wrxreefer823
New member
Yeah I know... REALLY don't want to practically break down the tank just to take the little bugger out though. So far they are doing fine together. I'll just play it by ear and see what happens. Thanks for the advice though.
56g Reef Build
- Thread starter wrxreefer823
- Start date
wrxreefer823
New member
Good evening all,
I'm considering adding a CPR Aquafuge to my tank since I don't have the room to accomodate a sump at this time, and would really like to add a refugium. Has anybody had experience with this unit? And if so, what would be the appropriate size for my tank?
Also, I'm going to need a new light fixture pretty soon. For some reason the day lights won't come on when they timer kicks on unless I (shoot me now) smack the fixture... lol (probably just some loose soldering or something). I realize it's probably an easy fix, but the fixture has been giving me its fair share of problems over the last year, and I'm just ready to move on. I really want to switch over to LED and am just looking for advice for color ratio, fixture size, etc... for my tank. I have my eye on an Acan unit, but I'm certainly open to suggestions.
Thanks
I'm considering adding a CPR Aquafuge to my tank since I don't have the room to accomodate a sump at this time, and would really like to add a refugium. Has anybody had experience with this unit? And if so, what would be the appropriate size for my tank?
Also, I'm going to need a new light fixture pretty soon. For some reason the day lights won't come on when they timer kicks on unless I (shoot me now) smack the fixture... lol (probably just some loose soldering or something). I realize it's probably an easy fix, but the fixture has been giving me its fair share of problems over the last year, and I'm just ready to move on. I really want to switch over to LED and am just looking for advice for color ratio, fixture size, etc... for my tank. I have my eye on an Acan unit, but I'm certainly open to suggestions.
Thanks
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wrxreefer823
New member
Sad day in the fish world this past weekend... I came home from visiting with the family to a goniopora with a brown film covering about one fifth of it. I hopped on google right away and saw that it was a bacterial disease, so I sucked off what I could and hoped for the best... unfortunately over night it took over about half of the coral, so I (very sadly) made the decision to take it out. I can think of a few reasons why this would have happened. First, and foremost, I'm sure I spiked my nitrates when I moved around some of the rock work. Secondly, it was not receiving proper flow, and lastly, it was also injured upon arrival to the store (which I did not see until I got it home and it was closed up). Alas, it's just the nature of the beast. I've learned that you win some and you lose some in this hobby, so I tried not to fret about it too much.
I have, however, treated this as a learning experience, and did a little research, which led me to my most recent purchase, a DIY 'fuge made out of a hang-on breeder tank. I've been wanting a refugium for a few reasons, so I could house micro-organisms, and also to knock down my nitrates. I figured I could spend a small fraction of the price of a CPR model, and have it pretty much be the same friggin thing. I bought the tank and the the air pump to drive it, brought it home, and had it up and running in about ten minutes much to my satisfaction. I didn't want to go ahead and buy any cheeto or anything like that JUST yet, seeing as how I didn't know how well this small project would turn out, but I think that will be taken care of by this weekend
Just installed and filled up
Added two cups (or so) of sand
I also wanted to touch on another topic. Mechanical filtration. I've had my Fluval canister for a few weeks shy of a year now, and I'm coming to the realization that it's just turning more and more into a nitrate factory. I was planning on taking out the bio media (and possibly carbon) and just dumping in some LR rubble (the owner of the LFS I was at today agreed). I'm also considering just bypassing the darn thing altogether and just adding another powerhead for proper flow. Any thoughts?
As always, happy reefing!
Cheers
I have, however, treated this as a learning experience, and did a little research, which led me to my most recent purchase, a DIY 'fuge made out of a hang-on breeder tank. I've been wanting a refugium for a few reasons, so I could house micro-organisms, and also to knock down my nitrates. I figured I could spend a small fraction of the price of a CPR model, and have it pretty much be the same friggin thing. I bought the tank and the the air pump to drive it, brought it home, and had it up and running in about ten minutes much to my satisfaction. I didn't want to go ahead and buy any cheeto or anything like that JUST yet, seeing as how I didn't know how well this small project would turn out, but I think that will be taken care of by this weekend
Just installed and filled up
Added two cups (or so) of sand
I also wanted to touch on another topic. Mechanical filtration. I've had my Fluval canister for a few weeks shy of a year now, and I'm coming to the realization that it's just turning more and more into a nitrate factory. I was planning on taking out the bio media (and possibly carbon) and just dumping in some LR rubble (the owner of the LFS I was at today agreed). I'm also considering just bypassing the darn thing altogether and just adding another powerhead for proper flow. Any thoughts?
