Tank of the Month - August '06

Skipper · 08/04/2006, 09:08 AM

This month we are featuring Ralf Prehn's (RalfP) beautiful reef aquarium:

More details can be found here or by clicking on the picture above.

Congratulations, Ralf!

If you'd like to nominate a tank
for Tank of the Month, click here
or use the button to the right.

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kfisc · 08/05/2006, 09:05 PM

Holy Cow! What an amazing tank. It's a treat to see tanks from all over the world here; thanks for sharing it with us.

The Reefer91 · 08/05/2006, 09:19 PM

Holy colorful corals batman! man that tank is awesome! really, really gorgeous

tom obrecht · 08/05/2006, 09:37 PM

Spectacular! Awesome aquascape and of course the anthias are stunning! Great job!!

panic · 08/05/2006, 09:43 PM

Beautiful work! I have been following your progress and knew it would be TOTM sooner or later. The detail of your explanation of the system is certainly helpful. I can't wait for the jellyfish tank.

joedirt54 · 08/05/2006, 09:49 PM

The aquascape, corals, and fish are outstanding. The fit and finish of the tank, wall, and lights is one of the best I've ever seen.

I'll second Tom's opinion on your anthias!

Billy1234 · 08/05/2006, 10:40 PM

Wow! Phenomenal tank. I like the Plasma TV too

You have my dream house

CAreefer · 08/05/2006, 11:36 PM

Absolutely beautiful. Very well thought out and executed. Congratulations and well deserved Ralf.

CAReefer

Hop · 08/06/2006, 01:41 AM

I still a little speechless. Very well thought out, clean and impressive. nice work!

saltbox125 · 08/06/2006, 01:43 AM

very nice aquascape.

Charleskart · 08/06/2006, 02:18 AM

Breathtaking tank! Thanks for sharing.

Jadran · 08/06/2006, 03:25 AM

WOW! Impressive, not only tank itself, but the interior design. Way its built in and fitted in the living room is absolutely phenomenal.. I'd love to see more living room shots (other angles, and so..) Very inspiring!!

anothermineral · 08/06/2006, 06:49 AM

Gorgeous setup. Exceptional engineering and design. Congrats!

dougie · 08/06/2006, 06:57 AM

Beautiful tank! if we all had a tank like that to look at in our homes there whould be no need to go diving on a natural reef ever again! good luck in the future keep us all updated.

spitefull · 08/06/2006, 09:02 AM

Fantastic, incredible and awesome, ill just put my nano under my arm and skulk back under a rock. all the best and carry on!!!

Angel*Fish · 08/06/2006, 09:19 AM

Wow! I don't run across my "dream tank" very often - as long as I'm dreaming, my standards are pretty high.

Congratuations on your achievement - you've made something beautiful and a model which others can to aspire to.

As far as enjoying the display, I love your dispars most of all -- I have 2 in my 100g that always "school", relatively speaking- It's hard to choose, but IMHO, they are the best anthias. If you ever have videos to post of your 15, it would be a real treat to many of us.

Josh125 · 08/06/2006, 09:41 AM

IMO this is the nicest TOTM I have seen in the 5 years I have been at RC. Wonderful job!

myusername · 08/06/2006, 11:27 AM

WOW! Grate set up.
one day, I hope to have a set up like that.
even the wall looks good, grate job!

jnarowe · 08/06/2006, 12:13 PM

Congrats on TOTM! Your system certainly deserves the attention. That lighting rack is unbelievable, but certainly a great solution to a tough space.

Regarding the Kole Tang, I had ordered 3 but one was DOA. That meant I put in only two, and the more agressive one beat the other into submission. I had to remove the weaker one and give it to another reefer. Since then the "stronger" one has been a fairly good citizen but I think mostly because I have a striped bristletooth tang that won't take any crap from it. In essence, the brsitletooth keeps the kole in check.

Yours has fairly benign tank mates so it figures it is King of the Reef I guess. I am surprised it killed a goby though since they are so different and inhabit different parts of the reef. I'll have to keep a closer eye on mine!

Again I have to commend you for the inginuity that went into your system and how you dealt with a limited footprint. The sump installation is really interesting and I doubt many people would even think to sink it in the floor.

Very Cool!

Madhouse · 08/06/2006, 01:48 PM

wow id like the blow that pic up and make it a poster for my fishroom.. if theres a high res copy of that pic somewhere...

gman0526 · 08/06/2006, 03:22 PM

It should be illegal to have such a tank, you disgust me.

