View Full Version : Manta's Tank
Our 6ft Red Sea biotope tank is finally in situ :) . Went for a Deltec in the end, really liked Calico's, and was impressed by Kenny Halley's and UDA's display tank. Had intended on 5ft x 30" wide for a reef set-up, but as tank will have much more of a fish emphasis decided on 6ft x 28" as a compromise. Specs as follows:
Stocklist
Asfur Angel Pomacanthus asfur
2x Golden (Addis) Butterfly Chaetodon semilarvatus
Long-nosed Butterfly Forcipiger flavissimus
Lipstick Surgeon Naso lituratus
Iridis Wrasse Halichoeres iridis
Orchid Dottyback Pseudochromis fridmani
Sunrise Dottyback Pseudochromis flavivertex
Springer's Dottyback Pseudochromis springeri
Midas Blenny Escenius midas
Redstripe Anthias Pseudanthias fasciatus
10x Lyretail Anthias Pseudanthias squamipinnis
Snails Trochus/Turbo/Astrea/Cerith
Cleaner Shrimps Lysmata spp.
Urchins 1x Echinometra spp. & 3x Mespilia
System details
Tank: 180cm x 70cm x 60cm (756 litres)
Cabinet: 180cm x 70cm x 75cm
Sump: 90cm x 45cm x 40cm
Total volume: 950litres
Aquatronica computer controlling temp, pH & top-up:
heating by 1x300w Hydor Theo
top-up through Watson-Marlow peri-pump
HLP 5250 return pump (5800lph) 32mm pressure/40mm return
HLP 5250 Interval closed loop pump (5800lph) - flow as above with variable pulse - 32mm pipework.
2x Vortech MP40 propeller pumps (12000lph each)
Skimmer: Deltec AP702 powered by 3x 1260 (2400lph) - 2 for Venturis, 1 for feed. 32mm pressure/50mm return
Deltec FR509 fluidised reactor for phosphate control, using Ultiphos P, powered by NewJet 600
Lighting: Giesemann Infinity 2x 150w (14.5k BLV's) + 2x 54w Gies. Actinic+ T5's
Refugium: 10 litre CPR HOB with Arcadia podlite
RO: Ultimate Aquatics 100gpd RO/DI/TDS meter
Quarantine: 1x180L, 1x 125L & 1x35L
60kg 'Fiji' live rock
36kg live aragonite (9kg oolite)
18kg dry aragonite
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/DeltecTank01.JPG
pretty much same as suks tank.
Stunning tanks.
Think the plastic at the base may become a pain with scratches etc but I understand why you've done it with that stunning looking wood floor.
Did you get the eco chiller as well?
CRaig.
A stunning tank
glad to see you getting your tank after all the planning and looking etc,think you went for the best 1 in the end :thumbsup:
good luck to you both with your exciting project
looking forward to seeing the progress on it
:cheers:
Mark
Thanx Craig, I'm not so sure about the plastic myself, just wanted something more permanent than vinyl sheeting (currently under QT), any probs and it will probably go, Frogfone did suggest using a rug, so got that idea on ice. Didn't get the chiller as I don't think it will be necessary (famous last words), hard to think about excess heat when its -5 degrees!
Cheers Mark, it'll be a long work in progress, be a while before any salt hits it.
All I can say is , about time !!!
I've no idea what you mean m8 :whistling:
Finally got QT up and running (hopefully more of an acclimatisation tank) after a minor disaster with crushed coral as sand bed - tank turned to milk. Will be used before end of month, now I can start the plumbing on the other one.......
QT is a Rio 180 (100cmx40x50) using Juwel sponges as biofilter, Juwel 600lph as main pump, seaclone skimmer powered by MJ1200 (1100lph), 200w Juwel heater, 2x30w Marine white, 1x30w actinic, 2kg of coral sand, 2 fake pieces of LR and one v small LR for seeding.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/QTank.JPG
I'm not sure if you need any sand in the QT tank, I never did.
I had a skimmer, powerhead, some ocean rock and a clay flowerpot, external canister and a UV. Lighting was 1 T8 marine white and 1 marine blue, separately powered.
For sure would be a lot simpler treatment wise without I agree. But then I thought it would be much better for the livestock with at least some substrate (there will be at least one wrasse in this tank).
Right hand cab with skimmer space and interval pump (plug bars should be re-positioned soon).
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img52.25.JPG
Assembled skimmer
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img50.25.JPG
Skimmer in place, just awaiting 1260 feed pump before wet testing.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img54.25.JPG
Weatherproof box sunken into wall with 2 double passive RCD's fitted.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img56.25.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img57.25.JPG
Now that's what I call a skimmer :lol: :lol: :lol: .
Watching your progress with interest - potentially a cracking ;) setup!
:thumbsup:
John
all i can see is red x's??
ahhh, thats better!!
nice mate! Looking forward to seeing it stocked
regards
Barry
Pic probs now resolved, cheers Mikey :blush:
Thanx Juppy, can't wait till stocking time :lol:
I am going to use a 702 on my new tank, can i ask why you are not using a direct feed from the overflow? would feed the beast pure sh*t water then and give it the opportunity to drag everything out of the water quicker. Just an idea, i am trying to research the best way to feed it also and quite a few are doing it this way.
Regards
Barry
Stunning tank and what a skimmer keep up the good work!
All the best Chris :thumbsup:
Left hand/centre of cabinet, fully plumbed in and testing with tapwater. Some of piping a bit obscure - thanx to Sharon & Roddy (Frogfone) for their input.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img55.25.JPG
Full frontal
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img59.25.JPG
Circ turned up to max
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img60.25.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img61.25.JPG
Lighting test - yet to suspend from ceiling (not looking forward to it - heavy blighters!)
