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05/22/2004, 06:56 PM | #76 |
Make my Funk a P-Funk
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Electric Avenue
Posts: 5,092
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Quite amazing!
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**************** "Work hard, rock hard, eat hard, sleep hard, grow big, wear glasses if you need 'em." -- The Webb Wilder Credo -- don't go ninjin' nobody that don't need ninjin'! Current Tank Info: 220g custom plywood. SPS heavy with Sequence Hammerhead return with 4-Way OM. Tunze 6100, 6200 and Wavebox. 5000btu DIY Chiller. Lighting is 10K mh 250W / VHO Actinic Skimer - H&S A200-2x1260 |
05/22/2004, 07:03 PM | #77 |
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Location: Western New York
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Like everyone I am awestruck and very curious to learn more about your setup. Are you in the UK? The caption in the newspaper photo reads "tonnes" instead of "tons".
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Reef since 95'. 180g, 100g sump, 55 g refuge Current Tank Info: 180g, 100g sump, 55 g refuge |
05/22/2004, 11:10 PM | #78 | |
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Location: New York
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"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in _the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day. " ~Frank Sinatra |
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05/23/2004, 01:04 PM | #79 | ||||||||||
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First of all, I have a question for those following this thread.
Given your extremely positive reaction to my first pictures, I have taken/gathered a number of new pictures that come under 3 conceptual sub-headings: - Backbone pictures (ie support systems); - Original pictures taken 7+ years ago (then and now); and - the reef at night. As I have very limited experience in posting to Reef Central, I was wondering whether (on the issues solely of convenience to readers) I should just keep adding posts to the original thread or start seperate thread or threads? Quote:
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Frankly, I suspect that people will be surprised at the lack of complexity. I don't have any sophisticated (computerized) monitoring or control sytems. Frankly I personally see these systems as being of limited importance and use. What I do monitor (using simple electronic meters) are my reef's PH, salinity and the conductivity of make-up water. What I have concentrated on are the basics of lighting, water flow/motion and skimming. I clean the glass aboiut once a week with one of those magnetic scrubbing pads. I also use a razor about once every three weeks On the issue of cost, both initial and ongoing cost......"nevermind" However, I should add that my cost is likely substantially less than most people would think Quote:
I don't adhere to a strict maintenance schedule and do not incorporate any additives whatsoever. I use a calcium reactor and from time to time I top up the calcium level with calcium chloride and buffer. In the past. I also used kalkwasser but my dosing pump malfunctioned several months ago (3rd one to do so) and I have still not gotten round to buying a replacement. I should add that there was a time early on with my first tank that I was extremely concerned about "balances" and the depletion of substances in the reef. Accordingly, I added various substances from Iodine to Strontium. But I stopped worrying about that many years ago. Frankly, on reflection the lack of research and the gaps of knowledge caused me to conclude that the probabilities were just as great that I was, in fact, creating (or exacerbating)problems rather than solving real issues through my use of additives.....for example, one day the "prevailing opinion" was that strontium was necessary.....a year later....seemingly knowledgable people were now maintaing that it was detrimental. Please note that I am certainly not suggesting that aquariests stop adding whatever it is that appears to benefit the inhabitants of their aquariums. All that I am saying is that, I have ppersonally concluded that less intervention is usually better than more intervention - so I don't intervene unless I absolutely have to". Quote:
1. Achilles Tang (3 1/2 years) Acanthurus achilles 2. Powder Brown Tang (3 years) Acanthurus japonicus 3. Powder Blue Tang (1 year) Acanthurus leucosternon 4. Mata Tang (2 1/2 years) Acanthurus mata 5. Chocolate Mimic Tang (2 1/2 years) Acanthurus pyroferus 6. Orange Shoulder Tang (6 weeks) Acanthurus olivaceus 7. Lieutenants Tang (new) Acanthurus tennenti 8. Convict Tang (2 years) Acanthurus triostegus The big Boss is the Achilles... The fish will spar from time to time, but the aquarium is large enough to allow the weaker combatant to move away (escape). Let me say this, however, in my view, you should certainly NOT try to keep a large nuumber of tangs in a small tank or even mid size tank. Although they are beautiful, they are extremely territorial. Quote:
Several of my tangs have had it and it has simply disappeared with time. Here is what I have personally concluded....ich is not introduced....the inhabitants carry it in some sort of latent form and stress is what brings it on, I expect that it has something to do with the immune system. I feed an interesting flake food (daily) that was recommended to me several years ago.....and all that I can say is that it works for me. In the past, I have used various frozen preparations and found this to be a better choice (the fish love it....seems to have more true nutrients....and, based on my experience there is far less of a problem with residue pollution). Quote:
For me, the problem with leaving a space open above the rock is that the back glass takes away from the illusion that I am attempting to create. "You see a glass wall and you know you are not looking at a real scene." As you will see from the pictures that I intend to post, I always try to disguise back glass walls and have also used mirrors to heighten the effect and illusion. Quote:
Thanks once more for all of your positive comments |
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05/23/2004, 02:02 PM | #80 | ||
10 and over club
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Sioux Falls, SD
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Awesome tank. I'm very jealous.
