View Full Version : Craigg's 7.5ft Reef
Pics later..............................
philworrall
22-02-05, 10:57
Awww...... you cant do that Craigg :wacko:
I'm watching with interest... and will brazenly steal your ideas for when I build my next tank :D :D
Starting with... what are you doing with your lighting - just seen the piccie, yum, yum, very nice. How are you going to deal with the heat issue from the MH in the hood section?
On a different but related topic, will your chiller be in the same section as the sump etc or remotely located?
Cheers and good luck.
Chris.
philworrall
22-02-05, 11:18
just seen the piccie, yum, yum,
Eh :wacko:
Phil, it's me confusing myself...(easy to do) I looked at the first piccie and thought it was the new tank being built (should have looked at the date, duhh!).
Looking down I realise it's his existing tank (what a beauty). Guess my question is still valid how do you and will you get rid of the heat from the MH in the hood?
Reason I'm asking is I'm currently planning (dreaming) a similar project which would be a 'walled' tank, but want to plan ventillation, cooling etc and get it right from day one.
Thanks,
Chris.
extractor fans to the outside world and a large chiller is the answer to that little question.
What type of fan(s) did you use (will you use) and how effective are they? Did you have a single extractor fan? Do you have fans blowing accross the water surface?
Where is your chiller located?
Craig - If it's easier I'm happy to wait to ask the info later or look on your website in future, but if you can answer now, all the better :lol:
Chris
Chiller is outside in my "fish shed", Yes I use normal clip on fans pointin g at the water surface for added chilling of the tank.
As for the hood, I had 2 extractor fans one pushing air from the living room into the hood and then one sucking the air from the hood out to the outside world.
That got a bit noisy so I stopped pushing air in and relied on pulling air out only.
I also beefed up my cjiller from the titan 1500 to the 2000.
Craig
:thumbsup: Thanks craig for info.
Now how do I tell the missus the side wall of the house will have to have a hole knocked through it... but it's just the same as the one for the extractor fan on your cooker hood love, just a bit bigger :lol:
Good luck with the new build.
Thanks,
Chris.
new tank and sump
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3323.JPG
specs are tank 7.5ft long * 3ft wide * 2.5ft high = Capacity 320 gallons
Sump split in 2, one section 4 ft long * 2ft wide * 15 inch high is the main sump and will host my 2 Tunze skimmers and DSB. Second section 2ft by 2ft is totally independant and will be for 30 gallon water changes. although Im now thinking of using it as a frag tank or quarenteen tank.
More pics and details on my web site.
Quailty of build is fantastic, alot more to do before its filled but all looking good at moment.
Should end up with 6 streams and 6 Turbelle Powerheads along with 4 * 400 watt spiderlights. That is my job now until tank fully cured ie build my lighting rig.
then once cured in will go the reef flush system, all pipework, all holes in weirs for streams etc.
Main tank will have a coral rubble base suspended about 1 inch from the bottom on egg crate. 2 streams either end will blast the cack up through the rubble.
I will have a DSB in my sump.
Any Q's feel free to ask.
Craig
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3318.JPG
Craftsmanship looks top notch :wub: , who built it ?
Any chance of some closeups of the seams and edges? I think you just found the chap a new customer ;)
I also been playing design time in readiness B) ,so here are a few thoughts that came to mind :thumbsup:
have you considered having one wier for surface skimming and one for bottom skimming rather than both as dual function.
This in theory allows
a low flow spot to be created near the bottom extraction wier allowing for efficient detritius removal with a reduced need for flow as all matter does not need to be kept in suspension (just directed). You could also engineer the tank flow to get optimum form the lower wier a reduce larger matter in the water column. Also,2 skimmers can be seperately dialled in for different requirements.
There is a theoreticall benefit in changing the wier grills to run along both the front and side edges as it provides a greater area for surface skimming, produces less noise , although it's more to maintain.
I'm making an awfull lot of assumptions regards your plans for the system, so please ignore the above if they seem a tad whacky :)
All in all WOW :bow:
not a great picture but gives an idea: I'll try and get better pics in daylight of the seems etc. I will pm builder name as not sponsor and I need to follow my own rules. :lol:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3317.JPG
Not sure what you mean about the skimming as my intention this time is to put my skimmers in the sump (both) as the Tunze comlines dont seem to like mega flow, which 3 streams and 3 turbelles in each weir would produce.
The idea sounds great but I think I would need to find a different skimmer to pull it off.
Looks fabulous... you couldnt get your mrs to have a word with mine?? :)
whats the white oblong thing under your sump?is it permanent or just something to cuhion it for now? as it sits in the middle ... it looks like the ends are raised up...... and unsupported...
m
Hiya craigg, just wondering if there is a reason you havent gone with the streams in the weirs this time?
Andrew
cant wait to see this in a few months time!
:wub: :wub: :wub:
pomme, I am just not cut the holes yet:-
Will be having in EACH weir the following:- 2 * 6200 Streams, 1 * 6100 Stream and 3 Turbelle powerheads.
So total will be 4,2 and 6 respectively.
Havent worked out what that means in flow yet. But a lot I would guess.
Cool, just making sure as this is what i am planning on a 5x3 (wide) x 2(deep) with one weir in the centre back and then 4 flase weirs in the corners, and another 2 false weirs next to the main weir. The false weirs will be triangular, and each have a 6100 in. They will have teeth at the top and bottom, with the teeth at the top goining lower then the teeth of thr weir.
But i haven decided whether to have the streams just pushing into a hole, or have a piece of 55mm tubing attached to the hole and the stream attach to this, or have the stream attach to a piece of the railing siliconed to the glass behind and pointed out the hole.
Andrew
maffu, the white thing is some poly, I just havent put enough under yet. :wacko:
Built my lighting rig today.
4 * Spiderlight reflectors.
