Melev's new 280g Starfire tank thread - Page 35

spleen93 · 08/01/2007, 06:54 PM

What's wrong with the location of the ballast where it is now? You can use it as a door stop if you need to prop open that door to the left of it.

As always, Marc, looking good!

Spleen

Micki · 08/01/2007, 08:38 PM

Very nice Marc!

melev · 08/01/2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Trigeek
Marc,

Your reef looks great!! Love your thread. I'm hoping you could offer some advice based upon your own experiences. I have a 90g reef I'm building (11 months in) and have been going very slow. I have some sps and some lps corals in there. I'm torn bewteen the two and am having a difficult time in deciding which direction to take the tank. The different types of corals require different "needs" and I would want to make sure those needs are met very each of the things I put into the tank. I would love to have a mixed reef like yours.

What challenges have you faced in having such a variety of corals?

What do you consider the one thing that has helped your tank be successful?

What is the one thing regarding your system that has proved to be the biggest challenge?

If you were stocking your tank from the beginning, what would your plan be (starting with an empty slate with your current set-up)?

I love the look of sps corals, but also like the flow of euphyllia and am a freak for zoos. Your thoughts are appreciated! Thanks.

I've seen some beautiful softie tanks (pure softies or LPS), and I've seen stunning SPS tanks. I think the combination that I'm going with works, but I don't get the growth rate others enjoy.

As you've noticed, flow varies based on coral types. SPS needs tons of flow while LPS need less. Fortunately, SPS tend to be at the top of the tank where flow can be generated easily, and LPS can be lower where things are less intense.

The biggest challenge is probably the toxic soup these corals exude. Running fresh carbon actively has to be an important part of keeping the tank healthy, and that is why I use a Phosban Reactor. I pretty much change it weekly, although I believe the media is used up in mere days. Changing it every three days is a little more work than I want to put in.

Then again, I've been doing more water changes and the tank seems to really benefit from that, which again dilutes the pollution that builds up.

The only thing I would do over is make sure not one single mushroom got into the tank. I still have too many. GSP is another one, even though mine are the neon blue/white kind.

Zoanthids can go in any tank, imho. They may encrust around something special, so you'd have to deal with that when it occurs.

And consider the fish you add. They can be problematic based on aggression, destruction, or simply adding to the bioload that makes the water dirtier more quickly. Other than that, good husbandry is key, and getting lazy about stuff usually results in frustrations.

MeuserReef · 08/01/2007, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
good husbandry is key, and getting lazy about stuff usually results in frustrations.

I think this is the most factual statment that I have ever read here on RC.

jnarowe · 08/01/2007, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by melev
good husbandry is key, and getting lazy about stuff usually results in frustrations.

I second that. My tank looks horid to me right now even though I see spots of new corals...there's just so much to do!

Trigeek · 08/02/2007, 05:11 AM

Thanks for your reply, Marc. My guess was that you were going to say that the "chemical warfare" was challenging to manage. I have kept the bioload low, currently have a maroone clown, bicolor blenny (who is soon to go because of a clam nipping habit) and a sixline. When the blenny goes, I'm probably going to get a kole or tomini tang and then maybe an anthias beyond that. My plan from the beginning was to get the photosynthetic creatures in there and growing well, get a killer microfauna population then slowly add to the bioload via fish. I felt this approach will allow help keep nutrient levels low. So far so good. The only thing I would like is a "true" refugium. I have a small fuge under the cabinet which is nothing more than a cheato house. I'd love to get a 30 to 40g display fuge with a DSB, multiple types of macro-algae, and really grow the critters to fill the water column with microfauna larvae to help with sps feeding.

I think I will try a mix of some sps toward the top and more zoos, lps (lower flow demand) type corals on the bottom.

The husbandry statement is sooo true!!

Hop · 08/02/2007, 11:34 AM

Nice avatar trigeek... I miss my blue mearl

But after he passed from cancer, we got a red mearl... Your guy still looks like such a puppy!

Trigeek · 08/02/2007, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hop
Nice avatar trigeek... I miss my blue mearl But after he passed from cancer, we got a red mearl... Your guy still looks like such a puppy!