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05/23/2004, 02:36 PM | #81 |
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Yes, please tell us your flake food?
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"Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting... Holy Crap!!! What a Ride!!!" Current Tank Info: 150 Reef, SPS, LPS, Clams, 8-T5's, Tunze 7095 & 6200 Streams, ATI bubble 250 |
05/23/2004, 05:19 PM | #82 |
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I also have some questions if you could find the time to answer them it would be greatly appreciated!
1) I would also like to know what you are feeding your fish (frozen and the flake) and how often you are feeding them. 2) What is your light cycle currently? 3) How often and how much are your water changes? Thanks!
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Reefing Law #22: The more a coral costs, the greater the likelihood it will die in your tank. Current Tank Info: In-wall VHO LPS/Softie 150 Gallon Reef, 5g MaxiMini Carpet tank |
05/23/2004, 06:20 PM | #83 |
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The best ever.
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05/24/2004, 06:57 AM | #84 |
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Location: Newark, Delaware
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Please continue to post to this thread. IMO it is much easier to ask answer question instead of jumping between threads.
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05/24/2004, 10:14 AM | #85 |
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Join Date: May 2004
Location: Coast Range, Oregon
Posts: 380
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I would also be interested in how you physically work on a tank that large for placing new livestock, pruning or moving pieces, and the likes. I presume you have various kinds of poles, pincers and gaffs in addition to arm-length gloves? Do you have a platform that mounts over the top for you to lie upon over the water surface? Etc.
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05/24/2004, 11:11 AM | #86 |
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Location: New York
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i'll say he must put on the diving gear and just jump right in.....
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05/24/2004, 11:40 AM | #87 |
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Location: Key West, Fl
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Any behind the scene shots?
Thank's for sharing |
05/24/2004, 11:30 PM | #88 |
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THEN & NOW:
A. Given it's size, the aquarium and sump were both assembled on-site. The stand was also fabricated in two pieces which were bolted together on site. Transporting the stand and glass down a circular staircase presented quite a challenge. After a few hours of trying (with a total of seven men participating) we were finally required to disasemble part of the staircase itself (the oak sindles and handrails were temporarily removed) in order to get the largest pieces into the basement. THEN - 7+ Years Ago: Transporting panes of glass through basement entrance hall NOW - The basement entrance hall today: THEN - 7+ Years Ago: Bottom sheet of glass on stand. This picture gives you a sense of the scale of the aquarium. Note that the sump was then assembled in the space directly under the main tank. Main Aquarium: - 120"l x 45"w x 35"h - all Glass - front pane = Starfire Glass Sump: - 120"l x 36"w x 18"w - all Glass Stand : - custom fabricated - reinforced steel NOW - The same location today: THEN - 7+ Years Ago: This picture provides an overview of this area of the basement. Notice the mirrored column in the center of the picture which also appears in "The same location today" picture below. NOW - The same location today: |
05/24/2004, 11:35 PM | #89 |
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Location: Orlando, FL
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Wow!! Awesome!! Not only is the tank nice, the room is great. That entrance hall is amazing too. Your entire house must be incredible.
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Current tank: Red Sea Reefer 350 Deluxe, Avast Marine Pegleg 180 skimmer, Gyre 150, Eheim 1262 return |
05/24/2004, 11:51 PM | #90 |
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Location: Richmond, BC, CAN
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Wowzer, Great job indeed. Love the before and after pictures, really gives you a nice idea on how things have progressed. Waiting for the behind the scene (skimmer, sump, etc) pictures.
