Cubed & Squared

[Bello]

I'll have to post some recent pictures here first.

You're welcome to, Mark. I checked out your breeder, impressive growth :thumbsup:. You do need to take A LOT MORE pics though

Damn i've missed lots lol. A grand for a bloody PAR meter, screw that for a joke mate, a grand buys a lot of acros to experiment with lighting Bello
You and your bloody fetish with angel fish......... you were one of those kids that poked bull ant nests with a stick weren't ya Bello, sooner or later they bite you mate. I went with petrol and a match mostly as i was quite the pyromaniac as a child - hard to believe i know........ here's a tip i picked up as a 12 yr old - using a hacksaw to cut open .22 bullets for the gun powder is not a good idea.

That comparison pic between the two blue stag pieces is great. I have always found that the baby blue stags need plenty of light to hold color and will drab out like the one from the deep tank without high light and clean water. I love the color you have it showing in the acro tank mate, looks awesome just the way it is - i'm jealous again lol.
I have to say that now you have the white balance better sorted your pics are way way better buddy. Your acros are looking great and now i can see the colors better i'm really pleased to see things are certainly on track as your colors are really starting to pop
I wish i had access to a camera that was RAW capable but the planned new tank will swallow all my money for the foreseeable future unfortunately lol. I might upgrade the iphone 4 to a 5 - that's as close to a camera upgrade as i'll get.

I expect to see lots more pics now you're happy with the results you're getting, the next 12 months will see your reefs develop into very cool displays

Yeah, can't help the angelfish fetish :lol:, so far the Multicolor has been well behaved, the Flameback, not so much. PE is still good, so he has some time to shape up or be kicked out

Are you serious? You actually tried cutting a bullet open? Hmm, so what exactly happened ? I was never THAT adventurous, lol, but now, I worry about my son doing all the crap I did growing up....c'est la vie

I'm happy you like the progress. It seems the baby blue stag acros are just light crazy. I have 2 types, and I'm trying to color up the second set as we speak. I'll take a couple pics of another couple pieces I have, and not sure what to do. I got them pale, and they've colored up a bit, but I'm sure they can do a lot more. Would love your opinion on those, once I have those pics up

Just glad I got a bit better with the pics. I'd love to see you getting a DSLR, but then knowing what YOU can already do with that bloody iPhone, still don't think you need it. Unless of course, you ditch the Radiums and go all LED...... hahahahahahahahahahahaha

Just need to keep things stable now...and maybe experiment a bit with placements, possibly minor adjustments with lighting intensity over the deep tank too.

Thankfully, the FTS's don't require much tweaking, and as you know I redid the deep tank scape again...., but here we go

Acro Tank


Deep/Mix Tank


The Big Picture

 

[markalot]

Beautiful Bello.

I started a tank thread. Nothing much of interest, it's a very mediocre tank, but last post is a top down of that stylo you wanted.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22010370#post22010370

 

[biggles]

Need to go to work shortly so i'll get back to you tonight but i have to tell you buddy that both tanks are looking great Bello
Potassium - what's yours sitting at mate as mines 300 and i have no idea if the low reading i have is affecting things negatively.

 

[Bello]

Beautiful Bello.

I started a tank thread. Nothing much of interest, it's a very mediocre tank, but last post is a top down of that stylo you wanted.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?p=22010370#post22010370

Thanks Mark .....and I'm following along

Need to go to work shortly so i'll get back to you tonight but i have to tell you buddy that both tanks are looking great Bello
Potassium - what's yours sitting at mate as mines 300 and i have no idea if the low reading i have is affecting things negatively.

I just did a quick test on the Potassium. I'm quite surprised though, got a reading of 350ppm. Didn't expect that at all, considering the weekly albeit 5% water changes and small weekly dosing of 10ml Seachem Reef Iodide (which is Potassium Iodide, recommended dosing is 30ml). The Potassium Iodide does bump up the Potassium levels quicker than the Pohl's K-Balance Strong IME. This is the only supplement I use.

We discussed this somewhat here http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showpost.php?p=21477798&postcount=105.

I'm not sure why the reduction took place. I did read somewhere, that its consumption was due to zeolites used in the Zeovit system OR pulled out by effective needle wheel skimmers. My guess in my case currently, is obviously with the latter. It could explain why my Monti caps haven't grown at all though.

Very strange.......

