Tank of the Month - April '06

[Skipper]

This month we are featuring Gary Majchrzak's beautiful reef aquarium:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/images/RChomepage.jpg (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/index.php)

More details can be found here (http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/index.php) or by clicking on the picture above.

Congratulations, Gary!
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<center><font color="#FFFFFF" size="-1">If you'd like to nominate a tank
for Tank of the Month, click <a href="http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189" target="_blank"><font color="#FFFFFF">here</font></a>
or use the button to the right.</font></center>
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<td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="27%"><img src="http://reefkeeping.com/images/nominate1.gif" border="0"> (http://reefcentral.com/forums/newthread.php?s=&action=newthread&forumid=189)
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[alien9168]

This is a very nice TOTM!
Nice job Gary! :)

-alien

[alien9168]

I really like the carpet's. :) How long did it take you to grow them that large?

-alien

[steve414]

I have the same lighting fixture where did you buy height-adjustable cable kit because iam not sure what one because is best, want it to be easy to adjust it. and could you post some pics of it at the ceiling and at the light fixture. nice tank looks great!!

[Konadog]

Congratulations Gary :thumbsup: I love that small clam you have :p

[Sparkysreef]

Beautiful tank! Do you have any pics of the aquascaping before pics? I am in the process of redoing my 180 and fetting all the LR pics I can.

[Konadog]

OK, it has been pointed out to me, it's not a clam, but a carpet anemone that looks like a clam!

I need new glasses. :rolleyes:

[alien9168]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7112465#post7112465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Konadog
OK, it has been pointed out to me, it's not a clam, but a carpet anemone that looks like a clam!

I need new glasses. :rolleyes:

I was looking for the clam for like ten minnuetes after your post :lol:


Its ok...I almost made that mistake as well... when i first saw the pic. :)

[sailfinreef]

congrats gary!!!

[demeyer2]

Awesome tank!!! Absolutely gorgeous and an inspiration!! Congrats!

[Stephany]

That's an epic tank Gary. :)

[eraml]

The tank is beautiful. I personally love the majestic angel, but am wondering how that does with your corals?

[rustybucket145]

A great combination of Anemones and corals. Do you ever experience the 'Chemical Warefare' that we hear so much about here at Reef Central?

[MarksReef]

Congratulations,Gary. You tank, skills and knowledge have always been an inspiration. Your tank has always been Tank Of The Month in my book, It's just documented now.
Congrats. Mark

[TWallace]

What kind of wrasse is that? I love it.

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/images/135_3510keeper.jpg

[Zoos]

very nice

[Krudco]

Congrats!!!

[cecilturtle]

What a beautiful tank.... I can't shake the words 'mystical garden' from my mind. I imagine no other tank I've viewed so far could capture the dramatic change from dawn to dusk as seeing this one in person.

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks, folks. I'll be back later today to answer your questions- gotta run right now. You know how it is :)

[agfahy]

Beautiful Tank. I love the carpets.
I wanted to ask you about your feeding regemend. Do you battle any algae problems as a result of this aggressive feeding?

I would like to feed more but lack the will to do so as I have not had algae problems since I stopped feed on a daily basis.
I personally have found frozen foods to contribute to cyano alot more then, say dry food.

Great color in your tank.

[gomle69]

The most beautiful tank I´ve seen.Stunning!:)

[SEAFLOWERS]

lookin good Gary, congrats:)

[Angel*Fish]

Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful tank! :bounce1:

[reedman]

Gary, Congrats on a well deserved recognition. Your tank is truely beautiful.

Have you had any problems with the Majestic angel picking at the SPS or clam mantles? I'm seriously considering one of these for my reef, but it's tough to find people that have real life experience with them in a reef environment.

[coryfranks]

wow that is amazing

[sixxer]

Congrats Gary. I love the mixture of corals/livestock that you keep in your tank!!!

Did I read somewhere that you were upgrading to a larger tank?

[atram]

Beautiful tank, very inspirational.

[heuerfan]

Great looking tank, thought it was two tanks, then i realized its front and back.

Full tank shots are too dark in my opinion, hard to see the detail.

Congrats!

[dc]

Looks great! I've always love your little anemones. :D

[MarinaP]

Congratulations, Gary :)

Very nice looking tank.

[rjwilson37]

A very beautiful TOTM there Gary, you have done and excellent job on that tank, congratulations.

[ttomkat1]

Wow, what an awesome tank, I love the openess of having all four sides visible. Must have taken quite a bit of planning for aquascaping.

Congrats! Very well deserved.

---ttomkat1

[XxMutedYouthxX]

tank is looking awesome bro keep up the good work... btw what kind of leppord wrasse is that?

[dfcjr]

Congrats Gary,awesome tank!!I too would like to know what kind of wrasse that is.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7111690#post7111690 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by alien9168
I really like the carpet's. :) How long did it take you to grow them that large?

