Chromiumlux's 150g Marineland Deep Dimension Build [Archive] - Page 3

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 12:23 AM

24082409

New addition to the tank.

Siganus (Lo) magnifica
Magnificent Rabbitish

Gorgeous fish. We love him. He is doing very well. I did notice a few tiny ich spots on him that were probably from stress. Feeding Nori soaked in Selcon right now and he is nibbling at the algae on the rocks. Tonight there are fewer spots on him and his color is improving. Acclimation time last night was approx 2 hrs. I will post another pic in a few days. Thanks to Joel and Lindsey at Coral Cove for ordering him for me.

Sunshine

08-09-2011, 01:32 AM

Great addition Andy. I love my Rabbitfish. For having razor sharp top and bottom fins and being toxic, they sure are skiddish. They are a beautiful fish.

jsuter

08-09-2011, 07:17 AM

Nice, is that the one from Coral Cove? I asked about him as soon as the pictures went up but was told he was already sold. Good looking fish.

marinelife

08-09-2011, 08:16 AM

Great looking fish!!!

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 09:25 AM

Yes, this is the one Coral Cove ordered in for me. He is steady tearing up the algae. These guys dont feed like tangs do taking only one nip at the rocks. They actually chew at the same spot several times leaving the rock pretty well cleaned.

jsuter

08-09-2011, 09:27 AM

Awesome, I need to ask them to order me one.

muttley000

08-09-2011, 08:06 PM

Great looking addition!

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 10:02 PM

Thanks for compliments guys. Just hope I can keep him fed well enough so he doesn't develop an eating disorder....lol

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 10:05 PM

2416

These are the components for lighting the back of my tank which will put emphasis on my new Acro forest.

aquatic mouse

08-09-2011, 10:35 PM

I love that foxface. I always said I would have gotten a Magnificent if it wasn't for my One Spot. With Vixen (the One Spot Foxface Rabbitfish) gone (RIP:() maybe it's time for a new one.

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 10:49 PM

24172418

Before the additions.

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 10:50 PM

241924202421

After the additions.

marinelife

08-09-2011, 10:51 PM

Nice, I will have another phase of LEDs here soon as well :)

chromiumlux

08-09-2011, 10:52 PM

I figured what the heck! just 60w and will allow me to expand to the back shelf and rock.

aquatic mouse

08-11-2011, 08:09 PM

Looks great! Lots more light in the back.

chromiumlux

08-14-2011, 09:43 PM

24522453

Well, if you havent been keeping up on my thread, it's time to start doing so....lol. Just watch what this gorgeous acro from Coral Cove does in my tank!! This has got to be one of the most beautiful acros I have in my tank!!! Thanks and Kudos to Lindsey and Joel. The coral was browned out a bit when I got it, but this is the result under my leds. Very nice and healthy livestock there.

Thanks again
Andy

marinelife

08-14-2011, 09:49 PM

Very nice looking coral. gonna grow up nice!

chromiumlux

08-14-2011, 10:08 PM

Gonna be a club keeper!

Cambino159

08-14-2011, 10:39 PM

Dang deffinitly sweet looking :)

chromiumlux

08-14-2011, 10:42 PM

Yeah, it is one of three I acquired there during opening day. I have my eye on another they have that has wheted my appetite!!!

aquatic mouse

08-15-2011, 08:51 AM

Just beautiful!

dogfytr

08-15-2011, 07:05 PM

amazing tank looks awsome

chromiumlux

09-06-2011, 07:25 PM

Wow I haven't checked my own thread lately...lol. Thanks for the comments everyone and thanks for following along as I swim against the tide. I have been busy doing more frequent water changes and maintenance on my tank. Since the addition of the Magnificent Foxface, my algae issues have dramatically diminished. I did have a small outbreak of diatoms after the last rock addition and that is subsiding. The clean up crew that I got at The Cove helped a lot. I have 3 conchs now that surf the sand at night doing what they do best. Was not sure I would ever put red and blue leg hermits back in my tank, but I am glad I did. These guys are really busy all the time picking at the rocks. I also have baby snails by the hundreds that appear on the rock in the evening and they do what they do too. I have seen much more life in my 150g than I ever did in my 30g and it just keeps getting better. I think I am close to being ready for a Mandarin.
I am still dosing 2-part for alk and ca and plan to hook up my reactor soon. All of my corals are growing like wildfire under the LEDs and the fish are looking great! I Have been trying to decide what I want to put in the back of the tank where I had built up the ledge. I am contemplating a piece of shelf rock from the Cove and may start another Acan garden back there along with some Aussie acros. So, things are looking good in my tidepool over here.....How's about the rest of you?

Sunshine

09-07-2011, 01:19 AM

Glad everything is doing good Andy.

chromiumlux

10-13-2011, 07:49 PM

Update. I did a little rearranging today and added my old Tonga Kaelini rock back into my tank. I had a nice piece that worked well for another pillar. I also created a landslide on the right side which also created more cave space for the fish. This is not done as I am still working on getting corals placed by correct par readings. Here's a few new pics.....

26982699270027012702

marinelife

10-13-2011, 07:56 PM

Tank is looking nice!

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:23 AM

Ok!! It's all back together and set for par values. I am liking this scape a lot more.

