CalmSeasQuest Desktop Tank and DIY CSQ Skimmer

[CalmSeasQuest]

It's amazing what a difference the smiling faces of a couple of Picassos can make...

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[SoLiD]

It's not a reef; it's art. I digg it, Tom. Keep'em coming.

I missed where the light source was coming from? T5's still?

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

It's not a reef; it's art. I digg it, Tom. Keep'em coming.

I missed where the light source was coming from? T5's still?

Thanks SoLid - I hesitate using the "Art" reference as when it comes to artistic talent, I have less than none.

This tank is lit with 4 T5's (ATI Blue+, Blue+, AquaBlue, KZ Fiji Purple) and one 36" 50%RB/50%W ReefBrite Stunner strip. I have found it to be a very effective combination of low heat, high PAR and lots of shimmer.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Next up is a splash of color...

I selected 6 of the Ricordea Florida acquired from CorlaMorphologic and added them to the "Ric River". The photos don't do them justice as they are still angry from the move. I'll wait a few days to see how they look when fully expanded and perhaps add a couple more if space allows.

 

[Scffvariable]

Very unique. Can't wait to watch it as it matures.

 

[NanoReefNoob]

Amazing

Amazing

This is amazing, I am highly drawn to the way people "aquascape" Fresh water tanks to look like a golf course or a river cutting through a mountain side. This is the first I have ever seen of an Aquascape for a saltwater aquarium. I like it alot, you are doing an amazing job. I can not wait to see what comes next.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Very unique. Can't wait to watch it as it matures.

Thanks Scffvariable - Me too

This is amazing, I am highly drawn to the way people "aquascape" Fresh water tanks to look like a golf course or a river cutting through a mountain side. This is the first I have ever seen of an Aquascape for a saltwater aquarium. I like it alot, you are doing an amazing job. I can not wait to see what comes next.

Thanks NanoReefNoob - I'm trying to walk a fine line with an original idea for a reef tank without it looking too "freshwaterish" I hope this doesn't end up looking like it should have a bubbling treasure-chest, castle or scuba diver

I'm really liking the flexibility provided by the elevated footings including the ability to use black, polished glass gravel in small areas/amounts. It provides contrast and enhanced colors, without the challenges of having an entire black sand bed to keep clean.

Thus far I've been snapping photos with my Cell just to document the build process. Now that I've got livestock to shoot, I'll start using a DSLR and pay more attention to white balance to get a "truer" image of what the tank and it's inhabitants look like.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I installed 3 more pieces today, a total of 9 new corals. I'm going to wait a couple days for everything to "get happy" before snapping their photos.

The Rics have opened nicely but as the clowns spend much of their day playing under the bridge so it was a bit tough to get clean shots. I had to lure them away with food but as Tal has spoiled them with Rod's - they were unimpressed with my Spectrum pellets...

You may have noticed the rather "conservative" coral selection thus far. This tank is participating in a Nano build contest hosted by my local forum. One of the requirements is a $400 total spending cap on corals. As result, I won't be adding many "named" corals until after the conclusion of the contest - Then, if desired we can upscale it a bit

 

[FiShScaLe]

Very odd tank but I think its pretty cool. I love builds that arent your everyday set up. It already looks good but I think once everything grows in your going to a very nice tank and some cool coral growth. The water is very clear to looks like the fish are floating great job. Subscribed!

 

[kriv4o]

Very impressive build and very cool approach to aquascaping or the lack there off I think I am very interested in your skimmer design and I plan on using it in my 10gal nano build I currently am working on. I do have a question thou: where does one find the plastic/epoxy coated magnets you used to attach the skimmer to the aquarium wall?

 

[WCreef]

Wow....this is very different and cool. I love the way you are designing this very simple and different but in a very good way. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Very odd tank but I think its pretty cool. I love builds that arent your everyday set up. It already looks good but I think once everything grows in your going to a very nice tank and some cool coral growth. The water is very clear to looks like the fish are floating great job. Subscribed!

Thanks - Odd is one of the "kinder" terms I've heard used to describe it.

Very impressive build and very cool approach to aquascaping or the lack there off I think I am very interested in your skimmer design and I plan on using it in my 10gal nano build I currently am working on. I do have a question thou: where does one find the plastic/epoxy coated magnets you used to attach the skimmer to the aquarium wall?

Thanks much - I purchased the magnets from K&J Magnetics

Wow....this is very different and cool. I love the way you are designing this very simple and different but in a very good way. I can't wait to see how it turns out.

Thank you - I'm curious to see how it all works out too.

Progress has been a little slow of late, I managed to drop and destroy one of the Monti pieces (structure only, not the corals) that I had hoped to install today. As promised here are a few photos of the most recent installs. A couple of these still look really rough and haven't fully opened yet. The clowns in their excitement ran square into the Paly cube causing them to close up...silly clownfish, if I didn't know better I could have sworn they did it on purpose when they saw the camera.

Although this "Paly Cube" looks horrible in this photo, I have high hopes for it. It's comprised of 2 polyps each, Palythoa Grandis, Cinnamin and Sunflower. These are among the largest Paly's I've ever seen and should quickly cover each facet of the cube.

