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Unread 03/30/2018, 11:45 AM   #176
reefmutt
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Gasp.... it’s ALIIIIIIIIVE!!!
Hey Wally congrats on adding electricity and sparking life!!
Fyi... squamipinis (lyre tail) or bartlett’s anthias are two solid, hearty anthias to try in the future.
Don’t forget.. besides n and p and k, algae also needs fe to survive and thrive..
Without corals in the system, I’d keep running good amounts of p removing media for now.. I bet the jump was from bound po4 starting to leach from the old rocks.. no need to get rid of them but keep some po4 absorbers going through this start up phase.
Lost track of this marathon for a bit... phew.. it’s not easy keeping up with you Wally.


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Current Tank Info: 53x32.5x26 190g dt 60g of sumps 3 tank-100 gal frag system 6xAI prime 8xt5. 4x maxspect gyre. Skimz Dual internal sicce pump skimmer Deltec PF601s ca rx+Kalk stirrer
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Unread 03/30/2018, 12:03 PM   #177
Wally.B
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Matt, thanks for that Point. I can go Nuts bringing down P to detectable since no corals.

I switched to Seachem PhosGuard, but GFO reactor is STILL in sump (FRESH GFO).
I just turned GFO on so both running, till P drops to minimal dectectable level. Maybe around 0.01-0.02

I guess your point is P may leach out of OLD Rocks (when I bring them over), if P is low enough.

I also put in a 3 baggies of Matrix (Return drain, Filter Tray, and Return to Tank Section). No harm having BioMedia building up bacteria when N starts churning out with Fish coming OVER soon.

I also got two Small Bags of ChemiPure Carbon Resign (no GFO) in last section.

All to filter out any DIE OFF, and Particulates as I start bring over Cut, molded, Glue Rock Scape pieces over.
STARTING in 5 minutes....


All this is ideal to condition the Tank this Early in the Game.

Stay ahead of the GAME......STAY STABLE.



Last edited by Wally.B; 03/30/2018 at 12:20 PM.
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Unread 03/30/2018, 01:13 PM   #178
Wally.B
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ROCKSCAPEING ( STARTS ) Found and OLD (lost) FRIEND

Wow, I don't know where to start.

So many nice pieces (that I hand selected for Shape) over the years.





Some look good Verticle and Horizontal. Other good for Base Foundation.

Best to just start and move along.
Leave some for QT and Sump.

HOWEVER after moving out Rock I found my Purple Firefish.



Haven't seen him for Months. Thought he was dead.


JUST PUT A NET OVER (65 gal). Would be a misfortune to lose him during transfer.

Must make a place for him in new Tank.



Last edited by Wally.B; 03/30/2018 at 01:19 PM.
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Unread 03/30/2018, 03:29 PM   #179
Rakie
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My firefish hid for almost a year. She was terrified of the evil bangaii i used to have, now that he's gone she's out all day long -- at least until after she eats, then she takes a nap.


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Unread 03/30/2018, 04:36 PM   #180
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ROCKSAPING FAILURE (First Attempt) Threw Rocks in for Now (BristleStar Worm Storm)

So I worked really hard for over an Hour Making a Perfect Rock Scupture.



Lots of Cavities, Plenty of SPS mount Points, Not too high.
Rodded, Glues, and Puttied Together.

I moved to Rinse to Frag Tank and it made it. Barely.
As went to move it into Tank I arrived at Tank (BUT NO STOOL)...I had to go back to WorkTable. 2nd Attempt to pick up it FELL APART

So I threw in the Rocks for now (BEST ATTEMPT PILING), and will do later.
I have to move fish.





Next Time I'll work on RockScape in NEW TANK.

I notice the rocks were INFESTED with Bristle work in Old 65 since it was a peaceful place.

As Soon as I turned on new Tank Circulation the were BristleStar worm flying everywhere.

I netted at least 50 and threw them back into 65 Gal Tank.


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Unread 03/30/2018, 05:16 PM   #181
Wally.B
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Tank Cleared up a bit.

I turned on T5 Lights. Before I it was White LED Strip for a Working Light.



It's so so for a Quick Drop in of Rocks.
Certainly needs more Rockscape Adjustment work.

For now at least the Tanks is Establishing.

Will wait a few hours before moving Fish in....
We'll see how they behave with RockScape/NEW BIGGER TANK, and that will help me plan Final Layout.


(WATER TESTS FIRST.....Must start Watching Nitrite and N&P....I think some of the Bristles got mulched up in Pumps).


TANK NEEDS Finishing TRIM for the VIEWING SIDE (NOW).


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Unread 03/30/2018, 06:21 PM   #182
Wally.B
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16 Years (65 DT) Is Over [ Kind of a Sad Feeling......Looking at it Empty (But many good memories) ]

It's over. Fish Moved. OLD 65 TANK Water is Filthy after removing rocks.



It was my Very First Salt Water Tank.
Got it just after Getting Married and Moving Into an Apartment.
My 16 Year old First Child (Son) was born that year.

