November Tank of the Month

Genetics · 11/07/2011, 05:12 PM

This month we are featuring the beautiful Reef Puddle of Tom Zielinski (TMZ).

More details can be found here.

Congratulations, Tom!

Also check out the Reefkeeping Blog!

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

aquaph8 · 11/07/2011, 05:24 PM

Congrats Tom, beautiful tank.

sirreal63 · 11/07/2011, 05:27 PM

I agree...nice work!

Rybren · 11/07/2011, 06:17 PM

Very nice puddle! Congrats.

IridescentLily · 11/07/2011, 06:29 PM

Tom,
you have an absolutely amazing reef.

Johnny C · 11/08/2011, 12:16 AM

As a personal friend, I'm very proud to see you win this award. Next time I'm in town, I think I'm due for a visit (and some of those delicious cookies your family made)!

Congrats!

tmz · 11/08/2011, 12:33 AM

Love to have you . Might try one of those cookies myself.. Haven't had any in quite a while . Thanks for all the discussions and trades ,it's always a pleasure. it ws nice seeing you at the rag swap.

tmz · 11/08/2011, 12:35 AM

Oops fragswap. I once typed that frag wasps and took a few stings from other posters.

tmz · 11/08/2011, 12:38 AM

April, Thank you for the nice comment and for your help pulllingthis together.

Nate, great work thanks, it's good to know you and to discuss stuff with you.

tmz · 11/08/2011, 12:53 AM

Rybren,Brett, Jack.Thanks for your comments.

frofan · 11/08/2011, 05:57 AM

Congrats Tom! Pictures don't do this justice, absolutely stunning!

vitodog · 11/08/2011, 06:28 AM

Beautiful tank/s and great system, congratulations. I do have a question for you. I noticed that you use Purigen and carbon. Can you tell me why you use both? I was under the impression that they basically do the same thing. I ask because I'm striving to reach the high level of success that you have obviously achieved.

PS- I also grew up in Queens (Flushing) and I'm also retired and now live in New Mexico.

dc · 11/08/2011, 07:14 AM

Good job everyone!

sam75 · 11/08/2011, 08:55 AM

Tom, very well deserved! I always enjoy reading your comments and have even more of an appreciation for your "Puddle" after having a behind the scenes look. Well done good sir, well done!

-S

Six line · 11/08/2011, 09:00 AM

Awesome! Well deserved. And the flower wallpaper is a nice touch

tmz · 11/08/2011, 09:11 AM

Beautiful tank/s and great system, congratulations. I do have a question for you. I noticed that you use Purigen and carbon. Can you tell me why you use both? I was under the impression that they basically do the same thing. I ask because I'm striving to reach the high level of success that you have obviously achieved.

PS- I also grew up in Queens (Flushing) and I'm also retired and now live in New Mexico.

Thankyou,

I use both because both grab organics but not all organics are the same; they vary in hydrophobic and hydrophylic qualities for one thing . The resin (purigen) likely favors some lower on the list of carbon's favorites and vice versa. So I may get a broader range of organics removal with both.

I lived in Flushing from about 1952 to 1959, near Kissena boulevard. It was good ; lot's of kids roaming around to play with , open spaces, stickball games , free reign on my bicycle . Great place and time to be young.

Acronic · 11/08/2011, 09:18 AM

great tanks! well deserved. Also thank you to your son, hes a smart man.

I also love how your wallpaper matches the tanks!

marti224 · 11/08/2011, 01:18 PM

awesome tank..so jealous...also would love to see how you made the DIY CO2 scrubber for your skimmer.

IridescentLily · 11/08/2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmz

April, Thank you for the nice comment and for your help pulllingthis together.

Nate, great work thanks, it's good to know you and to discuss stuff with you.

Yogre · 11/08/2011, 02:29 PM

Beautiful system, Tom! Congratulations on TOTM!

seapug · 11/08/2011, 02:37 PM

beautiful setup. nice work and congrats!

GrampaDon · 11/08/2011, 08:38 PM

Really enjoyed your Puddle analogy.

Can you better explain how you run your cryptic zone. Is it a dark / low flow type.? What kinda critter's are in there.?