-alien
I got a very small (less than 1/4" diameter) unknown polyp on some Indonesian LR I purchased back in 1993 from 'Saltwater Solutions'. (I believe that was the name of the outfit. It was operated by Roger Bull out of Arizona). I didn't know exactly what the polyps were for many years. Julian Sprung and Dr. Ron Shimek positively identified them as the carpet anemone species Stichodactyla tapeum a few years ago. I have two distinct types of this anemone species. One reaches a maximum size of around 2" and the other grows larger than 5".
Like most anemones, they'll grow faster if well fed and cared for properly. They reproduce by "splitting".

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7111838#post7111838 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by steve414
I have the same lighting fixture where did you buy height-adjustable cable kit because iam not sure what one because is best, want it to be easy to adjust it. and could you post some pics of it at the ceiling and at the light fixture. nice tank looks great!!
It's the PFO adjustable height cable kit.
Ditch the chains and get this cable kit!
https://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idProduct=PF2817

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/508/7144new_pics_085.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7112328#post7112328 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Sparkysreef
Beautiful tank! Do you have any pics of the aquascaping before pics? I am in the process of redoing my 180 and fetting all the LR pics I can.
I didn't take many pics back in '97. :(

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7112465#post7112465 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Konadog
OK, it has been pointed out to me, it's not a clam, but a carpet anemone that looks like a clam!

I need new glasses. :rolleyes:
go with LASIK- I heard it's better when diving! :D

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7113151#post7113151 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by eraml
The tank is beautiful. I personally love the majestic angel, but am wondering how that does with your corals?
How did I know this question would arise? ;)

Generally speaking, the reef aquarium compatibility of marine Angelfish varies even within a species. It really boils down to what the individual fish has a taste for- and if it's really hungry or not. Aggression towards sessile invertebrates increases as aquarium size decreases- in other words a bigger aquarium is better.
All of the Angelfish that I've ever kept in a reef aquariums have devoured Scolymia "open brain" type corals in a matter of time. They will also quickly consume pieces of any corals that have been damaged- which can be a good thing in many cases.

[alien9168]

Nice acentic! Thats really blue! :D

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks to all that have complimented on my aquarium. On to answering more questions. <a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7113184#post7113184 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rustybucket145
A great combination of Anemones and corals. Do you ever experience the 'Chemical Warefare' that we hear so much about here at Reef Central?
Everybody that keeps a reef aquarium with different corals and anemones has a type of "chemical warfare" going on in their aquarium. I combat this warfare with large partial regular water changes, granular activated carbon and protein skimming.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7113288#post7113288 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarksReef
Congratulations,Gary. You tank, skills and knowledge have always been an inspiration. Your tank has always been Tank Of The Month in my book, It's just documented now.
Congrats. Mark
Documented is a nice way of putting it. Thanks, Mark.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7113832#post7113832 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by TWallace
What kind of wrasse is that? I love it.

It's a "Leopard Wrasse". (Macropharyngodon sp.)

More info on Leopard Wrasses:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2002-07/hcs3/index.php

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7114397#post7114397 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by agfahy
Beautiful Tank. I love the carpets.
I wanted to ask you about your feeding regemend. Do you battle any algae problems as a result of this aggressive feeding?

I would like to feed more but lack the will to do so as I have not had algae problems since I stopped feed on a daily basis.
I personally have found frozen foods to contribute to cyano alot more then, say dry food.

Great color in your tank.
Thanks for the compliments and very good question. The combination of anemones, SPS, LPS and soft corals causes a conflict in husbandry demands.
Acropora and other SPS demand a relatively "clean" environment.
One large haddoni carpet anemone can consume as much food as is fed to a typical SPS aquarium over the course of a year!
The answer is great (not just good) protein skimming.
Get rid of the pollution as quickly as possible with a great skimmer and maintain proper alkalinity and salinity.
I currently run an "Acrylic Reef Solutions" 30 inch tall Beckett injected protein skimmer made by George Adams of Syracuse, NY.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/583/7144new_pics_11691453.jpg

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7114442#post7114442 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gomle69
The most beautiful tank I´ve seen.Stunning!:)
Coming from someone in Norway, (home of some especially spectacular reef aquaria), this means a lot to me. Thanks! :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7115121#post7115121 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reedman
Gary, Congrats on a well deserved recognition. Your tank is truely beautiful.

Have you had any problems with the Majestic angel picking at the SPS or clam mantles? I'm seriously considering one of these for my reef, but it's tough to find people that have real life experience with them in a reef environment.
Avoid "open brain" type corals- and feed your fish well.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7115450#post7115450 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sixxer
Congrats Gary. I love the mixture of corals/livestock that you keep in your tank!!!

