daveonbass
New member
The other big reason I can't move the caps down there is that they already won't fit...they would be growing on the glass. But again...I put them there on purpose for a reason...and so far things are working out. 
daveonbass's 58g SPS tank
- Thread starter daveonbass
- Start date
franklypre
New member
They will fit with a little reshaping, I wouldn't put anything that shaded the top of my tank. I didn't really think you would move them anyway, are you atleast going to keep them shaped so they don't grow over the acros? Caps are pretty but nothing like some of the acros over there.
REEF SMAC
New member
Great history lesson. Really enjoyed it. Reminded me a lot of some of my previous tanks and their ups and downs.
Like seeing how your tank just keeps getting better all the time.
Why do you not use the CL all the time? It adds too much heat?
You did such a nice job on it. It's a shame you can't use it all the time.
Like seeing how your tank just keeps getting better all the time.
Why do you not use the CL all the time? It adds too much heat?
You did such a nice job on it. It's a shame you can't use it all the time.
daveonbass
New member
Frank: again, I put them there specificly to get them to grow big and interwoven Si as to be the center piece of the tank. I also rescaping is not an option. All I can (and will) do is remove some things and maybe make room for more stuff. (gsp, and polyps come to mind) But I'm in no rush just yet...I'm just gonna let stuff grow for a while.
Reef smac: the CL is off cause it does add a lot of heat. The pump is a velocity T4, which alone will raise the temp a lot. I originally had two for this tank because they were so silent (dead silent BTW) and the pic of my one clownfish alone in the tank was after first adding the water and rock, practice corals and that one starter fish. I almost lost his because with both T4 pumps on the temp got to 98 degrees and melted all my rics that I had put in there. I had to make an emergency order for the chiller. Once I got the chiller I noticed that with both pumps on it practically ran all day. So with one pump on it helped to keep things cooler, so I replaced the return pump with a ehiem 1262 and then just ran the CL T4 pump which helped with the heat issue. Then my nem at the time started flirting with the intake of the CL system and getting stuck....so I just turned it off...and noticed that the water temp was finally manageable with out ever using the CL. Plus I had those two MP10s (now one) which actually provided more, and better random flow than the CL ever did. So that's why NOW I only really use the CL to raise the temp when its cold or to get new water mixed up really quick in the tank.
Reef smac: the CL is off cause it does add a lot of heat. The pump is a velocity T4, which alone will raise the temp a lot. I originally had two for this tank because they were so silent (dead silent BTW) and the pic of my one clownfish alone in the tank was after first adding the water and rock, practice corals and that one starter fish. I almost lost his because with both T4 pumps on the temp got to 98 degrees and melted all my rics that I had put in there. I had to make an emergency order for the chiller. Once I got the chiller I noticed that with both pumps on it practically ran all day. So with one pump on it helped to keep things cooler, so I replaced the return pump with a ehiem 1262 and then just ran the CL T4 pump which helped with the heat issue. Then my nem at the time started flirting with the intake of the CL system and getting stuck....so I just turned it off...and noticed that the water temp was finally manageable with out ever using the CL. Plus I had those two MP10s (now one) which actually provided more, and better random flow than the CL ever did. So that's why NOW I only really use the CL to raise the temp when its cold or to get new water mixed up really quick in the tank.
REEF SMAC
New member
Reef smac: the CL is off cause it does add a lot of heat. The pump is a velocity T4, which alone will raise the temp a lot. I originally had two for this tank because they were so silent (dead silent BTW) and the pic of my one clownfish alone in the tank was after first adding the water and rock, practice corals and that one starter fish. I almost lost his because with both T4 pumps on the temp got to 98 degrees and melted all my rics that I had put in there. I had to make an emergency order for the chiller. Once I got the chiller I noticed that with both pumps on it practically ran all day. So with one pump on it helped to keep things cooler, so I replaced the return pump with a ehiem 1262 and then just ran the CL T4 pump which helped with the heat issue. Then my nem at the time started flirting with the intake of the CL system and getting stuck....so I just turned it off...and noticed that the water temp was finally manageable with out ever using the CL. Plus I had those two MP10s (now one) which actually provided more, and better random flow than the CL ever did. So that's why NOW I only really use the CL to raise the temp when its cold or to get new water mixed up really quick in the tank.