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/img62.25.JPG
Cheers Chris.
After talking with Stuart Bertram we did intend on having skimmer gravity fed Barry, nutrient wise i've no doubt it would be the best way to go.
We then started to figure out how the flow would be regulated and that's when the doubts crept in - skimmer needs 2300lph, return is 5800 minus gravity etc - that would need a fair amount of tinkering.
Andrew and Ian at lfs (UDA) then killed this idea giving me examples of past experience - basically don't touch with a barge pole was the advice.
To be fair Stuart's system (amazing) runs with gravity fed skimming and he states no probs, as with many other tanks. In the end it would have saved us 65watts/24hrs day and 80 odd quid. The extra space required and plumbing for the method we're using should also be a concern. I don't regret the decision we've made but please get as many opinions on the subject before you commit.
HTH
oh!!
Will do cheers bud!
And good luck
Regards
Barry
Great looking set up :thumbsup: The xmas tree is another matter , quite poor really :( :whistling:
:lol:
That's my stunning fibre optic job, only looks cack cos its switched off - honestly :whistling:
Looking good now, keep the pics coming.
What is you tank sitting on? Acrylic?
Cheers Slappy, tank sits on 2mm polystyrene sheet from B&Q.
That's going to look sweet ,,been hearing about this from sharon & roddy...nice setup m8 :thumbsup:
hi manta looks brill with just water in . love the skimmer its a big'en
my new setup looks simular but in pine and my 4sumps are in a fiterroom to cut down on noise ( the wife )
was looking at your return outlets ive got 4 but put 45* on instead of 90* they not glued so can have a play around with them . i tried one with a 90* and the top of the water looked like the northsea lol
ive got two OR6500 on cloesdloops with only 10" of headhight :)
i will post pic on here when i learn to . up to yet i have failed every time :wacko: :blink: :blush: :whistling:
Appreciated S~D, that sounds like you have a hell of a set-up, you should def put your pics up on tank specs - love to see em.
Very very nice looking tank, just make sure you dont drop the lights when fitting them :o
If it was my tank i would put a sheet of 18mm ply over the top when fitting the lights (just to be on the safe side)
John...........
wow, looks great so far, really like the colour the lights put out too.
Thanx John, I have a sheet of 18mm earmarked for that very purpose :thumbsup:
Interesting you say that Fras, as there 20k's I will be changing them to 10 at first opportunity. Light does look more 'white' in pics than in the flesh :cheers: .
Been busy with pipework, LR will sit on 'floating' eggcrate islands. Eggcrate kept off tank bottom using sawn Marley 21.5mm overflow pipe bonded with super glue gel. Pipework placed horizontally to aid water flow.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Img_0068_25.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Img_0070.25.JPG
LR bommies will be hollow, used same 21.5mm pipework to make bommie framework. All framework drilled to aid water passage.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Img_0071.25.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Img_0073.25.JPG
Bommies will be kept open backed as closed loop will run underneath each structure. Each structure has been made large enough to house a stream.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploads/Img_0074.25.JPG
Coming along nice m8 :thumbsup:
jus my suggestion,
If u have decided the position of the stand, why not cut the egg crate and place the PVC stand right thru it and rest on the tank base? I think it will add on stability. BTW, is it going to be a BB tank ?
Very nice set up indeed, I love that bl88dy skimmer :wub: :bow:
Cheers Jimbo
hamann, good suggestion re the pipework and one of my early concerns, but on closer inspection nothing to worry about this way. I can lean on the structure with about half my weight and its rock solid.
Tank will def not be BB, I already have about 20kg live sand and will be buying more at final set-up.
Lawrence Corley
15-01-06, 21:21
That's one hell of a set up you've got there Manta. Looking forward to seeing this one as it progresses.
Loz
Carcharias
19-01-06, 12:53
What a tank, its a belter. I see you got it in the same colour as my 996.
Really. I originally wanted the tank in yellow to match the calipers on my GT2. Missus said not a chance.
Nothing new to report :dance:
Nothing to report yet Jim, quite a bit of work needing done before up and running, hopefully not too long though.
Ok M8,you take all the time in the world,it will well be worth the wait :thumbsup:
Looking really good, I can see a lot of thought has gone into it.
Look forward to the updates!
:D
Cheers Jim
Thanx Suk, if it turns out half as good as yours we'll be very happy :D
Originally posted by Suk@Jan 25 2006, 21:56
Looking really good, I can see a lot of thought has gone into it.
Probably more thought than any other tank in the history of fishkeeping ;) ;) ;)
Well, either had to think about tank or something like Scottish football.............nuff said really :rolleyes:
I wait with great anticipation..nothing happened in a month?surely there has to be summit
Wanted to read Reef Aquarium Vol 3 (done now) before final set-up, still collecting equipment too and got the headache of hanging the lights to come.
(Also made mistake of getting a 360 - tank last thing on your mind when your hammering a Lambo around the N'ring........)
Carcharias
15-03-06, 23:45
Would rather hammer my GT2 around Adrossan, cant beat the real thing
Manta had a GT2 as well but he sold it as said it wasnt quick enough :eek:
pics aint displaying?! :(
Well said Mark.
DJnav pick up a copy of evo - your sure to see pics in there:p
Just waiting for uploader restoration nav;)
Lights now hung - used 3x2 softwood battens copiously varnished. Weight spread across 2 joists each in loft.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7455.jpg
Close up of fitting - fixing cylinder sunk into batten rather than screwed as a failsafe - big thanks to Frogfone .