4 * Remote Ballasts (to fit)
All attached to ally frame suspended using hydroponic easy raise / lower pully things.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3333.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3339.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3341.JPG
Craig
hmmm.
1. No no comb on glass weir, water level should be about 5mm above top of this if I get flow correct.
2. Yes tank is drilled inside glass weir near bottom, so standard tank connector will be used, but not in the base. The glass weir will act as the standpipe and will be filled with foam to help silence the whole thing.
3. The inner glass level is that height to help provent a flood if the return pump fails, ie, I will have enough spare capacity in the sump to account for the 5mm of water I would lose from the display tank.
4. From Seashell via Taunton Aquarium Centre.
Hope that helps.
Feel free to ask as many q's as you like.
Craig
Sorry about this I accidently deleted my message, this should appear above Craigs last reply as above.
I can see that the outer weir is made of acryllic and that it is combed top and bottom allowing water to be drained off the surface and bottom.
I can see that inside the outer weir there is another wier compartment made of glass.
Questions.
1. Will you fit a comb on top of the glass weir or isn't it necessary?
2. How is the tank drain to the sump plumbed inside the glass weir, is it just a tank connector on the floor of the tank, at the bottom of the glass wier compartment? or have you some kind of standpipe inside the glass weir compartment? How quiet is this setup? what size piping do you use for the sump drain?
3. What is the level of the top of the glass weir in relation to the bottom of the comb slits on the outer acrylic weir? I guess that because you have bottom slits in the outer weir, if the top slits aren't cut deep enough, water will not flow over them (ie the tank water level I guess is determined by the inner glass weir not the outer acrylic weir).
4. Where did you get the acrylic weirs from, they look very well made?
Thanks,
Chris.
Another one Craig,
Where does the sump return come back into the tank. i can't see any obvious return point. Are you having it on a pipe bent over the top of the tank? like a 'shepherds crook'?
Thanks,
Chris.
No I have the 2 weirs, both with the same glass weir design. One side will take water out, the other will recieve the return. Sounds weired but works on the closed loop of my current tank so should be fine.
OK, so if I understand this right, one of the glass weirs takes the 'overflow' from the tank, down the glass weir compartment, to a pipe drilled into the side of the tank near the bottom of the glass compartment. This pipe empties to the sump.
On the other side of the tank is an identical weir setup. the only difference is that the pipe is feeding water into the tank (from the sump) up the glass weir compartment, which then overflows into the tank.
is this right?
another question, never having used streams... how quiet are they in this kind of setup?
Cheers
Chris.
yes correct.
and totally silent. Although I did have to use some rubber seals on the pipe to stop it resinating through the acrylic
On your old setup did you need to use the chiller all yeer round, or just in summer and what are your thoughts on cooling on the new tank?
Thanks for this by the way, it's answering a lot of potential questions I have for my new tank plans.
Chris.
yep chiller on all year round, even in winter it switches on for a few hours aday but not as much as in the summer. The main reason being my enclosed hood.
New tank cooling will be same method, I recently uprated the chiller to allow for the increased water volume
Valley Boy
07-03-05, 21:31
Originally posted by craigg@Mar 6 2005, 11:08
The glass weir will act as the standpipe and will be filled with foam to help silence the whole thing.
Feel free to ask as many q's as you like.
Craig
Hi Craig
Re- the foam, Will you have to remove it to clean it regulary?
hi paul.
I guess so, once every week or so I would imagne.
Craig
I'm watching this with interest! That's some lighting and water movement youv'e got there, wow!!!
Cam.
I'm watching this with interest too.......................
Seriously though, no updates other than that all the piepwork is due to arrive from TMC today.
Craig
mummy......help!!!!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3420.JPG
OMG!!
I've got all this to come. Strewth, and I can't even change a washer!!
All very interesting Craig.
Looking extremely good so far.
:thumbsup:
Wow, kerrching £££ ! :D
Looks good, no doubt a top notch job like yr last (existing) setup.
Have you got all the Tunze streams you need or are you suffering from the current supplier shortfall.
thanks,
Chris.
MaidstoneMarine
09-04-05, 20:04
now there's a fair few pennies worth of joints and valves! I do like a good picture - keep em' coming!
Chris
Better picture of tank and sump, think it gives better scale. Still looks smaller in photos though.
Anyway found some tank connectors on my old 4ft tank, so they are soaking in vinegar at the moment.
Also put poly under the sump, that was tricky on my own.
Plumbing may well start tomorrow evening....
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3470.JPG
lots and lots of updates on my web site.
I will post some pics on here tomorrow as well, but I'm between laptops at the moment.
Any way click sig below then:- reeftank > new 7.5ft tank > the build.
Craig
Hi Craig
I have just been looking through you website at your original tank and am truly stuck for words, the thing is fantastic, the colors and structure were brill, I will just have to go and buy a 7' tank
Well Done
:cheers: :cheers:
thanks, it was beginning to look quite good.
It aint looking quite so good now though, still looks like a reef but a rather decimated one.
My existing 7ft tank may well be available free of charge in the future once empty if someone has the knowledge to take it apart. someone has first refusal though and the tank has got a few bad scratches but obviously once apart someone might be able to remove the scratches. If no wants then twill be my sledgehammer time!
