Reef Tank of the Month - May 2002

Doug · 05/11/2002, 09:59 PM

This month Reefkeeping Online is featuring Bob Nell's awesome reef tank.

Click here to check it out!

Doug

smokinreefer · 05/11/2002, 11:00 PM

holy schmoly!!!!

i just gottasee a full tank shot!!
absolutley stunning!!
seeing an accomplished reefer with an established tank like that certainlyinspires and motivates a reefer like me who has recently gone through a major sps crash. you've certainly rid any thoughts of abandoning this hobby from my mind!
keep up the great work!

smiller · 05/12/2002, 05:11 AM

Great tank!

geo · 05/12/2002, 06:11 AM

Looks great Bob!

I was wondering if you had used the scrubbers and saw a need for the skimmer or if the skimmer was in place from the start?

JB NY · 05/12/2002, 06:28 AM

Now that is a beautiful tank. Look very very healthy. Good job.

But no full tank shot or equipment shots? Someone needs to show me more.

mgk65 · 05/12/2002, 07:00 AM

Congratulations, Bob!

I've seen this tank in person, and was simply amazed.

The coral growth is excellent and the fish are awesome.

Someday, I hope to have a tank as big as this one!

mgk

Pomacanthus1 · 05/12/2002, 03:03 PM

Awesome tank Bob!

rbaker · 05/12/2002, 09:29 PM

Beautiful...

Is there a site that we can look at pictures bigger than the thumbnail images in the magazine?

Thanks,

Ryan

FISH · 05/12/2002, 09:35 PM

Very nice Bob !!!!! Do you use any temp control , what temp do you keep ?
Congrats

L and L · 05/13/2002, 07:02 AM

Congrats! Great looking reef...

Got any pictures of the complete setup? ... I'd love to see how it looks in the center of the room.

btw...my wife is going to get rid of our pool table... I wonder if she'd go for this as a replacement???

Quote:

come'on honey...all the guys are getting 500 gallon reef tanks to replace their pool table

hmmmmm

thanks,

undrwata · 05/13/2002, 10:51 PM

Very Sweet

Foster · 05/13/2002, 11:22 PM

Anyone what kind of coral this is in bobs tank?

JohnL · 05/13/2002, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rbaker
Is there a site that we can look at pictures bigger than the thumbnail images in the magazine?

Just click on a thumbnail and it will open a new window with a full size pic.

Nanook · 05/14/2002, 01:57 AM

Beautiful pics!! I am planning a tank similar to yours in size...48x84x28....would you do your circulation differently if you had to do it again?

Congrats!!!

Skipper · 05/14/2002, 07:42 AM

Hey Platapus. That is a Pink Bird's Nest.

Mark · 05/14/2002, 08:31 AM

Beautiful tank!

Adam · 05/14/2002, 12:21 PM

Congrats Bob!

I have also seen Bob's tank in person, and it really is a jaw dropper!

The growth rates and "lushness" of this tank really have to be seen to be believed.

BTW, the birds nest (Seriatapora Hystrix) that someone asked about is growing that way because it is directly under the "surge" produced by the scrubbers.

Congrats again Bob, a well deserved honor.

Adam

Maury · 05/14/2002, 04:45 PM

Yes, great tank! So are you using a chiller for temperature regulation? And how do you get the orp that high without an ozonizer? (didn't see a mention of it on your page)

CaptiveReef · 05/14/2002, 09:27 PM

Now that is nice!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a genetic bank.
Being a fragging fanatic, I see so many new colonies that can be created from such a selection of species.

Anthony Calfo · 05/14/2002, 09:40 PM

If I may speak for Bob a little in the meantime, I'll answer some of the curious questions posted.

Bob is a great friend of PMASI and that lovely Seriatopora as Adam has mentioned is indeed thus shaped/formed having grown directly under a dump bucket... what a magnificent coral. It has impressed many aquarists and has graced the cover of at least one book that I know of

Maury, Bob has long considered using a chiller but has until now opted for climate controlling the room. In addition to the airconditioning for the house, he has a large dedicated (free-standing) heat exchanger/air conditioner next to the tank for ambient temperature control. I believe this was done with regard for energy efficiency as there are several other displays in the room and multiple chillers would have been a plumbing nightmare not to mention expense.

