Chibi's 46g Bow Front (1 Viewer)

[UoH_Chibi]

Just posted about my 14g BioCube in the other forum and thought Id add my main tank on here to get everyone's thoughts.

Started the tank Dec 20th or so. Had a soft cycle and still giving it some time to make sure everything is balanced out before proceeding.

Equipment:
Rena xP3 canister filter
AquaC Remora protein skimmer w/ MJ1200 and prefilter box
2 MJ 1200s for circulation
250w Stealth Pro Heater
Current SunDial T5 lighting
50lb LR
30lb LS
20lb Crush Coral

Livestock:
8 hermits
Orange Tunicate Sponge that was a hitchhiker along with some 'Blue bell sponges'

Last testing showed:
Temp 78-80
SG:1.023
pH:8.0
amm:0
NO2:0
NO3:0
Alk: 11dKH
Cal:360

In a couple more days Ill test again and make the decision if I want to start adding my stocking list or not.

Stocking list in order of addition:
Watchman Goby, yellow
Firefish, purple (would prob add him and watchman at the same time)
Royal Gramma (not sure if I want to add this guy or maybe change out for something else)
Pygmy Angel (or Flame or Bi-Color or Coral Beauty... what do you think?)
Pair of Ocellaris Clowns (would prob go for BW or snowflakes)



Thanks for looking. That's all I have for now but let me know what you guys think about everything and don't hesitate to give me some criticism.

 

[Llama]

First off, I like the tank. Part of that may be because I started with a 46 bow.

Thing to consider:
Perhaps a background?

Things to be careful of:
Be careful with the canister filter. They can be a headache. First off, they can be a major source of nitrates in your system as they age. Secondly, the availability of parts (should they fail) can be a major PITA. Nothing like being able to run to home depot to pick up anything I need for my filtration plumbing!

Be careful with fish choices. Not so much with compatability, as you seem to be making good informed decisions. Be careful that you don't use up all you system space with average run-of-the-mill fish. There are TONS of fish out there that we can keep that you do not see at most LFS. Spend some time searching the web for fish that are a little less commonly seen in this hobby. You never know what you may fall in love with.

All in all you are off to a good start! Keep us posted!

 

[UoH_Chibi]

Just updating everyone on what going on with the tank.

Everything seems to be going good. Testings have been coming in just where I was hoping for. (Started using Excel to map it with averages and what not) Alk is around 9 with a Cal around 360-380. No corals in yet so not worried about raising it. Just going to continue to test over time to see how things are.
One thing is Im having the Diatom thing going on now so Im alittle worried it will clear up and leave me sitting alittle high on my Nitrates. You guys recommend the sponge for that?

As far as new equipment. I picked up a Milwaukee MR100ATC Refractometer, and a RO/DI unit (Ocean Reed +1) from The Filter Guys (http://www.thefilterguys.biz/).
Ive been looking around MarineDepot.com for some other things I feel I 'need' (want). Hopefully you might be able to sway me one way or another.

Powerheads: I have 2 MJ 1200s in there now, should I do the sureflow mod and plug them into the powerstrip that cycles them or do you think it will wear them out faster? If I wanted to get newer 'high end' ones, should I wait till the new Koralines come out?

Controllers: Do any of you use one now? What type and how do you like it?

Power Back up: I havent had any luck locating a GFCI protector that has the ability to add batterys or an internal backup in it. Our power has been known to go out during moderate storms. Ike put us out for 2 weeks.

Filter Related stuff: I want to use my Rena xP3 as a multi media doser but Im not sure exactly what Im looking for as far as Activated Carbon, Re-Usable media backs and whats up with the Seachem medias.

Fuge: Im waiting to check out an above tank one a guy I know is working on but have any of you done a DIY one that you really liked? Above tank?

Ive been reading up on these things but just looking for some more direct advice.


Thanks for reading and Ill post a FTS when the diatoms chill out.

 

[flipside]

Just updating everyone on what going on with the tank.