Hi, here is my update:-
Some ugly git, drilling holes in perfectly good weirs:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3560.JPG
Damn I hope I put that in the right place:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3561.JPG
Working out how the streams will be attached to the weirs:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3558.JPG
Pipes connected together with stream grill:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3556.JPG
Pipework to enable a stream (1 in each weir) to "blast" water through egg crate and coral rubble.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3557.JPG
Continuation of above, this is the whole idea fitted to the bottom of one of the weirs, gives about a 1 inch gap. Water will (in theory) take water from the main weir but blast it out under the blanking plate, with only one place for the water to go being out of the weir, under the gravel bed and up through, thus preventing all the cack settling on the rubble bed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3573.JPG
Glass supports for the egg crate:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3585.JPG
As above:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3591.JPG
As above but close up:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3592.JPG
With egg crate sate on top:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3588.JPG
Clsoe up of the gap between base of tank and egg crate:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3589.JPG
Weir:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3562.JPG
Tother weir:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3563.JPG
Inside weir:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3574.JPG
closer view of inside of weir:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3567.JPG
Cheers
Craig
So you're the reason I'm waiting for delivery of a 6100 eh! :D
Looks brill, keep updates coming
Chris.
what a famtastic idea!!! :bow: you wont need to syphon the bottom of that bugger. love the pics, i'd try and keep the hobo's from sitting in it in future tho :lol:
my existing tank, getting emptier, still a fair bit to go though.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3593.JPG
5061litres
05-07-05, 19:47
any updates craig???
:thumbsup:
Only this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3760.JPG
It shrank in the wash!!!
Craig
I was under the impression that the cowling on the streams acted as an eductor thus increasing the flow. The performance of an eductor is dependent on the length of the outlet tube. I think you may find that extending the outlet will cause a drop in flow rate.
Hopefully I am wrong but it may be worth doing a few tests before you finally commit yourself.
Cheers
Paul
Paul, you could be correct, however the tunze rock works in a similar way and they made it.
Also my current tank uses even longer pipes with no real apparent loss of flow.
I'm not toooo worried with 8 of the damn things.
Craig
Pipe work now complete, after old tank removed last sunday by Saj.
Tomorrow I'm ordering up the timber for the "built in" look and probably will have the courage to actually "glue" the pipework together.
Then off to B&Q to get the maple kitchen cabinet doors for the front of the cabinet.
Moving fast now, you'll have to wait for pictures though.
Craig
Looking forward to seeing this one. Hard to imagine how you can improve on your last tank which was amazing.
:thumbsup:
Chris.
pipework glued, took frigging hours. Stinks too. Think the fumes have got to me now though.
Think I might even put some tap water in this week to test everything.
Tomorrow Tuesday, finalise halide placement and electic supply.
Also fitted 6 of the 8 streams but cant do the last 2 until the transfer due to being used on my temp holding tank.
Not really anything to show in picture form.
Oh and timber arrives wednesday for cabinet / wall construction.
put about 100 gallons of tap water intonight to check my under gravel theory.....works sweet. Also to run for a few days to check for leaks.
Hold up now will be the cabinet front as I need to do that before testing the sump due to my son insisting on trying to climb in the sump.
Tested lights last night and managed to give myself an almighty shock, but hey they are now working.
Craig
MaidstoneMarine
20-07-05, 22:51
Originally posted by craigg@Jul 20 2005, 22:07
Hold up now will be the cabinet front as I need to do that before testing the sump due to my son insisting on trying to climb in the sump.
I had that problem too!! Inquisitive little things aren't they! Have to touch, pull and play with anything that they can get their paws on!
Looking a sweet setup - can't believe there are 8 streams in there - no wonder there's a shortage!
More updates, completed the frame for the "wall" today.
Get the doors in the week, then it will be secure to fill the sump, the main tank is full with tap water at present just check for leaks etc.
Old tank being drained:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3799.JPG
Old tank being dismantled, thanks to Saj for taking off my hands for free:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3801.JPG
Old tank gone:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3802.JPG
Plan for frame:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3849.JPG
Cutting timber:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3848.JPG
Frame being built:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3850.JPG
Frame complete:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3853.JPG
Craig
Valley Boy
24-07-05, 16:33
Coming along nicely Craig-------- :thumbsup:
Looking good, looking good.
I'm interested in how you will build the wall, what materials you'll use, what doors/access panels you will have and what it will look like when finished, etc.
My new tank has a similar frame around it now and the final phase after everything is fitted and working will be to fit 'the false wall'.
Keep the piccies and info coming :thumbsup:
Chris.
Latest update:-
All lined with 6mm MDF, been out and bought some maple kitchen cabinet doors to fit next.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3860.JPG
Doors fitted, modern maple.
Coving fitted.
Most importantly at last I could fit my rear surround speakers.
Painting to match room left to do.
Sump running, no leaks so far.
Tomorrow empty and start refilling with RO, which should take about 10 days.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3877.JPG
wow !
keep those piccies coming
:thumbsup:
Chris
Looking superb Craig!
:thumbsup:
MaidstoneMarine
01-08-05, 23:21
Looking very nice indeed. :thumbsup:
now painted to match rest of room, so looking "built in" more now, made a picture frame today to surround tank and that is ready to gloss.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3882.JPG
Also started the 8-10 day process of filling with RO
Looking way cool mate, cant wait to see this take shape over time.
Looks great craigg..real focal point in the room :D
Wanted to ask you where you get your piping from?
nile
tmc via Taunton Aquarium Centre
5061litres
04-08-05, 19:33
all takin shape well..
but i have 1 doubt.. the maple doors don't look right on the yellow wall. if they were smaller it'd look better, or if there wern't so many.
my interior desinger woman says so!!.;)
tony
well I like it, its not intrusive, I should have gone beech like the rest of our Swedish!!! furniture but beech would have been too heavy on the eyes.
shame the sofa needs a damn good clean though!!!!
looking very good craig :thumbsup: may i ask what paint you used for the back of your tank?? cheers,
kris
ummm not sure of the shade but it was Focus matt emulsion in their tester pots.....used 4 pots (4 coats).
Would have prefered Japlac but they dont seem to do the blue I wanted anymore.
Construction pretty much complete:-
About 1/4 full of RO water now.
May start building my rock structures today.
