Ghurlag's Tanks

[ghurlag]

Finally, I have some up-to-date pics to post for everyone to marvel at:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/p2270376.jpg?w=500&h=375

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/p2270377.jpg?w=500&h=375

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/p2270385.jpg?w=500&h=375

My tank is a 29g with a 10g sump. I have a 70 W MH with 2 24" T5's for lighting until I upgrade the MH. Lots of softies and zoas (frags), and a pink montipora and neon green acropora SPS.

[jeremyreef]

nice pics....tank looks good!

[marinelife]

Looks good!

[TechGuy40]

Been waiting for this!

You mentioned having the T5's until you upgrade the MH? I would keep the T5's, for a fuller spectrum of light. Just ask my Frag tank! In the frag tank I have 1 single 400W 20K bulb. In my display I have 2X250W 14K, and 2X 54W Actinics, and 2X54W UVL 454 bulbs.

Somethings to great in both, and some things only do well int he display. I atribute this to the range of available spectrum. By great I mean growth and color.

[chromiumlux]

Nice set up! Look forward to seeing it in person some day.

[ghurlag]

Well, what I mean by until I upgrade is that I am running in disaster prevention until then. I plan on running some combination of MH/T5/LED in a custom canopy by sometime this summer. Obviously I just need to get the lighting here and rigged up, and I'll build it into the canopy once that project gets underway.

[Sunshine]

Your tank looks great. Like your rock work...

[kennv431]

Nice pictures !

...dont you have a Goby or something ? ;)

[ghurlag]

Here's a grainy picture from my sister's Android. They are tough to shoot :)

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/gobyshrimp.jpg

[chromiumlux]

Great pair you got ther.

[kennv431]

I will now stand down on bugging ya about pics :)

Lovin' the candy cane pistol

[ghurlag]

Everyone seems to love those two guys. :D

[TechGuy40]

I love the rock work! But a question, who killed all the plate corals in the tank? You have a ton of plate skeletons in that thing!

[The Staffords]

Nice tank. How is the 70w MH working for you, and what temp are all the bulbs?

[ghurlag]

The MH is dying... PAR rating was ridiculously low and even my xenias were affected. I have added 2 24" T5s temporarily. Tomorrow I'll be adding 4 36" T5s, so we'll see how that goes.

I'm eventually upgrading to a 150 MH

[ghurlag]

Everyone seems to love those two guys. :D

Plate skeletons? Who's tank are you looking at? :)

[TechGuy40]

Plate skeletons? Who's tank are you looking at? :)

LOL. I posted this in the wrong thread. Oops!

[ghurlag]

you were thinking of kennv431's tank, weren't you?

[TechGuy40]

you were thinking of kennv431's tank, weren't you?

Yeah lol.

[ghurlag]

Okay, here's an update (skinny version)...

The lighting has really made a difference in the corals that were in the tank from the beginning. My Eagle Eye zoas exploded with 10 new polyps and are trending toward an average of 1 new polyp every two weeks.

I had lowered the flow in the tank so the xenias weren't getting the crap beaten out of them, but after a month or so of that, nuisance algae began showing up everywhere (coincidentally, I started feeding Rod's about the same time). In conversation with Marinelife and chromiumlux, it was suggested that a combination of the lower flow and the feeding of Rod's (even though it was only every 3 days) could be causing the spike. All other parameters are stable.

After the club's trip to Reef Systems, my livestocking is complete (for now). I picked up a favite (will need to get with Todd to find out its name) and some more zoas. Hopefully soon I can get some new pics up. The tank is looking really good now.

Upcoming projects:

New sump and skimmer. The sump will likely be built in a 55g, and have a decent-sized refugium. The skimmer will be a Reef Octopus 110 Recirc (or comparable model). The sump will also have room for a H.O.T. Magnum canister to run carbon, and for a Phosban reactor.

Canopy. The T5's are completely "rigged" and need to be permanently mounted with proper reflectors, as well as making the outside of the tank as aesthetically pleasing as the inside.

Stay tuned!

[ghurlag]

The name of my new LPS coral is: Oulophyllia Maze Brain Coral

Here's a link to some nice info on it: http://www.tidalgardens.com/pages/coral/oulophyllia.html

[hdelectraglide]

The name of my new LPS coral is: Oulophyllia Maze Brain Coral

Here's a link to some nice info on it: http://www.tidalgardens.com/pages/coral/oulophyllia.html


a very nice addition to your tank also your tank looks really good. How the aiptasia coming along i know you love it :)

[ghurlag]

I need to post some updated pics really soon. Aside from the hair algae and red slime, everything is awesome. Aiptasia not making much headway (thankfully)

[TechGuy40]

That SCWD should help with the red slime. It doesn't like flow.

[ghurlag]

I know, Todd... PM'd you about my lack of visits from the cash fairy lately. You wouldn't think $20 is a big deal, but it's been a bills vs. groceries couple of weeks :)

[ghurlag]

Cash fairy came! All I had to do was turn 30 and graduate from college...

At any rate, I just ordered a Reef Octopus 110 Needlewheel Recirculating Skimmer w/pump from Justin at AS, and will be picking up a maxi-jet 1200 and 600 in a couple days from him as well. I got a 55 gallon and SCWD over the weekend, so the next round of improvements are underway!

[chromiumlux]

Very nice!!