Did I read somewhere that you were upgrading to a larger tank?
Thanks. I upgraded house size. Aquarium size stayed the same. :D

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7115490#post7115490 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by atram
Beautiful tank, very inspirational.
Inspiration is the objective.
Perspiration is the price.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7115697#post7115697 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by heuerfan
Great looking tank, thought it was two tanks, then i realized its front and back.

Full tank shots are too dark in my opinion, hard to see the detail.

Congrats!
Thanks. What's that in your avatar?

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7116814#post7116814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dc
Looks great! I've always love your little anemones. :D <a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7117111#post7117111 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by MarinaP
Congratulations, Gary :)

Very nice looking tank.
Thanks, Debi and Marina.
You gals help make RC special. :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7117317#post7117317 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rjwilson37
A very beautiful TOTM there Gary, you have done and excellent job on that tank, congratulations. <a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7117413#post7117413 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ttomkat1
Wow, what an awesome tank, I love the openess of having all four sides visible. Must have taken quite a bit of planning for aquascaping.

Congrats! Very well deserved.

---ttomkat1
Thanks.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7118277#post7118277 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by XxMutedYouthxX
tank is looking awesome bro keep up the good work... btw what kind of leppord wrasse is that? <a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7118297#post7118297 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dfcjr
Congrats Gary,awesome tank!!I too would like to know what kind of wrasse that is.
Good question. Someone with the Kuiter Wrasse book needs to help us out.
Is it really a male Macropharyngodon meleagris?

[alien9168]

Nice skimmer! Thanks for the info about how you keep all of those very different corals together. :)

[Fast Fred]

Excelent job Gary!!!

[percula99]

Very nice tank indeed Gary. Congratulations on a job well done. I am interested in how you suspended your canopy from the ceiling with a height-adjustable cable kit. Can you tell me more about the kit and where you got it. Any pics? I have a canopy suspended from the ceiling as well, but it is stationary. More info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[solenowski]

Supernice Setup, need more pics of the tank and setup.

[mameloot]

Congrats Gary!

What can you tell us about Thorite?
I followed the link, and tried to do some (unproductive) searches.
Did you use the Thorite 400 or 500?
they mention an acrylic additive for structural application?
Is this available in stores or only by order from the link (where did you get yours?)

I need to join some ceramic rock into open structures, and am looking at options. This sounds interesting.

Thanks,
Michael

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7122824#post7122824 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by percula99
Very nice tank indeed Gary. Congratulations on a job well done. I am interested in how you suspended your canopy from the ceiling with a height-adjustable cable kit. Can you tell me more about the kit and where you got it. Any pics? I have a canopy suspended from the ceiling as well, but it is stationary. More info would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Here's the link to the cable kit again:
https://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idProduct=PF2817

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7123805#post7123805 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by solenowski
Supernice Setup, need more pics of the tank and setup.
Thanks. Here's an uncropped shot with the hood raised.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1042maybe222.jpg
a reflective view down the length of the aquarium
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1506keeper.jpg
mechanical filtration picture. A 100 micron pad (instead of a sock that can clog)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1511.jpg
this is where the main drain goes through the aquarium stand into the basement
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1513.jpg

[NachtKrieger]

Amazing job with the tank, nice to see a fellow New York tank as TOTM.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7125025#post7125025 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mameloot
Congrats Gary!

What can you tell us about Thorite?
I followed the link, and tried to do some (unproductive) searches.
Did you use the Thorite 400 or 500?
they mention an acrylic additive for structural application?
Is this available in stores or only by order from the link (where did you get yours?)

I need to join some ceramic rock into open structures, and am looking at options. This sounds interesting.

Thanks,
Michael
I still have about half of the 12 lb. can of Thorite that I purchased at Allied Builders Supply in Rochester, NY back in '93.
As far as I can tell, the stuff is still good. The Thoro company is listed as being in Miami, Florida. No mention of 400 or 500 on the can. It does say it's a low slump polymer based concrete product.
The stuff works very similar to cement and it's great for bonding large heavy objects together.

[alien9168]

Is that a hamper?

[Opus_x]

Very nice tank and a nice spot it has in the room.

Congratulation.

[solenowski]

Thanks for the pics!

Sweet use of a hamper. I myself use a 6 gal bucket and plastic tv stand.

[Gary Majchrzak]

Nice to receive recognition in Denmark! :D
Actually, the filter pad holder isn't a hamper but one of those plastic baskets you can purchase at dollar stores.

[GSchiemer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7119886#post7119886 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
Is it really a male Macropharyngodon meleagris?

Yes, it is! They are typically very difficult to adapt to captivity. How long have you had this specimen? Did you buy it as an adult male fish?

Greg

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7130161#post7130161 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by GSchiemer
Yes, it is! They are typically very difficult to adapt to captivity. How long have you had this specimen? Did you buy it as an adult male fish?

