View Full Version : Tank Of The Month - June 2005 - BulldogR
UltimateReef.com is proud to feature its latest 'Tank of the Month'.
BulldogR's reef tank.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog.jpg
Details can be found below.
Congratulations Gary superb tank and thankyou for the fantastic write up.!
If you have any questions or comments for Gary then please post them in this thread.
Craig
BulldogR's Reef Tank
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog.jpg
I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone that’s put my system forward for TOTM, I really don’t think I deserve the honour when compared to previous months and I’ll agree an unfair advantage whilst working in the trade to the occasional ‘select piece’ benefit (Gio, there you go happy now?), so although I’ll never admit to bribery to all those that put in a good word ‘frags are in the post’ ;0)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(1).jpg
History
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I started keeping tropical fish at the age of 10 and by the time I’d reached 13 I’d achieved my highest fishy accolade ever (previous to TOTM) of 2nd place for a breeding pair of Tanganyika cichlids (L.brichardi) at the Belle Vue fish show in Manchester back in the early 80’s, after that massive peak in my fishkeeping prowess it was bound to go downhill and just before my 17th Birthday my previously much loved 2x4ft Tropical tanks where sold to make way for beer and a white 1968 MK1 Escort Estate which was secretly hand painted as a surprise by a few mates to look like the car out of Ghostbusters (classy isn’t the word)……after more than a few years of dancing in muddy fields, and a distinct lack of money, I decided it was maybe time to get a job, house etc, so I did, and whilst working at a job I met fellow field dancer and part-time marine biologist Andy C, well to cut along story short in 1999 Andy C started Aquaworld and after a year or so in which time I was relentlessly headhunted with bribes of lavish gifts and offers of a huge salary (Yeah right!!)), I gave in, and decided to give fishkeeping one more go and joined Aquaworld
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(3).jpg
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As I’d had no previous experience of Marines it was a pretty steep learning curve and late 2001 saw my 1st Marine set-up, a skimmerless Juwel delta 80 seahorse tank. 2002 my 2nd of a 24”x24”x24” skimmerless softy based reef, but after literally being blown away with a few colleagues and customers SPS based systems I knew I had to try something similar.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(5).jpg
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The original plan for a 5ftx2ftx2ft tank was put on hold when arrogantly I was told by a long served SPS keeper that I wouldn’t be able to keep the colours or any sort of stability in one of my little simple skimmerless set-ups, and in a bid to prove him wrong I reduced the size of the intended tank, so in Dec 2003 after a few months planning my mate Dave the Rave the tank building extraordinaire delivered the completed tank and sump, and to be honest it’s ran with very few hic-cups since, and so I reckon I won the argument.
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Tank details
24x24x29 approx 60gal
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(9).jpg
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Lighting
D&D 250w Single halide with 10k BLV
2 x 24w D&D Actinic+ T5's
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(11).jpg
Circulation
1 x Tunze 6100 + light sensor
3 x 1200 Maxi jets run via Aquarium systems plug bar mounted in purpose built
chamber.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(12).jpg
Sump
22x14x14
2 x 15w Triton bulbs
Eheim 1060 return pump
Ratz 75 Calcium reactor(using ARM media) with D&D CO2 Kit
Deltec KM500 Kalk stirrer
Aqua medic SP3000 auto top-up system
Eco-Aqualizer X75 fed off Aquamedic PH2500
Pinpoint PH Monitor
250w Visi-therm heater
25w hydor heater for top-up water
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(14).jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(15).jpg
Filtration
30kg Belican LR
15lbs Miracle Mud
Caulerpa Mexicana
A single ickle Mangrove
Main tank using purpose built DSB section
Water Parameters
SG .025
Ph 8.2-8.3
Nitrate 0
Phosphate 0
Kh/Alk 10.6/3.77
Mg 1320
Ca 410
Strontium 10
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(20).jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(21).jpg
Corals
Acropora sp x19
Red Goniopora sp x1
Montipora sp x8
Platygyra lamellina x1
Ricordea yuma
Seriatopora hystrix x2
Turbinaria reniformis x1
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(13).jpg
Inverts
Crabs
Calcinus elegans (Blue knuckle crab)
Clibanarius sp (Rock hermit)
Lybia tesselata (Pom-pom crab)
Manucomplanus varians (Staghorn crab)
Neopetrolisthes maculata (Porcelain crab)
Paguristes cadenati (Scarlet crab)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(16).jpg
Shrimp
Lysmata amboinensis (Cleaner shrimp) x2
Stenopus cyanoscelis (Blue-legged boxer) x2
Thor ambionensis (Sexy shrimp) x2
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(17).jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(18).jpg
Snails
Astraea sp
Cypraea annulus (Money cowries)
Cerithium sp
Engina mendicaria (Bumblebee snail)
Nassarius sp
Trochus sp
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(19).jpg
Stars
Astroboa sp (Basket star)
Ophioderma sp (Zebra)
Ophiolepis sp (Banded serpent)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(22).jpg
Misc
Colochirus robustus (Yellow cucumber)
Polycarpa aurata (Pacific tunicate)
Tridacna maxima
Various feather duster worm
Fish
Amblyeleotris randalli (Randall’s shrimp goby)
Amphiprion muchusdebatusIthinktherelovelyus pair (Snowflake clowns)
Centropyge multicolour (Multicoloured Angel)
Forcipiger longirostris (Longnose butterfly)
Genicanthus watanabei (Watanabe Angel)
Macropharyngodon bipartitus (Splendid leopard wrasse)
Paracentropyge multifasciata (Multibarred Angel)
Synchiropus picturatus (Psychedelic mandarin)
Wetmorella triocellata (Pygmy Possum wrasse)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/bulldog%20(23).jpg
Future
Well the original plan was to shut this tank down and fit a 88”x26”x30” in it’s place, but to be honest I’d be pretty gutted to see it go and believe there’s still plenty of room for improvement so for my own personal interest I’d like to see how far I can take it and how well a relatively small MM/DSB SPS based system copes with maturity. The proposed 88” tank has know been cut down to 72” which should fit quite snug next to the current system, filtration will hopefully be a mud/mangrove based set-up with a twist, and looking into various LR and aquascaping possibilities, a definite must for the new tank will be a small shoal of G.watanabei which without doubt are one of my favourite fish, and a good reason for a larger set-up.