Craig
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3889.JPG
BlankFrank
05-08-05, 15:47
Can't believe you've still got a telly in that room :D
Can't wait to see some life in there! :thumbsup:
Not to everyones taste I know (not sure its to my tast yet) but here is my experimentation with rock structure. I'm determined not to go the tried and tested pile of rocks.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3895.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3896.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3897.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_3898.JPG
Craig
EnglishReefer
07-08-05, 13:35
Neat!
I did a tank with almost all coral branches once, you can get a real good look thats different from the usual rock pile tanks.
Keep it going B) B)
Well its all salted up, Ro took about 10 days in the end. Currently full of branch rock and smashed up reef bones for my substrate (read earlier if your not sure why).
Added 2 Phosphate fluidised reactors today and also running carbon 24/7 changing every 2 days. I've never seen my Skimmer work so well in the 2 years I've been running it.
Cant add second skimmer until I free it up from my temp holding tank, but since I've lost 90% of my stock over the last 2 days, I think I will have nothing to transfer except my remaining Fiji reef rock.
All that remains is a few corals (1 or 2), the Lightning wrasse, my buillet proof Yellow Tang and the supposedly non hardy cleaner wrasse.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4043.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4044.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4045.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4049.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4050.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4047.JPG
I'm not adding anything else now for at least a month, to go through the chores of cycling.
Craig
JasandJules
15-08-05, 11:24
Originally posted by craigg@Aug 14 2005, 20:35
but since I've lost 90% of my stock over the last 2 days, I think I will have nothing to transfer except my remaining Fiji reef rock.
What happened?
I am really looking forwards to seeing it fully up and running....
unsure to be honest I'm to depressed to talk about that.
New start and all that....got to look to the future now nothing I can do will bring back about 25 of my favourite fish.
I will have to scrounge frags etc or else go fish only for the time being.
Sorry for being down
Craig
Sorry to hear about your losses Craig.
Can’t wait to see that aquascape take shape.
instantsquid
15-08-05, 13:07
Originally posted by craigg@Aug 15 2005, 11:55
Sorry for being down
No apologies needed. I can't begin to imagine how you must feel.
But like you say, new start with the new tank - and it is looking abso-bloomin'-lutely superb. I hardly manage to read a page of this thread without seeing yet another good idea to "borrow" :unsure:
Can't wait to see the next installment.
All the best,
Ian.
being down is understandable craig....
sorry to hear of the crash/losses.....every time i see this happen to an experienced reefer my heart sinks.
:(
here's to the new tank and new occupants mate!
:cheers:
JasandJules
15-08-05, 14:43
Being upset and down is perfectly understandable..
I know that in time however your tank will be one of the best around, the time and effort that has gone into it, will be reaped ten fold....
Just came across this thread and was enjoying going through it as it is a joy to watch these setups come to life ..and now i feel i have just been kicked in the teeth..i thought your tank looked awesome and i expect the new one will be better,what can i say...sorry to hear about your losses m8,look forward to seeing more of your progress and new inhabitants.. :cheers:
dont worry the new tank will continue, it will just be empty of corals etc for a long long time......just like my previous tanks were all in my mind.
Craig, I’m sure you’ll gave plenty of offers of frags to fill your tank when it’s ready, I’ll be happy to help you out with a few frags if you’ll pay the postage and I’m sure I won’t be the last to offer
The Escaped Ape
16-08-05, 08:28
Wow. Amazing ideas, great work on the tank and an on the walling etc. If you don't do this as a job, maybe you should consider it (then I'll win the lottery and hire you to do my tank when I come back).
Real commiserations about your corals, hope things work out. :(
Completed the transfer of my live rock and one remaining fish today.
All streams online, both skimmers running, lights on, bit of algea in sump.
All that remains is dialing in my Kalk and Calcium reactors.
oh and the long long restock process.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4053.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4054.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4055.JPG
CRaig
Looking good there mate ;)
Love your aquascaping
That will look great in no time :)
Elliott
Moved some rock on the left hand side and put 4 antinic tubes back on yesterday (tried to live without but couldnt)
Craig
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4076.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4065.JPG
Some new fish.
Still looking for an id on the wrasse though.
? Wrasse (sold as lyretail wrasse but I dont think it is)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4164_edited-1.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4166_edited-1.JPG
And my Imperator angel (Emperor)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4148_edited-1.JPG
:wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
Craig
very nice :thumbsup: , I'd love a moon wrasse in my tnk, but Iguess it would 'love' my SPS too much.
Chris.
The moon wrasse is supposed to be "harmless" for corals....according to Scott Micheal anyway.
The moon wrasse is supposed to be "harmless" for corals....according to Scott Micheal anyway.
I'll do a bit more research, perhaps it could be a stocking candidate.
thanks,
Chris.
The Escaped Ape
12-09-05, 06:57
Very purty fish. It's a pity that the big angels change colour isn't it? The juvenile colour is really something (though the Emperor also looks pretty striking as an adult).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4193_edited-1.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4277.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4257.JPG
:wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub: :wub:
Superb....
I haven't checked this thread for a while & things have progressed with leaps & bounds. Sorry about the losses m8.
The Scribbles look fantastic, can't wait to see this tank on Sun! I'll sort out some frags for you too, you'll soon know how reef-safe those Angels are.... :D
Cheers & job well done :thumbsup:
love the scribbles, my next fish i think :thumbsup:
craig
Finally got them together.
Second pic is out of focus and all that but weird!!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4298.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4292.JPG
Craig
That first pic looks very much like the one I shot or am I mistaken?
:D
how are those scribbles doing with ref to your corals?
craig
triffic, the only thing that isnt safe is good quality zoo's.
Bog standard button polyps are ok but my pink centred ones appear very tasty,
SPS and LPS have NOT been touched.