By the looks of it, you've got a side door that goes behind the tank. How much room is back there? In the one picture, it only looks like you've got about 1' or so, unless you broken that wall behind it down. Great job again! |
05/25/2004, 12:59 AM | #91 |
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Very nice.... how much room is between the wall and the back of the tank. In the pic the tank looks to be against the back wall? Also where and what type of skimmer are you using. Lights, what about the lights?
Thanks for taking the time to share this incredible tank. It goes to show that you may have something nice, but someone always has something nicer. INCREDIBLE!
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"Life's Journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting... Holy Crap!!! What a Ride!!!" Current Tank Info: 150 Reef, SPS, LPS, Clams, 8-T5's, Tunze 7095 & 6200 Streams, ATI bubble 250 |
05/25/2004, 12:46 PM | #92 |
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Location: Los Angeles, CA
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Adopt me.
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There are 3 types of people in this world....Those that can count and those that can't. Current Tank Info: Currently In Between Tanks |
05/25/2004, 12:50 PM | #93 | |
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Location: Hawthorn Woods, IL
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BTW, that dude in the orange sweatshirt, is that a Fighting Illini sweatshirt? Is that you?
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It's ILLIE!!!!!!!!!!! Current Tank Info: Current Tank Info: 180G RR in wall mixed reef moving toward SPS dominated (247 gal total system), 300lbs+ LR, VHO/T5 mix of lighting, X3 MP40w ES. |
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05/25/2004, 12:54 PM | #94 |
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Location: Northridge CA
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Being a RE broker in LA I have seen many homes. I have to say your home is as unique as it is impressive!!! If you live in Los Angeles, gimme a call! LOL, j/k, but definately one sweet setup you have there.
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05/25/2004, 06:15 PM | #95 |
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Location: Seattle
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damn thats a nice house.
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05/26/2004, 03:14 AM | #96 |
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Two words.
Absolutely Stunning. Well Done. Jay |
05/26/2004, 03:14 AM | #97 |
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Join Date: May 2003
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Two words.
Absolutely Stunning. Well Done. Jay |
05/26/2004, 06:51 AM | #98 |
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Location: Halifax Nova Scotia
Posts: 168
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Very well done. I think I will avoid showing my wife the before and after pictures of your hallway, I have a feeling that the renovations that I am currently doing will need to change.
Cheers!! Pat |
05/26/2004, 07:07 AM | #99 |
15& Over Club
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That is one amazing reef tank. I would love to see more pics as well as hear all the details about your tank. BTW, nice bar!!!! Have you ever thought about charging admition for some relaxation time with a drink in front of the tanks?
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Vince ______________________________ Current Tank Info: Frag tank at the moment, planning another |
05/26/2004, 04:25 PM | #100 |
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LIGHTING & ELECTRICAL:
The lighting over the reef consists of: - 3 x 1000w - 6,000 K - 3 x 400w - 20,000 k These pictures also show the supplementary glass "support structure" at the top of the aquarium. Note that the ceiling and front hatch panel are lined with highly polished aluminum that serve as secondary reflectors. This picture taken from the elevated walkway behind the aquarium. There are three lindividual ighting fixtures each of which contains one 1000 watt bulb and one 400 watt bulb. This picture was taken from the opposite end of the aquarium. Note the four integrated fans (at the far end) that create significant air-flow over the surface of the aquarium. Note the hinged hatch on the left which is covered with highly reflective aluminum. A separate electrical sub-panel was installed to service the lights and pumps. This sub-panel is situated in a remote service room located approximately 20' from the aquarium. This room contains the electrical sub-panel, ballasts, timers, the chiller, RO system, 2 vats of replacement water, etc. The electrical wiring (and some hoses and tubing) run through the ceiling from the remote service room to the aquarium. All electrical circuits are protected by GFI breakers. The lights run on 220v and the pumps (11 Iwakis) run on 120v. I have used mechanical timers for the lights as I find them to be more reliable. Please note that I have opened the sub-panel and taken the covers off of the ballast boxes for this picture. I will be posting other "behind the scenes" pictures over the next several days. |
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