[hdelectraglide]

Sweet i wounder if the fairy comes at 40

[TechGuy40]

Sweet i wounder if the fairy comes at 40

Or 27?

[ghurlag]

I picked up the skimmer from Justin yesterday, and have it running on the current setup right now. I'm already impressed, and the thing hasn't broken in yet.

I'll post picks soon. I took a few before setting it up. I also added some moonlights over the weekend - nice little DIY :) )

Progress from here on out will be slow, due to financial constraints, but I'll get there :D

[ghurlag]

Still no pics of the new skimmer... I've been busy with something else!

This morning, I went to Lowe's and picked up some PVC and some vinyl tubing to get a few things plumbed so I can test before implementing in the 55g sump (all I need is the glass and I can start chambering it out).

Today, officially removed the old skimmer from the 10g sump, opening that chamber up immensely. The new Reef Octopus is beyond pleasing!

I replaced the flimsy feedline between the maxi-jet and the skimmer, eliminating flow-restricting kinks.

I swapped out the old curly fry sump light bulb for a Bright Effects CFL spotlight - I've been seeing a lot of positive reviews, so for $8 I figured it was worth a shot.

Since I had to re-plumb the return line with the old skimmer out (there was a T feeding the skimmer), I installed the SCWD that I bought from TechGuy40 (thanks again, Todd!). This required some new PVC work for the second outlet. I found a bunch of threaded elbows and such, wrapped the threads in teflon tape, and voila!

Right now, I am waiting on my Koralia's vinegar bath to be over, and I will be placing it in a new location to work more WITH the SCWD in both directions.

I'll snap and post pics of my progress soon, I promise!

[ghurlag]

Still no pics... except for the skimmer, pre-install; but another update--

We are listing our house for sale. There are pros and cons no matter how you look at it, but overall this is a good thing. Short term, it might slow my progress on building the new sump, but in the long run, if the house sells, I will immediately step up to a 40g breeder. That will allow me to do a few things that I just can't do in the 29g. Then, at some point in the future, the big tank will be erected.

Skimmer:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/skimmer.jpg

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/connorskimmer.jpg

[ghurlag]

Hey, it's been a really loooooooong time since I've been on. In case anyone has been wondering what I've been up to, here's a pic to show you what I HAVEN'T been up to:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/dirty.jpg

I haven't done much with the tank since the middle of August, except for top it off. I have some vegetation choking out all the light, and my corals are all suffering. Not to mention all the bulbs are really old now, too.

Don't fret! All hope is not lost! Here is my immediate action plan:

1. Remove as much of the vegetation as I can (today)
2. Scrape the front and sides with razor blade (today)
3. Clean entire protein skimmer system (today)
4. Massive water change (today)
5. Replace T-5 bulbs (have a 10,000K and an Actinic on order - should be here first week of December)
5b. Replace remaining 2 bulbs in next month or 2 (works out for the wallet, and for the coral)
6. Begin rehabing ailing corals (I have a green acro that is completely brown now http://www.worcreef.org/Smileys/default/cray.gif )

**************************************

Here is the after photo (steps 1-4 have been completed):

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/2010_11_27.jpg

As you can see, I have some serious bleaching to contend with. I don't think I have completely lost anything, but "surgery" may be in the near future. I'm sitting here staring at what is once again a nice tank to look at. I can't believe I let it go like that...

[marinelife]

Tank is looking good!

[jeremyreef]

That's a major difference.

[ghurlag]

That's a major difference.

I did the cleaning and even I was surprised :) I just hope my losses aren't too bad. If I stay on top of things, I can have a bunch of color back in short order I hope

[deuce2004]

lookin a lot better..

[aquatic mouse]

Glad to have you back! The tank looks much much better than your first pic.

[ghurlag]

The cloudiness has settled out from the "Immediately After" pic. I'm getting close to full polyp extension on everybody, where the polyps are still present. Looks like some zoa-deficiencies in the mix, too. I guess I get to be the poster child for why not to let your tank for so long :poster_oops:

[chromiumlux]

Wow! what a difference a day makes eh? Hope to see you around more often Big G! Tank looks good.

[ghurlag]

Thanks, Andy - I'm looking at my club memberships for next year. I was on the brink of tearing my tank down, for time and financial reasons, but decided to revitalize it. Hopefully, between the clean water, and upcoming bulb replacements, things will start looking nice again.

[ghurlag]

Update! I received 2 replacement bulbs and installed them today - here's before and after (note the change in color spectrum on the pink monti at the top)

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/before-new-bulbs.jpg

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/afternewbulbs.jpg

And a bonus pic of my clown hosting in a hairy mushroom
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/clownmushroom.jpg

[deuce2004]

looking good!

[chromiumlux]

Your tank is looking much better G!!

[ghurlag]

A brief update (sorry, no pics just yet). After about a month with 2 of the 4 T5 bulbs replaced, as well as some targeted LED moonlighting, I am seeing some really nice colors popping out on my corals.

As an experiment, I have added a UV LED to run in tandem with a bright blue LED, both aimed at a purple monti that I bought for $5, because it is brown. I am starting to see a bluish tint, as well as decent growth.

I also have 3 hairy mushrooms; one of which has a moonlight LED (bright blue) on it at night. The other two stay in the shadows. This particular mushroom has brighter coloring than the other two (but is up higher in the tank, too).