CRaig
SPS and LPS have NOT been touched
thats a good start then,
i could have got one today but they strongly advised me not to go for it as it will eat/nip corals. i also have clams in there as well so it put me off but a part of me says go for it.
my tank will be 80% SPS with the odd LPS knocking around
craig
Ok another update, added 4 Yellow tangs yesterday.
Was going to add 4 regals but chickened out due to threat of whitespot on my beloved angels.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4360.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4361.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4362.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4365.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4367.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4370.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4375.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4377.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4378.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4379.JPG
Hope you like
Craig
Looking good, can't wait to see those frags grow out.
:thumbsup:
Chris.
Heres the latest full tank shot and my expanding LPS! area.
CRaig
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4407.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4410.JPG
brilliant tank Craig :P
love the fish and the frags :wub:
hope all goes well :thumbsup: hayste
Looks Great :thumbsup:
Elliott
mariusz621
09-10-05, 17:36
That's fantastic. Love the angels, shoal of yellow tangs and growing area of lps. They will look fantastic all together. :thumbsup:
Tank looks really nice, its not overly "stuffed" with LR or made into a rockface which is lovely.
really look nice :thumbsup:
just missing a splash of yellow corals ;)
:thanx:
:bow:
:cheers:
looking very nice indeed. :thumbsup:
Few updates.
also my web site is constantly being updated and added too.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4816.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4817.JPG
Thanks.
Craig
so whts the new fish then :D
since the last update?
2 * Regal tangs.
1 * Flame angel
2 * Bartlett's Anthias (Xmas island anthias)
5 * squamipinnis anthias
Craig
lots!
Mainly frags from my friends Suk and Haydn, quite keen on collecting LPS at present and always on lookout for Acanthastrea's and the like.
But other than that just trying to get everything online properly and be-patient.
Kalk now working fully but need to finallise the Calcium reactor due to issues with the peri pump and then the eheim 1250 etc.
Getting there though
Probably adding a 5000 shorty skimmer soon as well.
instantsquid
17-12-05, 09:17
Looks great, Craig. Really impressed. :thumbsup:
- Ian.
Setup is really coming along now.
Just wondering - Any regrets about the streams in boxes or using that type of rock? Just wondering if there was anything you would do differently
Must say I am tempted to copy this for my next setup!
Hi,
Wouldnt change a thing, I so pleased with this tank and its potential. I've already got the feeling that things are much better than with my old tank...and there wasnt much wrong with that.
I know the rock work isnt to everyones taste but I like it, I'm thinking that in time (years) I may rip out the shelf bit of the rock work and replace with the branch rock type method I've done on the left.
I will be upgrading my skimming very soon, not sure why just feel its a good idea before I ramp up my fish volume.
Craig
Wow, I love the aquascaping and colours in your tank. It's like i'm looking at my dream tank for the future!
Fantastic job so far!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_5342.JPG
Please excuse the egg crate box, thats my protecion area for 20 yuma's that I've got plans for.
Craig
You're a very lucky man, reminds me of Calico's display :bow:
craig@tac.com
03-02-06, 18:58
Thanks to Rob at Marine Lighting for sorting out 2 not quite right lamps in an amazingly quick and no quibble manner.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_5344.JPG
Craigg
craig@tac.com
03-02-06, 19:48
ok, here you go.
Pink hystic forest
End Sept 05:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4349.JPG
Now (so 4 months later):-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_5349.JPG
Craigg
craig@tac.com
03-02-06, 19:56
Another one:-
27 September 2005:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4343.JPG
and now (4 months later)
Believe it or not this is the same acro.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_5348.JPG
Craigg
craig@tac.com
03-02-06, 20:05
21 Nov
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_4578.JPG
2 months laterz
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/IMG_5352.JPG
Craigg
thts some colour change :thumbsup:
Craig,
That acro transformation in incredible :thumbsup:
How's your emperor doing?
Emporer is great thanks.
This one doesnt pick at anything. Even seems to browse algae.
He is still a juv though, so all could still go wrong.
Thanks.
CRaig.
I don't think you'll have any problems with him until he grows really large. Mine doesn't touch anything either, in fact he's about the best angel I've had in a reef :lol: even better than the dwarfs I've got <_<
Good to see someone else has bothered to risk one :thumbsup:
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/february2006.jpg
I have an issue with hair algae which quite honestly is getting me down, other than that all doing well. Fish levels are very high, but I like that way, recently added a stunning hybrid flagfin angel which is gold coloured, I'll try and get a picture of it to add as well.
Anyway full tank as of now!!
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/190306fulltank.jpg
Hope you like the way its coming along, has to be said its 25% softies, 37.5% LPS and 37.5% SPS I would guess.
Craig
Flag Fin
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/IMG_5709.jpg
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/IMG_5716.jpg
thats on hell of a pretty angel
hows he been with your corals
nice angel Craig;)
is the hair algae just in the odd patch or spreading?
hair aglae is pretty much everywhere, not causing damage just ££%33 me off.
Nowt eats it, will try some lettuce slugs soon though.
Else its enough to make me strip it all down.
Angel is fine with all my corals, also fine with my Flame angel.
i had an outbreak in my last setup Craig, and the only thing I got to eat it were the gorilla hermit crabs - you know the brown ones with one massive claw and one tiny. They didn't touch any corals either and loved the algae;)
May be worth looking for, TBH I haven't seen any for a while. If I come across any on my travels I'll let you know.
These crabs Craig
http://www8.ocn.ne.jp/~kuinn/yadokari-subesubesangoyadokari-s.jpg
EnglishReefer
19-03-06, 00:39
That angel looks a lot like a goldflake:) , havent got my books handy at the moment so cant say for sure.
Tanks coming along nicely, dont get wound up with it all again craig - I think you've put too much effort into this new one to scrap it. Hopefully its just an excess nutrient problem that you can sort.
Thought I'd bore you with some more pics (sorry), but what have I done to change the look?
