and a bulkhead on the end as an overflow to the sump? Also, in the sump, how do you have the return pump setup so that it does not get pieces of algae stuck in it? And, do you simply have the hole sump at a constant level with a top-off system?

Thanks, great tank once again.

[Reefcherie]

Absolutely beautiful Ryan! To be a two-time TOTM winner is truely to have achieved something special!

Cheri

[GeneSilvey]

How do you make your SPS grow all crazily long!!! Nice Tank

[rbaker]

Originally posted by melev
So do you know what your new skimmer is rated at, in gallons? The reason I'm asking is you have two pretty large skimmers right now, and many try to determine the skimmer's rating vs the total gallons in their system. I know I do. So what is your total volume now? Will you match that, or double it, or triple it with your new skimmer?

I really don't know how many gallons the skimmer will be rated for, but it should handle a lot. I have just about 500 gallons in my system and feel pretty confident the skimmer will work well. I'd be happy if it worked as well as the two skimmers I have now. I'll enjoy a huge reduction in my electrical consumption...:D

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Rook
Fantastic tank and setup.

Could you explain the plumbing on the refugium and sump more? I understand the baffle box, which is a great idea, but is the refugium just open with the macro/sand/rock/etc in it and a bulkhead on the end as an overflow to the sump? Also, in the sump, how do you have the return pump setup so that it does not get pieces of algae stuck in it? And, do you simply have the hole sump at a constant level with a top-off system?

Thanks, great tank once again.

Thanks...

Basically, the water comes from the tank, into the refugium, then makes its way to the sump thru a surface overflow. There is a strainer on the intake of the pup in the sump. Here's a picture of the overflow in the refugium.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-11/totm/images/Refugium%20OverflowSM.jpg

The level in the sump is maintained by the "Reef Filler"

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Reefcherie
Absolutely beautiful Ryan! To be a two-time TOTM winner is truely to have achieved something special!

Cheri

Thanks Cheri!


Originally posted by GeneSilvey
How do you make your SPS grow all crazily long!!! Nice Tank

I don't trim them like you're supposed to! Honestly, I haven't touched them since I glued them to the rock. I'm curious how big it will get before it breaks...:D

Ryan

[officerricv]

Ryan,
I love the idea of using the peristalic pumps for the bionic. I tried the calcium reactors but got tired of the fiddling, so i went back to the bionic. Can you tell me where I can get the pumps? Also, how much are you dosing a day? Where did you get the containers. Got an email address as I would love to set the same thing up and you can guide me through.
Ric

[GeneSilvey]

I'll never prop another sps

[Big E]

Awesome as always Ryan..............it's really changed since the last time I saw it. I'd like to see that monster skimmer in action once George gets it done for you.

That baffle box is one of the best DIY ideas for eliminating bubbles.........suprises me more people don't use it. Maybe cause they couldn't understand the design before now:D

[Irenicus]

I'm speechless, that is a excellent tank & tank/setup. Nice Work!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Big E
Awesome as always Ryan..............it's really changed since the last time I saw it. I'd like to see that monster skimmer in action once George gets it done for you.

That baffle box is one of the best DIY ideas for eliminating bubbles.........suprises me more people don't use it. Maybe cause they couldn't understand the design before now:D

Hi Ed,

I'll let you know when I get the skimmer up and running.

Yeah, the bubble box works really well. I have a friend that made one out of a small bucket with a lid. It works great as well... :D

Ryan

[reefcrazy00246]

OK, to start off, very nice tank. still drooling over it. the one thing i can't figure out though, is what is that coral thingy on the left side of your tank??? Its the tall fuzzy thing. kinda purplish. It has several stalks growing upwards, about an inch or two in diameter. In your TOTM article in the "left side view" it is to the right of the spagetti(sp?) leather, and directly above what looks like a toadtool.


Thanks
&
Congrats

[Skipper]

Hey reefcrazy. That's a gorgonian. Here's some info about them:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-06/reefslides/index.htm

<img src="http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/images/DSC00043-(Small).jpg" border="2">

[gwrulzmylife]

two thumbs up!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by reefcrazy00246
OK, to start off, very nice tank. still drooling over it. the one thing i can't figure out though, is what is that coral thingy on the left side of your tank??? Its the tall fuzzy thing. kinda purplish. It has several stalks growing upwards, about an inch or two in diameter. In your TOTM article in the "left side view" it is to the right of the spagetti(sp?) leather, and directly above what looks like a toadtool.