As always, happy reefing!
Cheers
Hyperion1337
Active member
Hi, nice tank thread, I was wondering where did u get the hang on the back breeder tank? Im thinking of installing something similar to that to my nano instead of buying the CPR which is quite expensive.
wrxreefer823
New member
Thanks! I got it at a LFS in the Philly area, but it's made by Haagan, called thr Marine Breeding Box, and can be driven by any small air pump. I opted to go with the Marina pump since it was neatly put on display right under the box, and I'm a sucker for presentation 
I'll probaby try to incorporate some kind of bubble trap though, as thr box IS air driven. It's also a tad bit small, but like you said, it beats the hell out of buying a CPR model for 1000% of the price!
I'll probaby try to incorporate some kind of bubble trap though, as thr box IS air driven. It's also a tad bit small, but like you said, it beats the hell out of buying a CPR model for 1000% of the price!
wrxreefer823
New member
Sorry, Hagen. Lol
wrxreefer823
New member
Good evening all
So I'm on the hunt for a new lighting fixture and will be looking to buy within the next few weeks (Christmas bonus time!!!) :beer:. The daylights on my fixture are off more often than not when I walk in the door from work (I'm pretty sure it's a bad ballist). I've pretty much got it narrowed down to a few choices, and maybe you guys can give me some advice.
First off, I was talking to a friend of mine, who is also an employee at a LFS, and he was pretty adamant about metal halides. He went on to lead me to Aquatraders to look at their Oddysea MH/T5 combo. The price is very attractive, but the reviews I'm reading on here, and elsewhere, are discouraging. I am considering MH, I love the shimmer effect and the amount of light, but there are a few things leading me away from going down that road... cost to run/maintain, heating my tank up, and turning my bedroom into a sauna. Also, due to the size of my tank, the bulb would be directly above the center brace in my tank, casting a huge shadow.
If I stay with T5HO's, I was looking at the 6 lamp fixture by Aquatic Life. They have all the features I want; built in timer, built in lunar LED's, and the ability to customize which bulbs I want. I'm sure it'll cost a bit more to run than what I have now, due to having 6 bulbs as opposed to 4, but they should get the job done.
Lastly, I am considering Aqua Illumination SOL. I would LOVE to make the jump to LED's, and they are considerably less than the Radeon. Salty Supply has everything I would need for two... http://www.saltysupply.com/AquaIllumination-24-Sol-Blue-2xModule-LED-Light-S-p/ss534000-2.htm
I was told that LED's may not be able to penetrate the depth of my tank though... it's roughly 28 inches deep at the sand. They do cost considerably more than the T5's, but the cost of running/upkeep will be minimal. I wouldn't have to spend $100+ on bulbs every year!
Each of these options has pros and cons, and I'm sure I would be happy with any of them... just want the most bang (AND SHIMMER!) for my buck as well. Thanks for any advice!
cheers
So I'm on the hunt for a new lighting fixture and will be looking to buy within the next few weeks (Christmas bonus time!!!) :beer:. The daylights on my fixture are off more often than not when I walk in the door from work (I'm pretty sure it's a bad ballist). I've pretty much got it narrowed down to a few choices, and maybe you guys can give me some advice.
First off, I was talking to a friend of mine, who is also an employee at a LFS, and he was pretty adamant about metal halides. He went on to lead me to Aquatraders to look at their Oddysea MH/T5 combo. The price is very attractive, but the reviews I'm reading on here, and elsewhere, are discouraging. I am considering MH, I love the shimmer effect and the amount of light, but there are a few things leading me away from going down that road... cost to run/maintain, heating my tank up, and turning my bedroom into a sauna. Also, due to the size of my tank, the bulb would be directly above the center brace in my tank, casting a huge shadow.
If I stay with T5HO's, I was looking at the 6 lamp fixture by Aquatic Life. They have all the features I want; built in timer, built in lunar LED's, and the ability to customize which bulbs I want. I'm sure it'll cost a bit more to run than what I have now, due to having 6 bulbs as opposed to 4, but they should get the job done.