I've always liked Galaxia, but the sweepers can be a pain. I don't think it will hurt any of it's neighbors from this spot.

Sympodium, a few Gonis and a Palm Clove to add some color and motion.

The purple Photosynthetic Gorgonian Is finally starting to open up.

The GSP have started laying down "film" and attaching to the cabochon.

A FTS of the current inhabitants. Lots more yet to come. I'll be moving a few things around to make room for what's next.

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I mentioned the Galaxia sweepers - here's a short clip showing how they like to "reach out and touch" neighbors...

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[cjk76]

Again, very cool photos and exciting new developments. You never disappoint. Also, it looks like a coral candy shop. haha.

How long do you expect your sand to stay like that (yeah I noticed) and how are you keeping it so white?

 

[Malign Reefer]

Very forward looking design, I love it!!

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

Again, very cool photos and exciting new developments. You never disappoint. Also, it looks like a coral candy shop. haha.

How long do you expect your sand to stay like that (yeah I noticed) and how are you keeping it so white?

Thanks CJK. I'm still tinkering with the "sandscaping." It seems to pretty much stay put due to the lesser flow in the tank, but for some reason, the clowns enjoy digging (it figures the clowns in this tank would be abbynormal too ) I'm not sure what to expect with the substrate. I used Tropic Eden, which to my eye is a little brighter than CaribSea. The cycle was done using Ammonia and Bacteria additives only and it "appeared" to provide for a cleaner cycle resulting in less diatom and algae bloom.

I've also implemented a "pellet conservation program". I'm working with the resident Clownfish population on making sure no pellets reach the substrate. All that said - I have no clue as for the moment at least, I'm not planning on any clean up crew. I'll occasionally stir the sand bed and hope the filtration system is up to the task.

Very forward looking design, I love it!!

Thanks Malign - This one has been lots of fun so far

A few little updates...

• I've been playing around with designing a bubble plate for the skimmer with limited success thus far. I'm about 4 generations into the design and I've learned that it functions differently with an air-stone driven skimmer than a traditional pump/venturi setup. I also believe I can improve performance with more air pressure being supplied to the air stone. I ordered a Luft Air pump that should provide about 7PSI - a dramatic improvement over the whisper currently used. I'll post photos as soon as I have something that I believe is an improvement.
  
• I removed at least temporarily the Mangroves. Although they are growing well, it's pain to have to remove/replace them each time I want to fiddle with the skimmer and bubble plate.
  
• The first SPS have been added to the tank 4 Montis are in the process of de-sliming after their move and installation. Photos to follow once they are happy.

 

[Curious George]

This is reef blasphemy. I insist you rent and watch "Finding Nemo". At the conclusion of which you head to the first Petco you can find so that you may cleanse yourself of this originality.

It's offensive, thought-provoking, and different. I won't stand for this!

Sincerely,

The Once-ler

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

This is reef blasphemy. I insist you rent and watch "Finding Nemo". At the conclusion of which you head to the first Petco you can find so that you may cleanse yourself of this originality.

It's offensive, thought-provoking, and different. I won't stand for this!

Sincerely,

The Once-ler

LOL - I love it!

It should be known that prior to this build, most regarded me as a staunchly "traditional" reefer. I will admit that abandoning all of the predispositions of what a reef is "supposed" to look like has been refreshing however...Should you see me reaching for a treasure chest or bubbling SCUBA diver - please summon help.

And...I'm not ashamed to admit that Finding Nemo is my favorite animated movie of all time. I'll Pass on the PETCO though.

 

[cjk76]

Thanks CJK. I'm still tinkering with the "sandscaping." It seems to pretty much stay put due to the lesser flow in the tank, but for some reason, the clowns enjoy digging (it figures the clowns in this tank would be abbynormal too ) I'm not sure what to expect with the substrate. I used Tropic Eden, which to my eye is a little brighter than CaribSea. The cycle was done using Ammonia and Bacteria additives only and it "appeared" to provide for a cleaner cycle resulting in less diatom and algae bloom.

I've also implemented a "pellet conservation program". I'm working with the resident Clownfish population on making sure no pellets reach the substrate. All that said - I have no clue as for the moment at least, I'm not planning on any clean up crew. I'll occasionally stir the sand bed and hope the filtration system is up to the task.

Nice. You must have a rare species of Goby Clown. haha. Actually, it might be normal for clowns to do this when there is an absence of rock to hide behind. I hypothesize that they will stop when the corals get more substantial and they can hide behind them.

Let's all hope that the sand stays white with occational stirring. When you figure out your pellet conservation/poo clean up/white sand situation, let me know your secrets. Don't worry, I'll keep them

 

[CalmSeasQuest]

I added 4 more Montis and one Pectinia, but they're not ready for their close-ups yet. In the interim, here are a few cell-phone FTS pics...

I'd like to get the 2 remaining pieces completed this weekend but time will be a bit tight. I'll be spending much of Saturday at the Big House watching my son graduate from the University of MICHIGAN