Flavia
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5884.JPG
Plate Coral - Huge!!! added yesterday.
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5870.JPG
Snake Skin Coral - again added it yesterday but dont know it proper name.
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5871.JPG
My 4 Acans (hmmm 4 at present!! more to follow me thinks!!!!)
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5872.JPG
Ricordea Yuma Zone!!
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5873.JPG
Zoa Zone!!!
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5874.JPG
Mushie Zone
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5875.JPG
Frogspawn , Goni and Plate
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5876.JPG
Hammer And Bubble
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5877.JPG
Frogspawn
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5878.JPG
Various Montis
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5879.JPG
More Montis
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5880.JPG
Another Frogspawn
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5881.JPG
Full Tank, here you can see where I've made a BIG change!!!
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5882.JPG
One of my "8" Pink Hystix frags from SUK. They grown a tad!!!!
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/img_5885.JPG
Hope you enjoy
Craig
SPS Hoover
02-04-06, 21:56
Looking Good Craigg
Thanks Simon
Simon when someone like you says it look ok, I know I'm getting something right, the images don't show up my hair algea issues though. Hopefully a few massive water changes will help with that.
Thanks Jobr
Craig
Reef bloke
02-04-06, 23:02
Looking very nice Craigg.Im just starting to get a bit of a bryopsis outbreak myself so i feel your frustation.
Great stuff Craig, keep up the good work!
:D
SPS Hoover
04-04-06, 10:01
Simon when someone like you says it look ok, I know I'm getting something right, the images don't show up my hair algea issues though. Hopefully a few massive water changes will help with that
I only praise those I believe deserve it. Have you tried a sea hare saw what one did to Mr G's hair algea issues. Impresive hair algea desturction i know they had some in TMC in bristol last week so should be available via local lfs.
Hi,
today I have added to huge peices of branch rock, to enable to addition of more corals but also because I never felt that end of the tank looked finished.
Shouldnt stay white too long.
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/IMG_6174.JPG
Reef bloke
13-05-06, 18:29
Thats one impressive piece of rock dude!tank definately looks fuller and more complete that end now.
thanks, its actually 3 bits but I might seperate it a bit, but over all I'm pleased. The bits where seriously big though.
Craig
Sorry to bore you all but I've moved the branch rock abit, I'm now pleased with its location.
http://www.craiggoffin.com/Portals/0/forumpictures/IMG_6178.JPG
Hi,
Thought I'd show you what I'm staring at tonight while listening to Roger Waters.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/IMG_6796.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/IMG_6797.jpg
Craig
Reef bloke
15-07-06, 00:28
Tis beautiful Craigg,how very relaxing.
:) ah very relaxing.zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zz
Right today I have made some major changes to my lighting, basically I have replaced all my spiderlight reflectors with Lumen Arc Large 250/400w S/E E40 Reflectors supplied by Rob and Marine Lighting, I have also taken the decision to junk my Antinics and do with out Blue light altogether, all is now also controlled via my Aquatronica.
So here are the before shots:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060915_0001.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060915_0003.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060915_0004.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060917_0060.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060917_0061.JPG
And the "AFTER" shots
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060917_0066.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060917_0067.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/20060917_0068.JPG
Although it doesnt look brighter, it certainly has much better "smooth" coverage, with all parts of the tank now being fully illuminated, plus I dont now get blinded when I open the doors.
Looks good Craig, much neater too. Are the ballasts new as well & what lamps are you running?
Have you noticed any response from the corals yet, more polyp extension or retraction... be careful they don't get light shock as Tuan had a major problem if I recall when he changed his lighting.
Cheers
:D
same electronic coralview ballasts and coralview 10k lamps.
Lights are now double the distance off the water service, will lower slowly over the next month.
Thanks, I'm pleased with the uniform look now, I had bad "hot spots" with the spiderlights.
Craig
Agree with Suk, much neater, also I notice a reduction in glitter lines at the back, is this part of the new effect or is it just how the picture appears?
yeh, as you can also see, the shadow lines at the top have now gone, only just noticed that!!!
instantsquid
17-09-06, 21:11
Hmmmm.... now you've got me thinking. I run 4 x 250w Coralvue bulbs - but I have 2 x 10000K and 2 x 20000K. I assumed if I ran all four at 10000K it would be too yellow. But your photos certainly don't look it. Are you totally happy with the colour of the light as it is? I'm sure my corals would love it if I ditched the two 20000K bulbs!
- Ian
yep "Totally" happy.
I was worried about losing the "blue" but not anymore, apart from I've now got to bring my halide "on" times back up so I can see into the tank more, as my antinics gave me that on the cheap as it were.
See what you mean Craig, I take it the glitter will strengthen when the lights drop, looking forward to seeing even more punchy colour:)
Hi,
Thought I'd show you what I'm staring at tonight while listening to Roger Waters.
Craig
Great taste in music and the tanks looking sweet.
Chris
Craig - When are you coming over to pick-up that Met Green Acro frag you wanted to re-introduce back into your tank. My colony needs fragging quick...
:D
I'm in Bedford for the next few days on a course, so I could detour on my way home if your about
Go for it, just give me a call first to make sure!
:)
Couple of through the side shots. Water is crystal clear but camera lens struggles.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061015_0223.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061015_0225.JPG
Craig
Various views of my tank as of yesterday:-
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061111_0299.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061111_0301.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061111_0302.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061111_0304.JPG
Craig
Valley Boy
13-11-06, 14:53
Hi Craig,
Looking good !----Are you still using the streams to flush under the rubble substrate?
Thanks Paul,
Yes I am still using the reverse undergravel type affair.
Seems to be working well.
