A Few of my SPS

[AD87]

Nick, congrats!!!! I am in love with the color of your sps. I have been chasing color like that for awhile now.

So can we talk a bit about your lighting. You were using 250 watt radiums and then moved to 400s. What do you prefer? Also your running t5's for supplementation. Have you ever thought about moving back to VHO Super Actinic bulbs?

As always thank you for your time a patience.

 

[stonecold]

Nick, congrats!!!! I am in love with the color of your sps. I have been chasing color like that for awhile now.

So can we talk a bit about your lighting. You were using 250 watt radiums and then moved to 400s. What do you prefer? Also your running t5's for supplementation. Have you ever thought about moving back to VHO Super Actinic bulbs?

As always thank you for your time a patience.

Thank you. Personally, the only difference I see between the 250 vs 400 is the life of the bulb. I ran both wattages on a PFO HQI ballast. As the bulbs age towards the end of their "lifespan", I see color shifts in my SPS...from bright and vibrant to dull. The 250 will last a year while the 400 will only last 8 months.

I started the hobby using VHO and have been using them for years. I don't know how much truth there is to this, but during 1 order I was advised that VHO will go out of business as there are higher demand for T5 and LED; therefore, I had switched to T5. I am content with the Giesemann Pure Actinic. IMO, the spectrum it produces is very close if not exact to VHO.

 

[stonecold]

Just to update everyone, this tank will be dismantle soon. Upon receiving this tank, I knew it would be a matter of time. I'm fortunate that it has lasted this long. I found this 2 weeks ago...

Currently, I am in the process of setting up a new tank. I hope to have a smooth transition, but I have to face reality as I know some of these colonies will perish.

 

[SPotter]

Nick....what is it that you found?????? that picture really doesn't show much other than its a tank.

 

[ssdawood]

Maybe a crack on seam or something.

 

[stonecold]

Nick....what is it that you found?????? that picture really doesn't show much other than its a tank.

A crack, where the left joints to the back panel. It's just a matter of time before it starts to leak. I'm not waiting for this day so I need to move as quickly as possible.

 

[SPotter]

oh man that sucks nick!!!! Well...I have a 360g tank just sitting waiting to be filled....you could bring your awesome colonies down here and I will hold them for you Seriously though, sorry to hear this and hope the transition goes smoothly.

 

[stonecold]

oh man that sucks nick!!!! Well...I have a 360g tank just sitting waiting to be filled....you could bring your awesome colonies down here and I will hold them for you Seriously though, sorry to hear this and hope the transition goes smoothly.

Thank you, Steve.

I've been following on your progress. I will bring down everything if you can ensure me that you have water by this weekend. LOL

I am hoping but I doubt this will be a smooth transition because I have to cure these dead rocks that have sat dried for 6 years. Time is the essence so I can only hope for the best.

 

[RJT]

Good luck I hope it goes well.

This is a great reminder for me to check my tank seals on a regular basis.

 

[stonecold]

Good luck I hope it goes well.

This is a great reminder for me to check my tank seals on a regular basis.

Thank you.

New stand/tank/canopy.

 

[reefmutt]

Nice new set up! Can't wait to see it living.
My tank started leaking last month.. Tore it all down..
This will looks fantastic when it's all lit up and growing like crazy.
What are the dimensions?

 

[KritikaL]

this is gonna be good! new thread or maintain this one ?

 

[SPotter]

Looks awesome Nick!!!!! cant wait to see it in action!

 

[stonecold]

Nice new set up! Can't wait to see it living.
My tank started leaking last month.. Tore it all down..
This will looks fantastic when it's all lit up and growing like crazy.
What are the dimensions?

Matt! I was wondering about your absence. Sorry to hear about your tank. Since we're on the same boat, I truly understand your pain. This may be a great time for you to start a build thread.

I remember you wanted to reaquacape your tank with Tonga Branches. Here are 2 structures that I've made with the intention of using them on my crack tank. Just wanted to share so you have an idea...

The "new" tank used to be mine 8 years ago. I sold it to my friend, but he never set it up... it's 60*36*27 (L x W x H).

this is gonna be good! new thread or maintain this one ?

I'm going to keep this thread.

Looks awesome Nick!!!!! cant wait to see it in action!

I'm hoping to have everything done by Labor day. We'll see.

 

[MBMAX]

We are getting close to Labor Day Nick .... Any updates?

 

[RocketCityNano]

That rock structure is going to be sick when grown out!

 

[glaukos]

+1!
It's going to be awesome nick:beer:
Can't wait

What did you use to glue the branches together?
I'm in :inlove: with your rockwork!
Been doing something similar(sticking some branches in my minimal scape) but you are waaaaaay ahead buddy!:thumbsup:

 

[reefmutt]

Matt! I was wondering about your absence. Sorry to hear about your tank. Since we're on the same boat, I truly understand your pain. This may be a great time for you to start a build thread.

I remember you wanted to reaquacape your tank with Tonga Branches. Here are 2 structures that I've made with the intention of using them on my crack tank. Just wanted to share so you have an idea...

The "new" tank used to be mine 8 years ago. I sold it to my friend, but he never set it up... it's 60*36*27 (L x W x H).



I'm going to keep this thread.



I'm hoping to have everything done by Labor day. We'll see.

Hey Nick, thanks for the encouragement! And the pics. I love your structure!
Here's something very funny..

This is one of two tonga branch structures I made for my tank.. We seem to be on the same wavelength..
Here's what the tank looked like after remodeling with the tonga branch structures.. And a few existing pieces..

This was several months ago..
Then the tank leaked so I put all the branch rock outside, in my driveway, so my wife wouldn't complain about the smell and somebody stole it all!!
Couldn't believe it..:headwally:
Anyways, I still have to send my tank back to Miracles to have it repaired at no charge..

I'm hoping to see your tank very soon all nice and shiny new for inspiration to get off my butt and redo the tank..

It's almost labour day..

 

[stonecold]

We are getting close to Labor Day Nick .... Any updates?

Not much of any updates, below is all I have as of tonight.

That rock structure is going to be sick when grown out!

I really like them as well. I was going to use them on the old tank. Since they don't fit with the application (dimensions) of my new tank. They are in a good home and will be put to use soon.

+1!
What did you use to glue the branches together?

They were bonded together with epoxy.

Then the tank leaked so I put all the branch rock outside, in my driveway, so my wife wouldn't complain about the smell and somebody stole it all!!
Couldn't believe it..:headwally:
Anyways, I still have to send my tank back to Miracles to have it repaired at no charge..

I believe in this saying along time ago "when it rains it pours". I'm glad that the tank fabricator will repair your tank at no charge. However, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your Tonga branches. I bet its someone in your neighborhood that has a reef. Personally, I don't think that a non-hobbyist would even accept them if we give it to them.

 

[stonecold]

Sequence of events...Better picture of the crack.

Live Rocks...

Finally got done with everything this weekend. As of tonight...

Left Side

Middle

Right

FTS