I would have never thought that an external pump would heat up your tank that much. That's amazing.
Maybe you could set it up to run on a thermostat? Use it instead of a heater.
You went from a CL plus two MP10s down to just one MP10? You cut back your flow quite a bit.
daveonbass
New member
I don't have a heater...my tank only needs a chiller.
I cut back my flow, but my corals are happier now. Their growth and PE are much better than when i ran two MP10s. I'm very surprised at how much crazy random slow just one of those has. bit seems much nicer to only have one external pump with just the little wet side than to need to try and hide three or more different pumps that only have flow in one direction. That would be a waste of space and heat (electricity) to me. I've tried to keep the tank as minimal as I can on purpose, I want the corals to be the stars. That's why I am getting a frag rack, so that I can take that ugly DIY one off the back of my tank. Also if I ever need more flow I always do have that CL I can use.
As always its a growing work in progress. I can't wait to see the comparisons shots from next year.
I cut back my flow, but my corals are happier now. Their growth and PE are much better than when i ran two MP10s. I'm very surprised at how much crazy random slow just one of those has. bit seems much nicer to only have one external pump with just the little wet side than to need to try and hide three or more different pumps that only have flow in one direction. That would be a waste of space and heat (electricity) to me. I've tried to keep the tank as minimal as I can on purpose, I want the corals to be the stars. That's why I am getting a frag rack, so that I can take that ugly DIY one off the back of my tank. Also if I ever need more flow I always do have that CL I can use.
As always its a growing work in progress. I can't wait to see the comparisons shots from next year.
franklypre
New member
Once al that stuff grows out you might need the other mp and the closed loop. I rescape regularly it seems, but I think this is it. Hope so atleast.
daveonbass
New member
Yeah, ironically the more growth I've gotten the fewer pumps I've had. I thought the same thing...time will tell if I ever get another MP10. The CL wouldn't do much for flow...just mixing of water.
franklypre
New member
If you keep up on the Pappone, even with decent growth, you should have that baby rocking by next time this year. Our tanks are at about the same point in their grow out, I may be a little behind as I still have frags to add. Had to chop up another colony this morning, just didn't want to grow right. I will eventually add an MP10 and remove the Koralia but I doubt I'll take out both of the Sicce, maybe one. Right now I'm more concerned with getting the lighting up to par on the frag tanks. Then one or two more orders and I'll be sitting back relaxing like you do.
daveonbass
New member
I'm focused on equipment and not livestock right now. Once I can reduce everything to the most efficient common denominator, then I'll be happy.
BTW, I'm pretty much out of pappone' again.
BTW, I'm pretty much out of pappone' again.
franklypre
New member
I'll try to get a batch going by this weekend, I'll price it out and just sell it by the bag. Most of it's cheap with the exception of fuel and vitamins, and I'll go ahead and make a good size batch. Unless you want to make your own I don't mind one bit, keeps me using fresher pappone. As far as equipment I'm assuming you mean a doser and a skimmer, right? I have honestly been thinking about setting up a tank with an woodairstone driven CPR hang on skimmer, something super simple. As far as a doser I highly recommend getting a good one, well worth the money. I have 2 CPRs one was used as an insump DIY setup the other is in good shape. Other than new lighting and an MP10 I don't see alot of equipment in my future unless it's a new tank. You thinking about going the Kessil route?
daveonbass
New member
I don't need a better skimmer yet...far from it. If I do it will be after I get one for my nem tank and finally need a bigger one for some reason due to having a frag tank. I just need a dozed and a new set of bulbs or 4.
Once the doser arrives I think I will sleep a little easier (though miss the hands on aspect) about the levels in the tank.