Greg
I had four Leopard Wrasses in my system for around four years- one female, one juvi and one male M. meleagis and one M. negrosensis.
I lost all of them prior to (and during) DSB removal, and I've been unsuccessful re-introducing one without having at least a 1" deep sandbed. (As you already know, Leopard Wrasses sleep in the sand.)
This particular fish was purchased as seen in the photo in the TOTM article. Although many other fishes spawned in my aquarium, no Macropharyngodon spawning activity was ever observed and I began to wonder if I'd actually purchased individuals of the same species. Here's a pic of the "female" (?)
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/526/7144meleagris.JPG

[GSchiemer]

Nope, that's a male fish. They are sexually dichromatic and the females looked distinctly different.

[Gary Majchrzak]

I don't have pics of the juvenile, but it had a different appearance than these two males. I moved recently and I plan on keeping Leopard Wrasses once again. Thanks.

[MarinaP]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7130228#post7130228 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Gary Majchrzak
. Here's a pic of the "female" (?)
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/526/7144meleagris.JPG
Looks like fem M.meleagris to me.

[GSchiemer]

No way. That's a male Macropharyngodon meleagris. The female is primarily black and white, no green coloration on the body and face. If I had time, I'd post a picture.

Greg

[merseyman]

... nice tank. Really piqued my interest, as I'm in the process of planning a 120 "island." I love this set-up and am always surprised that they are so rare. I guess you need the right room space. Ok, my question: what exactly is your drain/return sytem like? Is there an overflow box, or just pipes? I f just pipes, how is the noise? I'm looking at a 12" by 8" or 6" box in the center of my aquarium, but might consider going without based on your experience. Pros/cons? If you have any pics or diagrams I'd love to see them.
Also, do you think those cables would work on another brand of fixture (all aluminum housing, remote ballasts)?
Appreciate you taking the time. Thanks.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7133829#post7133829 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by merseyman
... nice tank. Really piqued my interest, as I'm in the process of planning a 120 "island." I love this set-up and am always surprised that they are so rare. I guess you need the right room space. Ok, my question: what exactly is your drain/return sytem like? Is there an overflow box, or just pipes?
There was one drain pipe from '97 until two years ago when a large anemone clogged the one and only drain. I then added a second drain in the form of a hang on tank prefilter box.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7133829#post7133829 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by merseyman
... I f just pipes, how is the noise? I'm looking at a 12" by 8" or 6" box in the center of my aquarium, but might consider going without based on your experience. Pros/cons? If you have any pics or diagrams I'd love to see them.

The drain on this aquarium was nearly silent, but it took some work to get it like that. I cut slots into the top of the standpipe and I drilled 1/4" holes near the top lip. I then covered the top of the pipe with nylon window screening (not to be recommended to others but it works great for me).
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7133829#post7133829 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by merseyman
Also, do you think those cables would work on another brand of fixture (all aluminum housing, remote ballasts)?

The cables were designed to hold certain hoods with enclosed ballasts. (ie: heavy fixtures) and I'm sure you can use them with other brands of lights. I believe they're rated to hold #100, but you'll need to double check me on that. I screwed the supplied bolts solidly into a wooden header (beam) over my aquarium.

[toccata]

Great tank Gary. One of my favorite setups. I have actually seen this tank online before the TOTM was posted. I so impressed I showed my LFS some pics of it. I have always kept fish and am just now getting into keeping corals. It's a painful process at first finding the right chemistry with everything. When I started my tank project the original design was to have it viewable from all four sides. I built a custom stand and was going to put it on casters as to be able to move the tank. There were just too many things that were going to be problematic so I settled for a 3 sided view and black background. My other design feature was to have a nice clean look. You have achieved this nicely. I don't like seeing equipment in the tank or outer areas. Great job…

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7136366#post7136366 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by toccata
Great tank Gary. One of my favorite setups.
Thanks. I live for this stuff. I don't even think my wife and kids know the aquarium exists- except when the drains gurgle! :D

[mildew]

Gary, Congratulations on TOTM! Beautiful! It's great to see the home of the mini carpets I got from you last fall. Thanks so much for sharing. Nobody here had ever seen them before. I received 3 and I think there are now 7. Thanks again. They are really special and so is you aquarium.

[KAZEKY]

I love It!

[merseyman]

"There was one drain pipe from '97 until two years ago when a large anemone clogged the one and only drain. I then added a second drain in the form of a hang on tank prefilter box."

-So where is the hang-on box hanging on? Could you possibly post some pics of the drain pipe? Do your returns simply come up through the bottom as well? Would you advocate the sytem you have, or the one I was considering, with a central overflow box? Why?
Sorry to inundate you w/ all the queries! Thanks again.

[gussy]

Hello Gary!

Great tank!!

