Cubed & Squared

[Bello]

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.

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:

Whoa...that's terrible!!! But honestly biggles, this is a sign from God/inner biggles or whatever you believe in, that its time to ditch the Radium's and go with disco lights/ati hybrid.....:blown: ....kidding!!!

What do your Customs dept usually smoke? Seems to be pretty good quality . You have to be high, if you think that you could buy radioactive material for less than 200 bucks and have it shipped across the world. This is nuts!

I have noticed, since I usually buy most of my equipment online and from around the world, the prices in Aus are comparatively high. Why is that? We don't have much available here, but whatever equipment is available, is priced close to International/typical prices. So I don't understand why?

I'd buy and send you a Radium bulb, but I can't.....since it would get stuck at Aus Customs again :lol:

I hope you find some of those deepwater ones you've been looking for. It's been a while, since you went acro shopping, hasn't it? Waiting for the new tank?

Still haven't added the angel....waiting and observing

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

Thanks!!! I must admit I'm a big fan of your photography, and have been lurking on your tank and constellation shots :thumbsup:

 

[Bello]

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

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?

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!

Thanks Troub

I usually don't realize if corals have grown or not. The subtleties are lost on me . It's only when I look back at previous pics, do I go "damn, that wasn't a completely useless stick!". So progression shots are now a MUST.

Don't worry too much about flow right now Troub. Get the phos kit for the algae, and once you're more comfy on corals, then we'll really work hard in burning a hole in your pocket .

I haven't snapped any fishy pics for a while actually...this being the SPS Forum and all . But will do soon :thumbsup:.

I hope the Rics bounce back, Troub. I have 2 types of R.Florida, these have gone from one polyp to nine, in a year. And the other....well its still a single bloody polyp. So its a bit difficult to be honest.

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

Thanks for looking, Rasta . That's my frag tank with the easy view. The downside (if you're a nutjob like me), is keeping it clean. If you can look it easily, you may get irritated if it gets dirty. I don't regret it though, makes it easier to keep an eye on things

 

[sahin]

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:

Bloomin heck mate, $250....consider that your xmas present...those corals of yours better be looking 1000% better next time you post up some photos.

Aussie customs = pretty hilarious...Radium Isotope...WMD :lmao:

And yes, I bought another nice SPS from the GBR. Its a tiny frag, but a sweet piece. Its body is pink with blue tips. Very pale though. But in 6 months it should look pretty good.

My LFS guy is holding another nice Aussie frag for me... :dance:

Aussie SPS are lovely...but my Aussie school teacher...oh she was nice...:love2:

 

[troubadour11]

I usually don't realize if corals have grown or not. The subtleties are lost on me . It's only when I look back at previous pics, do I go "damn, that wasn't a completely useless stick!". So progression shots are now a MUST.

- Well I would say "Keep it up!" :thumbsup: It's fascinating to me and I appreciate the time it takes for you to share them.

Don't worry too much about flow right now Troub. Get the phos kit for the algae, and once you're more comfy on corals, then we'll really work hard in burning a hole in your pocket .

- Check on that. I'm even debating holding off on any water changes right now hoping that it will help to starve out the dinoflagellates I think I'm facing. It looks like dark red strings that get bubbles in it. The powerheads and returns blast it pretty hard in places and it doesn't come loose. Just waves hello in the breeze. :wave: But I'm hoping it's just a stage in the developing system. Oh, and I have no doubt we'll be able to burn through some cash once everything stabilizes and settles out. It will really get fun then, I can't wait!

I haven't snapped any fishy pics for a while actually...this being the SPS Forum and all . But will do soon :thumbsup:./QUOTE]
- Silly me. :facepalm: I forget this is in the SPS Forum as I always link to it out of my subscription e-mail notifications. I just like seeing all the reefy things. I don't mean to pull it off the topic of your beautiful corals.

I hope the Rics bounce back, Troub. I have 2 types of R.Florida, these have gone from one polyp to nine, in a year. And the other....well its still a single bloody polyp. So its a bit difficult to be honest.

- Yeah, it would be great if my Orange/Blue Ric came back to life all the sudden. I don't think I'm holding my breath though. The Blue/Green are looking good though. And I'm pretty sure I've got 3 or 4 of them now. All on the same rock as the struggling one. I think my shrooms are having a different experiences. I believe my R.Yuma are thriving and the one R.Florida is slowly shrinking. I'm wondering if I don't have enough light for the R.Florida until I get the LED's up.