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7456.jpg
Neatly done - can barely see where suspension cables (s/s brake cable) emerge from ceiling.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7468.jpg
Pendant above tank - should leave ample room either side for maintenance.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7465.jpg
dan-the-man
10-04-06, 09:58
Decent tank mate!
Cheers Dan.
Pipework pics to follow.
Closed loop plumbing in 32mm down outside of dry weir, and snaked around to back of tank. Two returns exit into space within eggcrate/bommie.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7479.jpg
45's used where possible, but plumbing not cemented yet, so modifications can be made (any suggestions welcome). Run along tank originally a straight line from box, but we wanted the pipework at back of tank thus as cryptic as possible. Our reckoning is the pump should be powerful enough to provide adequate flow. FW test to follow in due course.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7478.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7477.jpg
Pipework bushed with neoprene to avoid vibration.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7475.jpg
like the neoprene idea. Wouldnt you be better drilling some holes in that pipe though instead of just 2 outlets?
I chose not to have drilled pipe for the return to avoid any possible clogging problems. Not saying that would have happened, just that by using largish bore plumbing with few but largish outlets I am hoping to keep maintenance to a bare minimum.
I had the idea of an under-rock stream type effect with a large volume of water being moved. Hopefully the FW test will reveal if this idea will work or not, but its a bit of an experiment and I can change the plumbing at any time. Cheers for your input;) .
Going to use one of kitchen cupboards to house various bits and pieces. Hole drilled through from living room wall to kitchen with a piece of 50mm ABS inserted. This pipe diameter should give enough space for various cables and pipework for future developments.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7481.jpg
Cupboard is L-shaped and will house 100 litre top-up tank/osmolator. There is enough space for a UPS and external ballasts, and perhaps the RO.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7480.jpg
That's coming along real nice Manta
Yep Jim we're getting there, slowly but surely.
Interval pump sits in 3 litre plastic box to catch small spills. Base is lined with neoprene to combat any vibration issues (there is no vibration without box).
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7483.jpg
Skimmer will sit on 5x 50mm PP pipe connectors inside a 3 litre plastic drip tray. Pipe is notched at base and drilled further up for water ingress, pipe is also bushed with neoprene on either edge, again in case of vibration.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7485.jpg
Skimmer had to be stilted due to skimmer return being too short for height of sump. Bonus is better vis around skimmer for leakages etc.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7488.jpg
Changed to black eggcrate instead of white to make it a tad more cryptic. Crate supported on sawn 25mm pvc bonded with superglue gel. Used acrylic in reef-eden style in an attempt to keep sand out. Thanks to all who offered advice on cutting acrylic, not the easiest of jobs - used a combination of blade/coping saw in the end up and bent acrylic to shape using heat gun.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7489.jpg
For closed loop pipe channel I used a piece of neoprene which is glued and cable-tied to acrylic.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7491.jpg
Right side bommie
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7493.jpg
Left side bommie
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7495.jpg
Full tank view
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7496.jpg
Looking good m8...wouldn't worry about the acrylic..by the time you have your rock in there(and sand if your using any)you wont see it..
nearly there now , great idear with the eggcrate i think that will work better than the original reef flush.
Cheers Jim, I'm not too fussed that its not perfect, just glad that jobs finished. Much more important that it does its what its supposed to:) .
Thanx jjb, I don't know if this way will be more effective than a reef-flush or not, eggcrate wise I nicked the idea from Si G (he must be used to it!:p )
FW top reservoir now in place in cupboard. Tank holds 100litres (75x30x45cm) and is dual cover glassed, supplied by UA. Sits on 2cm of polystyrene.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7498.jpg
PYTHON2674
11-05-06, 20:47
Now that is one setup. I just wish i had the patience you have had and also the amazing attention to detail to cover any foreseeable eventualities. I think this is going to be the mutts nutts :cool: .
My only critisisim would be the hole in the neoprene is not very round!!!:eek:
ATB
Carl:D
:p Cheers Carl, as for forseeable eventualities I'm sure Sod or Murphy will have other ideas.......
Manta, just thought I would let you know that my deltec trendline arrived today and I am well impressed ! Will be following your thread with interest as we have similar setups. Gonna keep mine standard as I'm new to this and will start my own thread soon, just keeping it nice and slow and easy :)
Really pleased for you m8, you must be pretty excited. Be nice to see your own thread on tank specs.
Really pleased for you m8, you must be pretty excited. Be nice to see your own thread on tank specs.
Yes I am excited and also nervous ! Have you filled your tank yet. I need to buy several bits and pieces yet including a heater and a way to test salinity. Put the lights on for the first time and noticed swirly scratches near the top of the tank, just hope it looks ok when the water is in :confused:
Not yet Lasbrisas, got some leccy jobs to do. Swirly scratches on the glass are par for the course I'm afraid, as long as its not on the finish I wouldn't be too concerned.
At long last the plug bars have now been fitted. Used heavy duty Velcro to fix bars to metal frame. The bond on the normal bars is rated at max 15kg, 30kg on the computer bar.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7499.jpg
A total of 4 bars used so 24 sockets should be enough.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7505.jpg
Computer fastened to wall, again with Velcro for easy removal.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7509.jpg
Fitted a light to cabinet, its a 9w PC from Hagen.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7516.jpg
This is our peri-pump kit, I've listed components below pic in case it is of help to others, as the advice given to us made a huge difference at the time.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7504.jpg
From RS: 330812 Watson Marlow 102R Peri pump head
330828 Mounting plate
2559649 DC motor 12v 8rpm, 500:1 gear
2282068 Marprene tubing, 4.8mm bore, 3m
From Maplins: VN10L 12v DC variable regulated transformer
From B&Q: IP66 rated Weatherproof ABS box
looking good mate,
what kind of cost does the peri work out at? i could do with something like that and is it then easy enough to rig up?
cheers
Hiya Mark, cost about 220 squids, I'm not sure if you could cut a bit off this eg. I thought over £15 for a transformer and £15 for the box was a bit much but I couldn't be bothered sourcing it cheaper.