You mentioned that you used the best LR that you can buy. Can you explain the history of this LR? Like if you purchased it cured or uncured and what are the exact steps that you took once the rock got to you.

[alien9168]

Thanks for the claridication about the dolar store bin! :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7137788#post7137788 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by merseyman

-So where is the hang-on box hanging on? Could you possibly post some pics of the drain pipe? Do your returns simply come up through the bottom as well? Would you advocate the sytem you have, or the one I was considering, with a central overflow box? Why?
Sorry to inundate you w/ all the queries! Thanks again.
The hang-on box can be seen in this picture at the far left top of the aquarium.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y270/gary334/IMG_1042maybe222.jpg

You can't see the main drain pipe or the returns because they are encased in "prime reef". :)

A central overflow box would be very nice for an island tank. You could incorporate a durso on top of the drain pipe to quiet it. You might also choose to simply do a standpipe drain without the overflow box, which is what I did.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7138214#post7138214 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by gussy
Hello Gary!

Great tank!!

You mentioned that you used the best LR that you can buy. Can you explain the history of this LR? Like if you purchased it cured or uncured and what are the exact steps that you took once the rock got to you.
I'll try to elaborate, but my rock came from many different sources over 12 years time.
Some of the first rock I purchased (and I still have it) came from John Tullock @ "Saltwater Specialists" in Knoxville, TN.
It is excellent Marshall Island rock and no curing was necessary.
I got some oblong Indonesian plant rock from Roger Bull in Arizona. This is the rock the mini carpet anemone hitch-hiked in on. It was great rock because it was full of life and several species of macroalgae and coralline. (Keep in mind that most good live rock was relatively expensive back in the early '90's. It wasn't uncommon for rock to be priced at $11.99- $13.99 or more per lb.!)
I grabbed #50 of Tampa Bay rock really cheap from a local reefer that wanted to get rid of it for Fiji rock (silly guy).
I got various pieces of Tonga and Fiji as it became more and more popular. This was great rock because of the shapes (especially branch) and porosity, but some of it needed some curing.
Finally, a real nice fella from Buffalo (Dave- you know who you are!) came up with some absolutely pristine #60 slabs of LR for me. Large pieces of rock are difficult to come by- and these pieces are absolutely gorgeous. These are my favorites and I believe they are from the Gulf of Mexico. (Can you tell I like rock?)

Curing rock for me simply entails placing it in a big container and keeping it dark while providing circulation and doing same water changes.

[rbaker]

Congratulations Gary, a well deserved TOTM... :thumbsup:

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks, Ryan. :wave:

[douggiestyle]

nice tank gary.

two questions, are you using any cooling device? and what is the temp you keep?

thanks
doug

[Skipper]

From the article:

Temperature: 75-83° F

[douggiestyle]

thanks skipper

Gary, are you using any cooling device? if so what type?

thanks
doug

[saltcreek]

Hi Gary,

I am new to this and am interested in doing a similar tank design, maybe 180 gallons. I had a few questions.

Are there 3 holes drilled in the bottom of your tank?

Would your suggestion if designing a new tank be to drill 4 holes?

My understanding is that you have 3 bare pvc pipes poking up in the center of your tank.

What are the diamter of the holes drilled (are the return and drain holes different sizes) and of the PVC pipes?

Then you placed small cinder blocks over the top of the pvc pipes and glued rock to the cinder blocks?

Are the pipes visible from the top or does the water flow through the rocks and into the pipes? I just wondered if having access to the pipe inlets is important to remove something that could get ingested.

Thanks, in advance. Sorry for all the questions but there is nothing like experience.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7152195#post7152195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by douggiestyle
thanks skipper

Gary, are you using any cooling device? if so what type?

thanks
doug
I sold my chiller when I added central AC to our home.
The basement sump also helps to cool the aquarium. Covering the sump during the winter and uncovering it in summer helps to regulate aquarium temperatures in a low tech inexpensive manner.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7152810#post7152810 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by saltcreek
Hi Gary,
I am new to this and am interested in doing a similar tank design, maybe 180 gallons. I had a few questions.
Are there 3 holes drilled in the bottom of your tank?
yes
Would your suggestion if designing a new tank be to drill 4 holes?

incorporate at least 2 separate drains on large aquariums

My understanding is that you have 3 bare pvc pipes poking up in the center of your tank.
What are the diamter of the holes drilled (are the return and drain holes different sizes) and of the PVC pipes?
One 1" drain bulkhead and two 1/2" returns. I used a coupling on the drainpipe so the top of the pipe was a larger diameter. On aquariums with a higher total turnover (GPH) I would recommend drilling two larger (perhaps 2") drain bulkheads

Then you placed small cinder blocks over the top of the pvc pipes and glued rock to the cinder blocks?
I used standard size cinderblock and Thorite marine cement

Are the pipes visible from the top or does the water flow through the rocks and into the pipes? I just wondered if having access to the pipe inlets is important to remove something that could get ingested.
Pipes are visible from the top, but only at certain angles. Access to pipe inlets/outlets is very important. Marine organisms will tend to encrust them and they need to be removed periodically

Thanks, in advance. Sorry for all the questions but there is nothing like experience.
Agreed. :)

[JHReef]

Beautiful set-up!