 

[biggles]

No idea why the prices in Aus are so silly, that's why i buy all my skimmers and Tunze stuff from Germany which lands here even with expensive international freight about 30% cheaper than buying online in Aus, what a bloody joke.
No acro shopping because i literally can't fit another acro on the rocks now so i'll go crazy with withdrawls if i don't get another tank - btw when they lower my coffin into the ground there will be a blue glow coming from the hole - that's how long i'm going to keep running radiums lol.
So mate, how are things going with the corals. I don't ask about your fish because i don't give a sh*t about mine, yours or anyone else's fish since the anthias reminded me why i don't like anything with fins........... :debi:
Pics are required big time Bello :thumbsup:

 

[sahin]

Bello, no slacking please. We need some Acropora photos. :spin3:

 

[sahin]

 

[Bello]

- Silly me. :facepalm: I forget this is in the SPS Forum as I always link to it out of my subscription e-mail notifications. I just like seeing all the reefy things. I don't mean to pull it off the topic of your beautiful corals.

Troubster, nothing like , just thought that people weren't interested in seeing fishie pics

So a couple here for you , honestly I haven't taken many...Probably would've if they just stood still in one place like the acros

Here's the old guy.....I've had him for about 10 1/2 years now. He was probably 2 years old when I got him, so "old guy" it is...


These are the fish in the acro tank... well, not exactly. The Flameback decided to misbehave, and started to nip on some acros :furious:.....He received 3 verbal warnings, which involved me, dipping my head in the water, and yelling "Stop It!!!"...... Gave him 4 days to redeem himself, but no!!!... He's since been moved to solitary.....


Hopefully, the Multicolor doesn't follow his bad example

 

[Bello]

btw when they lower my coffin into the ground there will be a blue glow coming from the hole - that's how long i'm going to keep running radiums lol.
So mate, how are things going with the corals. I don't ask about your fish because i don't give a sh*t about mine, yours or anyone else's fish since the anthias reminded me why i don't like anything with fins........... :debi:
Pics are required big time Bello :thumbsup:

If I ever try out Radiums, and if they do badly, and I bleach everything.......I'm blaming it on you!! If they do well, well.... that's my awesome reefing skills on display

Posting the coral pics below, biggs...unfortunately, many greens and no blues, sigh

Bello, no slacking please. We need some Acropora photos. :spin3:

Trust me Sahin, I've had my head in my tank for the last week.... And to top it all off...I just noticed yesterday that alk was 5.5dkh....causing some STN on about 3 corals (that I've noticed) :headwall:

BTW, that fish you posted would look awesome in biggles's tank

Anyways.... onto the pics in the next post....i dislike this 10 images per msg rule

 

[Bello]

Alright, just picked up a few mari's and a wild one... wouldn't call it a great run...but pickings have been very poor for the last few months.... have to make do

Big fat green blob


Scrawny green guy, and pinkish/red millie (let's see how long it holds its color)


Brownie acro, and his buddy


Another scrawny green guy that I gave away....would've loved this in yellow


And this went all wrong...I thought I saw signs of RTN, and I had to leave early, and couldn't risk it....So I chopped this poor guy into 7 pieces......All 7 are alive.....why, why, why???


And a group shot in the tub,

 

[sahin]

Hey Bello, your current SPS stock looks very nice. I can see lots of colour (perhaps a little pastel, but a little more feeding should sort that out).

As for the naughty fish's: Show them a frying pan which has had a little oil poured in, sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper and a pinch of your chosen spices... :fish1: Hopefully they will be well behaved then...

Be careful of this one:

It looks suspect to me. I'd be wary of AEFW's. I've come across many Mari stuff full of AEFW's.

You've picked up some nice ones there...and some greens too...You know what Biggles is going to say about those...LOL

And yeah...that orange fish would really go in Biggles' tank. LOL.

 

[Bello]

Hey Bello, your current SPS stock looks very nice. I can see lots of colour (perhaps a little pastel, but a little more feeding should sort that out).

As for the naughty fish's: Show them a frying pan which has had a little oil poured in, sprinkled with a bit of salt and pepper and a pinch of your chosen spices... :fish1: Hopefully they will be well behaved then...

Be careful of this one: It looks suspect to me. I'd be wary of AEFW's. I've come across many Mari stuff full of AEFW's.

You've picked up some nice ones there...and some greens too...You know what Biggles is going to say about those...LOL

And yeah...that orange fish would really go in Biggles' tank. LOL.

Oh I already know what biggles is gonna say......"You left me wondering about your new stock, to show me this green crap....why you b@#@$#!!" ...Sounds about right?

Yeah, they're a bit pastel at the moment, but I'll take pastel over fugly brown any day .... Honestly, right now I'm just grateful that they're more or less healthy.... I was forced to rescape my deep tank for the 12th time to accommodate the new pieces...and I'm drained now...With Christmas coming up, taking a break from the tanks for 3 weeks....at least!!