Not that difficult rigging up though I did have advice from some peeps on here and Tuans thread on FAQ's really helped a lot (thanx Sharon). The hardest thing I found was choosing all the components ie. the motor speed, tubing size etc.
If you need any help give me a shout and I'll try my best.
Ha
You've got all the bits now how you going to put it all together??? I got mine partially built off ebay and I'm still stuck!
Sounds a lot for a pump but believe me we have loads of these at work. They run 24/7, 365 days of the year and they rarely need anything done. We recently threw out some 20 year old ones that the motors had gone on, they just run and run and run.
What made you get a computer in the end? What kind is it?
Sharon
Hi Sharon, its all built, I just can't mount it in place yet cos I'm waiting on superglue drying (been nearly 48hrs now). Give me a sec, I've got a couple of pics of it so far.
Computer wise its an Aquatronica, will only be using it for temp/level at first but will prob get PH and perhaps the Ca probe much further down the line. To be honest we were going to get the Tunze top-up and the Schego controller but we didn't find a signif difference in price.
After a bit of soldering, drilling & glueing here it is. Drilled box lid so that for servicing I can just take the lid off, and hopefully the unit will still be reasonably watertight.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7512.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7513.jpg
Sharon let me know if your unit is similar and I can have a looksie if need be. There were a few nuts & bolts that came with it that appear to relate to another model so at times it was a bit confusing. Also I tested the motor and it sounds a bit like a Hornby train set! lol.
Mounted peri-pump inside kitchen cupboard, motor box is fixed at a slight forward angle to prevent water damage.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7517.jpg
Internal pipework now finalised. Tested this arrangement crudely inside the tank and happy with the flow. Pipework glued at key points but I have made sure it can be disassembled for maintenance etc.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7519.jpg
I've fitted white PVC sheaths to some sections, cut with a coping saw and glued. This is in case the pipework was badly exposed and I didn't want grey stripes across the sand.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7521.jpg
White PVC from states is metric but due to a difference from 'euro metric' it fitted quite snugly.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7522.jpg
Installed pipework in tank.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7524.jpg
I've cut up a piece of eggcrate to form outlet grills. The edges have been filed for streamlining (each one took 2-3 hours) and are a lot more 'clean' looking in the flesh.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7532.jpg
Love the attention to detail
Hi,
I used the same peri pump as you, i stopped buying the tubing from RS. I started using some from elsewhere 15m for £30.
john
Those Deltec tanks really are lovely. Can't wait to see it stocked. Good work :)
Thanx jobr & Teesh, bought 20kg of LR today, now in QT, can't wait to put in big tank.
John how have you found the peri for reliability, also thats not marprene tubing for that price is it? (could have saved a small fortune)
Hi,
I ran the one on my calcium reactor 24/7 for a couple of years with not one problem. The other one ran my auto top up with no problems. The tubing i used was http://www.altecweb.com/home.asp?cat=Subcategory3250
john..
Thats good to know John, I'll have a look.
RO unit working 24/7 at the mo, only getting 10L/hr due to ground water temp of 10.5oC. Hope it gets warmer or its 90 hrs to full.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7536.jpg
The big fill continues, not long now...................
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7539.jpg
The first of the LR currently in QT, should be moving to main tank soon.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7542.jpg
Looking good Manta,never thought of offering my services with the fill,i bought a new RO unit just before selling my setup so now it sits idle apart from a flush now and then until i get my new setup started,if you do want some let me know i can fill a few drums..
..
Look forward to seeing the tank with the rock in..
No problem jimbo, Sharon & Roddy gave us approx 150 litres of the good stuff, so all salted up now and adding rock as we speak.
atb
Looking good mate!
Just a warning though, im not sure if yours is the same but my clown wrasse ate every single bristleworm he saw. I watched him do it! had to get rid. Took ages to get the population up again. Also depends how you feel about bristleworms.
Regards
Juppy
Thanx for the heads up about the wrasse Barry, its a Formosan - twice as big as a Clown (and prob twice as nasty) but thats the reason hes in there. How did your Clown get along (or not) with crabs/shrimps?
i dont think i had him with shrimps, he used to bully the small hermits a bit.
Mine was a real PITA, hopefully yours is different.
Regards
Barry
Cheers for that Barry, we'll see how he gets on.
:)
This is about 60kg LR. Rock was randomly placed on eggcrate just to get it cycling in tank. Even so we're quite chuffed with the look of it so far, there are two distinct bommies with lots of room around each. From cabinet I can also look up into centre of each bommie and the flow pattern of the closed loop is working well.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7548.jpg
Still another 20kg from QT to add, so hopefully this won't spoil the look too much.
Impressive attention to detail.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/mark-c-/bowdown.gifhttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y120/mark-c-/bowdown.gif
looking great,well done on all the hard work
Reef bloke
08-06-06, 00:26
Super clean look,very nice mate,well thought out!
Really appreciate the comments guys:)
Snowsurfer
08-06-06, 23:20
Thats a great looking tank. A real inspiration to new reef keepers like myself.
Thanx Matt, I wish I could be inspirational to myself about rinsing sand! (current job)
Found Nemo, what now?
