new "canvas"

Gary Majchrzak · #1 04/07/2006, 09:04 AM

Before I "paint" it, here's the (rough) framework. The light hood is still on wooden support blocks. Note plumbing- especially the return lines hidden along the top edge of the length of the aquarium! Water is still cloudy in this pic.
This is the view from our kitchen table. My PC and living room is directly on the other side of the aquarium.

ReeferMac · #2 04/07/2006, 09:35 AM

Can't wait, Gary!

- Mac

Jamie2337 · #3 04/07/2006, 09:41 AM

Awesome rocks! Very nice!!!!!!!

Gary Majchrzak · #4 04/07/2006, 09:47 AM

Believe it or not-
I got rid of over #150 of rock and block from the last aquarium.
I still have about #30 more rock sitting in my sump that I'm considering selling.

MiddletonMark · #5 04/07/2006, 09:47 AM

Sweet, Gary

Jamie2337 · #6 04/07/2006, 09:49 AM

Is that all rock from the previous setup? I don't recall the branching rock from the other setup.

Gary Majchrzak · #7 04/07/2006, 09:50 AM

All of that rock (and much more!) was in the previous aquarium.

Jamie2337 · #8 04/07/2006, 10:00 AM

So let me get this straight...same size tank...no new rocks...plus minus 180# of rocks from the old tank...and still all of these awesome rocks for the new tank...

Wow!

ReeferMac · #9 04/07/2006, 10:10 AM

I know what you mean Gary.. I've got a fraction of what was originally in my tank, too.

- Mac

Gary Majchrzak · #10 04/07/2006, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ReeferMac
I know what you mean Gary.. I've got a fraction of what was originally in my tank, too.

- Mac

and it still might be too much, eh?
The trend nowadays is less rock...

ReeferMac · #11 04/07/2006, 10:30 AM

LOL! Corals gonna have to get a LOT taller, before I can take any more rock out at this point! I've always liked displays that were more 'open' and had swimming room... even if it is a 'reef' tank.

- Mac

zanclus · #12 04/07/2006, 10:56 AM

Looks great Gary!!! Pm sent also.

Clean your box out Gary!

MarksReef · #13 04/07/2006, 11:47 AM

Looks great,Gary. I too like the less rock look. Be sure to let me know when I can bring a frag pack over and get a tour of the new set up.

Gary Majchrzak · #14 04/07/2006, 03:37 PM

PM box cleared, zanclus.
Thanks and will do, Mark.

dderue · #15 04/07/2006, 03:54 PM

Looks like a good start to a beautiful picture comming up!!

Henry Colf · #16 04/07/2006, 09:57 PM

Gary congrats on totm ,cant wait to see you top the old set up with the new one,also you know reefs ( are mostly low lying rock formations not what most of us build in our tanks) looking forward to seeing pics of the new set up in the future good luck!!!!!!

Gary Majchrzak · #17 04/07/2006, 10:03 PM

Thanks. There are at least 3 or 4 more TOTM's in the URS right now, IMO.

Jamie2337 · #18 04/07/2006, 10:09 PM

Gary,

What is your plan for your new system? How long will it be before you start to add corals, fish, ect?

Kent E · #19 04/07/2006, 10:15 PM

I like it, can you get a couple shots from other perspectives?

alphaferret · #20 04/07/2006, 10:20 PM

he's the Van Gogh of the reef set!

I can only hope!

moriartiholmes · #21 04/07/2006, 11:10 PM

Wow. I have to say, I thought your new set-up was up and running already. How is the rest of your livestock doing? Hope your anemones made it. You had some great ones.

I like the more open rock, less chance of dead spots and more room for corals.

RandyO · #22 04/08/2006, 02:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by moriartiholmes
I like the more open rock, less chance of dead spots and more room for corals.

The rockwork looks good Gary. Keep posting pics as you progress.

Moriartiholmes,
A more open rock structure creates less spaces for corals. It creates more room for fish and for the corals to grow large, but less spots to put corals. I've been slowly adding rock to my tank as I run out of spots to put new corals. Putting in a few more rocks in the open areas creates more shelves for corals.

I do like the look of an open rock structure. Like you said, it means more circulation and less dead spots. I just have too many corals for it now.

Gary Majchrzak · #23 04/08/2006, 06:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RandyO
I've been slowly adding rock to my tank as I run out of spots to put new corals. Putting in a few more rocks in the open areas creates more shelves for corals.

Thanks for the approval on the new rock stack, Randy.

This is exactly how I ended up with so much rock and so many corals over the years. There were so many things to reorganize in the new aquarium during the move it was like putting a 5,000 piece jigsaw puzzle together- on top of rebuilding my system and moving the rest of the stuff in the house down the road. After I thought we had it all in the new aquarium and everyone had left I found two more buckets of corals by the back door! Too much stress. I hope to never do it again. I'm glad you guys and gals like the new rock stack and I hope you never have to risk moving sensitive livestock.

morris2 · #24 04/08/2006, 07:05 AM

Gary, why aren't you going to keep the extra rock in your sump? Wouldn't it be good for your system to keep it?

Gary Majchrzak · #25 04/08/2006, 07:26 AM

The rock in my sump won't become detrimental unless detritus starts accumulating from it. It might harbor beneficial worms and pods, but not enough to make a big difference in my total system. I prefer a clean sump nowadays.