I had to change the lighting orientation because the corals were growing up and inwards, instead of up and out. I also added 4 Finnex fixtures (24watt t5) to extend lighting to the farther reaches of the tank. The change has worked well. Here a few pics of the lighting, and the fixtures I built to hang the maristars and finnex from.[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-lights.jpg [/IMG] [IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-lights2.jpg[/IMG]

You can also see that at this time of year, even on a sunny day the tank gets no sunlight. In about March, all that changes and from then till September the tank gets natural sunlight. In Summer it's flooded with it and the look is totally different.

Your tank takes my breath away - it's just beautifully put together.
How big is the center overflow, and how may returns do you have?
Could you give anymore info on how you disguised the plumbing to the basement?
I'm wondering because if we end-up building a new home, I'm seriously thinking of going with a 200-300 gallon cube or rectangle tank that would be free standing.
Thanks.:) This thread is in my bookmark!

I have not seen a more beautiful setting for a reef tank, just stunning.

Thanks! The center overflow is 12"x 8". Inside are two dursos, two returns and a chase for electrical. It's a tight fit. The plumbing
goes down the inside of one of the center collumns, and returns via the other center collumn. They where made of cinderblock, so this was easy.

Thanks for the dimensions. It gives me a lot to ponder. I'm not electrically inclined (save that for my husband) but I'll assume the "chase" you refer to must be something like an empty pvc pipe to run the electric down?
I'd be doing another basement sump, and I really love the design of the platform the tank sits upon.

Yup, thats exactly what a chase is. The cords for my Tunzes pass through it and go down into the basement. They connect to the battery backup down there.

new aquisition
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-triggers2.jpg [/IMG]

The male is a little braver than the female
[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-trigger3.jpg [/IMG]

beautiful. I love those.

I have been thinking about getting a pair for a few weeks now. I
walked into a LFS and there they were. Fate for sure.

I see them all the time but am a bit shy about triggers. Still one of my favorite fish, and they stay relatively small.

The Blue Jaws are supposed to be one of the best triggers for a reef tank. So far they are shy, but are eating. My powder blue didn't give them a second glance. I was surprised since he thinks he's King of the Tank.

well, if teeth have anything to do with it, the PBT is now #2. :lol:

I had a male for about a year, and then it suddenly "withdrew," and stopped eating, socializing etc.,so I had to bring him back to my lfs.
I'm sure you're male will be very content with his female alongside.
They are beautiful fish.

What, did he pout because he didn't get no tang? :lol:

:lol:

Although I bought them together, they are not a bonded pair...yet. They are both out and about today and I see him eating, but she hides whenever I approach the tank.

As of today, the female still runs for cover whenever I enter the room. I have not seen her eat. The male is eating well and will come out of hiding when the food enters the tank.

nice!

I wouldn't be concerned yet (less than one week?)about the female not eating yet. The male trigger may be intimidating the female, and it will take her longer to venture out and eat. If she continues would you try some liquid garlic on the food to entice her?

I think she intimidates the male! She is larger. She has a hiding place behind the gigantea anemone. Whenever she sees me, she's off like a shot . She looks nice and fat and healthy. She might be eating on the other side of the tank where I can't see her. There's no way to know for sure. Time will tell. I'll try and get a better pic of her.

TOTM

Here they are. She doesn't look larger than the male in this pic. Pardon the salt on the acrylic surface. I had to sneak up on em.[IMG]http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/500/3140mini-IMG_0280.JPG[/IMG]

They look great. And all those pretty zoos to eat...I am sure they will be very happy in your system. :D