2704

marinelife

10-15-2011, 12:24 AM

Looks nice, the rabbit looks fat!

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:29 AM

Yeah, he is a pig! Healthy as a horse.

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:31 AM

A few more shots.

27052706270727082709

discus513

10-15-2011, 12:35 AM

Hey do you have any Chalices in that tank???????? J/k Tank looks great Andy

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:44 AM

I have only a couple chalices....lol

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:46 AM

Eye candy

27102711271227132714

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 12:49 AM

More candy!

27152716271727182719

deuce2004

10-15-2011, 10:08 PM

Corals looking Great there Andy!

chromiumlux

10-15-2011, 10:31 PM

Thanks Don. Hope to see ya back in this thing soon!

Neogenesis

10-28-2011, 10:41 PM

Hey Andy,

It's been a crazy week and I never got the chance to say thanks for the letting me come down and look at your tank. That deep dimension is simple amazing, needless to say my next tank will have a little more depth than a standard 180g. The frags I go off you are doing good, the only problem is I don't think I got the cracked skeleton on the bubblegum monster mounted good enough and it's unfortunately splitting and I'm sure I'll lose the half without the eye. There is a small section of tissue still connected....but as long as the rest stays healthy I'm happy.

Thanks again and it was great seeing your tank!!!

chromiumlux

10-29-2011, 07:57 PM

Just stick that BGM skin on a plug and see if it grows an eye.

Neogenesis

10-29-2011, 09:51 PM

I'll post a pic up tomrorrow, but they are both glued, but I must have had a little tension between the two pieces. Part of the eye is still attached....but it isn't by much. Both parts are still alive, so I'm hoping that they will just grow back together.

chromiumlux

10-29-2011, 11:28 PM

Should be fine.

Neogenesis

10-30-2011, 01:24 PM

Here is a pic of the BGM. It's also not under as much light as the pic shows....not sure why it looks so bright. I think it'll be ok.

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2011-10-30130924.jpg

chromiumlux

11-07-2011, 04:27 PM

That BGM will be just fine. Looks like you could split it and have two frags.

chromiumlux

11-07-2011, 04:36 PM

Well, I am making progress today in my coral fragging efforts.....lol. So far most of my corals do not appear to be affected by the bryopsis outbreak. Once all the affected rock is removed I will do a hefty water change--Thank the higher ups for ESV salt mix!! I have been attaching my corals to good, clean rubble rock. Looks like I am going to have a lot of frags available for the swaps and for sale....lol. Breaking my heart to snip these off the rocks but cant take any chances of leaving any bryopsis anywhere around my corals. Here are a few progress pics.

27932794279527962797

UDGrad2010

11-07-2011, 04:38 PM

Such a terrible situation, but you are making some fantastic frags.

Better safe than sorry with all that algae.

marinelife

11-07-2011, 04:44 PM

Looks like you are off to a good start!

chromiumlux

11-07-2011, 05:16 PM

Have been at it since about noon.

ghurlag

11-07-2011, 05:41 PM

It's all for the best, and you'll be able to rescape the tank. I've been staring mine down and it's only been up a week :/

chromiumlux

11-08-2011, 08:51 PM

Here ya go Eric!!!

2798

marinelife

11-08-2011, 08:52 PM

looks nice!!

chromiumlux

11-09-2011, 08:47 PM

2802
This is one I got from Eric a while back. Was just a wee sliver of skin on a rock (micro-fragged) Has new polyps now.

marinelife

11-09-2011, 08:51 PM

hmm which one is that :) I am not sure!

chromiumlux

11-09-2011, 08:53 PM

We will have to wait til it grows up. I forgot.

chromiumlux

11-18-2011, 02:57 PM

Today will be the removal of the rest of this rock that has been a pain. I took the plunge and ordered 60lbs of "Reef Saver Eco Rock" from BRS. I am going to cure it for several weeks so it will form a biofilm to help resist any algae that may still be present. I also returned to using GFO in my reactor to help control phosphates.
One observation thus far has been the stabilization of Ph since removing the old rock. Although I am still dosing on a daily schedule, I plan to put my calcium reactor into use next weekend. I am harvesting Cheato later today for Coral Cove and may have extra if anyone is interested.
As a result of removing rock I will have quite a nice selection of Acro frags and Chalice frags available. I will post these later when I get some good pics of them.

Sunshine

11-18-2011, 03:03 PM

So glad you are getting rid of the rock. That has been one pain after another for you. You lasted longer than I would of, I have no patience. lol Things will get changed around for you now. You'll have to post pics when you get the new rock all situated. Good luck.

chromiumlux

11-18-2011, 07:03 PM

Well, plans foiled due to car issues. Leaking radiator hose. Had to repair today. Walked out and found a large wet spot under car today. Will start working on tank this evening.

marinelife

11-18-2011, 11:11 PM

:( cars always mess things up.

ghurlag

11-19-2011, 01:51 PM

Andy, I would offer my assistance with the tank, but I have yet another working weekend here, myself. Good luck, my friend. This is all just part of the hobby. Your corals look great. Just a bump in the road.

chromiumlux

11-21-2011, 03:17 PM

OK! New rock arrived today. Bought 60lbs and received 66lbs, BRS Reef Saver Eco Rock. Only a handful of rubble in the bags. Packaged very nice. Have read a lot of threads about curing this rock and also got some info and experience for Lazylivin on the use of muratic acid wash to help draw out any phosphates and metals that may still be in the rock. I am not sure yet, but the muratic acid wash sounds like the best way to do it, although it is nasty, messy, and dangerous if not done right. I have decided to cure this rock with Prodibio Biogest and Bioptim. Pics not loading right now. will post them when I can.