……. also and I hope the girlfriend doesn’t read this but a few more species only tanks to join my Stomatopods would be nice, Frogfish particularly the Warty (A.maculatus) have always fascinated me, and again seeing Mikeys beautiful cuttle babies the possibility of a Cephalopod based system is just to tempting…….;o)
Thanks
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Tank looks superb! Some very unusual examples espaecially the snowflake clowns, I've never seen them before. look superb.
Good luck with the new plans. I've just finish filling up my new per120 with RO water and will start with the rest of the set up soon. I hope mine looks half as good as yours when i'm finished.
Richard
Fabulous, an inspiration, congratulations.
Matt
excellent tank Gary, truely superb.
think you need to get the cutters out though :whistling:
is the elegance in one full piece, ie no die back or partially exposed skeleton? you never know when reserving until you see it in the flesh.
craig
An incredibly stunning tank Gaz, well worthy of tank of the month :wub: I only hope my new tank can look something like yours :blush: Ive always admired this tank ever since i first saw it in the members tank section and have followed its progress to where it is today.
Congratulations mate :dance:
Chris
bunglehaze
05-06-05, 14:49
:wub: :wub: :wub:
Now that IS nice!
cheers
leigh :D
Beautiful Tank!!! :wub:
Really like your two clowns, they are gorgeous.
Very well deserved. :thumbsup:
Mountainman01
05-06-05, 15:50
Simply stunning. Beautiful!!! :wub: :wub:
I think that just proves that a monster proportioned system is not a pre requisite to be hugely successful!
A credit to you.
Awesome. :thumbsup:
Paul.
ditto gary very nice m8 how about a few frag swapsies :D
:bow: stunning dude :bow:
chris allsop
05-06-05, 21:18
:wub: very nice tank, how do you manage to keep 3 angels in a smallish tank?
love the clowns and the corals look great to, well done. :wub:
:dance: :thumbsup:
redartyfarty
05-06-05, 21:33
Stunning! What can't speak can't lie and those pics tell the whole truth - makes me want to start all over again to achieve the standard you've reached with that system :bow: That really is a fantastic set up mate and I hope I can get somewhere near it one day :wub: You keep it immaculate and the colours of your corals and fish are superb and obviously they are in tip top condition - all credit to you and a real inspiration to us all. Now I know why I value your opinion! Nice one! Did you do the pics by the way? They are excellent too.
ATB
Gio :thumbsup:
Get fragging mate - I'll have one of everthing! :whistling:
Originally posted by redartyfarty@Jun 5 2005, 20:33
Stunning! What can't speak can't lie and those pics tell the whole truth - makes me want to start all over again to achieve the standard you've reached with that system :bow: That really is a fantastic set up mate and I hope I can get somewhere near it one day :wub: You keep it immaculate and the colours of your corals and fish are superb and obviously they are in tip top condition - all credit to you and a real inspiration to us all. Now I know why I value your opinion! Nice one! Did you do the pics by the way? They are excellent too.
ATB
Gio :thumbsup:
Get fragging mate - I'll have one of everthing! :whistling:
Excellent example to us all.Stunning tank mate,well done,hope you are as proud of your tank as i would be if it were mine! :wub: :bow:
outstanding!
:bow: :bow: :wub: :wub: :bow: :bow:
:lol: ........and never forget those muddy fields mate!!!
:lol:
just stunning matey. who said you couldnt do it
mark
Beautiful tank, well done.
awesome looking tank, I hope my little project looks half as decent as that!