Lastly, I am considering Aqua Illumination SOL. I would LOVE to make the jump to LED's, and they are considerably less than the Radeon. Salty Supply has everything I would need for two... http://www.saltysupply.com/AquaIllumination-24-Sol-Blue-2xModule-LED-Light-S-p/ss534000-2.htm
I was told that LED's may not be able to penetrate the depth of my tank though... it's roughly 28 inches deep at the sand. They do cost considerably more than the T5's, but the cost of running/upkeep will be minimal. I wouldn't have to spend $100+ on bulbs every year!
Each of these options has pros and cons, and I'm sure I would be happy with any of them... just want the most bang (AND SHIMMER!) for my buck as well. Thanks for any advice!
cheers
wrxreefer823
New member
So I've got my lighting narrowed down to two choices. I want to go with either the AI Sol Super Blue, or the Ecotech Radion. If I go with the Sol, I'll need two, but if I decide on the Radion, I could get away with one. Once I factor in the costs for the mounting kit, controller (for the Sol), and other junk I'd need, the cost will be about the same. I'm leaning towards the Radion for the simple fact that it, in my opinion, has more features, and I wouldn't need to supplement with T5's for a complete spectrum. Any thoughts/experience with these models?
On a side note, I picked up a few new frags today from Something Fishy (LOVE that place)... a small rock of zoas (wanted to get something cheap and small to see how my pygmy angel does with it) and a larger three headed frag of red lobo's. I'll post pictures soon!
cheers
On a side note, I picked up a few new frags today from Something Fishy (LOVE that place)... a small rock of zoas (wanted to get something cheap and small to see how my pygmy angel does with it) and a larger three headed frag of red lobo's. I'll post pictures soon!
cheers
wrxreefer823
New member
Just a short update with a few pictures of the new corals.
Small rock of Zoa's
Red Lobo...
Lastly, the conch that I've had for over a month finally decided to surface today.
cheers
Small rock of Zoa's
Red Lobo...
Lastly, the conch that I've had for over a month finally decided to surface today.
cheers
wrxreefer823
New member
So a bit of a change in plans regarding the new lights I've been eyeing up recently. Last night I was doing a routine water change/cleaning and noticed that my (cheap) stand is beginning to become increasingly warped. I noticed that my tank is starting to lean, and that the water level is about an inch higher on the front right corner than it is on the back left. Needless to say, I was a bit alarmed! So after so careful (and perhaps very rash) thought, I've decided to, since I need to upgrade my lighting as well as replace a stand, UPGRADE MY TANK TOO!!!
I'm planning on a 75 gallon, with stand and sump, so I don't run into the problems I've run into with my existing tank/stand combo and not being able to run a sump. I'll still get new lighting, just not those fancy LED's that I've been wanting so badly. I'll probably just got with a 6 bulb T5HO fixture of some sort (even though I won't be able to get the nice shimmer effect). Hopefully I'll have the ball rolling on this by this weekend, as I REALLY don't want my stand to get worse. I don't think the people downstairs would like 56 gallons of water coming through their ceiling. And I REALLY don't think my landlord would like to hear that my tank decided to pour water all over the apartment.
Anybody ever have to move livestock/ live rock before? How much of a PITA is this going to be? I can already visualize the numerous buckets filled with water/rock...
I'm planning on a 75 gallon, with stand and sump, so I don't run into the problems I've run into with my existing tank/stand combo and not being able to run a sump. I'll still get new lighting, just not those fancy LED's that I've been wanting so badly. I'll probably just got with a 6 bulb T5HO fixture of some sort (even though I won't be able to get the nice shimmer effect). Hopefully I'll have the ball rolling on this by this weekend, as I REALLY don't want my stand to get worse. I don't think the people downstairs would like 56 gallons of water coming through their ceiling. And I REALLY don't think my landlord would like to hear that my tank decided to pour water all over the apartment.
Anybody ever have to move livestock/ live rock before? How much of a PITA is this going to be? I can already visualize the numerous buckets filled with water/rock...
wrxreefer823
New member
Well folks, I went ahead and ditched the 56g for a 75, and COULDN'T BE HAPPIER. The column tank was an okay start, but it also showed me where a lot of my downfalls were. The new tank is an opportunity at a fresh start, and there is a ton of opportunity for improvement. After a rollercoaster ride of a life, here is the last FTS of the column, next to the new 75 waiting to be filled with the existing water and livestock.
For those of you who wish to follow along, here is the new thread I've started up to document the new build/journey into reefing.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2113628
Happy reefing!
For those of you who wish to follow along, here is the new thread I've started up to document the new build/journey into reefing.
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2113628
Happy reefing!