~reefchik~ has bestowed a couple pocilipora frags upon me. The have bright green polyps - I can't wait to see how they do in my tank.

Finally, I have officially performed my first water change with Seachem Reef salt (~40% water change). I have to say that by the next day, polyp extension was impressive! I was using Red Sea Coral Pro prior, and although I didn't have any problems, having heard quite a few good things about Seachem, I decided to give it a try. The very first thing I noticed is how quickly it dissolved, and how clear the water in my makeup water tank is. That in itself is a big improvement over RSCP.

All the talk about LEDs lately has me considering buying a fixture and trying out some PAR 30/38 bulbs in the near future. I have seen some really exciting results in others' tanks, and I don't want to miss out.

I may also put a PAR 30 or two over my 10 gallon, and really and truly set it up as a frag tank. If I go that route, I have several steps to take to add a sump and overflow to it (I'm not drilling that paper-thin glass).

Now all I have to do is get a second job to support my reef hobby :)

[ghurlag]

I just did my second water change with Seachem Reef Salt (again about 40%), and I must say the polyp extension I am getting with this salt mix is phenomenal! Once again, the clarity with the salt is amazing. If I were to install a filter sock and run a little carbon, I think people would be asking me when I had switched to starfire glass :)

I'm currently battling a little bit of nuisance algae, and some diatoms on the sand, but I think this is all due to not changing the water at all for nearly 4 months. None of the corals seem to be complaining at this point, though.

The troublesome birdsnest that we fragged up at the meeting is doing well, although I Have a few pieces that have allowed algae to move in - they'll be removed soon. The pocilipora frags that I added last week are doing great. They didn't even skip a beat. Full poyp extension, and awesome color.

I can't wait to get the last 2 replacement T5 bulbs on here to see what happens, and then it's planning for the transition to LEDs! I will be designing my implementation keeping in mind that I want to upgrade to a 40 breeder soon (Shhhhhh - Jessica doesn't know). I am REALLY glad that I didn't give up on the hobby, when I was so close to doing so!

[marinelife]

Glad to hear everything is doing well now. Good to hear some thoughts on the salt. I had thought about trying that myself at one time!

[aquatic mouse]

I am REALLY glad that I didn't give up on the hobby :yay:

Can't wait to see more pics!

[ghurlag]

Ask and you shall receive :)

FTS from today
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301230.jpg

Pink Birdsnest that was badly bleached around Thanksgiving
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301231.jpg

My ginormous Pink Montipora - this things was half the size of a human ear in February
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301232.jpg

Oulophyllia I got from Reef Systems Coral Farm back in April
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301233.jpg

One of the Pocilipora frags I got from ~reefchik~ last week
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301235.jpg

The troubled birdsnest (the good, the bad, and the ugly)
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301236.jpg

A close up of my Green Montipora (look at the polyp extension!)
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301237.jpg

A rock I glued a bunch of zoanthids to awhile back. The orange guy in the middle has a super bright green mouth, but it turned in the flow right as I snapped the photo
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/12/pc301238.jpg

[marinelife]

Tank is looking great!!

[aquatic mouse]

The Oulophyllia reminds me of a bunch of caterpillars. I love it! Tank looks so nice and healthy. Great pictures too! My camera won't allow me to get that close without getting fuzzy.

[Sunshine]

Awesome looking tank !!!! The colors are spectacular ...

[ghurlag]

The Oulophyllia reminds me of a bunch of caterpillars. I love it! Tank looks so nice and healthy. Great pictures too! My camera won't allow me to get that close without getting fuzzy.

I can't wait for the Oulophylia to start spreading out. It will be interesting to see where it decides to root itself (it's still on its frag mount). I'm simply using an Olympus pocket-sized digital camera. Over the years I've figured out how to tweak some of the settings so that I can get some of the macro shots I want, and to get the best color balance possible without having to drop the pic into photo editing software. I'm glad my efforts are pleasing to the eye!


Awesome looking tank !!!! The colors are spectacular ...

Thanks Sunshine! I'm still evaluating lighting, and such, as well as what corals to "adopt out" and others to bring in to really maximize the color diversity in the tank. Right now there is simply too much pink - I think the Kenya Tree needs to go.

It seems every night when I lie down to go to sleep, I lie awake thinking about filtration and lighting. There is still so much to do in the way of improvements, but I'm pleased with the results I have at the moment.

[ghurlag]

:a065::happybday::a065:

:yahoo: My Reef Aquarium is 1-year-old today!!!!! :yahoo:

:ac15:

[Sunshine]

Happy Anniversary !!!!!

[chromiumlux]

Happy tank-day G!!

[marinelife]

Happy Tankday!!

[jsuter]

Looks really good bud, I am definitely going to have to come out and see it for the meeting this month.

[ghurlag]

Everyone who has seen it seems to like it, so it's a start :)

[ghurlag]

I've replaced the 3rd and 4th bulbs in my T5 "conglomeration" tonight. Already I see an improvement over the 2 remaining old bulbs. The color is crisper, and the light is brighter. So now I should start socking money away to fund an LED project the next time the bulbs need to be replaced :)

[marinelife]

:Camera:

[ghurlag]

Let me give it a few days, and see if I get any more color, plus I need to do another water change and scrape the glass

...And, I'm working on a special project

[ghurlag]

Wow, once the lights came on today (and really before they warmed up completely), I noticed that light penetration to the bottom of the tank is exponentially better. Brightness overall, and color shift are more pleasing to the eye.