I'm very pleased to see a mixed tank as TOTM. Acro dominant tanks are cool, but I can only stand so many "colored sticks". I have been criticized that my mixing of LPS, SPS, softies, anemonies, and clams is irresponsible and that I can't possibly meet the needs of these different animals. But it is working well for me.

I am glad to see that my philosophy is shared by someone else who has had a good measure of success. (though I wouldn't be bold enough to enter mine for TOTM)

Great job!

[grigsy]

Your tank looks awesome. Great job.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7137788#post7137788 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by merseyman
"There was one drain pipe from '97 until two years ago when a large anemone clogged the one and only drain. I then added a second drain in the form of a hang on tank prefilter box."

-So where is the hang-on box hanging on? Could you possibly post some pics of the drain pipe? Do your returns simply come up through the bottom as well? Would you advocate the sytem you have, or the one I was considering, with a central overflow box? Why?
Sorry to inundate you w/ all the queries! Thanks again.
You can see the top of the main drain at the bottom of this picture. (There is nylon screening rubberbanded around it's intake.)
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/images/IMG_0471keeper.jpg

[37 FLATHEAD]

Congrats on your reef. It`s about time we get to see something that is different in so many ways & so beautful to boot.

[cweder]

Incredible fusion of diversity, very nice! I am looking at getting a Heteractis Crispa (Sebae) anemone and a pair of cleaner shrimp. Noticed you have no shrimp. Is this because of the anemone's or other reason(s) you may have to oppose cleaner shrimp in your system? I know cleaner shrimp can get greedy and make it hard to target feed your anemones. Congrats!

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7167438#post7167438 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 37 FLATHEAD
Congrats on your reef. It`s about time we get to see something that is different in so many ways & so beautful to boot.
Thanks. I'll agree that this aquarium is different from others in
many ways. :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7169799#post7169799 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cweder
Incredible fusion of diversity, very nice! I am looking at getting a Heteractis Crispa (Sebae) anemone and a pair of cleaner shrimp. Noticed you have no shrimp. Is this because of the anemone's or other reason(s) you may have to oppose cleaner shrimp in your system? I know cleaner shrimp can get greedy and make it hard to target feed your anemones. Congrats!

I forgot to mention my shrimps- several "Peppermints" and a pair of "Scarlet Cleaners".
H. crispa is known to eat ornamental shrimps, but the anemones in my aquarium have never eaten any of my shrimps.
http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/568/7144new_pics_031_1_.jpg

[Flipturn88]

Finally! I have always admired your tank, Gary. It is undoubtedly worthy of recognition - and quite a few puddles of drool. ;)

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7172752#post7172752 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Flipturn88
Finally! I have always admired your tank, Gary. It is undoubtedly worthy of recognition - and quite a few puddles of drool. ;)
Thanks, Kayla- and likewise regarding your aquarium!

[kevin gu3]

Hello Gary. Wonderful tank!

I have a question about your Haddonnii anemone; how do you keep it from eating your fish?

I had a Haddon's in my tank and ended up setting up a separate "anemone exile tank" just so that I could keep fish in my main reef tank. Except for the clowns the anemone would get any fish added to the tank.

One tang only lasted a few seconds, diving directly from the bag into the anemone. My wife says she watched a clown fish actually push another new fish into the tentacles. One tang, apparently very smart, lived for 6 months before becoming a Sticho meal.

I swear the anemone could tell when there was a new fish. It would go mobile (albeit only a few inches a day) and eventually find the fish's sleeping spot.

Now that the anemone is gone my reef has a pair of tangs and an angel, healthy for over two years.

So how do you keep so many fish in a Haddon's tank?

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7176038#post7176038 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by kevin gu3
Hello Gary. Wonderful tank!

I have a question about your Haddonnii anemone; how do you keep it from eating your fish?

I had a Haddon's in my tank and ended up setting up a separate "anemone exile tank" just so that I could keep fish in my main reef tank. Except for the clowns the anemone would get any fish added to the tank.

One tang only lasted a few seconds, diving directly from the bag into the anemone. My wife says she watched a clown fish actually push another new fish into the tentacles. One tang, apparently very smart, lived for 6 months before becoming a Sticho meal.

I swear the anemone could tell when there was a new fish. It would go mobile (albeit only a few inches a day) and eventually find the fish's sleeping spot.