Just remembered.....when I stopped Zeo, my reading was 290ppm... Corals were pale at the time...but otherwise not much else. I did raise it primarily with the seachem product....just in case you don't wanna buy the zeo one

 

[troubadour11]

WOOOOAAAAHHHHHHH Bello!!! Those FTS are nice to see buddy! :bounce1:

That acro tank is really taking off! I'm digging the growth pattern of all those so far. Really cool branching stuff happening in there.

It looks like a great mix of stags, tables, and FIREWORKS!

What kind of timing are you using on your wave maker settings for you powerheads? I have been playing around with mine trying to figure out what would be "ideal" for my current display.

How are all the angels fairing... any bad little coral hedge trimmers in there now? :angryfire: Or have they all been weeded out and now there are only the best of them left? :celeb3:

 

[biggles]

Hey mate,

I just noticed the back row of frags in the Acro tank pic, it doesn't appear you're having problems with blues Just going off your pics it looks like you have color on everything but just not as saturated as you would like ?
Both tanks look awesome and your growth puts my tank to shame so i'm really thinking that hitting 300 has impacted my corals significantly in regards to growth.... i guess i'll know soon enough as i'm not going to alter anything except to raise the potassium back to 400. The strange thing is that i really can't say my colors are lacking except for the stupid seri's and monti's.
As for the potassium supplements, after Sahin told me about the cheaper dry alternatives i'm going to source those as all the ones aimed at reefers are ridiculously priced.
How are those new fish doing and are they behaving themselves.........slap, slap, slap if not.........:reading:

 

[Bello]

WOOOOAAAAHHHHHHH Bello!!! Those FTS are nice to see buddy!

That acro tank is really taking off! I'm digging the growth pattern of all those so far. Really cool branching stuff happening in there.

It looks like a great mix of stags, tables, and FIREWORKS!

What kind of timing are you using on your wave maker settings for you powerheads? I have been playing around with mine trying to figure out what would be "ideal" for my current display.

How are all the angels fairing... any bad little coral hedge trimmers in there now? Or have they all been weeded out and now there are only the best of them left?

Thanks Troub

I really like Acros...especially nice branchy ones ...It's a challenge to place bigger pieces into your rockwork, but well worth it. That said, I've removed/traded some of the bigger pieces since, and have mainly frags. I've messed around with the FTS's again..Can't help it lol

The wavemakers are exclusively Ecotech MP40's. I don't mess around too much with the settings. They're all on Tidal Swell mode, which creates a nice wave around the tank now and then.

It's been about 2 months now, with the angels in there. I haven't noticed any nipping, or reduction in polyp extension. So as of now, it's going great!! The only thing different I do, is feed more..making sure that they're well fed with flakes and mysis

Hey mate,

I just noticed the back row of frags in the Acro tank pic, it doesn't appear you're having problems with blues. Just going off your pics it looks like you have color on everything but just not as saturated as you would like ?
Both tanks look awesome and your growth puts my tank to shame so i'm really thinking that hitting 300 has impacted my corals significantly in regards to growth.... i guess i'll know soon enough as i'm not going to alter anything except to raise the potassium back to 400. The strange thing is that i really can't say my colors are lacking except for the stupid seri's and monti's.
As for the potassium supplements, after Sahin told me about the cheaper dry alternatives i'm going to source those as all the ones aimed at reefers are ridiculously priced.
How are those new fish doing and are they behaving themselves.........slap, slap, slap if not.........

Thanks Biggles, you're right about the saturation in colors. Lately, I've noticed an improvement...subtle, but it's there. And some of the acros (very few), I've pretty much given up on..... Growth has been ok, I wouldn't say excellent. I suspect I'm going a little overboard on lighting for a few corals. But all in all, I have to say I'm happy.

I know you're busy, but waiting for your updates.....

Anyways, I did snap a few pics, but can only upload a few right now...internet issues :furious:

Adjusted for exposure, white balance and cropped....


Setosa in a bit too much light


Probably my favourite coral....nice and yellow


and a group shot


And lastly, not sps, but I like the pic

 

[biggles]

Holy cow mate, those pieces are looking great and everything is going much better when i look back 6 months. Really pleased the hard work is beginning to pay off Bello and those colors will just get better and better.

Those sentiments don't apply to the yellow acro you have that i want you bastard. When i was young i had a kid next door who got everything i wanted Bello........... his name was Jimmy.........

Those blue rics look awesome even though they're flubber. The one i bought months back that's ugly and living on the bloody underside of a ledge has made a critical error in suddenly deciding to reach up and sting the acro above :mad2:......... i'm certain it's a ricordia deathwishus sp. - they're known for such suicidal reef behavior......... :blown:

How's the hunt for a regal going mate, looking forward to seeing one in your tank

 

[sahin]

Wow Bello! Your colours are getting better!