I tried to snap a pic, but my camera's battery died while I was setting up the image (point and shoot, my @$$)...

All the corals seem to be reacting well to the new lighting already. I am very encouraged. This is honestly the first time that I have had all new bulbs on the tank at once... with a month in between replacements. I highly recommend it :)

[ghurlag]

A full tank shot, from today. 2 days with the new T5 bulbs on the tank. I dropped the exposure so that you can see the color, rather than the intensity.
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/p1131179.jpg

[ghurlag]

Here's a full tank shot from February 2010, almost 2 months after the system was set up. Note the pink monti (directly above the flasher wrasse's head), and how small it was. I have since moved it to the top, as you can see. The growth I have gotten out of this thing has been phenomenal!
http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/p2270376-e1292087775363.jpg

[marinelife]

The tank has come a long way!

[Sunshine]

That is really awesome. Looks good.

[chromiumlux]

Looking soooooo much better now G!!! You are doing a great job with your tank.

[ghurlag]

I want to also call attention to the fact that since I have starting skimming "wetter", and changed the last 2 old T5 bulbs, the diatom bloom has all but disappeared... Within days!

Thanks for the compliments, too! I am really happy with how this, my very first attempt at any sort of saltwater aquarium, has turned out so far. With the successes I have seen with such a small tank, I'm really looking forward to honing my skills over the next few years, and then succumbing to NABT (Need A Bigger Tank) Syndrome. I still have a few things I am trying to work out, but I'm learning and progressing as I go, mostly hindered by limited available finances.

[ghurlag]

Hey all, I just added my tank to "Rate My Fish Tank" to share it with others. There are some nice pics of other reef, and planted freshwater tanks. Stop by and rate my tank!!!!
http://www.ratemyfishtank.com/friendemail.php/34880

[ghurlag]

I've always had a problem with my xenias not pulsing for very long after added to the tank. Once a week, I have been adding a single drop of Lugol's solution, which would help for a couple hours, but then nothing. Since the change out of the final two bulbs, not only is everything in the tank looking fantastic, but the xenias are pulsing once again!

I don't claim to know everything about this hobby, but it is surprising how much intensity I lost with the old bulbs... I had no idea.

[ghurlag]

A blog post of my mini-adventure this morning: http://www.saltgeeks.com/forums/entry.php/11-Oh-noes!!!! (http://www.saltgeeks.com/forums/entry.php/11-Oh-noes%21%21%21%21)

[marinelife]

awesome, thanks for using the blog feature!!!

[ghurlag]

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/p1311181.jpg

[aquatic mouse]

Can't wait to see it set up!

[ghurlag]

I'm taking my time on it, and doing everything right. Calfo Coast to Coast overflow, Vortech MP10, 55g sump with 2 refugium chambers (first with soft corals such as mushrooms and xenia, as well as some aiptasia since I won't be able to avoid transferring them into the system)... stuff like that. I'm completely stoked!

[chromiumlux]

Did you check it for scratches yet? Hope it is in good shape.

[marinelife]

I know that tank from someplace :)

[ghurlag]

Check the blogs for some explanation on the "Teaser" pic. I posted up some info

[ghurlag]

New blog post!

http://www.saltgeeks.com/forums/entry.php/16-Calfo-Coast-to-Caost-Overflow-for-Big-G-s-40-Breeder

[ghurlag]

This has not started out to be a good weekend. First, I am having trouble with the circuit that the aquarium is on. The breaker keeps tripping. I suspect the heater, and am buying a new one today, but I will go through the "unplug one thing at a time" steps and see if I can determine for sure.

Last night, my external skimmer thought it would be awesome to suddenly overflow all over the floor. Only 1.5 - 2 gallons in this case, and I still have my shop-vac, but it was still a pain...

[marinelife]

man that sucks, not fun at all!!

[jsuter]

That sucks, do you know what caused the skimmer to overflow? Feeding or dosing something?

[ghurlag]

The skimmer outflow filled up. It wasn't just the catch cup... I have no idea why it freaked out, but I was running it pretty wet, so I was asking for it anyway.

I got up this morning before going to my moonlighting job (MANual labor!), and the breaker had tripped again. After work, I went to the Middletown Jack's and bought a 200W Marineland Stealth Pro heater. Jessica says spaghetti is ready, so once I stuff myself, I'll be swapping out heaters, and then seeing what else might be a culprit. I spent most of what I made today on supplies that I needed - i.e. nothing exciting - but I'm slated to work again next Saturday, in all likelihood, so I'll have some more money if I need to replace a pump (I hope it's not the recirc pump on the skimmer... That would suck)

[Telekinesis]

Sorry to hear about the problems, hopefully it'll all get worked out. Post some new shots when all is well!

[chromiumlux]

Wow, You may want to consider using a drain to a collection tank.

[ghurlag]

I'm shopping for plumbing parts for the 40g breeder project. Once I get the bulkheads picked out, I'll be looking on http://www.glass-holes.com (http://ww.glass-holes.com) and get the drill bit for the holes. I should have all the plumbing parts acquired in a couple weeks. At that point, I'll need to measure and buy all the glass panels. And then... it's build time!