Thanks
&
Congrats

Like Skipper said, it's a gorgonian. More specifically a corky sea finger (Briareum ashetinum) I've had him for a long time...:D

Ryan

[reefcrazy00246]

Cool, thanks. I do not know much about them. All the gorgonians i have ever seen are a lot skinnier, like the purple one on the other side of the tank, thats a gorgonian too, right?? I think that is what threw me off. I heard that they were kinda hard to keep. Apparantly that is no problem for you. Is there anything special(feeding) you do to keep it healthy??

Thank you for the link Skipper!

Thanks
Jason

[ab5ebdxer]

How do you get the water down to the basement, how hard was this?

[noukje]

it's beautifull, i wish that i had a tank like that! ;)

bye bye,
anouk

[rbaker]

Originally posted by reefcrazy00246
Cool, thanks. I do not know much about them. All the gorgonians i have ever seen are a lot skinnier, like the purple one on the other side of the tank, thats a gorgonian too, right?? I think that is what threw me off. I heard that they were kinda hard to keep. Apparantly that is no problem for you. Is there anything special(feeding) you do to keep it healthy??

Thank you for the link Skipper!

Thanks
Jason

As long as you get a photosynthetic gorgonian, they are fairly simple to keep. I don't do anything special for them.

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by ab5ebdxer
How do you get the water down to the basement, how hard was this?

I simply drilled some holes in the floor. I uses "spa-flex" schedule 40 PVC to make the runs from the tank to the fishroom. It wasn't that hard at all...

Ryan

[ab5ebdxer]

Did you support the spa-flex on the way down or did you just let it dangle for the 15ft feet or so down?

[rbaker]

Originally posted by ab5ebdxer
Did you support the spa-flex on the way down or did you just let it dangle for the 15ft feet or so down?

Yeah, I use PVC "J-Hooks" to secure and support the pipe along the entire run.

Ryan

[rbaker]

Here's a pic...

http://www.wellspent.org/media/prod/bm/img/5517131_1_84973.jpeg

[The Yellow Longnose]

Nice tank. Nice corals. A++++
Joe

[salty joe]

Beautiful tank!
You mention a temperature controller for the heaters. Is this a separate piece of hardware from the heaters?

[rbaker]

Originally posted by salty joe
Beautiful tank!
You mention a temperature controller for the heaters. Is this a separate piece of hardware from the heaters?

Yes, I use a Ranco dual temp controller. It controls the heaters and the fans. It works very well. Here's a pic...

http://diyreef.com/shop/images/dual.JPG

Ryan

[salty joe]

Thank you!

[Bill Shultz]

Awesome Tank.

I've just got two questions:

--Do you ever use carbon either running in the tank, or with waterchanges. And if so, what brands do you use?

--Second, what brand/type of Nori seaweed do you feed your tangs? They look incredibly healthy.

Thanks. Keep up the good work
--Bill

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Bill Shultz
Awesome Tank.

I've just got two questions:

--Do you ever use carbon either running in the tank, or with waterchanges. And if so, what brands do you use?

--Second, what brand/type of Nori seaweed do you feed your tangs? They look incredibly healthy.

Thanks. Keep up the good work
--Bill

Hi Bill,

Yes, I run carbon. The last few years I've been running Marineland Black Diamond. I'm pretty happy with it.

I've been feeding the tangs "Yaki Sushi Nori" I buy it from my local Asian market.

Regards,

Ryan

[salty joe]

I assume your Ranco temperature controller has a probe,or probes, that go into the tank water. Did you have to coat them with anything first? How long have you used it?

[rbaker]

Originally posted by salty joe
I assume your Ranco temperature controller has a probe,or probes, that go into the tank water. Did you have to coat them with anything first? How long have you used it?

Yeah, it has a probe that sits in my sump. The probe was sealed in epoxy by Justin at DIYReef. I've had it for a couple of years and I'm very happy with it.

Ryan

[zenya]

Congrats, Ryan!
Things did change in your system and for the better, if I may add. :D
As many other people have stated, I enjoyed your write up as well and think it is one of the best ever for a TOTM.
Exellent job!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by zenya
Congrats, Ryan!
Things did change in your system and for the better, if I may add. :D
As many other people have stated, I enjoyed your write up as well and think it is one of the best ever for a TOTM.
Exellent job!