11-06-06, 12:03
hope you're using RO to keep those phosphates down?
Er, FN:
RO unit working 24/7 at the mo, only getting 10L/hr due to ground water temp of 10.5oC. Hope it gets warmer or its 90 hrs to full.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7536.jpg
And did after all take a full 4 days even with Frogfones help!
Found Nemo, what now?
12-06-06, 00:05
no, I meant to rinse the sand with.
Didn't rinse with RO Scott, but not expecting any problem as we're mostly using live sand.
Found Nemo, what now?
13-06-06, 12:32
Just asking because the live sand I added had an instant Cyano attack, the sand I washed with tap water had cyano for ages, but washed with RO, it was spotless!
maybe a coincidence?
Hmmm, interesting - will need to see what happens then, I have used live sand in a previous tank and there was no problem with it. I am expecting cyano anyway during cycling.
Sand now added, consisting of 100% aragonite. We used 27kg of live aragonite from Natures Ocean, 9kg of live oolitic arag from CaribSea and 18kg of Aragamax Select also from CaribSea. Sand depth is approx. 4cm.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7552.20.JPG
Only 30kg or so of LR is in tank at present, rest to be added in due course.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7555.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7558.20.JPG
Looking good ! Did you get the cloudy effect when you added the sand.
I did for about half a day Steve, but has totally cleared now. Worst offender was the live oolite, closely followed by dry aragamax, no cloudiness at all from live aragonite.
Snowsurfer
16-06-06, 23:15
Looks very nice, cant wait to see how this one turns out.
just read from the start to date , what an exellent piece of work. looking forward to seeing more.
Richard
Thanx for the comments guys.
Rockwork now finalised with 86kg of LR, pleased we've managed to keep two distinct bommies as we only wanted them to be two rocks high at most.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7566.20.JPG
Side shot, more than enough space for fishes to swim around and for coral growth etc.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7568.20.JPG
Right hand bommie, we have some LR rubble to hide visible pieces of eggcrate, but to be honest not sure if we'll bother - in the flesh it surprisingly doesn't bother us.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7569.20.JPG
Left hand bommie, both bommies are very open in the middle for circ and fish quarters.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7570.20.JPG
Always indented to have a gorge between the two bommies and aimed for a 30cm gap, came pretty close in the end.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7576.20.JPG
ChrisCummins
18-06-06, 20:19
:D
Superb mate, If I didn't live so far away I'd buy you a pint (after all the money you've spent on the tank, you proabaly can't afford one anyway! :)).
Thanks,
Chris
You ain't kidding mate!:p
(Cases of Stella accepted through post:p ;) )
Reflection off back glass showing (hopefully) cave entrance at rear of bommie. This is for access to closed loop for maintenance and also a way for bigger fishes to enter. Both bommies have this feature. Three sticks of Aquascape used in total.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7577.20.JPG
Prometheus
18-06-06, 20:31
i know the feeling too OUCH on the pocket but i would say it was worth it.
good job by the way dude the tank looks stunning :D
ChrisCummins
18-06-06, 20:42
good job by the way dude the tank looks stunning :D
nah it doesn't, and you know it lol jk. :D
Love the cave, very cool idea. :)
Thanks,
Chris
looking great,i love that tank!!!!
just a v small thought - what about 1 piece of branching rock across the top connecting the rockwork? just an idea,an sps bridge :D
good work tho ;)
Found Nemo, what now?
19-06-06, 16:37
Looking fantastic!
Like the bridge idea, got a mental image of a rope bridge between 2 cliffs though :)
Aquascape? what's that then? :D lol
(I might regret the balancing act soon though, new cucumber already burrowed under rocks, eek!)
Cheers guys, like the bridge idea, gave it some thought but I would rather have a big plate monti do it for me - yeah we wish:D :p
Carcharias
22-06-06, 19:26
Bonza tank guys, hopefully pop up on Sunday to see it. Maybe bring up the new car
Pop up anytime, your LR is looking good btw.
Phosphate reactor now installed. Using 250g of Ultiphos P, have NewJet switched to minimum of 200lph and media is turning over perhaps a tad faster than ideal but we've yet to encounter any probs with fines.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7580.20.JPG
Oh dear, I have the dreaded clicking sound coming from the tank. Seems to only happen when ambient light is dim - could very well be a Pistol I spose, though thats what I thought with my previous tank........ Also got some sizeable crabs in there too:rolleyes:
Will try and get an ID/photo.
Manta, is the phosphate reactor you have the FR509 model. I am interested in getting one, does the feed come out of the sump and back in again. Easy/Hard to setup !
Steve
Phosphate reactor now installed. Using 250g of Ultiphos P, have NewJet switched to minimum of 200lph and media is turning over perhaps a tad faster than ideal but we've yet to encounter any probs with fines.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7580.20.JPG
200lph or 2000 lph?
I didnt think you could get newjets that low in power, could be wrong though.
If its 2000lph thats way too fast
Hi again Steve, reactor very easy to set-up and a solid bit of kit. Yes the flow is fed from & returned to sump. This way I get an extra litre or so of system volume and reactor is easily at hand. Too early to gauge reliability at this point but impressed with NewJet - quiet and extremely compact.
Muzzy, yes thats 200lph.
Only a few small jobs to do now. This is 200 litre SW reservoir now wired up with an MJ500 (480lph) and a Hydor Theo 300w. (Just fitted inside wardrobe and no more).
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7581.jpg
superb work and attention to detail!
you really have modded that deltec well!
well done!