At last check, I realize that I am on the last 1/3 of my bucket of Seachem ReefSalt. I have some water changes to do on the 29g, so I'll be in need of another bucket in short order.

[ghurlag]

In case you've missed it, here's a link to my current lighting situation on my 29g: http://www.saltgeeks.com/forums/showthread.php/2432-2-Good-2-Bad. I should have replacement reflectors within a week or so (as soon as Phishy can ship them to me). I am really happy with the way they have been taking care of this.

I have a purple monti that I picked up at a frag swap last year for $5 because it was brown. It's a huge piece, so I figured all I had to lose was $5. Not until I added the reflectors did the entire colony start to color up. I am truly impressed! I have a water change to do this weekend, after which I will post some updated pics.

[nate21887]

Awesome man can't wait to see! Really looking forward to see how your build goes, I'm seriously considering a 40B for my downsize. I just discovered this size tank before the trip and pretty much got my mind made up.

[ghurlag]

I just ordered 1" bulkheads from Savko, and a 1 3/4" drill bit from glass-holes.com for the 40g breeder - IT'S ABOUT TO GET REAL!!!

[chromiumlux]

:You_Rock:

Alrighty then!!!

[aquatic mouse]

Can't wait!

[nate21887]

I'm stoked to see this thing come together.

[ghurlag]

I now have 3 - 1" bulkheads and a diamond coated hole saw on the premises!!!!! Depending on schedule and weather, I may have 40g drilled this weekend :)

[chromiumlux]

:Camera:

[ghurlag]

All in good time. My progress will be photographically chronicled :)

[jsuter]

Awesome!

[nate21887]

Hey Brian, you still using the 55g sump idea or doing something else? I'm trying to figure out what will be substantial enough but still fit in a 40B stand.

[ghurlag]

I'm going with the 55g because A. I have one, and B. I want the sump to be somewhat remote from the display, and to hold a significant water volume. Your options are really dependent upon how the stand is built, so you'll need some measurements from that first. Let me make one recommendation, though. If you have a wood stand, especially, paint the inside with marine paint. This will keep evaporated and splashed water from seeping into the wood... you'll thank me later ;)

[nate21887]

I'm going to do a DIY stand still and planned on painting the inside with killz. Just kinda trying to get ideas for mine. Seems most folks use a 20 long for these, I'd like something with a little more room. Can't wait to see yours come together!

[ghurlag]

In all likelihood, you can get away with a 20g long, or 30g long, if you want to do a single conventional aquarium. If you want to get creative, well, the sky's the limit :)

[nate21887]

Yea I'm wanting a single tank with a refuge, how many chambers are you putting in yours?

[ghurlag]

It's not set in stone yet (until I silicone the glass in place), but I will have a skimmer chamber, followed by a softy coral fuge, followed by a chaeto fuge, and then the return chamber. Only 1 fuge is needed, but I'm going to try something out and see how it works

[nate21887]

Cool, what kind of light you putting over the softie fuge?

[ghurlag]

Not sure yet... If I get a little ahead, I may put a PAR 30 or PAR 38 over it

[nate21887]

I'm thinking still gonna use them as the main light over my tank, I'm gonna start with 4 over it.

[ghurlag]

I plan on adding a couple to my setup in the near future, unless jsuter's AI Sol's blow me away and ruin my plans... I'm just not sure how I plan on lighting the soft coral fuge long term, but "ll get something worked out soon enough

[ghurlag]

I went to Lowe's to buy a shoplight to put over our garden seeds so that when the seedlings pop up, they can get their photosynthesis on. While I was there, I picked up all the basic PVC components that are needed for the 40 breeder, as well as plumber's putty for the drilling extravaganza. All I need now is a couple John Guest fittings, and a good quality true union for the main drain line. That about covers the display tank, (aside from glass for the overflow) so I'll then be moving on to the fuge, and the canopy.

[nate21887]

You should do a DIY thread for the canopy.

[chromiumlux]

Let the drilling begin.....................

[ghurlag]

I'm still waiting on the charger for my drill, and working out some other details in my head in the meantime. I did, however, make an equipment purchase, of sorts, today

1906

The 30g is for fresh RO/DI, and the 55g is for mixed saltwater. With my upgrade, the current solution isn't going to cut it :)

If anyone needs barrels such as these, I can get you the number of a guy who can hook you up - the price is more than reasonable. They had soap in them originally, and just need rinsed really, really, really well :)

[marinelife]

Nice little containers, I would clean them really well before using them.

[ghurlag]

They will be thoroughly cleaned, and Carrie has lent me a phosphate test kit as well.

I guess I need to start shopping for glass. I've heard that Kettering Glass Shop is pretty good. Any suggestions?

[aquatic mouse]

They had soap in them originally, and just need rinsed really, really, really well :)

Yes, make sure you rinse them until the pink gunk is gone and then rinse and rinse and rinse some more! :)

[coral ranch]

I would be very hesitant to use those containers. You can get them from coke or pepsi and all they contained was syrup.When we first set up and was surching for 50 gal. drums more than one place told us the plastic could absorb chemicals and soaps only to leach them back out.

[aquatic mouse]

I've used mine (from the same guy) for at least 6 months - a year and haven't had any issues. That's why I used the phosphate test, to see if there was any soap left. I love my barrels! They're so convenient.

