BonesCJ 90 macro setup

BonesCJ · 05/03/2017, 10:29 PM

My 90 has been through alot, first it was a reef, then a cichlid tank, it sat in the garage dry for 6 months and finally its being setup once again as a macro tank. I've done many planted tanks over the years so i love the look of lots of greens and reds filling a system, and no dirty corals are gonna get their polyps anywhere near it!

Tanks been running now for about two months and has cycled well, here are the specs so far...

50 lbs marco rock
10 lbs LR
2 koralia 750/850's
Eheim 1250 return
Seafloor reef grade sand, about 2.5 inches deep
20 long sump
No skimmer
40i internal filter in sump for mechanical filtration

Lighting is currently a marineland advanced led 48 inch strip leftover from when it was a lowlight planted/cichlid tank, probably gonna get a Current marine Pro to replace it.

Here it is a month in

Here are some more current shots, i had to turn the light on so most of the fish are asleep

The rockpile

A piece of what i belive is c. Taxifola, growing even under my current pitiful light. My local fish store gave it to me for free when it came in with a seahorse shipment.

The overflow, the whole back of the tank used to be foamed over but like this current look better.

BonesCJ · 05/03/2017, 10:33 PM

Oh i forgot the critter list

Current occupants

Perc clown
2 red firefish
Royal gramma
Sw molly (f)

Small clean up crew

Planned additions include

Pj cardinals x3
Pearly jawfish
Wrasse or two
Several clown gobies
And after a long while a mandarin
Plus at least one cleaner shrimp

Michael Hoaster · 05/04/2017, 12:55 PM

Looking good so far! Nice job on the overflow. The tall rock just left of it looks out of place to me. It almost looks like it's hiding something.

That reddish tint is cyano bacteria (I think), which can take over quickly, especially in low light, with no competition for nutrients. Get a light and plants asap!

Great pics! Good luck!

BonesCJ · 05/04/2017, 09:32 PM

That is a big ol piece of petrified wood, it belonged to my wifes dad and has been an aquarium piece for decades. Its curved behind and is a great hiding spot for fish.

Michael Hoaster · 05/04/2017, 09:56 PM

D'oh, an aquarium, family heirloom! Sorry. That's cool! I'm sure it'll look great with the plants. And fish need hiding spots!

BonesCJ · 05/05/2017, 07:40 AM

Can anyone help me ID that algae piece I have in the pictures? I thought it was taxifolia but with as many restrictions as I am finding on shipping it I wonder if its mexicana?

BonesCJ · 05/16/2017, 08:48 AM

Got two Viparspectra 165's coming on the 17th, once I get those setup I'll be ordering the live sand pack from GCE.

http://www.viparspectra.com/goods.php?id=62

Chasmodes · 05/16/2017, 11:30 AM

Nice looking light fixture!

Michael Hoaster · 05/16/2017, 12:31 PM

Sweet! Can't wait to see it set up!

BonesCJ · 05/18/2017, 06:38 AM

Got my new lights yesterday and stayed up to the wee hours getting them installed (new toys cannot wait right!)

Decided to go with eyehooks to mount the lights, I pinched the opening so the cables cannot easily slip out and mounted them in opposite directions

I currently have the White's at 50% and the blues at 25%, trying for that more brightly lit lagoon look vs deeper water.

Here is my one current macro, its grown quite a bit under my old freshwater lights, interested to see how it does under proper ones now

Michael Hoaster · 05/18/2017, 07:01 AM

Nice setup! Keep us posted!

BonesCJ · 05/24/2017, 06:36 AM

LFS got some more saltwater mollies in, bringing my total up to 4
decided to take some fish shots.

Michael Hoaster · 05/24/2017, 06:59 AM

Cool fish, and good pics! What's next? Macros?

BonesCJ · 05/24/2017, 07:20 AM

Next is the critter/macro pack from GCE.com, just gotta wait a little. The one caulerpa I
have in there is growing nicely though.

BonesCJ · 05/24/2017, 07:44 AM

I also brought the Lights up to 70% White / 40% blue, I like the whiter look as it reminds me more of a shallow lagoon and the one macro has started growing much better.

Michael Hoaster · 05/24/2017, 07:49 AM

Right on. It's combining along nicely. GCE's fuge pack is the shizle.

BonesCJ · 05/24/2017, 12:46 PM

I emailed them today to clarify that I don't need the chaeto and once I hear back I will probably place the order.

BonesCJ · 05/28/2017, 09:52 PM

Got a response from GCE, gonna swap out the chaeto for a variety pack of reds. As long as everything goes smoothly i'll get my fuge pack in two weeks. Also my one caulerpa is going gangbusters with the new lights! Growth is much darker, faster and more compact, leggy plants always means insufficient light as they "reach" for it.