As far as the pappone' I think I wanna come by when you make it cause I wanna learn how to do it for some day that I move off. But still...for now...I would rather just keep buying it from you and keep the batches fresh like you said. I seem to go through a bag a month or less. I dose about a 1 to 1 mix of pappone and water at 1 tbsp at least twice a day, but usually 4 times a day. And the tank seems super stable now.
I also got a better RODI set up to make it easier to make at my house and so now I shouldn't ever run out like I used to. So more regular WCs are in the future of the tank. Also I will be cleaning up the top off tank soon.
Oh, also, another thing on the equipment list will be the bigger sump. Also debating either getting more biopellets or just getting rid of them.
Once the doser arrives I think I will sleep a little easier (though miss the hands on aspect) about the levels in the tank.
As far as the pappone' I think I wanna come by when you make it cause I wanna learn how to do it for some day that I move off. But still...for now...I would rather just keep buying it from you and keep the batches fresh like you said. I seem to go through a bag a month or less. I dose about a 1 to 1 mix of pappone and water at 1 tbsp at least twice a day, but usually 4 times a day. And the tank seems super stable now.
I also got a better RODI set up to make it easier to make at my house and so now I shouldn't ever run out like I used to. So more regular WCs are in the future of the tank. Also I will be cleaning up the top off tank soon.
Oh, also, another thing on the equipment list will be the bigger sump. Also debating either getting more biopellets or just getting rid of them.
franklypre
New member
Dosers are imortant, there are recipes all over the internet for Pappone, I just use the basic one with a few extra's. I'd get rid of the BP but I've said that before, Why not just get a bigger frag tank like a 40b rather than a larger sump. Really you could get 2 40b and run a system like what I have.
daveonbass
New member
Sirreal, thanks...I just love this hobby. I like to think of it more as an art form than as a mini zoo.
daveonbass
New member
frank...sometimes I wonder if you ever read what I say..haha.
I keep the biopellets for one reason only...cause everytime I take them off I have some problem that comes up...taking them off slowly doesn't seem to help. They are doing something...even if it's not big enough to effect a dropin NO3, they are at leat doing their other job, which is to feed the tank...and that's the main reason I keep it online...my tank crashes without them. It's like me telling you over and over that the 400w MH is over rated...and a waste of money both up front and long term. But yet you keep it cause in your system it's something that you feel you can't live without...and I KNOW that the BP are similar...I just can't afford a crash right now whenI don't have money. The BEST thing I can do...and have been...is to just let them slowly get used up and not add any more. Or the reverse and add more and keep them again long term. If I let them just get used up it not as drastic as taking a few out at a time...honestly.
As for the frag tank, again...
This is a system that will be plumbed to my existing system. So it's going to be in the bedroom. So it needs to be pleasing to the eye...not just another boring tank. Also I'm trying to keep the expenses down by having a shallow tank which will mean I do not need as strong a light to keep it healthy. I have a good gift certificate from rapidleds and So I can get a good (strong) light built for less money and with the shallow tank I can both play with the intensity and color for the best results...I can dim them instead of having to add a bulb or two or raise or lower the fixture as much. Plus no heat. Plus its will keep it looking clean and elegant. plus I won't have to reach my hand all the way in a tank to handle my frags. Plus it's a smaller foorprint than a 40B (much less two in my room) so it will require minimal sump extension. As for the sump...I'm expanding the sump to accomodate the 20+ gallons of extra space from the frag tank...my existing sump couldn't handle a 40B, nor do i have room at all in the room to place a 40B or two with all the lights it would require to light a 40B and still have any place to, you know, SLEEP.
Again, I do nothave a fish room...I think my display tank is healthy enough to handle cycling of a bigger sump (more efficent too), and eventually a 20g frag tank, and still sty healthy in the process. It will not be a quick thing becasue I've done tha tin the past and there is always a lull for my tank when I do that. I intend to go slow and not "rock the boat" so recklessly. Plus it gives me something to do with my time as I wait for growth...slow planning and slow implementation equals constant jobs to do on the aquarium...which makes me happy.
I need to see if Jason and you are ever free to get lunch and talk tank stuff. I could finally give you that rainbow monti frag too.