Thanks for the kind words Gene! :D

Ryan

[stinger1]

Very nice

[xhoosier]

hi ryan,

I would like to know if you did anything to help lower/stop the noise the return water makes when the water enters into your refug or sump. I also have a tank on the main floor and a sump in the basement and have a lot of noise. Any help appreciated.

[ZOSO]

beautiful Tank Ryan! Congrats! I'm Jealous :)

[rbaker]

Originally posted by xhoosier
hi ryan,

I would like to know if you did anything to help lower/stop the noise the return water makes when the water enters into your refug or sump. I also have a tank on the main floor and a sump in the basement and have a lot of noise. Any help appreciated.

What part of your system is noisy?

The bubble trap makes it silent where it enters the the refugium.

Ryan

[xhoosier]

hi Ryan,

I actually get a draining noise coming down the pipe (last 7 vertical feet) but the main issue is the water and air mix coming out of the pipe into the sump. I have it enter a sump then into my refugium. The pipe ends about 4 inches down in the water. The flow and noise level varies and at times there are burst of water/air that make most of the noise. The return is a free flow so I have not figured out why it isn't consistent. I want to try and cut down on the volume of the noise.


thanks,
mark

[Rodrigo_Buccazio]

It's a very nice reef.

[melev]

Rodrigo_Buccazio,

[welcome]

[Mihai]

Originally posted by xhoosier
hi Ryan,

I actually get a draining noise coming down the pipe (last 7 vertical feet) but the main issue is the water and air mix coming out of the pipe into the sump. I have it enter a sump then into my refugium. The pipe ends about 4 inches down in the water. The flow and noise level varies and at times there are burst of water/air that make most of the noise. The return is a free flow so I have not figured out why it isn't consistent. I want to try and cut down on the volume of the noise.


thanks,
mark

I had some noise from my upstream refugium coming into my main display and I eliminated it completly by replacing a 90 degree elbow with two 45degree elbows (such that the water does not fall in a pool of water at the bottom (in the pipe). That did the trick for me.

M.

[complexbooger]

maybe im just retarded but how do you get xenia to grow onto your glass? i have the red branching xenias, is it possible with them?

[beanpole209]

thats simple yes any type of xenia you can just mash it up against the glass for several days prolly 4 or 5 and it will attach i attach it to a small rock and then put this rock with the xenia rite next to the glass and then cut the xenia off the rock once attached

[rbaker]

Originally posted by xhoosier
hi Ryan,

I actually get a draining noise coming down the pipe (last 7 vertical feet) but the main issue is the water and air mix coming out of the pipe into the sump. I have it enter a sump then into my refugium. The pipe ends about 4 inches down in the water. The flow and noise level varies and at times there are burst of water/air that make most of the noise. The return is a free flow so I have not figured out why it isn't consistent. I want to try and cut down on the volume of the noise.


thanks,
mark

Hi Mark,

Here's a few things you might try. First thing would be to build a small bubble trap. It will eliminate your bubbles as well as most of the noise. Another thing would be to drill several small holes in the return pipe just above the water line. This will give the air that's in the pipe somewhere to go. Additionally, have you considered a Durso style stand pipe in your overflow?

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by complexbooger
maybe im just retarded but how do you get xenia to grow onto your glass? i have the red branching xenias, is it possible with them?

Actually, it's pretty simple. Like Beanpole said, if you place a rock with Xenia on it right next to the glass, it will start to climb...:D

Ryan

[kewliz]

Great tank! It's mind boggling to see how much equipment some people have!!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by kewliz
Great tank! It's mind boggling to see how much equipment some people have!!

Hehe, you should see in my attic...:lol:

Ryan

[ebarner]

Thanks for sharing your tank with us Ryan. I'm in the process of copying your setup. Questions: can you post a pic of the recirculation system? Would you use Iwaki pumps again today? Are they loud? Any other equipment changes that you might recommend if you were to do over again? Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

[melev]

ebarner

[welcome]

[rbaker]

Originally posted by ebarner
Thanks for sharing your tank with us Ryan. I'm in the process of copying your setup. Questions: can you post a pic of the recirculation system? Would you use Iwaki pumps again today? Are they loud? Any other equipment changes that you might recommend if you were to do over again? Appreciate you sharing your thoughts.