Michael Hoaster · 05/28/2017, 10:34 PM

Awesome news! Glad to hear the lights are working for you. I love their fuge pack. Their live sand is some of the best I've come across.

BonesCJ · 05/30/2017, 11:27 AM

Placed my order on Monday, not sure if it will ship this week or next. Question, I am used to using Superglue to mount coral frags, what is the best way to place macro's? For example my caulerpa I just held down with a rock till it started growing its holdfasts into the sand.

Michael Hoaster · 05/30/2017, 01:35 PM

I've tried super glue. The plants just broke off. Holding down with a rock or sandwiching them between rocks works. With your fake wall section, you can push pin them into that. Rubber bands work too, but they aren't pretty. Let us know if you come up with anything better!

BonesCJ · 06/01/2017, 10:20 PM

I got my order from GCE and like other orders i've gotten and ones that I have seen others receive everything was packaged well and no leaks.

And now for the show.

The caulerpa Pack did not have much beyond feather caulerpa and I'm pretty happy with the piece I already have going in my system, it did however also contain a fuzzy green macro that I kept, the rest I discarded.

The multipack of reds on the other hand had LOTS of variety and plenty of them, they ALL went in :-).

Cannot wait to see what critters come from this.

Here are shots after I placed everything in the system, some I wedged in cracks, some I attached to LR pieces with thin black zipties and some I just left to float and figure out where it wants to go. Keep your eyes open and you may be able to find the Pearly Jawfish I got today as well.

All the fish seem REALLY happy with the new additions, they began immediately exploring and investigating the new decor.

Michael Hoaster · 06/01/2017, 10:45 PM

Looks great! Did you add the live sand?

BonesCJ · 06/02/2017, 06:14 AM

Yep, after I took the pics since I knew it would cloud the water

BonesCJ · 06/02/2017, 09:28 AM

The caulerpa I have in several shots, does that look like a variety of grape caulerpa to anyone? When I brought it home from the store it only had two rows of fronds with rounded tips but since adding proper lighting the new growth is much denser. Almost looks like Caulerpa peltata.

05/03/2017, 10:29 PM	#1
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	BonesCJ 90 macro setup My 90 has been through alot, first it was a reef, then a cichlid tank, it sat in the garage dry for 6 months and finally its being setup once again as a macro tank. I've done many planted tanks over the years so i love the look of lots of greens and reds filling a system, and no dirty corals are gonna get their polyps anywhere near it! Tanks been running now for about two months and has cycled well, here are the specs so far... 50 lbs marco rock 10 lbs LR 2 koralia 750/850's Eheim 1250 return Seafloor reef grade sand, about 2.5 inches deep 20 long sump No skimmer 40i internal filter in sump for mechanical filtration Lighting is currently a marineland advanced led 48 inch strip leftover from when it was a lowlight planted/cichlid tank, probably gonna get a Current marine Pro to replace it. Here it is a month in Here are some more current shots, i had to turn the light on so most of the fish are asleep The rockpile A piece of what i belive is c. Taxifola, growing even under my current pitiful light. My local fish store gave it to me for free when it came in with a seahorse shipment. The overflow, the whole back of the tank used to be foamed over but like this current look better. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/03/2017, 10:33 PM	#2
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Oh i forgot the critter list Current occupants Perc clown 2 red firefish Royal gramma Sw molly (f) Small clean up crew Planned additions include Pj cardinals x3 Pearly jawfish Wrasse or two Several clown gobies And after a long while a mandarin Plus at least one cleaner shrimp __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/04/2017, 12:55 PM	#3
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Looking good so far! Nice job on the overflow. The tall rock just left of it looks out of place to me. It almost looks like it's hiding something. That reddish tint is cyano bacteria (I think), which can take over quickly, especially in low light, with no competition for nutrients. Get a light and plants asap! Great pics! Good luck! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/04/2017, 09:32 PM	#4
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	That is a big ol piece of petrified wood, it belonged to my wifes dad and has been an aquarium piece for decades. Its curved behind and is a great hiding spot for fish. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/04/2017, 09:56 PM	#5
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	D'oh, an aquarium, family heirloom! Sorry. That's cool! I'm sure it'll look great with the plants. And fish need hiding spots! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/05/2017, 07:40 AM	#6
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Can anyone help me ID that algae piece I have in the pictures? I thought it was taxifolia but with as many restrictions as I am finding on shipping it I wonder if its mexicana? __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/16/2017, 08:48 AM	#7
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Got two Viparspectra 165's coming on the 17th, once I get those setup I'll be ordering the live sand pack from GCE. http://www.viparspectra.com/goods.php?id=62 __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/16/2017, 11:30 AM	#8
Chasmodes Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,322	Nice looking light fixture! __________________ Blennies Rock! --Kevin Wilson Current Tank Info: 101g 3'X3'X18" Cubish Oyster Reef Blenny tank, 36"X17"X18" sump