[jsuter]

Well if you want I can bring my drill, no need to wait! lol

[ghurlag]

LOL - too busy this weekend again...

Anyone have any creative suggestions for my return? I'm thinking of having it return to both sides and having some sort of manifold configuration. I don't want to taint the idea pool, so let's hear what you can come up with. Any and all suggestions will be entertained.

[ghurlag]

The drill charger came in the mail and is hooked up. Keeping fingers crossed. I have all the supplies needed for drilling the tank and installing the bulkheads now :) Just gotta figure out where I want to drill the holes - center, right, or left... most likely left to coordinate properly with the sump.

Time for some DIY :fried:

[ghurlag]

oh, and as promised, when I am done, there will be a video

[ghurlag]

I would be very hesitant to use those containers. You can get them from coke or pepsi and all they contained was syrup.When we first set up and was surching for 50 gal. drums more than one place told us the plastic could absorb chemicals and soaps only to leach them back out.

Rich, I have been giving this some thought, along with considering that the 1g jugs I am using for topoff water are well over a year old (the plastic itself will start to leach). I think that once the soap is rinsed out, I will fill the jugs with RO/DI water and let them sit for a period of time. RO/DI water is usually "thirsty" and should pull anything else out of the plastic that might be lingering (I hope) - after which I will empty the containers again.

I have also been reading more on the buffering capacity and redox of RO/DI water, and I may want/need to get some sort of buffer to add to the RO/DI after it has been vigorously aerated for 24 hours or so before using as either top of water or saltwater mix. I feel like I'm starting to get the hang of a few things after a year, but there is still plenty to learn.

[ghurlag]

Wow! My Yellow Watchman Goby is getting fiercely territorial with my clown. Good thing the upgrade is coming up soon. That will throw them both off. Plus, I'll be adding some more "swimmers" in the 40g. I love coral, but after a year, I really do miss all the movement that fishies have to offer.

[Sunshine]

Wow! My Yellow Watchman Goby is getting fiercely territorial with my clown. Good thing the upgrade is coming up soon. That will throw them both off. Plus, I'll be adding some more "swimmers" in the 40g. I love coral, but after a year, I really do miss all the movement that fishies have to offer.

Mine does that also with my Clarkii. My Watchman has been in the back corner of the tank for over a year, than the Cucumber went back there and now the Watchman is in full view in the front. He constantly chases the Clarkii out of "his" home. They are fun to watch ... lol

[ghurlag]

Well, my clown has been acting funny lately, and after seeing the exchange between the two this afternoon, I think I figured out why

[Sunshine]

It's funny how such a small animal can intimidate a bigger one. Your Clown got his feelings hurt .... lol

[ghurlag]

Well, I've been up to all kinds of things lately. I'm ready for it to warm up outside, but I'm not ready for spring! I have so much to complete on my indoor projects, and here come the outdoor projects already...

All the aquariums got the water change treatment this weekend. The two salty water tanks got some camera time as well :)

a couple minutes of the 10g:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nveARXvbDxk

And a couple minutes of the 29g:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlBAJjnLWuo

[ghurlag]

So, I ordered the glass for the overflow today. ~$36 from Discount Glass in Middletown. I'll be picking it up tonight. Now all I need is some silicone a level surface for the tank, and a whole lot of patience, and this tank can start going together!!!

[ghurlag]

WOW that was fast! I already have the glass panels. There is a small gap between the new sheets and the existing tank that I will fill in with silicone (similar to how the tank, itself, is put together. This was the last of the big hurdles, so now I am just down to piecing it all together!!!

[nate21887]

Saweet! Can't wait to see the final product

[chromiumlux]

Nice! Look forward to seeing this coming together.

[ghurlag]

Some invert species thought my 29g would make a good "shaggin' wagon". I have a nice trail of snail eggs hanging on the overflow box. :) I'm running only actinics right now, as I have had some softie bleaching events at all levels due to increased light (thanks to my awesome reflectors!!!), so a pic just won't take right now. I'm sure you will all find out who decided to "do it" when I post up some critter as Free For the Taking in a month or so :D

[chromiumlux]

Just like G to be peddlin' invertebrate hanky panky on the forum.....lol

[ghurlag]

This weekend's "Goings On"

I'm, seeing lots of little trochus grazers in my tank. I think they were the ones who were getting frisky.

My pink/orange montipora has started to bleach at the uppermost tips, and some of my other pieces have been showing a lack of excitement over the light output of the 4x39W T5s over the tank. I took off the 10,000K bulbs, and moved the 150W MH from my frag tank over to the 29g. I then took the extra T5 ballast and hooked up a couple actinic bulbs to it before placing it over my 10g. Severe lighting deficiency there, but it's only an experiment anyway. I don't have anything in there that I don't have in the 29g...

I would be interested to see what PAR I am getting with the T5s vs. the T5/MH combo. I already like the look of the MH a lot better than the T5 spectrum I had over the tank.

I am also keeping all this in mind as I continue slowly building the 40g the rest of the way. Speaking of, I have some nerve irritation in my back again, and it's been causing numbness in my left leg, specifically, as well as dull pain from my lower back down to my calves. I still have full range of motion, but something in my body isn't happy, so that's slowed me down a bit. It's also been slim pickings on play money for the past couple weeks, so my tank purchases have been pushed back. On top of all that, I'm not sure if I want to put the 40g where the 29g is, or if I want to place it elsewhere. Placing it somewhere else in the basement would make the transition a little easier, but Jessica and I need to talk it over.