Hi,

I'm not sure what you mean by "recirculation system" are you referring to the return to the tank or the closed loop?

I would definitely use Iwaki pumps again. They're very high quality and I have never heard of one leaking or failing. They're not the quietest pump on the market, but they're not very loud. They're in my fishroom so noise isn't a big deal to me...:D

Ryan

[ebarner]

Hey Ryan!

Appreciate your thumbs up on the Iwaki pumps. Yes, the recirculation question was referring to your closed loop setup....my apologies for the bad wording. Melev (previous post) referred to me his website that gave a pretty good idea of what this looks like. When I get my Iwaki pump, I'm going to take my Lil' Giant pump and create a closed loop system to encourage more circulation. I'm copying your setup and really appreciate your pictures and commentary. Take care.

EricB

[rbaker]

Originally posted by ebarner
Hey Ryan!

Appreciate your thumbs up on the Iwaki pumps. Yes, the recirculation question was referring to your closed loop setup....my apologies for the bad wording. Melev (previous post) referred to me his website that gave a pretty good idea of what this looks like. When I get my Iwaki pump, I'm going to take my Lil' Giant pump and create a closed loop system to encourage more circulation. I'm copying your setup and really appreciate your pictures and commentary. Take care.

EricB

No problem. Keep us updated with your progress...:D

Ryan

[Manon]

I love your whole system but mainly the water change system!! I'm curious to how often you altually touch you sand? Don't you clean the top layer of the sand?

Mia

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Manon
I love your whole system but mainly the water change system!! I'm curious to how often you altually touch you sand? Don't you clean the top layer of the sand?

Mia

Thanks Mia!

Actually, it's been a very long time (3-4 months) since I touched the sand. I used to vacuum it every time I did a water change. Unfortunately, I would end up creating lot's of frags with the vac tube, so I haven't done it in a while. :rolleyes: I know it's over due, so I'll probably vacuum it next weekend. Thanks for reminding me...:D

Ryan

[Frick-n-Frags]

Ryan, your "fuzzy" is looking awesome. (somebody has to notice the offbeat stuff :))

ps if you check your tank out one morning and that big gorg is missing, it was me. :D

How is the green leathers in the fuge working out? It looks like that could be the "softie prop tank" as well as the fuge.

Mine seem pretty tough and I have escapees all over in dark corners of my junk box from making too many frags for last fall's swap. They really seem to tolerate a retarded range of light intensity. Same for you???

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Frick-n-Frags
Ryan, your "fuzzy" is looking awesome. (somebody has to notice the offbeat stuff :))

ps if you check your tank out one morning and that big gorg is missing, it was me. :D

How is the green leathers in the fuge working out? It looks like that could be the "softie prop tank" as well as the fuge.

Mine seem pretty tough and I have escapees all over in dark corners of my junk box from making too many frags for last fall's swap. They really seem to tolerate a retarded range of light intensity. Same for you???

Hi Jeff,

The fuzzy is getting big, he's really doing well. Thanks again...:D

I have a ton of stuff growing in the fuge. They sure love the 6500K Iwasaki's.

I've noticed the same thing with the green tree leathers. There's probably 20-30 babies growing behind the reef and in-between the rocks. I'm amazed at the conditions they'll grow under...

Ryan

[Frick-n-Frags]

Yeah, all those $30 green Sinularia babies. Gotta love it. Serdar has nothing on you. (nothing on Serdar, except he has been culturing electric green Sin's too and now has them for sale)

I'm so psyched, Dave (cone9) is giving me a fuzzy back at the swap. I gave away all my frags and then the momma died. THANK GOD I gave away the frags.

Mine got kind of gross after a while. It was all body and not many branches, probably from too much fragging :D I would highly recommend that you frag a few branches off just in case yours gets too big and goes terminal too.

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Frick-n-Frags
Yeah, all those $30 green Sinularia babies. Gotta love it. Serdar has nothing on you. (nothing on Serdar, except he has been culturing electric green Sin's too and now has them for sale)

I'm so psyched, Dave (cone9) is giving me a fuzzy back at the swap. I gave away all my frags and then the momma died. THANK GOD I gave away the frags.