Don

jbanks · 11/08/2011, 08:58 PM

Congratulations Tom!!!! Not only on your beautiful system but to you for being a phenomenal reefer and person.. I don't know you personally, but You have always chimed in when I needed help along the way and given me great advice! Thanks you!

tmz · 11/08/2011, 09:35 PM

Grampa. They usually calll me that these days.

Glad you liked the puddle analogy.

I run a drain from one of the frag tanks ( about 400gph) into a covered rubbermaid brute garbage can filled with live rock, The water goes down a pvc pipe and enters about 2inches off the bottom of the can . It exits from a bulkhead on the side near the top of the can that feeds into the top of a 36 x 18 inch bin filled with 7 inches of sand and piled with liverock in ambient light. Then it goes to the skimmer area of the sump. On the other side of the system a drain feeds a 110 g plastic water trough which also has live rock piled in it. There are lots of sponges, feather dusters and pods hanging around that are visible. Don't exactly know what microfauna there are.

The hose with water flowing out, in the picture above, slips into the pipe when the lid is on.

The water flows up and then out via the bulkhead near the top and goes here:

Goes across the surface and then to the sump.

Scej12 · 11/08/2011, 10:04 PM

Congrats Tom!! I agree with all of the earlier comments. You are always so generously sharing your knowledge with all us up and comers ... Very well deserved, and very well composed system.

Sheldon

11/07/2011, 05:24 PM	#2
aquaph8 Love The Fish Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 5,652	Congrats Tom, beautiful tank. __________________ Brett Current Tank Info: Leemar 60x36x24, 8x80 T5/LED Sfiligoi GENESIS Alpha 300 skimmer

11/07/2011, 05:27 PM	#3
sirreal63 Go Spurs Go!!! Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Meadowlakes Texas Posts: 13,357	I agree...nice work! __________________ Jack No One has ever been seriously injured by using the search function. Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms should be a convenience store, not a government agency. Current Tank Info: Reefing the Pentagon.

11/07/2011, 06:17 PM	#4
Rybren Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,642	Very nice puddle! Congrats. __________________ 120G Mixed Reef, 28G AIO zoa/pipefish tank

11/07/2011, 06:29 PM	#5
IridescentLily Editor-Reefkeeping mag Join Date: May 2008 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 3,858 Blog Entries: 5	Tom, you have an absolutely amazing reef. __________________ ~April Editor-Reefkeeping Magazine

11/08/2011, 12:16 AM	#6
Johnny C Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 4,140	As a personal friend, I'm very proud to see you win this award. Next time I'm in town, I think I'm due for a visit (and some of those delicious cookies your family made)! Congrats! __________________ "...the sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonders forever" -Jacques Cousteau

11/08/2011, 12:33 AM	#7
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Love to have you . Might try one of those cookies myself.. Haven't had any in quite a while . Thanks for all the discussions and trades ,it's always a pleasure. it ws nice seeing you at the rag swap. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 12:35 AM	#8
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Oops fragswap. I once typed that frag wasps and took a few stings from other posters. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 12:38 AM	#9
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	April, Thank you for the nice comment and for your help pulllingthis together. Nate, great work thanks, it's good to know you and to discuss stuff with you. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 12:53 AM	#10
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Rybren,Brett, Jack.Thanks for your comments. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 05:57 AM	#11
frofan Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Clarence, NY Posts: 432	Congrats Tom! Pictures don't do this justice, absolutely stunning! __________________ -Steve Current Tank Info: 72G Bow Display, 45G lookdown frag tank w/250w MH, 40G basement sump / fuge, Iwaki 55RLT, SWC NW 200, Vortech MP40W + Battery Backup, Nova Extreme 6x54 T5

11/08/2011, 06:28 AM	#12
vitodog Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico Posts: 1,226	Beautiful tank/s and great system, congratulations. I do have a question for you. I noticed that you use Purigen and carbon. Can you tell me why you use both? I was under the impression that they basically do the same thing. I ask because I'm striving to reach the high level of success that you have obviously achieved. PS- I also grew up in Queens (Flushing) and I'm also retired and now live in New Mexico.