Sunshine

11-21-2011, 03:44 PM

Good luck Andy !! Post pics when you can, this is almost like starting a new tank build. Very exciting.

marinelife

11-21-2011, 04:48 PM

:Crazy:

UDGrad2010

11-21-2011, 04:57 PM

Watch yourself if you use that muratic acid. That stuff is nasty!

ghurlag

11-21-2011, 06:43 PM

imagine the things you could do with no finger prints... :devilish:

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 01:42 PM

imagine the things you could do with no finger prints... :devilish:

Well, after handling this rock with no gloves for a while trying to figure out a scape....I now have no fingerprints...lol

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 01:50 PM

Here are the pics of new rock. Just arranged to give an idea of what 60+ lbs looks like. Close to what I want to do but will change I am sure. I am going to just cure this rock with the old school method for a while in a 32 brute and add some type of bacterial supplement such as Prodibio, Dr.Tims, or Brightwell. Have not decided on that yet.

2813281428152816

marinelife

11-22-2011, 01:52 PM

very nice rock!!

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 01:56 PM

Yeah! I am pleased with it so far. It seems dense but light and stacks easily. I tossed down the yardstick for coverage reference. Looks pretty clean overall with no appearance of dead materials viened throughout it like the Pukani had. Not bad for $140. Will give it a rinse today and set to dry for a few days. Then into the Brute for a good curing before introducing to the tank. Looks like mt Tech-M is in at the Cove so I will begin the mag treatment while rock cures. This will also give me time to observe any algae growth. All rock is out that had the algae on it. Here are a couple pics taken with lights off. Lots of frags.....lol

28172818

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 02:07 PM

Probably will put remaining rocks that are in the display in the sump as I transfer corals.

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 02:11 PM

I am thinking I will experiment on the old pukani rock with the muratic acid to satisfy my curiosity. I have read a lot about this method and talked to people that have done this with success, so I figured some experimentation outside on the patio would be fun.....lol

Sunshine

11-22-2011, 02:15 PM

The rock looks nice Andy. Looking at your tank with only a few rocks in it and coral covering the floor don't look bad at all ... lol I kind of like it. Good luck with the muratic acid. WEAR GLOVES AND GOGGLES !!!!!!!

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 02:24 PM

Thanks Sunshine. I plan to have the rock scape set in a much lower profile with a couple caves for the fish. BRS did not recommend a muratic acid bath on their site for this new rock. So I will cure it "old school". I will work with the old rock to see how well it does in a acid bath. Skeptical on this as I dont think even muratic acid will help it.

Sunshine

11-22-2011, 02:34 PM

When we set up this tank, I wanted a lower rock scape also. I wanted more swimming space for the fish. As for the rock ... wonder if anyone tried using Peroxide to kill things. Just fizz the crap out of it .... lol

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 03:10 PM

I think the H2O2 method works for what is on outside of rock. Muratic acid works a little deeper by dissolving outer layer of rock. I dont know for sure that the muratic acid goes deep enough to get at what is inside the rock, which is what I beleive was wrong with this Pukani rock.

chromiumlux

11-22-2011, 03:12 PM

I may bust this Pukani into smaller pieces and nuke with muratic acid just for giggles. I am curious to see inside it anyway. Most I will end up with is a bunch of rubble rock for a sump....lol

Sunshine

11-22-2011, 03:17 PM

Did you ever think about boiling it? It will kill everything.

chromiumlux

11-27-2011, 01:00 PM

Boiling may kill all living matter but not sure it would remove all the dead stuff inside the rock. Would be a huge mess to contend with.

chromiumlux

11-27-2011, 01:19 PM

Just got done putting the new rock in the brute for a cure in saltwater. I have made the decision to use the prodibio biogest and bioptim to seed this rock with the right bacterial strains. I also plan to use prodibio in the tank to ensure a good population from the start. As it stands right now, I have no noticeable bryopsis since removing the rock and cleaning the tank. I have been diligent with my tank maintenance. I plan to use GFO from here on out and may use carbon every so often.
Once the new rock has had time to establish a bacterial population and biofilm I will transfer the corals to the 100g tub and set my scape. This will alow me the room I need to work. Then I will meticulously clean each coral and remount them to their own seperate frag rocks....which I have done already....but will do again. This will, for as long as the corals take to encrust the rocks they are on, allow me to place them accordingly as well as remove them as needed should any further issues occur.
So, it looks like I have my first winter project ahead of me.

ghurlag

11-27-2011, 01:32 PM

I may not be far behind you in this, Andy... Spending most of my time fighting hair algae in my tank, as opposed to sitting back and enjoying it. Where did you find the prodibio? I need to get some of that to add to my tank and see if I can't rebalance things.

chromiumlux

11-27-2011, 01:43 PM

Prodibio is available at Premium and Marine Depot and I am sure other online vendors. I would suggest you research it well before dosing it. Are you running GFO? Carbon? and what is in your fuge? What does this hair algae look like?