Now that the anemone is gone my reef has a pair of tangs and an angel, healthy for over two years.

So how do you keep so many fish in a Haddon's tank?
Thanks for the compliments on my aquarium.
Certain fishes are more prone to get eaten by Haddon's anemone than others, but there are no guarantees.
Gobies, Mandarinfish and newly introduced fish are especially prone to getting eaten by Haddon's anemone, IME.
Aquarium size helps- the bigger the aquarium the less chance your fish will become sushi.
In my experience most fishes recognize Haddon's anemone for what it is and remain a respectful distance from it.
It helps to keep some sort of night light on every night so sleeping fishes don't blunder into the anemone. The same holds true for daytime lighting- it helps if there is a regular photoperiod (put all lights on timers) because turning any light on unexpectedly can cause groggy fish to accidentally bolt into the anemone.
Clownfish will also help prevent other fishes from getting close to a Haddon's anemone- and Saddlebacks or Clarkii Clowns are a natural choice for a Haddon's anemone. :)

[downset]

Gary I know I dont hang out in the urs forums as much since I moved but congrats on TOTM,I am still sad i never got to see it in person maybee when i come back north to visit

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7137064#post7137064 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mildew
Gary, Congratulations on TOTM! Beautiful! It's great to see the home of the mini carpets I got from you last fall. Thanks so much for sharing. Nobody here had ever seen them before. I received 3 and I think there are now 7. Thanks again. They are really special and so is you aquarium.
Thanks! :)

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7192814#post7192814 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by downset
Gary I know I dont hang out in the urs forums as much since I moved but congrats on TOTM,I am still sad i never got to see it in person maybee when i come back north to visit
If you come back up north make sure to stop by and see the new arrangement.

[Tebonus]

nice

[BigEasy]

I recently bought a rock of blue Xenia. Then Xenia melted away within 2 weeks only to reveal a pink and green Stichodactyla tapetum. I, along with several other people, didn't know what it was (including the LFS owner that sold the rock). It wasn't until I saw your TOTM that I said, "hey that is what I have."

It now has it's own 30gal with a LTA and a pair of clowns. Would love to get more of these amazing little guys. Where did you find the multiple color morphs you have? I saw you got one as a hitcher as well, but all of them?

Congrats and thanks in advance.
Steve

[Gary Majchrzak]

Hi Steve. The smaller green and pink anemones were hitch hikers.
The larger (different colored) morphs were purchased from a LFS in California.
Feed your anemone HUFA enriched frozen Mysids and frozen Cyclopeeze regularly and it will reproduce by splitting.

[Hankdiggity]

impressive, pretty display of unique species. I like the carpets and the feeding regiment sounds similar to my thoughts. good to see people progress.
Hank

[shrug1013]

Very Impressed!!!

[fishdoc11]

Very nice tank Gary.

Well thought out and a beautifull mix of interesting species......or an interesting mix of beautifull species:D

Well deserved!

Chris

[Avi]

Gary....in the photos on the TOTM page, you have a "Clove"-typ coral with green "eyes." Is that Clavularia? IMO it's spectacular and I wonder if you can say where you got that? Your tank is something great to look at and....well...Bravo!

[Gary Majchrzak]

Is this the coral you're referring to, Avi?
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2006-04/totm/images/IMG_1703keeper.jpg

[Avi]

That's the one. I look at it and say to myself that it's Clavularia, but it's not one that's often seen and I am always on the lookout for rarer types of those. So, the only other kind of coral that I could conceive of it being is some sort of Pipe-organ Coral. But, the polyps seem too ornate for that. I'd hope that you can sell me what it is and, even better, where I'd have a hope of getting some of it. THANKS, Gary.

[Gary Majchrzak]

It's a Tubipora (Pipe Organ). I bought it as a tiny frag. I'll PM you where I got it. ;)

[15nano]

Love the anemone's

[merseyman]

... there is no apostrophe in the plural.

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

Have you had the Majestic since he was young? has he ever picked on any corals? ......it's a beautiful fish and tank!

[sltwtrlvr]

Beautiful Tank.

What supplements do you add to the tank? Iodine, etc?

Thanks for your time to answer this question. :-)
Michelle

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7246195#post7246195 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 15nano
Love the anemone's
I'm fond of anemones too.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7257044#post7257044 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
Have you had the Majestic since he was young? has he ever picked on any corals? ......it's a beautiful fish and tank!
I had the Majestic when it was young. It didn't pick on anything for several months and then destroyed a Cynarina over a 48 hour period, which was kind of anticipated. Angelfish are likely to destroy "open brain" type corals IME. I've seen this type of behavior with several other Angelfish species.
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7257909#post7257909 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sltwtrlvr
Beautiful Tank.

What supplements do you add to the tank? Iodine, etc?