05/16/2017, 12:31 PM	#9
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Sweet! Can't wait to see it set up! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/18/2017, 06:38 AM	#10
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Got my new lights yesterday and stayed up to the wee hours getting them installed (new toys cannot wait right!) Decided to go with eyehooks to mount the lights, I pinched the opening so the cables cannot easily slip out and mounted them in opposite directions I currently have the White's at 50% and the blues at 25%, trying for that more brightly lit lagoon look vs deeper water. Here is my one current macro, its grown quite a bit under my old freshwater lights, interested to see how it does under proper ones now __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/18/2017, 07:01 AM	#11
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Nice setup! Keep us posted! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/24/2017, 06:36 AM	#12
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	LFS got some more saltwater mollies in, bringing my total up to 4 decided to take some fish shots. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/24/2017, 06:59 AM	#13
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Cool fish, and good pics! What's next? Macros? __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/24/2017, 07:20 AM	#14
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Next is the critter/macro pack from GCE.com, just gotta wait a little. The one caulerpa I have in there is growing nicely though. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/24/2017, 07:44 AM	#15
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	I also brought the Lights up to 70% White / 40% blue, I like the whiter look as it reminds me more of a shallow lagoon and the one macro has started growing much better. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/24/2017, 07:49 AM	#16
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Right on. It's combining along nicely. GCE's fuge pack is the shizle. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/24/2017, 12:46 PM	#17
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	I emailed them today to clarify that I don't need the chaeto and once I hear back I will probably place the order. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/28/2017, 09:52 PM	#18
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Got a response from GCE, gonna swap out the chaeto for a variety pack of reds. As long as everything goes smoothly i'll get my fuge pack in two weeks. Also my one caulerpa is going gangbusters with the new lights! Growth is much darker, faster and more compact, leggy plants always means insufficient light as they "reach" for it. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/28/2017, 10:34 PM	#19
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Awesome news! Glad to hear the lights are working for you. I love their fuge pack. Their live sand is some of the best I've come across. __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

05/30/2017, 11:27 AM	#20
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Placed my order on Monday, not sure if it will ship this week or next. Question, I am used to using Superglue to mount coral frags, what is the best way to place macro's? For example my caulerpa I just held down with a rock till it started growing its holdfasts into the sand. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

05/30/2017, 01:35 PM	#21
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	I've tried super glue. The plants just broke off. Holding down with a rock or sandwiching them between rocks works. With your fake wall section, you can push pin them into that. Rubber bands work too, but they aren't pretty. Let us know if you come up with anything better! __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

06/01/2017, 10:20 PM	#22
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	I got my order from GCE and like other orders i've gotten and ones that I have seen others receive everything was packaged well and no leaks. And now for the show. The caulerpa Pack did not have much beyond feather caulerpa and I'm pretty happy with the piece I already have going in my system, it did however also contain a fuzzy green macro that I kept, the rest I discarded. The multipack of reds on the other hand had LOTS of variety and plenty of them, they ALL went in :-). Cannot wait to see what critters come from this. Here are shots after I placed everything in the system, some I wedged in cracks, some I attached to LR pieces with thin black zipties and some I just left to float and figure out where it wants to go. Keep your eyes open and you may be able to find the Pearly Jawfish I got today as well. All the fish seem REALLY happy with the new additions, they began immediately exploring and investigating the new decor. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

06/01/2017, 10:45 PM	#23
Michael Hoaster Registered Seaweedist Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Boulder, CO Posts: 5,807	Looks great! Did you add the live sand? __________________ As many naturalists and environmentalists have suggested, we should set aside our arrogance, our desire to conquer and control everything, and walk hand in hand with Mother Nature. -Walter Adey Current Tank Info: 180g Seagrass Sandbar Lagoon, START DATE November 28, 2018

06/02/2017, 06:14 AM	#24
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	Yep, after I took the pics since I knew it would cloud the water __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros

06/02/2017, 09:28 AM	#25
BonesCJ Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Tucson Posts: 1,420	The caulerpa I have in several shots, does that look like a variety of grape caulerpa to anyone? When I brought it home from the store it only had two rows of fronds with rounded tips but since adding proper lighting the new growth is much denser. Almost looks like Caulerpa peltata. __________________ Chris K. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon Green Garden O Macros