That about covers it!

[ghurlag]

Okay, talked it over with Jessica. The 40g is going in the family room as opposed to the office. I spend a lot less time at my desk these days, and would like to have the tank more accessible. This really won't change the behind-the-scenes information much, but it is at least a decision that we can work with.

[~reefchik~]

I could have told you about those trochus grazers. They are prolific!

[ghurlag]

UPDATE:

Since I swapped out 2 of the T5s for a 150W MH, colors are starting to pop, and the bleached corals are rapidly recovering. I just picked up a new bucket of Seachem Reef Salt, as well as ESV B-Ionic 2 part.

All I need to do is get the overflow box built in the 40g, position the sump and the tank, and finalize all the PVC fittings. We are on the verge of an upgrade!

[ghurlag]

It's been a while since I posted a FTS, so here you go:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2011/04/2011-04-27_19-22-03_297-fts.jpg

I took apart the MH fixture that I bought off Andy to get at the guts that I needed. I have a fairly decent reflector that I was optimistic would get more light into the tank... boy was I right! While colors have been popping out, the xenia started stretching, and have nearly stopped pulsing again because there just wasn't enough light getting into the tank.. Once the bulb heated up, I knew I had solved that issue...

As far as the 40g goes, I have all the rock I procured dechlorinated and on stand-by. I still need to build the overflow (I have the glass and the silicone - just haven't had the time). Once the vegetable plants we started are moved outside, the 40g will be put in place and filled with water to start curing whatever is left on the rock. I'll probably buy some rock rubble crude from Premium Aquatics and add it in at the same time. While the rock is curing, I'll finish up the plumbing, and get the light rack built. For now, I'm going to use a T5/MH combo to light the reef. I'm considering getting a 250W MH if I can find one for the right price... I'm not ready for LEDs yet, because I just haven't decided which approach I want to take.

All in all, while it may not appear so, I am going gangbusters in the hobby when time and money permits :)

[dogfytr]

stuff should grow like mad with that light looks awsome

[aquatic mouse]

Can't wait to see it!

[ghurlag]

Snails continue to use my tank as the "shaggin' wagon". I bought a frag of bonsai from hdelectraglide, and was given a green pretty stick (Jack, I forget what you said it was). Here they are in the tank on the sand:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/2011-05-15_19-02-14_875.jpg

I also stopped by Aquatic Specialists after the meeting, since I was as close as I have been in ages. While I was there I bought a couple pajama cardinals. Right now they are hiding out in the extreme back of the tank, not being sociable, but looking good otherwise. Now I just have to get better, build the square foot garden, transplant all the plants we started, and then move the 40g into position and start piecing things together. I am soooo not a "closer".

[chromiumlux]

Your tank is looking fabulous Brian!!

[hdelectraglide]

Snails continue to use my tank as the "shaggin' wagon". I bought a frag of bonsai from hdelectraglide, and was given a green pretty stick (Jack, I forget what you said it was). Here they are in the tank on the sand:

http://ghurlag.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/2011-05-15_19-02-14_875.jpg

I also stopped by Aquatic Specialists after the meeting, since I was as close as I have been in ages. While I was there I bought a couple pajama cardinals. Right now they are hiding out in the extreme back of the tank, not being sociable, but looking good otherwise. Now I just have to get better, build the square foot garden, transplant all the plants we started, and then move the 40g into position and start piecing things together. I am soooo not a "closer".

Man they look really happy in there the stag is a emerald green with aqua blue tip

[marinelife]

nice looking corals

[ghurlag]

Experiencing my first bout of STN. The coral in question is the one in the lower right on my last pic. 5/8 of it was gone last night, and there's just a little tip of flesh left now. Nothing I can do at this point... I have been stalled for quite some time on getting the 40g set up, and have been neglecting the 29g as far as water changes. It seems that has finally caught up with me. :( I guess I'll add a water change to the calendar now.

[chromiumlux]

why not just do one now....lol

[ghurlag]

One requires mixed water in order to perform a water change. I was keeping my mix tank empty so that when I was ready to install the drums, I wouldn't have to worry about it the. 3 months later...

At any rate, the mix tank is being filled to about half, and I'm going to do a major water change in the next couple days. Then, it's gang busters on getting the 40 up!

[chromiumlux]

Very nice!

[hdelectraglide]

how is everything ?

[ghurlag]

Haven't gotten the water changed yet. Way too busy with family stuff since I can't remember. I have the water in the mix tank, and some salt in, but don't have the salinity dialed in. My son's goldfish tank is now empty, and will be converted to a planted f/w tank probably this fall or winter, when there is less going on.

I keep scraping the glass on the front of the 29g and ripping out excess caulerpa in the display, feeding, topping off, etc., so I'm not completely neglecting it.