I keep the biopellets for one reason only...cause everytime I take them off I have some problem that comes up...taking them off slowly doesn't seem to help. They are doing something...even if it's not big enough to effect a dropin NO3, they are at leat doing their other job, which is to feed the tank...and that's the main reason I keep it online...my tank crashes without them. It's like me telling you over and over that the 400w MH is over rated...and a waste of money both up front and long term. But yet you keep it cause in your system it's something that you feel you can't live without...and I KNOW that the BP are similar...I just can't afford a crash right now whenI don't have money. The BEST thing I can do...and have been...is to just let them slowly get used up and not add any more. Or the reverse and add more and keep them again long term. If I let them just get used up it not as drastic as taking a few out at a time...honestly.
As for the frag tank, again...
This is a system that will be plumbed to my existing system. So it's going to be in the bedroom. So it needs to be pleasing to the eye...not just another boring tank. Also I'm trying to keep the expenses down by having a shallow tank which will mean I do not need as strong a light to keep it healthy. I have a good gift certificate from rapidleds and So I can get a good (strong) light built for less money and with the shallow tank I can both play with the intensity and color for the best results...I can dim them instead of having to add a bulb or two or raise or lower the fixture as much. Plus no heat. Plus its will keep it looking clean and elegant. plus I won't have to reach my hand all the way in a tank to handle my frags. Plus it's a smaller foorprint than a 40B (much less two in my room) so it will require minimal sump extension. As for the sump...I'm expanding the sump to accomodate the 20+ gallons of extra space from the frag tank...my existing sump couldn't handle a 40B, nor do i have room at all in the room to place a 40B or two with all the lights it would require to light a 40B and still have any place to, you know, SLEEP.
Again, I do nothave a fish room...I think my display tank is healthy enough to handle cycling of a bigger sump (more efficent too), and eventually a 20g frag tank, and still sty healthy in the process. It will not be a quick thing becasue I've done tha tin the past and there is always a lull for my tank when I do that. I intend to go slow and not "rock the boat" so recklessly. Plus it gives me something to do with my time as I wait for growth...slow planning and slow implementation equals constant jobs to do on the aquarium...which makes me happy.
I need to see if Jason and you are ever free to get lunch and talk tank stuff. I could finally give you that rainbow monti frag too.
motortrendz
New member
looks good man
franklypre
New member
I've got a few frags for you as well. I personally don't see the point in BP but if they work for you or even just make you feel better about the stability of your tank you should keep them. I try to run my stuff like Blu Coral, with sand. Right now I'm having an internal argument over A350s or a display tank, a large Lagoon. 5X5X1.5 acrylic, with the sump it will be around 350g, and Deja is all for it. Just figure out a good night this weekend and let me know so I can get rid of the kids, maybe cook something and make the Pappone. I may have to get frozen meat this time but it will still work just fine.
daveonbass
New member
Let's not confuse the food with the pappone'.
daveonbass
New member
Hmm...I'm going to keep all the posts about this tank here...
The tank is not looking worse...just "different". I haven't had any seachems Fuel for about a month...and I wonder if that plus WCs has stripped my tank of AAs. Some things just don't look quite as full as they did even a week ago. BTW, I did also do a 10g water change yesterday...tested...all params were right on Target. So I don't know if the WC had any effect, no3 is still at 15ppm and I can't seem to get it lower through WCs. So I think it may be time to think about VSVs again to get my biopellets working properly again. That's a risky change to make again...I don't want to lose another fish.
The tank is not looking worse...just "different". I haven't had any seachems Fuel for about a month...and I wonder if that plus WCs has stripped my tank of AAs. Some things just don't look quite as full as they did even a week ago. BTW, I did also do a 10g water change yesterday...tested...all params were right on Target. So I don't know if the WC had any effect, no3 is still at 15ppm and I can't seem to get it lower through WCs. So I think it may be time to think about VSVs again to get my biopellets working properly again. That's a risky change to make again...I don't want to lose another fish.