Craig
Hmmmm.... now you've got me thinking. I run 4 x 250w Coralvue bulbs - but I have 2 x 10000K and 2 x 20000K. I assumed if I ran all four at 10000K it would be too yellow. But your photos certainly don't look it. Are you totally happy with the colour of the light as it is? I'm sure my corals would love it if I ditched the two 20000K bulbs!
- Ian
I have 2 400W 10k reeflux - the light has a very "crisp" white quality to it - makes the 250W coralvue (not reeflux) in the small tank look very yellow in comparison. Are you running electronic ballasts? These could be making a difference maybe?
Tank's looking good Craig - glad you are recovering from the algae nightmare!
STUNNING! Supurb set up. How did your sort out your hair algae issue?
Simple:-
7 (seven)!!!!150 gallon water changes over a period of 1 month.
Cost a fortune but worked a treat.
A few pictures of the dismantling.
Hasnt quite gone to plan ,as the fish are still in the tank at half water level due to one of the vats springing a leak.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0505.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0508.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0509.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0510.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0511.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0513.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0514.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0515.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0516.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0517.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0518.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0520.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0521.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/20061209_0522.JPG
is it wrong of me to really like those vats like that :D
maybe they should stay as 'haydn marine ponds'
must admit, its great being able to look from above so easily
Have you thought about plugging the leak with milliput, just an idea.
:)
No I hadnt, however I have used an entire tube of silicon, which has now sealed the problem, (tank connector area that was leaking)
So today I will transfer the rock and fish.
So far all stock ok, although I did have to force surface aggitation last night on the main tank as the fish seeme to be panting, it solved the problem though as I dont appeaer to have had any losses.
Complete, all rock and fish now transfered.
Tank now empty :mad:
Get the glass sorted and think about filling it back up!
Hope all goes well for you
Complete, all rock and fish now transfered.
Tank now empty :mad:
Hard bit's out the way, hope you are now going to replace the panel. ;)
Dave
Well the insurance assessor has been around today, so hopefully I will soon know whether the dream continues or comes to a complete stop.
however I have pretty much now lost 70% of my corals, inc acans, sps etc etc.
Strangely maybe I have not lost a single fish whilst in the VATs for 3 months. Even though the VATs are getting zero skimming and manual top up etc.
I hope it is sorted for you Craig asap, it seems to have dragged on.
good luck with the assessor, did they not tell you what they will be advising the company? make an offer?
thanks guys.
Scoob no not yet, should hear in the next 10 days though.
I'm glad they came round as they can see the mess my house is in while this is going on, and that I'm not doing this for fun.
Also although the assessor doesnt know anmthing about running a large reef tank, he could see my corals dying and bleaching out.
I'm glad its finally getting sorted out Craig, Hope your insurance comes through for you!
Good to see this post again!
simon garratt
10-03-07, 04:40
Good luck with it buddy...I really do hope it all pans out for ya.
Really sorry to hear about the corals (always a risk when in temporary situations)...but im sure that as soon as your up and running again. the membership will come good with a few nice freebies to get you up and running again.
You deserve it after the efforts youve put in on here over the years..
Regards
Si.
thanks si,
I remain hopefull it will all be sorted soon.
Ok here is an update. Tank replaced under insurance.
New super weirs, same idea but refined. Basically the streams are still inthe weirs (4 in each) but using milliput has allowed me to fix the "clamp" in situ, resulting in no effective lengthening of the stream barrel, thus zero loss of flow.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2222.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2223.jpg
Aquamedic Twin 5000 with adapted pump positioning which I have been reliably informed (and witnessed) increases air bubbles massively over standard.
Oh and the red rack to the right with 2 ft tanks is my "balling" method setup that I am creating.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2218.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2219.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2220.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2221.jpg
Work continues but as can be seen, it is full of salted water, sand added and a few bits of rock from the sump.
It is NOT yet flowing around the sump but that may well happen this weekend.
Lost ALL my SPS, but some Acans ok and ALL fish doing great.
Maybe I will go fish only.
Kind of glad to be back......I think.
Craig great to see it back wet.
Credit for sticking it out a disaster like that must be devasting.
nice one!!!, love the milliput idea, so simple yet effective.
Fish only :D :D :D so the balling sumps are for what then ;)
looking forward to seeing this get back to its former glory and beyond!
Great to see your tank full of water again, Craig.
Keep posting your progress.
Reef bloke
01-05-07, 00:30
Woo hoo,the mans back! Glad you stuck with it mate.
Great news, I hoped you would get it back up and running.:thumbsup:
Dave
I read this thread from start to finish a few weeks ago. Good to see you back mate.
Thanks all, the enthusiasm is slowly returning, as is the expense.
Transfered some rock last night
Tonight I'm going to take to my sump with a hammer and remove the divider which created the 2 ft miracle mud sump. Miracle mud turned into a waste of time other than keeping my Acans alive over the last few months. Thus creating a much bigger end compartment for the pumps, heaters, Lith reactor etc.
Craig
Great thread Craigg, looking forward to it being stocked properly :D
Been playing each night, adding a bit more rock, getting there but I seem to have about 100kg of branch rock left to fit in.
Also started building my "balling method" setup.
Oh and I did take to my sump with a hammer and have made the end section 400% bigger.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2226.jpg
Do Texaco sell Reef products now?
hahah thought that when I posted the pic.
Anyway another busy night of getting sopping wet.
Pics tomorrow as the lights are off now.
Anyway another busy night of getting sopping wet.
Pics tomorrow as the lights are off now.
Excellent :thumbsup:
SPS Hoover
04-05-07, 10:01
Nice to see it back full of water:thumbsup:
Let me know when you want some goodies to go in it:whistling:
Wow, what a journey, it's been a long road eh? :)
Just be careful your kids don't chuck any more objects around the room! :o
Glad to see you have stuck with it, wishing you all the very best of luck! :thumbsup:
Rock work complete and to say I'm chuffed to bits is an understatement, best I've ever done I recon.