[ghurlag]

I finally got around to a water change today (somewhere between 10-15 gallons of a 30-35 gallon system). I cleaned the Koralia in the display, and took out my skimmer and gave it a twice over for the first time since I installed it a year ago. I culled a bunch of caulerpa and pom pom xenia, as well as chaeto (from the sump). I accidentally broke a plate off my purple monti, so it's jammed a little lower in the tank. I think I may have to coordinate a visit from some interested parties and frag up some other things that I have too much of. I will require everyone to treat my corals before putting them in their tanks. I don't have anything bad that I am aware of, but I also don't want to inadvertently be the cause of someone else's headache (except my wife!)

At any rate, once everything settles back down, the tank should be nice to look at again, and things should continue growing well, as they have over these past few months.

[chromiumlux]

Sounds like the tank is coming along well Brian. Which corals do you have too much of?

[ghurlag]

I have a giant pink montipora, a giant pink birdsnest, and bunch of pom pom xenia (actually cut and tossed about 1/3 of it when I did the water tank), a purple montipora (that I broke a big frag off of accidentally). Nothing too extraordinary, but a few really nice showpieces.

(jsuter has first pick on the pink monti if he still wants some :) )

[chromiumlux]

Very nice. I am sure there are members that will be interested. I may be interested in a small frag of the purple monti myself.

[sammy]

I will need frags someday :(

Nice looking tank.

[ghurlag]

Hey all! See my new blog post for some exciting news! http://www.saltgeeks.com/forums/entry.php/25-Changes-in-Store-for-Big-G!!!

[marinelife]

Very cool, congrats!!

[Sunshine]

Congrats !!

[ghurlag]

As posted on the blog page:



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Just to let everyone know, we closed on the new house last Monday (the 15th) and are working feverishly to update a few things before we start moving furniture and such. We may also be looking for a new renter for our current house. More deets to follow on that, if necessary.

[chromiumlux]

Updates? How are you doing?

[ghurlag]

Hey, Andy, no news... should be moving in to the new house very soon, but I have been bedridden since saturday night...

[chromiumlux]

Oh man sorry to here this! You OK?

[ghurlag]

I'll live :). I just hate being laid up like this...

[ghurlag]

UPDATE:

I'm still recovering from my mega-illness last week. On a positive note, we got the lion's share of our stuff moved into the new house. Over the next week I need to determine where the 40g is going, and get it set up and running. The 29g has had some minor losses, but nothing I can't recover from quickly. I just yanked a bunch of macro algae out of the display, and scraped the glass.

Once I have a tank-move date established, I'll post up here and anyone willing and available can come to Middletown and help me move. I'll offer up frags in exchange, although I don't have anything rare or extravagant, IMO.

I just wanted to make sure you all know that I am still here, and still active, just run thread bare on time to post. Since it's getting cooler, the days are getting shorter, and the move is winding down, I'll start peaking in and being more vocal soon :)

[ghurlag]

This is the purple bonsai that I thought was a complete loss. The purple in the dead center of the picture is regrowth! This thing is regenerating! I need to get this into the 40 soon!

2677

[marinelife]

yeah you can save that!!

[Neogenesis]

:-) Hope that comes around....I've always wanted to try it, but the prices have always scared me away.

[ghurlag]

2779


The End of a Chapter...

With no fanfair or celebration, last weekend I systematically disassembled my 29 gallon reef setup. When I originally decided to endeavor into reefkeeping, I wanted to start small, but not so small as to create problems for myself. My very first aquarium (bigger than a 10 gallon) was a 29 gallon that I kept angelfish in when I was 13. Having such fond memories, as well as an empty tank and stand, I set out to create my own little corner of the ocean. After less than a month of study, I came across a hobbyist selling a rudimentary 29 gallon setup that was already drilled, and came with a metal halide. The setup also came with rock, sand, two turbo snails, and a yellow damsel (since named "Chubby").

For the last (nearly) two years, this setup has provided me with what I originally wanted in a tank. Small enough to be easy to maintain, but large enough to be relatively stable with simple maintenance. I have enjoyed comments from reefers and non-reefers alike who were captivated by this little corner of the world. I have experienced only a small handful of losses, including 3 fish, and only 3 or 4 coral colonies.

It only really hit me as I was loading the last of the equipment into the truck to haul to the new house that this was the end of a chapter. This, my very first corner of the ocean, was gone forever, having been migrated and transformed into a new, slightly larger home. The rock work is different, and some of my prize corals will be fragged to spread to other hobbyists, and what remains will be mounted to start out a new growth pattern in the new reef.

So I somberly say goodbye to an old friend that came to me at a time when I really needed something to escape to, while still emersed in the real world. And at the same time, I look ahead to a new chapter in the reefkeeping hobby, taking all the lessons I learned from these humble beginnings...


2780

[marinelife]

good bye 29!!

[UDGrad2010]

That was always a great looking tank. Parts of it will still be alive and well in your new setup!

[aquatic mouse]

Great summary!

:cry: I felt the same way when I took down my 75g. I worked so hard on it and was so proud of it, but I wanted to focus on the 180g, and try my hand at SPS. It's a very complicated feeling isn't it? Disappointment and sorrow at taking down one tank, but hopefulness and excitement at the future of a new tank.

[ghurlag]

Just to have this logged, the official lifespan of the 29 gallon reef was from 1/1/2010 - 10/30/2011. This was my first ever reef tank. The 40 gallon breeder was populated on 10/30/2011 with the livestock from the 29 gallon. The 29 gallon was an awesome experience.

[chromiumlux]

Wow! I wish I would have kept dates on all my old tanks.