Thanks, Hop! He is a little over two and still very much a puppy, full of personality. We love him! We have a black tri as well. I love the red mearls. I've had to talk my wife down several times when we've had opportunities to get another red m. pup. She wants the entire collection!!! You can search for my reef log. I have a bunch of pics of all of our dogs on there.

Sorry for the hijack, Marc.

To keep this post on topic, I really like how your canopy turned out!

melev · 08/03/2007, 01:47 PM

Time to take some action. This is what I saw when I got up today.

Got to remove a few zoanthids, I think.

token · 08/03/2007, 02:03 PM

The clam is surrounded!!

Cavalry to the rescue!!

(...oh how I hate Aiptasia...)

jnarowe · 08/03/2007, 02:46 PM

wow...now you have me worried...

cbui2 · 08/03/2007, 03:31 PM

do you even sleep at all?

melev · 08/03/2007, 04:01 PM

Every day, Bart. The rest of the time I read your posts.

easye123 · 08/03/2007, 04:21 PM

true reefers never sleep..always researching! lol

reeftankjunkie · 08/03/2007, 04:41 PM

That whole sleep thing is overrated anyhow.

jnarowe · 08/03/2007, 05:25 PM

after hearing some of those P-Casts...I'd say it's likely that Marc gets about 2 hours/24 hour period.

melev · 08/03/2007, 05:57 PM

My usual reply is "I'll sleep when I'm dead." But odds are I'll still be busy even then.

Decomposing. Or if I get my wish, I'll be made into Live Rock and make my son take care of me forever!

purebullet417 · 08/03/2007, 06:18 PM

lol now thats funny

bleedingthought · 08/03/2007, 06:24 PM

Hmm, are you concerned about the zoas or the aiptasia?

Andrew · 08/03/2007, 07:00 PM

How are the chromis doing Marc? I just pick up a trio for my 37. ( hopefully they last until the upgrade. )

melev · 08/03/2007, 08:25 PM

I still have 9 chromis and 8 anthias.

I took another picture of the clam before the zoanthid surgery began.

I also fed all the aiptasia I could see some Aiptasia Control (by BlueLife USA).

And then I thought I better check the corners of my eurobracing because of a recent thread I saw. 3 of four corners look perfect, but this one looks like I need to be very concerned. I'd like to get your advice about how to proceed on mending this area before the tank worsens.

poppin_fresh · 08/03/2007, 08:38 PM

I recommend duct tape or spackle... maybe a combination of the two. Together they can fix anything!

Tbduval · 08/03/2007, 08:40 PM

Am I looking at that right??? Is the seam coming apart?

poppin_fresh · 08/03/2007, 08:41 PM

Sorry Marc, I just realized that wasn't helpful. Please forgive me, I've been drinking...again.

melev · 08/03/2007, 08:43 PM

I've had a Budweiser Select and I'm still not able to calm my nerves.

08/01/2007, 06:54 PM	#851
spleen93 crabby hermit Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: somewhere at the end of the rainbow Posts: 1,363	What's wrong with the location of the ballast where it is now? You can use it as a door stop if you need to prop open that door to the left of it. As always, Marc, looking good! Spleen __________________ Spleen "Put that in your Mag Drive and smoke it." - jnarowe "Beware of the banter" - mpoletti "Now I know that some things are just out of our control and we should enjoy the good parts as much as we can." - pookstreet

08/01/2007, 08:38 PM	#852
Micki Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Ohio Posts: 7,163	Very nice Marc! __________________ Micki... Western Ohio Reef Club Click the red house for my 125 progress! Current Tank Info: 125 gal. reef, 90 gal. sump, 10 gal. fuge, 40 gallon. 150 gallon fish only.

08/02/2007, 11:34 AM	#857
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	Nice avatar trigeek... I miss my blue mearl But after he passed from cancer, we got a red mearl... Your guy still looks like such a puppy! __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

08/03/2007, 02:03 PM	#860
token Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 614	The clam is surrounded!! Cavalry to the rescue!! (...oh how I hate Aiptasia...) __________________ •Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius - and a lot of courage - to move in the opposite direction. --Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: 100g and 75g displays, both with 2 x 250w Iwasaki 14k DE, 100g sump, 55g growout, 55g refugium, 20g benthic

08/03/2007, 02:46 PM	#861
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	wow...now you have me worried... __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