Thanks for your time to answer this question. :-)
Michelle
No "supplements" per se.
I monitor alkalinity, Calcium and Magnesium levels.
I run a calcium reactor and topoff for evaporation is kalkwasser.
Regular partial water changes and foods fed to the aquarium provide major and minor "trace elements".

[TippyToeX]

Congratulations on TOTM Gary. :)

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks, Amy! :)

[E-A-G-L-E-S]

thats so cool he hasn't eaten any sps!
i tried an emporer and he started eating a couple of mine within a week :( so he had to go....but now that i've set up my new 210g i want try another angel?

what type calcium reactor?

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7263101#post7263101 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by E-A-G-L-E-S
thats so cool he hasn't eaten any sps!
i tried an emporer and he started eating a couple of mine within a week :( so he had to go....but now that i've set up my new 210g i want try another angel?

what type calcium reactor?
MRC Ca reactor, Matt.
Sorry for the delayed reply!

[dendro982]

Great job! Just wondering: the tank is with corals at the top, how are doing water changes - are corals exposed to the air? Thanks.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7400746#post7400746 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by dendro982
Great job! Just wondering: the tank is with corals at the top, how are doing water changes - are corals exposed to the air? Thanks.
Thanks... and great question!
My water changes are done downstairs in the sump area. My sump is a 75 gallon aquarium that I keep half full, so there's roughly 35 gallons in it while the system is up and running.
To do a water change I run my skimmer extremely "wet". The water level in the sump drops as I skim out old water and the water level in the main display aquarium remains the same. (This is an often overlooked reason to attach a sump to an aquarium.)
To make disposing of skimmate easier I plumbed a drain line from the skimmer collection cup to the washbasin in the basement of our home. Skimmate automatically gets directed into the washbasin 24/7.

Corals in my aquarium are rarely (if ever) exposed to the air.
If I shut my pumps off and let the system drain the water level in the main display aquarium drops less than 2".
IME Acropora experiencing a (brief) exposure to air are stressed but not fatally harmed.

[Skipper]

Hey dendro. Corals being exposed to air is not a bad thing. In fact, it occurs regularly in the wild among corals located close to shore. Take a look at this article, beginning with the third paragraph downward:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-11/eb/index.php

[dendro982]

Thanks for the information, most helpful! In all my readings this function of the sump wasn't mentioned. Very interesting.

[OrionN]

A little late, but great tank Gary. Congratulation

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks and good morning, Minh.
It means a lot coming from you. :)

[Ray Decareau]

First of all your tank is tight, very very nice!!
I had a question about the Thorite and Cinder blocks, I want to re-aquascape my reef using them, is it ok to use on an existing year old system ?

[Gary Majchrzak]

Thanks for the compliment. I definitely would not recommend placing dirty cinder blocks or uncured Thorite in an established system full of sensitive fishes and invertebrates.
I suppose that if you rinse the cinder block thouroughly and let the Thorite fully cure before placing any of it in your system you might be alright.
The ideal thing to do is set the block in place and use the Thorite to aquascape rock over it before adding water, fishes and inverts. Good luck with your project, Ray.

[taflaw]

I am late with the congratulations as well...Very nice reef!!! Question: Do your mimic (Acanthurus pyroferus) and convict (Acanthurus sandvicensis) tangs get along well or is this not a good match to mix these types of Acanthurus tangs together in the same system? Your mimic and convict tangs look great. I have a mimic tang and would like to add a convict tang as well but was concerned they might not be compatible. They would be placed in a 180 gallon reef w/ 125 gallon sump.

[Gary Majchrzak]

My A. pyroferus was added after the Convict and was an immature fish upon introduction. Neither ever had issues with the other. You might have problems introducing a Convict into an aquarium with an established Chocolate Mimic Tang- Convicts are passive and should be added first.

[taflaw]

Thanks for the information, Gary. I currently have the mimic tang in a 90 gallon system, and this fish is still small, but is the most aggressive fish in the system. I recently upgraded to a 180g system, but have not moved everything over yet. I am thinking now is the time to add a convict tang to the 180g first, then move my mimic tang over a few days later. Finding a local fish shop that has convict tangs in stock is another matter (IE, I never see them offerd for sale locally). Thanks for the tips. Your convict tang looks great!!! I was able to take some really nice pictures of convicts tangs in the wild from a snorkel & dive trip to Hawaii. I attached a picture for you below. Again congratulations on Tank of the Months honors and thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o256/aquavista99/10060011.jpg

[mikey3165]

hey i just wanted to kno where you lived in NY cuz i am from new york also.

[Gary Majchrzak]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9797816#post9797816 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by mikey3165
hey i just wanted to kno where you lived in NY cuz i am from new york also.
Hi, Mikey.
I live on the "north coast of NY state"- up by Lake Ontario near the city of Rochester.