The acro in the pic did look very suspect. I dipped it in Revive for AEFW ... found a hairy crab......... And just before I noticed what I thought was RTN, I found another... so most likely the damage was done by those rascals... I'm hoping to score a couple wrasses for help in the AEFW battle BTW, but nothing's ever available when you need it

I'm still looking to score a few more frags and a couple specific acro colonies... hopefully I get lucky...and soon

 

[martinphillip03]

Bello, Your tank has AEFW? From what I have read, Wrasses don't control AEFW.

Marty

 

[martinphillip03]

Teach the Flameback a lesson. Send him to Biggles. it would be like locking him up in Tasmania's Risdon prison.

Marty

Troubster, nothing like , just thought that people weren't interested in seeing fishie pics

So a couple here for you , honestly I haven't taken many...Probably would've if they just stood still in one place like the acros

Here's the old guy.....I've had him for about 10 1/2 years now. He was probably 2 years old when I got him, so "old guy" it is...


These are the fish in the acro tank... well, not exactly. The Flameback decided to misbehave, and started to nip on some acros :furious:.....He received 3 verbal warnings, which involved me, dipping my head in the water, and yelling "Stop It!!!"...... Gave him 4 days to redeem himself, but no!!!... He's since been moved to solitary.....


Hopefully, the Multicolor doesn't follow his bad example

 

[Fail_sh3d]

Which wrasse are you thinking of for the AEFW? And if you have them, the tank looks great anyway.

 

[sahin]

Bello, Your tank has AEFW? From what I have read, Wrasses don't control AEFW.

Marty

I dont think Bello has AEFW. I think its just a preventative measure?

Bello please confirm. In any event, wrasses dont help with fighting AEFW's. I wish that was the case.

 

[Bello]

Teach the Flameback a lesson. Send him to Biggles. it would be like locking him up in Tasmania's Risdon prison.

Marty

Ok Marty, I admit, I had to look up Risdon Prison, not a very pleasant place . Though, if I send it to biggles, I'm pretty sure the poor fish would end up on the lawn or worse yet, Biggles's dog's bowels ...

But he's doing well, have kept him a softie and lps tank with 2 shrimp..... more like paradise than solitary

Bello, Your tank has AEFW? From what I have read, Wrasses don't control AEFW.

Marty

Which wrasse are you thinking of for the AEFW? And if you have them, the tank looks great anyway.

I dont think Bello has AEFW. I think its just a preventative measure?

Bello please confirm. In any event, wrasses dont help with fighting AEFW's. I wish that was the case.

Thanks , but unfortunately, I did have AEFW a few months ago. At that time, I ripped out all the acros, and dipped each and every one.... killed a ton of AEFW, but couldn't find any eggs.

A couple months later found AEFW again on a couple frags, dipped and found the eggs too. I'd like to think I don't have them, but that's just being ignorant.. And this is all after dipping every single acro that ever went into the tank!

For the record, the tanks, till recently have always had 6-line wrasses in them. Can't say it has helped, and they're mean little buggers to boot!

So, I'll be trying out Halichoeres Chrysus, if I can get them...at least they're pretty...even they don't do squat

 

[Fail_sh3d]

Same here on the Six Lines, but dipping and super glue solved my AEFW invasion.

 

[Bello]

Haha, I just posted on your thread, cool tank btw

I think I'll dip a few of the paler frags tomorrow, and see if I find any of those little monsters. Thankfully, I've only lost one frag that I can attribute completely to AEFW.

 

[troubadour11]

So a couple here for you , honestly I haven't taken many...Probably would've if they just stood still in one place like the acros

Here's the old guy.....I've had him for about 10 1/2 years now. He was probably 2 years old when I got him, so "old guy" it is...


These are the fish in the acro tank... well, not exactly. The Flameback decided to misbehave, and started to nip on some acros :furious:.....He received 3 verbal warnings, which involved me, dipping my head in the water, and yelling "Stop It!!!"...... Gave him 4 days to redeem himself, but no!!!... He's since been moved to solitary.....


Hopefully, the Multicolor doesn't follow his bad example

Thanks for the fishy shots. Your "old guy" looks like a happy old fart! I like the picture, thanks :thumbsup: The rest of the gang looks happy out and about as well. How is the Flameback dealing with solitary? That would be a shame if the Multicolor learns it's habit! :hmm2:

Hopefully one day I can match your old guy with a 10+ fish!

I know it's tough to train the fish to stay still long enough to get a good shot. But we can always say trying to get a good fish shot, is just an excuse to take some good looking coral pictures from angles you don't usually shoot from too. Because that old guy shot is a pretty sweet looking view of your reef as well! I can't wait to see an angle like that when the corals are so grown in they make a cave/tunnel through that gap over the sand bed!

You had quite the new hall of frags recently too. I'm liking the look of that pinkish/red millie. The more I see of millies, the more I like them and am really interested in them. Your colors have been improving quite a bit it seems like to me. It should be interesting seeing how the color evolves on that piece.