What is this beauty here:

And this one is so pretty, I am jealous big time mate!!!

Keep up the good work! :thumbsup:

 

[glaukos]

Amazing pics...amazing corals...lots of info in the thread!
Thanks for sharing bello!

 

[Bello]

Holy cow mate, those pieces are looking great and everything is going much better when i look back 6 months. Really pleased the hard work is beginning to pay off Bello and those colors will just get better and better.

Those sentiments don't apply to the yellow acro you have that i want you bastard. When i was young i had a kid next door who got everything i wanted Bello........... his name was Jimmy.........

Those blue rics look awesome even though they're flubber. The one i bought months back that's ugly and living on the bloody underside of a ledge has made a critical error in suddenly deciding to reach up and sting the acro above......... i'm certain it's a ricordia deathwishus sp. - they're known for such suicidal reef behavior.........

How's the hunt for a regal going mate, looking forward to seeing one in your tank

Lol Biggles, that was a hilarious Meme. Poor Jimmy....... Still think that nothing tops your SSC grabbing roo pic though .

The yellow acro, while having a fancy name, came in turd brown. Was wondering if I got scammed :furious:. I'm uploading a progression sequence of a few in the next post, check it out

Uh Oh, looks like your ric's getting himself into trouble . I had great luck with these guys, the blue ones, went from a single polyp to 8, in 10 months. They do like lower light, but that's a vague generalization. Have now kept a minimal of flubber in my systems.

Don't start with the Regal. Have been looking for one for quite a bit now. Was hoping that the rascal might nip on aiptasia in the tanks too. Anyways, I got fed up and purchased 3 reef terrors, for hopefully eating aiptasia...they're currently in the drop off as we speak...
-Pomacanthus Navarchus -- don't think this guy will play nice
-Chelmon Rostratus -- my best hope
-Chaetodon Kleinii - long shot

I'm still looking for the Regal though, and if I find a nice one, its gonna get really interesting

Wow Bello! Your colours are getting better!

What is this beauty here:

And this one is so pretty, I am jealous big time mate!!!

Keep up the good work!

Thanks a ton for the props, Sahin. Just keeping it simple

The first one was sold to me as an IceFire Echinata, though Jason identified it as a A. Speciosa. Either way, I'm happy enough. The next one is definitely my favourite. Haven't seen many yellow acros around. To be honest, I haven't seen ANY acros around the last 3 months. Supplies are very poor, and we often have to make the best of whats available. Both these frags took a lot of hardship to procure, so I'm pretty happy with the way they've turned out. Progression pics in the next post

Amazing pics...amazing corals...lots of info in the thread!
Thanks for sharing bello!

Thanks Mike . I think I tend to overdo it on the info part a bit, lol. I'm still waiting for a few frags to color up a bit, and will hopefully be able to post some more shots. Thanks for your appreciation

 

[Bello]

Progression Pics

Progression Pics

As promised, a progression shots of the ones that turned out better than most ..... Need to take some shots of those that are still under process

Anyways....starting with the recently posted

the "IceFire"


the "yellow"



the "best growth"


the "green mari stag"


The frags have been growing for the last 11 months. The mari stag maybe about 9 months

Hope you guys like :thumbsup:

 

[sahin]

As promised, a progression shots of the ones that turned out better than most ..... Need to take some shots of those that are still under process

Anyways....starting with the recently posted

the "IceFire"


the "yellow"



the "best growth"


the "green mari stag"


The frags have been growing for the last 11 months. The mari stag maybe about 9 months

Hope you guys like :thumbsup:

Honestly dude, it's such a joy to see photos like the above! That Echinata did sure change. Looks so much better now!

And wow!!! That yellow one is just an amazing change!!!! :inlove:#

That Mari stag is pretty cool as well. Many thanks for sharing. Its photos like these that inspire us to keep trying with our own tanks.

So a big thank you.

 

[LoJack]

Awesome progression photo's … they are always my favourite.

You have incredible growth … and that Yellow Acro is absolutely stunning!! A colour you don't see very often.

 

[reefmutt]

Fantastic growth!
I love 'the yellow' as well..
The baby blue growth tips are amazing..

 

[Bello]

Honestly dude, it's such a joy to see photos like the above! That Echinata did sure change. Looks so much better now!

And wow!!! That yellow one is just an amazing change!!!!

That Mari stag is pretty cool as well. Many thanks for sharing. Its photos like these that inspire us to keep trying with our own tanks.