Awesome tank, congrats!!!

Fishie Nut · 08/06/2006, 03:33 PM

OHMYGOD!!!

Boy do I envy you. Beautiful.

Ciarán · 08/06/2006, 05:04 PM

Just goes to show who really began this hobby before you rich yanks hopped on the bandwagon! ALLEZ EUROPE LOL!! F-anthias-tic tank, i really love it, proves that continental reefers still rule the roost. (Peter Wilkens will be proud im sure!). BTW is this the UV Steriliser?

looks like it! I cant imagine the effort and money literally pumped into this and it deserves the highest of commendations. Your fish corals and inverts are extremely lucky to have found their way to that awesome system and your trusty husbandry. Major kudos..

Ciaran, the irish reefer.

Skipper · 08/06/2006, 06:35 PM

Yes, that's the UV system. Four tubes.

tentacles · 08/06/2006, 06:40 PM

how far off the water are your lights?

08/05/2006, 09:19 PM	#3
The Reefer91 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,250	Holy colorful corals batman! man that tank is awesome! really, really gorgeous __________________ Dan "Every day we fade little by little, 'till there's nothing left of us but the lies we've sown." Current Tank Info: 20g L display: 2x65watt Coralife light, Octopus 150 needle wheel protein skimmer, 1 Koralia 2 and 2 powersweeps, and a DIY sump/fuge.....120G in the works!!!

08/05/2006, 10:40 PM	#7
Billy1234 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 417	Wow! Phenomenal tank. I like the Plasma TV too You have my dream house __________________ "Your mom goes to college." Current Tank Info: 20g

08/05/2006, 11:36 PM	#8
CAreefer Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Paso Robles CA Posts: 963	Absolutely beautiful. Very well thought out and executed. Congratulations and well deserved Ralf. CAReefer __________________ June 2005 TOTM Current Tank Info: 265 Gallon A.G.E. Starphire SPS in the build stage. 3 400 watt Helios 20k on PFO HQI/Ice Cap ballasts. Bubble King 300 skimmer.

08/06/2006, 01:41 AM	#9
Hop Carpe Noctem!!! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Western Colorado Posts: 8,548	I still a little speechless. Very well thought out, clean and impressive. nice work! __________________ Hop Current Tank Info: 300-gallon in-wall system (mixed reef)

08/06/2006, 03:25 AM	#12
Jadran Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Croatia Posts: 271	WOW! Impressive, not only tank itself, but the interior design. Way its built in and fitted in the living room is absolutely phenomenal.. I'd love to see more living room shots (other angles, and so..) Very inspiring!! __________________ Mario Current Tank Info: 120g anemone tank

08/05/2006, 09:05 PM	#2
kfisc Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 2,020	Holy Cow! What an amazing tank. It's a treat to see tanks from all over the world here; thanks for sharing it with us.

08/05/2006, 09:37 PM	#4
tom obrecht Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: WI Posts: 3,014	Spectacular! Awesome aquascape and of course the anthias are stunning! Great job!!

08/05/2006, 09:43 PM	#5
panic Premium Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 802	Beautiful work! I have been following your progress and knew it would be TOTM sooner or later. The detail of your explanation of the system is certainly helpful. I can't wait for the jellyfish tank.

08/05/2006, 09:49 PM	#6
joedirt54 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Western PA Posts: 248	The aquascape, corals, and fish are outstanding. The fit and finish of the tank, wall, and lights is one of the best I've ever seen. I'll second Tom's opinion on your anthias!

08/06/2006, 01:43 AM	#10
saltbox125 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Carlisle, PA Posts: 68	very nice aquascape.

08/06/2006, 02:18 AM	#11
Charleskart Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 65	Breathtaking tank! Thanks for sharing.

08/06/2006, 06:49 AM	#13
anothermineral Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: NJ Posts: 232	Gorgeous setup. Exceptional engineering and design. Congrats! __________________ Live and Learn

08/06/2006, 06:57 AM	#14
dougie Registered Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: NSW AUSTRALIA Posts: 607	Beautiful tank! if we all had a tank like that to look at in our homes there whould be no need to go diving on a natural reef ever again! good luck in the future keep us all updated. __________________ Steve Irwin, still my hero, and never forgotten. Current Tank Info: 210 gal, 7x2x2, LED, mp60's. mixed reef.

08/06/2006, 09:02 AM	#15
spitefull Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: west coast/canada Posts: 93	Fantastic, incredible and awesome, ill just put my nano under my arm and skulk back under a rock. all the best and carry on!!!