:)
(i would've added a more appropriate smillie if we had more to chose from:p )
Manta,
You really are an inspiration to a lot of people, me included. Although I am now leaving my tank build until the end of the year you have given me the inspiration to plan ahead.
To that effect I have ordered a (proper) air conditioning unit for my conservatory. £800 gets you a 12000BTU unit with an external condenser.
Will cool my conservatory Kitchen and Living room. I will still by a chiller, but it will only be used for emergency's :)
Thanks a lot Wayne - praise indeed.
Thats a serious piece of kit Lee, mind you I can't imagine what temp that conservatory is sitting at right now.
Manta what container are you using, this is my next concern as several people have told me to make sure it's food grade so have been looking at some in a "home brew" shop. Trouble is there not really big enough. Was going to use a water butt, but was advised against it :confused:
Steve its a lab grade unit we got from a friend when one was going free. I know many people are using the 'DIY store' water butts without any problems.
Used a Dymo junior to label plugs to help us as much as tank sitters.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7585.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7587.20.JPG
Tank's lookin great would have to cum and see it some time
Computer sensors (temp/level) now installed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7714.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7722.20.JPG
Is that the Tunze Osmolator ! I am looking to buy one as I like the idea of a fail safe and the main sensor is optical so no moving parts to get stuck !
Its the unit from the Aquatronica powered by seperate peri-pump, a system that in theory should give good protection. If the sensor fails then the peri can only supply RO very slowly. Anyways time will tell, obviously nothings fool-proof.
Found it on here too;)
You'll soon find out what that means:)
Dave
Sorry Dave, I don't follow:)
Sorry Dave, I don't follow:)
RC;)
Funny how you miss things on here:D
Cracking setup;)
Appreciated Bumper oops, I mean Dave:D
Manta have you got any recent tank piccies and do you have anything swimming around in it yet !
Not yet Steve, we're running the tank LR only for 12 weeks to 'bed in' the rock, only have another 2 weeks to go before first fish added. Tank has been in darkness so really looking forward to nice bright lighting and some colour.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7759.20.JPG
No probs, it's a case of sitting on yer hands sometimes in the world of reefing !
Tell us about it:rolleyes:
2 Weeks is nufin...looking great m8..
I will be amazed if the tank holds any fish 12 months from now ( only kidding .................I think )
Only a week to go now Jimbo (not counting honest).........or maybe alfa's got a point - still a few little things to do.................
Today is a big day for us, after 12 weeks of 'bedding in' the LR we have now added our first fish, a Formosan Coris. Its been in our QT for about 6 months and will be used over the next month or two for pest control (crabs/shrimps etc.). Hopefully we'll get to see it morph into adult.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7825.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7816.jpg
Always liked the Coris,but to aggressive for my tank.he would end up being "Fat",have you got your tank covered?
Tank is sort of covered but only to stop serious evap, ours seems good as gold (famous last words) and even when netted didn't move a muscle.
looking good, any chance of a full tank shot with the lights on
I bet you're bl**dy glad to see a fish in there at last:D
Dave;)
I'll see what I can do John, Dave, pigs in sh*te:D (even when he disappears beneath the sand at 4pm:( )
even when he disappears beneath the sand at 4pm:( )
:D:D I'll send you a cardboard cut out on a stick you can wave in front of your tank:D
:D Not necessary, it was nighty night at 4.30 today.
Carcharias
29-08-06, 20:54
Looking fab guys, when are you getting the octopussy
Still in the research phase Blaza;)
Lots of potential - nice aquascape! Are you using the coris as a pre-stocking cleanup for a month and then removing it? Ditto with the octopus?
Cheers
John
Thanx John, thats the plan but may change.
Here you go Johnski, 3 months on but still looking the same apart from a bit of come and go with coralline and the appearance of Halimeda here and there.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7839.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7843.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7844.20.JPG
Some shots of how LR has progressed. Not the best quality but none of the subjects were visible when LR was 'fresh' in tank. Firstly polyps:
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7907.20.JPG
Halimeda type alga
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7881.20.JPG
Glass of QT absolutely teeming with pods, each surface has many hundreds/thousands
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7897.20.JPG
After 4 months of midnight torchlight finally caught sight of the crab I had originally seen when LR placed in tank.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7919.20.JPG
Hard to tell from pic but carapace is a series of raised squares with demonic red eyes. Carapace about an inch across and some pretty robust claws. Also caught sight of shrimp of some sort, will try and get a pic of it also.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7914.20.JPG
nice tank, ur gettin there its all about time
Yep nearly finished Dave (being saying that for 6 months lol!)
I had mine finished a couple of months back trying to sort all the rock work out the way i just like it but me being me desided to go for the tunze ts24 kit, put them in and what do u know i had to fix it some more my back was killing:eek: me reaching in and out of the dam tank.
Know what you mean Dave, is anyone ever totally happy with their rockwork?
mikeadams1985
27-09-06, 20:30
nope
i was very happy with my rock work, but as i sit here i notice things that arnt 'natural' looking.
just the way it goes i think :)
Matthew5664
27-09-06, 21:41
Looking so cool could I ask why so long to 'bed' inthe LR
great tank & thread :)
where did you get the neoprene from?
all the best,
Jason
Great looking tank and a great thread.
You like nice cars too ? :) I had a nice black Lotus until recently.
360/Lambos/high end Porsche a little out of my league lol. 996 GT2 ? :) ! My dream motor. Not so sure about the price of replacing those cracked ceramic brake disks on a regular basis though !
Looking forward to seeing what the 997 GT2 looks like if it ever arrives.
Please keep the pics coming when you have got some more livestock.