Everything seems to be going good. Testings have been coming in just where I was hoping for. (Started using Excel to map it with averages and what not) Alk is around 9 with a Cal around 360-380. No corals in yet so not worried about raising it. Just going to continue to test over time to see how things are.
One thing is Im having the Diatom thing going on now so Im alittle worried it will clear up and leave me sitting alittle high on my Nitrates. You guys recommend the sponge for that?

Nah, it should clear up on it's own. Just practice good husbandry.

As far as new equipment. I picked up a Milwaukee MR100ATC Refractometer, and a RO/DI unit (Ocean Reed +1) from The Filter Guys (http://www.thefilterguys.biz/).
Ive been looking around MarineDepot.com for some other things I feel I 'need' (want). Hopefully you might be able to sway me one way or another.

That RO/DI will definitely help with the diatom issue. A refractometer is a must, IMO... especially if you want "truer" readings on your SG.

Powerheads: I have 2 MJ 1200s in there now, should I do the sureflow mod and plug them into the powerstrip that cycles them or do you think it will wear them out faster? If I wanted to get newer 'high end' ones, should I wait till the new Koralines come out?

I've got a couple of K4's you can borrow if you want to see how that would work out for you. Properly placed, they are pretty gentle. The Sure Flow mods would be perfect, IMO.

Controllers: Do any of you use one now? What type and how do you like it?

A lot of us do. I have two older model Reef Keepers that handle what I need them to handle. I also have some handy-dandy DJ switches for items that don't need to be on the controller (protein skimmer, return pump, etc...). Controllers, at your level, aren't necessary. They are really nice to have though!

Power Back up: I havent had any luck locating a GFCI protector that has the ability to add batterys or an internal backup in it. Our power has been known to go out during moderate storms. Ike put us out for 2 weeks.

UPS, perhaps? Lot's of us use UPS for 4-8 hours of power loss. I have a generator for catastrophic events. You'd be surprised how well a battery operated air pump or two will do during a 'cane.

Filter Related stuff: I want to use my Rena xP3 as a multi media doser but Im not sure exactly what Im looking for as far as Activated Carbon, Re-Usable media backs and whats up with the Seachem medias.

Don't know... don't use any of these. I don't even use filter socks.

Fuge: Im waiting to check out an above tank one a guy I know is working on but have any of you done a DIY one that you really liked? Above tank?

You must be talking about a HOB refugium... they work just fine and are better than nothing. Of course, an actual sump is better as you can jam more "carp" in there, and add a significant amount of water to your total system volume with one. More water = more stable environment.

Ive been reading up on these things but just looking for some more direct advice.


Thanks for reading and Ill post a FTS when the diatoms chill out.

Good luck and post more pics as you go!

Ex-Navy, too!

-Leo

 

[UoH_Chibi]

*Sorry, this is an exact copy of my post of WetWeb, I didnt want to have to retype it all out*

Everything in the tank is doing well from what I can tell. My sponge doesn't look so good and hasn't been opening up nearly as much as he used to. It just crossed my mind that it could be because I directed most of my flow upwards. I'm going to move one in a minute and see how he responds to that. I have had some empty hermit shells lately. I'm not sure if its my Tiger Pistol Shrimp being hungry, I have yet to see him eat. I don't really get a chance to see him because he is always moving stuff in the center of my rock work but I do try to target feed him and the YWG. My turkey baster is a little short so I will be looking for a better suited one soon. I have 4 largish Turbo Snails in there now but I think it might be 2 too many. I plan to give one to a friend and put the smallest one into my BioCube when I can decide what to do with it.
I know I originally said I wanted to do FOWLR but like many others I'm wanting to go mixed reef... Nothing too crazy and my stocking list, minus the Pygmy (I think, to be on the safe side) is reef safe. I would probably start out with some Zoa's just to get used to caring and fragging.
My test have been coming back good.
Tonight showed
78
1.0235
8.2
0/0/0
9.4 dKH
390 Calcium
I plan on picking up Phosphate and Mag test soon when I can find a good deal on them. (Custom Aquatic actually has a special right now but Marine Depot wouldn't price match bc of CusAqu's shipping cost)

Im very excited to say that I ordered a Vortech MP40w last night, from Marine Depot. Picked up a MJ1200 mod also, just wanted to see how good it is.
I plan on making a 10g above tank fuge this weekend or next and was looking at ordering a package from IPSF

Anyhow, that's all I got for now so Ill leave you with some recent pics!
Thanks again for your thoughts and time.