Also picks of one of my "Balling" method tanks.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2228.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2229.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2230.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2231.jpg
What dya recon?
Like the rock work Craig :thumbsup:.
I have today been pursuaded to go to the dark side with balling on my new build. Are you going to use the Tronica dosing pump?
That was the plan (2 of them to dose the Fauna range as well) but its struggling to get off the mark at the moment.
How much LR do you have in there, looks very "light" for such a big tank ;)
cheers,
greg
No real idea, but there is another 100kg minimum in the sump, I'd guess around 200kg in main tank.
that being said I recon to much live rock is bad due to flow etc. The days of reef walls for me are lonnnnngg gone.
Blimey it doesn't look like 200kg, the tank dwarfs it ;)
its a big tank (300 gallons) 7.5ft long * 3ft wide by 2.5ft high.
Try fitting that rock in a 4ft and I can promise it would be impossible even leaving zero swimming space.
that scaping is absolutely stunning!!! hats off to you. if those three crops were level across a back glass it wouldn't work so well but staggered corner to corner, damn i wish my tank was deeper. beautiful, so so beautiful!!!
Why thankyou scoob, compliments indeed.
And yep if there's one thing I do recommend to anyone that ever asks is always if space allows forget the big 7-10ft numbers for lngth but go for depth 3ft is good, but I wish I could have gone 4ft.
just picturing a fish circling that central crop, stunning!!!!
one thing that is going to be a marked improvement on my next tank is front to back space. my tank is just too narrow for the future. i want to see my tangs head on, swimming at me, without peering down the end. yours looks perfect for this!! nice one!
Brilliant rock work mate
Love it
Looking great Craig, and really pleased that you stuck with it. Takes some dedication to manage to get back up and make it all happen again. I'm sure it's going to be better than ever :)
Reef bloke
04-05-07, 23:50
The aquascaping is very nice,will look stunning covered in sps etc.I much prefer the open look and im almost certain it handles Nitrates better when open.Im definately scaping in a similar fashion when and if i set another tank up.
Dunno I'm still like walls, but that's me never a follower of fashion :laugh:
By the way Tony "If I setup ".....:whistling:;):laugh:..give you a year :laugh:
Dave
Rock work looks small, but I can see the great potential in it, with far better space for corals to expand into and fish to swim. Good one. (just for you I'll resist the smilie)
How do your "Balling" method tanks work?
Tony
Craig thanks for the reply re the balling.
Bit like Tony above more info would be great.
It appears the tanks have a float switch in them? If running the balling via the Tronica wouldn't you just need a simple three container set up that is then dosed via the tronica dosing pump?
Good idea to get another dosing pump to automate the FM addition.
Yes simple containers would do but....I dont do things simple.
Basically I will fill 3 sections up to the point that the float switch stops more water going in. At that point I will have 5 gallons in each container.
I will then add the required media / chems etc for a 5 gallons mix. That should then last me 1 month or slightly more. Due to the size of my setup I dont want to have to create mixs every week....how would you cover 2 week holidays etc.
Then when the tanks get to the point where the Tronica doser cant get any more liquid out, I will open the taps, fill the tanks up again, add the chems again and off you go.
Its basically the basic method but on a bigger scale and one that I dont have to be constantly creating new mixes or carry water about.
Craig thanks for the reply.
You are far too automated :) i was thinking take tank / container out, mix up mixture and pop it back.
Yeh its the same really, its just down to size of tank and my calculations show that I will need to dose a fair amount, refilling containers once a week would be a nightmare.
I'm waiting on confirmation of my figures and then it will be all systems go....hopefully!!!!
That is Balling on a major scale !
I didn't think of the tanks as chemical sources. Good idea though.
Nice to see things back on the wet side Craig, can I ask what your source of info on the balling method is?
Well hopefully its Fauna Marin via ITC (Wavey)
So now its a fish Tank, not quite a reef yet but on its way.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2234.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2233crg.jpghttp://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2232.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2235.jpg
LPS now added as well.
Fish stock as follows:-
Niger Trigger - 1
Atlantic Blue Tang - 1
Regal Angel - 1
Juv Blue Face Angel - 1
Multi Bar Angel - 1
Yellow Tang - 1
Copperband - 1
Wild Percula Clowns - 2
Anthias Various (5 different types) - 15
Cleaner Wrasse - 1
Algae Blennie - 1
Pijama Cardinal - 1
Cleaner Wrasse - 1
Bubble Tip Anemone - 1
And the following are now in the sump:-
Bangai Cardinals - 5
Alleni Damsels - 2
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_2236.jpg
That aquascaping gets better mate everytime you see it.
Good work ;)
I agree, definitely looking better. :thumbsup:
Craig, did you have your blue face angel long in your previous tank? if so how did it get on with your SPSs? I seen one in Wharf over the last month, if I had room in my tank. I would be so tempted, absolutely gorgeous fish. Maybe when I upgrade!
Dave
Dave_P it was fine with SPS but its got to go as its taken an instant liking to my Acans. Well either that or a flog the Acans which is tempting as I do like big Angels. Damn decisions already!!!
I know what I would choose then. :);)
Interesting, seems to be a common theme with angels biting on LPSs.
Dave
lfc 5 times
08-05-07, 13:11
The bit that gets me is "your cooker hood".
sorry straight over my head that one....cooker hood? Do you mean my 4 Lumenarc reflectors?
SPS Hoover
08-05-07, 13:32
Nice cooker hoods:hysterical:
And why are my babies still in sump
Cause I cant catch them!!!(they keep hiding in the rock work in the sump) And I'm worried the pyjama cardinal will kill them.
That being said they are doing really well.
Picture taken tonight, only middle 2 halides on hence dark at either end. But you get the idea.
CRaig
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2007Q2/IMG_2601.jpg
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