Cheers
Thanks for replies guys, Matthew didn't have to take that long but the more I read about doing that, the more I liked the idea, though even I'm not patient enough to wait 24 weeks. Difficult to quantify any advantage in doing so but the theory sounds erm......sound.
Jas I got the neoprene from a diving shop - just asked for an offcut as they had some spare 3mm lying around. Could also have bought an old hood off ebay and butchered it.
Hi Richard, I remember your old avataar - nice. GT2 fab, Ruf R Turbo high on my wish-list though I hear the new RT12 could be more than a match for even the Carrera GT - awesome.
Im in the wrong job !!!!! ;)
I like RUF too. Just never sure about Alois Ruf`s choice for colour schemes on his demo cars. He seems to like those pastel shades lol !
Yeah the RT12 must be something else. Very envious of you with that GT2 you had.
Techart do some nice stuff for the 997 :)
Only on the Xbox Richard:p (if I had a 911, I'd have Saxby money and a Saxby size tank:D )
Carcharias
01-10-06, 22:10
Good to finally see the b*****d that I think killed my fish. If your not getting the octopus then I would love to feed it to Nigel if you can catch it. The shrimps are also getting big, if you know anyone who wants small cleaners tell them to message me, free to a good home.
Octo in the tank, currently settling in and much bolder now, so sooner or later that little b*****d will be toast.
You not got a good pic yet ross..be a shame not to have one when he's adopted..;)
With our coris now residing at Deep Sea World it was now time to use an octopus for stage 2 of pest control. Now been in since Friday, we'll never forget that moment when sat on the setee with Frogfone & Mr Jimbo and daughter, when the octo finally came out of hiding and perched on top of rock, perfectly camo'd. Awesome. Anyways its a lot bolder now and comes to front of tank when hungry.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Img_8003.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Img_8001.20.JPG
At times its striped, sometimes it pulsates like a cuttlefish or takes on a weird shape........
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Img_8004.20.JPG
......and at other times it just looks like a brown blob!
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/Img_7998.20.JPG
That first shot is brill..it was a real pleasure seeing it Ross and very much appreciated for having us,out of all the years i have been into marine life that was the first time i had seen an Octo in the flesh...
maybe's i will just get one....
LMHO;)
Is someone changing their mind about stocking that 5 fter Jimbo?
:D :D :D
You reffering to me???
My stock is gonna begin with a T... ;)
Not an O
But maybe i could find room fir another 5ft..there's bound to be some place we havent thought about that needs a tank:D :D
Has it not grown on you yet?
Can you explain the pest control theory....what are the fish and octopus eating which will be a pest in the future??
Deffo starting to grow on us, no doubt Jim.
Joni we have at least 2 largish crabs in the tank and a pistol/mantis (haven't seen it yet but almost sure its a pistol). With potentially more than a grands worth of fish at full stocking its not a risk we're prepared to take - one of the crabs is much larger than some fish we've kept in the past and we have no doubt it would be a serious threat.
30kg of our rock is from my bruvs breakdown and he did have some probs with disappearances, even finding mutilated fish. Of course this could be a result of carrion feeding, but could very possibly be predation.
The wrasse was added due to being an efficient predator of crabs/shrimps and also bristleworms. There were several largish worms in the rock we bought and not all of these worms are detritivores.
Re the shrimp we've had bitter experience in the past, I know many reefers say crabs/pistols/shrimps are a negligible risk, but thats not a view we share. Our first reef was in a bedroom and we were constantly hearing clicking noises after lights out. This was the sound of a mantis smashing our hermits to pieces - yet at the time mantis were considered diurnal and don't bother other tank inhabitants.
Is it a lot of extra time and effort - not really, and though our opinion may change with time, we will still do the same when setting up again.
:)
bleedmarshall
03-10-06, 21:58
thats pretty neat! :p what size is it?
Scott
Cheers Manta, interesting cos I have recently had a peacock/rainbow wrasse go missing and I have also the clicking sound after lights out.....although I don't seem to have lost any hermits?! What else do they eat...
I have replied already to a thread here regarding clicking sounds after lights out,i just asumed it was hermit shells off the glass,i still hear it just now as my tank is in the bedroom atm,,i know i don't have a mantis or pistol and i still have plenty hermits..strange stuff
Scott, its body is about 10cms or so and has a leg span of about 2 feet.
Joni, its very difficult to put losses down to a pest with any degree of certainty. For us it was a case of caught red-handed but I certainly wouldn't get paranoid. I would expect many reefers tanks to have things like that and never know about them. If our tank wasn't in the bedroom we would never had known about the mantis. Even the broken shells weren't that obvious. Martin at Calico once told me their liverock vats had abundant crabs & mantis.
As far as what else do they eat, for crabs put simply a cosmopolitan diet and an opportunistic nature, I would expect a largish crab to snack on small sleeping fish in the wild so why not in a tank? However it is more likely a fish dies then the crabs go to work. Our crabs are pretty large hence the octopus - we only have one opportunity to do this so took it.
Shrimp-wise I'm no expert but if the clicking is rythmic its much more likely to be a pistol, then the threat (if any) is severely reduced. Perfectly possible your wrasse died of natural causes and clean-up crew went to work. Tbh without a smoking gun I don't think you have anything to worry about:)
Carcharias
11-10-06, 22:48
Looking good folks.
Got the bug again, big time. Defo buying a tank in June, would love the Anthias but too pricey, think it will need to be a trigon 350 instead, quite a few folk have said that distortion is a problem so thats kinda putting me off, what do you think.