This is where it all started, knowing next to nothing I went out and go my feet wet.


A month and a half later, after reading every night till my eyes burned and turning down trips to the bar I have been able to come to this, so far.


This is my YWG (waiting awhile longer to name him because I like him to much for him to die) and my Purple Firefish 'Purple Urple"
Pic is a little dated, this was within the first few days of being added. Now they live together in the same hollowed rock with the Tirger Pistol Shrimp


Then we have the Sponge and Turkey Clam who took weeks to open up. I dont know much about her but she seems to be doing just fine. I guess I should read up on food for her and the sponge...
See how the sponge looks sick and closed up? Opens some but not as much as he used to.
(Pic is distorted because of bow front glass, sorry. Also I dont think my ATI Blues were on during this shot)


Reference shot of halfway open sponge, Ive caught him before when it looked like he was practically yawning.

 

[Kemah]

How do you know the clam is a girl and the sponge is a boy?

Looks really good. I look forward to see the progression over time so keep us updated.

 

[UoH_Chibi]

I dont. But if you picture it like nuts and bolts Id have to say sponge would be male and clam female.

I havent read up on them much, i believe sponges are A-Sexual, not sure about clams. Still working my way through Bio II now.

is there anything special I can try to feed the both of them?

 

[Kemah]

There are lots of suplements you can feed, if you go to the store get one that is for filter feeding inverts. In the past I used oyster eggs and everything liked those, but I am not sure what the absolute best is. I know a lot of people swear by DT's.

 

[UoH_Chibi]

Update: First Coral w/ pics

I know it has been that long since I last updated but I wanna throw some more pics up.

New Powerhead: I got my MP40w installed, I like it a lot. I'm on Lagoon Mode with about 60-75% output. I have noticed it moves a lot of water and has a great undertow effect. Would anyone suggest putting one of the MaxiJet 1200s back in? I did the sure flow mod to one of them (small prop) and other one is stock. I still have a lot of surface agitation but not as much as 2 MJ1200s pointed at the top.

First Coral: Ive been by FJW twice already and I have to say I like going there more than the other LFSs. City Pets is always fun to check out but it's a drive for me. Cant wait for him to start $5/10 frags! Anyhow, I picked up my first coral from him, its a Nuclear Green Zoa Colony.

Clown Pair Q: Originally I wanted to add a pair of Snowflake Clowns but now Im not really sure which ones I want to go with. B/Ws are cool also. Anyone have anything special say about picking Clown pairs?

Stocking: I decided not to go with a dwarf Angel because I don't want to worry about it messing with future corals. Royal Gramma, I don't really care to much for them so I wont be adding him either. With the YWG, Purple Fish and addition of the future clown pair I would still like to add 1 more fish. Is there anything you think would be a cool possibly unique to add?

Canister Filter Q:I had my Rena xP3 offline for a bit while I replaced the fine sediment filter and carbon. I haven't picked a brand of carbon yet but its running again, with: the 3 larger sediment filters, 100mL Purigen, fine filter and one of the Rena brand Super Micro Filters. Can anyone suggest a Carbon Brand for when I want to run some through? I plan to just run the Purigen and some carbon every couple of weeks and have the canister filter offline other times.

I'm still testing water about every 3-5 days and have yet to come across anything out of the norm, knock on wood. I do not have a Magnesium or Strontium kit yet but will pick them up soon. I was reading there are not really any good test kits for the Strontium, true?