Mine got kind of gross after a while. It was all body and not many branches, probably from too much fragging :D I would highly recommend that you frag a few branches off just in case yours gets too big and goes terminal too.

Let me know if you need a frag of it. I'll bring it to the frag swap if you want me to.

One of our Admins (Doug) has a huge fuzzy in his tank. I bet it's a foot wide and 8" tall...

Ryan

[Frick-n-Frags]

Thank you very kindly but I should be good to go as Dave is bringing me one. I was just suggesting for you to make a back-up frag or two for yourself just in case....

[gridtalker]

Please ignore me. I have nothing better to do than spread popup ads around the internet.

[honl1]

Awesome tank!

[rbaker]

Thanks guys! :D

[Chumdinger]

Your aquarium is phenomenal, just phenomenal...

a few Q's

what type of live sand do you use in your refugium?
and dare i ask... if you recall, what would be the cost of the entirety of your setup (author a list if you can)?

[bfcaldwell]

What a beautiful setup. I am just starting with a FOWLR tank and someday hope to have something even close to what you hae created.

Keep the pictures coming!

[melev]

bfcaldwell,

[welcome]

[agoutihead]

i was wondering if you had any pictures of the tanks you mix your saltwater in and where you just open up a valve in order to let it flow into the sump... pics or a drawing would be awesome as this is really a great idea! thanks alot!

[agoutihead]

the procedure on how you do your water changes is what i meant.

[bfcaldwell]

I am just in the process of filling my tank for the 1st time. I have crushed coral in the bottom mixed with a little live sand. I filled the tank with DI water mixed with Instant Ocean. It's been running for two weeks. Yesterday, I added 45 lbs of live rock. Cycling should begin soon.

[bfcaldwell]

Oops, forgot your question. To fill it, I just used a clean 5 gallon bucket. I was thinking of getting a garbage can but now that it's full, I'll only need to mix small amounts for water changes (I think ???).

[agoutihead]

im talking to the original poster for 'tank of the month', not you...but thanks anyway! :)

[chuff]

Ryan, your set up is wonderful. One quick question for you about your overflow. I currently have a 90gal standard tank and I am using a CPR CS150 overflow. I never had a problem even though I here so many negative things about them. I have an opportunity to get a 180gal standard tank and stand for almost nothing but I do not want the hasle of drilling that back wall to add DIY overflows. My question to you is what type of overflow do you use and how has it worked out for you. Any other info on this would be a great help.
Thanks,
Chris

[rbaker]

Originally posted by Chumdinger
Your aquarium is phenomenal, just phenomenal...

a few Q's

what type of live sand do you use in your refugium?
and dare i ask... if you recall, what would be the cost of the entirety of your setup (author a list if you can)?


Hi Chumdinger, sorry it took so long to get back to you, I stopped checking this thread... :D

The fuge is full of Southdown sand. I seeded it with sand from my old reef and from some of my friends tanks.

I stopped keeping track of how much my system cost a long time ago. It's something I really don't like to think about... :lol:

Thanks for your kind words...

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by agoutihead
i was wondering if you had any pictures of the tanks you mix your saltwater in and where you just open up a valve in order to let it flow into the sump... pics or a drawing would be awesome as this is really a great idea! thanks alot!

Hi,

You can see the 60 gallon acrylic cube on the right side of this picture. That's where the saltwater is made. There is a bulkhead with a valve that drains directly into the sump. All I have to do is turn the valve and the new saltwater flows into the sump.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/DSC00145Small.JPG

HTH,

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by chuff
Ryan, your set up is wonderful. One quick question for you about your overflow. I currently have a 90gal standard tank and I am using a CPR CS150 overflow. I never had a problem even though I here so many negative things about them. I have an opportunity to get a 180gal standard tank and stand for almost nothing but I do not want the hasle of drilling that back wall to add DIY overflows. My question to you is what type of overflow do you use and how has it worked out for you. Any other info on this would be a great help.
Thanks,
Chris

Hi Chris,

I use a standard style overflow. I modified it to handle a lot more flow. I replaced the single 1"drain with two 1 1/4" drains. It can handle a TON of water. I prefer these type of overflows over the "reef ready" style tanks. I feel you give up too much real estate to the giant overflows that sit in the tank. I've been using the siphon style overflows for 15+ years without any problems. The laws of physics always apply...:D

HTH,

Ryan

[agoutihead]

im still a little new at this... but what is a bulkhead? i think i would be able to understand what your talking about if i knew what one was. do you happen to have a picture of one? thanks alot!!