Tried to advertise my Vision but seemingly havent got enough posts, do u want it to replace your black QT? Shrimps now have their markings, getting quite big, looking forward to kicking some octopus butt.
Can't comment on distortion. The Vision?...........maybes aye, maybes naw. You need 50 posts to sell stuff. Thats good about the shrimps. Be in touch (btw don't touch Test Drive Unlimited - rancid compared to PGR.
Here's some of the carnage inflicted by our first octopus. Unfortunately it met an early demise for no apparent reason. We have another now so fingers crossed.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_8022.20.JPG
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_8020.20.JPG
Great Tank, I am literally amazed. (I`m thinking over starting a marine tank)
just read through.
great thread and tank looks great..a reminder of how long it takes to set up a reef properly
Thanx for comments:) , Nick don't think about it too much - just do it, you know your gonna anyway;)
Carcharias
29-11-06, 10:03
How is the new octopus doing in there, any pics oh him yet. Also are you still on schedule for a Christmas fish.
Not yet, he's much more nocturnal, occasionally see him at 6am but soon disappears when activity in the room. I don't want to scare the Bejesus out of him by blasting the flashgun off:p
Christmas fish.......depends on UDA.......c'mon Andrew:D
Thanx for comments:) , Nick don't think about it too much - just do it, you know your gonna anyway;)
Thats rich coming from you ! :)
Cant believe I missed this one :)
I know its been said enough, but even so, I want to say it :D The attention to detail is inspirational.
For a "stuff it that'll do" merchant like me, its nice to see what maybe I could acieve if I put my mind to it.
Love the octo' shots, absolutely fascinating creatures.
This is going to be one superb tank :)
Thats rich coming from you ! :)
Dave, I promise you there will be something in the tank by Xmas............
...........2007;)
Cant believe I missed this one :)
I know its been said enough, but even so, I want to say it :D The attention to detail is inspirational.
For a "stuff it that'll do" merchant like me, its nice to see what maybe I could acieve if I put my mind to it.
Love the octo' shots, absolutely fascinating creatures.
This is going to be one superb tank :)
Much appreciated Chris:), I am a "stuff it that'll do" person as well, until I get nagging doubts while trying to sleep:rolleyes:
Managed to get a couple of shots. I'd like to think he's trying to camo with the blue background, but who knows?
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/IMG_8034.jpg
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/IMG_8037.jpg
The original Rio 180 used as a QT has been sold. We're now using a Vision 180 (from my bruv's tank breakdown) - its a bit more compact, but more importantly has a lot more skim power with the MCE 600. (I would have had to further mutilate the already mangled Rio back lid in order to just switch skimmers).
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/IMG_8044.jpg
It'll be fun setting up another tank:)
Get some bloody fish in it. I could have been on meh 3rd tank by now ;)
Happy Xmas
Hehe
We would if we could, no Red Sea deliveries till after Xmas, so will need to wait. Can't rush these things Lee m8
Happy Xmas
Ross & Lara
http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/36/36_15_61.gif (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb001_ZRxdm103YYGB)
(btw whats happenin with that conservatory pool of yours?)
http://www.smileycentral.com/sig.jsp?pc=ZSzeb112&pp=ZRxdm103YYGB (http://smiley.smileycentral.com/download/index.jhtml?partner=ZSzeb112_ZRxdm103YYGB&utm_id=7920)
LOL. Cool addition mate. Nice tank too! :)
Mark.
The conservatory pool is having to wait until the near year. I am currently spending all my cash on my son to get him into the Olympics in 2012 :)
Let me tell ya. That aint cheap :)
Thanx Mark
The conservatory pool is having to wait until the near year. I am currently spending all my cash on my son to get him into the Olympics in 2012 :)
Let me tell ya. That aint cheap :)
I bet it ain't, a few less pigeons in Kent too;)
Looks like Mr Octo has done his work, the crab on the right is the red-eyed one photographed some time ago. We've been watching for a while now for bigger crabs to appear, but so far only hermits. Might be time to return octo to lfs then.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/IMG_8054.jpg
Close up of 'red-eye' showing jaw maxilla still in place.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/IMG_8061.jpg
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q1/Img_7919.20.JPG
bluediscus84
22-12-06, 00:01
WOW, this tank is amazing.
I first saw your tank on the other website (the australian one) and i was amazed, you have inspired me to convert from freshwater to marine. Your tank is really beautiful!!!
Well done:D
Thanks for comment bluediscus.
Mr octopus has now been returned to lfs as pretty sure its done its job. This now leaves us free at long last to begin stocking for real.
dan-the-man
23-12-06, 21:14
Lol, I found a crab like that once, chucked him straight back in the tank. Saw him a month or two back, I was too slow.
Looking good, await the pics :D
Thanks for comment bluediscus.
Mr octopus has now been returned to lfs as pretty sure its done its job. This now leaves us free at long last to begin stocking for real.
you mean you might add fish? :D :cool: :)
Cheers Dan:)
Mark - could be any year now;)
New quarantine tank now filled, small piece of LR added for seeding.
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_8065.20.JPG
I think ive said it before,,but i cannot believe the patience you have,not saying that's a bad thing,i admire it,,but the joke's over,,when we gonna see some fish in there(still think you wanna add some corals too ;)
Haha, nothing we can do about it at the mo Jim, fish been on order now for 6 wks (all shall be explained tonight round at yours.........)
Interesting to see our Coris last night at the Deep Sea World meet, half-expected adult colouration instead of being much darker, and its certainly grown well - about 50% bigger.
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g309/Mobulid/Img_7825.jpg
Five months later
http://www.ultimatereef.net/uploader/2006Q4/IMG_0046.21.JPG
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