Bloke's 90g Build Thread

I added the True Percula Clowns this afternoon around 2:00. The tank temp still stable and not rising and the canopy is only warm to the touch. When I reached up there, I could barely tell where exactly the MH were... I guess that's a good sign regarding any heat issues.

I also checked my water params and thought I would log them. The tank was initially filled on Thurday, July 12th... so that would make today Day 4, I guess.

pH: 8.2
dKH: 11
NH3: 0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
Ca: 520
SG: 1.023
 
i must of not read when u started the tank.. uve only had water in your tank for 4 days? u should not be addig tangs and perculas that fast. even if u had established LR and LS thats still way to early..
 
It'll be fine. :)

There might be a slight cycle, but very little and it will be done within a few days. I've done it this way before and never had any trouble.

As long as you use estalished LR and LS, the startup is VERY fast. I also like to use SeaChem's Stability each day during the first week. It helps to establish the biofilter. As long as you add fish SLOWLY there is already enough bacteria to consume the NH3 and NO2. And the sump is full of macro to remove the NO3.

I'll watch it though and proceed with caution as I always do since the three fish in there are not the cheapest fish! :D
 
OK - here is a tank shot showing progress thus far. Things are progressing swimmingly without trouble. I do get more evaporation than I thought I would, but the auto top-off takes care of things as long as I check the water params like I should. I am even seeing things starting to purple up a little bit.

Water Params Today:
pH: 8.3
dKH: 10
NH3: 0
NO2: 0
NO3: 0
Ca: 460

You can't really see, but I do have the K3 pumps in full force and it has really help to keep algae suspended and off the rocks, etc.

I tried to get a shot where you could see everybody, but I think the Coral Beauty is missing from this picture. Right now livestock includes, from left to right, the Cleaner Shrimp, the Desjardin's Tang, the Mimic Tang, and the two True Percula Clowns. The dorsal fin of the Mimic is healing nicely after his butt-whoopin' and the only fish remaining in the QT is the Purple Tang. I do not want to add him before I add a Kole Tang, but I am trying to hold out to see if Sea Dreams can get me a Chevron Tang instead. :D

070721.JPG
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10237042#post10237042 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Bloke
Anyone heard any reports on Fulham Electronic Ballasts?

I've used a Workhorse5 to fire 2x36w PC actinics without trouble and was thinking about buying a Workhorse7 to fire 4x54w T5. I've gone to Fulham's website and if you select the lamp type (T5 Linear HO) and then select 4x54w T5, they suggest the Workhorse 7.

Most online vendors price other T5 ballasts at twice what this ballast would cost me to run a similar setup.

I already have a 2x250w MH 10k setup, and was looking for something for actinic supplementation. I know Bogey runs 2x96 PC in her 90g and since T5 bulbs are cheaper and seem to last longer, I thought I would go this route instead of PC lighting.

Also, am I correct in my understanding that URI bulbs do not require a reflector because one is built into the bulb?

Any thoughts or suggestions?
Click to expand...

I would run Triad T5 ballasts. Workhorses are fine, but not optimal for T5 longevity. But for that matter, I run two actinic T5s off of a Fullham WH 7 (half used), and it works.

My UVL Super Actinic T5 bulb doesn't have an internal reflector. Their VHO bulbs are the only ones I know of having that.
 
yeah - I just bought 4 reflectors anyway and didn't go with the Workhorse. Instead, I went with Advance ballasts from HelloLights. Each ballast pushes 2x54w. No problems thus far.

DIYReef.com offers those Fulham ballasts, but I;ve heard other people complain about them, but I never really trust anyone else's wiring. Not to be rude, but when i do it, I know it's right. So when other people tell me about their lighting issues, I start wondering if they wired things correctly, etc. :D
 
Wow tank looks great!!!! I am in the process of upgrading my 29 to an 85. I have alreay purchased the workhorse 7 to drive my T5HOs. Why do you not recommend this ballast???
 
Thanks for the looks! I think the tank is doing great also...

easye123 - fish are doing great! No problems and no aggression which is good. :)

Shan Man - I used to run Fulham Workhorse ballasts to power my PC lighting and never had trouble. However, even though the Workhorse ballasts say that they can push T5 lighting, you cannot truly run 4x54w on a Workhorse 7. The ballasts are very reasonably priced, which is great, but I wanted to make sure I get the right color out of the bulbs.

In the long run, I think you will be happier if you went with something else, but for the money there is no reason why you shouldn't try them. I mean the Workhorse 7 will run you less than $50 to power 4x54w whereas other brands of ballasts will run you somewhere around $75 to power only 2x54w. And since you already have the Fulham ballast, give it a try and let me know how it all works out.
 
Has anybody ever test the differenced between a workhorse ballast and others using a PAR meter??? I am curious...

Bloke... I will let you know how it works... I can't wait to get the extra space that a bigger tank will allow...Keep us updated with pics...:)
 
I see your interests include poker... me2, but i haven't played in real poker game since I started reefing in January
 
easye123 - Yeah, I will put two more in there. Some sort of bristletooth and the purple tang. The Desjardin, Mimic, and Bristletooth, are all less-aggressive fish. The Purple is the biggest ***** in the group. Call out the tang police! :D

Shan Man - Definitely! I don't know of anyone testing PAR though. If you continue doing research into the Fulham ballasts, let me know. Check out DIYReef.com. I know they promote them somewhat.
 
cool stuff! hope it works out for you. putting 4 tangs in that to me just makes me feel bad for the fish. think of how much they swim in the ocean. 4 in one 90g IMO is too much. now maybe 3 very very small juvis.would be ok. cant wait to see an update!

Evan
 
Yeah - but if I looked at it that way, a 210g tank or even 500g for that matter, is nothing compared to anything they enjoyed in the wild. That's why ORA/aquacultured specimens are best. As far as tangs go, it's important to put the least aggressive in first. Furthermore, there will always be a little tang warfare, but once they get the pecking order figured out, things are generally peaceful.

BTW, I just read through your thread - nice tank. I'm not big into LPS, but your tank is looking great. I LOVE that monti cap you have there. It makes a great centerpiece.

I read about your Powder Brown - those things are ich-magnets. I think the Powder Blues are more hardy, but I like to stay away from both of those as well as Blue Hippos who also seem to be fragile at times. That Sailfin of yours looks healthy and BIG. Very nice.
 
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10390108#post10390108 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by The Shan Man
Has anybody ever test the differenced between a workhorse ballast and others using a PAR meter??? I am curious...

Bloke... I will let you know how it works... I can't wait to get the extra space that a bigger tank will allow...Keep us updated with pics...:)
Click to expand...

I don't think short term PAR will be affected, but lamp longevity on the WH will be.

True T5 ballasts aren't all that pricey: http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Pa...orescent_Ballast:_2-54W_by_Universal_Lighting
 
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