A very deserved tank of the month
VERY NICE :wub: :wub: :bow:
bristlebasher
07-06-05, 15:18
Also like the tank very much :wub: .
Enjoyed the humour filled write-up even more :thumbsup:
Well done!!!!!!
Awesome mate....
Genuinely couldn't happen to a nicer guy!
Now wheres that frag :thumbsup:
Sean the Prawn
08-06-05, 20:14
Superb tank Gary, absolutely stunning, I agree with Gio completely about wanting to start again when we look at that set up of yours. Nice write up too, excellent spelling ;)
You the man Gaz, you the man. :bow:
Sean :thumbsup:
Happy now? :P
That is a stunning tank Gaz. :bow:
Myself and Sean were regular field dancers before we started keeping marines dont seem to be able to afford it now. :blink:
Mat
Big thanks for all the positive comments :thumbsup:
.....and to answer a few of the questions
is the elegance in one full piece, ie no die back or partially exposed skeleton? you never know when reserving until you see it in the flesh
Yeah seems fine touch wood, have'nt noticed any damage so fingers crossed :)
how do you manage to keep 3 angels in a smallish tank?
Luck :D
Did you do the pics by the way?
Yeah, suppose it's not my fault i'm multi-talented :P :lol:
who said you couldnt do it
Not telling yeah!!!! :P ....but reckon you might know him ;)
Thanks again :bow:
The Tangman
10-06-05, 21:16
tanks looking really great mate!!! especially the NICE BIG, WELL LOOKED AFTER red goni, not to mention the frag donations??!! thanks for the acknowledgments :ph34r: :ph34r:
:cheers: :cheers:
mark_dimeck
10-06-05, 22:34
Wow - superb reef Gary :thumbsup:
Good to see your Cat has got such a good home :D
Mark
Very very nice...even for an sps reef ;)
Really enjoyed reading about it....nice one :thumbsup:
one of the most amazing tanks i have seen. The reef exudes beauty and strength. Well deserved!
fab tank Gary - well deserved! :thumbsup:
Hi all
Bulldog just a fantastic tank
shame about the owner :wub:
however now i know where all them so called "missing equipment and stock went"
Andy c
ps there is a great muddy feild on tonight
amazing range of corals and colours , ! nice one :thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
neils 2500 ltr
16-06-05, 20:29
truly stunning gaz :thumbsup:
all the best
neil :)
Garry thomas
16-06-05, 22:45
Stunning tank very natural :thanx: B)
come on then Gary
these snowflake clowns :o
are they rare :wub:
where did you find them and are they expensive
thanks dean <_<
oh yes very nice tank mate
absolutley stunning mate :D a real credit too you!! :thumbsup:
Thanks again for the comments :thumbsup:
come on then Gary
these snowflake clowns
are they rare
where did you find them and are they expensive
thanks dean
Dean the Snowflakes are well kinda rare ;) do a search on the board for a mixed set of opinions towards them.... :rolleyes:
Lovely tank, congratulations mate.
Do you find that you have to prune/frag the SPS much, or do you just leave them to it?
That table acro is fab, did you get it as a frag or a colony?
Does the BTA stay put, or move about?
:thumbsup:
Chris.
Lovely tank, congratulations mate.
Do you find that you have to prune/frag the SPS much, or do you just leave them to it?
That table acro is fab, did you get it as a frag or a colony?
Does the BTA stay put, or move about?
Chris.
Thanks Chris :thumbsup:
Must admit the only ones I tend to prune are the plating monti's when they start to block the light reaching lower corals, but on the whole I tend to leave them be, find it quite interesting watching the outcome when they meet.
Table was about half the size it is now, and grows very quickly, pretty gutted really but the only place I had left to place it meant it would'nt be long before it touched the glass and lost some of it's circular shape....
BTA moved around for the first few months and has then stayed put ever since(touch wood ;) ), strangely it did'nt seem to be causing to much damage to the surrounding SPS it touched, but recently I've noticed a few area's that have bleached after being in full contact with it on a daily basis.
cloud dodger
04-07-05, 00:49
Top tank and great photos :bow:
rjwilsonreefer
07-07-05, 20:59
Congratulations,
A very sweet tank indeed, those clown fish are just awsome looking in your tank.
I am glad to see your able to do something that is different from the norm. There are so many ways to do things in this hobby which is just up to the individual to have some imagination and know how by researching and making it happen. I think that anyone who stays on top there systems to make sure things are in check and keep making improvements, they can't go wrong and can accomplish most anything.
I love this hobby, it looks like you do as well by having a fantastic reef tank.
Congratulations again!
Lovely Looking tank there.. i remeber when it was just set up..
I don't get the point if you put a DSB in the main tank together with miracle mud system.
I heard from ecosystem that these two system does not works well together, what can you say about?
Regards,
Giuseppe
As you can see it has'nt worked ;)
devil_fish
30-08-05, 19:57
great tank mate !!!!!
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