So a big thank you.

No...THANK YOU!! Everything that I've learned is from RC and reefers such as yourself, willing to learn and share their experiences, so I owe guys like you a lot :thumbsup:

There's still fair amount of system tweaking left, but hopefully, one by one I'll address the issues

Awesome progression photo's "¦ they are always my favourite.

You have incredible growth "¦ and that Yellow Acro is absolutely stunning!! A colour you don't see very often.

Thanks for your kind words!!! I've spent so many hours on RC, seeing our fellow reefer's shots, and progression shots are always the most enjoyable to me. Just to see how a sometimes bland coral can evolve.

I'd like to post more progression shots like the ones above, but my poor camera knowledge irritated me enough to not bother taking many pics. Hopefully, I can build a progression sequence from here on

Fantastic growth!
I love 'the yellow' as well..
The baby blue growth tips are amazing..

Thanks for the appreciation . They were all browned out as frags, and I wondered if they'd ever color up. I did have an opportunity to see the entire yellow mother colony (about a foot tall and wide), and it was simply stunning......... I can only hope

 

[biggles]

The progression pics are great Bello, i really like seeing your yellow acro transforming from its cruddy beginnings That blue echinata thingy bob acro is my favorite growth pattern but i don't have a single specimen yet. I'm getting a bit tired of seeing the cool and colorful stuff you and bloody Sahin have that's probably pinched from my GBR tbh.........
Driven by jealousy a few weeks back i went to get the new 400W radium bulb from the drawer it was in. The drawer jammed 1/4 of the way open and i tried to open and close it but something was jamming it. Me being me i yanked it hard and heard a pop and glass shattering. Even the fish knew to hide in the rocks at this stage.......... I immediately went online and ordered another from the US - $90US for the bulb and $45US for international postage, $150 real money but i had radium fever and the only place in Aus i know wants $180- a bulb. That's $100- for the first bulb which was broken due to you and Sahin. Then $150- to replace the bulb broken because you and Sahin have nice bloody SPS. All up $250- so you each owe me $125- for the two radium bulbs.
Today i get an email from Fedex saying Aus customs have held my package as the goods are not adequately described or valued. They want to know what a 400W 20,000K Radium Single Ended Bulb (the description) is exactly.......... i think the word radium might be giving them concern - yes Aus customs it's actually a glass vial containing a highly radioactive isotope of Radium and i asked the weapons of mass destruction vendor to clearly mark the package so you'd catch me...........:facepalm: Just give me my bloody bulb you bastards. :mad2:

Anyway back on track mate. Don't you dare put any of those stupid angels in with my yellow acro - now or in the future. More pics please when you can Bello :thumbsup:

 

[jroovers]

That is some amazing progression shots, especially like "the yellow". Nicely done!

 

[troubadour11]

Probably my favourite coral....nice and yellow

WOW - I can definitely see why it would be a favorite!!! Especially when you add in all those growth comparison shots! Pretty freakin' AWESOME!!!

:thumbsup:

The wavemakers are exclusively Ecotech MP40's. I don't mess around too much with the settings. They're all on Tidal Swell mode, which creates a nice wave around the tank now and then.

It's been about 2 months now, with the angels in there. I haven't noticed any nipping, or reduction in polyp extension. So as of now, it's going great!! The only thing different I do, is feed more..making sure that they're well fed with flakes and mysis

Thanks for the flow info. I can't decide if I need more/less flow or if I'm about right. I feel like I visually see LOTS of flow in my tank, which makes me hesitant to up the flow. But anytime the lights are on I've got rusty colored sand and other nuisance algae issues on the rocks. I guess when all else fails... wait and see what that little change did...

And with those Angles, you are a roll model and daring hero for me ;-) If you keep it up, I may still end up with one! Have you tried your new photo/video skills with some of your mobile inhabitants yet?

And lastly, not sps, but I like the pic

^^^ And you just had to go and make me super jealous with this shot. ^^^

Some nice looking Rics there! I'm at a loss for my Rics right now. The Purple/Green ones I have seem to be doing just fine. The 2 little babies have grown, and the big one moved it's foot an inch or two and split off what looks like a new baby in it's old spot. Meanwhile my favorite Blue/Orange one is ever so slowly slipping away. :blown: But I dig your shot of them looking healthy!

Keep it all up, because it really seems like your colors are heading in the direction you've been searching for!

 

[RastaFan]

awesome build! I really like the window opening at one of the doors, give me an idea if im gonna build one