Here is a Photo of this 65 Gal Back in 2001, at the Apartment

( I never knew much back then about those bottles on the Shelf in that Photo
....except I thought adding more made the tank better....Nothings Changed, but I hope I learned enough for this tank, to Not Do Additives)

.....Photo is just after building the Stand, Wrap Around Oak Base, and Matching Oak Canopy.

I still actually have that Wood Work, and when I clean up the Tank and Finish using it for QT, The Set WILL GO UP FOR SALE.



Looking forward to the Next Many Years, with the Newbie...


(Office Look Greats and is Entertaining Again

...........Fish Are Happy too (Fighting right now for Dips on the Best Room)

...I'm sure the FISH recognize the OLD View....I like the NEW OFFICE VIEW TOO.



ONWARD.



Last edited by Wally.B; 03/30/2018 at 06:37 PM.
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Unread 03/30/2018, 11:26 PM   #183
Rakie
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I don't normally like in-wall tanks, but I like this one. Having that corner really helps with looks IMO.

So not that you're looking for advice, but if I were to be nosy and impart some -- I might suggest scaping the right side as if it were also the front of the tank. A nice gentle slope towards the middle of the tank, and lower rocks at the front, and right side of the tank. It will give your tank another dimension allowing you to enjoy the view from the side as well as the front.

That's the only bit of advice I think I could give you. Otherwise, I think it looks stunning... And it makes me want a bigger tank lol


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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:18 AM   #184
Wally.B
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Ammonia Alert (Warning Level) Moved New QT Fish To Frag Tank (QT 2) Shutting down 65 G

I noticed the Amonia Alert Tag changed from Yellow to Green (Warning Level).
The QT was getting filthy for all that Anthias Feeding attempts.

65 isn't ideal for QT since Dirty too and Want to Shut it down, OUT OF WAY.

Frag Tank will work BETTER:

-> 40 Gallons.
-> Built in Filtration.
-> 65 Top Net Fits.
-> Running Fresh Water Top Up
-> T5 Lighting



Now I'm done ALL THE HARD THINGS.

Happy Easter Weekend for those celebrating.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:24 AM   #185
Wally.B
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rakie View Post
I don't normally like in-wall tanks, but I like this one. Having that corner really helps with looks IMO.

So not that you're looking for advice, but if I were to be nosy and impart some -- I might suggest scaping the right side as if it were also the front of the tank. A nice gentle slope towards the middle of the tank, and lower rocks at the front, and right side of the tank. It will give your tank another dimension allowing you to enjoy the view from the side as well as the front.

That's the only bit of advice I think I could give you. Otherwise, I think it looks stunning... And it makes me want a bigger tank lol
Thanks.

I've barely had time to look at it for 5 minutes at a time, only brief glances.
Gotta soak it in when things are tidied up.

It keeps looking better and better as it clears up.

The 100% perfectly FLUSH IN WALL (to me is Spectacular) compared to the Receeded-Inwall I had.
Now with Rocks in Tank the Whole look has become 3D, like Kaboom Wow!!!

Tank raised and the Black GLASS Bottom is really cool, seeing hermits walking around at eye level. (Before tank was lower than Opening.... I never saw bottom, without standing up or leaning).

And that Clear Silicone Corner is something I don't regret one bit.

Fish are adding Color already.

Corals will give it that Final Color Boost.

ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ADVICE, Constructive Criticism, and the odd Pat-on-The Back.

YES, I will be redoing rockscaping. For ALL SIDES (Front, Back, Side).
This was just a Distaster Rock Attempt that will go better next time...
PUT STOOL IN FRONT OF TANK when carrying Large delicate rock work over!!!!!! DUH!!! Stupid me!!



Last edited by Wally.B; 03/31/2018 at 12:35 AM.
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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:41 AM   #186
Rakie
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So THAT'S where Wrangy's jump "screen" went!


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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:45 AM   #187
Wally.B
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HILARIOUS The Fish are bumping into the Right Side TANK Wall

I guess the fish got used to seeing a Wall on right side. Now they see open space.

They see my office like is was before and got trained to continue that way.

It's really funny to see them literally "Hitting the Glass Wall". Small Nose-Squished bumps.

Keeping Circulation a bit down, so they don't bruise themselves.

LMAOL


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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:50 AM   #188
Rakie
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Glad you're enjoying them, no doubt they like the new tank size.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:54 AM   #189
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rakie View Post
So THAT'S where Wrangy's jump "screen" went!
If you are talking about my OLD DIY crappy Tank Top net, yeah, I have to redo it.

I got an idea that I'm working on. Need to find the parts.
I hate removing and putting back tank tops.

Roller Screen TANK TOP NET.

Like a Window Blind, that you can roll up when not needed.
Maybe spring, or just cord.

Might be possible.

Wonder is anyone has already made one.
You would know, you know all the gizmos.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 03:50 AM   #190
Rakie
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wally.B View Post
If you are talking about my OLD DIY crappy Tank Top net, yeah, I have to redo it.

I got an idea that I'm working on. Need to find the parts.
I hate removing and putting back tank tops.