I am not sure if any other local shops carry Prodibio.

ghurlag

11-27-2011, 01:50 PM

chromiumlux

11-27-2011, 01:57 PM

No issue G! Consider some Cheato for your fuge.

chromiumlux

12-03-2011, 07:34 PM

Got my Prodibio Bioclean yesterday. After some extensive research I decided to give this a try to help re-seed my bacterial populations both in my tank and in my new rock that is curing. I was only going to use it on my rock at first but decided to start dosing my tank with this as well. The kit comes with both Biodigest and Bioptim. Biodigest is a formulation of bacterial strains that are proven to be beneficial and outcompete the bacteria that doesn't convert waste materials to nitrates. The Bioptim is a formulation of several enzymes and elements that are meant to help feed the bacteria. The Bioptim basically replaces a carbon source such as vodka. There are a lot of hit and miss threads out there about this product's effectiveness. This product is dosed every 15 days taking the hassle out of dosing a carbon source every day which is what attracted me to it as well. We shall see what the verdict is as I proceed. I will be monitoring and updating as the dosing progresses.

Here are a few pics of the product and one of my tank as looks today.

283228332834

chromiumlux

12-03-2011, 07:58 PM

Before dosing this product I performed a large water change around 60 gallons, cleaned all the pumps and tested my water parameters. I dosed 3 of each vial to the tank and 1 of each to my rock tub. Left skimmer off to give bacteria a chance to settle in and also turned off GFO reactor. I will be turning these back on later. I am not trying to acheive an ultra low nutrient outcome in my tank which would not be benificial to my LPS corals. I am however trying to lower the nutrient and waste levels in order to starve out algae issues while replacing bacterial levels.

marinelife

12-03-2011, 08:38 PM

Tank looks empty.
I am interested in seeing how the Prodibio Bioclean works!

Neogenesis

12-03-2011, 11:50 PM

That doesn't look like a happy tank..... :-(

Best of luck with the treatment Andy!!!

chromiumlux

12-04-2011, 12:56 PM

That doesn't look like a happy tank..... :-(

Best of luck with the treatment Andy!!!

Actually, the tank is very happy. It will of course be happier when the new rock is cured.

ghurlag

12-04-2011, 01:01 PM

It's going to be a fun ride watching this new aquascape grow and mature!

chromiumlux

12-04-2011, 01:03 PM

Well, usually the skimmer doesn't pull any skimmate for a day or two after water change but this morning it is going nuts! Have about a 1/3 cup of skim since last night. Water is crystal clear. All the inhabitants are doing well. Going to test the water in the rock tub and the display before work today.

chromiumlux

12-07-2011, 02:20 AM

Day 4 and the tank smells clean. Still no signs of bryopsis. Skimmer is running about normal now. Plan to perform a water change Saturday and hook up my calcium reactor. I am of course itching to put the new rock in.....but as it has been since starting in this hobby one thing I have had to learn over and over is "Go Slow". I figure maybe mid month I will transfer rock to the tank.

Sunshine

12-07-2011, 09:05 AM

Good to hear Andy. Sounds like you are off to a good start.

marinelife

12-07-2011, 09:18 AM

Rock in!
Rock in!
Rock in!
Rock in!
Feel the pressure :)

nate21887

12-07-2011, 09:26 AM

Hoping this the last time you have to go through this Andy! Hopefuly this go round is problem free.

chromiumlux

12-07-2011, 12:09 PM

I am going to hold off til around the 17th to put the rock in. I want to get the second dose of Prodibio in first and have reactor set up.

ghurlag

12-07-2011, 12:29 PM

Stick to your guns, Andy. Do it right and reap the fruits of your labor

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Sunshine

12-07-2011, 02:06 PM

We will be expecting pics on the 18th ....

aquatic mouse

12-07-2011, 11:03 PM

Stick to your guns, Andy. Do it right and reap the fruits of your labor

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

I agree completely! And I also agree w/ Sunshine. I'm very agreeable. Pics on the 18th please.

chromiumlux

12-14-2011, 11:51 PM

It has begun!

285128522853

discus513

12-15-2011, 12:03 AM

good luck with everything Andy.

UDGrad2010

12-15-2011, 12:10 AM

That clear sand is just screaming, "insert rock here"

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 12:14 AM

That clear sand is just screaming, "insert rock here"

Yeah, gonna do a patch reef this time.

UDGrad2010

12-15-2011, 12:28 AM

With that footprint you have plenty of room for that.

What height are you thinking?

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 01:34 AM

Not sure on the height of the rocks. They wont be as high this time. I will be constructing a few caves for the fish though.

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 01:35 AM

Rock is going in shortly.

onequicksportster

12-15-2011, 01:42 AM

Wow that tank is way cool, man I hope to be there someday, nice job.

Trini 2D Bone

12-15-2011, 08:04 AM

man your up all night Andy.

marinelife

12-15-2011, 08:06 AM

and its not the 17th!

ghurlag

12-15-2011, 08:29 AM

Anyone heard from him since his last post? I hope he didn't fall in. :)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 11:01 AM

Ok, Yes, I have been at this all night and have made some great progress. Here's a few pics.