I've been feeding the 2 fish a mixture of thawed Mysis Shrimp, marine flakes and pellets. (small quantities of each) For the Turkey clam, sponge and Zoas Ill be using a combination of Kent PhytoPhlex and DTs Oyster Eggs.

Im also working on putting together a fuge for this tank but Ill leave that to be discussed in the DIY forum.


Most recent FTS, moved around a couple of rocks to add a new shelf piece I got from d2mini (thanks)



Pic of the colony, Im really liking it



My YWG and Tiger Pistol are finally working in the front of the tank.



Purple Firefish is a pain to try and get pics of but he likes to be in front of the camera.

*Im still trying to get used to camera and working with Photoshop 4*

 

[d2mini]

That's a sweet rock!
You should use it to create a bridge between two different rock islands.

 

[UoH_Chibi]

I would of rather of posted this as a new thread in a different forum to possibly get more views but I am confident it is a normal beginner question that most people might be able to answer.

Over the past week or less I have noticed a quicker build up of algae 'film' on my glass as well as a type of fuzz growing on rocks/equipment. Also, there seems to be pods or nest (looks similar to a bee hive) growing on rocks. I have been extremely busy this week so I have not had time to research any of this yet. If anyone can answer me what they are directly that would be great, if not maybe you might be able to lead me in the right direction.

Here are some pics of what Im talking about



For better resolution I can post individual images


Test Show
1.024
pH 8.3-8.4
0A/02/03
9.2dKH
400 cal


Recent changes are:
-Added piece of LR from d2mini's 46g. I had it in a bucket with half tank water and half new salt water at 80C for 3 days and did WC to bucket once.
-Added Zoa colony from FJWs main coral display. I did not QT this piece because a. still a noob and really wanted to get a coral in my tank b. figured it would be ok as nothing in his tank was showing signs of anything. (The Zoas look better now then they did a week and a half ago, when I added them)
-I may have been feeding a little too much.
---Recently started feeding Frozen Fresh Water Mysis Shrimp. (Thawed of course but not rinsed off because I really dont know how to do it when all Im feeding is very small pieces of a square.)
---Also using Kent Phytoplex and DT Oyster Eggs.
(All in small quantities but still possibly too much for what I have in there.)
-Swapped 2 MJ1200s for a new MP40w
-Have somewhat been running lights longer than normal, ~12+ hours a day. (4x39w T5s)
-Took out stock Rena xP3 Carbon bag and replaced with 100ml bag of Purigen. Also added a Rena progressive filter to the canister filter.
-I noticed my canister filter was spitting out some bubbles every so often so about 2 days ago I took it offline until I could investigate. I think it either has an issue with an O-ring or possible hose problem. Could it be that it is sucking up very small bubbles from my Remora Protein Skimmer return water via the pre filter box and the bubbles collecting in padding of filter pads in canister filter and then releasing back into system? I believe this because the intake for filter is very close to the return from protein skimmer.


In other news, I hope your still reading, Im looking into adding the Clown pair sometime in the next two months. I was thinking it would be best to add an anemone prior to the Clowns. I was reading about them and trying to decide which type would be best for them, care and looks. From reading graphs half way down the linked page you can see the few options I feel that I have. Would anyone care to add?

 

[AquaNerd]

the tank is looking good.

the vortech will certainly help your water flow. but you may have to add a powerhead to get to some of the dead spots.

those zoas are nice too. i've always been partial to those. i used to have a huge colony of them in my old setup.

 

[d2mini]

The pod thing looks like some sort of sponge or tunicate or something. Good to have new things starting to pop up.

I'd hold off on getting an anemone for a while... wait till at least 6 months.

 

[rxonco]

I've always heard them called "Q-tip" sponges.

 

[AquaNerd]

I've always heard them called "Q-tip" sponges.

+1

 

[flipside]

I've always heard them called "Q-tip" sponges.

+1

+2... or pineapple sponges.