Roller Screen TANK TOP NET.

Like a Window Blind, that you can roll up when not needed.
Maybe spring, or just cord.

Might be possible.

Wonder is anyone has already made one.
You would know, you know all the gizmos.
I would use one of those retractable mechanisms from a vacuum cleaner.

The problem will be rust.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 09:31 AM   #191
Wally.B
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rakie View Post
I would use one of those retractable mechanisms from a vacuum cleaner.

The problem will be rust.
Something like that. However it doesn't have to be spring loaded, since you want finer control (to open a crack to feed fish).
A simple plastic bead pull chain. Just need to find something with a all plastic mechanism. Like the baby Shade for cars.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 09:35 AM   #192
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MORNING SUNRISES (Something I never Planned) ** New TANK 3 Sided In-Wall Design Bonus *

I never thought of this as part of my design, but today I notice this with Rocks in tank.



When the tank didn't have the right side exposed, it stayed totally Dark till lights came on.

The little tiny window in the basement now brings in light, and the extra open side give the tank a nature progressive sunrise.

Cool.

(Tank really needs the Finishing Trim).....Going to Try that Oak trim (Stain it to match desk).


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Unread 03/31/2018, 09:53 AM   #193
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QT II (Scraps from OLD 65 Gal Tank) Decorate things up (Where did the ALL Bristle Star Worms go????)

Some left overs (Shells/Rocks) from 65GAL Makes the new FRAG TANK(QT) Better.
Fish like the Extra Roaming Space.



Ammonia Alert has dropped to Yellow (SAFE)

I also threw in a Few of Bristle Star Worm that I caught from DT last night.
Only a few. But where the heck are the 50-60 that I caught?

(I looked everywhere....They are hiding somewhere. They could not have escaped.)



Last edited by Wally.B; 03/31/2018 at 11:43 AM.
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Unread 03/31/2018, 12:27 PM   #194
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TANK Oak TRIM (BEFORE Staining) Cedar Red Color

I kind of Liked the Black Look.

But some kind of Trim Has to go on for Water Line, and Light coming out.


Looks a bit Pale to me right now.



I already cut the SIDE Oak Pieces, so I'll try the Desk Matching Stain. (I fooled around with White, or Matching Wall Color....AWFUL)

If it doesn't work out, I can always Paint/Stain it BLACK.

It's a bit Wide, but that's minimal for TOP.

I have a thinner Bottom Oak Strip. Will try that.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 06:53 PM   #195
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TRIM (First STAIN COAT). Tidy but I HATE IT

Tank looks complete, but I don't like it.
I miss the Slick Black Look.








It's only 1 Coat of Stain, so each additional Coat will get Darker, and More Redder.

Trim is only Hot Glued on so Easy to Remove.

I can actually Stain More Darker Coats Right on the Wall. It's just a fine Stain Soaked Cloth.

Maybe a bit Darker and I'll get used to it.

Right Now Hate it (From a Distance...Close up is OK...Could be the desk not matching)


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Unread 03/31/2018, 07:17 PM   #196
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It was just the first Staining.
Another Stain Coat made it way better.

I'll keep layering till it Dark RED-BLACK or BLACK-RED


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Unread 03/31/2018, 07:33 PM   #197
Rakie
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This will defeat your original goal, but if it keeps popping out at you and you decide you don't care for it, you could always paint it the same color as the wall. The fact that you choose wood in the first place tells me I know that's not your goal, but it'll look nice if you just can't make it the tone you want.


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Unread 03/31/2018, 08:47 PM   #198
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I am also of the opinion that white will look pretty sharp - the wood trim ages the look a bit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


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Unread 03/31/2018, 08:59 PM   #199
Rakie
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I am also of the opinion that white will look pretty sharp - the wood trim ages the look a bit


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Kinda looks like the cover of Reef Keeper magazine, circa '94



In this months issue:
- T5HO will never stand up to Halide, VHO is here to stay -- here are the facts.
- No more monthly rock bleaches? Check out Wally.B's dirty rocks!
- Nano tanks on the horizon? Can a tank under 120 gallons really thrive?? Experts say, no.



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Unread 03/31/2018, 09:00 PM   #200
Wally.B
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2nd, 3rd Coat (Still not happy)

Getting Darker with 2 more coats, but I can't get used to the look.

See the comparison


It's kind of Awful for the Overall Room View... (Like I said before, Looks pretty good only when sitting at desk)

I really LIke the SLICK BLACK with Clear Edges look (but don't want Water Line and Lights Shining thru)

Even Wife came down and said the Black Looked better.

THE PROBLEM IS.... The Water Line Needs to be covered up.

That Trim is just too WIDE. Wood Old Flashioned.
Wood is Good for Desk as Contrast.

I must find a way. Maybe Paint half the Trim Wall Color, and Enough BLACK to match the Bottom Black Tank Trim.

For Now, I have BLACK STAIN that I used for the T5 Lighting Fixture. Might try that. But it will ruin the Oak that I can use for something else.


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