28572858285928602861

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 11:02 AM

And a few more.....

28622863286428652866

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 11:04 AM

And a couple more...

286728682869

marinelife

12-15-2011, 11:22 AM

Looking good, the picture of the Rabbit is really good. Very nice looking fish!

aquatic mouse

12-15-2011, 11:29 AM

It looks fantastic!

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 11:34 AM

Looking good, the picture of the Rabbit is really good. Very nice looking fish!

He is a beauty!

Sunshine

12-15-2011, 11:35 AM

Oh Andy, that looks good. I love the Foxface. I have the Scribbled. They are a very cool family.

chromiumlux

12-15-2011, 11:35 AM

It looks fantastic!

Thanks Carrie! Lot of work.

chromiumlux

12-21-2011, 10:31 PM

Pic update

2879

Sunshine

12-21-2011, 10:37 PM

Nice Andy, lots of color.

chromiumlux

12-21-2011, 10:45 PM

Nice Andy, lots of color.

Thank You! Must see in person to appreciate.

discus513

12-21-2011, 10:50 PM

Looks great andy! I bet you cant wait for that coraline to cover that white rock!

marinelife

12-22-2011, 12:45 AM

Looks good!!

ghurlag

12-22-2011, 09:18 AM

Makes me happy. :)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

ghurlag

01-01-2012, 01:07 PM

Andy, how's the new rock doing so far? Do the prodibio treatments seem to be doing what you wanted? Getting any coraline growth yet?

nate21887

01-04-2012, 05:15 PM

Been a while since I seen your tank Andy, but from the pics it looks great as always. Hope all your rock troubles have passed!

chromiumlux

01-04-2012, 06:12 PM

Sorry for delay folks. Here is a pic of one month of Prodibio dosing. Tank is clean and corals have really started brightening up.

2947

chromiumlux

01-04-2012, 06:13 PM

Is this blue or what?

2948

chromiumlux

01-04-2012, 06:15 PM

For the name game. Chrome's Medussa Hair

2949

marinelife

01-04-2012, 06:23 PM

Nice!!

aquatic mouse

01-04-2012, 06:25 PM

Your tank is gorgeous as always Andy.

Sent from my VM670 using Tapatalk

ghurlag

01-04-2012, 06:40 PM

Lookin' good!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

dogfytr

01-04-2012, 07:07 PM

very nice looks awsome

Aquababe

01-04-2012, 07:59 PM

Your tank is beautiful! I'm glad we were finally able to see it :)
Thanks again for the frags!

chromiumlux

01-04-2012, 08:32 PM

Thanks to all!

chromiumlux

01-04-2012, 08:33 PM

Your tank is beautiful! I'm glad we were finally able to see it :)
Thanks again for the frags!

Thanks for coming over. I enjoyed our talk and was good to meet you two. I look forward to seeing your tanks someday soon.

discus513

01-04-2012, 10:28 PM

For the name game. Chrome's Medussa Hair

2949
I love this! I am so glad i was able to get a frag of it, and I hope my frag takes the same growth pattern!

chromiumlux

01-14-2012, 03:57 PM

Ok, I have my reactor together and doing leak test.

29832984

marinelife

01-14-2012, 04:00 PM

Let's see it running :)

chromiumlux

01-14-2012, 04:03 PM

Let's see it running :)

It's running in the pic....lol. Oh! you want a pic of it connected to the tank? I am getting ready to rinse and install the media. Once that is done I will hook it all up to the tank and get a pic.

marinelife

01-14-2012, 04:11 PM

Cool!

Neogenesis

01-14-2012, 04:14 PM

Looks like a nice unit Andy!!!!

chromiumlux

01-14-2012, 04:33 PM

Yeah it is a nice one. I have been procrastinating with installing it for a long time. Now that I am confident I have the right spot for it, it will be running shortly.

chromiumlux

01-14-2012, 07:33 PM

Pics of my new calcium reactor installed in its casing. CO2 not hooked up yet. Effluent line in second pic is running to fuge where tank drains into to help disperse residual CO2. I will let this run wide open tonight to get all the air bubbles out of chamber then hook up CO2 tank tomorrow. No leaks! WooHoo!

2985 2986

marinelife

01-14-2012, 07:40 PM

Very cool, glad to see this running. You will enjoy having this.

chromiumlux

01-15-2012, 12:13 AM

Fully operational!! Let the testing begin.

Bubble size is 7. I am running 3sec per bubble. Recommendation is 30bpm. I will ramp up as needed. Now to make the door and It is set.

2987 2988

marinelife

01-15-2012, 12:16 AM

Nice keep us updated on how it works out for you

chromiumlux

01-15-2012, 12:18 AM

Nice keep us updated on how it works out for you

Thanks for the info and experience with this solenoid Eric, looks like it's gonna be a good one.

marinelife

01-15-2012, 10:48 AM

No problem, I love that unit!
It beats the traditional solenoid and bubbles.

chromiumlux

01-15-2012, 09:19 PM

Yeah, what's sweet is you can dial in the bubble size. Plus the solenoid is 100% accurate. I timed the BPM last night...right on the money.

aquatic mouse

01-15-2012, 09:48 PM

Looks great! Gotta love Ikea for aquarium equipment storage. :D

chromiumlux

01-20-2012, 07:55 PM

Now I'm not sure if my water parameters are a result of this reactor but here they are.