[agoutihead]

also i was re-reading your write up, and you say that you let the new salt water flow into a "storage tank" and then into your sump... my question is...

why not just let the new salt water pour right into the sump... why have it go into the "storage tank" first.

do you have a better view of that area that were speaking of? its a bit hard to see the actual set up with that stuff in the way.... take a few steps to the left and take a pic please!! thanks!!!

[rjwilson37]

Originally posted by rbaker

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-01/totm/DSC00145Small.JPG


Very impressive, My system is very simple.... If I had something like that setup my wife would be very upset with her loss of real estate.

[rbaker]

Originally posted by agoutihead
im still a little new at this... but what is a bulkhead? i think i would be able to understand what your talking about if i knew what one was. do you happen to have a picture of one? thanks alot!!

http://www.marinedepot.com/IMD%5C150%5CFT1111.jpg

Basically, it lets you attach plumbing to a tank. It's very simple...

Ryan

[rbaker]

Originally posted by agoutihead
also i was re-reading your write up, and you say that you let the new salt water flow into a "storage tank" and then into your sump... my question is...

why not just let the new salt water pour right into the sump... why have it go into the "storage tank" first.

do you have a better view of that area that were speaking of? its a bit hard to see the actual set up with that stuff in the way.... take a few steps to the left and take a pic please!! thanks!!!

This is a quote from my article... "A 60-gallon acrylic storage tank that is located over the sump is used to make and store fresh saltwater. I mix the RO/DI water with salt several days before each water change. To perform a water change all I have to do is open a valve on my return pump and the water flows into the stationary tub. When the water reaches a mark I've made in the sump, the valve on the pump is closed and I open the valve from the storage tank, allowing 50 gallons of fresh saltwater to flow into the sump"

The "storage tank" is where the fresh salt water is made and stored... I'll try and take another picture when I get a chance...

Ryan

[TA]

Love the dual downdrafts...they're just crankin' away....very sweeeeeet!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by TA
Love the dual downdrafts...they're just crankin' away....very sweeeeeet!

Thanks! I hate the electricity they use, but they work very well... :D

Ryan

[agoutihead]

any new pics of what i was asking? thanks!

[rbaker]

Originally posted by agoutihead
any new pics of what i was asking? thanks!

Does this help you?

http://ryansreef.com/junk/bulkhead.jpg

Ryan

[agoutihead]

ahh yes! thank you very much!!

[rbaker]

Glad I could help...:D

Ryan

[srbulls]

Just wanted to say that I am very impressed w/your tank. I've just recently brought my 75 'out of mothballs' and have started trying to reach a level of '1' compared to yours... It's slowly coming along, tho. Just need to spend more time on it (as well as $$ for more 'life' in the tank...).

Thanks for taking the time/energy to show/describe your system. You, and folks like you, are an inspiration and 'mentor' to those such like me...

cheers!

Steve
Texas :)

[melev]

srbulls,

[welcome]

[rbaker]

Originally posted by srbulls
Just wanted to say that I am very impressed w/your tank. I've just recently brought my 75 'out of mothballs' and have started trying to reach a level of '1' compared to yours... It's slowly coming along, tho. Just need to spend more time on it (as well as $$ for more 'life' in the tank...).

Thanks for taking the time/energy to show/describe your system. You, and folks like you, are an inspiration and 'mentor' to those such like me...

cheers!

Steve
Texas :)

Thanks for the kind words Steve. Patience is a virtue. Post some pics of your system when you're up and running...

Ryan

[teenab3]

on your tank of the month article..what kind of fish is in the lower left corner of the fish pictures? thanks it's green and pink striped...

[Skipper]

That's a green clown goby. They are cool, tiny fish that like to perch among the branches of corals. Neat little guys, they are. :D

[teenab3]

Thanks Skip! he is adorable! and your tank and setup are amazing!

we are still fairly new to the hobby...so we do a lot of research online and are constantly trying to learn as much as we can! thanks for responding!

[Skipper]

Um, this is Ryan's tank. :D

[rbaker]

:D

[teenab3]

sorry ryan! very nice!