08/02/2007, 05:11 AM	#856
Trigeek Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Broward County, FL Posts: 638	Thanks for your reply, Marc. My guess was that you were going to say that the "chemical warfare" was challenging to manage. I have kept the bioload low, currently have a maroone clown, bicolor blenny (who is soon to go because of a clam nipping habit) and a sixline. When the blenny goes, I'm probably going to get a kole or tomini tang and then maybe an anthias beyond that. My plan from the beginning was to get the photosynthetic creatures in there and growing well, get a killer microfauna population then slowly add to the bioload via fish. I felt this approach will allow help keep nutrient levels low. So far so good. The only thing I would like is a "true" refugium. I have a small fuge under the cabinet which is nothing more than a cheato house. I'd love to get a 30 to 40g display fuge with a DSB, multiple types of macro-algae, and really grow the critters to fill the water column with microfauna larvae to help with sps feeding. I think I will try a mix of some sps toward the top and more zoos, lps (lower flow demand) type corals on the bottom. The husbandry statement is sooo true!!

08/03/2007, 01:47 PM	#859
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Time to take some action. This is what I saw when I got up today. Got to remove a few zoanthids, I think.

08/03/2007, 03:31 PM	#862
cbui2 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 2,517	do you even sleep at all? __________________ Bart ********************* Current Tank Info: 600gal 96L x 48W x 30H 1"cell cast w/tons of equipments

08/03/2007, 04:01 PM	#863
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	Every day, Bart. The rest of the time I read your posts.

08/03/2007, 04:21 PM	#864
easye123 Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 1,505	true reefers never sleep..always researching! lol __________________ Loading...... Current Tank Info: 90g BB sps 30g sump. 2x175w mh. 2x110w vho act. Vortech. tunze 6025. ER rs 135. TLF phos. ACjr

08/03/2007, 04:41 PM	#865
reeftankjunkie Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Milner Georgia Posts: 68	That whole sleep thing is overrated anyhow.

08/03/2007, 05:25 PM	#866
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	after hearing some of those P-Casts...I'd say it's likely that Marc gets about 2 hours/24 hour period. __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

08/03/2007, 05:57 PM	#867
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	My usual reply is "I'll sleep when I'm dead." But odds are I'll still be busy even then. Decomposing. Or if I get my wish, I'll be made into Live Rock and make my son take care of me forever!

08/03/2007, 06:18 PM	#868
purebullet417 Rimless Reef Club Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: long island ny Posts: 1,509	lol now thats funny __________________ My 57 Gallon Rimless Build Thread http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2341582 Current Tank Info: 57 Gallon Rimless

08/03/2007, 06:24 PM	#869
bleedingthought Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Acworth, GA Posts: 422	Hmm, are you concerned about the zoas or the aiptasia? __________________ -Thiago-

08/03/2007, 07:00 PM	#870
Andrew Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 13,640	How are the chromis doing Marc? I just pick up a trio for my 37. ( hopefully they last until the upgrade. )

08/03/2007, 08:25 PM	#871
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I still have 9 chromis and 8 anthias. I took another picture of the clam before the zoanthid surgery began. I also fed all the aiptasia I could see some Aiptasia Control (by BlueLife USA). And then I thought I better check the corners of my eurobracing because of a recent thread I saw. 3 of four corners look perfect, but this one looks like I need to be very concerned. I'd like to get your advice about how to proceed on mending this area before the tank worsens.

08/03/2007, 08:38 PM	#872
poppin_fresh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,982	I recommend duct tape or spackle... maybe a combination of the two. Together they can fix anything! __________________ PBITAWA! Current Tank Info: None now. Past- 180g w/ 100g basement sump and 20g 'fuge. H & S skimmer, T'5s & Tunze

08/03/2007, 08:40 PM	#873
Tbduval Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 369	Am I looking at that right??? Is the seam coming apart?

08/03/2007, 08:41 PM	#874
poppin_fresh Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Vermont Posts: 1,982	Sorry Marc, I just realized that wasn't helpful. Please forgive me, I've been drinking...again. __________________ PBITAWA! Current Tank Info: None now. Past- 180g w/ 100g basement sump and 20g 'fuge. H & S skimmer, T'5s & Tunze

08/03/2007, 08:43 PM	#875
melev Moved On Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ft Worth, Tx Posts: 43,217	I've had a Budweiser Select and I'm still not able to calm my nerves.