Calcium 490ppm
Alkalinity dKH 11.2 3.99 meg/l
Magnesium 1600+ppm ( I have been raising this slowly with Kent Tech-M Magnesium) so I can not attribute this reading with the reactor.
Ph 8.28 and holding

I dosed my tank as I normally do the day I set up the reactor and also the next day. I have not dosed since then. My question is this....Generally, how long does a reactor normally take to start producing? My levels have stayed within these parameters for three days now.

marinelife

01-20-2012, 08:54 PM

its should start right away :) normally you dose after starting the reactor just to get the level were you want them. Then adjust the reactor until it holds them stable which it seems you have :)

chromiumlux

01-22-2012, 11:10 AM

Did some tank cleaning yesterday before I went to work. Looks like I will have a few frags to raffle or trade. If anyone wants to trade corals at the meet please post up what you have. If you have corals for sale that is ok too. Just work out your sales here online or at the meet.

Pyro2412

01-22-2012, 01:44 PM

Really sharp,makes me wanna go bigger again.

chromiumlux

01-22-2012, 10:00 PM

Thanks Pyro! It has been a real journey....lol

chromiumlux

01-22-2012, 10:02 PM

The Conchs have been hangin close together all day today. Wonder if it's love!

3007

marinelife

01-22-2012, 10:09 PM

Looks like love maybe, hard to tell :)

chromiumlux

01-22-2012, 10:17 PM

Would be cool to see a spawn out of these two.

RN.......

01-28-2012, 09:12 AM

Just read through the whole thread, you weren't kidding about the issues you had! Tank looks great though!

dogfytr

01-29-2012, 09:05 PM

hey was wondering if you can post a pic of your tank from the far side of the room want my wife to see the whole set up with the hanging lights trying to talk her into a upgrade

chromiumlux

01-29-2012, 09:16 PM

hey was wondering if you can post a pic of your tank from the far side of the room want my wife to see the whole set up with the hanging lights trying to talk her into a upgrade

I can do that. lol.....good luck with the upgrade.

marinelife

01-29-2012, 09:24 PM

I will have a picture soon of his whole tank and wall once I get the meeting minutes up :)

marinelife

01-29-2012, 09:33 PM

Here you go:
http://saltgeeks.com/meetings/Jan2012/DSC_0214.jpg
http://saltgeeks.com/meetings/Jan2012/DSC_0215.jpg

chromiumlux

02-01-2012, 11:32 AM

Sunshine

02-01-2012, 01:56 PM

Here you go:
http://saltgeeks.com/meetings/Jan2012/DSC_0214.jpg
http://saltgeeks.com/meetings/Jan2012/DSC_0215.jpg

I sooooooooooo wanted to walk out with that anchor ;)

chromiumlux

02-01-2012, 11:41 PM

Yeah! Pretty cool stuff. My daughters get me this stuff for xmas and bday. Susie likes it, so I guess I will keep collecting it.

Sunshine

02-02-2012, 01:20 AM

It is way cool. Love the decor.

b16hatch

02-07-2012, 10:23 AM

Looks great. ! You get some new stuff since I've been by?

chromiumlux

02-19-2012, 07:03 PM

Here are my new additions.

3085308630873088

Spent 2.5 hours acclimating these beauties last night. They are doing well this afternoon and seem to be making themselves at home as well as getting along with the other inhabitants in the tank. Pics don't do there markings and coloration justice.

marinelife

02-19-2012, 07:08 PM

Nice fish, they should do well in their new home.

ghurlag

02-19-2012, 07:16 PM

My new additions only got an hour before they went in the tank, but were also only a fraction of the cost :). Very nice fish, Andy.

dogfytr

02-19-2012, 09:18 PM

very nice additions i also need to thank after my wife saw how you had your lights setup she finally said i could hang some par bulbs over my 90 gallon

discus513

02-19-2012, 09:39 PM

Lookin Good Andy! I love these Angels, mine is great

Sunshine

02-19-2012, 09:42 PM

Nice additions Andy. Your tank always looks so good. Soon as mine gets on the right track, I'm coming over to get me a frag of that Birdsnest if you have frags of it.

Trini 2D Bone

02-19-2012, 09:58 PM

Andy that's some cool looking fish.

chromiumlux

02-20-2012, 06:58 AM

very nice additions i also need to thank after my wife saw how you had your lights setup she finally said i could hang some par bulbs over my 90 gallon

cool!!!!!

chromiumlux

02-20-2012, 06:59 AM

Nice additions Andy. Your tank always looks so good. Soon as mine gets on the right track, I'm coming over to get me a frag of that Birdsnest if you have frags of it.

Which one? I have them listed in livestock area.

Sunshine

02-20-2012, 07:46 AM

The Pink Seriatopora. I want to wait till my water clears up. That is one cool coral.

aquatic mouse

02-20-2012, 11:52 AM

I love the new additions!

Sent from my VM670 using Tapatalk

chromiumlux

02-20-2012, 06:52 PM

The Pink Seriatopora. I want to wait till my water clears up. That is one cool coral.

