Insanefishguy's 335g reef system

[insanefishguy]

It's been a long time since I have posted any pictures of my tank/system. This is due to two main reasons. The first was a series of unexplained problems killing off A LOT of SPS. The second(and third, I suppose) was because of these:

(my wife had high hopes for that picture but we just couldn't get the colors and light balanced)
Anyway, the display is an AGA 125 that I drilled and made small overflows for. It's lit by T5s. It is mainly a softy tank at this point since I've lost the majority of my SPS and with the girls being born and my time and money getting even more squeezed, staying softy dominated was my best chance at keeping the tank going. Here is a "full tank shot" taken using the iPhone 5's new panorama setting:

[insanefishguy]

[insanefishguy]

I'll post some more info and pictures as I get a chance, since I'm kinda running out now

[insanefishguy]

Ok so as my title states my system is about a 335 gallon total system volume: 125 display, 40g fuge, 75g frag tank, 55g sump, and 40g water change reservoir. Adds up to 335 which would mean volume is less than that since the sump is not full for overflow reasons when power goes down, but one my plumbing drains, that tank is pretty much full, so I figure I am close to the 335 anyway.

The way my system is set up, my return pump ( a mag 18) pump to the display. The overflow is then split between the fuge, frag tank and water change reservoir/cryptic tank. They then overflow all to the sump.

The skimmer is an ASM that was given to me. It's been modded quite a bit and really kicks butt. I run a Korallin C-1502 calcium reactor. Lighting downstairs is handled by two 175 halides and upstairs by 10 t5s. Refugium has three 23w cfl flood lights suspended over it.

[Breadman03]

What size tank is recommended for the mermaids?

That is one nice tank!

[insanefishguy]

I'm not sure. They poop too much to keep in my reef...

[insanefishguy]

And thank very much for the compliment. The fact that my tank has survived the growth of my family and the extensive health problems of one of my daughters, is really due to the kindness and help of fellow reefers ESP Tony. I've been on the fence to take it down for a long time, but this hobby has been such a big part of my life for the last 6 or 7 years that even my wife,as much as she claims to hate it, has stopped me from doing it.

[tnyr5]

aw shucks. Here's a couple pics :-).

[rigleautomotive]

Looks good Joe.High five for having the dedication to keep it going when life throws some curve balls at you.This long term dedication is what makes a great reef and reef keeper.Bless your family bro and I am glad it turned out beautifully for you.

[Just Jim]

It makes me wanna get some softies! Lol, one of the nicer tanks, good job.


Tony, what's the red coral. A chalice or austro? Can't tell the size

[tnyr5]

chalice he's been growing out

[rogersb]

The girls look beautiful, Joe. Your frag tank/refugium remind me of what my tank looked like when you came over to help me earlier this year

[tnyr5]

[Just Jim]

Originally Posted by tnyr5

chalice he's been growing out

Then you sir, have a pm, lol

[insanefishguy]

Thank you all for the kind words. I've hacked these softies back to almoat nothing many times to make room for SPS and to trade for goods at fish stores when money got tight, but I like to hang on to pieces of them for times when the tank has problems because they fill it back up nicely. I cycled my original 40 with some of them almost 8 years ago.

[insanefishguy]

Jim, you listed one coral in your chalice pack that I fell I love with. If you are interested in anything I have that I can frag, I would love to get my hands on a piece of this:

[JonK]

Beautiful

[Just Jim]

Originally Posted by insanefishguy

Jim, you listed one coral in your chalice pack that I fell I love with. If you are interested in anything I have that I can frag, I would love to get my hands on a piece of this:

I'm actually trying to figure out what it is in a Lps identify thread, lol. I got it a few years back and it was supposed to be a tyree something. I forgot what though. I have two frags of it now, but.... One is spoken for in trade and one is pending. If the 2nd deal falls through I'll let u know.

[insanefishguy]

Ok. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I wasn't planning on fragging my red chalice, but for that I will! By the way, it is every bit as bright as those pictures make it look

[Just Jim]

Duh, I Pmd tony thinking it was his. Yes a frag of the red for mine will work. Ill shoot u some pics

[Just Jim]

I tried to text u, but I don't think it worked. It's encrusted to a 1.25" plug and measures about an inch at the wide part.

[insanefishguy]

Yeah. The pics Tony posted were shots of my stuff. I'll have to make a frag of the chalice. The bottom isnt attached to the rock, so it will be easily possible. I just hope it cuts big enough

[Just Jim]

I'm already encrusted, so just hit me up when your ready.

[insanefishguy]

Do you want it on a disc also?

[Just Jim]

Originally Posted by insanefishguy

Do you want it on a disc also?

As long as it eats once before I get it I'm cool. I always make sure I feed my lps the day before a trade to make the transition easier. I've got plenty of big discs to get it going, lol