Geo, et al... Bob has used small scrubbers on his displays for many years but has also placed strong emphahsis on skimmers. On this magnificent display, Bob runs two large Euroreef skimmers and tells us that they produce daily and impressively. I must admit that they are one of the best skimmers in my opinion for those inclined to use a skimmer.

Indeed... an incredible tank. Bob has been very gracious to all of those who have visited our club for many years. We are very appreciative to have such a good friend and magnificent display in Pittburgh. A world class guy and tank! Kudos to you, Bob!

seven ephors · 05/15/2002, 08:23 AM

From another thread:

"hi.
Nice tank, Bob. Regarding the stand, is there a link available about the construction in greater details?

Currently for a 4' X 8' stand I am making, I use 6 legs 4 feet apart around the perimeter. Each foot is about 4"X4" in dimension. I use four 8' X 4" X 2" and five 4'X4"X2 stud for hortizonal support, and one 3/4" plywood on top of them to hold the tank. Each leg is about 30 inch tall. I just want to make sure it is suitable. Thanx."

toptank · 05/20/2002, 09:22 AM

Congrads Bob ! Very worthy to say the least.

Barry

05/11/2002, 09:59 PM	#1
Doug Reefkeeping Ninja Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: USA Posts: 12,868	Reef Tank of the Month - May 2002 This month Reefkeeping Online is featuring Bob Nell's awesome reef tank. Click here to check it out! Doug Last edited by Doug; 05/13/2002 at 07:36 PM.

05/12/2002, 05:11 AM	#3
smiller Premium Member Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 9,207	Great tank! __________________ Steve It's good to learn from your experiences. It's better to learn from other's experiences.

05/12/2002, 06:11 AM	#4
geo RC Mod Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: St. George Island, FL Posts: 19,512	Looks great Bob! I was wondering if you had used the scrubbers and saw a need for the skimmer or if the skimmer was in place from the start? __________________ I'm sorry I had a fight in the middle of your Black Panther party.

05/12/2002, 06:28 AM	#5
JB NY Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 9,207	Now that is a beautiful tank. Look very very healthy. Good job. But no full tank shot or equipment shots? Someone needs to show me more. __________________ -Joe TOTM Sept 2002 \| Reefland April 2004 \| CORAL Magazine Nov 2007 Featured Tank "Coral Reef Aquarium" 2011 \| Reef Spotlight 2018 Current Tank Info: 270G SPS Tank, 140G sumps, 35G Frag Tank, Ultra Reef Akula UKS-200 Skimmer, Apex, Giesemann Spectra 3x250W MH 4x80W T5, 2xReefbrite Tech 72" Blue LED, Triton Dosing, ARID C30 Algae Reactor, Maxspect Gyre

05/13/2002, 10:51 PM	#11
undrwata Premium Member Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Mesa, AZ Posts: 532	Sweet Very Sweet __________________ Most of me is undrwata, most of the time!!! Water Changes, Water Changes, Water Changes ;) Current Tank Info: Sold until I relocate and start a new one.

05/11/2002, 11:00 PM	#2
smokinreefer Premium Member Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Burnaby, B.C., Canada Posts: 995	holy schmoly!!!! i just gottasee a full tank shot!! absolutley stunning!! seeing an accomplished reefer with an established tank like that certainlyinspires and motivates a reefer like me who has recently gone through a major sps crash. you've certainly rid any thoughts of abandoning this hobby from my mind! keep up the great work!

05/12/2002, 07:00 AM	#6
mgk65 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Huntington, WV Posts: 1,629	Congratulations, Bob! I've seen this tank in person, and was simply amazed. The coral growth is excellent and the fish are awesome. Someday, I hope to have a tank as big as this one! mgk

05/12/2002, 03:03 PM	#7
Pomacanthus1 Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Colorado Posts: 2,489	Awesome tank Bob!

05/12/2002, 09:29 PM	#8
rbaker Reef Central Admin Join Date: Dec 2001 Posts: 32,642 Blog Entries: 4	Beautiful... Is there a site that we can look at pictures bigger than the thumbnail images in the magazine? Thanks, Ryan

05/12/2002, 09:35 PM	#9
FISH Registered Member Join Date: May 2000 Location: Pompano Beach, Fl. U.S.A. Posts: 488	Very nice Bob !!!!! Do you use any temp control , what temp do you keep ? Congrats

05/13/2002, 11:22 PM	#12
Foster Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: California Posts: 1,733	Anyone what kind of coral this is in bobs tank?