I will put you down for a nice piece!

chromiumlux

02-20-2012, 07:22 PM

The new Angels are doing extremely well. They are starting to take to pellet food soaked in selcon, but still prefer meaty foods.

Sunshine

02-20-2012, 11:06 PM

I will put you down for a nice piece!

Thanks !!!!! I have noticed my Leather is looking much better since we put up the LED's. He hasn't had his polyps out for a long time, now they are starting to come out. I think your Birdsnest is just stunning.

chromiumlux

02-29-2012, 07:24 PM

Starting today I will be dialing in my reactor over the period of 7 days. I will not be dosing anything to my tank during this time. I calibrated and installed a new Ph probe into the reactor last night. Here are my readings this morning:

Ph in reactor chamber 6.46
Ph in tank 8.1....I may get a good buffer to raise this
Magnesium 1480....a good drop since no dosing of mag for a several days
Alkalinity Dkh 10.5 Meg/l 3.76
Calcium 490

I will be monitoring these parameters for seven days and dialing in the reactor. Hope to reach a happy plateau.

Ok. Todays update on my water parameters since adding the reactor and no dosing. I initially figured on a week but decided to make it a month.

Ph in reactor chamber is 6.49. I have been adjusting bubble size down a little each week to get the ph correct. One more adjustment should dial it in to 6.5. I love the ease of adjusting this regulator.
Ph in tank is down a bit to 8.08. I think it is due to the house being closed up so much.
Magnesium is 1500+ again.....lol.
Alkalinity is 11.2 Dkh
Calcium is off the chart at 500+

I have not dosed anything for a whole month. My corals are going nuts!

ghurlag

02-29-2012, 07:32 PM

Awesome, Andy! Keep it up!

marinelife

02-29-2012, 07:53 PM

Sounds like the reactor is doing great!!

chromiumlux

02-29-2012, 08:04 PM

Yes! It is performing very well. The media has dropped about a half inch or so.

aquatic mouse

02-29-2012, 10:08 PM

Sounds great!

chromiumlux

03-01-2012, 07:40 PM

New piece of equipment coming tomorrow for the tank. Will post pics when it arrives.

RN.......

03-01-2012, 08:59 PM

I'm guessing it's manufacturer starts with an O.

marinelife

03-01-2012, 09:12 PM

I know what it is :)

ghurlag

03-01-2012, 10:06 PM

Me too :)

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

aquatic mouse

03-02-2012, 10:58 AM

Me three :)

BLmf'inA

03-02-2012, 12:18 PM

I've got a good guess in mind

marinelife

03-02-2012, 01:41 PM

I am waiting :( where is the update?
Who needs sleep?

chromiumlux

03-02-2012, 04:22 PM

Well, It's here!!! The new Orphek Nilus and it is SWEET!!!!!! I will get pics as soon as my battery charges....lol

marinelife

03-02-2012, 05:18 PM

Can not wait to see it :)

jsuter

03-02-2012, 05:45 PM

Oh I could have called that one, I just knew it. Looking forward to pics!

chromiumlux

03-02-2012, 10:22 PM

Here is a link to what came through my door this afternoon. http://marine-engineers.org/2012/02/24/orphek-brings-on-the-dimmers-with-nilus-120-watt-led/

I will post pics soon.

RN.......

03-02-2012, 10:30 PM

Did that article say 120 watt LEDs?

chromiumlux

03-02-2012, 10:42 PM

60 leds underdriven at 2w each

RN.......

03-02-2012, 11:25 PM

60 leds underdriven at 2w each

Ahhh that makes more sense.

chromiumlux

03-04-2012, 12:33 AM

Pics of the new Orphek Nilus. You can clearly see the red diodes and faintly make out the UV's

31403141

Sunshine

03-04-2012, 12:35 AM

Looks good !!

Neogenesis

03-04-2012, 12:44 AM

very nice!!!!

chromiumlux

03-04-2012, 12:54 AM

This tank may become strictly SPS with exception of a few of my favorite chalices.

Neogenesis

03-04-2012, 12:56 AM

Speaking of chalices, I'm picking up a all orange specimen tomorrow!!!! I can't wait!!!!

chromiumlux

03-04-2012, 01:03 AM

Pics later then?

Neogenesis

03-04-2012, 01:04 AM

tomorrow night....trying to decide on a frag or the whole colony

ghurlag

03-04-2012, 11:34 AM

Looks great, Andy! The sky is the limit for you now!

dogfytr

03-04-2012, 02:27 PM

those are some really cool lights post some pics with the reds only if you can

Neogenesis

03-04-2012, 10:00 PM

Pics later then?

Well....I got the entire colony.

With Flash
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2012-03-04214820.jpg

Without Flash
http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii308/Cichlid-Wolke/Droid/2012-03-04214833.jpg

ghurlag

03-04-2012, 10:04 PM

Very nice!

Eshyr

03-05-2012, 06:18 AM

With that many Leds I would think it will be only SPS LOL! Looks real nice Andy! Do you have a controller that can program sunrise and sunset dimming?

chromiumlux

03-05-2012, 07:47 AM

With that many Leds I would think it will be only SPS LOL! Looks real nice Andy! Do you have a controller that can program sunrise and sunset dimming?