08/06/2006, 09:19 AM	#16
Angel*Fish cats and large squashes Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Houston Posts: 5,951 Blog Entries: 1	Wow! I don't run across my "dream tank" very often - as long as I'm dreaming, my standards are pretty high. Congratuations on your achievement - you've made something beautiful and a model which others can to aspire to. As far as enjoying the display, I love your dispars most of all -- I have 2 in my 100g that always "school", relatively speaking- It's hard to choose, but IMHO, they are the best anthias. If you ever have videos to post of your 15, it would be a real treat to many of us. __________________ Marie So long, & thanks for all the fish! __________________________ Current Tank Info: Pairs: flame angels, cherub angels, Red Sea mimic blennies, yellow fin fairy wrasses, clowns, mandarins, blackcap basslets, shrimp gobies, damsels, dispar anthias, yellow clown gobies, threadfin cardinals --- Tanks: 100g reef, 2 x 30g refugiums

08/06/2006, 09:41 AM	#17
Josh125 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Fulshear, TX Posts: 979	IMO this is the nicest TOTM I have seen in the 5 years I have been at RC. Wonderful job!

08/06/2006, 11:27 AM	#18
myusername Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pomona CA Posts: 484	WOW! Grate set up. one day, I hope to have a set up like that. even the wall looks good, grate job!

08/06/2006, 12:13 PM	#19
jnarowe Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Poulsbo, WA Posts: 14,710	Congrats on TOTM! Your system certainly deserves the attention. That lighting rack is unbelievable, but certainly a great solution to a tough space. Regarding the Kole Tang, I had ordered 3 but one was DOA. That meant I put in only two, and the more agressive one beat the other into submission. I had to remove the weaker one and give it to another reefer. Since then the "stronger" one has been a fairly good citizen but I think mostly because I have a striped bristletooth tang that won't take any crap from it. In essence, the brsitletooth keeps the kole in check. Yours has fairly benign tank mates so it figures it is King of the Reef I guess. I am surprised it killed a goby though since they are so different and inhabit different parts of the reef. I'll have to keep a closer eye on mine! Again I have to commend you for the inginuity that went into your system and how you dealt with a limited footprint. The sump installation is really interesting and I doubt many people would even think to sink it in the floor. Very Cool! __________________ Jonathan--Recovering Tankaholic. Current Tank Info: 70g fresh planted

08/06/2006, 01:48 PM	#20
Madhouse Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 58	wow id like the blow that pic up and make it a poster for my fishroom.. if theres a high res copy of that pic somewhere...

08/06/2006, 03:22 PM	#21
gman0526 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Puerto Rico Posts: 1,278	It should be illegal to have such a tank, you disgust me. Awesome tank, congrats!!! __________________ "If the facts don't fit the theory, change the facts." A.E. Current Tank Info: 75 G BB tank

08/06/2006, 03:33 PM	#22
Fishie Nut Premium Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 966	OHMYGOD!!! Boy do I envy you. Beautiful. __________________ Fishie (MASLAC member) "It's alaways a sometin'" -- Roseanna Roseannadana Current Tank Info: 225 gal LeeMar Reef; Deltec AP 702, ProFiLux, 90 gal sump/fuge, 3x250 HQI Lumenarcs. 4x96W PC actinics; 375 lbs LR; 3" LS; Hammerhead CL, Korallin c3002, KM500, Auto Water Change/Top Off; Aquatinics 1/3 HP drop in

08/06/2006, 05:04 PM	#23
Ciarán Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 268	Just goes to show who really began this hobby before you rich yanks hopped on the bandwagon! ALLEZ EUROPE LOL!! F-anthias-tic tank, i really love it, proves that continental reefers still rule the roost. (Peter Wilkens will be proud im sure!). BTW is this the UV Steriliser? looks like it! I cant imagine the effort and money literally pumped into this and it deserves the highest of commendations. Your fish corals and inverts are extremely lucky to have found their way to that awesome system and your trusty husbandry. Major kudos.. Ciaran, the irish reefer.

08/06/2006, 06:35 PM	#24
Skipper Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Hattiesburg, MS Posts: 18,271	Yes, that's the UV system. Four tubes. __________________ Skip Attix Former Editor of Reefkeeping Magazine

08/06/2006, 06:40 PM	#25
tentacles Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Palatine, Il Posts: 128	how far off the water are your lights? __________________ hey, what smells like blue? Current Tank Info: 380g