05/14/2002, 01:57 AM	#14
Nanook Ancient Eskimo Legend Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Saint Louis, MO Posts: 41,852 Blog Entries: 11	Beautiful pics!! I am planning a tank similar to yours in size...48x84x28....would you do your circulation differently if you had to do it again? Congrats!!! __________________ The wind blew, the chit flew, and then they came two by two. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Current Tank Info: 375g Tanganyikan Tank & 470g mixed reef

05/14/2002, 07:42 AM	#15
Skipper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 18,271	Hey Platapus. That is a Pink Bird's Nest. __________________ Skip Attix Former Editor of Reefkeeping Magazine

05/14/2002, 08:31 AM	#16
Mark Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Atlanta, GA, USA Posts: 4,542	Beautiful tank! __________________ -Mark TOTM March 2001 Current Tank Info: 225g stony reef, 38g softie

05/14/2002, 12:21 PM	#17
Adam Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,190	Congrats Bob! I have also seen Bob's tank in person, and it really is a jaw dropper! The growth rates and "lushness" of this tank really have to be seen to be believed. BTW, the birds nest (Seriatapora Hystrix) that someone asked about is growing that way because it is directly under the "surge" produced by the scrubbers. Congrats again Bob, a well deserved honor. Adam __________________ Everyone has the right to be stupid, but some people abuse the privilege. Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef

05/14/2002, 04:45 PM	#18
Maury Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Ponchatoula, Louisiana Posts: 419	Yes, great tank! So are you using a chiller for temperature regulation? And how do you get the orp that high without an ozonizer? (didn't see a mention of it on your page)

05/14/2002, 09:27 PM	#19
CaptiveReef LED FULL SPECTRUM REEFER Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Long Island Posts: 1,148	Most Impressive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that is nice!!!!!!!!!!!! Talk about a genetic bank. Being a fragging fanatic, I see so many new colonies that can be created from such a selection of species.

05/14/2002, 09:40 PM	#20
Anthony Calfo Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 5,436	If I may speak for Bob a little in the meantime, I'll answer some of the curious questions posted. Bob is a great friend of PMASI and that lovely Seriatopora as Adam has mentioned is indeed thus shaped/formed having grown directly under a dump bucket... what a magnificent coral. It has impressed many aquarists and has graced the cover of at least one book that I know of Maury, Bob has long considered using a chiller but has until now opted for climate controlling the room. In addition to the airconditioning for the house, he has a large dedicated (free-standing) heat exchanger/air conditioner next to the tank for ambient temperature control. I believe this was done with regard for energy efficiency as there are several other displays in the room and multiple chillers would have been a plumbing nightmare not to mention expense. Geo, et al... Bob has used small scrubbers on his displays for many years but has also placed strong emphahsis on skimmers. On this magnificent display, Bob runs two large Euroreef skimmers and tells us that they produce daily and impressively. I must admit that they are one of the best skimmers in my opinion for those inclined to use a skimmer. Indeed... an incredible tank. Bob has been very gracious to all of those who have visited our club for many years. We are very appreciative to have such a good friend and magnificent display in Pittburgh. A world class guy and tank! Kudos to you, Bob!

05/15/2002, 08:23 AM	#21
seven ephors Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: so cal Posts: 223	From another thread: "hi. Nice tank, Bob. Regarding the stand, is there a link available about the construction in greater details? Currently for a 4' X 8' stand I am making, I use 6 legs 4 feet apart around the perimeter. Each foot is about 4"X4" in dimension. I use four 8' X 4" X 2" and five 4'X4"X2 stud for hortizonal support, and one 3/4" plywood on top of them to hold the tank. Each leg is about 30 inch tall. I just want to make sure it is suitable. Thanx."

05/20/2002, 09:22 AM	#22
toptank Moved On Join Date: May 2000 Location: San Diego Posts: 1,327	Congrads Bob ! Very worthy to say the least. Barry