Yeah the unit has sunrise/sunset program. I have not set it up yet. But this thing is screamin!!!

aquatic mouse

03-05-2012, 08:10 PM

That's awesome!

ghurlag

03-18-2012, 09:27 PM

Andy, how are all your new additions doing?

chromiumlux

03-19-2012, 07:22 AM

Everything is doing fine right now.

chromiumlux

03-22-2012, 08:26 AM

Ok, update on my tank. Bropsis Pennata has returned and this time with a vengance. So, any and all coral sales, swaps, and trades from my tank are on hold. It will be a long time before I offer any corals. Consider all my coral threads obsolete at this point. I am currently planning a new system. It will be a while before this comes to fruition. In the meantime I will be readying the house for a complete teardown of my existing system which will allow me to make some improvements. I have given up the battle with this vile weed from hell!!! This tank and sump system along with every piece of equipment and rock will be receiving a muratic acid bath. I will be quarantining my existing corals in a fresh sytem for close examination. I would really hate to lose some of these colonies. So....hence my thoughts on a new system overall. Until then, I will try to get this tank clean and operational as I plan my new system. As most here know, I have had to remove rock, sand and have lost countless corals due to bryopsis. I am tired of fighting it. Nothing I have tried has worked. The Kent Tech-M treatments seem to affect this stuff a bit, but I am not willing to pour $$$ into my tank any longer. A nice new system just seems more cost effective to me. Plus, with all I have learned over the years a custom build is looking pretty sweet right now. Almost have the wife convinced that the bedroom behind the tank will make a nice sump room....lol.

When this hobby becomes disheartening and seems like there is no fun any longer......make a change.....Go bigger!!!

Sunshine

03-22-2012, 09:23 AM

Sorry to hear it's back Andy. That sucks. It will be fun starting a new and bigger build though !! Let me know if you need any help moving or lifting .... I'll send Bill :)

aquatic mouse

03-22-2012, 09:35 AM

I'm so sorry Andy. That truly is the weed from hell! I'm looking forward to watching a new build though!

slamminsam

03-22-2012, 10:35 AM

Man i am sorry to hear it is back your tank is so sweet if you need anything let me know ill do what ever i can.

Rploaded

03-22-2012, 10:46 AM

Bummer.....

Have you tried three days 100% lights out. Cover with garbage bags... No light, use kalk to keep ph up and get lots of surface movement.

Using ozone or hydrogen peroxide at a rate of 1ml per 10 gallons per day?

Wake up to a new tank..... Then just run actinic for a few days.....

Might be worth a shot.....

marinelife

03-22-2012, 12:04 PM

Nope sorry you are not allowed to do any of this, you have to think about the babies!!!!

ghurlag

03-22-2012, 12:17 PM

Following along on this. I'm starting to plan out my next build, too.

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

marinelife

03-22-2012, 12:33 PM

Sorry but this tank will stay alive and turn into something awesome, I can feel it!!!!!
Plus with the Baby Cardinals coming he can not do much changes right now.
I think the tank is fixable. I was there just a little while ago. The Algae did not look healthy.
I think he is on the right course at this point if he will just stay on course and not may any huge changes he can win.
His fish are doing great and growing up nicely.

We have a nice talk today about everything and I feel he will win in the end and will have alot of knowledge to pass on from it.
It is hard to move forward when you have a huge problem like this but some of us have been there before and we just have to be here for support and knowledge to help other like Andy get past this problem and onto the next one. :)

ghurlag

03-22-2012, 12:50 PM

Even so, all this talk about 300 DD has me excited...

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

marinelife

03-22-2012, 01:21 PM

lol yeah that would be cool!!

dogfytr

03-22-2012, 07:20 PM

that really sucks sorry andy with the help from freinds you will beet this

chromiumlux

03-22-2012, 07:53 PM

Thanks for all the input. I was having a Reefer Meltdown! I have been aggressively attacking this tank with the Tech-M, lower feedings, and lower light cycle. Eric and I spoke at length yesterday about this problem and came to the conclusion that a larger sump would help. And yes, One of my Pajama Cardinals is brooding a clutch of eggs. I was too engrossed in fighting algae issues to even notice. Had Eric not noticed it I would have missed it. The Bryo is more pale than a few weeks ago and some is falling off. I will continue with the mag treatments and see what happens. I will be planning a larger fuge in the meantime. After talking to Eric and his experience with this bryopsis I feel I can beat it. I will update more later.

ghurlag

03-22-2012, 08:21 PM

Rooting for ya!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

ghurlag

03-22-2012, 08:23 PM

I was having a Reefer Meltdown!

Oh noes! All the snax is gone!!!

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

Eshyr

03-22-2012, 08:27 PM

Keep up the fight brother!!

discus513

03-23-2012, 12:24 AM

I'm glad to see you are in better spirits now, I Know this has been a tough battle for you, and with such a nice setup, I would hate to see you throw in the towel. Anything you need help with you just let me know. I have a feeling your going to beat the S@#$ and in a few years we will all look back on this and talk about how you won. Keep up the fight man, and remember you wouldnt be reefing if all you had to do is sit back an enjoy your tank! LOL