11/08/2011, 07:14 AM	#13
dc Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Wyoming Posts: 44,684	Good job everyone! __________________ Debi ~60 Cube~ Why? Because I said so of course. -Sent via Tapatalk Smoke Signals-

11/08/2011, 08:55 AM	#14
sam75 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: VA Posts: 110	Tom, very well deserved! I always enjoy reading your comments and have even more of an appreciation for your "Puddle" after having a behind the scenes look. Well done good sir, well done! -S

11/08/2011, 09:00 AM	#15
Six line Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 60	Awesome! Well deserved. And the flower wallpaper is a nice touch

11/08/2011, 09:11 AM	#16
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Beautiful tank/s and great system, congratulations. I do have a question for you. I noticed that you use Purigen and carbon. Can you tell me why you use both? I was under the impression that they basically do the same thing. I ask because I'm striving to reach the high level of success that you have obviously achieved. PS- I also grew up in Queens (Flushing) and I'm also retired and now live in New Mexico. Thankyou, I use both because both grab organics but not all organics are the same; they vary in hydrophobic and hydrophylic qualities for one thing . The resin (purigen) likely favors some lower on the list of carbon's favorites and vice versa. So I may get a broader range of organics removal with both. I lived in Flushing from about 1952 to 1959, near Kissena boulevard. It was good ; lot's of kids roaming around to play with , open spaces, stickball games , free reign on my bicycle . Great place and time to be young. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 09:18 AM	#17
Acronic The Fifth Master Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 1,813	great tanks! well deserved. Also thank you to your son, hes a smart man. I also love how your wallpaper matches the tanks! __________________ Kevin I have lost all concept of reality and live in an SPS world now.

11/08/2011, 01:18 PM	#18
marti224 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Bluffton,SC Posts: 57	awesome tank..so jealous...also would love to see how you made the DIY CO2 scrubber for your skimmer.

11/08/2011, 02:29 PM	#20
Yogre Cheesehead Reefer Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Madison, Wisconsin Posts: 1,351	Beautiful system, Tom! Congratulations on TOTM! __________________ "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." ~ Albert Einstein Current Tank Info: 215 gal TBS Reef

11/08/2011, 02:37 PM	#21
seapug Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: 4980 ft. Posts: 7,954 Blog Entries: 1	beautiful setup. nice work and congrats! __________________ insert clever saying here. Current Tank Info: 200 gallon custom Marineland DD peninsular tank. LPS dominated mixed reef. Previous 90 gallon mixed reef TOTM April 2009.

11/08/2011, 08:38 PM	#22
GrampaDon Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Wayne ,IN Posts: 636	Really enjoyed your Puddle analogy. Can you better explain how you run your cryptic zone. Is it a dark / low flow type.? What kinda critter's are in there.? Don

11/08/2011, 08:58 PM	#23
jbanks Lover of God's Creations Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Queens, NY Posts: 2,250	Congratulations Tom!!!! Not only on your beautiful system but to you for being a phenomenal reefer and person.. I don't know you personally, but You have always chimed in when I needed help along the way and given me great advice! Thanks you! __________________ Jonathan Go ahead... Put the price on the bag. I don't have that problem any longer :) Current Tank Info: 180g Custom rimless Starphire, 48 X10 ATI PM T5 fixture, Vortech MP40w X3 with battery Backup, Bubble King Super Marin 250, Geo 612 Calc reactor, Profilux stand-alone Doser, Neptune Apex controller, Ozotech Poseidon 200 ozone generator

11/08/2011, 09:35 PM	#24
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Grampa. They usually calll me that these days. Glad you liked the puddle analogy. I run a drain from one of the frag tanks ( about 400gph) into a covered rubbermaid brute garbage can filled with live rock, The water goes down a pvc pipe and enters about 2inches off the bottom of the can . It exits from a bulkhead on the side near the top of the can that feeds into the top of a 36 x 18 inch bin filled with 7 inches of sand and piled with liverock in ambient light. Then it goes to the skimmer area of the sump. On the other side of the system a drain feeds a 110 g plastic water trough which also has live rock piled in it. There are lots of sponges, feather dusters and pods hanging around that are visible. Don't exactly know what microfauna there are. The hose with water flowing out, in the picture above, slips into the pipe when the lid is on. The water flows up and then out via the bulkhead near the top and goes here: Goes across the surface and then to the sump. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/08/2011, 10:04 PM	#25
Scej12 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 304	Congrats Tom!! I agree with all of the earlier comments. You are always so generously sharing your knowledge with all us up and comers ... Very well deserved, and very well composed system. Sheldon

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